Is the powerful McQuaid legacy of love only a thing of the past? Or can such a love still happen today?
Tyler McQuaid has been too busy managing his family’s luxury ranch resort to think about love. But when his dad gets sick and may not have long to live, Tyler begins to question what is truly important. He’s already failed once at love and marriage, but how can he say no to his dad’s sickbed wish that he try again?
Kinsey Wingrove, a traveling nurse, prefers to keep her relationships short and sweet, and yes, even shallow. With the losses she’s already experienced in life, it’s just easier that way. When she arrives at Healing Springs Ranch, she clashes with her new patient’s son, the handsome cowboy who runs the place and doesn’t think she’s the right nurse for his dad.
As sparks fly between Tyler and Kinsey, the meddling, matchmaking McQuaid family sees that more can exist between the two than they will acknowledge. Can Tyler accept and move beyond the mistakes of his past to allow for the McQuaid legacy of love—a fast, furious, and forever kind of love? Or will he let Kinsey’s fears push him away forever?Enemies to moreGrumpy bossSingle dadMatchmaking familyGrief from lossHunky cowboysSwoony kisses* The inspirational themes in this book are light, and the romance is the primary focus. While the romance is sizzling and the kisses swoony, both the language and physical attraction are clean and wholesome.
Jody Hedlund is the best-selling author of over fifty books and is the winner of numerous awards. She writes sweet historical romances with plenty of sizzle. Find out more at jodyhedlund.com.
Jody lives in central Michigan with her husband, five busy children, and five spoiled cats. When she’s not penning another of her page-turning stories, she loves to spend her time reading, especially when it also involves consuming coffee and chocolate.
Spurs and Sparks, Jody Hedlund’s first book in her contemporary romance series, Healing Springs Ranch, is stuffed with emotionally resonant characters, realistic relationship dynamics with plenty of witty banter and emotional introspection, and character growth arcs that evolve throughout the story. It is a phenomenally heartwarming book that will top my 2025 reads!
Two things:
(1) Hedlund knows how to ignite empathy. She quickly revealed Tyler McQuaid’s vulnerabilities, allowing me to connect with him and his journey. Engaging early on allowed me to sympathize with his situation, making me root all the more for him and his love interest. I think it’s safe to say that (a) Tyler will be my favourite male character this year and that (2) that kissing scene is one of the best I've ever read!
“They say the best way to gain courage is to climb your mountain.”
(2) I loved Hedlund’s message about courage. Her characters don’t face danger, but they learn to push past fear as they face seemingly insurmountable relationship challenges. These unforgettable yet ordinary individuals inspired me as I watched them find their purpose and grow towards integrity. Despite the costs being high (you’ll read about why Kinsey is needed at Healing Springs Ranch), Tyler and Kinsey’s courage isn’t loud or confrontational, but rather unwavering. I love that they both wait until their head catches up with their heart and are determined that they won’t let their fears hold them back any longer.
I loved my time at Healing Springs Ranch and can’t wait to get back to spend time with this fantastic family.
I was gifted this copy and was under no obligation to provide a review.
This book is a perfect start to this new series by Jody Hedlund! I have been so excited to read this one. As soon as I got my copy I dove right in! And I devoured it! I had the morning all to myself while on vacation and I sat watching and listening to the ocean while reading this one. It was the best! I didn't set it down once. This is a contemporary book and I loved being back in Healing Springs with the modern day McQuaid family! If you've read the Colorado Cowboy series, then you'll have met the McQuaids and see their start in settling Healing Springs. If you haven't read that series, you might just want to after reading this book!
The opening line had me giggling! Tyler McQuaid is the oldest McQuaid sibling and runs the ranch for his dad. And his little guy Wyatt is a hoot! He's so adorable and makes several appearances throughout the story. But Wyatt gets his dad thinking about dating again and finding himself a wife.
Enter Kinsey Wingrove, traveling nurse. She's smart, confident, beautiful, and refuses to take any of Tyler's guff! Good job girl! I loved watching them navigating around each other and trying to find a truce of sorts. But Tyler is trying to avoid her because he doesn't want to be hurt again. Try as he might though, there's something amazing about Kinsey and he just keeps getting pulled into her orbit!
I loved these two and their story. Lots of great chemistry and sparks. But there's heartache and sorrow from their pasts and the worry and concern over Tyler's dad's health brings some levity to their story as well. Even with all of that I was feeling all of the feels with this one. Sooo good!!! Not an adequate descriptive word but nevertheless it's very true! I was all grins and giggles and sighs while reading Kinsey and Tyler's story. There were even a few happy tears at the end. And hint...all of the siblings are going to get their own story!!! Woot Woot!!! I can't tell you how happy that makes me. And I'm going to tell you that I got an early copy of the second book at the same time that I got this book. And yes, if you're wondering if I read it right away...Yes! Yes I did!!! I couldn't help myself! I just loved this one so much and I adore this author's writing and books, and this McQuaid family! I devoured the second book right away as well! No regrets at all!!!!!!
Get ready for a sweet and swoony cowboy story that will sweep you away and leave you soaring!!!
Content: Clean. Some sweet kisses and nothing further.
I received a copy from the author. All thoughts and opinions in the review are my own.
I really wish my reading experience had gone differently and I can see someone else enjoying this but I never connected with these main characters. Tyler's personality felt like a red flag the entire time and I never resonated with Kinsey. And I am not really sure why they were so meant for each other by the end.
This is a clean romance but the emphasis on physical attributes and physical attraction was too strong (full paragraphs at times) and got annoying. How many times do we need to be told how much Tyler enjoyed how long the FMC's legs are???...And the words "pleasure" and "desire" were used far too often for my liking. To me it really felt like covert lustiness after a while of continuing to be reiterated. The characters were semi-aware of this at times. It was still going on like that into the 70% mark.
The side characters were sooo flat, in my opinion, and there were not that many of them. And everything about the plot was so obviously centered around justifying/enforcing the forced proximity of the couple and not much else. It did not feel dynamic to me.
My favorite parts about this book are how pretty the cover is and the description of the setting. I felt like the atmosphere was the most three-dimensional thing about it, in my opinion.
I do not have plans to pick up the next book.
In this book: -grumpy cowboy MMC -feisty travel nurse FMC -single dad -forced proximity -animosity to more -luxury ranch, Colorado setting -matchmaking family
Content Guide: romance - clean language - clean violence - clean CW: cancer diagnosis of a side character (happens very early on in the story so not a spoiler )
This was delightful! It is a light book (although it started out with a hint of angst, it was ultimately a light and breezy read.) I loved the chance to enjoy the ranch setting with spectacular mountain vistas, the rugged mountains, and the old-fashioned cowboys. The love story was wholesome, and I liked seeing a divorced hero navigate old wounds and single fatherhood.
What a perfect light cowboy read! I was in a mood for a story like this and it hit ALL the elements I was looking for. A well written story, handsome cowboys and a sweet romance. I am a longtime Jody Hedlund fan and her McQuaid historical series is my favorite of hers, so when this series with a contemporary generation of McQuaids, I was super excited. This story did not disappoint in the least. I’m thrilled that I already have book 2 and I hope the rest of the series releases super soon! As for this story, I’ll be looking to buy my own hard copy asap!
I received a copy of this book from the Author and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
This contemporary romance book is a can’t put down read! Will Kinsey and Tyler go from enemies to something more? Can Kinsey soften the grumpy and serious Tyler? I love that Jody Hedlund is carrying on the McQuaid legacy from her cowboy series. The McQuaid family is full of heart and love for each other and shows how close a family can be. When the patriarch needs specialized care when he has a major health scare, the family wants only the best care for him. Enter Kinsey, a traveling nurse running from all close relationships. The way Kinsey and Tyler’s story plays out is so fun to read and had me squealing with excitement for them. I look forward to more fast, furious, and forever kind of love stories from this series!
Oh, I do love me a good McQuaid romance! Spurs and Sparks is the first in the Healing Springs Ranch series, and Tyler is the first sibling introduced. Get ready for cowboys with smoldering glances, strong jawlines, and very loyal family ties. Not to mention the McQuaid love legacy. When the McQuaid men fall in love, it is fast, furious, and forever. Tyler is pretty sure he has broken the legacy seeing how is divorced and a single dad. He is amazing at running his family ranch that has been managed and run by the McQuaid family for multiple generations. The family is tight knit and most stay close, except those with careers that pull them away. He is also a great dad and a dedicated son to T.W. Facing a health crisis, T.W. needs a personal nurse, and Kinsey is quick to arrive. Sparks fly immediately between Tyler and Kinsey. Everyone else can see what they are trying so hard to fight, and the matchmaking ensues. Eventually, the McQuaid legend proves true, and Tyler falls hard. The romance is clean with palpable chemistry and plenty of restraint and respect. The descriptions of the Rockies are spot on and create a sense of wonder. I cannot wait for the other siblings to get their stories (not the mention the potential off-shoots just from characters introduced in this story). If you have been following the McQuaid family, you will love seeing the legacy continue in modern times. If you are just picking up the family, enjoy the backstories to come as you learn more about the origins of this amazing family in the high country of Colorado. I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are solely my own, freely given.
I’ve loved many other books from this author. Particularly the original McQuaid series. But after reading only three chapters I could tell this book is not for me. There was way too much emphasis on looks and how unbelievably attractive these character were. And after reading some other reviews, it sounds like this kind of narrative only continues throughout the rest of the book.
The part that made me stop though was how the brothers couldn’t believe she could be a nurse, an excellent top-notch nurse, because she was so beautiful. This kind of blatant misogyny was so off putting I decided to just stop right there. Also, isn’t it long-standing common knowledge that nurses are commonly young beautiful women??
Disappointed with this and probably won’t read future books from this series.
The premise of this story is good, but I really thought it got a little steamy for a clean book written by a Christian author. I have had problems like this in the past with this author. I am all for a healthy outlook of physical attraction when you're dating. It's there so let's not pretend its not. But there were at least 2 times in this story when I was like, "Okay, this isn't going any further than kissing right? RIGHT?!" Anyways, I'm not sure I would recommend my teenage sisters read this book because it's just too much in my opinion.
Listened to the audio and it was fine. The story line fell flat and was pretty insta lovey. Also hated how much the story focused on looks and was more lust driven. Just not for me.
I did like that this series is based off her historical cowboy series that I loved. Unfortunately it just didn’t grab me like her historical series did.
As a fan of Jody Hedlund, this wasn’t my favorite work of hers. As always I love the realness of her characters, I love finding pieces of myself in them, I love watching them overcome obstacles and grow.
I loved stepping back into the McQuaid family and remembering how big my book boyfriend crush was on Wyatt McQuaid… well all the McQuaid brothers, but specifically Wyatt. I loved seeing the growth and change of Healing Springs. I loved seeing the legacy and other places come back to life after generations from when they were founded.
But I struggled with how image obsessed both Tyler and Kinsey were. Focused throughout on how hot they were themselves, and how hot they found one another. It felt like it took forever for either of them to see anything else about the other. I know Hedlund said this was less on the faith more on the romance - but watching her weave faith into her characters trials is one of the reasons I fell in love with her writing. But a lack of trials, beyond the characters own mental boundaries and limitations to developing a relationship, left me to feel a little lacking.
A very cozy read, I was giggling and smiling throughout the few hours it took to read. For sure will check back in to learn all the more about Brock McQuaid, and each of the other boys. These tall, dark, handsome cowboys Hedlund creates will always have me coming back for more.
In two months the FMC and MMC goes from Enemies to friends. From friends to being in relationship, to being engaged. In just two months. It wasn’t even love at first sight for them. Nor did they communicate with each other enough to show they cared about each other. They had one kiss on a non date. A friendship date. I felt like MMC family forced these two into a relationship.
I felt the author kinda rushed to finished the story around chapter 19. I would have liked a few more chapters of them actually taking the time to get to know one another instead of this being a forced relationship and engagement. Last chapter was obviously rushed to complete.
Besides that, the book was cute quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Another excellent sizzling, but clean, romance from Jody!
The McQuaid Legacy says that a man will love fast, furiously, and forever. And poor Tyler is missing out. I loved watching him overcome his doubts and dislike for Kinsey.
Kinsey, like Tyler, had some growth they needed to happen. Again, she was also resistant, and had done everything she could to never be hurt by never staying in one place for long.
The found family element, and watching all of the McQuaids made me want to visit the resort! I can’t wait for the rest of the series!
