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Montana Riverbend #1
Late Last Night
It’s May 1996 and Marietta High School English teacher Kate MacCreadie is almost at the end of her rope, torn between the demands of her work and her heavy involvement in helping her younger brother Rob and his wife Melinda take care of their five young children on the MacCreadie family ranch.
When Marietta’s fine-looking new sheriff, Harrison Pearce, pulls Kate over for her third traffic violation in as many months, they both know it’s a sign that something has to give.
Kate finds it almost a relief to be told by this calm, strong man to get her life in order, and then she just keeps on seeing him - at school after there’s been a suspicious break-in, on the evening of the prom when he’s off duty and driving his nephew and friends to the event in one of his brother’s gorgeous vintage cars.
Late that night, after prom is over, a tragedy at River Bend Park brings Kate and Harrison together yet again, and this time, in the highly charged atmosphere, Kate discovers that she never wants to let him go. But with his divorce still fresh, is Harrison ready for someone new?
River Bend Series
Book 1: Late Last Night
Book 2: The Sweetest Thing
Book 3: The Sweetest Sound
Book 4: After the Rain
When Marietta’s fine-looking new sheriff, Harrison Pearce, pulls Kate over for her third traffic violation in as many months, they both know it’s a sign that something has to give.
Kate finds it almost a relief to be told by this calm, strong man to get her life in order, and then she just keeps on seeing him - at school after there’s been a suspicious break-in, on the evening of the prom when he’s off duty and driving his nephew and friends to the event in one of his brother’s gorgeous vintage cars.
Late that night, after prom is over, a tragedy at River Bend Park brings Kate and Harrison together yet again, and this time, in the highly charged atmosphere, Kate discovers that she never wants to let him go. But with his divorce still fresh, is Harrison ready for someone new?
River Bend Series
Book 1: Late Last Night
Book 2: The Sweetest Thing
Book 3: The Sweetest Sound
Book 4: After the Rain
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 9, 2014
81 people are currently reading
491 people want to read
About the author
Lilian Darcy
320 books100 followersWomen's fiction and romance author Lilian Darcy has written more than eighty novels for Harlequin, Silhouette, Mira Australia, and Mills & Boon. Under another name she has also written for Australian theater and television.
Lilian's career highlights include many appearances on the Waldenbooks Romance Bestsellers list, five nominations for the Romance Writers of America's presitious Rita Award, and translation into twenty different languages.
Lilian has an active family life involving kids, chickens, cats, music, scouting, gardening, hiking and horses. Oh, and there's a husband in there somewhere, too.
Her upcoming releases include the first book in her Cherry Sisters trilogy, "The One Who Changed Everything" from Harlequin Special Edition, and a novella, "Marry Me, Cowboy" for Tule Publishing's Copper Mountain Rodeo mini-series, part of the exciting new Montana Born series, with authors such as Jane Porter, Megan Crane and C.J. Carmichael.
Lilian's career highlights include many appearances on the Waldenbooks Romance Bestsellers list, five nominations for the Romance Writers of America's presitious Rita Award, and translation into twenty different languages.
Lilian has an active family life involving kids, chickens, cats, music, scouting, gardening, hiking and horses. Oh, and there's a husband in there somewhere, too.
Her upcoming releases include the first book in her Cherry Sisters trilogy, "The One Who Changed Everything" from Harlequin Special Edition, and a novella, "Marry Me, Cowboy" for Tule Publishing's Copper Mountain Rodeo mini-series, part of the exciting new Montana Born series, with authors such as Jane Porter, Megan Crane and C.J. Carmichael.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 58 reviews
February 2, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
Late Last Night is the short romantic tale that links the more western-themed Copper Mountain Rodeo series to the author’s new River Bend series. Based on this intro, the River Bend series starts out with more of a small-town romance flavor.
Both series take place in and around Marietta, Montana, which always seems like a town that would be terrific to visit. And while it is not necessary to have read the Copper Mountain Rodeo books to enjoy Late Last Night, the series is great if you enjoy western-themed romance.
This story takes place in 1996, so it’s a bit of a trip back in time for some of the characters that we’ve met in the other series.
Kate MacCreadie is trying to both help her brother take care of his five kids and keep up her full-time job at Marietta High School. It’s not that her brother Rob isn’t willing or able to take care of his kids, or that there isn’t a Mrs. MacCreadie, because he is, and there is.
But Rob is running the family ranch, and Melinda MacCreadie is something beyond scatterbrained. (Their complete story is revealed in Rodeo Sweethearts). But in 1996, Kate doesn’t know why Melinda isn’t any help, all Kate knows is that as long as she continues to be nearly a full-time caregiver at her brother’s house AND have a full-time job, she’s going to either start hating someone, or she’s going to kill somebody.
Literally kill somebody, because the new sheriff keeps having to pull her over for a series of driving offenses. Kate speeds. And she misses stop signs. And her taillight is out. Mostly she just drives too fast because she’s in too much of a hurry and not paying attention.
She also likes running into Sheriff Harrison Pierce, she just wishes it wasn’t quite so embarrassing for her when it keeps happening in his line of duty. Kate isn’t aware that Harrison keeps pulling her over because he isn’t quite in a position to ask her out.
Not until his divorce is final.
Harrison tells Kate that she needs to get her life in order before someone dies as a result of her racing thoughts. When he figures out that he’s giving Kate advice he needs to take himself, the steps they each take to move forward with their lives lead them straight to each other.
Escape Rating B+: Late Last Night has a lot going for it. The love story has just the right amount of sexual tension, and it makes sense that the characters are cautious in the circumstances. Unlike a lot of very short novellas, this one is just the right length, it starts at a turning point for Kate, and comes to an ending that feels right for the characters without feeling rushed. Finally, although this story is a setup for the River Bend series, the need to get things setup doesn’t overwhelm the story that needs to be told in this book.
While it isn’t necessary to have read the entire Copper Mountain Rodeo series (Tempt Me, Cowboy,Marry Me, Cowboy, Promise Me, Cowboy and Take Me, Cowboy), if you like western romances you’ll enjoy them a lot. I definitely did. But reading Rodeo Sweethearts absolutely helps flesh out Kate’s background, and it’s short, sweet and free.
In Late Last Night, we find out more about how Kate feels than we do about Harrison, at least partly because she’s in the bigger pickle at the beginning. She wants to help her brother, but she needs to have a life. And Rob desperately needs the help, so Kate leaving is going to cause a lot of disruption.
Harrison, on the other hand, his divorce has been coming for a long time. And he recognizes his part in what went wrong. It feels like he’s closer to who he needs to be from the beginning, but it takes quite a leap of faith for him to put his heart on the line. Again.
The ending of the story is tragic, suspenseful and sets up the River Bend series. There’s something seriously wrong in Marietta, and I want to see if Harrison is part of solving it.
Late Last Night is the short romantic tale that links the more western-themed Copper Mountain Rodeo series to the author’s new River Bend series. Based on this intro, the River Bend series starts out with more of a small-town romance flavor.
Both series take place in and around Marietta, Montana, which always seems like a town that would be terrific to visit. And while it is not necessary to have read the Copper Mountain Rodeo books to enjoy Late Last Night, the series is great if you enjoy western-themed romance.
This story takes place in 1996, so it’s a bit of a trip back in time for some of the characters that we’ve met in the other series.
Kate MacCreadie is trying to both help her brother take care of his five kids and keep up her full-time job at Marietta High School. It’s not that her brother Rob isn’t willing or able to take care of his kids, or that there isn’t a Mrs. MacCreadie, because he is, and there is.
But Rob is running the family ranch, and Melinda MacCreadie is something beyond scatterbrained. (Their complete story is revealed in Rodeo Sweethearts). But in 1996, Kate doesn’t know why Melinda isn’t any help, all Kate knows is that as long as she continues to be nearly a full-time caregiver at her brother’s house AND have a full-time job, she’s going to either start hating someone, or she’s going to kill somebody.
Literally kill somebody, because the new sheriff keeps having to pull her over for a series of driving offenses. Kate speeds. And she misses stop signs. And her taillight is out. Mostly she just drives too fast because she’s in too much of a hurry and not paying attention.
She also likes running into Sheriff Harrison Pierce, she just wishes it wasn’t quite so embarrassing for her when it keeps happening in his line of duty. Kate isn’t aware that Harrison keeps pulling her over because he isn’t quite in a position to ask her out.
Not until his divorce is final.
Harrison tells Kate that she needs to get her life in order before someone dies as a result of her racing thoughts. When he figures out that he’s giving Kate advice he needs to take himself, the steps they each take to move forward with their lives lead them straight to each other.
Escape Rating B+: Late Last Night has a lot going for it. The love story has just the right amount of sexual tension, and it makes sense that the characters are cautious in the circumstances. Unlike a lot of very short novellas, this one is just the right length, it starts at a turning point for Kate, and comes to an ending that feels right for the characters without feeling rushed. Finally, although this story is a setup for the River Bend series, the need to get things setup doesn’t overwhelm the story that needs to be told in this book.
While it isn’t necessary to have read the entire Copper Mountain Rodeo series (Tempt Me, Cowboy,Marry Me, Cowboy, Promise Me, Cowboy and Take Me, Cowboy), if you like western romances you’ll enjoy them a lot. I definitely did. But reading Rodeo Sweethearts absolutely helps flesh out Kate’s background, and it’s short, sweet and free.
In Late Last Night, we find out more about how Kate feels than we do about Harrison, at least partly because she’s in the bigger pickle at the beginning. She wants to help her brother, but she needs to have a life. And Rob desperately needs the help, so Kate leaving is going to cause a lot of disruption.
Harrison, on the other hand, his divorce has been coming for a long time. And he recognizes his part in what went wrong. It feels like he’s closer to who he needs to be from the beginning, but it takes quite a leap of faith for him to put his heart on the line. Again.
The ending of the story is tragic, suspenseful and sets up the River Bend series. There’s something seriously wrong in Marietta, and I want to see if Harrison is part of solving it.
July 9, 2017
Reviewed at Romance Is Ageless
We get the chance to take a step back in time, about two decades ago, to the events leading up to 1996 Prom Night and the events that happened then – that carry over into the current time line. Late Last Night also gives us a look at a few of the well known teenagers of some of the families of Marietta, Montana that we’ve come to know so much better over the years since. A glimpse into their teenage years is nostalgic, a touch bittersweet and perhaps a better understanding of why they are the personalities we know now.
Kate’s life is on full overload right now, and it’s beginning to show the strained edges more clearly. Mostly in the traffic violations she’s been pulled over for by the new sheriff in town. Trying to clear the tensions she’s feeling, Kate rarely notices as the speedometer rises way above the speed limit which results in a few tickets or at least warnings. She’s never really caught on until today that those stops by Harrison are not entirely official, but a way to spend a bit of time with a woman he finds charming and oh, so stressed.
Kate and Harrison’s growing love runs alongside the other story within this romance, Prom Night and the disastrous results that linger on even to this day. Although their appearances were, for the most part, brief it was interesting to see the younger selves of some of my favorite characters from other Marietta, Montana series.
With tensions running high, both sparks between Kate and Harrison, as well as the craziness of being a teenager, Late Last Night is an intriguing and touching story that will touch your heart. I’m doing some catching up on earlier series set in Marietta, Montana and getting the chance to go back in time a bit was quite an enjoyable journey.
We get the chance to take a step back in time, about two decades ago, to the events leading up to 1996 Prom Night and the events that happened then – that carry over into the current time line. Late Last Night also gives us a look at a few of the well known teenagers of some of the families of Marietta, Montana that we’ve come to know so much better over the years since. A glimpse into their teenage years is nostalgic, a touch bittersweet and perhaps a better understanding of why they are the personalities we know now.
Kate’s life is on full overload right now, and it’s beginning to show the strained edges more clearly. Mostly in the traffic violations she’s been pulled over for by the new sheriff in town. Trying to clear the tensions she’s feeling, Kate rarely notices as the speedometer rises way above the speed limit which results in a few tickets or at least warnings. She’s never really caught on until today that those stops by Harrison are not entirely official, but a way to spend a bit of time with a woman he finds charming and oh, so stressed.
