Something Gained

by Erin FitzGerald

Seven years ago a stranger stole my future. My hopes, plans and dreams have been put aside in favor of basic survival, a skill I’ve honed at great personal cost.

The handsome cowboy who finds me walking home one day and takes it upon himself to be my transporter, the bringer of food and gifts, has demons of his own. Jacob says he understands struggle and suffering and expects no repayment, but in my experience everyone seeks their due.

When it becomes clear to Jacob that my son and I are in danger, he shelters us, giving me time and space to adjust, something he understands due to a past he won’t talk about.

I’ve been running from a ghost for seven years, hiding until I thought the storm had blown over. But returning home was my biggest mistake, because the past is only two steps behind.

I don’t expect Jacob to save me, and I’m beginning to realize he needs more than I can give. After a lifetime of feeling like I’m not enough, the thought of not being enough for him scares me more than the evil that hunts me.

ebook

First published April 16, 2024

About the author

Erin believes every story should have a happy ending and that very few characters are completely irredeemable.

She lives in the Metro DC area with her husband and two children, in a house full of pets and plants.

Reviews

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin does it again with an emotional gripping tale. Emily and Jacob both come from traumatic pasts so watching them navigate them and falling in love was 🤌🏻 Absolutely recommend if you love emotional reads.

[NrsKelley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Such a powerful book dealing with some really tough issues and how they affect this couple. Imagine trying to love someone when you are both broken…..add in some horses, a little bit of evil and some devoted sound family and you have this book!
I have loved every minute of the wolf mountain ranchers series by Erin. She gives those of us who are a little older and believe in second chances hope.
You’ll love this books if you like:
💜age gaps
💜found family
💜forced proximity
💜found family
💜traumatic pasta
💜reverse grumpy/sunshine
💜friends to lovers
💜cowboys with tattoos

[Laliesha · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you like your books where the characters presents are dictated by their murky pasts, where they are hiding things to survive and beyond anything just want to feel safe and belonged then this is for you. (Well actually anything in this series will be)

Emily = warrior
Jacob = protective survivor
Riley (child)= a precious inquisitive mind


There was something special about Emily and Jacobs story that's hard to put into words because it's just all feeling.

Emily is the epitome of a warrior. She carries the weight of the world and its judgement on her back and doesn't dare to hope for more from her life.

Jacob is hands down one of the most gentle, caring and protective characters I've read in a long time. He sees beneath the surface and is immediately drawn to Emily. Like calls to like and this story is about two survivors whose circumstances in life repeatedly told them they weren't enough, and that they weren't of value, come together to belong.

[Eclectic Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dear Lord! Ms. FitzGerald has written yet another beautiful love story. I don't think I've cried that hard in a long time. Jacob and Emily are my new favorite broken couple. Behind Jacob's charming cowboy/Nordic sex god magnetism and Emily's hesitant sweet gestures, are deep-rooted painful nightmares.

Jacob Larsen is the epitome of charm and ruggedness and he captured my heart immediately. The women are lining up to climb the big, gorgeous cowboy, but he's a damaged man who claims he's unlovable. I beg to differ!  Enter Emily Armstrong: the quiet, strong, unassuming woman who lives her unhappy life one unpredictable day at a time. Men aren't high on her list. Especially pretty boys.

Jacob is such a kind and gentle giant who becomes Emily's steadfast protector. The way he carefully sneaks his way into her extremely broken heart is a wonder to watch. He believes he does it because he understands how it feels to be hungry and alone, but Emily is more than a charity case, she is his salvation. 

Emily's life is a terrifying journey marked by a history of trauma and abuse. Hiding from her past, she is struggling to take care of Riley and her abusive alcoholic stepfather. When the gorgeous Jacob enters her life, she's suspicious of his motives. In her experience when someone does something for you, they expect something in return. My heart broke for what this young woman went through and her lovely heartfelt thankful kisses she gives Jacob are meaningful and genuine. Something Jacob has not experienced.

The author skillfully peels back the layers of both Emily's and Jacob's own emotional turmoil, revealing the deep wounds and insecurities that plague them. Jacob and Emily are two souls deserving of unwavering compassion and understanding. Their individual journeys created a mixture of raw emotions and profound revelations that had me angry and sobbing at times. 