Jody Hedlund’s Colorado Cowboys series is one of my favorites of hers, and I’m so excited she is continuing the McQuaid family’s stories in her first contemporary series! Spurs and Sparks, the first in Hedlund’s Healing Springs Ranch series, is romantic, relatable, and sweet. I enjoyed the characters, and am jealous that I can’t visit the ranch in real life — it sounds amazing!
I’m super excited for more books in this series. 4/5 stars
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
There isn’t anything wrong with this book. The characters were nice if a bit predictable. The story was fine. And if others have enjoyed it more than me, that makes me happy. But for me, I just wasn’t that invested in the romance. I have thousands of books to read, not to mention my reread books and shrinking time to read since I can’t stop buying.
An absolutely delightful story about a single dad who falls for his father's traveling nurse after some matchmaking schemes. This story is so much fun with the extreme tension between Tyler and Kinsey as they go from being enemies to friends to lovers. A sweet cowboy romance that carries on the McQuaid family legacy.
A complimentary copy of the book was provided. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.
3.75⭐️ ~ Great family dynamic and love story, but it just has some things missing for me. The longer I ponder and reflect on my reading experience, the more I realize that my connection to the book isn’t super palpable. Regardless, I still loved this book and I wouldn’t say it’s bad. Definitely highly recommend this book still! Jody Hedlund never disappoints!
'Spurs and Sparks' was another one of those short and sweet romance books I found myself struggling to put down. The setting was gorgeous, and the characters were enjoyable and understandable in their own stubbornness. This was the first book I have read of Jody Hedlund, and I hope it is not the last.
This book has a romance-focused storyline with some contemporary western themes throughout. There are some small nods to Christianity, but that only occurs a couple times and is hardly a focal point. The POV switches between Kinsey's and Tyler's which adds some extra drama and swoon worthy moments throughout. It is a story about two people who have become disillusioned with finding true love due to their own traumas of the past. As they get to know each other and grow closer, it is up to them to either welcome their budding romance with open arms or close themselves off from love altogether. Unlike most books I have read, I feel as though both love interests had an equivalent amount of development in the book
The story takes place mainly on Healing Springs Ranch which is a family-owned and operated luxury resort, nestled among the mountains of Colorado. The author did a fantastic job of putting enough detail into the background that it took me back to my own travels through the beautiful state. The property as a whole, shares a rustic, country aesthetic, down to the furniture and decorations of the various cabins, to the horse corral. As the reader, you get quite a bit of information of the various activities one could engage in while taking a load off on the property. The romantic story being the main focal point of the book, I was surprised at how much we got to experience outside of the main plot. It made me want to check myself and explore as well.
Kinsey Wingrove is the stubborn travel nurse with 10-feet walls around her heart. Having lost someone quite close to her previously, she diverts the pain she felt into motivation to be the absolute best nurse for all her patients. One such patient includes Tyler's father and current owner of the ranch. She instantly, jumps into her role and takes accountability for his healthcare. She rarely ever leaves his side, even neglected in her own needs in the process. Kinsey's parents did not have a great relationship, so she has been putting off getting into another relationship. Her opinion of Tyler did not start on the right foot, but she starts accepting his rugged personality as time goes on. The decisions she makes throughout the book may unnecessarily add to or create drama, but knowing her reasonings and character, it is hard to be aggravated by them.
Tyler McQuaid is the eldest son and current property manager of the ranch. He had a rough end to his relationship with his son's mother. Due to this, he has also built a mote around his heart convincing him to exude this rough exterior, causing potential love interests to stay away. In the beginning, he was quite judgmental towards Kinsey, as she was too young and too pretty to be considered a good enough nurse for his father. It was this attitude that began the animosity between Kinsey and Tyler to begin with. As he began witnessing Kinsey's true nature and how devoted she truly was, his opinion of her changed. Being a father, he was on guard for his son's sake as well since he did not want the next woman to up and live like his ex. That being said, he began witnessing how close his son was growing towards Kinsey which was assisting the positive light he was shining on her. As time went on, he figured out his true and passionate feelings towards her, causing him to eventually drop that rough facade. He remains loyal to not only his father but his whole family in general.
Kinsey and Tyler's relationship was at times enemies-to-lovers. They begin thinking they were incompatible for each other when everyone around them knew they were perfect for each other. It felt slow pace for the majority of the book, culminating in some heart fluttering moments between them. They both grew into the people they should be pretty simultaneously, leading to a touching and inspiring love story of moving away from the past and being honest with your own heart. Definitely one of the sweetest and genuine romance novels I have read.
All in all, if you are in the mood and have a day to commit to reading a sweet romance, this is one for you. This is the first in the 'Healing Springs Ranch' series. Similarly to the 'Brothers of Sapphire Ranch' series, the books follow a different sibling and their romantic escapades. The sequel seems to be written in the perspective of the famous country singer brother so that will be very interesting to read.
“You have to decide whether you’ll hurt yourself more by pushing forward or by holding back.”
Get your cowboy hat, a cozy reading space, & lots of good snacks cause the McQuaids are back & better than ever! After reading the Colorado Cowboys series, I was so sad to leave this historical romance family behind. Now Jody Hedlund’s continuing their family legacy of falling in love fast & deep with their modern day descendants. Spurs & Sparks is the first in the Healing Springs Ranch series & a delicious enemies to friends to more romance that had me devouring the pages.
Tyler McQuaid’s been busy managing the Healing Springs Ranch, passed down through the generations & now a luxury resort. After a disastrous first marriage, the last thing on his mind is falling in love again. But, when his father receives a devastating pancreatic cancer diagnosis & his young son keeps asking him about dating, he begins to reconsider. When his father’s gorgeous new traveling nurse arrives, they really get off on the wrong foot. The sparks definitely fly between them, but as he recognizes she’s really a fabulous nurse & isn’t afraid to stand up to him, his grumpy attitude begins changing. Suddenly, he can’t seem to get enough of her presence. But, pursuing anything with her is fruitless especially when she’ll eventually leave.
Kinsey Wingrove lost her sister to cancer, & has never been the same. As a traveling nurse, she’s one of the best. Despite the loneliness & difficultly of leaving, she prefers it to putting down roots & risk getting her heart broken. From the get go, Tyler pushes all her buttons. The man is infuriatingly attractive & the chemistry between them is undeniable. As they get to know each other & with his family’s matchmaking, the walls start to come down. But, will she have the courage to risk her heart?
I loved Kinsey & Tyler! Their witty banter, smoldering attraction, & enemies to more vibes had me hooked from the first. Both are so sympathetic with difficult pasts to overcome. I loved seeing their story unfold & that first kiss!
The modern McQuaid family is adorable! Can’t wait to get all of their stories. I especially loved Tyler’s resilient, matchmaking father. Highly recommend to closed door Western romance fans! I received an advanced copy from the author. All opinions are my own & voluntarily provided.
I was soo soo excited when Jodi announced she was writing a contemporary romance set decades later at Healing Springs Ranch!! I received an ARC in exchange for a honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Colorado Cowboys series is how I got reintroduced to Jodi’s amazing writing! I did read two of her previous works The Uncertain Choice and The Vow and didn’t realize it till I went to look at her other books after the Colorado Cowboys series. So it was super nostalgic to read about the descendants of Wyatt and the many others that founded the town of Healing Springs!!
This was a great start for an enemies to lovers which she always does extremely well! The banter she writes and the reasons why they’re so-called enemies are always believable and well written. It’s not just some simple misunderstanding or surface reason for the most part and so seeing those couples get through that to the root of the feelings and realize they’d actually do anything FOR that person makes them such a good read!
Tyler is the oldest boy and definitely struggles with letting others help or do things that he thinks could be done better. His father’s diagnosis rocks his world and he definitely butts heads with Kinsey big time! The quips and underlying tension makes you want to keep turning the page to see all that come to a head. The matchmaking done not so subtly by his dad and siblings keeps things interesting and Tyler tries to brush it off but soon he’s beginning to realize that maybe he just might have a chance at the McQuaid legacy of love.
Kinsey didn’t have the easiest time with her sister’s diagnosis and so she pours herself into her job becoming the best traveling nurse she can be. So of course she bristles when her skills are questioned by some rugged grumpy handsome cowboy she should not be noticing. Soon she begins to see the things her life was missing and also how blessed she was to have her sister for as long as she did. Through the weeks she’s taking care of Tyler’s dad she begins to wish for things she didn’t think she’d want and maybe she’s finally found somebody worth settling down for.
While I received an ARC copy of Spurs and Sparks, the review below reflects my own thoughts and opinions.
I LOVED this return to the McQuaid Family! Whether you are familiar with the McQuaid family legacy or not, if you enjoy a clean cowboy romance, especially one with an enemy-to-lovers trope, you are sure to enjoy this book!
Tyler McQuaid is the oldest son of the McQuaid family. He's been successfully running the McQuaid ranch after his father T.M. passed the reins of the family's legacy to him for many years. While he has helped improve the ranch so that is now brings in higher-class clients, he can't help but think that he has failed at the true McQuaid family legacy; the Love Legacy. The legacy, goes that when McQuaid men fall in love, it's fast, furious, and forever. As a divorced single dad, Tyler reckons that he has failed at maintaining that legacy.
When a family emergency with his dad occurs, the decision is made to hire the best of the best nurses to care for T.M. as there isn't adequate medical care near the ranch. When nurse Kinsey arrives, she's not at all what Tyler was expecting. And when things between the two of them start off on the wrong foot, the two make sure they stay far away from each other. And yet, with each encounter, there's sparks and attraction simmering beneath the surface.
Kinsey became a nurse as a result of seeing her younger sister battle a deadly disease. She travels the nation, caring for her patients, always knowing that she will only be in one place for a short time. She's used to maintaining more surface-level attachments and not becoming too attached to the patients she helps. Yet, there's something about the McQuaid family that makes keeping her distance a whole lot harder.
Can these two stubborn hearts come together and realize that they balance each other out? Will Kinsey and Tyler realize that they are each other's one and only? Find out by reading Spurs and Sparks! It's the first book in Jody Hedlund's contemporary romance series, and one you definitely will not want to miss!
Tyler McQuaid doesn't have time for love. It didn't work for him the first time he tried and now he is too busy running his family's luxury ranch and taking care of his dad. When his father's new home nurse arrives, he is certain she is the wrong person for the job and insists she leave...despite his growing attraction to her.
Kinsey enjoys the live of a traveling nurse but once she gets to know the McQuaid family and she and Tyler call a truce and feelings begin to quickly grow between them, she wonders if she can put aside her fears and choose to stay.
What you'll love: enemies to lovers vibes dual pov grumpy, cowboy MMC single dad forced proximity he falls first so much chemistry! the first date...and the first kiss!! found family banter and flirting
I have been a fan of Jody Hedlund for years and was absolutely delighted when I heard that not only was she writing her first contemporary romance, but that this new series tells the stories of the descendants of the McQuaid family featured in her Colorado Cowboy series, one of my favorite historical series of all-time with some of the SWOONIEST cowboy stories ever!
And oh my word, this book did not disappoint! Filled with all the sizzling swoon and fun banter I have come to love and expect in this author's stories, I binged the entire book from first page to last and loved every single minute of it!
Tyler's initial reluctance to fall in love is quickly replaced by an all-encompassing devotion. When he falls, he falls hard and fast and oh. my.swoon! I also loved that the physical attraction between Tyler and Kinsey was balanced with a beautiful emotional bond, creating an even more swoon-worthy love story!
Whether you are already a Jody Hedlund fan or have yet to pick up one of her books, this adorably sweet romance absolutely deserves a spot at the top of your TBR pile! I am an even more devoted fan of this author than before and cannot wait to read more from this series!
I received a complimentary copy but a positive review was not required.
Years have flown by since the McQuaid family arrived in the high country of Colorado. Back then, it was cattle ranching, gold mining, and lumber milling. That was back when the west was being settled. Now the McQuaid ranch is a luxury ranch resort with healing springs, the Healing Springs Ranch. The descriptions of the lodge, cabins, restaurant, and various amenities with the setting in the Colorado Rockies make a person want to visit. There were numerous activities planned daily to provide lots of fun things for the guests. The story includes a fair amount of action and clean romance, although the kissing scenes had their share of sizzle. I enjoyed reading about Tyler, the oldest son, who was running the ranch. His siblings were employed in various other endeavors, some at the ranch and some away from home. Tyler’s son Wyatt was a precocious seven-year-old with tons of questions, such as, “Dad, why don’t you have a woman?” Tyler’s wife had left when Wyatt was two years old. Most of the scenes with Wyatt were a lot of fun. The story is not all fun and games as T.W. McQuaid, the father of Tyler and his siblings, fights a battle against pancreatic cancer. Thus the traveling nurse comes swooping in to save the day. I am being a bit facetious, but she does arrive by helicopter. Immediately, Tyler determines that she is too young and too beautiful to know how to care for a man as sick as his father is. Sparks fly from the start. I received an advance copy of this book from the author. This is my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own.
Grumpy cowboy meets sassy, sunshine nurse! Spurs and Sparks is full of heart, hope, and a sweet love story that made me smile from start to finish.
Tyler, the eldest McQuaid sibling, is a single father and the head of his family’s luxury resort. After a failed attempt at love, he’s convinced he’s incapable of finding the McQuaid brand of romance—fast, furious, and forever. But when his father collapses, Tyler makes him a deal: he’ll find a wife if his father promises to fight for his life.
Kinsey Wingrove is a traveling nurse hired to care for TW McQuaid. She’s young but more than capable—if only Tyler would get out of her way long enough to let her do her job. Kinsey knows firsthand how illness can rip a fragile family apart, so she doubts her ability to build a lasting relationship of her own. Yet under Tyler’s gruff exterior, she discovers a tender-hearted man who always puts others first and makes her want to try.
Spurs and Sparks is a contemporary cowboy romance woven with themes of redemption, compassion, and forgiveness. Tyler and Kinsey’s journey from sparring partners to sweethearts is full of warmth, connection, and undeniable chemistry. I enjoyed getting to know the whole McQuaid family and watching them matchmake behind Tyler and Kinsey's backs. It was enjoyable to follow them as they open their hearts and consider a future together.
It was equal parts touching and charming—an overall enjoyable read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Jody Hedlund. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
It took me three tries before I finally made it through this one. The only reason I kept going was because I did like many of the characters. I loved Wyatt! Kinsey was okay. I did not like Tyler at all. He wasn’t a grump he was a spoiled jerk. He went on and on about how Kinsey looked and how great her legs and body were…. uh awkward. She’s cleaning up your Dad’s puke and you’re ogling her. On top of that he wouldn’t even give her a chance to prove herself or get to know her as a person. I understand paying a lot of money and asking for a veteran nurse but obviously the company sent her that’s not her fault. As prickly as he was towards her to then be so possessive of her with the other ranch hands was too much. The family trying to push them together came off really awkward. Can you imagine being a live in nurse on this huge ranch with this jerk everyone is pushing you to like? I did not like that he went on a very romantic day long date with Kinsey when he technically was dating Nettie. I really wish he had never asked out Nettie and had just agreed to date Kinsey it would have made the hot tub less inappropriate. Now the making out in the room with the dad asleep nothing could have made that better. Yikes For all the talk of her being professional a few tweaks and she could have stayed professional while falling instantly in love. I really like this author but this didn’t even read like her at all. The lack of consistency in characters alone was enough. I’m really hoping the other books are better.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
What a fantastic beginning to a brand new contemporary romance series! If you have read the author’s Colorado Cowboys historical romance series, it is fun to know that these McQuaid siblings are the descendants of that family of ranchers. But reading the historical series is not necessary to enjoy or understand the Healing Springs Ranch series.
Both Tyler and Kinsey begin the story with no desire to find love. Tyler is divorced and believes that if he ever marries again, he should make sure it is simply with a woman he can get along with from the area. He is wary of intense chemistry that could fizzle out over time. Kinsey travels as a nurse and never allows herself to get too attached to anyone. She is definitely afraid of getting hurt.
The attraction and romantic chemistry between these two is off the charts, even as they bicker back and forth over Tyler’s dad’s care. Eventually, Tyler does realize that the legacy that the McQuaid men have carried down for generations of falling fast, furious, and forever for the woman they love has happened to him. But, both Tyler and Kinsey have to overcome their fears of heartache and failure before they have any hope of finding love together. I adored this story and am excited to read the future books in the series!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.