Kate and Harrison’s growing love runs alongside the other story within this romance, Prom Night and the disastrous results that linger on even to this day. Although their appearances were, for the most part, brief it was interesting to see the younger selves of some of my favorite characters from other Marietta, Montana series.
With tensions running high, both sparks between Kate and Harrison, as well as the craziness of being a teenager, Late Last Night is an intriguing and touching story that will touch your heart. I’m doing some catching up on earlier series set in Marietta, Montana and getting the chance to go back in time a bit was quite an enjoyable journey.
August 29, 2016
Very quick read. Parts of the book felt very all over the place, while others felt like they didn't belong in the story at all.
March 22, 2020
This was a lovely and quick read. It takes place in the '90s and centers around Kate, a high school teacher who is also a nearly full-time caregiver to her brother and sister-in-law's, like, one thousand kids or whatever. She is mentally exhausted and scattered and keeps getting speeding tickets, because she is so distracted as she drives home from work.
Without giving too much away, especially since it's such a short book, there's a rather nicely written love story, but the plot culminates in a tragic event that takes place on the high school's prom night. This event only brings Kate and her love interest closer together.
Then we fast forward almost 20 years, and we see a more modern version of this couple. I know this is book one of a series, and I am looking forward to the later books. I didn't realize that it is a tie-in to another book series by the same author, so I'm looking forward to getting around to those books, as well.
I give this four out of five stars.
------------------------------
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Facebook: www.facebook.com/meganbeckelhimerauthor
Twitter: @mbeckbooks
Instagram @meganbeckelhimerauthor
And don't forget to listen to my podcast wherever you listen to podcasts: MBeckelhimer Book Reviews.
\m/
Without giving too much away, especially since it's such a short book, there's a rather nicely written love story, but the plot culminates in a tragic event that takes place on the high school's prom night. This event only brings Kate and her love interest closer together.
Then we fast forward almost 20 years, and we see a more modern version of this couple. I know this is book one of a series, and I am looking forward to the later books. I didn't realize that it is a tie-in to another book series by the same author, so I'm looking forward to getting around to those books, as well.
I give this four out of five stars.
------------------------------
Blog: https://mbeckelhimerbookreviews.blogs...
Facebook: www.facebook.com/meganbeckelhimerauthor
Twitter: @mbeckbooks
Instagram @meganbeckelhimerauthor
And don't forget to listen to my podcast wherever you listen to podcasts: MBeckelhimer Book Reviews.
\m/
October 31, 2021
ESP:
Ha sido una historia de amor cortita y dulce. Ha habido elementos que me han gustado mucho y otros que estaban ahí un poco porqué sí. Pero en general, me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca.
Me hubiese gustado más una novela algo más larga, en lugar de esta especie de "novella" pero con todo y con eso me ha hecho conectar con los personajes y su historia de amor.
ENG:
It was a rather short love story. It was sweet, it got to the point and it basically did what it was meant to be. Given how short it was, I connected a lot with the characters and their love story, their chemistry and all. But I'd also add that I would've rather have a full-lenght novel for this that felt like a novella.
There were elements that I really liked but others felt all over the place and a bit meaningless. But all in all, it was an enjoyable read and I'd like to read more books written by this author. Although I don't know if I read things in order or not.
Ha sido una historia de amor cortita y dulce. Ha habido elementos que me han gustado mucho y otros que estaban ahí un poco porqué sí. Pero en general, me ha dejado un buen sabor de boca.
Me hubiese gustado más una novela algo más larga, en lugar de esta especie de "novella" pero con todo y con eso me ha hecho conectar con los personajes y su historia de amor.
ENG:
It was a rather short love story. It was sweet, it got to the point and it basically did what it was meant to be. Given how short it was, I connected a lot with the characters and their love story, their chemistry and all. But I'd also add that I would've rather have a full-lenght novel for this that felt like a novella.
There were elements that I really liked but others felt all over the place and a bit meaningless. But all in all, it was an enjoyable read and I'd like to read more books written by this author. Although I don't know if I read things in order or not.
June 9, 2017
There just wasn't enough substance to this story. Not enough character development of any of the characters. And really? The main character is already contemplating having sex with the man on the 1st date, before she even goes on the first date? Good grief! Then suddenly when I thought I was somewhere around the middle of the book since I was waiting to see what happened on any subsequent dates, I'm at the end where the couple has been married for umpteen years, has 2 kids, and the husband gives her a cruise to the Carribean and chocolates for Valentines! This was just ridiculous. I would have downgraded to 1/2 star if possible, due to what I define as soft/safe porn for women.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 8, 2020
Great series
I read the second book before the first and got hooked. This is another great read by Lilian Darcy. Now on to the third book in the series.
I read the second book before the first and got hooked. This is another great read by Lilian Darcy. Now on to the third book in the series.
July 30, 2020
Not my kind of book! I read it because I had already downloaded the sequel to my Kobo and I like to read books in serial order. I didn’t know it was basically a romance novel.
February 22, 2021
Loved reading this earlier set story in Marietta.
April 3, 2022
Great book
October 16, 2016
Good little short romance
Very very short book, but an overall great romance book. I can't wait to read more books by Lilian Darcy!!!!
Very very short book, but an overall great romance book. I can't wait to read more books by Lilian Darcy!!!!
December 4, 2023
This was a fabulous book by Lilian Darcy. This story features Kate MacCreadie, a high school teacher in Marietta, Montana. I had previously met Kate in earlier books about the MacCreadie family. As the book opens she is stopped again by Sheriff Harrison Pearce for a traffic violation. Both notice the chemistry between them. Kate lives with her brother, his wife and their five children to help them as she has some issues. This book includes a tragic accident on prom night and the after mass. There is also the sweet romance between Harrison and Kate. I loved the book and highly recommend it.
June 22, 2014
Previously reviewed on The Good, The Bad, & The Unread:
I’m intrigued by stories set in small US towns; there are elements within them that are very similar to the stereotype of rural life in the UK, especially the strong sense of family and the way everyone knows everyone else, but there are also aspects that are totally alien: towns rather than villages as the units of community, and the fact that farming takes place on a much larger scale, to name just two. Relationships between teachers and law enforcers also appeal to me: the two vocations have a lot in common and there are plenty of reasons why that pairing lends itself to having to work together as well as spend time together outside work. However, I did have one major niggle with this particular book, which tended to throw me out of the story and worry over whether I could trust the veracity of the storytelling in other areas.
Vintage cars are mentioned in the blurb and the term is used multiple times in the text, but wrongly. As well as being around motor sport since my conception, I spent a lot of time clambering over, and riding in, old cars from when I could move independently, and ‘vintage’ is a very precise term, referring to cars built after 1918 but before 1931. Anything built after that is either a post-vintage thoroughbred or a classic (and the arguments over what qualifies a car as having classic status can go on for hours!). The two magnificent cars that are an important feature of the prom story in this novel date from the 1950s – vintage they ain’t – and the detail caused me to complain loudly at the book every time the wrong word was used about them.
Rant over, there was a lot to like about the romance plot and character development in this novel. Kate needs to learn that her overly-dependant family – her brother, his wife and their five children – can cope perfectly well without her trying to put in a full day’s work helping out in the house and on the farm as well as holding down a fulltime job at the school, and Harrison needs to move on from the aftermath of his divorce and decide what to do about the house and land that suited his ex-wife but is too much work for a single man. Of course, if Kate’s going to move out of the family home, then she needs to buy a place of her own, and Harrison’s house might be just what she wants. Except Harrison finds himself falling for her after just one date, and then can’t bear the idea of selling his house to anyone else when there’s the chance that he and Kate together might one day fit it perfectly. Cue the big misunderstanding, which almost had me getting cross with the book again, except the external tension suddenly gets ramped up when one of the high school seniors goes missing during a post-prom party, and the latest of a series of break-ins in town leaves a man dead.
And then we never get the resolution to either of these subplots. Kate and Harrison get their long-term happy ever after, but we’re told nothing about whether or how either mystery gets solved. I know this is the first book in a series, and so loose ends can potentially be tied up in later stories, but I feel let down. A shame, because I do like the setting and the various characters we see only glimpses of in this one, but who will hopefully play a greater part in other books by this author.
Overall, I really couldn’t make my mind up whether to love this book for its mid-1990s, small-town setting or to get very cross with it for the errors and omissions, which in some cases are admittedly only going to bother people who happen to be me. I’ve got the next one in the series to review as well, so I may have more of an opinion after that one.
I’m intrigued by stories set in small US towns; there are elements within them that are very similar to the stereotype of rural life in the UK, especially the strong sense of family and the way everyone knows everyone else, but there are also aspects that are totally alien: towns rather than villages as the units of community, and the fact that farming takes place on a much larger scale, to name just two. Relationships between teachers and law enforcers also appeal to me: the two vocations have a lot in common and there are plenty of reasons why that pairing lends itself to having to work together as well as spend time together outside work. However, I did have one major niggle with this particular book, which tended to throw me out of the story and worry over whether I could trust the veracity of the storytelling in other areas.
Vintage cars are mentioned in the blurb and the term is used multiple times in the text, but wrongly. As well as being around motor sport since my conception, I spent a lot of time clambering over, and riding in, old cars from when I could move independently, and ‘vintage’ is a very precise term, referring to cars built after 1918 but before 1931. Anything built after that is either a post-vintage thoroughbred or a classic (and the arguments over what qualifies a car as having classic status can go on for hours!). The two magnificent cars that are an important feature of the prom story in this novel date from the 1950s – vintage they ain’t – and the detail caused me to complain loudly at the book every time the wrong word was used about them.
Rant over, there was a lot to like about the romance plot and character development in this novel. Kate needs to learn that her overly-dependant family – her brother, his wife and their five children – can cope perfectly well without her trying to put in a full day’s work helping out in the house and on the farm as well as holding down a fulltime job at the school, and Harrison needs to move on from the aftermath of his divorce and decide what to do about the house and land that suited his ex-wife but is too much work for a single man. Of course, if Kate’s going to move out of the family home, then she needs to buy a place of her own, and Harrison’s house might be just what she wants. Except Harrison finds himself falling for her after just one date, and then can’t bear the idea of selling his house to anyone else when there’s the chance that he and Kate together might one day fit it perfectly. Cue the big misunderstanding, which almost had me getting cross with the book again, except the external tension suddenly gets ramped up when one of the high school seniors goes missing during a post-prom party, and the latest of a series of break-ins in town leaves a man dead.
And then we never get the resolution to either of these subplots. Kate and Harrison get their long-term happy ever after, but we’re told nothing about whether or how either mystery gets solved. I know this is the first book in a series, and so loose ends can potentially be tied up in later stories, but I feel let down. A shame, because I do like the setting and the various characters we see only glimpses of in this one, but who will hopefully play a greater part in other books by this author.
Overall, I really couldn’t make my mind up whether to love this book for its mid-1990s, small-town setting or to get very cross with it for the errors and omissions, which in some cases are admittedly only going to bother people who happen to be me. I’ve got the next one in the series to review as well, so I may have more of an opinion after that one.
February 2, 2014
In Late Last Night Lilian Darcy takes us back just a touch in time in Marietta. We have heard mention of Kate in previous novellas on the Copper Mountain Rodeo series, but this time we get Kate's story.
Kate has been living with her brother Rob, his wife Melinda, and their children in their home on the ranch. Besides her teaching job, Kate also helps out with the kids and on the ranch as much as she can. She has been burning the candle at both ends for so long that she is close to burn out, close to starting to resent her family. After being pulled over yet again for a traffic violation by Sheriff Harrison Pearce, his words help open her eyes and give her courage to make the changes she needs to in her life. There is something about Harrison that brings Kate peace and makes her feel grounded...and yes, attracted to him. But it's been so long and Kate doesn't think she has any business starting any kind of relationship with the shape her life is in right now.
Soon they seem to run into each other everywhere though, and spend more and more time together. Kate is feeling good and making positive changes in her life...and both Kate and Harrison feel a connection and so much more. For Kate it is happening very fast and a misunderstanding on her part threatens to unravel what they've started just as quickly. But some connections are meant to be and just might be worth the effort to build... When tragedy strikes it is a time of grief and a time of pulling together. Will Kate risk pulling things together with Harrison?
