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Former bull rider turned rodeo clown, Hal Jenkins has found peace in Riverbend, away from his murky past. He’s also found Lucy Malory, a fiery, green-eyed woman full of laughter who might just like him back.
But Hal’s peace is ripped away when someone from his old life returns, threatening Hal and putting Lucy firmly in danger.
Lucy likewise came to Riverbend to heal from humiliation and a broken heart. Her interest in life renews, thanks to her new job and also the handsome Hal, who always seems to be there when she needs him.
As Hal’s life grows ever more complicated, he wants Lucy anywhere but near him. Lucy fears she faces another heartbreak when Hal is ready to run again. How can Lucy convince him that Riverbend is the best place to make his stand? And that she will stand with him?
But Hal’s peace is ripped away when someone from his old life returns, threatening Hal and putting Lucy firmly in danger.
Lucy likewise came to Riverbend to heal from humiliation and a broken heart. Her interest in life renews, thanks to her new job and also the handsome Hal, who always seems to be there when she needs him.
As Hal’s life grows ever more complicated, he wants Lucy anywhere but near him. Lucy fears she faces another heartbreak when Hal is ready to run again. How can Lucy convince him that Riverbend is the best place to make his stand? And that she will stand with him?
- GenresRomance
197 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 19, 2023
21 people are currently reading
59 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
219 books7,342 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
April 22, 2024
I loved this story about a kind and gentle retired bull rider and a prodigal daughter home to heal a broken heart. He's such a protector and I love these types of stories. These are two lonely souls that find they make a good team. Hal Jenkins is a man of few words and he's forever tongue tied around Lucy Mallory. I really enjoy small town romances and being able to read everyone's love stories. It's Lucy Mallory's turn, coming home after her fiancé dumped her. When Hal's past comes to town looking for trouble Hal's determined to keep Lucy safe.
Lucy Mallory does veterinarian Dr. Anna's bookkeeping and receptionist duties now that she's returned home from the big city working as a stockbroker. She enjoys the work and spending time with her new sister-in-law who is married to Kyle Mallory. She discovered in an embarrassing moment that the long term relationship she had was a waste of time when he announced he was marrying someone else at a company party. Now that she's home she's attracted to Hal Jenkins who is manager of the Kennedy Ranch and rodeo clown after retiring from bull riding.
Hal Jenkins is a kind and gentle man who enjoys managing the Kennedy's ranch and helping fellow bull riders by being a Rodeo Clown. It's a dangerous job but he finds it rewarding and he's still part of the rodeo. He retired from riding for several reasons but the biggest was trying to get away from a gang who were doping animals. He told world famous champion who had money & media clout who could expose the gang, get them arrested, and put in prison. Now Nate Redfern is in town looking to get even with Hal and he'll use Lucy to do that. Hal thinks she beautiful and will do anything to keep her safe, even pretending he doesn't care for her. When that doesn't work he and Lucy work together to safeguard the town and catch the bad guys that are out to hurt others.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Lucy Mallory does veterinarian Dr. Anna's bookkeeping and receptionist duties now that she's returned home from the big city working as a stockbroker. She enjoys the work and spending time with her new sister-in-law who is married to Kyle Mallory. She discovered in an embarrassing moment that the long term relationship she had was a waste of time when he announced he was marrying someone else at a company party. Now that she's home she's attracted to Hal Jenkins who is manager of the Kennedy Ranch and rodeo clown after retiring from bull riding.
Hal Jenkins is a kind and gentle man who enjoys managing the Kennedy's ranch and helping fellow bull riders by being a Rodeo Clown. It's a dangerous job but he finds it rewarding and he's still part of the rodeo. He retired from riding for several reasons but the biggest was trying to get away from a gang who were doping animals. He told world famous champion who had money & media clout who could expose the gang, get them arrested, and put in prison. Now Nate Redfern is in town looking to get even with Hal and he'll use Lucy to do that. Hal thinks she beautiful and will do anything to keep her safe, even pretending he doesn't care for her. When that doesn't work he and Lucy work together to safeguard the town and catch the bad guys that are out to hurt others.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 27, 2023
Hal, a man of few words.
OMG I forgot how much I loved this series. I adore Hal the big hunky, possessive, teddy bear of a man. It was kind of cute how he didn't know how to act around Lucy. So Glad she finally took the bull by the horns. It was a long time coming. But when you think about it maybe not so long. She still had to get over what happened to her in her past. I just loved everything about Hal's read. I was worried towards the end when we find out Nate's father is the one that had him beat up. Thank god Manny told Ross what and who he saw at the concert and that they alerted Hal. Those were a tense few pages. One of my favorite scenes was when Hal takes Lucy to the house he bought and then proposed. I melted into a puddle of goo. Yep Hal's not a romantic but everything about that scene was just perfect. OMG now I can't wait for Jack's book. You can tell he's falling for Karen, but is Karen ready to settle down with #3?
OMG I forgot how much I loved this series. I adore Hal the big hunky, possessive, teddy bear of a man. It was kind of cute how he didn't know how to act around Lucy. So Glad she finally took the bull by the horns. It was a long time coming. But when you think about it maybe not so long. She still had to get over what happened to her in her past. I just loved everything about Hal's read. I was worried towards the end when we find out Nate's father is the one that had him beat up. Thank god Manny told Ross what and who he saw at the concert and that they alerted Hal. Those were a tense few pages. One of my favorite scenes was when Hal takes Lucy to the house he bought and then proposed. I melted into a puddle of goo. Yep Hal's not a romantic but everything about that scene was just perfect. OMG now I can't wait for Jack's book. You can tell he's falling for Karen, but is Karen ready to settle down with #3?
