He's stranded with his best friend. Is it a chance for love, or will a threat from his past steal their happy ending? Jess Patton is blunt, but there’s one person who never bats an eye when she speaks her mind. When that same man rescues her from a bad blind date, her rapidly beating heart is impossible to ignore. Suddenly, she's second-guessing everything she knows about him. After everything he’s seen and done, Lincoln North knows he doesn’t deserve a woman like Jess. Not only is she gorgeous, but she doesn’t play games, and being around her is as easy as breathing. She’s also the only woman who has ever made him wish he were a better man, so watching her try to find love with anyone but him might just be the death of him. In a twist of fate Linc never saw coming, they wind up stranded together in a mountain cabin. As Jess starts to see Linc in a whole new light, he’s tempted to believe he might have a shot at happiness with her. But Linc’s past is as dark as midnight, and it's waiting for him back at the ranch. Linc and Jess have more than a storm standing between them and their happily ever after. Will they weather it together, or will he be forced to push her away to keep her safe?
Forever After All is a sweet friends to more redemption romance and the sixth book in the Wolf Creek Ranch series.
Mandi Blake was born and raised in Alabama where she lives with her husband and daughter, but her southern heart loves to travel. Reading has been her favorite hobby for as long as she can remember, but writing is her passion. She loves a good happily ever after in her sweet Christian romance books and loves to see her characters' relationships grow closer to God and each other.
What a great wrap up to the Wolf Creek Ranch series! Forever After All is another beautifully crafted romance by Mandi that explores the shadows of the past of our main characters Jess Patton and Lincoln North. Jess is refreshingly straightforward, adding depth to the story. She finds herself rescued by Linc from disastrous blind dates and sparks fly, leading her to question her perceptions of their friendship together. Linc on the other hand is haunted by his past and grapples with feelings of unworthiness, believing that someone as incredible as Jess is out of his reach. But oh boy, does the LORD have plans in store for Linc and Jess. The Lord is ever present in this book. We see so many good moments of faith, doubt and relatable struggles. Mandi ties it together wonderfully in the end, as usual :)
Jess starts to see Linc in a new light, leading us into a slow burn romance between the two, as they are thrown together - stranded. Is this a chance for them to really get to know each other and fall in love, or does a threat from his past steal their happy ending?
I loved these characters, this one really felt relatable for me. As I went through a season of life where I never felt good enough for those around me due to past mistakes ---YET THE LORD PERSUED ME and led me to realize the PLANS He had for me, just as He does in this book for Linc. Seeing Linc come to these realizations was powerful.
Also, Jess was great because she doesn't play any games -- she lets her feelings be known. I cackled at the dates she was going on at the beginning of this story - hilarious! I loved seeing the side characters too we grew to love throughout the series with their children and everyday lives together.
Forever After All is not just a love story, this was a testament to the power of healing and the importance of facing one's inner struggles. I think anyone who has ever struggled similarly will relate to this story. Thank you Mandi for stories like these, they mean so much.
Tropes:
-forced proximity -one cabin -horses -he keeps her safe -never been kissed FMC
Watch out Colt & Remi, there’s a new friends-to-lovers couple coming to steal your spotlight in Blackwater! (Kind of) Linc and Jess were SO different than the other couples at Wolf Creek Ranch and I absolutely LOVED that about them! Linc was this quiet, broody, intimidating man and I love that Jess was a quiet, broody woman. Instead of a “grumpy/sunshine” trope, we have two storm clouds in Jess & Linc and when they collide…BOOM it lit up the sky like lightning. We know very little about them going into their story, since they’re both very tight-lipped. We just know they help their own and care silently. But as their story unfolds and they begin opening up to each other the peek into their pasts just tugs at your heartstrings and makes you understand why they are the way they are. It also makes you want to reach into the pages and give them a big hug. If you’re looking for 2 perfect little cookie cutter Christians—look elsewhere. Because this story is GRITTY and I absolutely LOVED every. single. second. Jealous but silent Linc ❤️🔥 Coming to the end of himself, Linc 🥰 I love how Mandi wove faith into the pages seamlessly. How her prayers were honest and heart warming. I love that Jess write scriptures on the chalkboard that spoke to her—and Linc. And i loved watching Linc come to understand God’s forgiveness. There is so much about this book that I loved. It would take me a novel to explain it all. RATINGS: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 ✝️✝️✝️✝️/5 💋💋/3
'They all needed the ranch in one way or another.'