Lilian gives us a romance to lose yourself in with Late Last Night. Whether or not you've read any of the other Montana Born books you will be soon be quickly immersed and enchanted with Kate and Harrison's story. Late Last Night is a quick read, but definitely a complete read. Lilian manages to pack in the emotions, both good and bad, and write with a flair that blends them together so well...making them real.
Kate and Harrison are both mature characters and their life experiences make them easy to relate to and to love. It was with a lot of good feeling that I watched Kate grow and gain confidence in herself. She is a really good person who has always put others first...now it's time to put Kate first, but she still makes sure no one is neglected. Harrison is ready to settle down and he knows what and who he wants! As contented and peaceful as Kate feels with him, he feels the same. The chemistry between Harrison and Kate is off the walls and Lilian writes this well into the story line.
If you have read the other Montana Born books you will see a lot of characters from previous books, the connections and where they've come from. This was something I really liked about Late Last Night also...it is really engaging how Lilian manages to weave them into Late Last Night so effortlessly and make them all a part of the story whether as strong secondary characters or very subtle ones. However, as I said before you will not be lost if this is your first book!
I'd highly recommend Late Last Night to any romance reader looking for a quick, heart felt read with some memorable characters.
Kate has been living with her brother Rob, his wife Melinda, and their children in their home on the ranch. Besides her teaching job, Kate also helps out with the kids and on the ranch as much as she can. She has been burning the candle at both ends for so long that she is close to burn out, close to starting to resent her family. After being pulled over yet again for a traffic violation by Sheriff Harrison Pearce, his words help open her eyes and give her courage to make the changes she needs to in her life. There is something about Harrison that brings Kate peace and makes her feel grounded...and yes, attracted to him. But it's been so long and Kate doesn't think she has any business starting any kind of relationship with the shape her life is in right now.
Soon they seem to run into each other everywhere though, and spend more and more time together. Kate is feeling good and making positive changes in her life...and both Kate and Harrison feel a connection and so much more. For Kate it is happening very fast and a misunderstanding on her part threatens to unravel what they've started just as quickly. But some connections are meant to be and just might be worth the effort to build... When tragedy strikes it is a time of grief and a time of pulling together. Will Kate risk pulling things together with Harrison?
Lilian gives us a romance to lose yourself in with Late Last Night. Whether or not you've read any of the other Montana Born books you will be soon be quickly immersed and enchanted with Kate and Harrison's story. Late Last Night is a quick read, but definitely a complete read. Lilian manages to pack in the emotions, both good and bad, and write with a flair that blends them together so well...making them real.
Kate and Harrison are both mature characters and their life experiences make them easy to relate to and to love. It was with a lot of good feeling that I watched Kate grow and gain confidence in herself. She is a really good person who has always put others first...now it's time to put Kate first, but she still makes sure no one is neglected. Harrison is ready to settle down and he knows what and who he wants! As contented and peaceful as Kate feels with him, he feels the same. The chemistry between Harrison and Kate is off the walls and Lilian writes this well into the story line.
If you have read the other Montana Born books you will see a lot of characters from previous books, the connections and where they've come from. This was something I really liked about Late Last Night also...it is really engaging how Lilian manages to weave them into Late Last Night so effortlessly and make them all a part of the story whether as strong secondary characters or very subtle ones. However, as I said before you will not be lost if this is your first book!
I'd highly recommend Late Last Night to any romance reader looking for a quick, heart felt read with some memorable characters.
March 10, 2014
Every now and again a short story is just what you need to get through a slight reading slump when other books aren’t working for you. That’s happened for me with this story from Lilian Darcy. This is a light, quick read that’s full of romance, along with tragedy to show these characters how fragile life really is and to hold on with both hands to grab what happiness and love you can.
We start with Kate and Harrison in 1996 when they first begin running into each other in Marietta, Montana. Harrison is the local sheriff, on the job for only about a year. Kate is a high school teacher who helps her brother, along with his wife and five kids, on the family ranch, but it’s time she moved on with a place of her own in town. When Harrison pulls Kate over for the third time, there’s an awareness between them that’s not happened before and can’t be quenched by his calmness that usually affects Kate. This latest run-in gets them both thinking of the other more and more, and when Kate takes a look at the property Harrison is selling due to his divorce, there’s definitely some sparks that can’t be denied.
When they finally have that first date, which is full of fun, good food, and conversation, they’re both so turned on they can hardly wait to get to Harrison’s place. Sexual tension is high, as is the frustration for both them and the reader when the unexpected happens. After resolving their individual issues and taking their time to get together, it’s a simple misunderstanding that nearly costs them everything. At first, though, I was a bit miffed at Kate for doing such assuming, but I can understand why she’d jump to such conclusions, especially because she has no idea about Harrison’s about-face in his plans.
But then it’s prom night in Marietta, and tragedy strikes, with Kate in the middle of it and Harrison once again that calming influence, despite carrying out one of the most difficult aspects of his job. I really enjoyed Kate and Harrison and their respective vulnerabilities, but then going after what they want no matter what. Though this is a spin-off of the Copper Mountain series where there’s another MacCreadie story, along with a number of other great reads, you don’t have to have read them to begin with this first book in the River Bend series. This is a good start to the series to get to know the characters and to get a feel for the town. Montana has some surprises in store for romance readers!
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
We start with Kate and Harrison in 1996 when they first begin running into each other in Marietta, Montana. Harrison is the local sheriff, on the job for only about a year. Kate is a high school teacher who helps her brother, along with his wife and five kids, on the family ranch, but it’s time she moved on with a place of her own in town. When Harrison pulls Kate over for the third time, there’s an awareness between them that’s not happened before and can’t be quenched by his calmness that usually affects Kate. This latest run-in gets them both thinking of the other more and more, and when Kate takes a look at the property Harrison is selling due to his divorce, there’s definitely some sparks that can’t be denied.
When they finally have that first date, which is full of fun, good food, and conversation, they’re both so turned on they can hardly wait to get to Harrison’s place. Sexual tension is high, as is the frustration for both them and the reader when the unexpected happens. After resolving their individual issues and taking their time to get together, it’s a simple misunderstanding that nearly costs them everything. At first, though, I was a bit miffed at Kate for doing such assuming, but I can understand why she’d jump to such conclusions, especially because she has no idea about Harrison’s about-face in his plans.
But then it’s prom night in Marietta, and tragedy strikes, with Kate in the middle of it and Harrison once again that calming influence, despite carrying out one of the most difficult aspects of his job. I really enjoyed Kate and Harrison and their respective vulnerabilities, but then going after what they want no matter what. Though this is a spin-off of the Copper Mountain series where there’s another MacCreadie story, along with a number of other great reads, you don’t have to have read them to begin with this first book in the River Bend series. This is a good start to the series to get to know the characters and to get a feel for the town. Montana has some surprises in store for romance readers!
See my complete review at http://www.goodbadandunread.com
February 14, 2014
Late Last Night by Lilian Darcy is the third novella about a MacCreadie. Kate MaCreadie life’s is a little frazzled as she is helping her younger brother (Rob), his wife (Melinda) and their five young children on the home place while balancing being a high school teacher in the small town of Marietta. She has to commute everyday between the farm and school that causes her to have a few run-ins with the town Sheriff Harrison Pearce. The thing is Harrison gives Kate a calm that is rare in her current life and states she needs to slow down and find a single direction. As Kate addresses her concerns with her direction in life and where she would like to go, Rob is very supportive breaking the dependency so Kate can have a life of her own. During this transition, there are a few high school kids that get in trouble at prom, which draws Kate and Harrison together.
The two items that captivate me in this book are Rob MacCreadie and the strength of his character. It started in Marry Me, Cowboy as Jamie’s father and later in Rodeo Sweetheart’s about Melinda and his relationship. The strength and ability this man has for the people he loves is amazing and lasts the test of time. Second was the tragedy that strikes this town as Kate and Harrison are following in love. I can’t wait to see how that tragedy affects Kate and Harrison relationship and the other characters in Marrietta.
The two items that captivate me in this book are Rob MacCreadie and the strength of his character. It started in Marry Me, Cowboy as Jamie’s father and later in Rodeo Sweetheart’s about Melinda and his relationship. The strength and ability this man has for the people he loves is amazing and lasts the test of time. Second was the tragedy that strikes this town as Kate and Harrison are following in love. I can’t wait to see how that tragedy affects Kate and Harrison relationship and the other characters in Marrietta.
February 5, 2014
This book takes place mostly in 1996 and is the foundation for many characters that we hopefully will be seeing in future River Bend Books. It also has some characters that we have been introduced to previously in the Copper Mountain Rodeo Series.
I really enjoyed this story, It stirred many emotions within me. Lilian Darcy does a great job of layering the characters and giving us backstories without being confusing or one over powering another. I am excited to see where she takes the characters next in other River Bend books.
This story is about Katie, a HS English teacher, who has been her life on hold to help her brother and his wife out; and Harrison the new sheriff who is recently divorced. There paths keep crossing and when Harrison pulls Katie over for the 3rd time and tells her she needs to get her life in order, Katie realizes that something has to give and that she needs to start living her life for her.
There is an event that happens after the prom that Katie is chaperoning that will forever change the lives of everyone.
This is a complete story and a very good one, but it also gives us such insight to what future characters will have to deal with. I can't wait for the rest of the books!
I really enjoyed this story, It stirred many emotions within me. Lilian Darcy does a great job of layering the characters and giving us backstories without being confusing or one over powering another. I am excited to see where she takes the characters next in other River Bend books.
This story is about Katie, a HS English teacher, who has been her life on hold to help her brother and his wife out; and Harrison the new sheriff who is recently divorced. There paths keep crossing and when Harrison pulls Katie over for the 3rd time and tells her she needs to get her life in order, Katie realizes that something has to give and that she needs to start living her life for her.
There is an event that happens after the prom that Katie is chaperoning that will forever change the lives of everyone.
This is a complete story and a very good one, but it also gives us such insight to what future characters will have to deal with. I can't wait for the rest of the books!
January 15, 2014
Lillian Darcy's Late Last Night is a novella on the Montana Born imprint, introducing the reader to another series, River Bend, set in Marietta, Montana, with the characters all connected in some way by a Tragedy at River Bend Park, after the Prom in 1996.
In 1996, Kate MacCreadie is Rob MacCreadie's (Rodeo Sweethearts)sister and Jamie MacCreadie's aunt (Marry Me, Cowboy). She is trying to balance her job as a High School teacher with helping her brother and his wife, Melinda, with their 5 kids, since Melinda hasn't been the same since the birth of the triplets. After new Marietta Sheriff Harrison Pearce stops her, again, for a traffic violation, she agrees when he tells her she may need to make some changes in her life. They both feel the attraction, and she starts to make changes.
This was a quick read, and is a good introduction to the new series of novels and novellas. We are introduced to secondary characters that I am sure we will see again.
Kate and Harrison are a cute couple that fit together from the beginning, and are two caring individuals that touch many lives, so I am sure we will see them pop up again.
In 1996, Kate MacCreadie is Rob MacCreadie's (Rodeo Sweethearts)sister and Jamie MacCreadie's aunt (Marry Me, Cowboy). She is trying to balance her job as a High School teacher with helping her brother and his wife, Melinda, with their 5 kids, since Melinda hasn't been the same since the birth of the triplets. After new Marietta Sheriff Harrison Pearce stops her, again, for a traffic violation, she agrees when he tells her she may need to make some changes in her life. They both feel the attraction, and she starts to make changes.
This was a quick read, and is a good introduction to the new series of novels and novellas. We are introduced to secondary characters that I am sure we will see again.
Kate and Harrison are a cute couple that fit together from the beginning, and are two caring individuals that touch many lives, so I am sure we will see them pop up again.
January 31, 2014
Kate MacCreadie has just been pulled over for the third time by Sheriff Harrison Pearce in the past couple of months. He helps her realize she's close to her wits end and something in her life needs to change. Understanding that helping her brother, his wife, and their kids while working full time as a teacher is becoming too much for her, she decides to move out before she starts resenting her loved ones. Kate finds peace in Harrison's presence and when they start running into each other all over town it seems Kate may have found what she was looking for.
This novella gets 4.5 stars. It may seem to be just Kate and Harrison's story, but this novella managed to pack in so much more. I was surprised by the number of new characters I met and how seamless their introduction was with older ones I'd already read about. Instead of being just a story of love I found a story that also has many mysteries that I can't help but wonder about.
I adored both Kate and Harrison and my heart broke for many a person towards the end of the story. Lilian Darcy somehow managed to tell one story yet introduce the origins of many others that left me satisfied yet eager to read more.
This novella gets 4.5 stars. It may seem to be just Kate and Harrison's story, but this novella managed to pack in so much more. I was surprised by the number of new characters I met and how seamless their introduction was with older ones I'd already read about. Instead of being just a story of love I found a story that also has many mysteries that I can't help but wonder about.
I adored both Kate and Harrison and my heart broke for many a person towards the end of the story. Lilian Darcy somehow managed to tell one story yet introduce the origins of many others that left me satisfied yet eager to read more.
January 26, 2014
Kate MacCreadie is a teacher who happens to have a small problem with a lead foot. As a high school teacher she loves to rock out to her music while she drives home, to a house she shares with her brother, his wife and their five children. Not that she doesn’t love every one but Kate is finally realizing that it’s time for her to branch out and start living her own life.
Harrison Pearce, town sheriff and calm in the face of anything, is in the midst of a divorce and hearing his biological clock ticking. He has also had the pleasure of pulling Ms. MacCreadie over three times recently.
When tragedy strikes the small town of Marietta throwing Kate and Harrison together will they see what a perfect pair they make? Or will they allow murky thoughts to muddle the future?
Ms. Darcy has written a great installment for the town of Marietta. We are shown more about some of the other players in town, given more of the history and have been opened up to a new generation. This is a great quick romantic read when you just want a little something sweet.
Harrison Pearce, town sheriff and calm in the face of anything, is in the midst of a divorce and hearing his biological clock ticking. He has also had the pleasure of pulling Ms. MacCreadie over three times recently.
When tragedy strikes the small town of Marietta throwing Kate and Harrison together will they see what a perfect pair they make? Or will they allow murky thoughts to muddle the future?
Ms. Darcy has written a great installment for the town of Marietta. We are shown more about some of the other players in town, given more of the history and have been opened up to a new generation. This is a great quick romantic read when you just want a little something sweet.
February 1, 2014
Kate is a high school teacher who has been living with her brother and his wife helping them care for thier five children and now she is feeling pulled apart. that it is time to move to her own place and start a new life, a life of her own.
When Sheriff Harrison Pearce pulls her over on her way home she is so drawn by his aura of strength and his calmness, just standing by him breathing in his scent she feels calmer. She knew she liked him was attracted to him, but she didn't have time in her life for anything like that, did she?
When she starts looking at places to buy Harrison's place is one the realtor takes her to see but Harrison is the one who spends the time with her and shows her the house and the property.
This work of fiction didn't have any weakness and its strength was it was just so interesting, easy to follow and it didn't leave you hanging at the end.
I was given a copy of this book to read by the Montana Born tule group and so glad I was. I would recommend this book to readers who love romance.
When Sheriff Harrison Pearce pulls her over on her way home she is so drawn by his aura of strength and his calmness, just standing by him breathing in his scent she feels calmer. She knew she liked him was attracted to him, but she didn't have time in her life for anything like that, did she?
When she starts looking at places to buy Harrison's place is one the realtor takes her to see but Harrison is the one who spends the time with her and shows her the house and the property.
This work of fiction didn't have any weakness and its strength was it was just so interesting, easy to follow and it didn't leave you hanging at the end.
I was given a copy of this book to read by the Montana Born tule group and so glad I was. I would recommend this book to readers who love romance.
February 12, 2014
Kate works as an English teacher, but has currently put her life on hold to help her brother and his wife out. But after she gets pulled over for the third time by Sheriff Harrison, he tells her that she needs to start making some changes in her life. She has been so focused on helping others that she has neglected her own life. In the meantime, Sheriff Harrison is going through his own issues. He’s in the process of going through a divorce and selling his home. But as his and Kate’s paths keep crossing, they start to develop feelings for each other. But circumstances happen that may keep them apart. Can they work past these instances and find their way into each other’s hearts?
The author did a great job mixing so many emotions into this story. I felt that the story was well written, the characters relatable and the emotions so real! I loved this book and found myself reading it all in one day. I would highly recommend this book.
The author did a great job mixing so many emotions into this story. I felt that the story was well written, the characters relatable and the emotions so real! I loved this book and found myself reading it all in one day. I would highly recommend this book.
September 17, 2014
This is a lovely story about Kate MacCreadie, an English teacher at the Marietta High School. She is living with her brother Rob and his wife Melinda, helping them with their five children, but she is getting burned out. She wants to be on her own. When a couple of chance encounters with the local sheriff gives her the motivation she needs to go out on her own. But sparks fly between her and the sheriff, Harrison Pearce.
I loved Kate's character. She has very strong devotion to her brother and his family, and she is just the kind of English teacher I would have loved to have in school. This story is so well written I could feel the emotions right along with the characters. Kate's growth and emotional turmoil in the story is so touching. I wanted this story to continue. I'm looking forward to the next story in the River Bend series.
I loved Kate's character. She has very strong devotion to her brother and his family, and she is just the kind of English teacher I would have loved to have in school. This story is so well written I could feel the emotions right along with the characters. Kate's growth and emotional turmoil in the story is so touching. I wanted this story to continue. I'm looking forward to the next story in the River Bend series.
January 19, 2014
Kate MacCreadie has lost control of her life. She doesn't have time to be her own person. She works every day as high school teacher and in her spare time she helps her brother and his wife with their five children. Things have to change and they do when she meets Sheriff Harrison Pearce. Their emotional and physical connection is immediate. Can they find time for a life together? This story takes us back to Marietta Montana. It gives us more back story on some of the people who live here. There is plenty of drama and romance in this novella. I love the characters and enjoy watching them grow as we see them as high school seniors. Lilian Darcy captures their emotions and inner feelings with her wonderful storytelling. I'm looking forward to the next book in the River Bend series. I need answers.