October 26, 2023
I have been waiting for Hal and Lucy to get together, so this book for me was anticipation. And once again, Jennifer Ashley did not disappoint. It was so fun seeing Hal, the big, strong silent type figuring out how to express his feelings. More than that it was so much fun seeing them come together after so long. Along with falling in love with those two characters, it was exciting to see that this book brought the two families together. The Mallory’s and the Campbells come together to celebrate at the end. Also the long awaited birth for Anna and Kyle was also such a precious moment for the families. But to top the book off, there’s also danger for Hal, and some unexpected, unwanted guests in the town of River Bend. if you love a good cowboy brawl, then you will love this. everyone to the rescue, it was amazing and you had to love it. Awesome book, I cannot wait to read Jack’s story.
September 22, 2023
Gotta love a strong, silent type, and Hal is that, and a perfect gentlemen! Hal is perfect in his own way, and a total sweetheart, though no pushover. Nope, this gentlemen cowboy stands his ground, and is just as overprotective as his OTT counterparts. He needs that because Lucy is his perfect balance, and needs that soft touch after life knocked her down. These two match perfectly, and when the timing was finally right, nothing could keep them apart <3
September 27, 2023
Short but a sweet read!
This was a short, quick, cute very sweet read. Hall is one of the nicest cowboys to read about in a long time. His shy manager was very inviting and endearing and loveable. Totally happy for his outcome and looking forward to the next chapter of the "Riding Hard Series". So, are Jack and Karen up to bat next?
This was a short, quick, cute very sweet read. Hall is one of the nicest cowboys to read about in a long time. His shy manager was very inviting and endearing and loveable. Totally happy for his outcome and looking forward to the next chapter of the "Riding Hard Series". So, are Jack and Karen up to bat next?
October 29, 2023
Hal / Riding Hard
Love me a handsome, built cowboy. Hal is fairly quiet but can handle himself. He and Lucy are slow to come together, but it becomes magical. Trouble has shown up on Hal's doorstep but he refuses to allow it to ruin what he's got with Lucy.
A rodeo, birthing calves and human babies add the fun and drama. Cute story to read.
Love me a handsome, built cowboy. Hal is fairly quiet but can handle himself. He and Lucy are slow to come together, but it becomes magical. Trouble has shown up on Hal's doorstep but he refuses to allow it to ruin what he's got with Lucy.
A rodeo, birthing calves and human babies add the fun and drama. Cute story to read.
April 13, 2024
Still waters run deep
Yep, another cowboy bit the dust. Well, so far, I have loved every book in the series, even though the first in the series didn't move along as fast. There is only one other available in the series, but it has a Christmas theme. So even though I bought it and will save it for December.
Yep, another cowboy bit the dust. Well, so far, I have loved every book in the series, even though the first in the series didn't move along as fast. There is only one other available in the series, but it has a Christmas theme. So even though I bought it and will save it for December.
Currently reading
September 25, 2023OMG .. this book was so bad that I couldn't get beyond 3 chapters. I have read most all of Jennifer Ashley's books and thoroughly enjoyed them ( although I gave up on the honey badgers after 6 or 7 books). I'm not sure I'll ever read another of her books. I can't even give this book 1 star. 😵🤑
September 28, 2023
Such a good story. I really enjoyed it. Lucy is a great character and Hal is perfect for her. This little story about the two of them is very entertaining. From the beginning to the end it's a tale filled with suspense, love, emotions, misunderstandings, drama, and lots of fun.
October 23, 2024
Nice
Nice to read this series again. I always enjoyed it. I hope there will be more to come. Hal was an interesting character but I would have enjoyed some snub or pop to ole Clyde, Claude whatever creep!
Nice to read this series again. I always enjoyed it. I hope there will be more to come. Hal was an interesting character but I would have enjoyed some snub or pop to ole Clyde, Claude whatever creep!
November 16, 2023
Loved Hal...he was an actual adult who told the truth and didn't play games
August 11, 2025
Audiobook
Hal and Lucy
Hal and Lucy
September 18, 2023
HAL by Jennifer Ashley is book eight in the wonderfully addictive Riding Hard series and a story that is certain to capture your heart. Hal is everything a cowboy should be; an imposing, hardworking and handsome man, who’s considerate, gentle, and quiet nature make him all the more appealing.
But still waters run deep, and Hal has a darkness in his past that threatens the one person he craves, but fears will reject him if he makes his feelings known. As this story unfolds, miscommunication is clarified, passion ignites, and the danger that lies in wait could end this extraordinary couple’s chance at a HEA.
I was riveted to this book from start to finish as it had everything a reader could want. Some mystery and danger, a little angst, genuine characters (and quirky ones too), humour and a whole lot of feelings. As always, Ms Ashley didn’t disappoint and has written a fabulous plot with a heartfelt storyline and ending that warms your soul. I look forward to what’s in store for Jack and Karen.
But still waters run deep, and Hal has a darkness in his past that threatens the one person he craves, but fears will reject him if he makes his feelings known. As this story unfolds, miscommunication is clarified, passion ignites, and the danger that lies in wait could end this extraordinary couple’s chance at a HEA.
I was riveted to this book from start to finish as it had everything a reader could want. Some mystery and danger, a little angst, genuine characters (and quirky ones too), humour and a whole lot of feelings. As always, Ms Ashley didn’t disappoint and has written a fabulous plot with a heartfelt storyline and ending that warms your soul. I look forward to what’s in store for Jack and Karen.
September 19, 2023
4 1/2 stars! I loved coming back to this small town and the wonderful characters.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews