Some mistakes can't be undone. After making the absolute worst decision of his life, horse veterinarian Drake Brewster will do whatever it takes to make amends with his best friend. And it starts with a summer at the Last Chance Ranch. But not everyone is thrilled about it…especially bartender and psych student Tracy Gibbons.
Tracy sees the world in shades of right and wrong—and what Drake did was Very Definitely Wrong. Worse yet, her promise to babysit a horse sanctuary means relying on Drake. And that's where Tracy finds herself in a serious dilemma. He's the one person she can't trust, but she wants Drake something fierce…and the feeling is fiercely mutual! But if she climbs into the saddle, will she be ready for the ride?
New York Times and USA Today bestseller Vicki Lewis Thompson believes love makes the world go around and laughter makes the trip worth taking. The recipient of RWA’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award and the author of more than ninety books, Vicki pioneered a new kind of romance hero with Nerd in Shining Armor. Following the success of her nerd stories, Vicki launched a boisterous paranormal series featuring a matchmaking witch and wizard, an ADD dragon named George, and a black cat inspired by her own precocious feline, Eve.
Riding Hard is the 15th book of the Sons of Chance series by Vicki Lewis Thompson. I discovered this series about 10 books in, so I can say firsthand that you can pick up these books at anytime and not feel like you've missed a thing. Even better you can read them out of order and have the same result. I really enjoy the Sons of Chance series. It's a nice, smooth read that just leaves you feeling good when you're done.
Drake Brewster is punishing himself. That's really all that can be said about his choosing to stay in the small town that has made it clear that he's not welcome. He's the hated ex-friend of one of the beloved sons of the Last Chance Ranch. He came back to Last Chance Ranch to beg forgiveness, try to earn back Regan's friendship, and maybe just learn a little about himself and what he really needs in life to be the man he wants to be. Regan has every right to hate him after walking in on Drake and Regan's then fiance' on Christmas eve, but he doesn't anymore. Regan has forgiven him even if none of the others in this town has. Drake hasn't had a woman since he and Jeannette tried to make a go of it, but quickly found out that their one night was more pent up issues and alcohol based than a mutual attraction. It's been good for him staying away from women. He's working on himself, but their is one little bartender that he can't quit thinking about. Too bad she has made it clear that she is team Regan all the way and thinks of him as the scum of the earth.
If there is anything in this world that Tracy Gibbons hates more than a cheater she hasn't found it, yet. After all, she herself is a product of a cheating husband and her mom has drilled it into her her whole life to learn from her mama's mistakes. This makes it particularly annoying when her body hums every time Drake is anywhere near her. And now that she is babysitting the horses at the sanctuary and Drake has come to her rescue to help with a pregnant horse he's in her personal space a lot.
My heart broke for Regan. What he did was wrong, no doubt about it, but you have to admire a man that is willing to admit he did wrong, ask for forgiveness and put himself out there for all to judge. He never once tried to place blame or defend himself. Tracy was strong and although slow to come around when she does she is all in and I really like that in a character. Back and forth, wishy-washy drama is not for me. I so enjoy Vicki's characters and will keep coming back for more.
This book was provided to me by NetGalley.com in exchange for my honest review.
2.5 Stars. This could have been 4 stars but I didn’t feel the connection between Drake and Tracy so I took a star and the ending. Regan wrapping his arms around a cheating ex “good to see you” was a bit much since he was so angry with Drake why not the ex? Yep lost even more.
I like how you always incorporate the Chance family into every story. It might not be about them, but the family is intertwined within each story.
Drake Brewster needed to learn a lesson. It was a hard lesson, but meeting the right woman, a woman who completes and complements your soul is the perfect way to rebound from that lesson.
I hope the next book explains what Tracy and Drake are planning to do.
When Drake Brewster decided to go to the Last Chance Ranch to earn his best friend’s forgiveness after sleeping with said friend’s fiancé, he didn’t think he’d be treated to such polite iciness. Apparently, everyone knows Drake’s best friend, Regan O’Connelli and they seem to be on Team Regan. Sadly, this includes Tracy Gibbons, the pretty bartender and temporary house sitter for Regan and his new fiancé Lily.
Try as she might, Tracy can't ignore Drake's presence or the effect he has on her. Unfortunately, a problem at the horse sanctuary forces Tracy to ask Drake for help. As the two spend more time together, Tracy discovers that the "Bad Guy" is really a kind, caring and very lost man trying to find his way in life.
I do love second chance romances but I don't think I've ever read this kind of romance. You know, the kind where the cheating best friend becomes the hero of his own book and repairs his friendship with the buddy he hurt.
Drake was an unknown element when he first appeared in Riding High. I actually couldn't believe he had the guts to try and make up with Regan, let alone place himself right in the middle of Regan's turf, The Last Chance Ranch and the Chance family who quickly close ranks around Regan and treat Drake like he was a three horned demon. I admired Drake for staying put in town where nobody likes him! He's not as confident as other heroes I've encountered.
Tracy on the other hand is more confident. As a bartender and psych student, she knows how to read people and what she sees in Drake is totally different to what everyone has said about him. I loved how at first she sides with Regan because she's such a loyal person but when she's presented with hard evidence against the general consensus, Tracy starts to give Drake a chance to prove that he's not such a bad guy.
The romance between Drake and Tracy was slow to develop but it wasn't dull. Drake was fully aware that the entire town was watching his every step and putting the moves on Tracy wasn't likely to help his quest to win everyone over. He was the hesitant one and this forced Tracy to put the moves on him. Yay Tracy! I do love a woman who goes after what she wants! I liked that Drake and Tracy also formed a friendship with one another and that gave them a strong foundation for a romantic relationship.
While I enjoyed Drake and Tracy's romance, there's just one thing I couldn't get past: How quickly Drake and Regan resolved their friendship. There was no sit down, no fighting, nothing. It was just too clean cut and didn't feel real to me. Then Regan is quick to trust Drake with his new fiance Lily. It was just unbelievable to me how these two could act like nothing happened between them without first talking (or fighting) it out. As for introducing Jeannette, Regan's ex-fiance? That's a gutsy move.
Final Verdict: All in all, Riding Hard is a fun read with lovely characters, a steamy romance and an interesting, if strange triangle that is slowly but surely coming to a close.
Riding Hard by Vicki Lewis Thompson is a light, entertaining read on second chances and forgiving your mistakes. Drake Brewster did a doozy of a mistake. Not only did he loose his best friend but he slept with his best friend’s fiancé. He hit rock bottom when he realized that he had no idea who he was any longer and felt very lost. He knew things had to change and be a better person and friend. Drake shows up in Shoshone, Wyoming to seek forgiveness from his friend Regan and do some soul-searching. Tracy didn’t want to feel the attraction to Drake but she just couldn’t help herself. With her past history she knew a man like Drake was exactly the kind of man her mamma warned her to stay clear. She’s played it safe and her lukewarm love life is testimony to that so-so attention. She wanted more and she had a hunch that Drake could start a passionate fire inside her with all the sparks she feels when he’s around. A circumstance in her house-sitting job gets her in close proximity to Drake when she asks him to look after a pregnant mare. Taking control for once she makes her move and sparks definitely fly! Have to give Ms. Thompson credit because she can bring the heat with her sex scenes. I liked Tracy for her boldness and honesty. She went after what she wanted and got back well deserved attention and eventually love. It is always good to revisit the Last Chance ranch and all the people that live there. There is always something going on and when one of their own is hurting they tend to circle the wagons and defend him or her to the hilt. Drake wasn’t welcomed but he stuck it out. I have to figure the guy was really hurting if he wanted to stick around a place where he had just one friend. When Tracy becomes his friend and lover things take a turn for the better and Drake figures things out. I’m all for a person learning from his mistakes and trying to become a better person. Ms. Thompson does a fine job giving Drake a second chance and a happy ending.
*I received an ARC of this book free from NetGalley on behalf of Harlequin in exchange for an honest review*
Drake may have made amends with his best friend Regan, but the rest of the town isn’t ready to forgive him. As a matter of fact, he considers himself the town leper, and for that reason he doesn’t flirt with a single woman…which is completely out of character for him. Not even the gorgeous bartender who catches his eye will cause him to make a move.
Tracy is the town sweetheart and they are all very protective of her. She lives a dull life that almost borders on boredom, but it’s safe. She knows all about Drake’s mistake and because of it she does not want to feel the desires she does. She’s good at hiding it, covering it with something close to hatred, but when she needs him…he comes.
Everything changes in only twenty-four hours. Ignored emotions blossom and turn into something neither want to live without.
Riding Hard is a story about forgiveness and redemption, learning who you are and what you want, and most importantly…who you want. As Drake and Tracy discover, everything is better when you find that perfect someone.
My Favorite Laughable Moment: The potential greetings that run through Tracy’s head as she makes her way to Drake were hilarious. As was her straightforward confession once she gets there.
Drake Brewster made a horrible mistake six months ago, one he regrets deeply. His best friend may have forgiven him but the people of Jackson Hole have not. He feels like a leper, so he doesn't even flirt with any of he women in town, including the hot bartender. This is so out of character for him, but he's determined to change his ways, and dead set against making any kinds of moves on her.
Tracy Gibbons is the hot bartender and the whole town is very protective of her. She doesn't like Drake and she definitely doesn't like the desire she feels towards him. She hides her feelings and acts as though she hates him. But when an emergency arises she calls on him to help and he shows up.
In a span of a day she realizes she has misjudged him. When the passion ignited between the two they both learn they have something real and neither want to live without it.
This is a story about learning who you are and about learning to forgive yourself for past mistakes. They both discover these things with the help of each other and find a true love so deep you can't live without it. I loved this book and how he earned his redemption. The two were perfect for each other. A very well written story, with well developed characters.
I was given a copy by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
It is a book of forgiveness and redemption and what you truly want in your life. Drake knew that he makes a horrible mistake which he deeply regretted. He feels unworthy and because of that, he doesn’t want to in contact with people in his town. He wanted to change his ways and earn back the trust that he have destroyed. Tracy is a bartender in town and the town people is very possessive of her. She doesn’t have a good impression on Drake but dislikes the sizzling attraction that she have for him. Hence, she covered up her feeling by disliking him instead. But when an emergency arises, she have no choice but to call on him on help and it was then, her perception of him started to change. I like reading the romance between Drake and Tracy. I actually pitied Drake as the entire town was watching his every steps and waiting to jumps at him if ever he takes the wrong one. Of the two, he was the reluctant one which have leads to Tract putting her moves on him. Overall, it is fun read with lovely characters and well developed story plot.
Drake Brewster knows he screwed up with his best friend Regan O'Connelli by screwing his fiance. Drake is a vet but doesn't have the knack that Regan does with horses. Drake seeks out Regan to make amends for what he's done and to find direction with his life. Tracy Gibbons can't abide infidelity which makes it harder for her because of her attraction to Drake. When Regan asks Tracy to house sit with the admonishment not to take in any new animals while he's gone. Regan also asks Drake to be the emergency vet for Peaceful Kingdom. Both of them agree. Will either Drake or Tracy admit their attraction? Can Drake be accepted by the residents of Shoshone? Will Drake find direction? Your answers await you in Riding Hard.
I love this series to pieces! I know it's getting close to the end of the series. I'm trying to drag it out as long as possible. The characters are real, honest, raw, flawed, and intriguing. I can't wait to see what happens next in this series!
Drake Brewster came to make amends with Regan O'Connelli, and ended up staying to figure things out with his life. But his stay is not a warm welcome, far from. Especially Tracy Gibbons. Who Drake wants with a passion. Too bad she don't feel the same. or so he thinks.
Tracy see things in shades of right or wrong. And what Drake did, she thinks was VERY wrong. But she still wants him. When Tracy is asked to watch the horse sanctuary for her friends, she has to rely on Drake. It gives her perfect opportunity to be with him even if she doesn't trust him.
During their babysitting of the horse sanctuary Drake and Tracy get to know each other a lot better in more then one way. They fall hard and fast for each other.
Drake really did his best friend wrong and even when he is forgiven he is at loose ends. He does not want to go back to the life he was living so he decides to stick around. When he meets Tracy Gibbons she helps him come to a decision about what he wants. They also fall in love. Tracy does not make it easy on Drake and it is fun seeing how he has to work to win first her trust and then her love. Riding Hard is another great short fun love story in the Sons of Chance series. Everything happens in a very short time period but Riding Hard does tell a complete story. This is part of a series but works well as a stand-alone. If you are looking for fun reading set in the modern west pick this book up and prepare to enjoy.
I have read all of the books in this series so far in paperback form and I loved them. Even though this is by no means the first in the series it can be read as a stand alone. Shoshone seems to be a place where people can come when they are looking for a second chance. That is exactly what Drake Brewster is looking for after a life changing mistake. Tracy Gibbons has lived in Shoshone all her life. When Drake comes to town she can't help the attraction she feels when he's around despite what she thinks about what he has done. There is also humor in these books and a couple of lines that stood out after giving me a chuckle. .....In reality he'd had her at whale poop. .....I'm putty in your hands. Whether you realize it or not, you have the power.......
B803 July14 Sons of Chance #15. Drake made a mistake he can't undo or forgive himself for. He will do what ever it takes to make amends to his best friend Regan. When Regan and Lily take a trip, Drake is called in by Tracy Gibbons to help her with a pregnant mare. Tracy has been cool and judge mental in her dealings with Drake at the Spirits and Spurs, right is right and wrong is wrong! Interesting transition between the two and the interference and assistance by their friends. Good continuation of this series!
3.5 stars Drake Brewster did the unspeakable by having an affair with his best friend's fiancé. He now wants to change his life and make amends. Tracy knows his story and doesn't want to be attracted to him but she feels a pull towards him. He helps her out at her horse rescue farm and she sees a different side of him. Not one of my favorite subjects when you deal with infidelity.
I loved this book!! I really was thinking I wouldn't like it because I thought I would not like the hero. Boy was I mistaken! I loved the hero and how it showed his vulnerability but he was also a very strong male character. Super sexy, masculine, writes poetry! some of his lines to the heroine were just wonderful!! Great book!
This is my first book in this series. I will definitely go back and read more of them. A great cowboy story about Drake Brewster. We learn about Drake's mistakes and his quest to figure out why he made them and forgive himself. It is a lovely story of forgiveness. I loved Tracy who helped him see himself for the man he really is and was meant to be.