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Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch: Special Edition
Fate gave Theo Bridger a chance to get back in the saddle, but Jasmine Joyce may shove him right off again…
The one good thing Jasmine Joyce’s father did was leave her the family ranch when he died. With the slice of heaven she calls home, Jazz created a sanctuary for those recovering from addiction and mental illness. Jazz knows hard work helps heal the soul; the ranch “guests” find it by the shovel full. The anonymity clause should protect everyone, but because of it, when Jazz welcomes her newest resident, she doesn’t know she is about to open a door into the past.
Theo Bridger wanted to make music, not war, but that didn’t stop his narcissistic father from forcing him into the military. Fifteen years later, Theo has his life back and is learning to pursue his dreams, but he can’t escape the nightmares plaguing him. When his psychiatrist connects him to a therapeutic ranch in Jamieson Creek, the only place he ever felt at home, Theo accepts without hesitation, even with the risk of tearing open old emotional wounds.
With the future of Sunset Ranch uncertain, Jazz’s only focus is saving her home. She doesn’t care what happened the night Theo Bridger broke her heart and has no desire to bring old secrets to light. Six months is a long time to spend mending fences and reining in misunderstandings, yet fate granted Theo and Jazz a chance to unravel their tangled past. Even if Jazz is as bullheaded as they come, one thing is clear to Theo; she was what made Jamieson Creek feel like home. Can he convince her their song is worth rewriting?
The one good thing Jasmine Joyce’s father did was leave her the family ranch when he died. With the slice of heaven she calls home, Jazz created a sanctuary for those recovering from addiction and mental illness. Jazz knows hard work helps heal the soul; the ranch “guests” find it by the shovel full. The anonymity clause should protect everyone, but because of it, when Jazz welcomes her newest resident, she doesn’t know she is about to open a door into the past.
Theo Bridger wanted to make music, not war, but that didn’t stop his narcissistic father from forcing him into the military. Fifteen years later, Theo has his life back and is learning to pursue his dreams, but he can’t escape the nightmares plaguing him. When his psychiatrist connects him to a therapeutic ranch in Jamieson Creek, the only place he ever felt at home, Theo accepts without hesitation, even with the risk of tearing open old emotional wounds.
With the future of Sunset Ranch uncertain, Jazz’s only focus is saving her home. She doesn’t care what happened the night Theo Bridger broke her heart and has no desire to bring old secrets to light. Six months is a long time to spend mending fences and reining in misunderstandings, yet fate granted Theo and Jazz a chance to unravel their tangled past. Even if Jazz is as bullheaded as they come, one thing is clear to Theo; she was what made Jamieson Creek feel like home. Can he convince her their song is worth rewriting?
381 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2025
29 people are currently reading
163 people want to read
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January 28, 2025I may be biased, but this book is excellent 🤣
August 14, 2024
This book was cute. I enjoyed it i cant wait for the next one
August 17, 2024
3.5🌟
(I received an e-arc from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
This book was about Theo and Jazz who met when they were nineteen and then Theo suddenly disappears.
Years later they meet again.
I thought this book was ok. But that was it. It was just ok.
There were some parts that i really enjoyed like Theo earning Jazz' trust slowly and Jazz with her friends.
Some lines that were written were really good like-
"Silence does not erase the pain; it just means you bear it alone."
But there were few things that i didn't like.
For example, the way Blair? And Jazz were shown together.
Overall, this could be a better rated book for someone else, considering there was nothing too huge wrong with it but personally, it wasn't the best for me.
(I received an e-arc from netgalley and am voluntarily leaving this review)
This book was about Theo and Jazz who met when they were nineteen and then Theo suddenly disappears.
Years later they meet again.
I thought this book was ok. But that was it. It was just ok.
There were some parts that i really enjoyed like Theo earning Jazz' trust slowly and Jazz with her friends.
Some lines that were written were really good like-
"Silence does not erase the pain; it just means you bear it alone."
But there were few things that i didn't like.
For example, the way Blair? And Jazz were shown together.
Overall, this could be a better rated book for someone else, considering there was nothing too huge wrong with it but personally, it wasn't the best for me.
August 22, 2024
Second chance at the sunset ranch
2.75 ⭐️
Why the hell did the author think it was okay to talk about bowel movements in this book 🤨
And some of the those metaphors and similes were unnecessary.
The chapters were short which I loved. But that did mean the romance felt undeveloped, the plot moved to quickly. And I felt like they was no real development in their relationship
Apart form the writing the plot had potential, parts of the story were cute and very heartwarming, where as others just gave me the ick and made me mad.
jasmine- was meant to be guarded and hurt from the past, she came across as a mean and self righteous person. She made arguments out of nothing for example Theo and jasmine were having a nice moment together when she suddenly without warning got angry at him FOR NO RESON!! But then everything changed at the 50% and I started to understand the pain she had gone through since Theo left, but she was such a annoying fmc
Theo- awww this man, I hate when the author writes the man as perfect and the fmc as annoying, but Theo did it for me, he was the perfect Mmc. The way he dealt with things that was thrown at him were amazing and inspiring.
This book is second chance and to be honest it was done pretty well. The character fell in love when they were 18 and 19 then Theo went away never to be seen by jasmine until 15 years later when he arrived at her ranch. I felt like jasmine didn’t really have a reason to hold a grudge against Theo, she found out why he moved away pretty quickly in the novel, but she carried on hating him, you found out why jasmine held this grudge not Theo fault more jasmine and her guilt, saying this I did enjoy this second chance as they didn’t really have this huge argument to get over it was just a lot of miscommunication.
I did really like this book, I was shocked at the plot twist the book takes at the 50% mark did make jasmine hurt seem more valid, and make me like her more as a reader. But over all nothing to come home about, I definitely think they is room for improvement but it’s a solid second chance romance, just not for me .
Thank you NetGalley for the arc for a honest review
2.75 ⭐️
Why the hell did the author think it was okay to talk about bowel movements in this book 🤨
And some of the those metaphors and similes were unnecessary.
The chapters were short which I loved. But that did mean the romance felt undeveloped, the plot moved to quickly. And I felt like they was no real development in their relationship
Apart form the writing the plot had potential, parts of the story were cute and very heartwarming, where as others just gave me the ick and made me mad.
jasmine- was meant to be guarded and hurt from the past, she came across as a mean and self righteous person. She made arguments out of nothing for example Theo and jasmine were having a nice moment together when she suddenly without warning got angry at him FOR NO RESON!! But then everything changed at the 50% and I started to understand the pain she had gone through since Theo left, but she was such a annoying fmc
Theo- awww this man, I hate when the author writes the man as perfect and the fmc as annoying, but Theo did it for me, he was the perfect Mmc. The way he dealt with things that was thrown at him were amazing and inspiring.
This book is second chance and to be honest it was done pretty well. The character fell in love when they were 18 and 19 then Theo went away never to be seen by jasmine until 15 years later when he arrived at her ranch. I felt like jasmine didn’t really have a reason to hold a grudge against Theo, she found out why he moved away pretty quickly in the novel, but she carried on hating him, you found out why jasmine held this grudge not Theo fault more jasmine and her guilt, saying this I did enjoy this second chance as they didn’t really have this huge argument to get over it was just a lot of miscommunication.
I did really like this book, I was shocked at the plot twist the book takes at the 50% mark did make jasmine hurt seem more valid, and make me like her more as a reader. But over all nothing to come home about, I definitely think they is room for improvement but it’s a solid second chance romance, just not for me .
Thank you NetGalley for the arc for a honest review
August 8, 2024
Si no les gusta la falta de comunicación no disfrutarán de este libro.
Jazz y Theo fueron novios hasta que un día él desapareció y ella no volvió a saber de años después.
Ambos sufrieron a manos de sus papas por lo que tienen traumas y es lo que hace que la historia se ponga complicada especialmente por ella ya que intentara alejarlo a toda costa.
Odie como se manejo lo de Jazz y Balir, sentí feo por él.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Jazz y Theo fueron novios hasta que un día él desapareció y ella no volvió a saber de años después.
Ambos sufrieron a manos de sus papas por lo que tienen traumas y es lo que hace que la historia se ponga complicada especialmente por ella ya que intentara alejarlo a toda costa.
Odie como se manejo lo de Jazz y Balir, sentí feo por él.
Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 19, 2024
Such a beautifully written story this was! A second Chance at True Love. This story was beautifully written, I felt every emotion the FMC; Jazz, went through!
There are ups and downs until you reach the top in this story. Hold on to your heart and have tissues ready. The bonus Epilogue finally broke the damn of tears I had held in.
I highly recommend this book with the advisement of reading trigger warnings, take care of yourself first. If you do read, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and believe that second chances are sometimes the best chances!
There are ups and downs until you reach the top in this story. Hold on to your heart and have tissues ready. The bonus Epilogue finally broke the damn of tears I had held in.
I highly recommend this book with the advisement of reading trigger warnings, take care of yourself first. If you do read, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did and believe that second chances are sometimes the best chances!
August 21, 2024
*This is an ARC review
I have mixed feelings about this book, I liked the story and the second chance was well done in my opinion. I really liked Theo character I have nothing to say about him but Jasmine is a no no. She was mean for no reason and she was pissing me of. I didn't like how the book was written, I don't really like when a book is written in the 3rd person, but it might just be me so...
Thank you so much NetGalley/L.E. Wagensveld for the advance copy❤️
I have mixed feelings about this book, I liked the story and the second chance was well done in my opinion. I really liked Theo character I have nothing to say about him but Jasmine is a no no. She was mean for no reason and she was pissing me of. I didn't like how the book was written, I don't really like when a book is written in the 3rd person, but it might just be me so...
Thank you so much NetGalley/L.E. Wagensveld for the advance copy❤️
August 15, 2024
Theo, my man!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Just something about that second chance at love that gets me every time!
It was such a sweet book. Jasmine who has hardened over the years but still has such a sweet and kind center wanting to help people! Theo with his ptsd issues and his internal depression. It was such a sweet way for two people to become friends again after years of pain. I even found myself loving the animals on the ranch. Lol.
If you want a story that shows there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Life doesn't give us more than we can handle. This was it. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one night!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Just something about that second chance at love that gets me every time!
It was such a sweet book. Jasmine who has hardened over the years but still has such a sweet and kind center wanting to help people! Theo with his ptsd issues and his internal depression. It was such a sweet way for two people to become friends again after years of pain. I even found myself loving the animals on the ranch. Lol.
If you want a story that shows there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Life doesn't give us more than we can handle. This was it. I couldn't put it down and finished it in one night!
September 11, 2024
I thought the story was just okay. Some of the dialogue was a bit cringey for me. I didn’t really root for the characters to get together. I would have loved to know more about their relationship as teenagers. It was discussed but didn’t feel too compelling.
November 19, 2024
This book in my opinion was a cute read and watching Theo have to earn Jazz trust again was definitely a journey. I can’t wait to see what comes next!
November 22, 2024
I’m such a sucker for a second chance and this one was so emotional beautiful!
October 26, 2024
Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch
° Dual POV
° Small Town Romance
° Second Chance Romance
° Found Family
° Forced Proximity
Jasmine and Theo's story begins in their teenage years, where they share two unforgettable summers as each other's first loves. However, a tragic incident shatters Jasmine's heart, leading her to build emotional walls.
Fast forward 15 years, Jasmine now runs her father's ranch, using it as a sanctuary for healing despite her financial struggles. She offers six-month stays to those in need in exchange for manual labor, providing food, shelter, and a chance for renewal. When Theo returns to Jamieson Creek, he mistakenly believes Jasmine has left, only to discover she owns the ranch where he's seeking refuge.
I appreciated the book’s theme of offering second chances, highlighting that everyone deserves forgiveness. It’s an uplifting and inspiring read that captures real-life challenges and the personal growth of both characters.
TW: Verbal & Physical Abuse
Loss of a Parent
Miscarriage
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
PTSD
Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡ Dedication:
"To all of us who needed a second chance to fimd our way."
ᥫ᭡ "..Him showing up this way may be the universe giving you another shot of doing the right thing."
ᥫ᭡ "..His voice was magic. It was the heady buzz of stolen whiskey and first kisses, the hardest she'd ever laughed, the most she'd ever cried, molasses poured over gravel, rich, sweet, sticky, and gritty. She'd never heard a singing voice that came close."
ᥫ᭡ "Silence does not erase the pain; it just means you bear it alone."
ᥫ᭡ ".. You can't deny yourself joy because pain may accompany it..
..You and I both know it isn't pretty. We have to seize the joy where we can."
ᥫ᭡ "..It's acknowledging we lost a part of ourselves, and a small piece of us will always be missing. And that's alright. That's what loss is. It's an empty space, love that has nowhere to go. It isn't something we get over, but move forward carrying."
Thank you to NetGalley, Frayed Knot Publishing and the author L.E. Wagensveld for the electronic advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
° Dual POV
° Small Town Romance
° Second Chance Romance
° Found Family
° Forced Proximity
Jasmine and Theo's story begins in their teenage years, where they share two unforgettable summers as each other's first loves. However, a tragic incident shatters Jasmine's heart, leading her to build emotional walls.
Fast forward 15 years, Jasmine now runs her father's ranch, using it as a sanctuary for healing despite her financial struggles. She offers six-month stays to those in need in exchange for manual labor, providing food, shelter, and a chance for renewal. When Theo returns to Jamieson Creek, he mistakenly believes Jasmine has left, only to discover she owns the ranch where he's seeking refuge.
I appreciated the book’s theme of offering second chances, highlighting that everyone deserves forgiveness. It’s an uplifting and inspiring read that captures real-life challenges and the personal growth of both characters.
TW: Verbal & Physical Abuse
Loss of a Parent
Miscarriage
Self-Harm
Suicidal Thoughts
PTSD
Favorite Quotes:
ᥫ᭡ Dedication:
"To all of us who needed a second chance to fimd our way."
ᥫ᭡ "..Him showing up this way may be the universe giving you another shot of doing the right thing."
ᥫ᭡ "..His voice was magic. It was the heady buzz of stolen whiskey and first kisses, the hardest she'd ever laughed, the most she'd ever cried, molasses poured over gravel, rich, sweet, sticky, and gritty. She'd never heard a singing voice that came close."
ᥫ᭡ "Silence does not erase the pain; it just means you bear it alone."
ᥫ᭡ ".. You can't deny yourself joy because pain may accompany it..
..You and I both know it isn't pretty. We have to seize the joy where we can."
ᥫ᭡ "..It's acknowledging we lost a part of ourselves, and a small piece of us will always be missing. And that's alright. That's what loss is. It's an empty space, love that has nowhere to go. It isn't something we get over, but move forward carrying."
Thank you to NetGalley, Frayed Knot Publishing and the author L.E. Wagensveld for the electronic advanced reader's copy in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 6, 2024
A second chance Western romance.
Jazz and Theo first met when they were 19 and spent the summer together. They were each other's first everything but then one night Theo's father ripped him away from his uncle's place and sent him away to join the military because that's what all the men in Theo's family are "supposed" to do.
Jazz had no idea and when she went to see him the next day, she finds out he'd left and thinks he's done so willingly. Though if she knew Theo like she thought she did, she really should have realised that he wouldn't have left her willingly and he'd somehow find a way back to her, but she just automatically assumed he'd forgotten her.
15 years later, Theo turns back up at her ranch as part of a program that helps addicts and those with mental health issues get away from their problems, work on the farm and hopefully have a chance to get better. Jazz shuts Theo down instantly but allows him to stay on the ranch but it doesn't take long for either of them to realise that there are still feelings between the two and it takes Theo pushing Jazz before she'll finally stop and listen to him and find out why he left all those years ago. When he did look for her again he realised she was married and he wanted nothing more than for her to be happy so he left her alone.
I liked that this was a second chance romance and I understand that Jazz wasn't treated very well by her father, but it felt like she was unnecessarily prickly towards everyone, even her best friend Valley. She shuts out the people who love her and want to help her to her detriment, when really she should have realised that these people have been there for her through everything and they wouldn't be offering to help her if they didn't want to.
The book is quite fast paced with fairly short chapters which was good but the characters could have been better developed. We learn a little about Theo's background but not a lot about Jazz and her upbringing which I think would have made her more relatable or at least it would be easier to understand why she is the way she is.
Thanks to NetGalley and Frayed Knot Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
Jazz and Theo first met when they were 19 and spent the summer together. They were each other's first everything but then one night Theo's father ripped him away from his uncle's place and sent him away to join the military because that's what all the men in Theo's family are "supposed" to do.
Jazz had no idea and when she went to see him the next day, she finds out he'd left and thinks he's done so willingly. Though if she knew Theo like she thought she did, she really should have realised that he wouldn't have left her willingly and he'd somehow find a way back to her, but she just automatically assumed he'd forgotten her.
15 years later, Theo turns back up at her ranch as part of a program that helps addicts and those with mental health issues get away from their problems, work on the farm and hopefully have a chance to get better. Jazz shuts Theo down instantly but allows him to stay on the ranch but it doesn't take long for either of them to realise that there are still feelings between the two and it takes Theo pushing Jazz before she'll finally stop and listen to him and find out why he left all those years ago. When he did look for her again he realised she was married and he wanted nothing more than for her to be happy so he left her alone.
I liked that this was a second chance romance and I understand that Jazz wasn't treated very well by her father, but it felt like she was unnecessarily prickly towards everyone, even her best friend Valley. She shuts out the people who love her and want to help her to her detriment, when really she should have realised that these people have been there for her through everything and they wouldn't be offering to help her if they didn't want to.
The book is quite fast paced with fairly short chapters which was good but the characters could have been better developed. We learn a little about Theo's background but not a lot about Jazz and her upbringing which I think would have made her more relatable or at least it would be easier to understand why she is the way she is.
Thanks to NetGalley and Frayed Knot Publishing for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
December 31, 2024
5
Well, Beyonce said it best... this ain't Texas. Cause we're in Canada and that makes my little Canadian heart so happy! I love a Western style romance with cowboys, horses and bada** women! Set in Canada and you've got my heart!
I think that the best place to start is that this book is emotional. As a reader, it takes a lot to make me tear up or cry, and my eyes were definitely burning a bit with tears, especially when Jazz talked about what happened after Theo left (no spoilers here! You're going to have to read it and cry yourself!) The way the writing in this book is done is so beautiful and poignant. There were so many moments I was moved. I am someone who likes some depth behind my romances, and this book had it in spades. I felt deeply for both characters.
Theo is book boyfriend material through and through. He is so sweet, caring, patient... he's everything. He has a sad past, but he's someone who rose above it and turned into a really great man and that is commendable. That's something I love to see in books... people who rise above their circumstances because it gives me hope for the real world.
Jazz is a force to be reckoned with. I love a grumpy/ sunshine trope, and while I can't necessarily call this book grumpy/sunshine cause Theo's fighting his own things, Jazz is definitely pricklier than him and it's refreshing in my opinion. It made her feel more real, especially considering what she's been through in her life. While she made choices that I don't agree with in the novel, I still felt like it added to that realism piece which is nice in a romance, because sometimes people feel a little too good to be true.
Overall, this was such a fantastic novel, and I'm so happy to end my 2024 reading on this incredibly high note. This book is absolutely perfect and I highly recommend adding it to your reading list. On top of that, I've had the pleasure of spending time with and speaking to the author of this novel and she is simply lovely.
Well, Beyonce said it best... this ain't Texas. Cause we're in Canada and that makes my little Canadian heart so happy! I love a Western style romance with cowboys, horses and bada** women! Set in Canada and you've got my heart!
I think that the best place to start is that this book is emotional. As a reader, it takes a lot to make me tear up or cry, and my eyes were definitely burning a bit with tears, especially when Jazz talked about what happened after Theo left (no spoilers here! You're going to have to read it and cry yourself!) The way the writing in this book is done is so beautiful and poignant. There were so many moments I was moved. I am someone who likes some depth behind my romances, and this book had it in spades. I felt deeply for both characters.
Theo is book boyfriend material through and through. He is so sweet, caring, patient... he's everything. He has a sad past, but he's someone who rose above it and turned into a really great man and that is commendable. That's something I love to see in books... people who rise above their circumstances because it gives me hope for the real world.
Jazz is a force to be reckoned with. I love a grumpy/ sunshine trope, and while I can't necessarily call this book grumpy/sunshine cause Theo's fighting his own things, Jazz is definitely pricklier than him and it's refreshing in my opinion. It made her feel more real, especially considering what she's been through in her life. While she made choices that I don't agree with in the novel, I still felt like it added to that realism piece which is nice in a romance, because sometimes people feel a little too good to be true.
Overall, this was such a fantastic novel, and I'm so happy to end my 2024 reading on this incredibly high note. This book is absolutely perfect and I highly recommend adding it to your reading list. On top of that, I've had the pleasure of spending time with and speaking to the author of this novel and she is simply lovely.
August 10, 2024
What is it about a second chance at love that makes a person want to work twice as hard to win the love back?
And what is it about us romance readers who can't get enough of a second-chance romance book?
(That's a rhetorical question; bury me with all of the second-chance tropes, please, and thank you.)
Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch gives us a swoony main male character in the shape of one named Theo Bridger. He is all heart and soul and committed to finding his footing emotionally after a handful of rough years in life and the military.
Jasmine Joyce once loved a boy with her entire heart, but then he left her and now she's all rough edges and tough as a dust devil on a hundred-degree day.
Wagensveld navigates the dynamic of things two young lovers who never got to say goodbye to one another and leaves the reader a bit brokenhearted along the way. You will root for them because your hopeless romantic heart couldn't bear the idea of them not being together. Theo + Jazz ride out their grievances at the ranch and in a one-bed trope of a single-person tent...In case that's up your alley too.
I'm a firm believer that romance books can have real-life hardships in them and that they should, because we need to know life on the pages is possible for us in the real world. SCOSR is a tender redemption story where past hurts get aired out like a saddle does after a long trail ride.
You will laugh (because who doesn't love puns?).
You will cry (because this book will mean something to those who have experienced loss the way this couple has.)
You will smile (because now you have another author to add to your TBR who writes with all of her heart.)
Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch will lasso your heart and leave you pining for more romantic nights under the stars. The way Theo + Jazz find their way back to one another will leave you wondering why you're not reading more Western Romances (or more books by L.E. Wagensveld).
October 21, 2025
Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch 🐎
by L.E. Wagensveld
Jasmine Joyce inherited her father’s ranch and transformed it into a safe haven for people recovering from addiction and mental illness. The last thing she expected was for fate to send Theo Bridger — the man who once broke her heart — back into her life as a new resident.
Theo never wanted the military life that was forced on him, and now, years later, he’s trying to heal both his past and his dreams. Returning to Jamieson Creek brings him face-to-face with Jazz — and with the possibility of rewriting the love story they once started together.
This was such a wholesome, heartfelt read. I loved the beautiful setting, the endearing human and animal characters, and the comforting atmosphere of a small town where everyone has each other’s back. Jasmine and Theo are both lovable characters, and I was kicking my feet at their quirks and banter — they felt so real and familiar. I loved the idea of the ranch as a place of healing; it gave so much meaning to the story. Jasmine and Theo’s connection felt genuine, their banter made me smile, and their second-chance love was tender and deeply earned. The writing flowed beautifully — I could picture every moment, like I was right there under the sunrise sky.
📖 “So many people are struggling, Theo. I want to help as many as possible. I’ve been given this amazing place, and I think it’s my calling to do this.”
“You’re amazing. [...] I’m in awe of your soul, your heart, Jasmine. I’m in awe of who you are.”
💫 Healing, heartfelt, and deeply human.
🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements
I’m so happy to have Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch by L.E. Wagensveld on my shelves — a tender, hopeful story about love, healing, and finding your way home again. ✨
Content warning: loss of parent, miscarriage, self-harm, light drinking, profanity, descriptive spicy scenes, military PTSD
Spicy moments: 231-236; 256-259; 308-309
On-page triggers: 224-227
by L.E. Wagensveld
Jasmine Joyce inherited her father’s ranch and transformed it into a safe haven for people recovering from addiction and mental illness. The last thing she expected was for fate to send Theo Bridger — the man who once broke her heart — back into her life as a new resident.
Theo never wanted the military life that was forced on him, and now, years later, he’s trying to heal both his past and his dreams. Returning to Jamieson Creek brings him face-to-face with Jazz — and with the possibility of rewriting the love story they once started together.
This was such a wholesome, heartfelt read. I loved the beautiful setting, the endearing human and animal characters, and the comforting atmosphere of a small town where everyone has each other’s back. Jasmine and Theo are both lovable characters, and I was kicking my feet at their quirks and banter — they felt so real and familiar. I loved the idea of the ranch as a place of healing; it gave so much meaning to the story. Jasmine and Theo’s connection felt genuine, their banter made me smile, and their second-chance love was tender and deeply earned. The writing flowed beautifully — I could picture every moment, like I was right there under the sunrise sky.
📖 “So many people are struggling, Theo. I want to help as many as possible. I’ve been given this amazing place, and I think it’s my calling to do this.”
“You’re amazing. [...] I’m in awe of your soul, your heart, Jasmine. I’m in awe of who you are.”
💫 Healing, heartfelt, and deeply human.
🌿 Featured at Merveilles & Chuchotements
I’m so happy to have Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch by L.E. Wagensveld on my shelves — a tender, hopeful story about love, healing, and finding your way home again. ✨
Content warning: loss of parent, miscarriage, self-harm, light drinking, profanity, descriptive spicy scenes, military PTSD
Spicy moments: 231-236; 256-259; 308-309
On-page triggers: 224-227
August 6, 2024
"The warmth from Jazz's body seeped through their layers of sleeping bags and clothes straight into Theo's soul"
"I will take nothing from you that you aren't one hundred percent ready to give"
What an absolute pleasure it was to spend 48 hours at Sunrise Ranch. 48 hours was entirely not long enough but when a book is to good to put down, its sadly over before it you know it!
I adored this second chance love story from the second I started reading. I loved the depth the characters had and the situation that allowed them their second chance.
The writing was what really blew me away, its almost poetic how incredibly the story is told and I just lapped it up. I love a fierce woman who learns she can be both fierce and soft (spoken from a true fierce softy!) Reading it felt like watching the movie, if that makes sense. It was an incredible accurately descriptive story and I wanted to race to the end and also never leave.
That's the ultimate experience when reading a good book right!
Tropes:
Animals with adorable names
Dual POV
Second chance romance
Found Family
Anxiety and mental health rep
Forced proximity
"I will take nothing from you that you aren't one hundred percent ready to give"
What an absolute pleasure it was to spend 48 hours at Sunrise Ranch. 48 hours was entirely not long enough but when a book is to good to put down, its sadly over before it you know it!
I adored this second chance love story from the second I started reading. I loved the depth the characters had and the situation that allowed them their second chance.
The writing was what really blew me away, its almost poetic how incredibly the story is told and I just lapped it up. I love a fierce woman who learns she can be both fierce and soft (spoken from a true fierce softy!) Reading it felt like watching the movie, if that makes sense. It was an incredible accurately descriptive story and I wanted to race to the end and also never leave.
That's the ultimate experience when reading a good book right!
Tropes:
Animals with adorable names
Dual POV
Second chance romance
Found Family
Anxiety and mental health rep
Forced proximity
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 18, 2024
Second Chances on Sunrise Ranch follows Jazz and Theo who loved each other as teenagers but when Theo's father forces Theo to join the military they both end up broken hearted and all communication lost. Fifteen years later Theo finds his way back to town and seeking therapy at Sunrise Ranch but what he doesn't realize is that Jazz now owns the ranch. Things have changed for Jazz as well as Theo and they both have grown up but what hasn't changed is the connection they have for each other. They both have gone through a lot since Theo left town, but Jazz has built up some high walls and there are things they both will have to open up about in order to find their way back to each other.
This story is sweet, funny and pulled at my heart strings especially with all that Jazz was holding in all these years. Theo is patient, caring and even with his own struggles he still does all he can to be there to help Jazz. I recommend reading this book especially if you believe in fate and second chances.
Thank you, L.E. Wagensveld, for the ARC and I look forward to reading more of your books. 😍
This story is sweet, funny and pulled at my heart strings especially with all that Jazz was holding in all these years. Theo is patient, caring and even with his own struggles he still does all he can to be there to help Jazz. I recommend reading this book especially if you believe in fate and second chances.
Thank you, L.E. Wagensveld, for the ARC and I look forward to reading more of your books. 😍
March 12, 2025
✨Audiobook Review✨
Format: Audiobook
(Narrator: Everly Woods)
4 Stars ⭐
A second chance romance that revolves around two teens/young adults who spend summers together being young and as carefree a they can, all while falling in ‘first’ love. The love is short lived as unseen circumstance rip them apart without any notice or goodbyes. This begins the heartbreak that shapes the future of Jasmine and Theo.
Second chance romances are not my normal go-to genres and admittedly I have not read many BUT I am so glad I decided to take a chance and listen to this one. Specifically, this love story was something I didn’t realize I needed to hear at the time. The love that ended in heartbreak, then the rebuilding of trust and happiness was such a great experience to listen to. I didn’t cry, but I felt I could have. I did find myself smiling and swooning over Theo and all he did to win the heart of his girl back. This book definitely has the Hallmark movie feel to it, and sometimes that what we need.
This entire book was performed by Everly Woods and I found myself easily forgetting the real world while getting lost in Jasmine and Theo’s story.
Format: Audiobook
(Narrator: Everly Woods)
4 Stars ⭐
A second chance romance that revolves around two teens/young adults who spend summers together being young and as carefree a they can, all while falling in ‘first’ love. The love is short lived as unseen circumstance rip them apart without any notice or goodbyes. This begins the heartbreak that shapes the future of Jasmine and Theo.
Second chance romances are not my normal go-to genres and admittedly I have not read many BUT I am so glad I decided to take a chance and listen to this one. Specifically, this love story was something I didn’t realize I needed to hear at the time. The love that ended in heartbreak, then the rebuilding of trust and happiness was such a great experience to listen to. I didn’t cry, but I felt I could have. I did find myself smiling and swooning over Theo and all he did to win the heart of his girl back. This book definitely has the Hallmark movie feel to it, and sometimes that what we need.
This entire book was performed by Everly Woods and I found myself easily forgetting the real world while getting lost in Jasmine and Theo’s story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
🐎 Country Town
🐎 Second chance love
🐎 Dual POV
🐎 Family Trauma
🐎 Mental Health
"I will take nothing from you that you aren't one hundred percent ready to give"
Jasmine Joyce once loved a boy with her entire heart who made her home life bearable, but then one day he left without saying a word, making her guard her heart and never let anyone in again.
Theo Bridger is broken and trying the rebuild his life after a tough upbringing, followed by time in the military. He is utterly swoon-worthy and the perfect MMC.
The story of Theo and Jazz is heart warming and utterly enchanting, they have real-life hardships which makes it so much more relatable. We watch as they find their way back to each other and root for them because they are the epitome of soul mates!
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great story with some butterfly inducing romance!
Thank you so much L.E. Wagensveld for trusting me with an advanced copy of your book! I'm honoured to have been part of your ARC team!
Release Date - 13th September 2024
🐎 Country Town
🐎 Second chance love
🐎 Dual POV
🐎 Family Trauma
🐎 Mental Health
"I will take nothing from you that you aren't one hundred percent ready to give"
Jasmine Joyce once loved a boy with her entire heart who made her home life bearable, but then one day he left without saying a word, making her guard her heart and never let anyone in again.
Theo Bridger is broken and trying the rebuild his life after a tough upbringing, followed by time in the military. He is utterly swoon-worthy and the perfect MMC.
The story of Theo and Jazz is heart warming and utterly enchanting, they have real-life hardships which makes it so much more relatable. We watch as they find their way back to each other and root for them because they are the epitome of soul mates!
Highly recommend to anyone looking for a great story with some butterfly inducing romance!
Thank you so much L.E. Wagensveld for trusting me with an advanced copy of your book! I'm honoured to have been part of your ARC team!
Release Date - 13th September 2024
September 6, 2024
I received this book as an arc reader for an honest review. This book follows Theo and Jasmine (Jazz) who were together at the age of nineteen but Theo leaves without a goodbye and they don’t speak for years, all of a sudden Theo is back in Sunrise Ranch and they now have to figure out how to be around each other again. I found this book okay, I was never very invested in the characters or rooting for them! I feel they were both dealing with extreme complex family issues which weren’t delved into a lot so I felt it needed more of that to actually make me care for the characters. The secret that Jasmine was keeping was quite predictable and I felt it was kinda brushed over quite quickly. I feel like when they finally have sex, then all they seem to be doing is having sex afterward, I wanted to feel like the characters actually wanted each other besides that feeling of lust. All in all I feel like there was a lot more than could have been done with the characters to bring the rating up for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
I absolutely adored this book! L.E. Wagensveld has a true talent for weaving a story. Her words are wonderfully poetic at times, her descriptions so colourful and evocative. I really felt like I was there on the farm, could clearly picture the gorgeous landscape and backdrops.
As for Jazz and Theo? I was super invested in these two right from the start. Seriously, I couldn't stop thinking about them. Their character arcs were just fantastic. The personal growth and healing they both did was incredibly satisfying. And their chemistry? Perfection. I laughed (their banter and puns were amazing), I cried (a lot - yeah, they wrecked me), and the spice was hot (yet it still managed to retain a really romantic tone throughout the entirety of those scenes, which I don't always find to be the case with current romances).
I'm so glad I read this book. Cheers to me starting 2025 out on a high note! 😉
P.S. I need Blair's story please! That guy deserves his happy ending.
As for Jazz and Theo? I was super invested in these two right from the start. Seriously, I couldn't stop thinking about them. Their character arcs were just fantastic. The personal growth and healing they both did was incredibly satisfying. And their chemistry? Perfection. I laughed (their banter and puns were amazing), I cried (a lot - yeah, they wrecked me), and the spice was hot (yet it still managed to retain a really romantic tone throughout the entirety of those scenes, which I don't always find to be the case with current romances).
I'm so glad I read this book. Cheers to me starting 2025 out on a high note! 😉
P.S. I need Blair's story please! That guy deserves his happy ending.
January 26, 2025
The overall story and the strong female character pulled me in from the beginning.
Second chance on Sunrise Ranch, by L.E. Wagensveld, explores themes of love, redemption, emotional growth, and healing.
The story follows Jazz, the strong female main character who owns and operates a safe space for those who are trying to navigate the complexities of life amidst the various addictions that can cast a shadow over our lives.
When Theo, a long lost love ends up on the ranch, Jazz and Theo find themselves navigating a past full of unanswered questions and a present steeped in raw emotion.
What unfolds throughout this novel is down-to-earth and engaging dialogue, real life moments and an emotionally intense, yet gripping, (and moderately spicy) romance novel.
If you are looking for a romance novel that strays from the typical arc, then Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch is a must read!
This book gets 5✨from me!
Second chance on Sunrise Ranch, by L.E. Wagensveld, explores themes of love, redemption, emotional growth, and healing.
The story follows Jazz, the strong female main character who owns and operates a safe space for those who are trying to navigate the complexities of life amidst the various addictions that can cast a shadow over our lives.
When Theo, a long lost love ends up on the ranch, Jazz and Theo find themselves navigating a past full of unanswered questions and a present steeped in raw emotion.
What unfolds throughout this novel is down-to-earth and engaging dialogue, real life moments and an emotionally intense, yet gripping, (and moderately spicy) romance novel.
If you are looking for a romance novel that strays from the typical arc, then Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch is a must read!
This book gets 5✨from me!
March 21, 2025
A cute and quick read!
Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch follows our two main characters who were once in a relationship as teens before one of them left without notice. They come together unexpectedly 15 years later when he shows up at her therapy ranch for work.
Overall, this was a great read. A few decent plot points that kept the story going and I really enjoyed the way our main characters came together. Theo is such an amazing man and even with his trauma and ptsd he is so self aware and willing to get better.
I will say Jazz irritated me more than not, I get she’s trying to protect her heart but cmon woman, it’s so obvious he still loves you.
Valley was such a great friend to Jazz and I really loved her part in this story. Especially when she figured out how much Theo wanted Jazz still.
Also want to mention that there’s no third act breakup which always makes me love a romance book. We don’t need that drama haha
Second Chance on Sunrise Ranch follows our two main characters who were once in a relationship as teens before one of them left without notice. They come together unexpectedly 15 years later when he shows up at her therapy ranch for work.
Overall, this was a great read. A few decent plot points that kept the story going and I really enjoyed the way our main characters came together. Theo is such an amazing man and even with his trauma and ptsd he is so self aware and willing to get better.
I will say Jazz irritated me more than not, I get she’s trying to protect her heart but cmon woman, it’s so obvious he still loves you.
Valley was such a great friend to Jazz and I really loved her part in this story. Especially when she figured out how much Theo wanted Jazz still.
Also want to mention that there’s no third act breakup which always makes me love a romance book. We don’t need that drama haha
September 19, 2024
This is my first book by this author and even though I didnt love parts of the story, I would still read another book by her! It is a small town, second chance, forced proximity, found family, mental health rep kind of story that is full of silly puns, weird animals names and a bit of spice. There were a few things I loved about the book and a few things I didn't. I loved the storyline and setting. It definitely had a small town feel and the ranch seemed fun and cozy. A perfect place for someone to recover and heal. I absolutely loved Theo! He was definitely my favourite character of the whole book. He was well thought out, his secrets/trauma revealed in a good way and was a perfect blend of sweet and sexy. Valley was my other favorite character! She is a no bullshit type of friend but also sweet and kindhearted, definitely someone Jazz needed. The silly puns and weird animals names gave the story some funny parts in between all the serious trauma. I didn't enjoy Jazz at all and felt like her character was too childish, inexperienced and unstable for the type of ranch she was trying to run. There were huge red flags in the way she ran her business that it became unrealistic. Her suffering but not working through her own mental health and trauma while helping others through theirs, it just didn't make sense. The amount of triggers and trauma in the book was overkill. Yes it was a mental health recovery ranch but to put every type of trauma split between two people, one being the business owner, was just too much and it lost the impact it could have made if it was reduced just a bit. I felt like parts of the story and characters were a continuation from another book or was filled with inside jokes from the Authors life so it left me confused and looking for more. That being said, the overall story was enjoyable and had a ton of five star potential. I recommend reading the triggers before you decide to read it though!
September 12, 2024
I received an E-ARc for my unbiased review. I would like to thank the author for the advance copy.
I give the book a 3.5 stars out of 5. It is not my typical go-to genre, but I did enjoy the book.
There were parts of the story where Jasmine (FMC) came across as a rude, unkind person. I do not think that was the authors intent. I believe she is just supposed to be hurt and filled with so many mixed emotions it makes her angry at random times. I think if one takes that into account it makes her more real.
I did like Theo, and I thought he was patient with Jasmine and relatable. I do wish we got a little more of their teenage romance, but not having it did not retract from the story in anyway.
Happy reading!
I give the book a 3.5 stars out of 5. It is not my typical go-to genre, but I did enjoy the book.
There were parts of the story where Jasmine (FMC) came across as a rude, unkind person. I do not think that was the authors intent. I believe she is just supposed to be hurt and filled with so many mixed emotions it makes her angry at random times. I think if one takes that into account it makes her more real.
I did like Theo, and I thought he was patient with Jasmine and relatable. I do wish we got a little more of their teenage romance, but not having it did not retract from the story in anyway.
Happy reading!
September 14, 2024
Jazz and Theo were each other’s first loves, and they both thought they would be together forever at Jamieson Creek. One day, Theo suddenly moves away and breaks Jazz’s heart.
15 years later, Theo signs up for a stay at Sunrise Ranch to recuperate. Unknown to him, it is managed by Jazz. For six months, they have to work together on the ranch, with the cutely-named animals thus giving them a chance to forgive and heal together. It helps also that we have “one tent” for them to keep each other warm.
When the truth of what happened 15 years ago is revealed, I couldn’t help but cry for them – Jazz, Theo and Blair. Oh my, I loved Valley for being the good friend that she is, totally not afraid to preach the truth to Jazz and always ready to call her out when she is wrong.
15 years later, Theo signs up for a stay at Sunrise Ranch to recuperate. Unknown to him, it is managed by Jazz. For six months, they have to work together on the ranch, with the cutely-named animals thus giving them a chance to forgive and heal together. It helps also that we have “one tent” for them to keep each other warm.
When the truth of what happened 15 years ago is revealed, I couldn’t help but cry for them – Jazz, Theo and Blair. Oh my, I loved Valley for being the good friend that she is, totally not afraid to preach the truth to Jazz and always ready to call her out when she is wrong.
September 30, 2024
Oh my goodness did this story speak to me, partly because of personal reasons, but mostly because I felt such a connection to Jazz and Theo, I cared about them, wanted to hug them many times and really wanted them to be safe, happy and loved. Their history was sweet, loving and sad, they had each individually been through so much and the pain of their separation and what came from that was still impacting them present day, I wanted them to find a way back to each other so much. As painful and sad as it was to read at times, I did enjoy seeing them work their way to being able to discuss their past, be truthful with each other and allow themselves to love and be loved in return.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
August 9, 2024
I have been following L.Es writing for the last few years. She has been able to write books that you can read with ease, with characters that are absolutely loveable and drama that isn’t unrealistic. Second chance on sunrise Ranch has to be her best writing yet, you want to read every detail. It sparks first love pleasures and real life loss. You want to read the story because you just really like the people in it, they are so wonderful and colourful and different from each other. With good humour and the occasional cuss word you feel like you’re sitting in your own small town enjoying the long green fields or a drink at the local pub. What I haven’t mentioned yet is the spice, oh my does it get perfectly spiced. This is a book you want to read, I promise.
September 17, 2024
I'm a big ol second chance sl*t.
This was really cute and Theo was so effing endearing. Jasmine was a hard character to enjoy/releate to because of how hardened and sometimes mean she was, but I can understand the reasoning due to how much strife her life has forced her in to.
I do love that second chance here isn't just about second chance at love, it's about moving past and growing into a second chance at a life you actually want and deserve.
*thanks so much to L.E. Wagensveld for sending me an arc
This was really cute and Theo was so effing endearing. Jasmine was a hard character to enjoy/releate to because of how hardened and sometimes mean she was, but I can understand the reasoning due to how much strife her life has forced her in to.
I do love that second chance here isn't just about second chance at love, it's about moving past and growing into a second chance at a life you actually want and deserve.
*thanks so much to L.E. Wagensveld for sending me an arc
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