February 1, 2014
Late Last Night by Lilian Darcy
Lilian Darcy has a hit in my opinion with Late Last Night-A River Bend Novel. Kate a high school English teacher at Marietta High School is stressed, between helping her brother and his wife with their 5 children and teaching, she needs to slow down which she's told by the new sheriff in town-Harrison-when he stops her ONCE again. Longing for a place of her own she decides to move from her brothers and looks for a new home. One place is newly divorced Harrison's home. Oh by the way did I mention Kate is attracted to Harrison and the feeling is mutual, although Harrison is gun-shy.
When a tragedy strikes on prom night Kate and Harrison grow closer. Well I encourage you to purchase Late Last Night to read all about this love story. You will not be disappointed. Lilian Darcy is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
Lilian Darcy has a hit in my opinion with Late Last Night-A River Bend Novel. Kate a high school English teacher at Marietta High School is stressed, between helping her brother and his wife with their 5 children and teaching, she needs to slow down which she's told by the new sheriff in town-Harrison-when he stops her ONCE again. Longing for a place of her own she decides to move from her brothers and looks for a new home. One place is newly divorced Harrison's home. Oh by the way did I mention Kate is attracted to Harrison and the feeling is mutual, although Harrison is gun-shy.
When a tragedy strikes on prom night Kate and Harrison grow closer. Well I encourage you to purchase Late Last Night to read all about this love story. You will not be disappointed. Lilian Darcy is a very talented author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
February 11, 2014
Kate, the school teacher, lives with her brother and his family but she realizes she needs to make changes after the local Sheriff, Harrison, mentions such. Harrison, on the other hand, is going through a divorce and decides to sell his home. Kate and the Sheriff have several run ends and they begin to fall for each other but some misunderstanding could keep them apart. They then both experience tragedy, but in different ways, and they realize they are meant to be with each other. Are they able to withstand such tragedy and a major misunderstanding or is their love not so grand that they cannot overcome all barriers? Read this most awesome story and find out what happens. It does not let you down and keeps you wanting to turn each page faster and faster. (I read this book in one sitting and could not put it down.)
March 4, 2014
A new twist from the authors of the Montana Born books! Late Last Night is the first story in the "River Bend" series that includes many characters from the highly popular "Copper Mountain Rodeo" series that is set in the small town of Marietta, Montana.
In this story, Kate MacCreadie is the featured heroine, and her search for independence also finds her capturing a taste of love as well. This short novella is the introduction for Lilian Darcy's full-length novel, "The Sweetest Thing," as it sets the stage for the stories to come about the folks of Marietta who live in town (as opposed to the ranchers that were the focus of the previous series.)
These novels are so much fun, and first timer readers can pop in and pick up on the action with ease. I highly recommend all the "Montana Born" stories, novellas and novels for a pleasant reading experience.
In this story, Kate MacCreadie is the featured heroine, and her search for independence also finds her capturing a taste of love as well. This short novella is the introduction for Lilian Darcy's full-length novel, "The Sweetest Thing," as it sets the stage for the stories to come about the folks of Marietta who live in town (as opposed to the ranchers that were the focus of the previous series.)
These novels are so much fun, and first timer readers can pop in and pick up on the action with ease. I highly recommend all the "Montana Born" stories, novellas and novels for a pleasant reading experience.
February 28, 2014
Another talented author does her readers and herself a disservice by writing a novella instead of a full length novel. I was loving this story until the last chapter when the author leaps 18 years in the future. There is no resolution of any of the subplots and the romance itself was sufficiently developed. Ms. Darcy is a very talented writer with an amazing ability to create realistic fleshed out characters. The romance story was hot and starting to heat up when she abruptly finished the story. More frustrating was her failure to conclude the many subplots in the story involving the local high school students and the break ins. Personally, I wish this trend toward novellas would end. Writing a short story and novellas is an art. Writing a truncated novel in which half of the story is missing is not a novella.
March 14, 2014
Clean contempory-ish (90's) romance with a thirty something high school teacher falling in love with the town sheriff while some crazy stuff is going on in their small town.
Kate MacCreadie takes care of everyone but herself which includes her brother, his wife and their five children as well as lots of high school students. So she decides to change her life a little by moving out of the MacCreadie family ranch and getting her own place closer to town. So she keeps having run-ins with the sexy cute new sheriff, Harrison Pearce.
There is a tragedy the night of the high school Prom which brings to two of them together in this clean romance about two lonely adults that find themselves before finding each other. Smart way to go instead of trying to always conforming to the people around them.
112 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
Kate MacCreadie takes care of everyone but herself which includes her brother, his wife and their five children as well as lots of high school students. So she decides to change her life a little by moving out of the MacCreadie family ranch and getting her own place closer to town. So she keeps having run-ins with the sexy cute new sheriff, Harrison Pearce.
There is a tragedy the night of the high school Prom which brings to two of them together in this clean romance about two lonely adults that find themselves before finding each other. Smart way to go instead of trying to always conforming to the people around them.
112 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars
January 14, 2014
This is a sweet and exciting story. Part was a real nail biter for me.
Back in 1996, Kate MacCreadie is deciding what to so with her life. She loves her teaching job, but home life is getting to her. Living with her brother, his wife and their 5 children is becoming a bit more then she can handle. With so much on her mind, she ends up getting pulled over on her way home from school one day. It turns out to be Sheriff Harrison Pearce. She falls for the handsome sheriff. But, one fear stands in her way. Could he possibly be getting back together with his ex wife? One night after prom, Kate witnesses something tragic and brings them together again. But, what happened will leave a scar on a lot of people's memories. Fast forward to the present day and find out what happens next.
Back in 1996, Kate MacCreadie is deciding what to so with her life. She loves her teaching job, but home life is getting to her. Living with her brother, his wife and their 5 children is becoming a bit more then she can handle. With so much on her mind, she ends up getting pulled over on her way home from school one day. It turns out to be Sheriff Harrison Pearce. She falls for the handsome sheriff. But, one fear stands in her way. Could he possibly be getting back together with his ex wife? One night after prom, Kate witnesses something tragic and brings them together again. But, what happened will leave a scar on a lot of people's memories. Fast forward to the present day and find out what happens next.
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