I was thrilled to see characters from the previous books who bring a sense of warmth and camaraderie to the story. Mark and Lana's relationship is beautiful as they show Jacob how love is supposed to be. Ashley helps Jacob and Emily slay their dragons so they can open up about their feelings. The unconventional Mrs. Cooper has unorthodox ways of showing her affection, but she means well. And Riley. Oh, Riley. What an adorable little boy with so much love to give. 

Ms. FitzGerald's gorgeous writing wraps around your heart and will not let go. She is a master story teller with her realistic and relatable characters and her despairing and suspenseful storylines. 

Pick up this book. Pick up this series. You will not be disappointed.

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jacob Larsen caught sight of a petite blonde in a yellow sundress, and little did he realize at that moment that his life would change forever. Emily is skeptical when Jacob offers her a ride home. Skeptical because experience has taught her men aren't to be trusted. Jacob introduces himself as the manager of the equestrian operation on the Branson ranch. Adding another quick comment combined with Emily's exhaustion from a day's work at the library, grocery shopping, and miles to walk before she even reaches home with a long evening ahead, she acquiesces. Little did Emily realize with that quick decision, her life would change forever.

I loved this captivating novel (even all the pages read by blinking through my tears)! In alternating chapters, Emily and Jacob open their doors to their lives in the present. As they slowly open windows for each other, simultaneously, the reader begins to receive the puzzle pieces of their past, each with fear, each carrying unspeakable trauma, keeping it hidden, buried deep inside. With each chapter, I was more invested in the outcome.

Erin FitzGerald writes slow-burn romance like no other. The characters are not flawless but human in every aspect as she reveals them. Writing that captures the heart. Secondary characters are as well-developed as the primary characters, each contributing to the whole, and without each of them, the story wouldn't be the same. Moments where nothing is as it seems, gripping suspense, laugh-out-loud humor (especially the phrases to tickle book lovers), and every emotion a reader can have while reading books, all tight in a perfect fit into one storyline, with all felt deep in my soul.

I highly recommend adding this beautifully written romance to your tbr. I'd give it more than 5 stars if possible. Book 3 may be read as a stand-alone, but after glimpses of Lana and Mark, and Ashley, I suspect you’ll want to read their stories in Book 1 (Lana and Mark) and Book 2 (Ashley and Travis). I also recommend reading the author's Afterword for exciting updates about future plans for Wolf Mountain Ranchers and the next series (delightfully related).

[Nicole Marie Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is absolutely amazing! There are some darker elements to both Emily and Jacob’s past that affect their current status as well but I was most definitely there for every second of it! The feelings felt while reading this and the love that I have for each and every character! There are some past characters that play such a powerful part in this story too and seeing them again was great. I had moments I giggled, moments I cried, moments I screamed. Which means it provoked enough emotions to make it perfect. I can’t get enough of this series!!

[Jadin Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

I truly loved Jacob and Emily’s story. From start to finish I loved them, they both had terrible pasts and traumatic upbringings, but were able to grow and be better for each other. I appreciated that it showed that even though the characters were stubborn they had help or asked for help when it was needed. I liked that previous characters showed up in the book and it made them more well rounded and added to the series. The book could be standalone, but I’d recommend reading the others prior as it just adds to the continuation of the series. The plot twist in this book was also a shock and it was really well thought out. I was not expecting it to get so dark and deep, but I really enjoyed reading this book. I’d highly recommend it, Erin has done it again!

[Lizzylovesbookss · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to Erin FitzGerald for the ARC!

This is my 3rd Erin book, and I absolutely loved it! It was perfect, made me feel many different emotions. I fell in love with the MCs, Emily and Jacob.


Emily is such a strong, stubborn, and independent person, with a painful past. I found myself relating to her personality more and some of her problems.

Jacob also had some past issues that affected his relationship with Emily. But, I couldn’t help falling in love with him. He is such a protector, he is always there to comfort Emily and Riley.

I loved the HEA!! This book is beautiful!! I cannot wait to read more of Erin FitzGerald books!

[omg_reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 3 of the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series did not disappoint! Both Jacob and Emily have been through it and now they finally have a chance at love with each other. But their trauma, and Emily’s past, keeps getting in the way. Featuring one of my favorite side characters, Mrs. Cooper 😆

[Donna McEachran · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't think I have ever read two such broken characters as Emily and Jacob. The further into the book, the more secrets and history is disclosed leading to tears. Love Jacob's strength and Emily's resolve to improve her own and Riley's lives. Highly recommended.

[Patty Baumeister · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC Book Review
Something Gained
A Novel Written By Erin FitzGerald
Fiction - Romance
Published April 2024
432 Pages
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This is Book 3 in the author’s Wolf Mountain Ranchers Series. Like the first two books, this one is set in a small town in Montana. The main characters in the first two books have important roles in this book.

The two main characters in this book, Emily Armstrong and Jacob Larsen, are two damaged individuals fighting their own personal demons. Emily is guarded, cautious, and reserved. She is trying to open up her heart and trust men again. Especially to Jacob who has been very helpful and kind to her. Jacob is lonely and wants to help and take care of Emily, but he has emotional scars from his childhood.

There are a few subplots intertwined in this love story that jeopardize Emily and Jacob’s happily ever after.

The author has included an unforgettable side character who adds some comic relief to this otherwise serious tale. Mrs. Cooper is an older woman who works at the library with Emily. She is definitely not your stereotypical librarian. Her one liners made Emily and Jacob blush -
“That Larsen man could Dewey my decimals any day.”

“All of our broken pieces fit together to make something beautiful.”

[Marie Girulat · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you to the author for the gifted book.

I was completely gripped by the story of Jacob and Emily, and it held my heart until the very end. Both of them have gone through terrible pain and suffering in their pasts, which made their slow realization that they deserve love all the more moving. The pacing of the story was just right, and the twists and turns that brought them to their happily ever after were perfectly executed. The character of Mrs. Cooper, the librarian with a love for sexual innuendos, provided some much-needed comic relief at appropriate moments.

Erin's writing is truly remarkable. She manages to create a deep emotional connection with her readers by exploring the tragedies that her characters have gone through.

Even though this is the third book in the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series, it can easily be read as a standalone. It's great to see how the characters from the previous books have progressed in their lives. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a good romance novel that tugs at the heartstrings.

[Confidentlyinthe.clouds Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was good

[Ashley Francisco · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved having the opportunity to read Emily and Jacobs story early! Like the first two books, this one takes place in Montana on a ranch. The characters from the first two books made appearances, which I personally loved. It felt like reconnecting with old friends.

Both Jacob and Emily come with past demons, and work their way through them both individually and together throughout the book. I thoroughly enjoyed watching them grow as characters, and their relationship strengthen. I was rooting for them the whole time.

I really enjoyed this story, and can’t wait to see what’s next for the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series! I highly reccomend them all!

[Bianca Jaimes · Rating 4 out of 5]

Trauma does a lot of things to your brain chemistry, and if there's one thing that I'm sure of, is that it's hard to trust anyone when you've never grown up with someone you could trust with absolution. While I could never imagine the type of trauma Emily faces in this book, it was not hard to see why it was so hard for her to come to trust Jacob. I found myself halfway through upset that while Jacob wanted her to trust him to take care of her, it turned out that he himself had been a product of trauma and couldn't find it in himself to trust her. It made me realize that while you can have feelings for someone else if you haven't healed yourself then being capable of loving or trusting anyone else is impossible. The story between Emily and Jacob is one of mutual healing and overcoming trauma, and they didn't just overcome their trauma through love but with therapy, and queue in a sweet cameo from my fave Ashley Benson their official small town therapist. Erin does an amazing job of just taking a topic, inserting characters that just absolutely wreck you. If you're ready for a heartwrenching, harrowing and agonizing but sweet journey through healing, of a story that will make you cry (because this brought out the waterworks). Run, don't walk to read this.

[Jennifer Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

“𝑾𝒉𝒊𝒄𝒉 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒐𝒇 𝒉𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒕𝒂𝒄𝒕 𝒊𝒔 𝒊𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒚𝒐𝒖 𝒎𝒊𝒔𝒔?” 𝑰 𝒂𝒔𝒌𝒆𝒅, 𝒔𝒖𝒓𝒑𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒆𝒅 𝒘𝒉𝒆𝒏 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒘𝒐𝒓𝒅𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒇𝒕 𝒎𝒚 𝒎𝒐𝒖𝒕𝒉.

“𝑰 𝒔𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒔𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒑𝒂𝒓𝒕 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒊𝒏𝒗𝒐𝒍𝒗𝒆𝒔 𝒍𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒂𝒏𝒐𝒕𝒉𝒆𝒓 𝒑𝒆𝒓𝒔𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏. 𝑻𝒓𝒖𝒔𝒕𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒎𝒖𝒄𝒉.”
------

I don't know how she does it, but each time I read a new book from the author, I fall harder for the characters. Jacob and Emily are no different. Erin Fitzgerald has managed to take my love for 𝗦𝗼𝗺𝗲𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗕𝗿𝗼𝗸𝗲𝗻's Travis and replace it with Jacob.

We were introduced to Jacob in earlier books of the series as Mark Branson's right hand man, but now he has his own book! Jacob is the definition of cinnamon roll. He's a true gentleman, who loves using terms like "little lady" and "darlin'" He takes an immediate liking to our leading lady who has demons in her past. But he too has demons that resurface with her around.

Emily's story broke my heart. We learn that she was the girl in the newspaper articles "Little Girl Lost". She showed soo much courage.

If you are a small town girl like me, please do not sleep on this Wolf Mountain Ranchers Series. These are comforting with just enough spice to warm you up.

[Ashlee Moore · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Loving someone else is dangerous when you can’t afford to lose any more pieces of your heart.”


Out of all of the books in this series, I think this one came across as the realest of them. I will say to check the trigger warnings before you commit to these two characters and the amazing story that pieces them back together. They prove that love heals all things when you find the right person who is willing to put in the work with you.

Two amazing characters, who have very hurtful and trauma filled pasts. One that gives all of himself to others and loves deeply. But, believes no one could ever truly love him and that everyone leaves because he is unlovable. The other who has been used and mistreated, believes she is damaged, and not worthy of another persons love. She also does not believe that anyone does anything kind for others without expecting something in return.


“I can attest to what a women’s love does for a man. We do it because sometimes we can see the end from the beginning and we know that person is worth our time, our effort and our love.”

[Ramona · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely amazing

✨🌼 ARC Review 🌼✨

Something Gained by Erin FitzGerald

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

This book…where do I even start! 💛💛💛
It’s traumatic,it’s dark,angsty,sad and heartbreaking,but it’s also heartwarming,hopeful,lovely and cheerful.I cries and I laughed,and there where more then a couple of times where I hold my breath and gasped.Emily and Jacob are drawn together like a magnet,and their traumatic pasts seem to put some obstacles in their what should be a very lovely relationship. This is the 3rd book in the Wolf Mountain Ranchers,and hands down has become my favorite. I like the way that Erin has integrated the characters from the previous 2 books and the role they each play in the story.
I can’t recommend this book enough (the entire series actually),so if you read it (which you should 😉) hold on,cause it’s a rollercoaster,but a very good one.

[Samantha P · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book touches on so many things that make people feel like they are struggling alone. The topics were heavy so check your trigger warnings but the book was written so beautifully. It was a bit slow to start but the strength Emily shows and the growth in not only her character but also Jacobs. I wasn’t sure if there would be a happy ending for them. Some of our favorite characters from books 1 & 2 make an appearance, Mark, Ashley and Lana. Overall continue to recommend this series, Erin is a phenomenal writer and I love her focus on mental health.

[Delaine (NovelReadingNanny) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Erin writes beautiful stories that have you remembering what hope feels like while making you bawl your eyes out at the end.

Emily and Jacob's story was no difference. There were several tough subjects so make sure you check your triggers.

After several books of hers, I've come to expect the heartbreak but it was a little extra hard with this one for some reason 😭 I almost thought we weren't getting our HEA but Erin came through.

If you're a fan of obsessed cowboys and don't mind some WTH moments and heartbreak, I cannot recommend this series enough!

[Ditte Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW! This one got me good. I finished the book in under 24 hours. The story caught on from the first chapter, and I didn't look back.

I would very much like my own Jacob. Does anyone know where i can find one?

I love how Erin manages to describe the development of Emily and Jacob. Both their individual fights against their traumas, but also how they struggle with them having found each other and believing in themselves enough to give it a go.

I loved this book. It's definitely my favorite if the series so far.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is quickly becoming my favorite series of the year. Jacob and Emily are the type of characters that touch your heart and make you feel all the emotions. Both have their own broken pieces that slowly begin to heal in the presence of each other. As their friendship and relationship grow, they face obstacles and uncertainties of the future because of their pasts. To add to the growing emotion throughout the book, Erin FitzGerald is masterful as weaving in a bit of suspense that makes your jaw drop.

[Rebmay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Readers should be aware that this book does include sensitive topics such as abuse, sexual assault and alcoholism. Jacob and Emily’s story engrossing and emotional. Both have unfortunately endured very painful pasts and have become wary of love and relationships. A gesture of assistance is the catalyst for the intertwining of their lives and the slow burn romance that neither could ever had expected. Their story is not an easy one. It includes a few terrifying twists, learning to let go of the past and being brave enough to open one’s heart to love after having it stomped on repeatedly and being willing to fight to keep it.

Trusting any man comes especially hard for Emily, which is why she is reluctant to accept help from Jacob. Emily has known little genuine affection or kindness in her life, both often coming with conditions or consequences, in her experience. She is used to being looked down upon, gossiped about or dismissed as trash. Though her family is struggling financially, she won’t accept charity or ask for help. Despite the age gap between them, Emily finds Jacob attractive, but so does every other woman who sees him. When he offers to drive her back and forth to work regularly, she wonders just what he wants, what it will cost her. Over the coming weeks he gradually fills her in on his life, though she tells him little about her own. She is just waiting for him to get tired of helping her, to demand more or to stop seeing her altogether.

Jacob is used to being chased by the opposite sex and doesn’t do relationships. Emily brings out something different, something protective, almost tender and definitely not something he has felt for any other woman. It isn’t just her beauty that draws him to her. He recognizes her brokenness, the marks a hard life has left on her soul and spirit because he has lived through something similar. He only wants to lessen her burden, see her less tired and thin, and to see her smile. Her dismay and distrust of his motives are something he understands all too well. He can’t not help her, though he refuses to put a name to the emotion he feels stirring in his heart. Months pass with very little progress in their relationship. Jacob’s feelings have deepened, though he still refuses to admit it, especially as he sees no sign of those feelings in Emily. Then a heartrending incident takes their relationship into a new phase. As their story continues, secrets are revealed, their connection deepens and they are forced to deal with the past, the fears, the doubts and the demons that haunt them. In the end, the choose love and fight with everything they have to keep it and build a future together.

I loved the slow and steady burn between Jacob and Emily. The gradual building of trust, the hot as the sun chemistry and the patience he shows as Emily slowly lets him into her heart and her life. Jacobs rapport with young Riley just melts my heart. The secondary characters certainly add a lot to their story. Mrs. Cooper is an unexpected ally to both Emily and Jacob even though she is an odd duck. One moment she is lewd and lascivious with Jacob, then concerned and protective of Emily and given to warning Jacob to take care not to hurt her. Tanya’s antics serve to show Emily that she does indeed have feelings about Jacob that are deeper than friendship. Emily has a fiery side that she keeps well hidden, but certain circumstances bring out her inner tigress. I have to say that I was grinning like a loon at several points in this book, tearing up at others and finished this book with a very happy heart.

I would give this book the highest of recommendations, though readers should heed the trigger warnings.

[ReadIntoWonderland · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.75 stars

The magic is back! I love the callbacks to the characters in the previous books. Fitzgerald is excellent and weaving the stories of characters together without making an overly complicated web. Not everyone has to know everyone incredibly well and she does this perfectly!

I loved the character of an ass-grabbing old lady so much. There were truly moments where her boldness made me chuckle. She is one of a few side characters that bring a little bit of light to a much heavier story. Their inclusion is much needed.

I will say, Erin... I hate you a little for killing off the cutie horse. That poor baby did nothing to deserve that pain and suffering. At least it actually propelled the story forward and gave Jacob the push he needed to confront his feelings.

This story is absolutely filled to the brim with heartbreak and teary-eyed moments. I definitely sobbed more than a few times with all they went through. The trauma was so authentic. I am unbelievably amazed at Fitzgerald's ability to express raw and deep emotion through her storytelling. Fitzgerald creates characters with deep deep trauma and then actually makes them put in the work to grow and move on towards happiness.

By the end, I was incredibly happy for Emily's son Riley. He went through so much so young and he came out at the end all the better. The bond he creates with Jacob is so heart-warming and gave me the warm fuzzies. Riley isn't just a character that is there to be there. He gives depth and significance to the bond between Emily and Jacob.

This book has some open-door spice. It does contribute to the plot and how the characters are growing. That said, it can probably be skipped without missing all too much.

Overall this was another incredible cowboy romance. The characters and depth of the story are by far the best aspects. I loved the cameos from the characters in the earlier books. I highly advise looking at the trigger warnings before reading this book because there are many that can be very raw and deep for those with similar experiences.

Please see my blog for a more in-depth review: https://readintowonderland.blogspot.c...

I received this book as an arc and am part of the author's arc team. My review is honest and voluntary

[Jennifer Leigh (jenjenbookfan) · Rating 5 out of 5]

𝐒𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐭𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐆𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐞𝐝 is the 3rd book in the Wolf Mountain Ranchers series by Erin FitzGerald, featuring a heart-wrenchingly emotional romance between two broken souls searching for a soft place to land. Jacob spots a pretty, younger woman clearly in need of help, if he can just convince her to trust him. When both people have traumatic pasts, it’s a huge task for them to fully trust each other, especially when the past may be lurking right around the corner.

Holy Book Hangover!🤯 This is the best book of the series so far— the heartbreaking stories, the raw and gritty emotions, the poignant slow burn romance full of angst and chemistry, and the priceless bonds and friendships were so beautifully presented. The shocking twists and turns in this book had my emotions all over the place. I would be giggling one minute, and crying the next! Jacob was such an awesome cinnamon roll hero who was so compassionate and respectful in the way he approached Emily. She kind of reminded me of one of his skittish horses at first. That poor girl’s story broke my heart. I see her as a Phoenix rising from the ashes, a real warrior! She and little Riley deserve every happiness Jacob wants to give them, as does he! I love that once they built the trust over time, they were able to experience the full fire of their connection as well. The supporting characters were heroes of this book for me as well. The other people on the ranch pulled together like a family, when trouble struck. With all the heavy notes, some comedy was needed, and Mrs. Cooper, the naughty librarian was there to lighten the mood!🤣

I know not everyone enjoys emotional rollercoaster stories that touch on sensitive topics, but these characters deserve to be heard! Give this amazing book a chance!! Bring tissues, though!🥺 You will need them!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶🌶

#SomethingGained #WolfMountainRanchSeries #ErinFitzGerald #cowboyromance #AgeGap #SingleParent #CinnamonRollHero #hefallsfirst #SmallTown #emotionalreads #Angsty #SlowBurn

[Marina Torre · Rating 5 out of 5]

Something Gained ☀️🌳🐴✨🫶🏼
Format: e-book (read on my Kindle)

Another FANTASTIC read from a FANTASTIC author @erinfitzgeraldwrites!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ / 5 STARS

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are honest and my own, and with that being said…

Something Gained is a slow-burn, age-gap romance set in small town Montana. I love a cowboy romance and this is as western as it gets folks. The FMC, Emily Armstrong and her son Riley, are doing their best to get back on their feet after a tumultuous past when “Big Boy” Jacob Larsen literally drives up to sweep her off her feet.

I love the way Erin writes her MMCs. Her men are so protective of their women, and secure in themselves to be aware enough to care for their own needs through #mentalhealth resources. Jacob is the definition of “if he wanted to he would” in the way he care for Emily and Riley so effortlessly and selfishly, purely because he wants to. Not because he feels like he owes her, or he cause he has to.

Throughout their journey, Emily and Jacob heal each other and fight for each other side-by-side through the ugliest of battles. This story made me tear up, laugh, and cheese so hard at my screen. And… the SPICE🌶️🌶️🌶️ SO GOOD. LOVED EVERY SECOND! It was tangible, it was real, it was everything and more.

Something Gained is available on Kindle, KU, Amazon, and erinfitzgeraldwrites.com on Tuesday, April 16th, 2024!

#erinfitzgeraldwrites #somethinggained #wolfmountainranchersseries #cowboyromance #slowburnromance #agegapromance #montana #arcreader #advancedreadercopy #romancereader #bookreview #bookrecommendation #bookstagram #books

[Tiffany L Thompson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is not your typical fluffy romance with an easy HEA. The MCs both have a super traumatic past and there is some suspense that enhances their connection in the end. Jacob is a single man who works on a large range in a small town. Emily is a very independent but very poor woman who fights daily to survive and provide for a young child while dealing with her alcoholic abusive step-father. She walks miles and miles every day to get to work at the library and to carry groceries and very heavy bags of animal food. Jacob stumbles upon her needs and begins to help her by giving her a ride to and from work. She does NOT want to accept help and it takes a while for her to accept his help without push back. After an altercation, she ends up living with Jacob and their relationship begins to open up to more possibilities. The character development was strong and their love for each other was clear. The suspense was tough to get through but it made their connection even deeper. And I loved that we got to see the connection continuing with the characters from Something Lost!

There was a part that I didn't connect well with. The middle of the story seemed to drag for a while as both of them were struggling with their own past and weren't able to open up to each other in intimacy. It kept going back and forth between the MCs over who was ready to take the next step and who wasn't. It felt like the same thing over and over and it struggled to keep my interest during that part. I really enjoyed the characters and I think they were definitely made for each other. They shared a good connection and they came together very well in the end.

[Rachel Nahabedian · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars

Ugh, Erin does it again! Just when you think there can't possibly be more to happen in this series, you're proven wrong. Jacob and Emily are just...wow. Two very damaged and broken souls who though a verrrrrrrrrrrrrrry slow burn get to know one another and start to heal each other.

I only physically cried twice in this book and both times it was because of Dahlia. My, god. I just couldn't! The rest of the book I had a perpetually growing lump in my throat that was threatening to cut off my oxygen as it got bigger and bigger as I kept getting further and further into the book.

Ashley from book 2 and Lana & Mark (book 1) play huge parts in this book. You don't HAVE to read them to follow this one, but I'd highly recommend it (especially book 1 with Lana/Mark) as the characters really play a big role in this story and you'll be able to fully appreciate the weight of their words if you know the backstory.

Riley...poor, sweet, innocent Riley. Everyone talks about book boyfriends and all, but I'm going to start book children. I love Riley. I don't think I could adore a child more than I do Riley. I would GLADLY adopt him in a heartbeat if I could. Riley was the closest i came to crying (again) during this story.

Bravo, Erin. Thank you for wrecking my heart (again). I can't wait for the next installment and to be wrecked all over again.

Today is my birthday and the pub date for the book so as a birthday present to me, go pick it up.

[Live2readbookluva · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in The Wolf Mountain Rancher series. It is an interconnected stand alone which does feature cameos from previous characters. This book follows the FMC, Emily and the MMC, Jacob’s story. They are both humanly flawed but trying to conceal their pasts. As the storyline progresses, the extent of those flaws as well as efforts to overcome them are revealed. Their story was a beautifully written and emotional journey show casing that damaged does not mean broken. Time, effort, and love have powerful transformative effects. The character development and healing journey was a joy to read. Have a few tissues sent aside! Additionally, as with any good story, there were good and bad times. Funny moments mixed with heartfelt ones which pull me in and latched on to my heartstrings. I also enjoyed the supporting characters, they enriched the story line.

Additionally, between the angst and the stubbornness, my nerves were on high alert for a majority of this book. The angst had me on pins and needles and I was not expecting the plot twist. Well done! The chemistry between the FMC and MMC was slow burn style which lead to a highly satisfying combustion. I truly did feel for these characters and the emotions that they worked through. The build up was a true progression but it made everything fall into place messily but beautifully. They worked hard for their HEA! Overall, I liked this read and it’s another thumbs up for me.

[LibraryofR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every book makes me feel things and scares the life out of me but I love the angst and the suspense in her writing! Jacob and Emily's love story is one of the best I have ever read! Emily had been living with her "little brother" (once you read this, you will find out why I put it like that) with a bad man who was drunkard and was mean to them. Jacob was almost 2 decades older than her and saw a lot of things in his life and had abuse, so he knew what she was going through. Emily was strong and survived a near death from beatings and she was a little girl lost. One night Jacob couldn't handle the way that she was being treated and moved her and Riley into his home. Jacob and Emily loved each other in their own way for awhile because their demons wouldn't really let them be free, because once that happened they thought something bad would happen. Once everything seemed like it was going great for them, Emily decided to go "free her old life" and something bad happened. Jacob had to free his demons and admit to her how he felt and at one point he never thought he was able to do that.
I loved Jacob's relationship with Riley, and I loved Lana's involvement with this couple as well as Mark and Ashley's. There's also a character in this who I really disliked for the longest but I promise you that character does get better.

Amazing read and I can't wait to see what she does next!