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Alternate cover edition of ASIN B00HMQVWCU

Ryder Shaw is still the most gorgeous male Carly Jacobs has ever known! She has never forgotten her teenage crush -- or his betrayal years before -- but now she’s back in her Wyoming hometown with a job to do. Though Carly wants nothing to do with the man she once loved and now despises, she has to stop a vicious poacher and she needs Ryder’s help.

As their journey takes them into the Wyoming wilderness, she can’t help but surrender to the lightning storm of passion between them, but can she find a way to forgive the man she had loved first and best?

In this story revised from her debut novel originally published by Bantam Loveswept as The Mating Game, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne tells a touching story of intrigue and heart.

180 pages, ebook

First published July 1, 1996

104 people are currently reading
308 people want to read

About the author

RaeAnne Thayne

312 books3,867 followers
I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

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5 stars
293 (52%)
4 stars
153 (27%)
3 stars
86 (15%)
2 stars
17 (3%)
1 star
4 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,211 reviews51 followers
August 2, 2018
I was trying to think of a way to describe this book without spoiling it but had a hard time. But I will say that this book was a pretty good one. My only problem was there were moments where the book felt like it was being rushed like when she she found evidence of who the poachers could possibly be that part of the story was rushed and it seemed like the whole point of the book was going to be based on that. Maybe it was just me that felt that way. But overall the relationship, secrets and romance that was starting to come out of this book was pretty good and I enjoyed it.

Profile Image for Marcia  Haskell.
632 reviews11 followers
May 18, 2017
Compensating for a misunderstood past

I enjoyed this story. It had 2 faults, as far as I am concerned. First the lack of strong characterization - due entirely to the shortness of the book and second I am getting the little tired of romances where the principle conflicts come about because of the lack of trust of one person in the other. I accept that the lack of saying what someone thinks leads to resentment and trouble between 2 people, but don't understand the rationalization the means it is safer and better to keep secrets than taking a chance on loving someone.

I enjoy RaeAnn Thayne's writing. She sets places and events such that they are fun to read. Similarly, her characters are people I would like to know in real life. Those are the reasons I rated the book 4*. But I would really like a romance where inability (or lack of desire) to talk to each is the primary barrier.
34 reviews
December 16, 2023
Great story. Proofreading would have been a good idea.

This was a great storyline, however proofreading would have been a good idea. "A hundred miles" probably should have been "a hundred yards." Page 108 "mouth to month" probably should be "mouth to mouth." Those are only a couple of examples.
856 reviews
July 18, 2017
Another great book.

I'm already enthralled with this series! I love the development of the characters and the surprise twists the author inserts. Can't wait to get started on the next book!
513 reviews17 followers
July 25, 2018
This story is author RaeAnne Thayne’s first published work, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Carly and Ryder are both strong individuals sharing a long, wonderful, complicated past from childhood on. Misunderstandings, bears, poaching, and family make for an exciting and emotional read. Get started!
14 reviews
August 18, 2020
I couldn’t put it down

This was a great book, I love all this authors books, she gives three dimensional characters, I love knowing what both are thinking and feeling.
Unlike some writers who focus on one character, she completes the story.
Profile Image for patricia  shepherd.
23 reviews1 follower
August 26, 2018
Attention Getting

This was a great read! I loved the mystery of the storyline. It kept my attention very well. Thank you.
Profile Image for Theresa LeBlanc.
690 reviews11 followers
September 22, 2018
Wonderful story!

Romance, family drama, a whodunit, this book has it all. RaeAnne Thayne is a wonderful writer! All her books are so good!
2 reviews
January 25, 2019
Great reading




Hard to put down when start reading the book. Great book can't wait to start second one. AppEarances book I have read have been good
10 reviews
February 14, 2019
An Enjoyable Read

I liked the story. It kept me wondering what would happen next, and how the writer would answer my questions on past history.
Profile Image for Barbara.
1,610 reviews22 followers
January 31, 2020
Enjoyable

Secrets, loss, lack of trust, grudges, tension, sizzling sparks, love, forgiveness. Another great story by one of my favorite authors.
2,674 reviews
May 26, 2015
A simple 1990's romance: boy and girl misunderstand each other, love each other in spite of that, and find true love and understanding. I like the author and her characters so it was a quick enjoyable if not entirely believable romance.
109 reviews
March 11, 2016
Love stories set in Wyoming!

Carly needs to view her brother's and his best friend's actions through the eyes of an adult, seeing the whole truth. Great characters, as typical of all RaeAnne Thayne books.
Profile Image for Krista .
349 reviews2 followers
April 16, 2014
Great book with developed characters and a storyline beyond falling in love. Old love reacquainted.
1,833 reviews4 followers
January 4, 2016
Really good

RaeAnne Thayne has a way with a story that makes me keep coming back for more.Holds you spellbound from beginning to end.
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews11 followers
April 27, 2017
Blind trust

I was glad to see this series updated and released again as I missed it first time around. Good story about life, love, family, and most of all friendship! Carly comes to realize the boy she loved as a child has grown into an admirable and respected man. He protected the secret her brother and his best friend entrusted to him many years ago Eve though it meant he might lose the love of his life. Looking forward to book 2 in the series!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews

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