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Four Corners Ranch #8
The Hometown Legend
Coming soon! The Hometown Legend by Maisey Yates will be available Jul 23, 2024.
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About the author
Maisey Yates
1,175 books3,004 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
July 14, 2024
ARC provided by Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Rating 3.75
Always enjoy returning to the Four Corners Series.
Gideon Payne, home town legend is returning and is viewed as a hero for his service in the war.But in reality Gideon does not feel like a hero, more like a broken man. He's dealing with a lot of aftermath emotionally and physically from the war and he's not the same man as when he left.
Rory Sullivan, a woman that has decided she turning over a new leaf. She's not going to be the same predictable, safe and naive girl anymore. She has decided to leave Four Corners and move to a big city and spread her wings.
Well Rory finds out Gideon is back in town, her secret crush. She's asked to check in on him and see how if he needs anything. After the two meet a couple times they begin to realize that they can assist and help each other with some of their issues. Rory can help Gideon work through his past pain, hurt and PTSD. Gideon wants to help Rory be a more confident and self assured woman and believe in herself.
This story has a lot of heavy topics, so not really a lite read. More I think this is really about second chances. Both have a past that needs to be worked through and let healing take place as well as forgiveness. But I so appreciated their HEA.
Rating 3.75
Always enjoy returning to the Four Corners Series.
Gideon Payne, home town legend is returning and is viewed as a hero for his service in the war.But in reality Gideon does not feel like a hero, more like a broken man. He's dealing with a lot of aftermath emotionally and physically from the war and he's not the same man as when he left.
Rory Sullivan, a woman that has decided she turning over a new leaf. She's not going to be the same predictable, safe and naive girl anymore. She has decided to leave Four Corners and move to a big city and spread her wings.
Well Rory finds out Gideon is back in town, her secret crush. She's asked to check in on him and see how if he needs anything. After the two meet a couple times they begin to realize that they can assist and help each other with some of their issues. Rory can help Gideon work through his past pain, hurt and PTSD. Gideon wants to help Rory be a more confident and self assured woman and believe in herself.
This story has a lot of heavy topics, so not really a lite read. More I think this is really about second chances. Both have a past that needs to be worked through and let healing take place as well as forgiveness. But I so appreciated their HEA.
November 13, 2025
This is a Romance, and this is the 8th book in the Four Corners Ranch series. I have read a few other books in this series before picking up this book, but I think you can read this book as a stand alone without any problems. I loved this book so much because I loved the characters so much. I loved how broken and real Gideon's character was, and Rory's character is just so quirky that you have to love her. I was rooting for them to get together for the beginning of the story. I really loved this book so much because the characters felt real. I received an ARC of this book. This review is my own honest opinion about the book like all my reviews are.
January 11, 2025
Neither character was enjoyable but the H. Ooofff he was unbearable. I could not stand him. I get it, he has post traumatic brain damage but must he be angry at everyone? I couldn’t read anymore about him and the silly h that had a crush on him.
December 19, 2024
Absolutely loved it. MAISEY never disappoints!
July 23, 2024
Usually this is an author I like, but this time it really felt like an endless set of stereotypes, from the golden boy who comes back different from the war, to the girl bullied as a child who stays a virgin because of it. In short, not one of the best contemporary cowboy romances I've read lately.
Di solito questa é un'autrice che mi piace, ma stavolta mi sembrava veramente un infinito insieme di stereotipi, dal golden boy che torna diverso dalla guerra, alla ragazza bullizzata da piccola che per questo resta vergine. Insomma, non uno dei contemporary cowboy romance piú riusciti che abbia letto ultimamente.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Di solito questa é un'autrice che mi piace, ma stavolta mi sembrava veramente un infinito insieme di stereotipi, dal golden boy che torna diverso dalla guerra, alla ragazza bullizzata da piccola che per questo resta vergine. Insomma, non uno dei contemporary cowboy romance piú riusciti che abbia letto ultimamente.
I received from the Publisher a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
August 20, 2024
ARC was provided by Edelweiss and the publisher.
Audiobook copy was accessed via Hoopla.
I love Yates's books. I have read/listened to as many as I can get my hands on. I like the way this series is set up with four adjoining ranches that are set up like a little community within a community with four families that are interwoven into each others lives.
... and the book that I think all readers of this series is waiting for is next ... so we can finally read what the heck actually happened between Fia and Landry ...
Audiobook copy was accessed via Hoopla.
I love Yates's books. I have read/listened to as many as I can get my hands on. I like the way this series is set up with four adjoining ranches that are set up like a little community within a community with four families that are interwoven into each others lives.
... and the book that I think all readers of this series is waiting for is next ... so we can finally read what the heck actually happened between Fia and Landry ...
July 24, 2024
The Hometown Legend by Maisey Yates is full of introspection by two people: Rory Sullivan, hometown girl and Gideon Payne, who had been everyone’s hero and returned a broken man. Rory had had a crush on him since middle school, but this was not the same man. War had damaged him. Coming home had damaged him. She had come home from college because she was a quitter. She didn’t want to be one anymore so she had started a list of things to do. Not least of which was move to Boston and be a property manager there. She already had the job. But first, she had to take care of the cabins here, one of which Gideon was staying in. She wanted to help him. He wanted to help her. They worked on each other.
Of course, you know where this is going. It was a long journey, though, not necessarily in time. Plenty had happened between them and Gideon was beginning to see daylight. He didn’t want to stop her from fulfilling her dreams, though, which caused some dissension. The thinking and the conversations shined a light on PTSD and also on how living up to other people’s expectations can damage a soul. Both were well-written, feeling humans who wanted the best for themselves and for others. It took a while to see how expectations had made that all difficult., but it happened and in a big way. It was an interesting book, not always easy, but always enlightening. A good read. Thanks Maisey Yates!
I was invited to read The Hometown Legend by Harlequin Trade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #MaiseyYates #TheHometownLegend
Of course, you know where this is going. It was a long journey, though, not necessarily in time. Plenty had happened between them and Gideon was beginning to see daylight. He didn’t want to stop her from fulfilling her dreams, though, which caused some dissension. The thinking and the conversations shined a light on PTSD and also on how living up to other people’s expectations can damage a soul. Both were well-written, feeling humans who wanted the best for themselves and for others. It took a while to see how expectations had made that all difficult., but it happened and in a big way. It was an interesting book, not always easy, but always enlightening. A good read. Thanks Maisey Yates!
I was invited to read The Hometown Legend by Harlequin Trade Publishing. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #HarlequinTradePublishing #MaiseyYates #TheHometownLegend
July 18, 2024
Thank you, Maisey Yates, for this latest installment in your Four Corners Ranch series. My favorite trope in contemporary romance is wounded warriors, and you knocked this one out of the park. It's a 5-star read.
I loved both main characters, Gideon, the titular returning hometown legend, and Rory Sullivan, who has crushed on him from afar since her early school days--he's her best friends' brother. Rory is a 27-year-old, never been kissed, never been on a date virgin, who has been working at the family farm store, and losing herself in books. She's rather shy and retiring and for good reason. She was bullied in school, and humiliated during her one semester at college. The bright savior of her early school days was Gideon, who protected her from those who bullied, teased and/or put her down.
Rory has always considered herself to be plain, boring, beige, and nerdy, and she's recently decided that to change her life, she needs to change her location. Using her computer, she's just applied to and been hired to manage an apartment building in Boston--a long way from home and Four Corners Ranch. She's looking forward to starting over in a new place, and she doesn't want to go to Boston a virgin--but no one is asking her out, and she doesn't go to bars looking to hook up with a stranger. She has one month before she leaves for her new job. Then she learns that Gideon was wounded in action, has been honorably discharged from the military, and will be renting one of the Sullivan family cabins that she manages, but the golden-boy Gideon she remembers is nothing like the dark, humorless, angry, Gideon that returns home.
Growing up, Gideon was quite the hottie, the town's legendary and lauded football player, smart, gorgeous, and able to get any girl he wanted. At 18 he joined the military and hasn't been back home since, except briefly to attend his father's funeral. Thirteen years later, after being gravely wounded in Afghanistan, and losing many of the men under his command, what he has to show for it are scars, burns, PTSD, anger, depression, a bout with alcoholism as well as drugs, and other losses--his self-esteem, his self-worth, his sense of humor, and his 8-year marriage. He doesn't even let his mom or his sister know when he arrives back in town, choosing to secretly rent a cabin from the Sullivan's and hide out there for a while.
In this novel, Ms. Yates has created two well-developed, incredibly sympathetic, and deeply troubled characters--both of whom are broken, although for different reasons. Gideon finds himself attracted to grown-up Rory, and she has always been attracted to him, but can these two wounded souls help heal each other? As someone married to a wounded veteran with PTSD, I can tell you that it's no easy task, but it's so worth the effort. To find out more about what happens when Gideon and Rory re-establish contact with one another, you'll just have to read this emotionally gripping novel--it's one I highly recommend.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
I loved both main characters, Gideon, the titular returning hometown legend, and Rory Sullivan, who has crushed on him from afar since her early school days--he's her best friends' brother. Rory is a 27-year-old, never been kissed, never been on a date virgin, who has been working at the family farm store, and losing herself in books. She's rather shy and retiring and for good reason. She was bullied in school, and humiliated during her one semester at college. The bright savior of her early school days was Gideon, who protected her from those who bullied, teased and/or put her down.
Rory has always considered herself to be plain, boring, beige, and nerdy, and she's recently decided that to change her life, she needs to change her location. Using her computer, she's just applied to and been hired to manage an apartment building in Boston--a long way from home and Four Corners Ranch. She's looking forward to starting over in a new place, and she doesn't want to go to Boston a virgin--but no one is asking her out, and she doesn't go to bars looking to hook up with a stranger. She has one month before she leaves for her new job. Then she learns that Gideon was wounded in action, has been honorably discharged from the military, and will be renting one of the Sullivan family cabins that she manages, but the golden-boy Gideon she remembers is nothing like the dark, humorless, angry, Gideon that returns home.
Growing up, Gideon was quite the hottie, the town's legendary and lauded football player, smart, gorgeous, and able to get any girl he wanted. At 18 he joined the military and hasn't been back home since, except briefly to attend his father's funeral. Thirteen years later, after being gravely wounded in Afghanistan, and losing many of the men under his command, what he has to show for it are scars, burns, PTSD, anger, depression, a bout with alcoholism as well as drugs, and other losses--his self-esteem, his self-worth, his sense of humor, and his 8-year marriage. He doesn't even let his mom or his sister know when he arrives back in town, choosing to secretly rent a cabin from the Sullivan's and hide out there for a while.
In this novel, Ms. Yates has created two well-developed, incredibly sympathetic, and deeply troubled characters--both of whom are broken, although for different reasons. Gideon finds himself attracted to grown-up Rory, and she has always been attracted to him, but can these two wounded souls help heal each other? As someone married to a wounded veteran with PTSD, I can tell you that it's no easy task, but it's so worth the effort. To find out more about what happens when Gideon and Rory re-establish contact with one another, you'll just have to read this emotionally gripping novel--it's one I highly recommend.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel. The opinions stated are my own.
July 23, 2024
4.5 stars
Gideon has always been the golden child of his small town. He wasn’t just popular, athletic, and smart; Gideon was also nice. When he joined the military after high school and later was one of the only survivors of an ambush, people in town looked at him as a hero. That’s not what Gideon saw in the mirror, at least not anymore.
Rory never felt like she was anything special. Nobody seemed to notice her and if they did, it was often in a negative way. When she was being bullied in middle school, her best friend’s high school brother put an end to it. Gideon was already her crush, after that she compared everyone to him. So here we are, years later, and he’s returning to town just as Rory is getting ready to leave and start a new life.
I love the way Gideon can look at himself now and realize that, although he was a nice guy growing up, maybe he wasn’t as great as everyone thought. Things always came easy to him so there was no reason for him to be anything but nice. He didn’t have any sort of competition. Not with the girls, no on the football field, not with his friends. When he world is turned upside down while on a mission, he doesn’t know how to deal with the setback. He’s never really had any roadblocks. His life quickly spirals out of control and he pushes his loved ones away. He decides to head back to his small town to rebuild his life. Not because he thinks it will be comfortable there, but because he has nowhere else to go.
With Gideon staying in one of her family’s rentals while he waits for his house to be ready, it’s no time at all before Rory runs into him. Rory is still enamored with the man, but she also sees him as a human instead of someone to put on a pedestal like the rest of the town does. She listens to him and he finds himself opening up to her. They have a special connection. Gideon believes Rory can do anything she sets her mind to and helps her to find her confidence. These two are fantastic together.
This book has many of my favorite tropes with the depth of story to back them up. The way Rory and Gideon understand one another is a beautiful thing.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
Gideon has always been the golden child of his small town. He wasn’t just popular, athletic, and smart; Gideon was also nice. When he joined the military after high school and later was one of the only survivors of an ambush, people in town looked at him as a hero. That’s not what Gideon saw in the mirror, at least not anymore.
Rory never felt like she was anything special. Nobody seemed to notice her and if they did, it was often in a negative way. When she was being bullied in middle school, her best friend’s high school brother put an end to it. Gideon was already her crush, after that she compared everyone to him. So here we are, years later, and he’s returning to town just as Rory is getting ready to leave and start a new life.
I love the way Gideon can look at himself now and realize that, although he was a nice guy growing up, maybe he wasn’t as great as everyone thought. Things always came easy to him so there was no reason for him to be anything but nice. He didn’t have any sort of competition. Not with the girls, no on the football field, not with his friends. When he world is turned upside down while on a mission, he doesn’t know how to deal with the setback. He’s never really had any roadblocks. His life quickly spirals out of control and he pushes his loved ones away. He decides to head back to his small town to rebuild his life. Not because he thinks it will be comfortable there, but because he has nowhere else to go.
With Gideon staying in one of her family’s rentals while he waits for his house to be ready, it’s no time at all before Rory runs into him. Rory is still enamored with the man, but she also sees him as a human instead of someone to put on a pedestal like the rest of the town does. She listens to him and he finds himself opening up to her. They have a special connection. Gideon believes Rory can do anything she sets her mind to and helps her to find her confidence. These two are fantastic together.
This book has many of my favorite tropes with the depth of story to back them up. The way Rory and Gideon understand one another is a beautiful thing.
**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**
June 27, 2024
"But the bravery is in getting back up. The bravery is in healing yourself. The bravery is in defining yourself not by the bad things, but by choosing to embrace love again, and that is glory."
This was not just a romance novel. It was a heavy story of experiencing the pit of brokenness, the healing and the journey of coming out the other side of it (PTSD), the understanding and knowledge that you don't have to be the person that people think you are, to have the affirmation that second chances are very much possible, and being on the receiving end of forgiveness -- personally and from those around you. Rory and Gideon's story was not an easy one.....so much emotional trauma and baggage for the two of them...from childhood and their young adult life experiences. Their history and connections when they were younger to reconnecting later in life, they truly are the perfect half to each other, and really the better versions of themselves in spite of it all -- the ying to her yang, the peanut butter to his jelly.....
This was overall a well written story. It is not clean by any means....plenty of profanity unfortunately (quite a bit of f-bombs) which many time I really feel that kind of language is not needed at all. I will say given Gideon's military background it makes sense knowing what I know of many that come out of the military BUT it is not the case for all those men as well as women. There are plenty that can control their tongue in that respect. Passion and chemistry is strongly conveyed, and I appreciate that for characters that are falling in love, the "scenes" are open door but are not written with every detail or crudely which is appreciated.
I am thankful that most of what I described above, you can skim over those moments and not miss out on the story and overarching themes and lessons of their journey and relationship that conveyed powerful life lessons and self discovery.
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for this opportunity.
This was not just a romance novel. It was a heavy story of experiencing the pit of brokenness, the healing and the journey of coming out the other side of it (PTSD), the understanding and knowledge that you don't have to be the person that people think you are, to have the affirmation that second chances are very much possible, and being on the receiving end of forgiveness -- personally and from those around you. Rory and Gideon's story was not an easy one.....so much emotional trauma and baggage for the two of them...from childhood and their young adult life experiences. Their history and connections when they were younger to reconnecting later in life, they truly are the perfect half to each other, and really the better versions of themselves in spite of it all -- the ying to her yang, the peanut butter to his jelly.....
This was overall a well written story. It is not clean by any means....plenty of profanity unfortunately (quite a bit of f-bombs) which many time I really feel that kind of language is not needed at all. I will say given Gideon's military background it makes sense knowing what I know of many that come out of the military BUT it is not the case for all those men as well as women. There are plenty that can control their tongue in that respect. Passion and chemistry is strongly conveyed, and I appreciate that for characters that are falling in love, the "scenes" are open door but are not written with every detail or crudely which is appreciated.
I am thankful that most of what I described above, you can skim over those moments and not miss out on the story and overarching themes and lessons of their journey and relationship that conveyed powerful life lessons and self discovery.
I had the privilege of reading an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for this opportunity.
November 16, 2025
Rory is tired of Four Corners -- mostly because she's tired of feeling invisible. Unlike her sisters, Rory has always been the quiet one, the one who stays in line and never causes a scene. But Rory has had a secret crush on her best friend's older brother for as long as she can remember -- the same brother who is considered the legend of their hometown. Gideon had it made, until he went to war and was injured in combat. Now, divorce and dealing with an addiction to painkillers, he's come back to buy his father's ranch and create a safe space for him and his family. What he doesn't expect is to see his sister's best friend Rory -- who has grown up from that awkward teen he once knew. Rory is determined to move to Boston, but before she goes, she has a list of things she wants to do that she's never done -- like kissing a stranger. Gideon is determined to help Rory complete the items on her list, but what he doesn't anticipate it's his growing feelings for Rory.
There is just something about this series that I love because they all follow the same formula, and I can tell you for a fact that if they are both main characters in the story, then they're gonna get together. What I loved about Gideon and Rory was how much she actually does for him and vice versa when it came to helping each other heal. I love the scene when they are both out of the bar, and we get to see inside each of their heads as they're both jealous of people talking to the other person. And the moment that they come together is just fantastic. I love the romance, the spice, the character arcs, I also love that Gideon isn't another child of trauma, though he's been through his own nonsense. Overall, this was sweet.
There is just something about this series that I love because they all follow the same formula, and I can tell you for a fact that if they are both main characters in the story, then they're gonna get together. What I loved about Gideon and Rory was how much she actually does for him and vice versa when it came to helping each other heal. I love the scene when they are both out of the bar, and we get to see inside each of their heads as they're both jealous of people talking to the other person. And the moment that they come together is just fantastic. I love the romance, the spice, the character arcs, I also love that Gideon isn't another child of trauma, though he's been through his own nonsense. Overall, this was sweet.
June 9, 2024
Maisey Yates brings us the next installment in the Four Corners Ranch series with Rory Sullivan. Rory is the sister whose name everyone forgets. She is the sister who has never been kissed. She is the sister who has never been on a date. She is the sister who is getting ready to be brave and leave home to start a new life away from the familiar and safety of her family. Meanwhile, the hometown golden boy Gideon Payne has come home hoping to heal and become whole again after losing everything. When Rory is asked to look in on her first crush, Rory and Gideon find out that they could help each other out before she leaves for Boston. Gideon can help Rory be better prepared for the world out there while Rory can help Gideon feel less pain and suffering from the effects of war. But as they help each other out, do they get more than they bargained for?
Maisey Yates brings us the story of Rory and Gideon. These two people were very different growing up: the most popular guy and the invisible girl in school. Now, one is a shell of the person he once was while the other is trying to be someone that is remembered once she leaves home. Will they be able to help each other become who they want to be, or will they end up becoming who they should be? And will being in each other's company change anything for either of them?
I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for this privilege.
Maisey Yates brings us the story of Rory and Gideon. These two people were very different growing up: the most popular guy and the invisible girl in school. Now, one is a shell of the person he once was while the other is trying to be someone that is remembered once she leaves home. Will they be able to help each other become who they want to be, or will they end up becoming who they should be? And will being in each other's company change anything for either of them?
I have read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Trade Publishing | Canary Street Press for this privilege.
October 17, 2024
Rory is tired of seeing herself as a plain sister and is looking to improve herself before leaving her home town. Gideon is her best friend's older brother who has come back from the Army with a lot of baggage. Gideon and Rory we can almost friendship but also with the idea that he may be able to help her with a to do list to improve herself but also she is to help him deal with some issues he has as well. Of course the old feelings that were used to have for Gideon are still simmering there and with the time they spend. That attraction does grow between the two
So I'd like this book it was pretty basic though. I feel like I've read this book many times over but I like how this author managed to make it her own. I like the two main characters and getting to know them I don't think I've read the previous book. And I don't feel like I missed anything. That goes to say even if you don't read the series you won't feel like you're missing anything but I think you would probably be better if the previous books were read and with how this book turned out I think I'm going to have to go back and check them out. I really like to see how the two work together to improve themselves and think that attraction clearly they had a thing for each other and with the time limit of her leaving and with him being closed off it was going to make things more challenging. There isn't much I can say without giving it away other than this was a pretty enjoyable book and I really liked reading it.
So I'd like this book it was pretty basic though. I feel like I've read this book many times over but I like how this author managed to make it her own. I like the two main characters and getting to know them I don't think I've read the previous book. And I don't feel like I missed anything. That goes to say even if you don't read the series you won't feel like you're missing anything but I think you would probably be better if the previous books were read and with how this book turned out I think I'm going to have to go back and check them out. I really like to see how the two work together to improve themselves and think that attraction clearly they had a thing for each other and with the time limit of her leaving and with him being closed off it was going to make things more challenging. There isn't much I can say without giving it away other than this was a pretty enjoyable book and I really liked reading it.
July 23, 2024
The Hometown Legend is the eight book in the Four Corners Ranch series. It follows Rory Sullivan, a lost soul looking to find the place where she belongs and Gideon Payne, Pyrite Fall’s own hometown legend, who is also a war hero struggling with PTSD.
This is only the second book from The Four Corners Ranch series that I have read, but I am really enjoying it! This is a slow burn, which is not typically my go-to but is something I do enjoy from time to time.
The banter and chemistry between the two main characters is great. I really fell in love with the characters throughout this book. Gideon became a more open and vulnerable person when with Rory. Rory became bolder and sure of herself when with Gideon. They both have past traumas and were able to find strength in each other to move on. My only gripe with the book is that Rory feels rather naive, but that was just a small blimp in the storyline to me and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book.
You will love this book if you like:
Western
Grumpy x sunshine
Military mmc
Virgin fmc
Slowburn
The Hometown Legend can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. If you love a good slow burn Western romance, this just might be the book for you!
Thank you to Maisey Yates, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and Netgalley for this opportunity.
This is only the second book from The Four Corners Ranch series that I have read, but I am really enjoying it! This is a slow burn, which is not typically my go-to but is something I do enjoy from time to time.
The banter and chemistry between the two main characters is great. I really fell in love with the characters throughout this book. Gideon became a more open and vulnerable person when with Rory. Rory became bolder and sure of herself when with Gideon. They both have past traumas and were able to find strength in each other to move on. My only gripe with the book is that Rory feels rather naive, but that was just a small blimp in the storyline to me and didn’t take away from my enjoyment of this book.
You will love this book if you like:
Western
Grumpy x sunshine
Military mmc
Virgin fmc
Slowburn
The Hometown Legend can be read as a standalone or as part of the series. If you love a good slow burn Western romance, this just might be the book for you!
Thank you to Maisey Yates, Harlequin Trade Publishing, Canary Street Press, and Netgalley for this opportunity.
July 23, 2024
Two broken souls in need of healing. Rory Sullivan had been bullied in school and college. She yearns for something different in her life. She once had the biggest crush on her best friend’s brother, Gideon, but felt he was way out of her league.
Gideon Payne, hometown legend, has returned and just wants to be left alone. He suffered injuries while serving in the military and ended up losing his career and his marriage. Now that he’s back, he reunites with Rory, his sister’s best friend. He’s renting a cabin from her family until he’s ready to move back into the family home he purchased after his family lost it. He has big plans for the property.
The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. But Rory is leaving town soon for a new job and Gideon doesn’t want a relationship. When he finds out Rory had a list of things she wanted to accomplish in her life, though, he feels compelled to help her achieve them and prove to her that she’s worth more than she believes herself to be. Can they help heal each other and maybe find true love along the way?
A heartwarming story. Could have done without the bad language.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Gideon Payne, hometown legend, has returned and just wants to be left alone. He suffered injuries while serving in the military and ended up losing his career and his marriage. Now that he’s back, he reunites with Rory, his sister’s best friend. He’s renting a cabin from her family until he’s ready to move back into the family home he purchased after his family lost it. He has big plans for the property.
The more time they spend together, the more their feelings for each other grow. But Rory is leaving town soon for a new job and Gideon doesn’t want a relationship. When he finds out Rory had a list of things she wanted to accomplish in her life, though, he feels compelled to help her achieve them and prove to her that she’s worth more than she believes herself to be. Can they help heal each other and maybe find true love along the way?
A heartwarming story. Could have done without the bad language.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 28, 2024
The Hometown Legend by Maisey Yates is the eighth book in the Four Corner Ranch. The four ranches are all large spreads that decided they were stronger together than apart. The ranches depend on each other for help and support. The Sullivan’s have built a farm stand and a huge following for their goods.
Rory Sullivan however does not feel that she is making the life she wants. She has determined that she is going to move to Boston and run an apartment building in the North End. However until the move happens, she still is continuing to help out at the farm and in the rentals she helps run.
Gideon Payne has come home from the war. He is scarred and has a TBI. He bought his family’s ranch, but is not ready to take over it as a ranch but wants to make it an adventure rental with rentals. Rory helps out by bringing him food. He is the man she has had a crush on since middle school.
Together they face some issues between the both of them, but the outcome is not assured. The Hometown Legend by Maisey Yates is a wonderful read.
Rory Sullivan however does not feel that she is making the life she wants. She has determined that she is going to move to Boston and run an apartment building in the North End. However until the move happens, she still is continuing to help out at the farm and in the rentals she helps run.
Gideon Payne has come home from the war. He is scarred and has a TBI. He bought his family’s ranch, but is not ready to take over it as a ranch but wants to make it an adventure rental with rentals. Rory helps out by bringing him food. He is the man she has had a crush on since middle school.
Together they face some issues between the both of them, but the outcome is not assured. The Hometown Legend by Maisey Yates is a wonderful read.
May 26, 2024
I enjoyed this even though it's a little heavier than some of the other books in the Four Corners Ranch series which is why it only gets 3 stars. Gideon is back from the war and he's permanently changed - physically and mentally. When he comes back to his hometown, everyone gives him a hero's welcome, but he doesn't want any of it. What he wants, and needs, is the intriguing Rory, the bookworm from school, his sister's best friend who has a plan of her own for the summer - and a first kiss is on her list.
This delved really deep into PTSD so content warning for that. Lovely details about the other couples you can read about in the series, also a few really funny lines. A very solid Maisey Yates. She's so good at writing small town cowboy romance. You don't need to have read any of the other books in Four Corners Ranch to read this one.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin/Canary Street Press for this ARC!
This delved really deep into PTSD so content warning for that. Lovely details about the other couples you can read about in the series, also a few really funny lines. A very solid Maisey Yates. She's so good at writing small town cowboy romance. You don't need to have read any of the other books in Four Corners Ranch to read this one.
My endless thanks to NetGalley and Harlequin/Canary Street Press for this ARC!
September 22, 2024
This was different yet similar to other Maisey Yates books. Though this one may not be my favorite, but it was yet another solid read.
This one delved deep into some hard topics like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and prescription drug addiction. It went into what Gideon went through throughout his life. It was hard to read yet it was truly powerful as he came out on the other side. Since this was huge topic, it took over the crux of the book and lessened the romance between Rory and Gideon. However, Rory did become his sounding board as he revealed all he went through. They developed a connection that developed into something more.
As I said the romance took a back seat a little bit more than I would have liked. I did appreciate the slow burn that they had together though. I just wished there was more romance throughout instead of just the end. I did like the camping scene and obstacle course scene.
This one delved deep into some hard topics like PTSD, traumatic brain injury, and prescription drug addiction. It went into what Gideon went through throughout his life. It was hard to read yet it was truly powerful as he came out on the other side. Since this was huge topic, it took over the crux of the book and lessened the romance between Rory and Gideon. However, Rory did become his sounding board as he revealed all he went through. They developed a connection that developed into something more.
As I said the romance took a back seat a little bit more than I would have liked. I did appreciate the slow burn that they had together though. I just wished there was more romance throughout instead of just the end. I did like the camping scene and obstacle course scene.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 4, 2025
Another in the Four Corners Ranch series, in which Rory Sullivan decides to prove to everyone else (and maybe even herself) that she isn't the invisible person she has felt she has been all her life. When the hero of Pyrite Falls, Gideon Payne, comes home to buy back the ranch where he was raised before he left for the Army, Gideon encounters Rory, who has had a secret crush on him since their school days, something he never really knew or acknowledged.
But that was then; now he's a very different person and she wants to be a different person, too. But what soon becomes clear is that they each begin to help the other achieve the goals they've set for themselves without really know what those goals might be. But then Rory takes a job in Boston; will she leave Four Corners Ranch and take that job when she really prefers to stay home and what is Gideon going to do about her departure now that he realizes his life isn't the same without her?
But that was then; now he's a very different person and she wants to be a different person, too. But what soon becomes clear is that they each begin to help the other achieve the goals they've set for themselves without really know what those goals might be. But then Rory takes a job in Boston; will she leave Four Corners Ranch and take that job when she really prefers to stay home and what is Gideon going to do about her departure now that he realizes his life isn't the same without her?
July 23, 2024
The Hometown Legend was a great escape from reality. I had to shut out the world in order to concentrate, understand and absorb the story. The story is detailed. The story is very complex. The story is very emotional. My heart bleeds for Gideon and Rory. My whole being shines for their new beginning, for surviving the past, and thriving in their own way.
Gideon had a bright childhood. He excelled in high school sports. He is still a hometown legend. He is now considered a war hero to everyone but himself. He returns to Pyrite Falls under the cover of darkness, renting a Sullivan Cabin, in search of a new self. The last thing he wants is to be recognized and for people to think he is the same. He is anything but.
Rory is lost and has never been found. She struggled to fit in junior high and high school. She was frequently fell victim to others. When she tried to escape to college, thinking things would be better, she returned home when she discovered they weren't. Now she takes care of the family's cabin rentals. Delivering a welcome basket to Gideon, checking on Gideon, will be a new beginning for both of them.
The Hometown Legend is a very slow build. Gideon and Rory are honest with each other. Reading their story was group therapy in a book. They made each other think. They made me think. Acceptance didn't come easy between them. The Aw-ha moments were a pleasure to read. Their troubles were heart breaking but their emotional development left me feeling at peace.
Gideon had a bright childhood. He excelled in high school sports. He is still a hometown legend. He is now considered a war hero to everyone but himself. He returns to Pyrite Falls under the cover of darkness, renting a Sullivan Cabin, in search of a new self. The last thing he wants is to be recognized and for people to think he is the same. He is anything but.
Rory is lost and has never been found. She struggled to fit in junior high and high school. She was frequently fell victim to others. When she tried to escape to college, thinking things would be better, she returned home when she discovered they weren't. Now she takes care of the family's cabin rentals. Delivering a welcome basket to Gideon, checking on Gideon, will be a new beginning for both of them.
The Hometown Legend is a very slow build. Gideon and Rory are honest with each other. Reading their story was group therapy in a book. They made each other think. They made me think. Acceptance didn't come easy between them. The Aw-ha moments were a pleasure to read. Their troubles were heart breaking but their emotional development left me feeling at peace.
September 20, 2024
Thanks to Harlequin and Netgalley for this advanced copy.
Maisey Yates is quickly becoming a must read for me and I had no idea she had this whole cowboy/ranch series, but Hometown Legend was a great entry point. This was a wonderful stand alone novel, while still giving you looks into people from past books and maybe setting up future books as well? Regardless, Rory and Gideon are great, both working through personal barriers to come together. Rory is sick of her life on the ranch, stuck feeling like she'll never experience anything and Gideon is just putting his life back together after addiction, a traumatic brain injury, and separating from the military (as well as his wife). Both have some hurdles to jump but its great how each works to help each other achieve their goals.
While their stories were a bit heavy, it also felt like this was a good comfort read. Give me more!
Maisey Yates is quickly becoming a must read for me and I had no idea she had this whole cowboy/ranch series, but Hometown Legend was a great entry point. This was a wonderful stand alone novel, while still giving you looks into people from past books and maybe setting up future books as well? Regardless, Rory and Gideon are great, both working through personal barriers to come together. Rory is sick of her life on the ranch, stuck feeling like she'll never experience anything and Gideon is just putting his life back together after addiction, a traumatic brain injury, and separating from the military (as well as his wife). Both have some hurdles to jump but its great how each works to help each other achieve their goals.
While their stories were a bit heavy, it also felt like this was a good comfort read. Give me more!
June 20, 2024
Another great read in Maisey Yates' Four Corners Ranch series. This time we have Rory Sullivan and Pyrite Falls's prodigal son, Gideon Payne. Rory has always had a thing for Gideon, even though he left town, joined the Army and got married. Gideon has returned in questionable condition both mental and physically after surviving a bomb explosion, an addiction to pain meds and a divorce.
I enjoyed watching the relationship change between Rory and Gideon throughout this book. It was also nice to see some other familiar characters from previous books in this series. Pick this one up for another great read from Four Corners Ranch. This one could be read without having read the other books in the series I feel like.
I enjoyed watching the relationship change between Rory and Gideon throughout this book. It was also nice to see some other familiar characters from previous books in this series. Pick this one up for another great read from Four Corners Ranch. This one could be read without having read the other books in the series I feel like.
July 4, 2024
I might just be growing out of this series. The more recent releases just aren't hitting like the others.
Something that bothered me in this book was that Rory was shown to be naive, at least at first. She's a romantic, a big reader, but then she didn't know anything about sex? Had to go to her sister to talk about it? But she was a big romance reader? I would have liked to see her naivety depicted as knowledge that was maybe unrealistic because it was acquired through stories rather than just not knowing. Then she would have this more complicated romantic narrative with this complicated figure, and she'd realized how layered her own, realistic story could be. But that might just be me.
Something that bothered me in this book was that Rory was shown to be naive, at least at first. She's a romantic, a big reader, but then she didn't know anything about sex? Had to go to her sister to talk about it? But she was a big romance reader? I would have liked to see her naivety depicted as knowledge that was maybe unrealistic because it was acquired through stories rather than just not knowing. Then she would have this more complicated romantic narrative with this complicated figure, and she'd realized how layered her own, realistic story could be. But that might just be me.
July 16, 2024
Gideon, the hometown hero of the title, has retuned to town struggling with PTSD. He's hidden himself away, much as Rory, his sister's friend, has hidden herself away. Her trauma is not the same as his by any means but they appreciate each other and slowly help one another to heal. Some of this is a tad cringey (Rory is like way too naive for a woman these days) but it's also got a big heart. I'd not read the other books in the series but this is clearly designed as one of those series where each installment is fine as a standalone. Thanks to the publisher for the Arc. For fans of Yates.
July 23, 2024
Growing up in a small town myself, I enjoyed reading this small town romance! I absolutely loved the descriptive settings and felt transported to the ranch every time I picked up my kindle. Rating it a 3.5!
Rory is a lost soul looking for adventure and escape from her very basic life. She came off a bit naive and honestly a little cringy at times, but I think those two things really contributed to the innocence that the author was trying to portray.
Gideon is a hometown hero with tortured soul. Together, Gideon and Rory help one another with their struggles and fall for each other along the way.
I enjoyed this book. It was deeper than I initially thought it would be going in, with running themes of PTSD and trauma. I felt the tenderness in Rory and Gideon’s relationship and enjoyed the slow burn.
This was my first Maisey Yates book, and I enjoyed her writing style, even though I did feel like it was a bit young-feeling. It was a very easy read, and I flew right through it!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Hive, and the publisher for this ARC!
Rory is a lost soul looking for adventure and escape from her very basic life. She came off a bit naive and honestly a little cringy at times, but I think those two things really contributed to the innocence that the author was trying to portray.
Gideon is a hometown hero with tortured soul. Together, Gideon and Rory help one another with their struggles and fall for each other along the way.
I enjoyed this book. It was deeper than I initially thought it would be going in, with running themes of PTSD and trauma. I felt the tenderness in Rory and Gideon’s relationship and enjoyed the slow burn.
This was my first Maisey Yates book, and I enjoyed her writing style, even though I did feel like it was a bit young-feeling. It was a very easy read, and I flew right through it!
Thank you to NetGalley, the Hive, and the publisher for this ARC!
July 29, 2024
Yates gets romance and does it well. Maybe I've read this before because there's a consistency to Yates that may, for some, border on the repetitive. But what she has to say about love and commitment is what I would say if I were a romance writer. For a detailed review, please follow the link to the blog:
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
Please note I received an e-galley from Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press, via Netgalley.
https://missbatesreadsromance.com/202...
Please note I received an e-galley from Harlequin Trade Publishing/Canary Street Press, via Netgalley.
August 5, 2024
Rory is ready for the summer of her!
Gideon is sneaking back home. He is not up for a parade.
These two conflicted souls are trying to make themselves better.
There is something about Rory that draws Gideon to her. When he finds her book with what she wants to accomplish he offers to help!
This story tugged at my heartstrings. I felt for both characters. Just wanted to hug them both! I could identify with Rory and all she was put through by bullies.
Gideon my heartbroke for what he had been through serving our country.
A most wonderful story to read!
Gideon is sneaking back home. He is not up for a parade.
These two conflicted souls are trying to make themselves better.
There is something about Rory that draws Gideon to her. When he finds her book with what she wants to accomplish he offers to help!
This story tugged at my heartstrings. I felt for both characters. Just wanted to hug them both! I could identify with Rory and all she was put through by bullies.
Gideon my heartbroke for what he had been through serving our country.
A most wonderful story to read!
August 6, 2024
Small-town angsty goodness! Yates can always be counted on for relatable characters and a small-town connection that will have her reader's attention from start to finish. The Four Corners Ranch series is bringing us a touch of several families who comprise the community and this one brings us Rory Sullivan's story. She's the youngest and admittedly the most naive, but she loves hard and has a persistence about her that will take her far. I highly enjoyed her connection with Gideon. A tad slow, but well developed and enjoyable.
December 30, 2024
I have adored this series from book one, and this was another great addition to it! I loved watching Rory come into her own person, and deciding that she is great just the way she already is. I loved watching her help Gideon to heal, watching her understand through him that when you choose something else it isn't quitting. I loved watching Gideon grow closer to his family. It was all good. I loved the extended family storylines that weave through all of these books, and I like the ranch community that these families have formed.
This one dragged a bit for me in the middle, but it was still a really strong addition to the series!
This one dragged a bit for me in the middle, but it was still a really strong addition to the series!
January 12, 2025
This is another good book from Maisey Yates. The two main characters are Rory and Gideon. Gideon is Rory’s best friend brother. They have known each other for all their lives. Rory had a crush on Gideon during her teenage years. Gideon returns home and buys his family’s ranch. Rory works as a property manager for her family’s business. Gideon rents one of their properties. Gideon has some issues that Rory is helping him. They start dating. They realize that they are better off together. They fall in love.
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