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Gold Valley Vineyards #1
Rancher's Wild Secret
He's come to Gold Valley with a hidden agenda...not to fall for his enemy's daughter!
Emerson Maxfield is the perfect pawn for rancher Holden McCall's purposes. She's engaged to a man solely to win her father's approval, and the sheltered beauty never steps out of line. Until one encounter changes everything. Now this good girl must marry Holden to protect her family - or their desire could spell downfall for them all...
Emerson Maxfield is the perfect pawn for rancher Holden McCall's purposes. She's engaged to a man solely to win her father's approval, and the sheltered beauty never steps out of line. Until one encounter changes everything. Now this good girl must marry Holden to protect her family - or their desire could spell downfall for them all...
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First published October 17, 2019
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About the author
Maisey Yates
1,162 books2,998 followersNew York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard.
She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
June 22, 2024
This is a Cowboy Romance, and this book is the first book in the Gold Valley Vineyards series. This is the first Maisey Yates book I read, and I loved it. I enjoyed this book, and I could not stopped reading the book. It was a good hate to love story. I did not think it was the best thing I ever read, but it was a good fast read. This book has great character development. I won a copy of this book from a goodreads giveaway, but this review was 100% my own opinion.
December 13, 2019
It's at the launch party for Maxfield vineyard new label that Emerson Maxfield spot a stranger outside and meet the new ranch hand. But the man she met that night, with who she share a part of herself later on is not the real Holden McCall. He's here for revenge and he's ruthless. And if using her to get the best of the one who hurt his sister is what he needs to do, than so be it, no ploy are too vindictive for him, not even blackmail her into marriage. Feelings get complicated soon and Emerson is not afraid to love, but can she melt his heart of stone?
It was difficult for me to understand the hero's level of ruthleness and not think that for all he reproach his enemy, his own methods were questionable too. But I ended up liking my reading anyway. How's it possible? Magic. Because I don't know how else the author could make me enjoy the romance otherwise. Yup, for me there's something magical in Maisey Yates's writing. And you can't explain magic, right? Or could be because she understand human nature and relationship in a way that I can't. No matter what, I think that people who miss the "old-school" heroes and think there's too many Mr. Nice guy in romance now will adore this book.
It was difficult for me to understand the hero's level of ruthleness and not think that for all he reproach his enemy, his own methods were questionable too. But I ended up liking my reading anyway. How's it possible? Magic. Because I don't know how else the author could make me enjoy the romance otherwise. Yup, for me there's something magical in Maisey Yates's writing. And you can't explain magic, right? Or could be because she understand human nature and relationship in a way that I can't. No matter what, I think that people who miss the "old-school" heroes and think there's too many Mr. Nice guy in romance now will adore this book.
November 10, 2019
Bear with me, I've been on cold-meds and I'm a little fuzzy here, so I'm sorry for how this "review" turns out.
As usual Ms. Yates writing is lovely, bringing both Emerson and Holden's emotions to life, and I did feel some heat and chemistry between them. I think the sticking point for me was that Holden's revenge plot basically meant he was willing to steep to the level his target, Emerson's father, and I just thought how does this make Holden any better than Emerson's father? Yes, Emerson and Holden developed real feelings for each other in the process, but Holden was still willing to do whatever to ruin Emerson's father. No matter who it hurt. I found Holden's character to be a little questionable, and Emerson didn't really inspire a lot of love either. I mean she was willing to enter a loveless marriage (to some other guy, not Holden) at the request of her father for business reasons.
Revenge plots are never my favorite, but I love Maisey Yates' romances so I wanted to give this one a go. The Rancher's Wild Secret is pretty short, so it wasn't like this was a long drawn out drama, it wasn't super frustrating or anything, it just didn't knock my socks off.
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
As usual Ms. Yates writing is lovely, bringing both Emerson and Holden's emotions to life, and I did feel some heat and chemistry between them. I think the sticking point for me was that Holden's revenge plot basically meant he was willing to steep to the level his target, Emerson's father, and I just thought how does this make Holden any better than Emerson's father? Yes, Emerson and Holden developed real feelings for each other in the process, but Holden was still willing to do whatever to ruin Emerson's father. No matter who it hurt. I found Holden's character to be a little questionable, and Emerson didn't really inspire a lot of love either. I mean she was willing to enter a loveless marriage (to some other guy, not Holden) at the request of her father for business reasons.
Revenge plots are never my favorite, but I love Maisey Yates' romances so I wanted to give this one a go. The Rancher's Wild Secret is pretty short, so it wasn't like this was a long drawn out drama, it wasn't super frustrating or anything, it just didn't knock my socks off.
A copy was kindly provided by Harlequin via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 11, 2020
Rancher’s Wild Secret by Maisey Yates is a sexy revenge romance for a man seeking payback only to find himself falling for his enemy’s daughter.
Emerson Maxfield doesn’t know what to think of her father’s new hired ranch hand at the family vineyard. Something about him makes her want to test the chemistry arcing between them. She’s engaged to a man her father found suitable, an arranged marriage for business reasons but there is no heat there – not like she feels around Holden McCall.
Holden has been waiting for his chance to get revenge on James Maxfield, Emerson’s father, for seducing and discarding his younger sister, leaving her struggling to deal with a miscarriage, then attempting suicide and being institutionalized. Clearly Emerson has no idea of the man her father really is under his fancy suits and suave demeanor. Holden wants to make James pay, and ensure he can’t damage another young woman again. If he has to do it by seducing his enemy’s daughter, so be it. Even better he can blackmail her into marrying him instead of her fiance, giving him a stake in the vineyard and something to hold over James. But will he ruin his own chance at happiness in the quest for revenge?
I really enjoyed this intense and passionate romance! Emerson and Holden have a spark of attraction from their first meeting, an inconvenient one for them both though it doesn’t stop them from responding to it in some sexy scenes. Emerson thinks it will just be a one night stand, a night of passion to remember in her sure to be loveless marriage, but she opens up to Holden and when he comes back at her a few days later with his blackmail, telling her the truth about her father (and his own real identity as a wealthy property developer) she is hurt and angry at his betrayal. Yet she goes through with the quickie Las Vegas marriage to save the family business from ruin. And she can’t stop herself from giving in to their attraction once again on their wedding night.
From there it’s a rocky but satisfying path to their happy ending. Holden’s sister plays a key role in making him see how his revenge plan, something she never wanted from him, is risking his future happiness. Emerson’s two sisters, Wren and Cricket, also have a stake in the vineyard and I’m interested to see where their stories will take them. Maisey Yates can be counted on to deliver passionate and entertaining western themed romances and the Gold Valley Vineyards series has started off nicely!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ra...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
Emerson Maxfield doesn’t know what to think of her father’s new hired ranch hand at the family vineyard. Something about him makes her want to test the chemistry arcing between them. She’s engaged to a man her father found suitable, an arranged marriage for business reasons but there is no heat there – not like she feels around Holden McCall.
Holden has been waiting for his chance to get revenge on James Maxfield, Emerson’s father, for seducing and discarding his younger sister, leaving her struggling to deal with a miscarriage, then attempting suicide and being institutionalized. Clearly Emerson has no idea of the man her father really is under his fancy suits and suave demeanor. Holden wants to make James pay, and ensure he can’t damage another young woman again. If he has to do it by seducing his enemy’s daughter, so be it. Even better he can blackmail her into marrying him instead of her fiance, giving him a stake in the vineyard and something to hold over James. But will he ruin his own chance at happiness in the quest for revenge?
I really enjoyed this intense and passionate romance! Emerson and Holden have a spark of attraction from their first meeting, an inconvenient one for them both though it doesn’t stop them from responding to it in some sexy scenes. Emerson thinks it will just be a one night stand, a night of passion to remember in her sure to be loveless marriage, but she opens up to Holden and when he comes back at her a few days later with his blackmail, telling her the truth about her father (and his own real identity as a wealthy property developer) she is hurt and angry at his betrayal. Yet she goes through with the quickie Las Vegas marriage to save the family business from ruin. And she can’t stop herself from giving in to their attraction once again on their wedding night.
From there it’s a rocky but satisfying path to their happy ending. Holden’s sister plays a key role in making him see how his revenge plan, something she never wanted from him, is risking his future happiness. Emerson’s two sisters, Wren and Cricket, also have a stake in the vineyard and I’m interested to see where their stories will take them. Maisey Yates can be counted on to deliver passionate and entertaining western themed romances and the Gold Valley Vineyards series has started off nicely!
This review also appears at Harlequin Junkie: https://harlequinjunkie.com/review-ra...
A copy of this story was provided by the publisher for review.
December 16, 2019
This is the first in the series, I thought the first half of the story was slow and I had to put the book down but finally got the book read. I want to thank you for the book for a honest review.
October 29, 2019
This one was an interesting read for me because I liked, but then in other ways I didn’t, or found something was missing. First of all this was the new Harlequin Desire mini series of Gold Valley Vineyards , which is the spin off from the Gold Valley series by Maisey Yates. I was looking forward to reading this spin off.
I will say that I have become accustomed to reading longer formats by Maisey Yates with HQN, so I’m kind of spoiled with those stories because in those there were so much development goodness and so much built in anticipation and tension and just so much more that I expect that from all Maisey’s stories, but that’s not the case with the shorter formats like this one.
Since this story was a shorter format, the pacing was a lot quicker than I would have liked. There was not as much build up or anticipation between Emerson and Holden, and it felt like they came together too quickly. I also felt that with this shorter format, there wasn’t a lot of time to build that Holden and Emerson relationship and felt like they only spent time together in the bedroom. Because of that it was hard to see them fall in love, or see them develop that intimacy together. I felt like a lot of it happened off book, and I wanted to see it more of it before me eyes. In fact it was hard to believe that they were totally in love with each other because of the lack of interaction between them that wasn’t just the physicality of their relationship. I didn’t understand why or how they fell in love. Yes, they had that pull to each other from the moment that they met, and seemingly had a connection with one another immediately, but I felt that was more based on their physical chemistry than their emotional chemistry, though it was stated that Holden made her feel more than she ever felt in her life, but that wasn’t feel that I got while reading it. Because there was that lack of space because of the shorter format that there wasn’t too much detail put into their relationship and was kind of a fast forward to finish line. I like stories where things build up over time and anticipation grows, and you actually see them fall in love, but I didn’t feel that way with this one. I didn’t feel epic romance vibes like i have for other couples written by Maisey Yates especially in her HQN series.
Secondly when I found out about this story, and I read the back synopsis of it I had a clear vision of what I thought this story was going to be like, but it went completely in different direction than I was expecting. I was expecting a lot more angst and tension between Holden and Emerson especially with the set up of him vowing revenge on Emerson’s family, more specifically her father. I thought by reading the back cover he was going to use Emerson in his revenge plot then slowly fall in love with her thus the guilty feelings would ensue and the tension would begin once Emerson found out by his true motives causing lots hurt feelings in pain. Don’t get me wrong when she found out about his motivations early on, which was a lot earlier than I thought it was going to be, that hurt and pain ensued, but it wasn’t that gut wrenching feeling I was expecting when I read about this plot. I thought was going to be a lot more too it than actually was. I thought she was going to find out a lot later in the book than she did. So when it didn’t happen like that in the story then I was a little disappointed about that.
Now from the sound of this review thus far, it sounds like I did like the story, but nothing could be further from the truth. I did enjoy the story. I enjoyed the characters that were introduced not only Holden and Emerson, but the minor characters well, setting up what is coming in future installments in the Gold Valley Vineyards and also makes me wonder if it will effect any stories in the regular Gold Valley series, which I think would be awesome and amazing. I look forward to Wren, Cricket, Soraya, and Creed Cooper stories to be told along the way and will be picking them up when they become available. I really liked seeing Holden and Emerson’s journeys in this story both together and separately. I enjoyed seeing their insane chemistry play out. I loved seeing them bounce off of each other as they pushed each other’s buttons while battling that chemistry. That was really fun. They had some insane sexy times scenes that were very erotic and surprising. I wasn’t expecting all the tying up and stuff especially their first time together. But I did like that he brought out of side of her that no one else could and felt safe enough with him that she could explore her sexuality that way due to the connection she felt with him. They had some good bedroom moments, but I felt like aside from the last love making scene, they really didn’t have those intimate scenes outside the bedroom. But what they did have on the page was really good, and I enjoyed seeing them together. I liked them together. They definitely had something there even if it wasn’t explored to utmost like I would have liked to seen.
Even though I found somethings missing from the romance between Holden and Emerson, I still enjoyed the story overall. I liked the plot. I liked the characters. There were plenty of erotic sexy times scenes that were a lot more erotic than I was expected. I did love the last love scene between Holden and Emerson because that was the most intimate that they had in the story, and I wish there were more scenes like that one because then I would have been blown away then. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics played out. I just wish it had a longer format because then so much more could have been explored in the story especially in the romance between Holden and Emerson because I didn’t quite feel like they were fall in love quite yet but were headed in that direction. I just wanted more Maisey Yates goodness that she is known for as well as creating intense love stories and epic couples along the way.
I also really liked that this story added another layer to the Gold Valley series, and I am really interested how it plays out in future books down the road. This story made me want so many more stories in the Gold Valley series as well as in this series the Gold Valley Vineyards . It really peaked my interest and reminded me why I love Maisey Yates books so much. She just knows how to do small town so well. I can’t wait for the future of these characters. Maisey Yates better never stop writing these types of story otherwise I’m going to be very disappointed.
Even though this wasn’t my favorite Maisey Yates read or couple, it was still a solid read, and I really thought this was a good introduction to the characters, the miniseries, as well as teases of what might possible come in this miniseries as well as the main series. Can’t wait to see where it all goes in the future.
I will say that I have become accustomed to reading longer formats by Maisey Yates with HQN, so I’m kind of spoiled with those stories because in those there were so much development goodness and so much built in anticipation and tension and just so much more that I expect that from all Maisey’s stories, but that’s not the case with the shorter formats like this one.
Since this story was a shorter format, the pacing was a lot quicker than I would have liked. There was not as much build up or anticipation between Emerson and Holden, and it felt like they came together too quickly. I also felt that with this shorter format, there wasn’t a lot of time to build that Holden and Emerson relationship and felt like they only spent time together in the bedroom. Because of that it was hard to see them fall in love, or see them develop that intimacy together. I felt like a lot of it happened off book, and I wanted to see it more of it before me eyes. In fact it was hard to believe that they were totally in love with each other because of the lack of interaction between them that wasn’t just the physicality of their relationship. I didn’t understand why or how they fell in love. Yes, they had that pull to each other from the moment that they met, and seemingly had a connection with one another immediately, but I felt that was more based on their physical chemistry than their emotional chemistry, though it was stated that Holden made her feel more than she ever felt in her life, but that wasn’t feel that I got while reading it. Because there was that lack of space because of the shorter format that there wasn’t too much detail put into their relationship and was kind of a fast forward to finish line. I like stories where things build up over time and anticipation grows, and you actually see them fall in love, but I didn’t feel that way with this one. I didn’t feel epic romance vibes like i have for other couples written by Maisey Yates especially in her HQN series.
Secondly when I found out about this story, and I read the back synopsis of it I had a clear vision of what I thought this story was going to be like, but it went completely in different direction than I was expecting. I was expecting a lot more angst and tension between Holden and Emerson especially with the set up of him vowing revenge on Emerson’s family, more specifically her father. I thought by reading the back cover he was going to use Emerson in his revenge plot then slowly fall in love with her thus the guilty feelings would ensue and the tension would begin once Emerson found out by his true motives causing lots hurt feelings in pain. Don’t get me wrong when she found out about his motivations early on, which was a lot earlier than I thought it was going to be, that hurt and pain ensued, but it wasn’t that gut wrenching feeling I was expecting when I read about this plot. I thought was going to be a lot more too it than actually was. I thought she was going to find out a lot later in the book than she did. So when it didn’t happen like that in the story then I was a little disappointed about that.
Now from the sound of this review thus far, it sounds like I did like the story, but nothing could be further from the truth. I did enjoy the story. I enjoyed the characters that were introduced not only Holden and Emerson, but the minor characters well, setting up what is coming in future installments in the Gold Valley Vineyards and also makes me wonder if it will effect any stories in the regular Gold Valley series, which I think would be awesome and amazing. I look forward to Wren, Cricket, Soraya, and Creed Cooper stories to be told along the way and will be picking them up when they become available. I really liked seeing Holden and Emerson’s journeys in this story both together and separately. I enjoyed seeing their insane chemistry play out. I loved seeing them bounce off of each other as they pushed each other’s buttons while battling that chemistry. That was really fun. They had some insane sexy times scenes that were very erotic and surprising. I wasn’t expecting all the tying up and stuff especially their first time together. But I did like that he brought out of side of her that no one else could and felt safe enough with him that she could explore her sexuality that way due to the connection she felt with him. They had some good bedroom moments, but I felt like aside from the last love making scene, they really didn’t have those intimate scenes outside the bedroom. But what they did have on the page was really good, and I enjoyed seeing them together. I liked them together. They definitely had something there even if it wasn’t explored to utmost like I would have liked to seen.
Even though I found somethings missing from the romance between Holden and Emerson, I still enjoyed the story overall. I liked the plot. I liked the characters. There were plenty of erotic sexy times scenes that were a lot more erotic than I was expected. I did love the last love scene between Holden and Emerson because that was the most intimate that they had in the story, and I wish there were more scenes like that one because then I would have been blown away then. I enjoyed seeing the family dynamics played out. I just wish it had a longer format because then so much more could have been explored in the story especially in the romance between Holden and Emerson because I didn’t quite feel like they were fall in love quite yet but were headed in that direction. I just wanted more Maisey Yates goodness that she is known for as well as creating intense love stories and epic couples along the way.
I also really liked that this story added another layer to the Gold Valley series, and I am really interested how it plays out in future books down the road. This story made me want so many more stories in the Gold Valley series as well as in this series the Gold Valley Vineyards . It really peaked my interest and reminded me why I love Maisey Yates books so much. She just knows how to do small town so well. I can’t wait for the future of these characters. Maisey Yates better never stop writing these types of story otherwise I’m going to be very disappointed.
Even though this wasn’t my favorite Maisey Yates read or couple, it was still a solid read, and I really thought this was a good introduction to the characters, the miniseries, as well as teases of what might possible come in this miniseries as well as the main series. Can’t wait to see where it all goes in the future.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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January 22, 2022I just remembered that this book existed lmaooo. i read it in like 2019 and have no recollection of how i felt about it but i do remember being very angry about the ending HAHA!!! sounds about accurate.
But it was the first Goodreads giveaway I had ever won so it was very exciting :). I also remember this one smut scene that i really liked and I felt so scandalous for having a physical book that anyone could read LMAOOOO. Looking back at it I don't think it was even a very detailed/graphic scene but damn.
but look where we are now...
But it was the first Goodreads giveaway I had ever won so it was very exciting :). I also remember this one smut scene that i really liked and I felt so scandalous for having a physical book that anyone could read LMAOOOO. Looking back at it I don't think it was even a very detailed/graphic scene but damn.
but look where we are now...
November 4, 2019
3.75 Stars
This is the first book in the Gold Vallery Vineyards series in the Harlequin Desire line by Maisey Yates.
There are some things I really liked about this book and some things I hated. I am all about a good hate to love romance and this seemed to fit the bill. But this was really more vengeance to lust for me. I never quite believed Holden when he finally admitted his love for Emerson. That alone is what pushed it below the four star mark for me. I guess I am a happily ever after girl.
I know the Desire line is always a pretty short read but I think this story deserved a longer book in order to flesh out some of the sections. I would have liked to see more of Emerson growing into her new position in the Vineyard, the marketing stuff and her relationship with her sisters. It’s too bad books aren’t more visual. I would have loved to see the social media campaign for the vineyard. I was mega intrigued by that alone.
The love scenes and the attitude of Holden when he decided to gain the vineyard by marrying Emerson was what sold this book in the end. If you want a book with a man’s man, this is the one for you. He was all take charge and wanted his woman submissive. I thought the mind set of Emerson when she finally realized why she had never enjoyed sex until Holden was so telling. I think that might open some people’s eyes as to what is accepted in the bedroom. It doesn’t have to be all mission position.
If you enjoy your romance book with a bit of spice and naughtiness, this is definitely for you.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the first book in the Gold Vallery Vineyards series in the Harlequin Desire line by Maisey Yates.
There are some things I really liked about this book and some things I hated. I am all about a good hate to love romance and this seemed to fit the bill. But this was really more vengeance to lust for me. I never quite believed Holden when he finally admitted his love for Emerson. That alone is what pushed it below the four star mark for me. I guess I am a happily ever after girl.
I know the Desire line is always a pretty short read but I think this story deserved a longer book in order to flesh out some of the sections. I would have liked to see more of Emerson growing into her new position in the Vineyard, the marketing stuff and her relationship with her sisters. It’s too bad books aren’t more visual. I would have loved to see the social media campaign for the vineyard. I was mega intrigued by that alone.
The love scenes and the attitude of Holden when he decided to gain the vineyard by marrying Emerson was what sold this book in the end. If you want a book with a man’s man, this is the one for you. He was all take charge and wanted his woman submissive. I thought the mind set of Emerson when she finally realized why she had never enjoyed sex until Holden was so telling. I think that might open some people’s eyes as to what is accepted in the bedroom. It doesn’t have to be all mission position.
If you enjoy your romance book with a bit of spice and naughtiness, this is definitely for you.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 20, 2020
Reviewed on my blog, Becky on Books, on 11/11/19.
Truth time--I didn't read the blurb for this one at all; I just saw it was a Maisey Yates book and couldn't even see the blurb over my own grabby hands. So I started it knowing absolutely nothing beyond the title and it was a new series--so certain aspects of the plot took me a teensy bit by surprise.
Steamy sex scenes? Complicated hero? Hero and heroine who think they know themselves but who actually don't have a clue? Totally expecting. Dark, deep revenge plot? Took me a bit by surprise. (Again, could have been solved by reading the blurb. But obviously that's not how I roll.) Once I got over my aggravation with them (really, Holden? How did you truly think any of this was going to make your sister feel better? Thank goodness he had Emerson to do his heavy lifting there) and they allowed themselves to even think about reaching for an HEA, though, I couldn't put the darn thing down.
Though, honestly, that was what I expected, going in. Now how long must we wait for book 2? ;) (Probably not that long, honestly. I don't understand how she has so much time to write, with all of the beautiful knitting I see her doing on Instagram. Doesn't she sleep?)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Truth time--I didn't read the blurb for this one at all; I just saw it was a Maisey Yates book and couldn't even see the blurb over my own grabby hands. So I started it knowing absolutely nothing beyond the title and it was a new series--so certain aspects of the plot took me a teensy bit by surprise.
Steamy sex scenes? Complicated hero? Hero and heroine who think they know themselves but who actually don't have a clue? Totally expecting. Dark, deep revenge plot? Took me a bit by surprise. (Again, could have been solved by reading the blurb. But obviously that's not how I roll.) Once I got over my aggravation with them (really, Holden? How did you truly think any of this was going to make your sister feel better? Thank goodness he had Emerson to do his heavy lifting there) and they allowed themselves to even think about reaching for an HEA, though, I couldn't put the darn thing down.
Though, honestly, that was what I expected, going in. Now how long must we wait for book 2? ;) (Probably not that long, honestly. I don't understand how she has so much time to write, with all of the beautiful knitting I see her doing on Instagram. Doesn't she sleep?)
Rating: 4 stars / B+
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
September 29, 2019
In this Harlequin category romance, much-loved author Maisey Yates’s Gold Valley series comes to the Desire line with a spin-off called Gold Valley Vineyards. The first in the Vineyards series, Rancher’s Wild Secret is the story of Emerson and Holden. Emerson’s father is the owner of Maxfield Vineyards, and Holden is a wealthy man in real estate who seeks revenge on Emerson’s father. After succumbing to an undeniable attraction, Emerson and Holden are married as part of Holden’s plan for revenge. Eventually Emerson learns to stand up for what she wants in her own life, and Holden learns to accept someone’s love. This is not the author’s best Desire romance; nevertheless, fans of Yates will in no way be disappointed. Readers can expect fancy parties, beautiful homes, steamy love scenes, and (of course) a happily ever after.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are my own.
August 5, 2020
Revenge, passion, deep, bold emotions, pretentious facades hiding secrets that are causing family drama...
A breathtaking quick read with a raw ardent coupling that gets a chance to be something more, bigger, deeper, and real while Holden McCall works on his vengeance towards Emerson Maxfield's father.
I love Yates' style of storytelling and her ability to adjust the writing to a different category, even while writing in the same series and their spinoffs. This story, part of the new spinoff and Desire books in Harlequin, had the focus on the fierily igniting, undeniable lust the protagonists have for each other. There was still space for drama, and most importantly the characters to grow and develop, find their selves while finding a new normal in their lives while desperately falling in love.
An intensely fervent tale of hunger for more, in love as well in life, that surely brings on the heat and entertains.
~ Four Spoons
A breathtaking quick read with a raw ardent coupling that gets a chance to be something more, bigger, deeper, and real while Holden McCall works on his vengeance towards Emerson Maxfield's father.
I love Yates' style of storytelling and her ability to adjust the writing to a different category, even while writing in the same series and their spinoffs. This story, part of the new spinoff and Desire books in Harlequin, had the focus on the fierily igniting, undeniable lust the protagonists have for each other. There was still space for drama, and most importantly the characters to grow and develop, find their selves while finding a new normal in their lives while desperately falling in love.
An intensely fervent tale of hunger for more, in love as well in life, that surely brings on the heat and entertains.
~ Four Spoons
November 10, 2019
Short and sweet and exactly a kind of story I Badly needed so that I could face reality of messy life. Wishing with all my heart that all the hardships in life could be handled and solved so beautifully and happily just like what Holden and Emerson had done. Triumphed together. Sharing the happy ending scene:
"I was wondering if you needed a ranch hand."
"What?" . . .
"The one time I had it right with you was when I worked here. When it was you and me, and not all this manipulation. So I thought maybe I would just offer me."
"Just you?"
"Yeah, . . . Just me."
November 7, 2019
I don’t know that I’ve ever read a contemporary romance where both the male and female lead characters started out so unlikable. Holden McCall is so wrapped up in his thirst for revenge he doesn’t care who he hurts as collateral damage. He also has no qualms with having an affair with engaged or married women as long as they’re on board with it. Emerson Maxfield at twenty-nine is still a daddy’s girl living her life to earn his praise and approval to the point of agreeing to marry a man in a pre-arranged hopelessly loveless marriage to make him happy. Her entire professional and personal life is consumed with presenting the right image to promote the brand of Maxfield Vineyards the family winery of which she is the public face. Additionally although Emerson feels an instant and intense sexual attraction to Holden, it’s hard to believe this educated, experienced, polished professional P.R. woman would just start spilling her guts to him about her familial relationships or her relationship with her fiancée. All that said, I absolutely loved this book! Maisey Yates doesn’t do lite romance. There aren’t many if any funny moments in her stories. What she does extraordinarily well is write dialogues with deep discussions about emotions, feelings. This book has a lot of discussions about love, about motivations and why we are the way we are and do the things we do. Wisdom comes from some unexpected sources. Being a Harlequin Desires book there’s a fair amount of explicit sex in it and in this story it has a little kink as Emerson discovers a sexuality she didn’t know she possessed. As for the unlikable main characters, as it should, love redeems them both.
This book which is at least as heavy on dialogue as it is on action won’t be for everyone. But at the risk of losing my man card, I ate it up and am looking forward to Yate’s next book.
This book which is at least as heavy on dialogue as it is on action won’t be for everyone. But at the risk of losing my man card, I ate it up and am looking forward to Yate’s next book.
December 9, 2019
Here's the thing, I learned from the last Harlequin Desire book I read (which happen to be from this same series by the same author) that they are shorter stories, heavy on the romance, and more on the steamy/blush worthy side. This time around that description fit like a glove, but the story itself, I was a bit up in the air. I mean, I liked Emerson, and initially I liked Holden, but things go to you-know-where rather quickly and that turns what they had from a lust filled encounter of sexual expression into something much bigger, and more daunting for them all. It's definitely an enemies to lovers trope candidate and the chemistry is off the charts, but I don't know. I'm just not certain I bought the whole big bad sexy cowboy heck bent on revenge turns out to be someone that loves so deeply, cares so much, he doesn't even realize it himself, and is truly a diamond in the rough seas of love. On the other hand, I highly respect Emerson's ability to push forward through the unappetizing options offered, accept her fate so to speak, yet also freely state where she stands with him, her heart, and her life. They didn't meet in any version of what one would call ideal circumstances, but neither could deny that the still waters that ran deeply through them both cared nothing for the bad blood between them, and everything about what they could be if only they'd get out of their own way.
In the end, it's a quick read that's sure to warm up your holiday nights and a sexy addition to the Gold Valley series from author Maisey Yates that fans won't want to miss.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
In the end, it's a quick read that's sure to warm up your holiday nights and a sexy addition to the Gold Valley series from author Maisey Yates that fans won't want to miss.
**ecopy received for review; opinions are my own
November 2, 2020
Rancher’s Wild Secret by Maisey Yates is the first book in the Gold Valley Vineyard. I accidentally read book 2 before this one, but it didn’t take away from the story line. I enjoy Gold Valley with the variety of people and this spin off allows us to meet new people within the area. It also will allow us vignettes with some of my old favorites.
Emerson Maxfield is the gold girl of social media making the wine and the vineyard seem so wonderful. She is always trying to get the perfect shot to put up on social media. As someone who is so close to her father, she is doing what he wants, like marrying a man, she doesn’t really know.
Holden McCall has come for revenge against Emerson Maxfield’s father. Her father was using his position to cause harm to young women who think he cares for them. Holden’s sister fell for him, to her detriment. Holden thinks he has found the golden ring - the way to make Maxfield pay. He is going to make Emerson marry him and sign over shares to him so he can punish the Maxfields. Only something isn’t just working out the way he thought. He can’t get Emerson out of his head, but it definitely cannot be love!
Rancher’s Wild Secret by Maisey Yates was a good read.
Emerson Maxfield is the gold girl of social media making the wine and the vineyard seem so wonderful. She is always trying to get the perfect shot to put up on social media. As someone who is so close to her father, she is doing what he wants, like marrying a man, she doesn’t really know.
Holden McCall has come for revenge against Emerson Maxfield’s father. Her father was using his position to cause harm to young women who think he cares for them. Holden’s sister fell for him, to her detriment. Holden thinks he has found the golden ring - the way to make Maxfield pay. He is going to make Emerson marry him and sign over shares to him so he can punish the Maxfields. Only something isn’t just working out the way he thought. He can’t get Emerson out of his head, but it definitely cannot be love!
Rancher’s Wild Secret by Maisey Yates was a good read.
July 26, 2023
The first book in a new series always introduces many characters, but only a glimpse of most of them. Emerson Maxfield is the oldest daughter of James Maxfield, owner of Maxfield Vineyards. She loves the winery and has made it her life's work, realizing that she and her sisters have grown up with lots of privileges because of it. So much so, that she is willing to give up any future chance at love, by agreeing to marry a man her father picked out for her, a man who has no interested in her, only the share of the business he will receive when she become she bride. So it is against her nature to be attracted to Holden Brown, the new ranch hand. But she has never felt chemistry like this with a man before. A one night stand turns into a black mailed trip to Vegas for a wedding, because Holden has a secret and is out for revenge. But can Emerson turn this marriage real? The book finished, way too soon for me and I am ready to read the next installment- perhaps about Emerson's sister Wren and her love/hate relationship with their main competitor?
I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
I read an ARC from NetGalley.com. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.
November 5, 2019
Emerson has worked hard to create her own place in the family winery business and that includes being engaged to a man for business reasons not because she loves him. Her whole world is turned upside down when her father hires a new ranch hand and she becomes collateral damage.
When Holden accepted a position at the Maxfield Vineyards he had ulterior motives and he is not about to be swayed by a woman no matter how hot the chemistry is between them. What started out as one steamy night together took a turn and now Emerson has become part of his plan whether she wants to or not.
There was no denying the chemistry between them but Holden refuses to believe it is anything more and it will take the intervention of an unlikely source to realize what is truly important.
When Holden accepted a position at the Maxfield Vineyards he had ulterior motives and he is not about to be swayed by a woman no matter how hot the chemistry is between them. What started out as one steamy night together took a turn and now Emerson has become part of his plan whether she wants to or not.
There was no denying the chemistry between them but Holden refuses to believe it is anything more and it will take the intervention of an unlikely source to realize what is truly important.
February 9, 2020
Emerson Maxfield has never wanted for anything. Her father made sure of that, even to picking the man she is now engaged to marry. That is, until she meets Holden McCall, who tells her he's a cowboy, hired by her father. But that's not the whole story.
What she doesn't know is that he intends to wreak revenge on her father for what he did to Holden's little sister. That and the desire Holdene and Emerson feel for each other, which turns his revenge into something much more--in spite of their arranged marriage so that Holden can gain a controlling interest in the Maxfield winery that is Emerson's legacy.
But will all that hold together in the face of Emerson's words to Holden, words he doesn't want to acknowledge?
What she doesn't know is that he intends to wreak revenge on her father for what he did to Holden's little sister. That and the desire Holdene and Emerson feel for each other, which turns his revenge into something much more--in spite of their arranged marriage so that Holden can gain a controlling interest in the Maxfield winery that is Emerson's legacy.
But will all that hold together in the face of Emerson's words to Holden, words he doesn't want to acknowledge?
October 1, 2019
What's that saying.. Revenge is a dish best served cold... Well Holden is out for revenge but Emerson sorta details his plans! She is engaged to someone she doesn't love and Holden wants to take down her dad! But there are sparks hot as fire between the two of them. After a wild night of passion where she spilled some secrets Holden comes up with a p!an. Emerson doesn't want to go through with it but she does. Can the two grow to love each other and will Emerson realize some big things to move on with her life. This was a page turner...
November 18, 2019
This was an okay story. The first half seemed to drag on and on, while the second half felt rushed. I wished we had gotten to know Soraya a little bit better, along with finding out more of what happened with James. This is where it felt rushed. The family dynamics were tested, and there were some surprising twists! I hope the other two sisters get their books. I can feel something between Wren and the "enemy".
November 14, 2019
If your all about the smut then your gonna love this book, there is plenty of steamy scenes. Unfortunately I'm not one of those people. I'm a fan of Maisey Yates books so I was curios to see what she had to offer with this book. When you look past the sex this book really does feel rushed but for what was there was good I suppose. Maybe this book just wasn't for me.
Read
November 2, 2019Categories
Western Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Gold Valley Vineyards
Western Romance, Sagas, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Gold Valley Vineyards
July 16, 2022
Good book & there was a decent amount of ooh la la involved
May 13, 2025
Too corny
November 22, 2019
I am always eager to read a novel by Maisey Yates, and especially one that's the first title in her Gold Valley spin-off series, Gold Valley Vineyards in the Harlequin Desire imprint, but since I love getting lost in her books, I knew from the get-go that I'd want a longer read than is the usual in Harlequin Desire. I also had mixed feelings about the main characters, something else that is rare in one of Ms. Yates' novels, but it's the reason I cannot give this novel more than 3.5 stars.
From the very beginning, I wasn't thrilled with the heroine, Emerson Maxwell, eldest daughter to her father, James, the scion of the family and owner the upscale Maxwell Vineyards winery. Emerson is serving as hostess, and is the face of the winery, and is currently playing hostess at a posh party at the highly regarded Maxwell Vineyards. She's all charm and smiles at the party, but bored, suffering from internal malaise, and wearing insincere smiles for her guests. She's also sporting a huge diamond engagement ring, and is ready to marry her father's choice for her, the always absent Donovan, who lives in another state and with whom she's barely had contact. After a two-year engagement she still feels nothing for the man, and they've never done more than share a few less than stellar kisses, but Emerson plans to marry this man she doesn't love to make her father happy. She's always been her dad's puppet, and has dedicated her life to publicizing the Maxwell Vineyards label, since she'll be inheriting the lion's share of the business and estate when her father either retires or dies. When she marries, her husband will also inherit shares in the company.
Needing some fresh air, she steps outside to the balcony and spots a strange person wandering through the vineyards. Despite her many guests and her duties as their hostess, she heads down the stairs to find out who this stranger is. He introduces himself as their new ranch hand, Holden--tall, handsome, broad of shoulder, and with a chiseled jaw, and Emerson is struck by insta-lust. Holden is pretty taken with her too, and that will fall right in line with his plot for revenge against James Maxwell. Revenge, you may ask? Let's just say that Holden isn't who he purports to be. While Emerson, a short time later, offers herself to sexy hunk, Holden, leave it to Ms. Yates to make their encounter sizzling hot and steamy. While Holden wasn't expecting this attraction, he isn't going to refuse to bed this beautiful woman, who readily tells him all about her personal family issues, her lack of sexual experience, her lack of enthusiasm for the man she's engaged to marry, and Holden is not about to turn down her offer of no-strings sex, and he soon sees a way to incorporate her in his revenge plot.
While I don't want to give away too much of the plot in this review, I will let you know that Holden's need is to avenge what James Maxwell did to his younger sister, Soraya Jane, not only breaking her heart and stealing her innocence, but leaving her pregnant and heartbroken, even more so when he tells her to get an abortion, and pays her off to disappear. She was so devastated by this turn of events, that when she miscarries and loses the baby she's carrying she suffers a complete break from reality and ends up living in a mental institution. Oh, and she's not the only young woman that James has paid off and forced to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Emerson is shocked to hear this about the father she loves, but when Holden gives her an ultimatum, she chooses to marry him, thereby giving Holden a piece of Maxwell Vineyards, rather than allowing him to publicize her father's indiscretion with Soraya, but also his other victims, and destroy not only James Maxwell, but also the vineyard she hopes to someday inherit and run, the vineyard she's dedicated herself to all her life.
While I'm a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, a fan of steamy reads, especially the ones written by Ms. Yates, the plot and intricacies of the relationships between all the characters in this novel was a bit too much in too short a novel and too short a time period. While I grew to understand and like Emerson, sympathize with her, and even understand and accept Holden's reasons for using and then discarding her, all of this needed more time and more space to unfold.
While I loved the way the HEA ending was handled, again, it was too abrupt. I felt that Ms. Yates was stifled by the mandatory short word count, and it just didn't do this story and it's complex characters any justice. It was, however, a very good, very well-written, and very emotional read, and for those reasons, as well as the fact that it's a start of a new series, I'd recommend getting in on the ground floor, grabbing a copy and reading it. Personally, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel The opinions expressed are my own.
From the very beginning, I wasn't thrilled with the heroine, Emerson Maxwell, eldest daughter to her father, James, the scion of the family and owner the upscale Maxwell Vineyards winery. Emerson is serving as hostess, and is the face of the winery, and is currently playing hostess at a posh party at the highly regarded Maxwell Vineyards. She's all charm and smiles at the party, but bored, suffering from internal malaise, and wearing insincere smiles for her guests. She's also sporting a huge diamond engagement ring, and is ready to marry her father's choice for her, the always absent Donovan, who lives in another state and with whom she's barely had contact. After a two-year engagement she still feels nothing for the man, and they've never done more than share a few less than stellar kisses, but Emerson plans to marry this man she doesn't love to make her father happy. She's always been her dad's puppet, and has dedicated her life to publicizing the Maxwell Vineyards label, since she'll be inheriting the lion's share of the business and estate when her father either retires or dies. When she marries, her husband will also inherit shares in the company.
Needing some fresh air, she steps outside to the balcony and spots a strange person wandering through the vineyards. Despite her many guests and her duties as their hostess, she heads down the stairs to find out who this stranger is. He introduces himself as their new ranch hand, Holden--tall, handsome, broad of shoulder, and with a chiseled jaw, and Emerson is struck by insta-lust. Holden is pretty taken with her too, and that will fall right in line with his plot for revenge against James Maxwell. Revenge, you may ask? Let's just say that Holden isn't who he purports to be. While Emerson, a short time later, offers herself to sexy hunk, Holden, leave it to Ms. Yates to make their encounter sizzling hot and steamy. While Holden wasn't expecting this attraction, he isn't going to refuse to bed this beautiful woman, who readily tells him all about her personal family issues, her lack of sexual experience, her lack of enthusiasm for the man she's engaged to marry, and Holden is not about to turn down her offer of no-strings sex, and he soon sees a way to incorporate her in his revenge plot.
While I don't want to give away too much of the plot in this review, I will let you know that Holden's need is to avenge what James Maxwell did to his younger sister, Soraya Jane, not only breaking her heart and stealing her innocence, but leaving her pregnant and heartbroken, even more so when he tells her to get an abortion, and pays her off to disappear. She was so devastated by this turn of events, that when she miscarries and loses the baby she's carrying she suffers a complete break from reality and ends up living in a mental institution. Oh, and she's not the only young woman that James has paid off and forced to sign a nondisclosure agreement. Emerson is shocked to hear this about the father she loves, but when Holden gives her an ultimatum, she chooses to marry him, thereby giving Holden a piece of Maxwell Vineyards, rather than allowing him to publicize her father's indiscretion with Soraya, but also his other victims, and destroy not only James Maxwell, but also the vineyard she hopes to someday inherit and run, the vineyard she's dedicated herself to all her life.
While I'm a fan of the enemies-to-lovers trope, a fan of steamy reads, especially the ones written by Ms. Yates, the plot and intricacies of the relationships between all the characters in this novel was a bit too much in too short a novel and too short a time period. While I grew to understand and like Emerson, sympathize with her, and even understand and accept Holden's reasons for using and then discarding her, all of this needed more time and more space to unfold.
While I loved the way the HEA ending was handled, again, it was too abrupt. I felt that Ms. Yates was stifled by the mandatory short word count, and it just didn't do this story and it's complex characters any justice. It was, however, a very good, very well-written, and very emotional read, and for those reasons, as well as the fact that it's a start of a new series, I'd recommend getting in on the ground floor, grabbing a copy and reading it. Personally, I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily read an advance reader copy of this novel The opinions expressed are my own.
September 3, 2021
Rancher's Wild Secret was a delightful read featuring a steamy revenge romance.
Holden McCall has come to Gold Valley with one purpose; to destroy the man who ruined his sister's life. And Emerson Maxfield is the perfect way to do it. Emerson has always done everything her father asks of her. She is engaged to a man of her father's choosing and will work with that man at her family's winery. But after one night with Holden, Emerson finds herself entangled in his scheme to destroy her father and unless she marries him, he will destroy everything she cares about.
Holden didn't have the best childhood as his mother struggled to take care of him and his sister. After turning his luck around to become one of the richest developers in the state, he's determined he nor his family will ever struggle again. When his younger sister is charmed into an affair with Emerson's father and then brutally tossed aside, it broke something in her. Holden feels what happened to his sister is his fault due to his money being the reason they met. Emerson has had an idyllic life and has never wanted for anything material in her life. She's never wanted another life outside of the one her father chose for her, so she has never complained as she enjoys her work at the winery.
Emerson and Holden's relationship starts out with deception on Holden's part as he takes a job as a ranch hand at the winery while concealing his true identity. The attraction between them is immediate though and Emerson wants him more than she's ever wanted anyone else. Their first night together is very steamy and fantastically done. Unfortunately Emerson accidentally lets slip that her future husband gets a share of the winery which leads to Holden pulling her into his plans. Their relationship becomes quite antagonistic after that although they both still desire each other. Ultimately I liked the way the two worked out the situation with Emerson's father and resolved the issues between them.
Overall Rancher's Wild Secret was an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it for fans of her Gold Valley series.
Holden McCall has come to Gold Valley with one purpose; to destroy the man who ruined his sister's life. And Emerson Maxfield is the perfect way to do it. Emerson has always done everything her father asks of her. She is engaged to a man of her father's choosing and will work with that man at her family's winery. But after one night with Holden, Emerson finds herself entangled in his scheme to destroy her father and unless she marries him, he will destroy everything she cares about.
Holden didn't have the best childhood as his mother struggled to take care of him and his sister. After turning his luck around to become one of the richest developers in the state, he's determined he nor his family will ever struggle again. When his younger sister is charmed into an affair with Emerson's father and then brutally tossed aside, it broke something in her. Holden feels what happened to his sister is his fault due to his money being the reason they met. Emerson has had an idyllic life and has never wanted for anything material in her life. She's never wanted another life outside of the one her father chose for her, so she has never complained as she enjoys her work at the winery.
Emerson and Holden's relationship starts out with deception on Holden's part as he takes a job as a ranch hand at the winery while concealing his true identity. The attraction between them is immediate though and Emerson wants him more than she's ever wanted anyone else. Their first night together is very steamy and fantastically done. Unfortunately Emerson accidentally lets slip that her future husband gets a share of the winery which leads to Holden pulling her into his plans. Their relationship becomes quite antagonistic after that although they both still desire each other. Ultimately I liked the way the two worked out the situation with Emerson's father and resolved the issues between them.
Overall Rancher's Wild Secret was an enjoyable read and I definitely recommend it for fans of her Gold Valley series.
December 3, 2019
Emerson Maxfield has been engaged for two years to the man her father chose for her. Unfortunately, she feels no spark with him - at all. Her past experiences have led her to believe that she just doesn't "spark" with anyone, until she meets Holden "Brown", her father's newest ranch hand. She nearly goes up in flames at the first sight of him. Since she and her fiance aren't a love match, would it be so wrong to experience passion before she settles for something way less?
Holden McCall came to the Maxfield Winery with revenge on his mind. Emerson's father had an affair with his younger sister, got her pregnant and walked out, never knowing that she lost the baby. His sister's mind hasn't been the same since, and Holden wants to destroy Maxfield. When he meets Emerson, and she offers herself to him, he realizes there is an even better way. Whoever marries Emerson gets shares in the winery. If he tells her the truth, will she help him destroy the man she has tried to please all her life?
This book was vintage Maisey Yates. Gruff, seemingly emotionless hero, sexy, beautiful heroine, and a major conflict between the two. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. It was fun for me to read, though, because I've read most of the others and could "catch up" with some of the characters.
Holden McCall came to the Maxfield Winery with revenge on his mind. Emerson's father had an affair with his younger sister, got her pregnant and walked out, never knowing that she lost the baby. His sister's mind hasn't been the same since, and Holden wants to destroy Maxfield. When he meets Emerson, and she offers herself to him, he realizes there is an even better way. Whoever marries Emerson gets shares in the winery. If he tells her the truth, will she help him destroy the man she has tried to please all her life?
This book was vintage Maisey Yates. Gruff, seemingly emotionless hero, sexy, beautiful heroine, and a major conflict between the two. This is part of a series, but can be read as a stand-alone. It was fun for me to read, though, because I've read most of the others and could "catch up" with some of the characters.
October 24, 2019
RANCHER'S WILD SECRET is book one in the Gold Valley Vineyards spin-off series by Maisey Yates and promises to bring passion and drama to the forefront. Centering around a rancher and the daughter of his sworn enemy, this story of forbidden love is quick to hook a reader as secrets unravel, betrayal is exposed and love begins to outshine revenge.
Holden immediately grabs attention as a powerful man who will stop at nothing to get revenge for the wrong his family has suffered. He's complex and developed just enough to keep us guessing.
Emerson is high-spirited and loyal, but when secrets are exposed that change her entire outlook on the world she has been living in, she finds the strength to stand up for what's right, no matter how much it hurts her heart.
I highly recommend this book to anyone enjoying drama and passion mixed in with strong family presence and happily ever afters. I look forward to seeing how this quartet plays out!
Holden immediately grabs attention as a powerful man who will stop at nothing to get revenge for the wrong his family has suffered. He's complex and developed just enough to keep us guessing.
Emerson is high-spirited and loyal, but when secrets are exposed that change her entire outlook on the world she has been living in, she finds the strength to stand up for what's right, no matter how much it hurts her heart.
I highly recommend this book to anyone enjoying drama and passion mixed in with strong family presence and happily ever afters. I look forward to seeing how this quartet plays out!
November 27, 2019
Who is Emerson Maxfield? Who are Cricket and Donovan? Who are the Coopers Why does Wren get so upset when their names are mentioned? I wasn't sure how I felt about Holden at first. That started to change when he came clean about his intentions to Emerson. What did she do when she learned the truth? I loved what Emerson, Wren, and Cricket came up with in regards to Soraya. I love Soraya's words of wisdom to Holden. Read and see what happens!
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M. Brennan.
January 13, 2020
Wonderful Read
Another good read by Maisey Yates. The first story, Rancher’s Wild Secret, is a spin-off of the Gold Valley series, and a very steamy one at that. Emerson Maxfield & Holden McCall both have issues with relationships. Holden is out for revenge against Emerson’s father, James, in the treatment of Holden’s sister & blackmails Emerson into marriage. The chemistry between the two of them is very strong & you’ll have to read it to find out how it ends in a HEA.
The second, a Bonus story, Hold Me, Cowboy, is a reissue by Maisey Yates. Both characters, Sam McCormack & Madison West, have been hurt badly in previous relationships & have serious issues with “Loving”.
Another good read by Maisey Yates. The first story, Rancher’s Wild Secret, is a spin-off of the Gold Valley series, and a very steamy one at that. Emerson Maxfield & Holden McCall both have issues with relationships. Holden is out for revenge against Emerson’s father, James, in the treatment of Holden’s sister & blackmails Emerson into marriage. The chemistry between the two of them is very strong & you’ll have to read it to find out how it ends in a HEA.
The second, a Bonus story, Hold Me, Cowboy, is a reissue by Maisey Yates. Both characters, Sam McCormack & Madison West, have been hurt badly in previous relationships & have serious issues with “Loving”.
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