I'm beginning to feel like these characters and have needed Wolf Creek Ranch in my life just as much as they do.
I am loving this setting, the characters, and the life lessons I've taken away from these books. The romance and crazy, good suspense are the cherries on top!
I loved how the main characters were so similar. There was such great tension with their lack of communication (and I don't mean this as the miscommunication trope), but their legit lack of need for verbal discussions. I loved how they could communicate through looks and similar personality styles.
The slow burn was SO good in this one. When Jess decides to start dating and asks Linc for advice-that was so golden. So many amazing swoon filled moments that were nothing but happy sighs.
There really were so many amazing moments in this one. If you're a believer and like a romantic suspense (more romance than suspense) you should really look into this book and series! I think this is my favorite one yet.
...and that ending. The bonus epilogue...chefs kiss!!
Thanks to the author for the copy. All thoughts in this review are my own.
Content: talk of past child abuse, foster system, crime, gun violence, redemption, faith, hope, swoony romance and kisses.
Oh man oh man oh man I'm just over here crying at the end of this series.
My heart has melted, and has Wolf Creek Ranch branded onto it! Of course Jess and Linc had to be PERFECTION in the most imperfect people who learn about forgiveness.
I mean come one, how was I not supposed to cry while reading this story?!?
It was positively swoony, healing, tear jerking, suspenseful, and just the perfect closer to everything.
Except for the six other stories I was about other side characters 😉
Wow.
That's all I got. Just WOW.
Love it. The end.
💋Kisses only ⚠️Jess was physically abused by parents in past, Linc was an arsonist, went through foster care, served time in prison, etc. bad dude shows up and gunshot wounds.
Reading this story was both amazing and super sad for me because it’s the final book in the Wolf Creek Ranch series 😭 I have loved getting to know all these characters and seeing their journeys to love. Yes, I know there’s another connected series coming out but these characters made me really ponder the same choices made and actions they took as well. I was so glad to see that this final book was the longest of the set which made things somewhat better but I’m still kinda sad. Jess and Linc have been supporting characters up until this point and I just knew things would turn out for them. Not that their road to love was easy. No, it was probably one of the most complicated and challenging journeys ever. Their pasts are filled with brokenness and pain and there was much to work through inside the pages. But the conversations were so deep and meaningful which I really loved. Tough topics are not glossed over but discussed and pondered throughout the story. Love, worth and forgiveness are the three that stood out as the top themes. Both Linc and Jess had to understand all three in order to have a chance together. And, boy, was their together so wonderful!! I won’t spoil anything by saying anything further but do yourself the best favor of reading this beautiful story and the rest of the series. I’m sure they will impact you as much as they have me - I’m so thankful for them and Mandi’s gift of writing.
I received a complimentary copy of this story from the author. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I have been much anticipating Linc and Jess’s story! I also love a good friends to more romance! Linc and Jess were both unique characters that clicked perfectly together and it just made sense! This couple had a fair amount of obstacles to overcome, but watching their friendship remain strong and their feelings begin to blossom was special. Linc had the ability to meet Jess right where she needed him to and he was her comfort and that was such a sweet thing to see. Jess going on dates with other men was so flipping frustrating! I wanted to give her a shake! Linc not being able to fess up about his feelings was equally frustrating! These two just had to take the hard way to find their person! Buckle up for the ending because there is so much danger and unexpected circumstances that it would be such a spoiler to comment on them! Just get ready! Also, was this the last Wolf Creek Ranch book? There is an epilogue from each Wolf Creek character’s POV, so it makes me think it is. I was not prepared to say goodbye. What? Surely not. Endings make me sad! Even if they are happy! It was nice to see all the characters and how much their lives have changes and to get a glimpse of their thoughts in a reflective manner! I don’t know what’s next for Mandi Blake, but I will happily venture into whatever her next book will be!
Forever After All by Mandi Blake Wolf Creek Ranch Book Six
📖 After serving his prison sentence for arson, Linc begins work at Wolf Creek. Jess is blunt, straightforward and misses social cues. Jess and Linc have created an easy rhythm as friends. Can two friends outrun their past? Is love alone worth the risk?🐎
🤠Things I enjoyed🤠 -forced proximity -one cabin -introvert & introvert (first book I've read with this pairing) -horses -he keeps her safe -redemption -she's never been kissed -bonus epilogue
📝Note: As a series finale, it comes in at 490 pages.
I have not read books 1-5. It reads fine as a stand alone, but I feel there are many special moments readers of the series will appreciate more richly.
😳Poor Jess gets really banged up in this one. Do all cowboy romances have this much action? I was holding on to my seat for the third act. 😳
✝️A recurring theme in this novel is "Could you love me anyway?"
I appreciated how Blake chose to use this theme to point readers to an everlasting love.
CW: kisses, foster care system, incarceration, child abuse, gun violence
I loved the 5th book of the Wolf Creek Ranch series so much and knew I needed to know what happened between Brett’s sister Jess & Linc. Mandi does an amazing job with building this beautiful (& addictive) fictional world that is so easy to get lost inside of.
Can I just build myself a cabin here & make it home? I want to be friends with everyone on the Ranch please & thank you. The touch of suspension mixed with the Swoony feels of a romance makes for the best read. But my favorite part will be the mixture of Christianity within the pages that makes for my favorite read!
Jess & Linc has a wonderful friendship and I loved how similar they both were. But the tension between them caused by the unsaid words & feelings they were having about drove me crazy in all the best ways. But the best thing about Jess & Linc was that they didn’t need words. They read each other easily. Once they over came their obstacles, their romance was an easy read.
Thank you sweet friend, Mandi Blake, for the Author Copy of this book to read. You never disappoint not only with your sweet love stories but your kind heart. I truly appreciate you. Thank you for blessing me and many others with wonderful romance books that hold the truth of Jesus within them. My heart & soul needed them.
I highly recommend these books (yes read this whole series) if you love:
🐎Slow Burn 🏞Small Town / Ranch 🐎 Friends To Lovers 🏞 Christian Romance 🐎 Horses 🏞 Grumpy/Grumpy kinda but Sunshine together lol
This is my voluntary review of a copy I received from the author.
There's a strong Christian message of forgiveness in this story. And, yeah it's kinda preached, but Linc really needed that. He starts out as more of a surface-level Christian and the autistic girl punches him in the gut with some hard Biblical facts.
Jess is complicated and reminds me of a few people I know.
They are friends and they urge each other to live true to their personalities, but to strive to be better people.
When they are in dangerous situations each realizes that they love the other, although their friends already knew it. That is one of my favorite tropes! And it was done so well here..
I loved Forever After All! Each book in the series has well deserved five stars. Jess’s personality was so fun to read, and Linc’s patience with her was incredible. Their personal struggles to overcome their own “character flaws” was quite relatable, neither of them realizing that each loved the other including their issues. Hint- Jess being abrupt. I’m going to include a few of my favorite quotes so that I don’t drone on and on over how much I enjoyed this book.
“I have no idea what I’m doing when it comes to dating, but I know I don’t need your help scaring men off. I do a pretty good job of that on my own.”
, “Something was growing inside her, and she didn’t know what to call it. Some people claimed to fall in love. The action described was scarily accurate. Someone could have pushed her off a cliff and she wouldn’t have been nearly as terrified as she was right now.”
“Of course I’m right, dummy. You miss one hundred percent of the chances you don’t take. You’re sitting around like you can’t leave the pity party and fix it.”
Each of the Wolf Creek series has been a great read. Forever after all is in a class by itself. Linc and Jess have worked together for a few years. They both have issues with knowing how to love someone and trust someone. But that never stopped someone from loving someone, even when not sure how to do it.
This is an amazing read. I fully recommend it to everyone that loves a good Christian romance.
I could not stop reading. This story is sweet and will melt your heart. My heart aches for Linc inability to see how worthy of love he is and for Jess and her inability to realize she is lovable. Compassion for these characters oozed through me as I read it. Mandi writes in such a way that makes you feel like you are there watching the scenes play out in front of you.
A truly amazing story for Linc and Jess. They have held the ropes for other characters to get their HEA, and now it is their time. Both quiet and introvert, they have so much to give to each other, and it was exciting to watch them open up and understand their attachment to each other. My heart ached for them as they had to overcome the scars of the past but I was rooting for them all the way.
A clean, wholesome romance with salvation both body and soul inside. Well-worth the time reading it. I didn’t want it to end!
I received a complimentary copy and these are my voluntary and honest opinions.
I have been looking forward to Jess and Linc’s story since the beginning of the series and the wait was totally worth it! I loved the fact the two MMC are so similar, its not a common theme in books and made for an interesting read. Jess and Linc are both rough around the edges and introverted due to their upbringings. This didn’t cause too much miscomunication because they could read each other well, they are such a fitting match. I loved the slow burn, they had many obstacles to overcome and it was done beautifully.
This is a story of forgiveness and acceptance. Linc’s faith journey alone was beautiful, I cried at his surrendering to Jesus…so grab the tissue box!
I enjoyed the action as well! There was just enough suspense in there to keep me on my toes!
I highly recommend this one and the rest of the series to anyone who loves a solid beautiful love story with a strong faith arc.
Thank you Mandi for an advanced copy! All opinions are my own.
This is Linc and Jess’s story at the Wolf Creek Ranch. I loved this book! Great characters and their story were a great read. Both Linc and Jess come from rough childhoods for different reasons. They are both tough, hard working, and work well together on the ranch with little conversation. Linc is there to pick up Jess from her bad dates and she makes him feel grounded. Yet, they are unsure of how they feel about each other and how the other thinks of them. Trouble finds them to test their new love. Will their love survive? Great inspirational read with Christian themes and enough suspense to make you read till the end. This book impacted me based on the recurrent theme is God’s forgiveness and I could relate to the main characters. You will never go wrong reading a book by Mandi Blake!
This is a wonderful, insightful friends to lovers romance. Jess and Linc have a lot in common. Both have guarded hearts, painful pasts and trust issues. They also struggle with their self-worth and communicating their thoughts and feelings is difficult for them, at least using their words. Neither Jess or Linc talks much, and when they do it is blunt and to the point, but they work well together on the ranch. Social gatherings and dating are difficult for them, but they both would do just about anything for family and each other. Tough, grumpy on the outside with a marshmallow centre is a description that suits both Jess and Linc. Most importantly, each secretly has very deep feelings for the other, though they wouldn’t dream of telling the other. They have no idea that everyone around them already knows that and wants them to find their way to each other.
When Jess asks Linc for advice before going on her first date, he is rather surprised and dismayed. He doesn’t want to think of Jess with anyone else, but his past makes him believe that he isn’t good enough for her. Being friends with her is fine, dating her is out of the question, or so he thinks. Jess soon discovers that dating other guys is not what she wants at all. What’s the point when all she thinks about on her dates is Linc? When he asks her to accompany him to a wedding, Jess agrees. Both have hopes that the other will give them a sign that they want something more than friendship but neither gives that sign. Their friends do a whole lot of nudging and encouraging, yet both are afraid to make their feelings known. Meanwhile, the older church ladies keep setting Jess up on dates that she finds difficult to refuse. Seeing Jess dating is torture for Linc, yet he still refuses to reveal his feelings. As their story continues, both have to confront their feelings and fears, lean on their faith and open their hearts to each other. They have a few twists to deal with as well before they finally reach for the future together as a couple.
Jess and Linc are so very relatable, flaws, quirks and all. Their story touched my heart, made me both smile and groan as I waited to see if they would finally admit their feelings for each other. I loved the epilogue and all the characters that I have been introduced to throughout this series. I would recommend this wonderful book and the others in this series to all readers who love sweet, clean romance, as well as a little suspense. I received a copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving this honest review.
I've been anticipating Linc and Jess' story ever since their characters were first introduced earlier in the series. Readers are definitely not going to be disappointed with this beautiful friends to something more romance, but it's definitely not a cookie cutter Christian romance, and instead is a hard hitting, wonderful story full of gritty moments, where our two protagonists have to learn how to overcome past insecurities, and discover what it truly means to have our sins be washed white by Jesus' blood.
I'm not sure anyone can write a roller coaster ride towards happily ever after the way that Mandi Blake so effortlessly does, and Linc and Jess might just be two of her most challenging characters she's ever tackled. Both are ridden with insecurities from their pasts that have spilled over into how they interact in the present, and I stand in awe of the incredible writing talent that went into bringing these two complex characters to life. Their romance is swoon worthy and adorable, but also heart breaking and intense, and I had a hard time wanting to put this book down.
I adore this series as a whole, and I can't say how happy I was that she included the bonus epilogues from previous characters at the end. I loved how realistic everything was written, and I adored the strong family element that exists throughout everyone that's come to call Wolf Creek Ranch home.
Throughout this entire series, I've fallen in love with each and every character and the interesting dynamics they've brought to the table. These characters have all come to feel like old friends, and I'm left wishing that Wolf Creek Ranch was a real place where us readers could all make the trek to experience the amazing compassion and love that they've showered on everyone who has ever visited.
Mandi Blake has delivered another stunning Christian romance, and I can't possibly recommend it enough. A beautiful wrap up (for now) to one of my favorite series, and I can't wait to see what she has in store for readers next.
Final Rating: 5/5
Thanks so much to Mandi Blake for allowing me to read and review this title!
I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this novel from the author. I was not required to give a positive review. All thoughts and opinions are my own, and this is my honest review.
*I received an eARC from the author. This does not affect my review. This review is voluntary.*
I've been looking forward to this book since reading Better Together. I knew this would be one of my favorites in the series, and it absolutely is! This one is a powerful story of redemption, hope, love, and friendship.
I adored getting to know Jess more in this one, after seeing her in the other books as the bossy ranch manager, getting this new perspective offers an interesting change. Both Jess and Linc were quiet, even to the point of seeming a bit stand-offish or unfeeling at times, but we know from seeing their previous scenes with others that that isn't true. They care, deeply in fact. But for them actions speak louder than words. There's only one problem...will they ever realize that there's more in life than just living?
This reluctant pair was known to come with a past, and they definitely had a story to tell, but this one is special in so many ways! I think it's a close tie with Remi and Colt's story in Better Together, and actually had a similar tone for me, which I adored! I was surprised, considering I started with that one, and actually Better Together might just end up being my favorite in the series, that this one would share so much of the parts I loved about it as well! I was excited for Jess and Linc's story, and honestly expected this one to be my favorite in the series. And I do love this one! It was everything I'd hoped it would be, I just didn't realize how deep my love for Remi's story ran. So, I can easily say it's nearly a tie, but I might favor their story just a tad more...And I think in part that's because Jess and Linc's story had a bit more filler...?
AHHH! So crazy good! I think this may just be my new favorite book of the series!
Lincoln has developed feelings for Jess, the barn manager at the ranch, but knows that his past makes him unworthy of someone like her. But after she agrees to go on a blind date and asks Linc for advice, he wonders if he should tell her his feelings before it's too late.
When Lincoln saves her from some bad first dates, Jess admits to herself that her admiration of Linc has bloomed into something else entirely. He is the only man she truly feels comfortable with.
When fate hands Jess and Linc an ideal situation for confessing their feelings for each other, they must decide if they are brave enough to weather the challenges that stand in the way of their being together.
What to expect: Cowboy romance Workplace romance Friends to lovers Brooding hero...and heroine! Hero with redemption story The storm Slow-burn romance Jealous Linc The chalkboard The suspenseful scenes!! Sooo much tension and then fireworks! Light Christian themes The Bonus epilogue!
I have absolutely fallen in love with Blackwater Ranch and all of these characters. This last book in the series is a love story between two imperfect people with traumatic pasts who are learning what it means to love and be loved. They are such good friends that they don't need a lot of words to communicate with each other and when they take that leap into being something more, prepare for the fireworks!
I loved everything about this book - the romance, the friendships, the suspense, the themes of hope and redemption, and of course, the cowboys. Such a heartwarming, feel-good book that left me with so many happy sighs, and not going to lie, that bonus series epilogue left me in tears!
Mandi Blake has become an auto-read author for me - it doesn't matter what she writes, I will be reading it!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review is not required.
Have you read any books in the Wolf Creek Ranch series? I enjoyed books 1 and 2. This sixth installment returns us to the ranch with Linc and Jess. I've always been intrigued by Jess from the previous books. She's a horse-loving girl with a big personality who can stand up for herself but also loves the people on the ranch. I was surprised by how strong her faith is in this book. It was nice to read about her backstory and how she came to have such a deep belief in God.
Linc and Jess's transition from friends to more was sweet and humorous on occasion. I find it fascinating how they can convey so much without saying a word. Linc's hidden affection for Jess made him feel jealous when she went on dates. I admire his supportiveness towards Jess. I was surprised to learn about his past. Jess was also surprised, but she was very forgiving and encouraging him to share more. I loved the barn scenes and their work trip to the trails. I appreciated how Jess frequently reminded Linc of God's love and forgiveness. She was truly the best companion. Linc’s redemption was great.
Overall, this was a heartwarming, clean romance with a good pace. There is a suspenseful and life-threatening part later in the book, but God is good and saves Linc and Jess. I love the ranch atmosphere. It's a lot of hard work, but everyone seems to enjoy their jobs and consider themselves family. Mr. Chambers is an amazing man and a true warrior of God. I appreciate the author for adding the bonus epilogue, which was nice to catch up with all the couples from the previous books. I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
Rating: 4.5 stars Series: : Wolf Creek Ranch Book 6 Genre: A Christian Cowboy Romance Pub date: 17 Sept 2023
Thank you to the author for the complimentary copy. All opinions expressed are my own.
Let me start off by saying I almost made an audible (what would have been quite loud) sound of utter delight and excitement when I finished this book. It was only contained thanks to the fact that I was in the same room where my husband was working. All the feels! I feel like I have melted onto the floor in a pile of gooey, good book feelings. Plus there's an epilogue and bonus epilogue to keep the good feelings rolling!
Forever After All kind of takes an approach to grumpy-sunshine, but both main characters come across as grumpy because their pasts have each made them guarded. And rightfully so. Jess and Linc definitely had tough upbringings that impacted the way they saw life, but impacted them in a way that almost made them miss out on a great thing, a chance to be together. But oh that scene in the cabin, talk about chemistry. (But still totally 100% clean and not in any way inappropriate!) Oh man, Ryan made my blood boil. I'm so glad that part was enough to add some tension to the story but didn't drag on long enough to give me heart burn. Then the just wonderful reminders of God's love and forgiveness weaved in so naturally, love it.
Mandi Blake has a habit of writing such great scenes that I can't fully talk about in my reviews because I don't want to give things away! But that scene where Linc gives Jess a certain choice and then the choice she makes, goo all over again. You'll know it when you get to it. Seriously, read this book and this whole series while you're at it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book and I'm leaving an honest and voluntary review.
Linc got a second chance in life when he was offered a job at Wolf Creek Ranch, and he's got no intention of messing up. But his past still holds him in its grip and he can't see that he has anything to offer a woman - however much he might like to try. Forgiveness is a nice theory, but it's just too simple to be real when you've done all he has. But as Jess decides to start looking for a boyfriend in earnest, holding back gets harder and harder. Jess knows there's something special about her relationship with Linc, but no one has ever yet done anything but run when they get to know her, and besides, he's not a Christian. Can this pair overcome all that's keeping them apart and perhaps find forever after all?
It's been obvious for a while that these two were meant to be together, and I loved watching it finally happen. It was done beautifully, with the gradual coming together of Linc and Jess, and while it was obvious that his past had to come into it, it didn't feel forced or overly predictable - and I loved that it provided some action/conflict without the need for a big misunderstanding or fight. I'll be sorry to say goodbye to Wolf Creek Ranch, but I'm excited to see what the author writes next. For those who've read the whole series, the bonus epilogue does a wonderful job of farewelling each couple and finishing off the series perfectly. Those who haven't could read it or leave it - but the story itself stands alone, though some of Jess' background is actually expanded more in the previous book. All in all, a great story and the perfect conclusion to a great series.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
Well, this was a fun introduction to this author's writing! And yes, I know it's book six in a series. I definitely do not read enough books set on a ranch with a good does of romance. This story was a fantastic contemporary romance!
There was a lot to love about this book! Linc and Jess had so much going on in their lives and finding their way together (is that possible) was going to be hard won!
Linc's past and life in the foster system hasn't done him any favors. Thankfully, he's found a job he enjoys and people who genuinely care about him. I loved seeing the care everyone had for each other at Wolf Creek Ranch. Jess's family history is certainly one leaving a lot to be desired. Because of the hand life dealt her, she lives in a world of black and white. Where everything needs to be straightforward.
Honestly, they're a perfect match, except Jess is dating all of the men EXCEPT Linc. Of course, it's a little hard when neither of them will admit to their growing feelings. It was pretty funny because I just wanted to yell at them, but thankfully the other characters at the ranch knew exactly what they needed to see what was right in front of them. One of the other obstacles was the fact that Linc hadn't given his life to Christ yet.
The story kept giving them opportunity after opportunity, but in their brokenness it was hard for them to open up or give in a little. It was fun and agonizing being on the sidelines. They'd come so close and then thwarted!
There were some harrowing moments in the story that gave a bit of suspense and kept the story moving forward. The romance was spot on. I appreciated the thread of faith in the story and that it was a vital piece to Linc and Jess having a relationship.
Now it's time to go back and read the first five books and get to know the rest of the cast of characters!
*I received the book from the author. This is my personal review.
4.5 stars I am so sad to see this series come to an end. It was so good and I loved reading about Jess and Linc. Both of these characters deserved their happy ending. Forever After All is the sixth and final book in Mandi Blake’s Wolf Creek Ranch series. Jess and Linc were both hurting from their past. They had known the world to be hard and unfair and they were just trying to get by. It was fun to read about them growing and learning to trust God more. Linc had to see that God was good and in control even when life felt crazy. Jess had to learn to trust God’s plan and what it looked like to let others in. I loved reading about Jess and Link falling in love and seeing their friendship grow. Their friendship was so cute. The romance was sweet and the progression of the plot was interesting. This book kept my attention as I tried to figure out how Linc and Jess would end up together. I also adored getting to see the side characters and their interactions. I love how Blake was able to sprinkle in faith along with the romance. Forever After All is a wonderful book and I would definitely recommend it. I have loved this series from the beginning and this was a wonderful ending. Forever After All is a clean Christian contemporary romance.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
I just binged the final book of the Wolf Creek Ranch series, Forever After All, and loved it! Mandi Blake writes such sweet Christian contemporary romance where the Christian themes and vibes are naturally and unapologetically a part of the characters. I love how they each are starting from different places with their faith, but the message of hope, love, and forgiveness are for all. Jess and Linc both have hard pasts. Coming from broken and disastrous homes, lacking in parental love and support, neither one is anxious to jump into a relationship nor do they feel worthy of love. As introverts and loving their work, they slowly over time found a comfortable rapport with one another that developed into a deep abiding love that was so sweet to watch play out in this story. I loved the protectiveness of Linc and how he had the best heart even after all he’d done in his past. Jess was strong and independent, yet so worthy of a partner and I really liked how she opened up and trusted Linc. The romance was so good with great characters you just want to hug and cheer for. There was even a bit of suspense and action at the end that kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this book and series. This can be read as a stand-alone, but it contains a bonus epilogue that series fans will absolutely love. I received an advance reader copy of this novel. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A very high spirited young woman and the man who makes her heart beat faster…Jess doesn’t have a clue that Linc’s heart thuds extra loud when she gets near him and he tries not to let her know! He thinks she’s too good for him-I mean, he’s got a record and it’s not a best selling album, if you know what I mean. To date her, he would have to tell her all about his sordid past. They are both Christians now, and they get along great and can work together quietly, each one seeming to know exactly what the other is thinking without even speaking. They are both getting old enough that they realize they need to find their soulmate and settle down. Linc never asks Jess to go out with him, so she starts accepting when asked out by others. Linc sees red and even follows her to make sure she’s okay! He rescues her a few times, too! Then, four of them get sent out to make ready one of the trails that hasn’t been used for a couple of years, then one gets sick, and one’s wife goes into premature labor, leaving the two of them alone to do all of the work. The Lord had it all planned out for His purposes. I can’t tell you any more, I’ve said too much, already! You HAVE to buy this amazingly written, beautiful Christian love story and read it for yourself! You’ll regret it if you don’t! I received an advanced copy to read and this review is written of my own accord and is my own opinion. 💘💘💘
I absolutely could not put down this book. The story was gripping and exciting and I had to know what was going to happen next!
The way that Link was just gone for her from the very beginning just wrecked me. He loved her so much and let his past mistakes hold him back.
Watching Jess try to date killed me almost as much as it killed Linc, but I love how it pushed him to muster up enough courage to finally tell her how he felt. And Jess loved him for who he was and challenged him to be better and put his faith in the Lord. Gotta love a good Christian woman who wants a strong Christian man!
They understood each other in a way nobody else did and when they finally embraced their feelings their love was strong and unbreakable- no matter what challenges life threw at them.
Mandi Blake writes the perfect blend of heartwarming contemporary fiction, suspense, and romance - plus swoony cowboys!
Forever After All will absolutely captivate you- if you love handsome cowboys and exciting love stories this book is for you!
Thank you to the author for the advanced copy of this book, all opinions are my own.
I mean it's pretty easy to imagine yourself when the leading lady has your name right!? And with a swoony hero like Linc....ahem....anyways.....
Once again Blake writes a romance that readers will be smitten with. These characters decided to take the hard way around, and while it was a little nerve wracking to read at times, I was confident that Blake knew what she was doing when she penned the story, and I was right - she did!
The thing that really sealed the deal for me was the faith thread. It was very important in this storyline (I'll let you read for yourself), and I appreciated that Blake did not overlook that. I think it gives a great example for young men and women to read about and understand how important faith needs to be in their own relationships.
All in all this was a fantastic read - not that I expected anything less. Blake is a must read contemporary romance author! Highly recommend this and the rest of the books in the Wolf Creek Ranch series :)
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I was not required to write a favorable review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.