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Antelope Rock #1

Wannabe in Wyoming

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**2021 Readers' Favorite Awards Bronze Medal Winner in Romance/General**

 

What does a tattooed chick from Philadelphia know about being a rancher? Absolutely nothing. But that's about to change. 

 

Willow Crawford never knew her father's identity until she hears from his lawyer, advising her of his death. As the sole heir to his ranch in Wyoming, she has the chance to start anew following her divorce. 

 

After losing his family in a devastating accident, mail call no longer brings a smile to Staff Sergeant Nathan Casey's face, knowing his name won't be shouted. But when he receives a letter addressed to Any Soldier, signed by Wannabe Rancher, he finds himself captivated by the fascinating and beautiful woman who'd written it. 

 

As her unexpected fondness for small-town life and a certain pen pal grows, Willow discovers more about herself, her family, and her legacy. Will the attraction she develops for Nathan, through his letters and phone calls, still exist and intensify when they finally meet? Or will she risk her heart, only to have history repeat itself and deny Willow her soul mate?

 

312 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 27, 2021

161 people are currently reading
169 people want to read

About the author

J.B. Havens

24 books106 followers

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5 stars
462 (64%)
4 stars
168 (23%)
3 stars
68 (9%)
2 stars
15 (2%)
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7 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 163 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie Marnell.
4,219 reviews34 followers
May 16, 2021
Wannabee in Wyoming is quite possibly the best romance I've read in a long time. Samantha A. Cole and J.B. Havens have collaborated on something very special. It's charming, heartwarming and just plain feel good. It will make you smile and maybe give you a lump in your throat or bring a tear to your eye. It's a story of one love lost and one love found.

Willow Crawford is comfortable in her own skin. She may look like a city girl with her tats and spiked hair but she takes to Wyoming ranch life as if she was born to it. On a whim she decides to send a letter to a deployed soldier through the Any Soldier, Inc. organization. Little did she know she'd find the love of her life. Serendipity is at work when Staff Sargeant Nathan Casey becomes the lucky recipient of this missive from home. Thus begins a letter writing romance that culminates in meeting the woman of his dreams.
Profile Image for Fiona Fog.
1,461 reviews86 followers
May 29, 2021
In my top ten reads

You know that feeling you get in your stomach, like butterflies swirling around? This book does it and more. The giddiness, the happiness it delivers is solid gold. And it reminds me why I love to read romance.

This story will have you falling head first into love with the characters.

Engagement factor is off the charts. And the story of their love? SWOONING OVER HERE. Makes me want to put pen to paper! (That last line? Read the book to see what I’m talking about).

When Willow inherited the ranch from her late father she wasn’t sure what to think having never met the man. Arriving in Wyoming from Philadelphia it was quiet the culture shock. But now she’s here she has to decide what to do. Stay or go.

Nathan is serving overseas, a solider who’s alone, his family gone in a tragic accident he’s only known this life. When a letter arrives addressed to Any solider his whole world changes opening that letter.

It’s a timeless love story, with no cheating, no pointless drama. It has all the feels and it grabs your attention. The what if’s are poignant.

Secondary characters are phenomenal and have you vying for their story to.

If you read anything at all this year you have to add this yo your TBR.

It’s a YES from me.
Profile Image for Bronwyn.
1,464 reviews37 followers
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars- I enjoyed the first part of this book. There were several inconsistencies in the second half that really bothered me. I skimmed the sex scenes; they felt fake and weren’t appealing. The fact that Nathan called Willow “Wannabe” was quite annoying regardless of how it started.

I picked this book up because I saw the second book, which is Jeremiah and Dale’s story, on my Amazon list. I figured I should read this first book to get a feel for the characters. I’m a bit bummed because Jeremiah and Dale can’t stand each other in this book and they constantly fight. Idk if that’s something I want to read. Enemies to lovers is definitely not my thing.
2,510 reviews16 followers
May 20, 2021
I’m always excited when Ms Cole starts a new series. This time is no exception and the best part is it’s with J. B. Havens, how awesome is that! Their first series together was sooo good I couldn’t wait to read it. I wasn’t sure what to expect but from the first page to the last I was hooked!
Willow and Nathan meet in an unexpected and totally unique way. After moving across the country when she inherits her fathers cattle ranch she knows no one at all. Her neighbour helps her get settled until she starts writing to a lonely soldier.
You could almost say it was love at first letter. As they get to know each other the distance and timing is what makes their interactions so special. Nathan’s life was no picnic and heartache befell him when he was enlisted. Knowing he’s not reupping the letters from Willow are his literal lifeline. The tragic love story of Willow’s parents will break your heart but at the same time renew your faith in love.
I’m so excited for where this series is going. The depth we’ve already seen from this first story, shows that there’s so much more from all these new characters to come from the town of Antelope Rock. The emotional story was both beautiful and heartbreaking and one once you start you won’t want to stop until the very end. Cannot wait for the next book!
Profile Image for Wendy Hodges.
2,896 reviews41 followers
May 20, 2021
I loved the idea of one letter completely out of the blue to a random soldier not just connecting two people but actually changing their lives. Nathan, I felt was struggling, with his career and his life in many ways, when this letter lands in his hand. Willow as well had been at a crossroads of sorts when she got a call from her father's lawyer. She was strong and independent, she spoke her mind and honesty and loyalty meant everything to her. This story has so much, it has a little mystery, new friendship, a very different life and it has tons of romance, there is even a bit of heartache. The characters were so easy to love, the animals, adorable. The writing has you picturing clearly the scenery and buildings. Definitely a story that melted my heart while also firing it up ready for more. I find both these authors are fabulous on their own, so together i know i will get something extra special and I certainly got that with this story. Started 19/5/21 Finished 20/5/21
Profile Image for Lucy Taylor.
28 reviews1 follower
May 16, 2021
Really enjoyed this collaboration. I loved the fact that Willow was such a fish out of water but refused to be a push over and I wish I could see Nathan in his uniform! Great story and would love more
Profile Image for Sandy.
1,214 reviews4 followers
May 27, 2021
This is a great love story. Nathan and Willow surprised each other. They both have some pasts that they need to deal with. I love that they met through letters. Excited to see where this series goes.
Super sweet epilogue.
Profile Image for Amanda Roden.
1,049 reviews5 followers
May 16, 2021
Oh my gosh! I loved this book!! Willow and Nathan are simply fantastic! I really enjoyed reading this book and diving into a good “cowboy” romance!
Profile Image for Lisa.
662 reviews
May 19, 2021
Military pen pals make for a compelling story with characters I really cared about. Willow is a fun woman who is embarking on a new adventure, far from her comfort zone. Nathan is looking for a place to hang his hat after his service is up. I really enjoyed the "foreplay" contained in their letters to each other. And the parallel letters Willow's dad wrote. Overall a very enjoyable read. I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy and loved every moment.
Profile Image for Julie Gerrard.
83 reviews
May 19, 2021
As a tattooed chick with crazy hair colors and piercings, Willow is a woman I can identify with. This is a great collaboration between two authors and an easy reading feel good romance story. I hope Jeremiah gets his own story as he deserves a HEA. Willow and Nathan connect through letters and the story follows their romance . Couldn't put the book down.
Profile Image for Susan.
1,405 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2021
Its not often you find two authors who can co-write together as seemlessly as these two have.This book is pure entertainment wrapped in a beautiful romance that's full of laughter, surprises and a lot of lust and love thrown in. Throw in an egocentric ex and a couple looking for a place to call home and you have Wannabe in Wyoming. Looking forward to reading so much more from these authors
Profile Image for Gina Marie.
1,783 reviews9 followers
May 28, 2021
I’m at a loss on how to describe how much I loved this book without giving away spoilers, but I will give it my best shot.
This is the first book in a new series written by two amazing authors. Willow and Nathan easily and smoothly work their way into the readers heart and just gently squeeze the shit out of it. Their slow burn starts with the lost art of writing letters to each other when Willow sees an ad looking for pen pals to “Any Solider”. Nathan and Willow becomes each other’s lifeline in a time of huge transition for both of them and this reader loved every single second of reading this novel.
Seriously, people get the book it’s amazing.
Profile Image for Annemieke Westerbeek.
895 reviews7 followers
August 31, 2023
This is a love story. It’s the second time I read this book. The written letter are so good. Her father’s letters brought me to tears. I enjoyed has been a long time since I have read one this good and one that started the way this story did. And I fell in love with the characters especially Willow and Nathan and also Jeremiah.
it had a little bit of suspense. But.
Profile Image for Karen Roma.
2,762 reviews33 followers
May 23, 2021
Wannabe in Wyoming is the first book in the Antelope Rock series and a joint venture by authors Samantha A. Cole and J.B. Havens who have previously co-written some military romance which I’ve also read. That said, this is an entirely different style of book and an absolute cracker! Let me start by saying that I smiled a lot at Willow’s internal dialogue when the story began, but I soon realised that this woman had a depth of character that she kept successfully hidden in the early pages of the story. A pink-haired, tattooed city girl wearing high tops, who wouldn’t expect her to ruffle some feathers when she lands in bum f**k Wyoming?

I totally respected Willow’s handling of the mixed reactions she received from the townsfolk, and her rigid determination to achieve what was necessary; but my admiration for Willow increased even more when she started writing to a faceless soldier serving overseas. The letters start out all fun and thanking Nathan for his service, but as time passes and their friendship evolves, the content of these letters was sometimes hard to read without the falling of tears. A beautiful relationship began to blossom from afar and they both realised that there might be a chance at something more. Fast forward to their actual meeting and sparks flew! Any reservations they had that the letters were their only connection soon vanished, but new concerns simmered about what their future together would look like and if that was even an option.

But this story wasn’t just Nathan and Willow’s, as there was a secret to be discovered in some hidden letters and these letters would be my total undoing. Deep in the pages from the past, explanations to questions gone unanswered for Willow’s entire life were laid bare and the gut-wrenching content left me completely shattered, broken-hearted and emotionally spent as a love so all-consuming was revealed. Wannabe in Wyoming is definitely a story that has all the necessary components of a strong and witty storyline and characters that the reader easily relates to, and all these elements unquestionably made this an exceptional and thoroughly engaging read, but for me the letters held significant importance and were what made this an unputdownable read. I was totally drained after all the mystery of the past was revealed, but the expertise and easy ebb and flow with which the authors delivered this book was commendable, so I thank both Ms Cole and Ms Havens for making me laugh, cry, swoon and want to throw things all at the same time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Tina Todd shobe.
555 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2021
Willow Crawford inherits a ranch from a father she didn't know existed until she's notified of his death. She decides to move from Philadelphia to Wyoming to see what life brings her on her next steps in life. She takes 'not quite' fitting in with the towns people in stride. Though by the end of the book I think she's won quite a few of them over, just by being herself.

We're following along as Willow adapts to her new life. One of the things she does after seeing an add posted is to write a letter to a deployed soldier. Staff Sergeant Nathan Casey receives her letter. This starts the exchanging letters to each other.

I really like that we get the story from both of their perspectives as it unfolds. We're right there with both of them on opposite sides of the world and when they meet in person.

This is a very heart warmining read, one I thoroughly enjoyed and sighed with disappointment when it ended and I wanted more because it was such a good story.

It's so amazing to me how this book is a collaboration between authors as the story flows so seamlessly. Even though both J. B. Havens and Samantha A Cole are both awesome authors and are on my must read list.
Profile Image for Carolyn.
1,798 reviews7 followers
May 20, 2021
I “wannabe” in Antelope Rock Wyoming right now! This is the first book in a new series and it is a great one. Willow is a lonely divorcée just living her mundane life in Philadelphia when she suddenly inherits a ranch in Wyoming from a father she never knew. She didn’t even know his name. When she picks up her life and moves across the country to the rundown ranch in a small rural town she never expected to stay and never thought she’d fit in. The tattooed city girl was in for a shock. Her in the closet gay rancher neighbor helps by giving her advice on her ranch and target practice and becoming her BFF. When she sees a flyer with the address to write a service member she flashes back to 4th grade and her classes pen pal service member. Her letter ends up in the hands of Nathan Casey., a solder in his last deployment before retirement. He is all alone in the world also and in need of a friend. The two hit it off and begin writing. It’s a lifeline for both of them. Can something come from this? This book has small town country living, a snooty church lady, a cute grocery stocker, a gay BFF, a pathetic stalker ex, alpacas farming, a cool Sheriff, a cat named Ethel, a prairie dog named Fred and the possibility of soulmates.
Profile Image for Ellen YS.
345 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2021
Great premise, with sweet execution

I am seeing more romances using old fashioned letter writing as part of the development of the story. I think it makes a great prop if used well, but can easily be problematic. In this case, it worked.

Willow and Nathan becomes pen pals in a Any soldier programme. On the surface these two may seem like opposites but at their core, they share enough similar experiences that give them common ground. While Willow settles down for ranch life after an unexpected inheritance, Nathan is finishing up his deployment. They grow close through their letters and their first meet is hot. You know these two are meant to be. Although there are some drama (an ex, and some hostile small town pettiness), it is really low key and the growing relationship between Nathan and Willow is firmly pacing the book.

I really appreciated the added element of the mystery of Willow's father and her mother's relationship. This also unfolds through letters in the book. In all a great read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Rhonda.
3,762 reviews63 followers
May 15, 2021
From the very first page, I was pulled into this story. Samantha Cole and JB Havens have teamed up again to bring us stories from the little town of Antelope, Wyoming.
When Willow finds out she has inherited a ranch from the father she never knew about, she decides to check it out! What follows is a beautifully written story of revelations and love. When she decides to send a letter to "Any Soldier", she has no clue that Nathan will become her future. I absolutely loved all the letters written back and forth which set the whole story up. Along the way, she will discover more about her father as she finds letters that he had written to her mother but never mailed out. OMG, those broke my heart!!! The secondary characters like Jeremiah were awesome and I'll be waiting for his story!!! Reading this story and all the descriptions of everything from the town, to the ranch to the scenery make you feel like you are right there experiencing it all along with them. I loved this so much and am excited for the stories I know are coming!!
Profile Image for Rosemary.
1,607 reviews6 followers
May 23, 2021
If you can only read one book this year, this is the one to choose. This brought back memories from my childhood as I had a "Soldier PenPal" even though my experience did not compare to the one in the story. When Willow decides to begin writing to "any soldier" she could not have dreamed of the emotional and satisfying destiny that her choice would bring. When Nathan receives the first letter from Willow he immediately realizes how special the connection with this "stranger" is. The story of the letters that are contained within this beautiful story are haunting in how much emotion shines through. I loved this story and would love to see and additional book that would follow Willow and Nathan and their friends in Antelope Rock.

I was given an ARC in exchange for and honest and totally voluntary review.
6,527 reviews27 followers
May 23, 2021
This is one of the most emotional reads I have read in quite a while Not only do we have the story between Willow a divorcee whose life is in a rut who suddenly discovers she has inherited a farm from the father she never knew She decides to move there and try to build herself a life and through this connects with Nathan when she decides to write to a service man Nathan never expected to ever get mail again after his family died in a horrific accident Soon these two are building a connection pone that may give him a reason to plan a future again meanwhile Willow learns more about her father when she finds letters addressed to her mother from him that he never posted With this been Nathan's last deployment and him making the decision to visit Willow have they both finally found what they have been looking forward and can they have a future together
437 reviews6 followers
May 24, 2021
What can I say about this story that has already probably been said.

It has been lovely to read a different genre by the two authors as their stories are normally more actioned packed then this.

It has allowed us to see a different side to their writing but not taken away they way they normally tell their stories. I think Samantha and JB work really well together when writing.

The story follows Willow and Nathan's story. A relationship that starts with a letter. A letter to a soldier fighting away. Little did Willow and Nathan know what this would mean.

Moving to Wyoming after the death of a man she didn't know, Willow finds a peace she was craving and needing. Can Fate bring her the love she needs or will history repeat its self?

Just about to get ready to finish his last tour. Nathan receives a letter from an unknown person. Little does he know that the letter would change the path of his life.

I am so looking forward to reading Jeremiah's story as I know that this could be an interesting read.
Profile Image for Renee.
951 reviews5 followers
June 7, 2021
Couldn't put the book down!

I picked up this book because I love Samantha Cole's books. This is the first I've read of JB Havens. I loved this book. They make a great team. This was such a heartbreaking yet sweet romance. I was smiling ear to ear, as well as laughing at times. But then the tears came. The heart break was with Willow and Nathan's extended families stories. The sweet romance was between Nathan and Willow. Well, it was sweet with steam. Perfectly written.. Jeremiah stole my heart as well. Such great characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
573 reviews3 followers
May 24, 2021
What is better than a book by Samantha A Cole or JB Haven's....a collaboration by them. "Wannabe in Wyoming" has every feel a book should have: I smiled, I laughed out loud, and came dangerously close to shedding a few tears. The story is heartwarming and sweet. Willow is a complete badass, which is exactly how you would expect a female written by Samantha and JB to be. Nathan is a strong and sexy protector who is possessive (in a completely good way) of his woman. They have an easy chemistry right from the start and although their relationship progresses quickly their story is so well written nothing about it feels rushed. I loved Willow, Nathan and Jerimiah too, my mind is already spinning with the possibilities of what the future books will hold and whose stories will be told. I am excited for what comes next from these two awesome authors!
551 reviews2 followers
June 7, 2021
Can Willow find happiness?

Willow recieves a ranch in Wyoming from the father she never met and decided to go check it out. When she gets there on a whim, she writes a letter to any solider and her story really begins. I loved reading about all of the characters in the story through their letters. It was an old fashion way of getting to know someone but very well written. I have never read a combo story by these two authors but I enjoyed this one and look forward to where the series will go from here. Borrowed from KU.
Profile Image for Nicki - The Overflowing Bookcase .
4,812 reviews176 followers
May 19, 2021
This book deserves more than 5 stars. An emotional journey from beginning to end that even time and generations cannot overcome. When Willow Crawford inherits a ranch from the father she never knew existed her life changes in more ways that just geographic location. Deciding to become a pen pal to a service member overseas instantly connects her with Staff Sergeant Nathan Casey. Through letters the two loves become intertwined and hope and love is in abundance. Can the connection last when he reaches stateside? Or will the baggage from both of their pasts lead them down a path they cannot get away from? With heart wrenching interactions and so much emotion I had to stop reading once or twice this was an awesome book. To have the written correspondences become so much a part in the day to day lives as well as the links to the past made this simply a masterpiece. A must read.
Profile Image for Mags.
3,036 reviews36 followers
May 23, 2021
Wannabe in Wyoming is such a sanguine and beautiful romance. That captivated me from the very first page. Thanks to an utterly charming and heart-warming storyline, and characters who drew me in with their warmth, personality, and chemistry.

And as starts to series go, this one was fantastic and a wonderful collaboration between an author who I'm hugely familiar with and one whose fairly new to me.

Would highly recommend.

**I was kindly provided with an ARC via BookSprout in exchange for an honest review**
151 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2021
This book was amazing. What a great story with awesome characters that spanned a love that started with one generation and can carry through to others. What a great heartwarming story. Willow and Nathan both have overcome obstacles and reach out to each other via being pen pals while she is starting a new life and his career in the military is ending. Loved their letters and exchange of their stories and the chemistry between them. Their chemistry grows and develops into a strong relationship. There are also secondary characters I can’t wait to read about. I definitely recommend this book. Can’t wait for future books. Great collaboration of two amazing authors.
2,029 reviews8 followers
May 27, 2021
What a delightful start to this new series. There are so many things to like - military aspect, small town, humor, new friendships, love stories, animals, neighbors that give help when needed, and a great mix of characters. I also loved the nicknames that the two main characters gave themselves when they began writing to each other. While Willow is a strong, independent woman she also found it nice to have someone else to be protective of her.
Profile Image for Anne  Young-Cronister.
958 reviews
May 26, 2021
Wow!!! I loved this story of Willow and Nathan. Willow is strong, independent and feisty! She has gumption and a hard worker. She also has a wonderful heart. The story of these 2 characters I really wish could have had more. I definitely wasn’t ready for the end. I’m looking forward to Jeremiah’s story! Great work with the snark, and the love throughout this book!


I reviewed a complementary copy of this book
Profile Image for TeeAnn Kemmitz.
291 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2021
Wannabe

What a great collaboration between Samantha A. Cole and JB Havens! Willow and Nathan meet in a very unique way! Once I started reading I couldn’t put it down and then was sorry when it ended. Looking forward to reading more in the Antelope Rock series!
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