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Seven Seconds: A Sweet Christian Western Romance
Eight seconds makes a champion, but seven demands more from him than he ever wanted to give.
Known for his daring nature and lazy grin, Clayton Ryker enters his rookie year of bull riding with the confidence of a seasoned athlete. It’s Clay against a 1,500-pound animal, and danger is something to be craved rather than feared… that is, until a bad wreck leaves him injured and unsure of his future.
Alinda Coleman lives a simple life with a simple plan for the future. Having a famous athlete thrown across her path doesn’t fit in with how things were supposed to go. But as she gets to know him better, Alinda has to conclude there’s something broken and vulnerable about this man that awakens compassion within her. Can she offer help without giving away her heart?
Known for his daring nature and lazy grin, Clayton Ryker enters his rookie year of bull riding with the confidence of a seasoned athlete. It’s Clay against a 1,500-pound animal, and danger is something to be craved rather than feared… that is, until a bad wreck leaves him injured and unsure of his future.
Alinda Coleman lives a simple life with a simple plan for the future. Having a famous athlete thrown across her path doesn’t fit in with how things were supposed to go. But as she gets to know him better, Alinda has to conclude there’s something broken and vulnerable about this man that awakens compassion within her. Can she offer help without giving away her heart?
233 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 7, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
September 22, 2025
Okay, first there's so much of this story that I loved...and then there's some things I toggled on...lol...so first my normal review and all the things I loved! See the Other section for other thoughts and some spoilers, so enter at own risk.
Characters:
I really liked Clay's character. His struggles, doubts, and searching were all laid out clearly, and I loved watching him grow as a character as the story progressed.
Ali was so sweet, and I loved that she had healthy boundaries and standards that she was unwilling to cross. Also that her parents were so involved and there for her when she needed them.
I liked Zeb and some of the other side characters such as Krissy...there were a lot of people introduced as Clay's friends in the beginning and I wasn't able to keep up or keep most of them straight...but that might just be a me issue.
Themes:
True fulfillment and peace only come from God.
Romance:
He falls first, slow born romance that's very cute.
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Some scenes of bull riding and mentions of injuries...also a character with cancer for those sensitive to the topic.
Other:
Most of this is nitpicky because I live in NC...lol...But I wanted to mention it, so here we go.
First, I would have liked to see Alinda and her friends and family using more local phrases. Part of the Appalachian culture is dialect, sayings, and community. Sayings such as "Lord have mercy", "Lordy no", "bold as a fox in the hen house", etc...but then these might be things you only know if you're a local so no judgement here.
I also would have liked to know how long the resort had been in Ali's family. Family and roots are something we're proud of...distant cousins, grandparents, how long we've been on the land, and whether we have native American roots...it's all significant to us. Again, it's not something you'd really know unless you're local, so no judgment. Just a thought.
Third, spoiler, Ali is renovating an old farm house but living here and knowing we're considered a temperal rain forest...most old farm houses undergo restoration, meaning we take them down to the bones because between the humid and damp air, years of disuse, and termites it's what you have to do to make them livable...that's me being super nitpicky there...lol...it does not affect the plot at all.😂
Finally---MAJOR SPOILER---
Krissy having Luekemia to me, felt as if was added a plot point...as someone who has experienced Luekemia first hand with people I love and know all the treatment plans and options available I just didn't feel like it was well enough researched. Especially since Luekemia is one of the most curable cancers, especially if someone is young enough (such as Krissy) to handle a bone marrow transplant.
Overall:
I did enjoy this book as a whole...the concept was fantastic, and I had fun reading it even if I was a bit nitpicky about some things.
Recommend ages 15+
Characters:
I really liked Clay's character. His struggles, doubts, and searching were all laid out clearly, and I loved watching him grow as a character as the story progressed.
Ali was so sweet, and I loved that she had healthy boundaries and standards that she was unwilling to cross. Also that her parents were so involved and there for her when she needed them.
I liked Zeb and some of the other side characters such as Krissy...there were a lot of people introduced as Clay's friends in the beginning and I wasn't able to keep up or keep most of them straight...but that might just be a me issue.
Themes:
True fulfillment and peace only come from God.
Romance:
He falls first, slow born romance that's very cute.
Language:
N/A
Violence/Gore:
Some scenes of bull riding and mentions of injuries...also a character with cancer for those sensitive to the topic.
Other:
Most of this is nitpicky because I live in NC...lol...But I wanted to mention it, so here we go.
First, I would have liked to see Alinda and her friends and family using more local phrases. Part of the Appalachian culture is dialect, sayings, and community. Sayings such as "Lord have mercy", "Lordy no", "bold as a fox in the hen house", etc...but then these might be things you only know if you're a local so no judgement here.
I also would have liked to know how long the resort had been in Ali's family. Family and roots are something we're proud of...distant cousins, grandparents, how long we've been on the land, and whether we have native American roots...it's all significant to us. Again, it's not something you'd really know unless you're local, so no judgment. Just a thought.
Third, spoiler, Ali is renovating an old farm house but living here and knowing we're considered a temperal rain forest...most old farm houses undergo restoration, meaning we take them down to the bones because between the humid and damp air, years of disuse, and termites it's what you have to do to make them livable...that's me being super nitpicky there...lol...it does not affect the plot at all.😂
Finally---MAJOR SPOILER---
Krissy having Luekemia to me, felt as if was added a plot point...as someone who has experienced Luekemia first hand with people I love and know all the treatment plans and options available I just didn't feel like it was well enough researched. Especially since Luekemia is one of the most curable cancers, especially if someone is young enough (such as Krissy) to handle a bone marrow transplant.
Overall:
I did enjoy this book as a whole...the concept was fantastic, and I had fun reading it even if I was a bit nitpicky about some things.
Recommend ages 15+
September 17, 2025
4.7 stars (5/10 hearts). Maybe I'm just really nostalgic for summer, but I think this is just such a good summer read. Perhaps it has something to do with the resort, which not only offered summer activities but also in essence IS summery to me, since it reminded me of all my summer vacations...
I've always enjoyed teen books, and while I know neither MC is a teen, they just FEEL young to me. Clay started out as a good kid whose head turned by fame, and I really liked following his character arc as he came to realize his shortcomings and chose to change. Ally was super sweet and yet had her own faith struggles to work through. Her family was precious, especially her little sister... Pretty much everyone in this book was pleasant, which made a nice cast.
The writing style suited the contemporary setting well; and the plot fit the sweet, slowburn romance. It was slow-paced, but the characters' battles kept me intrigued. The only thing I disliked was . I appreciated how uncompromisingly the Gospel was woven into the novel and the whole eight seconds scenario was a fantastic example! While the ending was quite sad, I really appreciated the message of hope and trust, and the epilogue was everything I wanted.
If you're a fan of Jesseca Wheaton and Faith Potts's contemporary romances, I'd definitely check this one out. :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
I've always enjoyed teen books, and while I know neither MC is a teen, they just FEEL young to me. Clay started out as a good kid whose head turned by fame, and I really liked following his character arc as he came to realize his shortcomings and chose to change. Ally was super sweet and yet had her own faith struggles to work through. Her family was precious, especially her little sister... Pretty much everyone in this book was pleasant, which made a nice cast.
The writing style suited the contemporary setting well; and the plot fit the sweet, slowburn romance. It was slow-paced, but the characters' battles kept me intrigued. The only thing I disliked was . I appreciated how uncompromisingly the Gospel was woven into the novel and the whole eight seconds scenario was a fantastic example! While the ending was quite sad, I really appreciated the message of hope and trust, and the epilogue was everything I wanted.
If you're a fan of Jesseca Wheaton and Faith Potts's contemporary romances, I'd definitely check this one out. :)
*I received a complimentary copy of this book for promotional purposes. I was not required to write a positive review. These are my honest thoughts and opinions.*
September 9, 2025
This story was amazing. I think this is the best contemporary novel I have ever read!!! The resort's descriptions were beautifully written, the characters were so realistic, and the small-town vibes were absolutely cute. I loved all the coffee mingled throughout the book, too. Salted Caramel frappes-Yes, please!
Alinda definitely was my favorite character. I think that all of us have at some point struggled with feelings similar to hers, but I love that she stands firm in the Biblical facts rather than those feelings. It somehow made it feel worth it.
Then Clayton. I hurt with him with all the broken dreams and relationships, but I love that throughout the story, you could see that God brought people into his life at just the right time. It really encouraged me that God always has a plan and a purpose even when we can't see it. I also love his Mom!!!
And poor, sweet Krissy! Oh, to have the simple faith of a child.
My rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars/ 16+
This book so deserves the five stars, and I can't wait to read it over and over and over again.
Alinda definitely was my favorite character. I think that all of us have at some point struggled with feelings similar to hers, but I love that she stands firm in the Biblical facts rather than those feelings. It somehow made it feel worth it.
Then Clayton. I hurt with him with all the broken dreams and relationships, but I love that throughout the story, you could see that God brought people into his life at just the right time. It really encouraged me that God always has a plan and a purpose even when we can't see it. I also love his Mom!!!
And poor, sweet Krissy! Oh, to have the simple faith of a child.
My rating/Age Recommendation:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 5 stars/ 16+
This book so deserves the five stars, and I can't wait to read it over and over and over again.
September 9, 2025
I am absolutely not a fan of bull riding at all, which was a huge part of this story, but I still appreciated the sweet romance in this book and the strong faith elements! The characters were likable as well, especially Ali and Krissy. Looking forward to seeing the growth in this author as her writing career progresses!
September 27, 2025
Clayton is a rising young star on the PBR tour until an accident sidelines him and could potentially ruin his career. Alinda helps out at her family resort and does part-time work at a local coffee shop. Alinda knows she needs to steer clear of Clayton. He is not a believer and Alinda must protect her heart from the charming bull-rider. Can a 7-second bull ride be the means by which the Lord brings Clayton to himself?
This was such a sweet story. I had all of the feels while reading it. I felt excitement and nervousness each time Clayton got on a bull. I've watched the PBR and so I could vividly imagine each scene. I got teary in several places as a character was going through something tough or emotional. I got all warm and squishy inside as Clayton and Alinda came to care for each other. And I felt victory when the Lord won out over sin! I love reading sweet romances that don't have a lot of angst or drama. I especially love to read a Christian romance that doesn't shy away from sharing the gospel. I definitely recommend Seven Seconds as a feel-good read that will touch your heart and maybe even change your soul.
This was such a sweet story. I had all of the feels while reading it. I felt excitement and nervousness each time Clayton got on a bull. I've watched the PBR and so I could vividly imagine each scene. I got teary in several places as a character was going through something tough or emotional. I got all warm and squishy inside as Clayton and Alinda came to care for each other. And I felt victory when the Lord won out over sin! I love reading sweet romances that don't have a lot of angst or drama. I especially love to read a Christian romance that doesn't shy away from sharing the gospel. I definitely recommend Seven Seconds as a feel-good read that will touch your heart and maybe even change your soul.
June 4, 2026
What a sweet story, with lots of faith interwoven throughout. I loved Clay and Ali and seeing them both grow. I absolutely loved Ali's Dad and the active role he played in her life.
The writing was great and really easy to read, but still full of depth.
If you want a sweet, faith filled romance, with a rodeo cowboy twist, this will be right up your alley!
Thankyou to the author for asking me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and it was a pleasure to read.
The writing was great and really easy to read, but still full of depth.
If you want a sweet, faith filled romance, with a rodeo cowboy twist, this will be right up your alley!
Thankyou to the author for asking me to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and it was a pleasure to read.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews