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Return to Stone Creek #1
Her Reluctant Rancher
Living with his stern grandfather taught Trevor Callahan one important lesson: Caring makes a man weak. Now the old man is dead and Trev returns to Stone Creek for one reason and one reason only--to sell the Rocking C Ranch. Maybe then he can put his past behind him and move on.
Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch.
Excerpt:
He leaned across the desk. “You know, we haven’t discussed the kiss the other night.”
She scooted the chair back. “There’s nothing to discuss.”
He stood and slowly came around the desk, reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “I want to kiss you again.”
“That’s probably not a good idea.” Oh, lord. She was playing with fire and if she wasn’t careful, she was going to get burned. Bad.
“Probably not. I know you said we’d never kiss again. But don’t you want to kiss me? Can’t you feel the pull between us?”
“Yes . . . No!” She jerked her hand free and started backing away.
He followed, closing in on her until she bumped against the library table. “Just one kiss, Beth. One kiss can’t hurt.”
Before she could react, before she could reply, Trevor wrapped his arms around her, covered her mouth with his and God help her, she was a goner.
Beth Evans once confused lust for love and vows never to let it happen again. The bookmobile driver is trying to raise funds to build a new library. The late Hank Callahan bequeathed a million dollars for the project, but he attached one stipulation: Do not let his grandson sell the ranch.
Excerpt:
He leaned across the desk. “You know, we haven’t discussed the kiss the other night.”
She scooted the chair back. “There’s nothing to discuss.”
He stood and slowly came around the desk, reached for her hand and pulled her to her feet. “I want to kiss you again.”
“That’s probably not a good idea.” Oh, lord. She was playing with fire and if she wasn’t careful, she was going to get burned. Bad.
“Probably not. I know you said we’d never kiss again. But don’t you want to kiss me? Can’t you feel the pull between us?”
“Yes . . . No!” She jerked her hand free and started backing away.
He followed, closing in on her until she bumped against the library table. “Just one kiss, Beth. One kiss can’t hurt.”
Before she could react, before she could reply, Trevor wrapped his arms around her, covered her mouth with his and God help her, she was a goner.
ebook
First published May 30, 2008
About the author
Anne Marie Novark
28 books167 followersAnne Marie is a Texas girl, born and raised. Romance is her passion. She loves to read and write about men and women falling in love, overcoming life's obstacles, and living happily ever after. She writes spicy contemporary novels, usually involving a cowboy or two, as well as Regency historicals.
Married to her high school sweetheart, Anne Marie and her husband spend their leisure time working (actually playing) in the yard and renovating their 1956 custom-built house on a one-acre lot in the middle of the city. They have two grown children, three white rabbits, two mischievous cats, and one sweet puppy dog.
Visit Anne Marie at www.annemarienovark.com.
Married to her high school sweetheart, Anne Marie and her husband spend their leisure time working (actually playing) in the yard and renovating their 1956 custom-built house on a one-acre lot in the middle of the city. They have two grown children, three white rabbits, two mischievous cats, and one sweet puppy dog.
Visit Anne Marie at www.annemarienovark.com.
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
April 11, 2024
I got halfway through reading this book and realised that I had read it before. It was an on/off and on again story, with Beth and Trev and her daughter Maggie. A nice HEA. 3☆
June 30, 2017
This book was fantastic and shows that love does conquer all. Trevor Callahan had to learn how to love, Beth Evans didn't trust that she knew the difference between lust and love, Maggie Evans helped her mom and Trevor meet in the middle, the death of Hank Callahan (Trevors surly grandfather) put everything in motion. Looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 28, 2014
Not my favourite by this author, but still enjoyable. The little girl is well.... annoying. Ms. Novark only seems to only write cloyingly sweet kids. The girl is such an overly obvious mechanism for furthering the plot, that I confess to rolling my eyes now and then. But other than that, it was an enjoyable read with a good ending.
June 9, 2021
Beth is 24, so Trevor is 36.
Beth has a 5-year-old daughter.
Several detailed sex scenes, but they aren’t truly graphic. Sensual language is used (I wouldn’t call it flowery) instead of slang for body parts. The F word is never used.
It’s sweet, a good, fast-paced read. The characters are likeable. Both Trevor and Beth grow emotionally, which they have to do to really let someone in. HEA. SAFE. Very good grammar.
3rd person past tense from Trevor and Beth.
Head-hopping within the same chapter/section.
Errors: 9
Currently free – May 2021
Beth has a 5-year-old daughter.
Several detailed sex scenes, but they aren’t truly graphic. Sensual language is used (I wouldn’t call it flowery) instead of slang for body parts. The F word is never used.
It’s sweet, a good, fast-paced read. The characters are likeable. Both Trevor and Beth grow emotionally, which they have to do to really let someone in. HEA. SAFE. Very good grammar.
3rd person past tense from Trevor and Beth.
Head-hopping within the same chapter/section.
Errors: 9
Currently free – May 2021
July 5, 2019
Pleasantly surprised
That I enjoyed this book. First time reader from this author and the cover looks a little cheesy for my taste but a good romance novel. Truly enjoyed the characters and the strength of Beth. Although young and innocent compared to Trevor’s age difference and worldly experiences she has a strong resilient maturity. I actually liked her and her daughter Maggie was the best! I normally enjoy the darker romances but this one was enjoyable nonetheless.
That I enjoyed this book. First time reader from this author and the cover looks a little cheesy for my taste but a good romance novel. Truly enjoyed the characters and the strength of Beth. Although young and innocent compared to Trevor’s age difference and worldly experiences she has a strong resilient maturity. I actually liked her and her daughter Maggie was the best! I normally enjoy the darker romances but this one was enjoyable nonetheless.
May 9, 2017
Cowboys and Ranches
Believing his grandfather hated him, Trevor leaves the family ranch, never looking back. He lives life alone, and lonely, going from job to job as well as woman to woman, never settling in one place. Then, a death brings him back and teaches him what true love really us.
Believing his grandfather hated him, Trevor leaves the family ranch, never looking back. He lives life alone, and lonely, going from job to job as well as woman to woman, never settling in one place. Then, a death brings him back and teaches him what true love really us.
April 25, 2020
I loved this book so much that I read it in one sitting! It grabbed my attention from the first page and I just kept going. I laughed at sweet Maggie's antics and cried as Beth helps Trevor to mend his broken spirit. There is a slow burn with sizzling interactions that builds to some perfect moments. I enjoy this writer's style and look forward to reading more on Stone Creek.
February 24, 2018
Great book
As usual, author presents a wonderful story. It draws you in from the first page, and keeps you reading. The characters were wonderful, and found myself reaching for tissues.. Will continue to read her books, never a disappointment.
As usual, author presents a wonderful story. It draws you in from the first page, and keeps you reading. The characters were wonderful, and found myself reaching for tissues.. Will continue to read her books, never a disappointment.
February 26, 2018
Beautiful
Trevor comes back to sell the family ranch and runs into a young mom & her little girl. Beth is cataloging the books from the ranch so she can have them ready for the book mobile and future library. Can love come these two people.
Trevor comes back to sell the family ranch and runs into a young mom & her little girl. Beth is cataloging the books from the ranch so she can have them ready for the book mobile and future library. Can love come these two people.
March 24, 2019
Stone Creek
I love this story and the way Beth was able through love to get Callahan to come around. Leo was a good man and his love for the ranch helped. Good read, I would recommend this for a light read and heartfelt story. Just got book 2. Thanks, CEH
I love this story and the way Beth was able through love to get Callahan to come around. Leo was a good man and his love for the ranch helped. Good read, I would recommend this for a light read and heartfelt story. Just got book 2. Thanks, CEH
June 3, 2019
Fun story
I really enjoyed reading Beth and Trevor's story. Trevor comes back to sell his grandfather's ranch, but he is not prepared for Beth and her 5 year old daughter Maggie. A very good read.
I really enjoyed reading Beth and Trevor's story. Trevor comes back to sell his grandfather's ranch, but he is not prepared for Beth and her 5 year old daughter Maggie. A very good read.
February 2, 2020
Great book
Kept me reading. Tears and smiles. I really like happy endings. Not always do we need the bad in life, but we do know it is there and when someone, even someone fictional overcomes the bad we all have hope.
Kept me reading. Tears and smiles. I really like happy endings. Not always do we need the bad in life, but we do know it is there and when someone, even someone fictional overcomes the bad we all have hope.
April 26, 2020
Romance for us older folks
I really thoroughly enjoyed this story about Trevor and Beth. It made me laugh and cry. Especially enjoyed their story that included a little 5 yr. old girl named Maggie that steals your heart. Very well written without boring you to tears.
I really thoroughly enjoyed this story about Trevor and Beth. It made me laugh and cry. Especially enjoyed their story that included a little 5 yr. old girl named Maggie that steals your heart. Very well written without boring you to tears.
May 26, 2017
Hotness Rating 3 out of 5
Review to come...
Review to come...
June 13, 2017
A little too cutesy.
July 4, 2017
Fun reading and and had a romance way before the story ended, thank goodness.
September 17, 2017
Good
This book is well written and has a good plot. It has enough romance and intrigue to keep the reader interested.
This book is well written and has a good plot. It has enough romance and intrigue to keep the reader interested.
May 10, 2018
Fantastic
This was great book with a good storyline. It was well written& the characters were fantastic.It
hadromance,excitement &a little silence wondering how this would end.
This was great book with a good storyline. It was well written& the characters were fantastic.It
hadromance,excitement &a little silence wondering how this would end.
May 27, 2018
Enjoyable
Really like the journey Trevor goes through to find his emotions. Amazing what a precocious 5 yr old can do to a big tough guy.
Really like the journey Trevor goes through to find his emotions. Amazing what a precocious 5 yr old can do to a big tough guy.
September 2, 2018
It is a great book to read
October 11, 2018
Good story with an adorable little girl and a determined single mom. The story moves well and is a quick read. A few steamy scenes. Recommended.
April 18, 2019
Well written enjoyable western romance with an adorable 5 year old to fall in love with.
October 17, 2019
Review
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was so sweet. Two people with their own demons, end up helping mend each other. Love it
I absolutely loved this book. The storyline was so sweet. Two people with their own demons, end up helping mend each other. Love it
May 20, 2024
Took a bit
It took me a bit to get into the story.. I am glad I stuck it out because it got way better..
It took me a bit to get into the story.. I am glad I stuck it out because it got way better..
May 26, 2024
Beautiful
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it
Absolutely brilliant book couldn't put it down superb well written and a great cast of characters and story line absolutely loved it
March 10, 2017
Sweet story
A little too much angst for me.
Now little Maggie?
She stole the spotlight and my heart.
I wish more there was more interaction between her and Trevor.
I would've liked more with her and Trevor also.
The first two thirds of the book was okay.
The last third was very emotional and nailed it.
I'd rather read a slow start and a strong ending than the other way around.
A little too much angst for me.
Now little Maggie?
She stole the spotlight and my heart.
I wish more there was more interaction between her and Trevor.
I would've liked more with her and Trevor also.
The first two thirds of the book was okay.
The last third was very emotional and nailed it.
I'd rather read a slow start and a strong ending than the other way around.
March 8, 2017
Glad to purchase!
This was a well written and edited story. Really liked the characters. There is a lot of emotional range in the story. Loved that there is audio versions to this series.
This was a well written and edited story. Really liked the characters. There is a lot of emotional range in the story. Loved that there is audio versions to this series.
February 27, 2017
Fabulous....
Very good all the way through the whole book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series and anything else she has written.
Very good all the way through the whole book. Can't wait to read the rest of the series and anything else she has written.
April 30, 2019
I don't know why this one is so highly ranked, but I just couldn't relate to these two. I honestly had to drag myself through to finish this one. Probably between 1 and 2 stars, but really didn't feel enough positive to round up.
Trevor (H) returns to the ranch after his cold, distant grandfather passes away, hoping to sell the ranch and put his past behind him. Then he magically thaws to this amazing woman and precocious and precious little girl. Standard plot, but honestly, I've seen it handled much better. Trevor was just kinda blah.
Beth (h) is a bookmobile driver/fledgling librarian. I usually like those sorts of characters (typically on the geeky and intelligent end of the spectrum, which I always enjoy in an h), but this one was a little weird. Pretty immature for all that the other characters kept gushing about her intelligence and drive. And she was so hung up about the promise to Hank for the endowment. But it is Trevor's land. If he wants to sell, he can! Why not be upfront with him about it? Maybe he'd match the money, be able to sell the land like he wants, and then everyone wins and a lot less drama. But maybe that's just me... And the whole trip to Laredo (I think it was)? "Oh, I don't want to go and really shouldn't, but my friend is guilting us into it, and now that he's offering me a way out, I'm going to get mad at him and dig in my heels." Just very immature in a lot of ways.
The daughter is the token Adorable Child character designed to make the H feel like he really does want a family. Straight up plot device, not a real character. She is precocious, but it's not really developed as a plot point. I think it's just in there so that she doesn't have to sound like a actual child. Overall, she's annoying and irritatingly sweet.
Biggest issue was that I just never felt any chemistry between the two leads. So much felt told-not-shown. He gushes about how attractive she is, but there never feels like there's a spark. Made for a long and less engaging read. Like I said, I really had to drag myself through it.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no past ex drama, no OW/OM issues. HEA and no cliffhangers. Free on Kindle when I found it.
Will I read more in this series? I highly doubt it.
Trevor (H) returns to the ranch after his cold, distant grandfather passes away, hoping to sell the ranch and put his past behind him. Then he magically thaws to this amazing woman and precocious and precious little girl. Standard plot, but honestly, I've seen it handled much better. Trevor was just kinda blah.
Beth (h) is a bookmobile driver/fledgling librarian. I usually like those sorts of characters (typically on the geeky and intelligent end of the spectrum, which I always enjoy in an h), but this one was a little weird. Pretty immature for all that the other characters kept gushing about her intelligence and drive. And she was so hung up about the promise to Hank for the endowment. But it is Trevor's land. If he wants to sell, he can! Why not be upfront with him about it? Maybe he'd match the money, be able to sell the land like he wants, and then everyone wins and a lot less drama. But maybe that's just me... And the whole trip to Laredo (I think it was)? "Oh, I don't want to go and really shouldn't, but my friend is guilting us into it, and now that he's offering me a way out, I'm going to get mad at him and dig in my heels." Just very immature in a lot of ways.
The daughter is the token Adorable Child character designed to make the H feel like he really does want a family. Straight up plot device, not a real character. She is precocious, but it's not really developed as a plot point. I think it's just in there so that she doesn't have to sound like a actual child. Overall, she's annoying and irritatingly sweet.
Biggest issue was that I just never felt any chemistry between the two leads. So much felt told-not-shown. He gushes about how attractive she is, but there never feels like there's a spark. Made for a long and less engaging read. Like I said, I really had to drag myself through it.
Alternating 3rd person POV. No cheating, no past ex drama, no OW/OM issues. HEA and no cliffhangers. Free on Kindle when I found it.
Will I read more in this series? I highly doubt it.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews