What do you think?
Rate this book
Spring's Delight
The last thing cowboy Colt O’Malley needs is another busybody intent on curing him of his grief. Deeply bitter, Colt finds it almost impossible honoring his brother’s last act of kindness.
Spring Reed grew up in the foster care system and when she finally ages out, she relies on her protector and friend, Billy Jack to help them make a life together. To her horror, Billy becomes an abusive bully. Her rescuer arrives in the form of a coffee drinking, hard studying, college student, Caleb O’Malley. With a promise of a new job, he buys her a bus ticket from Texas to his family ranch in Montana with the plan to meet her there in a week. Unfortunately, no one met her.
When Old Ed tries to drop Spring off at the O’Malley ranch, Colt tells him to take her back. One glance at the pain in her eyes and he couldn’t send her away. She reminds her of the abused horses he rescues and he had to try to honor Caleb’s wish.
Can two people with scarred souls learn to love again or will bitterness and doubt drive them apart?
Spring Reed grew up in the foster care system and when she finally ages out, she relies on her protector and friend, Billy Jack to help them make a life together. To her horror, Billy becomes an abusive bully. Her rescuer arrives in the form of a coffee drinking, hard studying, college student, Caleb O’Malley. With a promise of a new job, he buys her a bus ticket from Texas to his family ranch in Montana with the plan to meet her there in a week. Unfortunately, no one met her.
When Old Ed tries to drop Spring off at the O’Malley ranch, Colt tells him to take her back. One glance at the pain in her eyes and he couldn’t send her away. She reminds her of the abused horses he rescues and he had to try to honor Caleb’s wish.
Can two people with scarred souls learn to love again or will bitterness and doubt drive them apart?
155 pages, ebook
First published October 3, 2014
106 people are currently reading
160 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ball
149 books681 followersBest-Selling, Award Winning Author of Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
April 25, 2017
Spring's Delight by Kathleen Ball is an emotional western romance that pulled at my heart strings. One last act of kindness leads to love unexpected. Both characters have issues to work through and have had their share of heartbreak. I liked that Ball didn't shy away or sugar coat their pain but shared it with compassion. Highly recommend and can't wait to read more from Kathleen Ball.
My Rating: 5+ stars
My Rating: 5+ stars
February 22, 2019
Cute book. Loved the series. Glad the sheriff got what he deserved. They should have gotten the librarian also.
November 17, 2014
Ball develops her world in a very vivid and easy to picture way. Her smooth and inviting writing allows her readers to visit Montana alongside her characters. She tops this all off with a very captivating and unforgettable storyline that combines romance with real life in a very snow-covered way. She also delves in to many less than savoury aspects of life in a real way, while still remaining tactful and approachable. This story was the best of many worlds. Throw in a handful of danger and a dash of suspense and you have yourself a novel that will hold its own.
The characters in this novel definitely made me laugh more than once. Take a cranky, hurting rancher and cross him with a scared and hurting city girl in the middle of a Montana winter and you’re bound to have some tense situations arise. Add a pair of golden hearted, burly ranch hands and you have yourself a winning cast. Ball develops everyone very well. As a reader you really feel like you get to know each of them individually. I feel like I’ve really met them.
As a whole, this was an intriguing & captivating novel that kept me on my toes.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
The characters in this novel definitely made me laugh more than once. Take a cranky, hurting rancher and cross him with a scared and hurting city girl in the middle of a Montana winter and you’re bound to have some tense situations arise. Add a pair of golden hearted, burly ranch hands and you have yourself a winning cast. Ball develops everyone very well. As a reader you really feel like you get to know each of them individually. I feel like I’ve really met them.
As a whole, this was an intriguing & captivating novel that kept me on my toes.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
July 3, 2017
This is the first book in the series I have read. It was a very sweet and easy read. I loved that it took time for Spring to come to trust Colt. Most romance authors tend to rush the healing process from being abused. It all was very natural and flowed nicely. There were a few typos where words were misspelled or words were repeated. It didn't detract from the story though. I kept waiting for the other girls to show up being that they said they were going to stop in to get to know her. I wished we could of seen if the town came to love her and apologize. I will definitely read it again in the future.
June 1, 2024
This book had me enthralled! The plot was about as predictable as a sunrise, but hey, sunshine is nice, right? And the characters? Well, cardboard cutouts come to life with more depth. But let's not dwell on the acting.
The real star of the show here is the prose. Imagine Ernest Hemingway after a particularly rough tequila bender, collaborating with a kindergartener who just discovered crayons. It's a beautiful mess. Every sentence is a surprise, like a rogue sock emerging from the dryer.
As for our protagonists, bless their cotton socks. They stumble through the plot like puppies with perpetually wagging tails, oblivious to the chaos they leave in their wake. Their inner monologues? A Shakespearean sonnet they are not. More like a grocery list scribbled on a napkin.
Look, if you're looking for intellectual stimulation, this book is about as enriching as watching paint dry. But hey, if you need a good chuckle and a plot that unfolds with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, then dive right in! Just don't expect Hemingway or highbrow humor. This is pure, unadulterated, feel-good fluff served with a side of crayon scribbles.
The real star of the show here is the prose. Imagine Ernest Hemingway after a particularly rough tequila bender, collaborating with a kindergartener who just discovered crayons. It's a beautiful mess. Every sentence is a surprise, like a rogue sock emerging from the dryer.
As for our protagonists, bless their cotton socks. They stumble through the plot like puppies with perpetually wagging tails, oblivious to the chaos they leave in their wake. Their inner monologues? A Shakespearean sonnet they are not. More like a grocery list scribbled on a napkin.
Look, if you're looking for intellectual stimulation, this book is about as enriching as watching paint dry. But hey, if you need a good chuckle and a plot that unfolds with all the subtlety of a sledgehammer, then dive right in! Just don't expect Hemingway or highbrow humor. This is pure, unadulterated, feel-good fluff served with a side of crayon scribbles.
August 30, 2017
I like this book the best. I was really sad that Caleb died. I wish that the story could've been accomplished without him dying, he had such a great relationship with little Rachael. This story kept me engaged and I couldn't stop until it was done . I really enjoyed the characters and it is always nice catching up on characters from previous books.
October 16, 2017
A must read
If you want reality this book will give it to you. Heartbreak, uncertainty, trust, love, a gentle touch a kiss! Obstacles loom large, innocent people hurt, will true love win out? Read it to find out.....
If you want reality this book will give it to you. Heartbreak, uncertainty, trust, love, a gentle touch a kiss! Obstacles loom large, innocent people hurt, will true love win out? Read it to find out.....
April 17, 2016
I loved this book. Yes, it is a series, and this is book 4. And Yes I went backward. Sorry, I guess my dyslexia kicked in. I will say that it stands alone just fine. I followed the story without any issues. There are characters mentioned from the other three books, and I will soon read about them.
Spring’s delight begins on a sad note. Colt has just lost his brother Caleb in a terrible snowmobile accident. Two weeks after the funeral, a young girl shows up saying Caleb offered her a job and gave her the ticket to get there. Colt is shocked since he has no Idea what job and is barely scraping by as it is. But since Caleb sent her he and the weather is too bad to send her back right away he lets her stay. She cooks and cleans for room and board until Colt gets a chance to show her the books.
Spring has a sad past. Caleb had friended her when no-one else had. She has no one to turn to and no place to go if Colt sends her away.
Spring's Delight is a bittersweet story. Tough it has a sad note with Caleb’s death it is about dealing with grief and moving on. It is about starting fresh and finding love. I liked Spring. She is a feisty character and has lived through a lot at such a young age. I love how she handles Colt, a big, strong cowboy. I like Colt; he has a soft heart, and that contrasts with his big rough exterior. I also liked the supporting characters Biggs and Shady, the farm hands.
The storyline is interesting, though sad at times * you will need a box of tissues*. There is a bit of a twist, some drama as well as a slow building romance. It is not insta love. The sex is very mild and only one scene near the end. I found it the story fascinating, page-turning, and enjoyable.
If you like contemporary Westerns, Hot cowboys, feisty redheads, sadness, slow building love( no insta love here) and just a little sex this is the book for you…though you may want to start with book one.
Spring’s delight begins on a sad note. Colt has just lost his brother Caleb in a terrible snowmobile accident. Two weeks after the funeral, a young girl shows up saying Caleb offered her a job and gave her the ticket to get there. Colt is shocked since he has no Idea what job and is barely scraping by as it is. But since Caleb sent her he and the weather is too bad to send her back right away he lets her stay. She cooks and cleans for room and board until Colt gets a chance to show her the books.
Spring has a sad past. Caleb had friended her when no-one else had. She has no one to turn to and no place to go if Colt sends her away.
Spring's Delight is a bittersweet story. Tough it has a sad note with Caleb’s death it is about dealing with grief and moving on. It is about starting fresh and finding love. I liked Spring. She is a feisty character and has lived through a lot at such a young age. I love how she handles Colt, a big, strong cowboy. I like Colt; he has a soft heart, and that contrasts with his big rough exterior. I also liked the supporting characters Biggs and Shady, the farm hands.
The storyline is interesting, though sad at times * you will need a box of tissues*. There is a bit of a twist, some drama as well as a slow building romance. It is not insta love. The sex is very mild and only one scene near the end. I found it the story fascinating, page-turning, and enjoyable.
If you like contemporary Westerns, Hot cowboys, feisty redheads, sadness, slow building love( no insta love here) and just a little sex this is the book for you…though you may want to start with book one.
November 19, 2014
Two young people knocked by life. One through loss and the other through the hand dealt to them. Spring arrives at colt’s ranch not trusting and afraid of men. Colts brother, a kind soul, offered her a new beginning and she grabbed it. Not knowing that tragedy has occurred leaving Colt alone and sad and angry. So when Spring arrives Colt isn’t exactly going to win the Miss manners or miss confidentiality award. At first he was going to send her away but somethings stopped him and now thrown together by fate Spring and Colt are about to learn some lessons.
Colt begins to feel for a woman. Hasn’t happened since his mom died. His heart is also feeling full and his sorrow abating. He’s wanting to live again after his loss. Spring makes him happy and smile. She adds pep to his step and he and her begin to get close. Spring begins to trust again and see not all men will hurt her. She begins to see that there is kindness and genuinely nice guys out there. She begins to find hope at belonging and healing. Neither though knows what to do about their feelings for each other. That is until Springs past rears its head at their door. It prompts Colt to ‘re evaluate his feelings and them and he slowly starts to see a different way to be with Spring. As they get closer the danger to Spring increases and more of her past dampens their world. Each time bringing doubt to Spring as to if Colt will stay and not hurt her. Each time Colt proves her wrong and she brings her wall down more.
A sweet adorable romance with a side of action for to people trying to heal and learn to trust and be happy again. Each character brings flair to the story and you definitely have misgivings who to cheer for and who to want to see get justice done to them. Colt and Springs story will leave a smile on your face as you watch them learn about one another and how to trust and love each other.
Colt begins to feel for a woman. Hasn’t happened since his mom died. His heart is also feeling full and his sorrow abating. He’s wanting to live again after his loss. Spring makes him happy and smile. She adds pep to his step and he and her begin to get close. Spring begins to trust again and see not all men will hurt her. She begins to see that there is kindness and genuinely nice guys out there. She begins to find hope at belonging and healing. Neither though knows what to do about their feelings for each other. That is until Springs past rears its head at their door. It prompts Colt to ‘re evaluate his feelings and them and he slowly starts to see a different way to be with Spring. As they get closer the danger to Spring increases and more of her past dampens their world. Each time bringing doubt to Spring as to if Colt will stay and not hurt her. Each time Colt proves her wrong and she brings her wall down more.
A sweet adorable romance with a side of action for to people trying to heal and learn to trust and be happy again. Each character brings flair to the story and you definitely have misgivings who to cheer for and who to want to see get justice done to them. Colt and Springs story will leave a smile on your face as you watch them learn about one another and how to trust and love each other.
July 28, 2023
YOU’RE A SURVIVOR AND A FIGHTER
The story’s plot will have Spring Reed showing up at Colt O’Malley’s ranch, invited by his brother, Caleb. What a shock to learn that Caleb has recently died in a freak accident. Colt is so overcome with grief but feels he needs to honor Caleb’s offer to Spring. For Spring to leave Texas and travel by bus to Montana wasn’t easy, and without the ticket Caleb gifted her, it would never have happened. She is bruised and battered, and Colt sees her in need, like the rescue horses that he takes in.
The story has mystery, suspense, and danger. Colt realizes that she is skittish, but tries to put on a brave front and is slowly healing. That is until packages start arriving and leaving her in fear. He and his employees do their best to guard the house. But trouble is coming, and somehow, it finds her, and places the blame on her doorstep.
I liked the main characters, Colt, Spring, Bibbs, and Shady, and how they get along. Colt wasn’t looking for someone in his life, but he and Spring both need to heal and have a way of helping each other. When she is in danger, he is there for her, believing in her. I liked the chemistry between Colt and Spring—and while she has been abused, she is a strong woman who takes a stand, yet can be gentle, quiet, and compassionate as Colt is still grieving and healing the death of his younger brother. This final story in the series was by far my favorite. Several of the characters in the story have been featured in previous stories in the series and there will be several new characters.
The story’s plot will have Spring Reed showing up at Colt O’Malley’s ranch, invited by his brother, Caleb. What a shock to learn that Caleb has recently died in a freak accident. Colt is so overcome with grief but feels he needs to honor Caleb’s offer to Spring. For Spring to leave Texas and travel by bus to Montana wasn’t easy, and without the ticket Caleb gifted her, it would never have happened. She is bruised and battered, and Colt sees her in need, like the rescue horses that he takes in.
The story has mystery, suspense, and danger. Colt realizes that she is skittish, but tries to put on a brave front and is slowly healing. That is until packages start arriving and leaving her in fear. He and his employees do their best to guard the house. But trouble is coming, and somehow, it finds her, and places the blame on her doorstep.
I liked the main characters, Colt, Spring, Bibbs, and Shady, and how they get along. Colt wasn’t looking for someone in his life, but he and Spring both need to heal and have a way of helping each other. When she is in danger, he is there for her, believing in her. I liked the chemistry between Colt and Spring—and while she has been abused, she is a strong woman who takes a stand, yet can be gentle, quiet, and compassionate as Colt is still grieving and healing the death of his younger brother. This final story in the series was by far my favorite. Several of the characters in the story have been featured in previous stories in the series and there will be several new characters.
November 20, 2014
Originally posted at Bunny's Review
This was a fun read. I did not know until I finished that this was part of a series. I need and want to read the others. I am thankful the author did not include any of the abuse Billy inflected on Spring.
I could feel the pain and grief Colt was going thru. To know he lost a brother and everyone around him seemed bend on curing him like he was suffering from the flu.
Spring just wants to be loved and have a place to call home. To never be left out again, to have the family she has missed, to know that she belongs somewhere and is loved by someone. To know that children go thru is hurts. No matter what no child should feel these things.
I enjoyed this book and recommend this to contemporary romance readers.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
This was a fun read. I did not know until I finished that this was part of a series. I need and want to read the others. I am thankful the author did not include any of the abuse Billy inflected on Spring.
I could feel the pain and grief Colt was going thru. To know he lost a brother and everyone around him seemed bend on curing him like he was suffering from the flu.
Spring just wants to be loved and have a place to call home. To never be left out again, to have the family she has missed, to know that she belongs somewhere and is loved by someone. To know that children go thru is hurts. No matter what no child should feel these things.
I enjoyed this book and recommend this to contemporary romance readers.
The bunnies and I give this book
carrots.I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. All views are my own and do not reflect those of the author, my clients or tour companies I work with. This is not a paid review. To form your own opinion please support the author and acquire your own legal copy of the book.
December 20, 2016
This was slightly better than the rest, i actually enjoyed this one
But honestly, why do they all end in marriage?
And how was no one saying anything about the four friends with the season names?!
But honestly, why do they all end in marriage?
And how was no one saying anything about the four friends with the season names?!
November 29, 2014
Another heart-tugging love story from the Cowboy Seasons Series. Spring captured me right from the get-go. Her gutsy courage impressed me. And Colt, well, damn -- one sexy, sweet cowboy! The story unfolded just right, not too fast or two slow, but quick enough to keep me neglecting other stuff to get back to the book. I didn't want to put it down. I did half an hour of cleaning and half an hour of reading! Their chemistry and growing affection and respect were wonderful. The story seems so real, as if I knew the characters. When misfortune came to the door, I loved how Colt protected Spring. This is a charming story that addresses a real issue, abuse of women, in a tasteful, but honest way. I think this is my favorite in the series, though I love them all. Maybe it's because a bad guy finally got his just desserts. Don't want to say more and spoil the story. Don't miss this series, it's a winner.
October 14, 2015
Good book, but...
This book should not have been in this series. It would have been great by itself, but I was very disappointed in seeing killing off a main character after reading about him in the first 3 books and there was no mention of him being away at school and in this book he's a young college kid???? What's up with that. Did the author just get tired of writing this series before she got to this one and didn't want to add a story for Caleb? The third book in this series was a mix of the plots of the first two. It's like she didn't use much imagination in creating these. It was very repetitive. These 4 stories were great by them selves, but if you are expecting to read this series and are looking for a different and exciting story each time, don't waste your time, you'll just be reading what the previous book said but with different main characters.
This book should not have been in this series. It would have been great by itself, but I was very disappointed in seeing killing off a main character after reading about him in the first 3 books and there was no mention of him being away at school and in this book he's a young college kid???? What's up with that. Did the author just get tired of writing this series before she got to this one and didn't want to add a story for Caleb? The third book in this series was a mix of the plots of the first two. It's like she didn't use much imagination in creating these. It was very repetitive. These 4 stories were great by them selves, but if you are expecting to read this series and are looking for a different and exciting story each time, don't waste your time, you'll just be reading what the previous book said but with different main characters.
April 17, 2016
Both Colt and Spring experienced tremendous losses, enough to leave them devastated and uncertain of the future. When they meet and begin to turn to each other, slowly and naturally, we find out whether their shattered hearts can heal or whether the past will over power the present. The author does a wonderful job of telling an emotional, heart tugging story. I love seeing the daily lives of Spring and Colt.
November 12, 2014
♦♦♦♦ I received an arc in exchange for an honest review ♦♦♦♦
Here we have a country style romance, a typical alpha male.
I found this to be a sweet read, it was a short read, but enjoyable. The plot and characters were well put together.
I would recommend this to lovers of all country romances.
Here we have a country style romance, a typical alpha male.
I found this to be a sweet read, it was a short read, but enjoyable. The plot and characters were well put together.
I would recommend this to lovers of all country romances.
January 3, 2015
A Cowboy Romance!
Another wonderful love story by Kathleen Ball. I liked the characters, Colt and Spring and I was pulled into their story very quickly. A very nice ending to a four book series and I enjoyed each of them. Each book can stand alone but nice if you start with the first one. JudyE
Another wonderful love story by Kathleen Ball. I liked the characters, Colt and Spring and I was pulled into their story very quickly. A very nice ending to a four book series and I enjoyed each of them. Each book can stand alone but nice if you start with the first one. JudyE
March 1, 2015
4.5/5.0
Katheleen Ball is a brilliant storyteller! She weaves a tale that draws the reader in and keeps them coming back for more.
Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Katheleen Ball is a brilliant storyteller! She weaves a tale that draws the reader in and keeps them coming back for more.
Read full review in the 2015 February issue of InD’tale Magazine.
November 22, 2016
I loved it. I always enjoy Kathleen Ball's books and the Cowboy Seasons collection have been so enjoyable. The characters are so well developed and the plot is excellent. I have read Spring's Delight twice and I am sure I will read it again.
October 18, 2014
Sweet read.
November 18, 2014
Boring story and the love scenes were awkward and dumb. Not worth my $4.99.
Read
January 3, 2015I have no idea....because I'm tired of every thing.
November 21, 2015
Good book
This was a great book to read. I liked the characters and their story line. Only wish it was longer to read. I like this author.
This was a great book to read. I liked the characters and their story line. Only wish it was longer to read. I like this author.
November 15, 2016
This is a novella that would be much better with a competent editor and proofreader.
April 22, 2017
Wow
Spring's Delight is a well crafted story with richly defined characters. I found this to be such a great story, I read it straight through. Will look for more from this author.
Spring's Delight is a well crafted story with richly defined characters. I found this to be such a great story, I read it straight through. Will look for more from this author.
February 1, 2018
This series named for the season's is mystery mixed with romance. Tuff women with troubled past meet sexy cowboys. This story has it all abandonment, abuse, murder and true love. Spring and Colt are mourning her friend and his brother and helping each other heal and trust again. I highly recommend you read this book and the others in this series and all books by Kathleen🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews