Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch

Valentine Valley #6

by Emma Cane

Emma Cane's Valentine Valley series returns, as a teacher and her cowboy crush kindle sparks—and something more—in the town that lives up to its name...

The only thing hotter than a cowboy...

Math teacher Lyndsay De Luca never surprised anyone—least of all herself—until this summer. First, she secretly published her debut romance novel. Then, she started dating Will Sweet, the cowboy of her dreams. And now, Lyndsay's scrambling to hide the juiciest tidbit of all: that the hazel-eyed hero of her steamy fiction is the same guy whose kisses have become her mind-blowing reality.

...Is a cowboy in love.

Ever since Will's high-school sweetheart died in a tragic accident, he hasn't been able to commit to a long-term relationship. Lyndsay is the first woman in years who's been able to catch—and keep—his attention. When they team up to teach Valentine's teens about ranch life, Will discovers it's not just her sexy-as-hell smile that has him hooked. Will she be the one to finally break down the walls around his guarded heart?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Teachers, Westerns

384 pages, Kindle Edition

First published April 28, 2015

About the author

Emma Cane grew up reading and soon discovered that she liked to write passionate stories of teenagers in space. Her love of “passionate stories” has never gone away, although today she concentrates on the heartwarming characters of Valentine Valley, her fictional small town in the Colorado Rockies.

Now that her three children are grown, Emma loves spending time crocheting and singing (although not necessarily at the same time), and hiking and snowshoeing alongside her husband Jim and their rambunctious dog Uma.

Emma also writes USA Today bestselling historical romances under the name Gayle Callen.

Reviews

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch is a truly sweet and endearing contemporary romance with cowboy charm.

Will Sweet has never given his heart to anyone after the untimely death of his high school sweet heart. Still blaming himself for not preventing her accident, Will truly has himself tied up with guilt. He is known as a player but no woman can hold him too long.

Lyndsay DeLuca is a math teacher and a ghost writer of a steamy new romance. She’s kept her writing dreams a secret from everyone, but now that her book is being published she knows the truth will come out. She is also shocked by the realization that her hero is based strongly on Will Sweet, the hunky cowboy who has stayed on her radar all these years. Lyndsay decides to give her dream guy a shot but will he break her heart?

Smart, sexy and strong, Lyndsay has a delightful personality that call for you to become friends.

Although Will is very caught up in his guilt, it was delightful to see Lyndsay chip away at his resolve and make him see that there is more to the half life he’s been living.

This sweet and endearing romance is a fast, easy and entertaining story to just enjoy.

I received this ARC copy of Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch from Avon Books for a honest review. This book is set for publication April 28, 2015.

[Andrea Guy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I discovered Emma Cane's Valentine Valley book about 2 books back and I'm glad I did. I'm just really sad that this is the last installment of the Valentine Valley series, as I really like all the characters in these books.
Valentine Valley is a series much like Debbie Macomber's Cedar Cover series. Its sweet romance in a small town setting. If you love books like that, than you'll want to stop in Valentine Valley.
I really loved Lyndsay. She's the type of girl I wish I could be. She's got a regular job by day,as a math teacher, but she's got a secret. She's going to be a published romance writer soon.
~sigh~
Like most readers, I dream of being a writer, so that's one of the reasons I loved Lyndsay.
Then there's our hero, Will. A Cowboy. I have to admit, I've always been a fan of cowboys/farmers in contemporary romance, and Will is a perfect hero. He's got his own problems/secrets too. The woman he planned to marry was killed in an accident and he feels guilty about it.
We get to revisit characters from the past books too, which is always nice. If you are new to the series, don't worry, this will only make you want to go back and read the other books. Like most small town series you don't have to read them all.

If you haven't read any of the previous books, you'll meet Tony, who is Lyndsay's brother and his soon to be wife Kate, who is oddly enough his ex-wife too.

Lyndsay wants to hook up with Will to get him out of her system. She's had a crush on him since high school when he was dating her best friend Brittany, the one that died in the accident. Relationships with Will don't last because of his odd sense of guilt.

I really liked how you know from the start that their fling was going to be more than that.
I totally loved this book and can't wait to visit Valentine Valley again
Rating: 5 flowers

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a ARC copy in exchange for a honest review.
Summary
Lynsay De Luca, is a math teacher, but she has a secret that she has kept from everyone, for eight years she has been a writer and she has a romance novel that will be getting published in just a few weeks. But as a teacher she has a certain reputation to maintain and wants to wait to tell her family until school is out. But the hero of her book, is based on a real man, a man she has had a crush on since high school. A man who is a bit of a flirt, a regular Kirk, going from one woman after another. She knows that they are very opposite from each other, and even though they practically grew up together, she has always been attracted to him. So she makes a decision to go after him and ask him out. What Lynsay doesn’t realize is that Will is just as drawn to her as she is to him, and thus begins a sensual affaire, of hiding in the barn, having picnics and stealing kisses. But Will hasn’t let anyone get close to him since he lost his high school sweetheart, will Lynsay be able to break down the walls of his heart?

The Hero
Will Sweet, helps run the Sweetheart Ranch, flies helicopters, and adores his family. He loves his life in Valentine Valley, but there is one thing that haunts him. When he was in high school, he fell in love, with a girl he planned to marry and have a family with. But then she died in a tragic accident, and he blamed himself for it, and ever since it has followed him and he has never been able to make an emotional attachment since. What a hero is Will Sweet….whew….wish I could snatch this cowboy up. He is handsome, great with kids, plays baseball, makes mud ditches a romantic date, kisses with such expertise that you might just explode from sensation, and has that sensual aura to him to make any woman swoon. What’s not to love. He is tormented but he also has such a strong personality and goes after what he wants.

The Heroine
Lynsay De Luca, is a math teacher, but her secret love is science and writing. She loves helping her kids, embraced the college life, but came back to Valentine Valley, to her home. She has a love for writing and she finally has a book to be published and another on the way. Lynsay loves her family and has a secret that she has kept from everyone…she adores Will Sweet but she knows he can be a player. But she is tired of waiting for him to notice her and takes action. Lynsay was a sweet heroine, and I loved her character. She really made the story come alive for me. I had such an easy time relating with her, and it was quite fun seeing a more personal side to Lynsay (having read previous books), seeing the close ties she has and she has this calm intelligent and views life in a upbeat way that you are drawn to her.

Plot and Story Line
Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch is a charming and sweet addition to this series. Unfortunately this is the last installment of the series…oh how have I adored this series. Its been quite a blast with the different families that are connected to each other, and the charming “widows” that are so outrageous at times but gives the reader giggles and snorts. This book is Will and Lynsay’s story. Now I have seen both of them in previous books, so it was quite a blast seeing them come together. Emma Cane has such a talent in creating a sweet love story your heart just breaks…and this holds true for this title. I couldn’t put this down, kept me up from going to bed because I just was having such a fun time with this story. And what a great love story this turned out to be. If you have yet to read this author…and you like sweet western romances, with that small town feel…this is a must to read author for you. What I liked most about this story was the way the romance developed between the two characters here. What we have is two people who have been friends for years, which turns into something stronger and more intense. The side characters played a part too, with charming interactions and sharp wits that keeps you engaged. The plot is steady and the focus is the love story, but we also see development especially in Will’s character. Lynsay stays true to who she is and goes after the man she wants, but soon realizes that the road ahead may be rougher than she would like, since Will is still hasn’t let go of the past. The bond that forms between them is strong and vibrant and I had such a fun time seeing that bond develop and seeing them draw closer both physically and emotionally. We see how they adore each other despite what is keeping them from fully embracing their relationship. This just might be my favorite installment of the series…Emma Cane just keeps getting better…can’t wait to see what she has planned for us in her newest series coming out next year.

The Cover
This cover is so sweet and romantic…the whole country setting, with the picnic by the river and the mountain backdrop….definitely is a perfect match for the story.

Overall View
Ever After At Sweetheart Ranch is a delectable romance that will have you bursting out with giggles, and have you in tears the next moment, with a charming country setting, heartwarming characters, intense emotion, a steamy passion, and a tale brimmed with laughter and an alluring story to captivate!! A SPLENDID ROMANCE!!

[Sandy S · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 stars-

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date April 28, 2015

Emma Cane's Valentine Valley series returns, as a teacher and her cowboy crush kindle sparks—and something more—in the town that lives up to its name...

The only thing hotter than a cowboy...

Math teacher Lyndsay De Luca never surprised anyone—least of all herself—until this summer. First, she secretly published her debut romance novel. Then, she started dating Will Sweet, the cowboy of her dreams. And now, Lyndsay's scrambling to hide the juiciest tidbit of all: that the hazel-eyed hero of her steamy fiction is the same guy whose kisses have become her mind-blowing reality.

...Is a cowboy in love.

Ever since Will's high-school sweetheart died in a tragic accident, he hasn't been able to commit to a long-term relationship. Lyndsay is the first woman in years who's been able to catch—and keep—his attention. When they team up to teach Valentine's teens about ranch life, Will discovers it's not just her sexy-as-hell smile that has him hooked. Will she be the one to finally break down the walls around his guarded heart?

~~~

REVIEW: 3.75 stars---EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH is the sixth installment in Emma Cane’s adult, contemporary Valentine Valley romance series focusing on a tight knit group of friends and family in and around Valentine Valley, Colorado. This is elementary school teacher and aspiring writer Lyndsay De Luca, and rancher Will Sweet’s storyline-a friends to lovers trope that finds our heroine with a heartbreaking decision. EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH can be read as a standalone without too much difficulty but for cohesion, I would suggest reading in order as the author references many previous storyline scenarios and a number of the previous storyline couples/characters play secondary and supporting roles throughout.

Told from third person point of view EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH follows a slow dance of seduction between two friends who have known one another for years. Lyndsay is a thirty something woman looking towards the future-love, happiness, marriage and family, and has been in love with Will Sweet since high school but Will’s heart and soul belonged and still belongs to another. Will has been unable to let go of the past; his high school girlfriend died as a result of a tragic accident and he has shouldered the blame and guilt for close to fifteen years. As the storyline unfolds, Lyndsay realizes that Will will never move forward until he rids himself of the burgeoning remorse and grief. When Will is unable to give Lyndsay a future, Lyndsay will walk away leaving a heartbroken Will with only his memories of the past. No woman can compete with the memory of a ghost and in this Will’s former girlfriend is always a constant presence in Will and Lyndsay’s relationship.

There are a couple of secondary storylines weaving throughout the novel. Our heroine Lyndsay prepares for the release of her first romance novel and with it comes the anxiety, hope and desperation of every new author. Trying to keep the information and book a secret is virtually impossible when the town gossips and old ladies from the Widows Boarding House as well as the gang at Tony’s Tavern appear bound and determined to promote Lyndsay at every opportunity. The bigger issue-Lyndsay’s romance hero is eerily similar to the man that she loves-Will Sweet-and Will knows nothing about the upcoming release.

EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH also follows the local elections for the Valentine Valley Historical Society wherein the elder stateswomen compete for the position of President but with it comes past betrayals and memories of stolen loves. The colorful secondary and supporting characters play a continuous role wherein the reader is reintroduced to old friends, family and future loves.

The storyline and thusly the relationship between Will and Lyndsay is very slow to build. Lyndsay knows from the outset that Will is not capable of finding happiness with any other woman than the one that he lost, and in this her time with Will is heartbreakingly futile. Will’s grief and overwhelming guilt is all encompassing but fifteen years of guilt for an accident of which he was not responsible has affected his relationship with family, friends and all of the women with whom he has dated. In this, Will’s constant need to emotionally beat himself up came across as unnecessary and self sacrificing. There is only so much misdirected guilt, self-depracating and whining before the reader no longer feels sympathy towards said character.

EVER AFTER AT SWEETHEART RANCH is an ensemble storyline of building romance, letting go and falling in love. In the end, the relationship issue resolved itself very quickly and in this, I was a little disappointed that through it all, I believe, Will has yet to truly come to terms with the death of his girlfriend and how it has affected his entire life and the lives of everyone he loves. I wish Lyndsay all the best in her HEA with Will Sweet.

Copy supplied by Edelweiss

www.thereadingcafe.com

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good friends to lovers in a small town book. Lyndsay and Will have known each other all their lives. She had a crush on him in high school, but he was dating her friend Brittany. She died in an accident and Will never developed a serious relationship with anyone else.

Lyndsay is now a math teacher at the middle school, with a secret life as a romance writer. Her first book is about to hit the shelves and she's horrified to realize that she has based her hero on the man she's never been able to forget. Though she knows that he's not the settling down kind, and she really wants a husband and family of her own, she decides that a period of dating Will is just what she needs to get him out of her system.

Will is content with his life as a rancher and his reputation as a playboy. He holds himself responsible for his girlfriend's death, and feels that he doesn't deserve the kind of life he would have had with her. So he dates for a short time and breaks things off before anyone has a chance to get serious. He's kept his relationship with Lyndsay as friends for two reasons: first, he's best friends with her brother and was warned off Lyndsay years ago, and second, he doesn't want to wreck the friendship they have. But lately, those reasons are fading behind the attraction he's starting to feel for her.

They start to date when Lyndsay asks him out, though he tries to make it clear that there is no future in it. Lyndsay appears to accept that, and their times together are lighthearted and fun with a side of steamy. She also begins to realize that, instead of getting him out of her system, her feelings for Will have actually gotten stronger. She also knows she's going to have to tell him about his part in her book, but she's afraid of his reaction. She also realizes that no matter what she does, he's never going to give up his guilt and move on, so she breaks things off with him.

Will's feelings for Lyndsay are changing and that scares the life out of him. He doesn't want to open himself up to that kind of pain again. But when a conversation with his mother and then a crisis involving Lyndsay force him to face his past, he realizes he's going to have to let go if he's going to get the life he really wants. I loved his big moment at the end, when he shows the whole town how he feels about her book.

I also enjoyed the secondary characters and their stories. The widows and their nemesis, Will's grandmother, have moved their feud into the Preservation society election, and their campaign moves create some more conflict. The widows also decide that it is their duty to help promote Lyndsay's book, and their actions there add some more excitement to her life. I also liked catching up with the characters from some of the previous stories.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch is the sixth book in the Valentine Valley series and Cane did another fantastic job on bringing not only this town alive but also the characters I have grown to love. This book was a charming addition to this series.


Will Sweet hasn’t given his heart since the death of his high school sweetheart. He is still blaming himself for not preventing the accident. Will has his player ways, but he hasn’t met the woman who can tie him up in knots and hold on to his heart. Will is not only handsome but he is wonderful with kids, has a strong but lovable personality and has kisses that can knock any girl off her feet. Any girl would be lucky to snag this cowboy. I enjoyed how he planned a mud ditching date…Adorable!


And then his mouth covered hers in a hot, passionate kiss. He explored her lips with his, and she met that exploration gladly with her own. He braced both hands on the board on either side if her head, yet still didn’t let their bodies touch. She slanted her head and boldly thrust her tongue between his lips, lost in the taste of Will. His kiss was everything she’d imagined, forceful, knowledgeable, yet restrained, as if he had even more to give but couldn’t show her unless they were naked.


Lyndsay DeLuca is a math teacher and a ghost writer of a steamy new romance on the side. She’s kept her writing dreams a secret from everyone, but now that her book is being published she knows the truth will have to come out. It just so happens the hero in her book is her dream cowboy, Will Sweet. I liked Lyndsay for the heroine. She is not only smart, sexy and strong, but she has a great career and a wonderful personality that just draws you in.


Right away you can see the sparks between these two. I couldn’t put it down and this story had me in so many smiles. I love how the romance developed between two friends that have been friends for years only to grow into something much stronger. The main focus is the romance and the healing in this story, but I liked how you got to see Will change his ways and want something more. Will And Lyndsay had a bond as friends, but as the story progresses you see them get closer emotionally and physically.


This is one of my favorite books in this series. Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch will have you laughing one moment and tears in the next. It has wonderful characters, a divine country setting and will leave you with a happily ever after that you won’t forget. It really is a captivating story that will warm your heart.

[Terri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...

** I received and advanced copy of this book from the publisher Avon via Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review. The expected publication date is April 28th 2015**


This book is part of the Valentine Valley series, book number 6 I believe with some novellas thrown in as well. The good news is that this can be read as a stand alone. Other characters are prevalent in the story that perhaps had a story of their own previously however it was not confusing or needed to read this.


What can I say about this story. It delivered exactly what you would expect of a story of this genre. There were strong male and female characters, strong family and community ties, sizzling chemistry and some hot scenes. Did I forget to mention the male is a hot cowboy? You get the picture. This has the right formula when you are looking for that little bit of distraction with a good ole romance.


What I enjoyed the most about the story is that Cane almost poked a little bit of fun at the romance genre. I giggled when Lyndsay was worried about the communities reaction to her romance novel she published since it had some steamy scenes in it. It was almost like Cane was asking the reader to wait for the "real" steamy scenes. It is hard to explain but I appreciated it.


Overall I enjoyed this story. While it did not deliver any wow moments I also did not expect it to. What I expected was a couple of hours curled up with (in this case) a hot cowboy and some good old fashion romance. Mission accomplished

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5

I loved returning once again to Valentine Valley. Emma Cane's small town stories feel like home. Her heart-warming books are filled with people you really would like to know as well as a town you would love to visit.
This story focuses on the attraction between Lyndsay De Luca and Will Sweet. They have known each other for years and she even had a crush on Will in high-school, but he was already with someone else. Unfortunately, his first love was killed in an accident and Will never let himself get close to another woman again, choosing instead to have no-strings relationships. Lyndsay hasn't been very lucky in love either. Giving it some thought, she gathers her courage and decides to ask Will out and see where fate takes them.
Both characters are so likeable and you can't help but wish for that HEA. Lyndsay is smart and funny and it turns out she wants to pursue a dream and become a writer. Funny how the hero of her book resembles Will. And Will himself is such a memorable, sexy and charming hero, he likes people and people like him. I've never forgotten him since he appeared in the first Valentine Valley book A TOWN CALLED VALENTINE when he found out he had an unknown sister, Emily, that his father had never known about. Rather than copping a "yeah, right" attitude, he welcomed Emily with open arms. Unfortunately, he harbors guilt because of the long ago accident. Even though there is nothing he could have done and had nothing to do with the accident, Will continues to deny himself a chance to find the love he deserves. Can Lyndsay be the one who can help him move on with his life? I recommend that you read this book to find out!

[Joyfully Reviewed · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyndsay De Luca has loved Will Sweet from afar for years, even if she hasn’t admitted it to herself. In fact, she’s even based the hero of her soon to be published romance on him. Will hasn’t let anyone in his heart since the death of his high school sweetheart. She died in an accident he blames himself for. When Will finally notices Lyndsay as something more than a friend and they begin to date, she’s not sure how to tell him about the book. For Will, he finds dating Lyndsay a surprise, she’s the first woman to tempt him to want more. But can he let go of the guilt and start a new life with Lyndsay?

I truly enjoy Emma Cane’s stories. I love her characters and delight in following them on their journeys. I have very varied reading habits and she is my must read author when I am looking for warmth and laughter. Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch is a romance that is perfect for that day when you really need a great story with a feel good happy ending.

Reviewed by Melissa for Joyfully Reviewed
Link: http://bit.ly/1FphtJz

[Kathleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy Emma Cane's Valentine Valley books.. She writes a good story and has some wonderful characters that can make you LOL. Her Widows of the Widows Boarding House always are into well meaning mischief and are a hoot to read. Of course her Hero's are HOT and the ladies in their life keeps them on their toes.. Great reading.

[Marissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I've ever read by the author Emma Cane. I'm so glad I found her book. The storyline just grabbed my attention. Teacher Lyndsay De Luca has had a crush on Will Sweet since high school. But she never told him because he hasn't been able to commit to a long-term relationship in a very long time. Lyndsay is a romance author, which I love. She subconsciously put a bit of Will in her story. He finds out about it later after they start seeing each other. I can tell they really connect well together. They definitely have chemistry between them. I loved all the characters and the story from beginning to end. I just might read more books by Mrs. Cane.

[Gaele · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let’s return to Valentine Valley where everyone knows your name (and your business) with Emma Cane’s latest release, Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch.

I’ve only read one of the earlier titles in this series, but the feel-good, homey vibe of this story could not have come at a better time this year. Emma Cane’s stories are just that, comfy and cozy, like curling up in the best ever comfy chair with cocoa, cookies and a good book. You can’t beat that ever.

In this book, Lyndsay De Luca is living the dream, or is it a nightmare? A math teacher in town, she’s secretly harbored a desire to be a published romance author, and her dream is coming true. But revealing this secret, and the rather steamy book, could damage her reputation. But that’s not worst of all: her hero is based on her long-term crush, Will, and now people will see and know.

Will Sweet is the man of Lyndsay’s dreams, yet ostensibly untouchable. The death of his high-school sweetheart wounded him deeply, and he can’t move past his feelings of guilt for not doing more to protect her. Closed off from his feelings, he won’t allow another person to get close to him, and while women are a constant diversion, none are around long enough to penetrate his walls.

Lyndsay’s personality and approach are delightful: she’s strong, smart, cares about her work with kids and can’t quite reconcile the Will she fantasizes about with this casual yet closed-off man that he is now. Starting with a solid friendship, you can see the sparks between them, but Will’s ability to ignore big flashing neon lights is a true gift. He’s intrigued, but scared, so ignore seems to be his go-to option. Until little by little, his friendship with Lyndsay starts to work magic on his own guilt and fears.

Watching these two dance around their attraction and connection, well, when Will finally removes his blinders and sees, is a lovely and sweet story to follow. Their relationship grows organically, with readers cheering them both on from the start. Interactions and repeat appearances from characters from earlier stories add a nice touch, and a touch of meddling, but everyone can see that these two are meant to be. The joy is seeing them get there.

A perfect story when the weather is rainy, the pollen is aggravating and you just want to be assured of a smile and some warm fuzzies, you won’t go wrong with this book.

I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

[CatherineAA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Math teacher Lyndsay De Luca is taking charge of her life: first of all she achieved one of her goals with her published debut romance novel and she is dating Will Sweet, her long ago crush and the guy she based the hero in her novel on and she's secretly afraid that people will recognize the hero when they read the book.  

Will Sweet is a notorious good-time guy, famous for showing the ladies a good time but never sticking around for long. Will always considered Lyndsay good friend and no one was more surprised than him when she asked him out on a date but he's willing to show her a good time. Will harbors a lot of guilt about the death of his high-school sweetheart and his inability to protect her and is not willing to open himself up to love again.

Lyndsay gradually realizes that the Will of her fantasies is very far from the closed off guy she knows and walks away when she sees that loving him is futile because he can't give her the future she wants until he rids himself of the guilt from his past.

I absolutely adored Lyndsay. She's sweet, smart, strong and bold about going for what she wants. I loved that she valued herself enough to not settle for less than she deserved. In a first for me, I went from liking Will at the beginning to intensely disliking him. His reason for giving up on love felt very week to me and I felt like yelling at him to get his head out of his ass before losing the best thing to ever happen to him.

Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch is a sweet and warm story, a great representation of life in a small town, with nosy old ladies and town gossips; old feuds and so much more. Ms. Cane  gives us a thorny friends-to-lovers-story, but also allows us to catch up with characters from previous books.
 

Source: I received this book for free from the Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
This review was originally posted on The Sassy Bookster

[Jan Mcleod · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyndsay is a middle school math teacher who has struggled for several years to write a book and get it published. Finally, she get a story published, but after it has gone to press, she realized that her hero has several character traits of the handsome, sexy man Named Will she is dating. She has kept her book a secret from everybody, let alone her hero who does bear some resemblance to Will.
Will's problem is that he cannot commit to any relationship with a woman because his high school sweetheart was killed in an accident and he blames himself. thus he lives within in a wall of guilt. He dates a woman for a few times, then discards her.
Lindsay is afraid of how Will react when he reads the book and recognizes himself in a few places. She also knows his philosophy about relationships, so she breaks up with him first even though she loves him since she can't break through his wall of guilt.
The book has good, solid characterization, and the plot is full of action and surprises to keep the reader interested.
I did think it was a bit silly to keep the book a secret after the manuscript was purchased and planned to be published.
I really enjoyed the times when Lindsay kept picking away at Will and his unfounded guilt, and finally laid it on the line to him.
Well-written story and very enjoyable.

[Kate Vale · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lyndsay De Luca is a middle-school math teacher by day and a novelist at night. During the years she wrote, she incorporated elements of her own life in her stories and struck it just right when she included an event that happened to the boy she had a crush on in high school. Now that novel is being published and she's freaked that the boy in question might recognize himself if he happens to read the story.

Will keeps gravitating to Lyndsay, whom he always viewed as a friend, but now is seeing her in a more romantic light, but he's sworn off romance since the death of his high school sweetheart, a death he still feels responsible for 16 years later. When Lyndsay asks him out on a date, ostensibly to get him out of her system, each decides that breaking up after a month is not what they want, but Lyndsay does it anyway. How can she face Will when her book is scheduled to come out the day after school is over for the summer? But breaking up breaks her heart and he doesn't feel much better, especially when another man immediately jumps into the picture and takes Lyndsay out hiking, prompting the crisis that forces resolution of the complications that abound in this refreshing story.

[Babs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have to admit I have not read the other books in this series as I had no clue it existed until this tour. I am so glad I have found it to start at the beginning.

This book was wonderful. Will's past keeps him in the past riddle with quilt. His former high school girlfriend died in an accident that he feels guilty about. He can't move on. Lyndsay has had a crush on Will for a long time now and for 15 years he has had this quilt. Lyndsay finally realizes he will never be able to love her and leaves.

Lyndsay is about to release her first romance novel she tires desperately to keep the book under wraps but everyone wants to help promote her to anyone who listens. Will has no clue the hero is similar to him and has no clue the book is being released.

I liked the fact we learn about the past characters in the other books another reason I want to read the others. I did not feel left out but saying that I wish I had started at the beginning. It does not take away from this wonderful read though.

The author does a great job with this book and I will be looking for the other books and continuing this series.

[Michele · Rating 4 out of 5]

As the name implies, Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch was a sweet happily-ever-after for two friends who were completely perfect for each other. This was a true testament to how wonderfully things can work out when starting a relationship with an already strong foundation of friendship.

There were a lot of personal emotional battles fought in this novel, not only by our protagonists, which author Emma Cane handled so well. I love that the Valentine Valley series is more of a community story, bringing the families and townsfolk into the plot. Here we had Lyndsay and Will struggling with their own insecurities and/or guilt issues, plus those of Will’s mother, and even the widows and Mrs. Sweet. For me, whenever a small town based story can involve the people surrounding the protagonists, there is a much more cohesive feel to the plotline. That was definitely the case with this novel.

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[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once again, Ms. Cane has written an endearing romance about a cowboy and a math teacher. Will Sweet - he's just that - sweet! Will is funny, smart and super sexy, as a cowboy should be! Lyndsay is a math teacher that secretly loves Will - it's even a secret to her!! :o) They have been friends forever and it's such an endearing road they travel to find their HEA. It's not always an easy path - he's fighting guilt over a tragedy from his past and Lyndsay has secrets of her own - besides her love of Will. Overall, this is simply a feel good story that makes the reader smile and believe in true love. The Valentine Valley series is a curl up on the couch type of series - They are wonderfully written with beautiful characters that wrap themselves around your heart. This is a series, however, it's not necessary to read the others to enjoy "Ever After at Sweetheart Ranch". (received copy for honest review)

[Sharon Redfern · Rating 5 out of 5]

When new author Lyndsay gets her personal copy of her cowboy romance novel, she realizes that she might have modeled her hero on her longtime crush just a little too closely. Will, the object of her affections, has been her friend for years but hasn't realized that Lyndsay has feelings for him. Will has never gotten over the death of his high school sweetheart and carries other feelings about the accident that no-one knows about.

Lyndsay and Will do finally start to date but he keeps his heart guarded and she has to decide if that's enough for her or does she deserve more. And then there is the whole romance novel hero thing....

This is a sweet book with a cute plot but also some serious themes about loss and grief and how we process both. The whole Valentine Valley series has been a good read and this is a great addition.

[Laura D · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is one of my favorite series and this book did not disappoint. Will has not had a serious girlfriend since the death of his high school sweet heart years ago. He doesn't think he deserves a happily ever after when hers was taken in an instant. So he is known as the love them and leave them type. Lyndsay is a math teacher by day and a secret writer by night. When her book is finally published she realizes her hero is based on Will. She has always had a thing for will since high school, but being the little sister of his best friend made her off limits. She decides to ask him out and get him out of her system once and for all. Can Lyndsay be the one to heal his broken heart? Great, sweet story. I loved the relationship between Will and Lyndsay.

[Jen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Do you like sexy cowboys with a secret soft spot? If so , this book is for you. Will is sexy, funny, sweet, stubborn and in love with Lyndsay, even if he denies it until the very end. Lyndsay is smart, sweet and in love with a man who thinks he can't give her the future she wants. There are plenty of cute, funny and sexy moments as well as some sad ones as Will and Lyndsay navigate through their evolving relationship. Overall a solid small town romance that will leave you wanting to read more about its occupants. Can be read as a standalone, but there are couples from previous book mentioned in this one.

ARC via Edelweiss

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Math teacher Lyndsay has a big secret but it won't be for long when her published book comes out. Will Sweet has been avoiding commitment since the death of his high school sweetheart. She's also wondered what it would be like to date him and she finally takes the chance and asks him out. It goes great until they both start to feel something more than they originally want to feel.
Along with the new romance there is a vote going for president of the historical society between grandmother Sweet and Mrs. Thalberg. Things comes out that happened years ago that parallel things between Will and Lyndsay.
Good story and good series. Love the love scenes and how Lyndsay helps Will move on.

[Bette Hansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

An excellent read and a perfect addition to the Valentine Valley series. Lyndsay and Will have such a beautiful story and it was wonderful to see Will open his heart to love again after so many years of shutting that emotion away. These are great characters and the writing of these small town romances is excellent. This is a book I highly recommend.

[Janeiowa · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emma Cane does a nice job with her Valentine Valley series. There were times, however, when things seemed to drag. I also tired of the old plot ploy of "secrets" that should have been told honestly when the topic came up. This sort of thing I find annoying.

Apparently a new series by Ms Cane is coming. I'll look forward to that.

[Deanna Vrba · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lyndsey Deluca was a math teacher but also a writer and she like to write just like me and she found love with Will Sweet who was the inspiration for her novel that she had wrote.

[Lizz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great installment in the series. I see that the author is starting a new series in 2016 and hope that this won't be the last we see of Valentine Valley.

[Debra McEathron · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very good story about dealing with past drama and family issues. It is also part of a series with recurring characters that are fun and quirky. This is Lyndsay and Will's story. She is a local Math teacher and is concerned about the romance book she wrote potentially affecting her career and how Will will respond. Will is dealing with his own issues with the past and his family.

[Misty (Reds Romance Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sweet romance, heavy on heart and emotion, and comes equipped with some endearing characters that are sure to leave an imprint on your heart! This series has been such a joy to read, I highly recommend you pick this one up!!

[Merceda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall, a decent story. It was nice that Will could finally get past the death of Brittany and move on with his life. Lyndsay had a crush on Will since her high school days, but never wanted to pursue it until at a point in her life where she felt secure and able to take a one-time fling.

[Jessica · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was not as enjoyable as #3 but I'm still interested to see what the other titles will bring.
Although, to read about the other characters and how they developed was great.