Second Chance for a Grumpy Prospector

by Harley Bloom

Four years ago, Jason Milner invited Winona Saunders to the spring dance, only to overhear a snippet of her words—a complete misunderstanding—that made him feel like a charity case. Driven by hurt and pride, he brought her best friend Etta instead. Shattered by the betrayal, Winona fled and vowed never to trust Jason again.

Jason roamed the Texas plains for four lonely years, chasing gold and trying to forget.
When his travels take him back to Branson to restock supplies, he finds Winona has taken over her late father’s general store.
One charged encounter, and old tensions—and desires—ignite like the Texas sun.

Then ruthless landowner Bart Emerson’s hired thugs appear, threatening Winona into selling her only legacy. Determined to protect her, Jason keeps vigil amid damaged shelves and swirling gossip.

Hoping to quell rumors, Jason proposes a “fake” engagement. But it only provokes deeper scrutiny, exposing hidden enemies and painful secrets.
Now they must stand together or risk losing everything—just when a second chance at love hangs in the balance.

222 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 7, 2025

Reviews

[Yugie Caroline · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read Harley Bloom for the first time with her book Runaway Bride for a Grumpy Cowboy, and it was with that book that I fell in love with her writing and with stories of the old wild west. It was for that reason that I eagerly applied for her ARC team for this new book, and it pleases me immensely that I had been right in my gut instinct that I was going to love this book..

In the heart of this book is a story about a love that refuses to be buried under - or in spite of - a long-lingering resentment over transgressions made in the past. And just like most human conflict, the root source of said resentment is an unfortunate misunderstanding that would have been immediately resolved had both parties engaged in honest and open communication. But hey, conflicts rooted in miscommunication are what makes a story interesting, right?

It was precisely that kind of conflict between Winona and Jason - the book's main characters - that kept me glued to their story, because deeply entwined with that bitter conflict is a genuine affection and care they have for one another that they cannot deny no matter how much they try to. As I read the book, I kept waiting for that moment when the truth about what really happened during that night that destroyed their budding relationship would finally be revealed to them. Until that happened, I was treated to entertaining moments that started with the two of them exchanging heated barbs, to them starting to do small and tender acts of kindness to one another, and to them finally acknowledging (at least to their own selves at first) how their love for the other had remained in spite of their outward animosity.

What made the story even more interesting were the incessant rumors about the real score between Winona and Jason, the escalating threats of one greedy, sinister man leveled not just against Winona but many others in their small town, and the suspense over whether Jason would hit it big with a generous gold find.

It thus goes without saying how I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Once I got to 2/3 of the book, there was no putting it down, hence the finish at 1am.

I received an ARC of this book from the author and I am leaving this honest review voluntarily.

[Margaret Hejmanowski · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love all things Harley Bloom and this does not disappoint, this is part of The Frontier Grumps Romance series. Winona Sauders has taken over her father's general store in Branson, after his death. Jason Milner is a prospector and has always had feelings for Winona. She has feelings for him, but won't admit it. Their was a major misunderstanding in their past and they are both having trouble getting past it. Bart Emerson wants to buy Winona's store and land. She is not interested in selling, this is all she has left of her father. Bart is not used to NOT getting his way., he sends some hired thugs to show her a lesson. Jason finds Winona crying in her store, and the store in total disarray. He tells her he will guard the store . Can either of them get past their hurt feelings from the past? Love the plot, great setting, and strong intense interesting characters. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Harley Bloom!!!!!

[Terry T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Is a sweet small town, fake betrothal, historical romance with no cliffhanger.
Some of the lines I really like ---- “A good pie can fix just about any wrong.” --- "I’m not some delicate flower who needs saving.” ---- “You look worse than a cat in a rainstorm,” ---- “And you look worse than a cat that lost the fight.” ---- "You’re still grumpy as a mule in a snowstorm.” ---- "It’s about having someone to share the load. Someone to make life sweeter.” ---- “Gold doesn’t make a man. His heart does. His integrity." ---- “Forgiveness isn’t for him, Jason, it’s for you. Holding onto anger will only hurt you.” ----
What's Bart up to? What's Mae up to? What's Colt up to?These and other questions will all be answered.
I loved Winona and Jason's story and I'm sure you will too. I've loved everyone of her books that I've read and can't wait to read her next book.

[Earlene Click · Rating 5 out of 5]

Levi and Winona

This is the tale of two stubborn, hardheaded people that secretly love each other and won’t admit it to each other. Levi is a handsome, single fella and is determined to strike it rich by finding gold. Years pass and he’s still determined to strike it rich. Winona’s father is now deceased leaving her his mining supply store. Each loves the other , but won’t admit it to the other. You will enjoy discovering how they find their happily ever after.

[Jean Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jason and Winona have been on the outs for some years after he overhears a conversation between her and her sister. He thought she felt sorry for him while she thought he stood her up. Turns out there were other people involved in the deception. This is an action filled story with humor, interesting characters, misunderstandings,danger and some surprises. An entertaining story that held my interest throughout. I received an ARC copy of the book and this is my honest review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Making decisions based on eavesdropped conversations is normally not a good idea. In the case of Jason and Winona it was a terrible idea. Harley Bloom has given us interesting characters, an action filled story, humor, danger and a few surprises. Communication is not their strong point, action is. This was an entertaining story and I look forward to more by this author.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet historical romance set in the Old West. Good character development and the plot is interesting and unpredictable.

Looking forward to reading more in this series!