When a peacock chases me into my very own fairy tale, my life starts looking like one of the many rom coms I’ve starred in.
But until now, the leading man has never been a rugged cowboy. Something I wouldn’t have said was my type. But the moment I come face-to-face with Zeke, the tall Latin ranch owner whose teenage daughter plucked me out of a bad situation, that changes. For me, it’s instant attraction.
For him, not so much.
He’s quiet and very protective of his daughter but graciously allows me to stay in his home. In his bed even. It isn’t like we’re sharing. He’s sleeping on the sofa.
When it becomes obvious that someone is out to humiliate or possibly hurt me, putting more than my acting career in jeopardy, his protectiveness gets focused on me.
We end up splashed all over the tabloids. He doesn’t seem like it bothers him, but I can’t know for sure because the man DOES. NOT. TALK. ABOUT. HIS. FEELINGS.
As the threat of danger ramps up, we spend more time together, and little tidbits of his thoughts slip out. But when I suggest leaving the ranch for their safety, he does something unexpected.
Then, at a critical moment, he shocks me again and does the unthinkable. Now, my acting career may be over for good.
Remi Carrington is the figment of Pamela Humphrey's imagination. She loves romance & chocolate, enjoys disappearing into a delicious book, and considers people-watching a sport. She was born in the pages of the novel Just You and then grew into an alter ego.
She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her new series, Bluebonnets & Billionaires, will launch in Jan 2019. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.
This is the first book in the Brothers of Rocking Double Heart Ranch, and if the brothers are anything like Zeke, then this will be a fantastic series. A charming small-town contemporary romance, the story follows Megan, a famous actress who seeks refuge on a ranch after a peacock-induced disaster. There she meets Zeke, a quiet single dad with a guarded heart and his teen daughter, who slowly pull Megan into their world, all while a growing threat puts both her career and their safety on the line.
Megan is funny, kind, and pretty grounded for a famous actress, and she fits into ranch life far more naturally than expected. She’s great, and a perfect complement to Zeke. He’s more quiet and reserved, and he’s deeply devoted to his teenage daughter. (She’s a charmer, too!) A widower, Zeke is very cautious and slow to open up, which makes sense considering what he’s been through. He’s not looking for love or a relationship, but Megan turns everything on its head. Their chemistry is wonderful, and the slow build to their relationship is sweet and heart-warming. I especially love how caring and patient Megan is with Zeke. He was very much devoted to his wife, and Megan is understanding and never pushes him for more than he’s willing to give. There’s a maturity to their relationship that I really appreciated.
There’s also a bit of suspense, which adds a layer of intrigue and suspense, even though the relationships are the main focus of the story. It’s interesting to see how both characters handle all of the obstacles, both external and internal, in their way. Their romance, the mystery, and the lovely family moments, especially Megan’s bond with Zeke’s daughter, were some of my favorite parts of the story.
cowboy celebrity FMC age gap he protects her mystery closed door romance
This one made me swoon and root for Zeke as he untangled his feelings. I loved how the story balanced humor with tender moments that showed real growth and vulnerability from a guy who usually avoids all feelings. The light mystery running alongside the romance kept the pages turning without overpowering the story. The chemistry between Zeke and Megan felt warm, easy, and truly sweet. This is a cozy feel good romance that filled my heart and made me smile through every chapter.
Content Warnings: -kisses only -no language -light sabotage and peril -death of parents (past) -ex cheated (past)
*Thank you to the author for a copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.
With a title like this one, you know you should check it out. I really enjoyed this new series start, with its excellent characters and well developed storyline that has just the right touch of suspense. I loved how a whole world was established through Zeke, Megan and Bree and helped set up the rest of the series. The De Los Santos family is one you would love to get to know and stay with if you got the chance. The care they show to others in need is wonderful. Watching Zeke and Megan fall for each other was one of my favorite parts of the story. They draw out the best in the other and that made the story even better. I know the rest of this series is going to be really good, if this first story is any indication. Definitely recommend you check it out and be ready for a love story with lots of heart.
I received a copy of this story from the author. I am not required by anyone to write a positive review and the opinions expressed herein are entirely my own.
I absolutely loved this book. I could not put it down, loved it. I think I may have found my new favorite genre, romance with a hint of mystery.
No one does cowboy romance quite like Remi Carrington, and adding a dash of mystery was everything I never knew I needed. The romance was swoony, the tension kept me turning pages, and the mystery had me fully invested from start to finish.
I was hooked from the very beginning and did not want it to end. This book had my whole heart, and I already know I will be chasing this exact feeling in future reads.
If you love cowboy romance but want a little extra intrigue mixed in, this one is an absolute must-read.
Thank you to the author for providing me with a gifted copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
*Series or Connected Books?* 1st book of a series, but all can be read as stand-alones; Surviving Christmas is a prequel story (Zeke’s oldest daughter’s story) to this series & can also be read as a stand-alone
*Point Of View:* Megan & Zeke
*Any Cursing Or Possibly Offensive Language?* it is mentioned about 1 or 2 times that a character cursed, but no actual words used on the page
*Romance?* Yes! Just kisses
*Things To Know:*
–there is an age gap of about 10+ years between Megan & Zeke
-Zeke’s wife had passed about 9.5 years prior
-it is mentioned that side characters are divorced/going through divorce or abandonment from their spouse
-it is mentioned that a briefly met character had reached underneath a girl’s dress (she hit him because of it)
-it is mentioned that a character’s ex cheated & currently entertains multiple women at once & touches women in the workplace a lot (some in inappropriate places – though it is only stated in this way, not ‘shown’)
-it’s mentioned that a character’s parents passed in an accident & their loving guardian has since passed as well (past events)
-there is a gun shot & some injuries (no death, but critical injury for one)
Review:
I LOVED this book! Once I opened it, it was done by the end of the day!
I don’t generally read suspense books (except in fantasy), but I enjoyed the lightness of the suspense in this book! (In case anyone’s wondering: It was a bunch of weird occurrences around filming/movie events that was resolved by the end of the book.)
And the romance between Megan & Zeke was phenomenal! I loved seeing them grow closer with each other and Zeke’s youngest daughter. It was so sweet to see Megan pulled into family like moments big and small. I also loved that Zeke was so devoted to his first wife, and that Megan not only understood it but let him take his own pace when it came to their relationship. I really enjoyed the cameos from Remi’s other books as well and am highly anticipating when Colt gets his own book! I’ve been loving the bits of his character I’ve seen.
I also can’t wait to find out how things go for Cora & Reuben in the next book! It looks like it’s going to be great!
Summary:
Megan is a well known actress for her many roles in various romcoms. She can anticipate fans, but attacks from escaped peacocks? Not so much. Luckily, the escaped peacock leads Megan to everything she’s been missing since her family passed: family, love, and security. And though a handsome cowboy isn’t someone she thought she’d be interested in, Megan finds that she is interested in Zeke De Los Santos. Also known as the father of the teen girl who saved her from the issues the peacock brought. As well as the man who makes her feel protected when things start getting suspicious on set. But is her feelings for him one sided? Megan certainly doesn’t know because Zeke isn’t one for talking about his feelings…
Zeke never thought he could love another woman after his wife passed. And when a runaway actress barrels into his life, he has no interest in anything but friendship. Especially since Megan brings his daughter to life with things like girl talk and a listening ear in ways that Zeke hasn’t seen since his other daughter moved out. But that’s all it is, appreciation for supporting his daughter. Right?
Move over, there is a new cowboy in town. This is the first book in a new series, and it does an excellent job setting the stage by introducing the De Los Santos family. There is a short holiday prequel novella that isn’t necessary to read, but I do think it enhances this story with small references.
This book delivers a mature, protective MMC, banter, laughter, heart, family, suspense, and healing. From an adorable meet-cute to a growing sense of danger that pushes the MMC into full protective mode, there was so much to love. The suspense adds just enough tension and kept me guessing, but deep down, this is a slow-burn journey of opening up to love (again).
Zeke is everything I look for, caring, occasionally broody, fiercely protective, and secretly a total softie. Megan is down-to-earth, witty, and never backs down. I loved watching their relationship unfold. For Zeke, he already found and lost the love of his life. Megan is a celebrity with someone out to get her that brings her to his ranch. From their meet-cute on, their chemistry was undeniable, even when Zeke did everything he could to deny it. Zeke is a single dad. Megan’s relationship with his teenage daughter was another standout for me. Honestly, I adored all the characters. The introduction of Zeke’s brothers perfectly sets up the rest of the series, with a few fun cameos from another series sprinkled in.
This is a sweet romance with kissing and a touch of suspense. If this is how rom-com suspense is done, I absolutely want more.
I was really excited to pick up *Zeke De Los Santos Talks About His Feelings* after reading Sophie and Jack’s story, and I really enjoyed this one. While the romance is the main focus, there’s a light mystery element running alongside it that adds just enough tension to keep the story moving.
What I liked most was how character-driven the book is. The relationship develops at a natural pace, with plenty of chemistry, banter, and quiet moments that slowly build emotional depth. Bree was a highlight of the story.
The added intrigue works more as a background thread rather than taking over the story, giving the plot a bit of momentum without distracting from the romance. Combined with the humor and emotional beats, it made the reading experience feel well balanced. If you enjoy romance with strong character development and just a touch of intrigue, this book is definitely worth checking out.
I receive complimentary books from various sources, including NetGalley, authors, and others. I am not required to write a positive review, and I have not received any compensation for my thoughts.
In my opinion, Remi Carrington is the queen of humorous meet-cutes and this book once again proved my point. I loved the introduction of Megan, a famous actress, as she fled from an irate peacock and Megan’s young rescuer, Bree, a delightful high school student, who took Megan home and rendered aid. Zeke, Bree’s widower dad, suspected that Megan’s peacock attack may have been orchestrated rather than accidental and his protective nature stepped up to give Megan shelter and make her feel safe and cared for. My favorite part of this book was the way the De Los Santos home was such a haven for people in need of it. Bree and Zeke genuinely welcomed struggling family (including Zeke’s brothers) and strangers with all of their hearts, not just out of duty. It was so inspirational! The characters in this book were people I could see myself being friends with and I can’t wait to see the stories that the author has planned for future books in the series. I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed in this review are strictly my own.
This book starts a new series, although there is a prequel novella (Surviving Christmas). That book introduced readers to this family and does set up this story at the end. It is not necessary to have read it, but it would provide a little background. It is a kisses only contemporary romcom with a light suspense element to it.
It also has cameos by characters from some of this author's previous series. It isn't necessary to have read them, but it's a nice Easter Egg if you have.
This book started off similar to what I remembered from the prequel. It took me quite awhile to get into this story as it's own instead of comparing it to the prequel. So maybe, you'd be better just jumping in to this one. I don't know.
All that to say, once I got past my hangups and stopped comparing this book with others, I really liked it more. I am a big fan of some of the other series by this author and loved seeing those characters show up here.
I am also a fan of older main characters, so that aspect of the story was also appealing to me.
There look to be many characters that were on the sidelines of this book that look to get their own books in this new series. I'll look forward to returning to the ranch again soon.
I was given the opportunity to read an advanced digital copy of this book. I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
It’s always satisfying to read a Remi Carrington book. You can expect handsome cowboys, family dynamics and lots of swoony situations.
I enjoyed this wonderful romance starting a new series with the De Los Santos brothers. You will love Megan, who through a series of mishaps finds herself at the Ranch of Zeke and his daughter, Bree. There she finds family and a handsome, brooding cowboy who is very protective of those he cares about.
This book has an element of mystery and danger that will keep you turning pages.
Oh, how I loved this book! It made me laugh a lot. Even though they lived in close proximity for a large portion of the book, I liked how the author had Megan and Zeke’s relationship start out slowly. There was definitely chemistry, and although it took them a while, they eventually got to the place where they made a point to talk and gradually get to know each other. I felt that it was important to go slowly given Zeke’s past and the situation with Megan’s work. Zeke’s daughter was such a wonderful part of this story, as well, and was a delight to get to know. The book was well written and had a good flow to it. I am looking forward to the other books in this series!!
ZEKE DE LOS SANTOS TALKS ABOUT HIS FEELINGS, #1 - YAY! A new Ranch series with ties to the other series set in Texas. Ms. Carrington has delivered another sweet, funny, loving story filled with a bit of intrigue, good people, and interesting story lines. No silliness or stupidity from this author. Source: The Author and Phrey Press. 5*
STARGAZER SPRINGS RANCH series: WRANGLED BY LILITH, #1 - I love this sweet, funny story, even when the last page came too soon. Everyone was good people whom I met before with the Stargazer Cowboy series. The dialog between Beau and Lily had me hurting from all the belly laughs. Ava added her share to the mix. Good story lines. Texans will especially enjoy this book, location and dialog. 5*
ENCHANTED BY JOJI, #2 - I love the books Remi writes. Well-written, romantic, funny, and nice characters you wish were real. Actually, you'll find people like them all over Texas. This second chance romance for a couple of 40-somethings is another fun read in this series. It is without the typical drama found in other books where she's a nut job and he has no backbone. Both work through their pasts to reach their future without the stupid formula problems, drama and actions. A feel good story. 5*
HELPED BY AVA, #3 - Ava is so strong in all the other books, yet, here was a bit of a headcase with her lack of self-confidence. But all worked out in this sweet, funny marriage-to-dating romance. That lil youngin Mason shared some good advice. The Mrs. Kravitz church member met her Samantha, mean ole biddy. 4*
INSPIRED BY MINDY, #4 - You're never too old to change. Sweet. Romantic. They are both headcases, they get better once the ball gets rolling and they're working towards the same goal. The route they take is old fashioned and I love it. It is one of the best ways to learn about the other. Sir had his act together. 4*
CAPTIVATED BY STEPH - It is always fun reading a book from the Stargrazer Spring Ranch family. This one is full of laughs, love, friendship and family. Oh, the ladder makes a repeat performance. Poor thing when it runs out of couples. Good characters that keep ya chompin at the bit for more of their lives. Good story lines that have the power to hold you captive and wanting more. Ms. Carrington, and Mrs. Humphreys, is a talented author in more than just the romance genre. Another favorite book to add to a growing list of good reads written by this lady. 5* STARGAZER SPRINGS RANCH series end.
When it comes to good cowboy romances, Remi Carrington books are some of my absolute go-to reads... I've never read one of her books I didn't love. So, when I saw that she had a new series that were romcoms WITH suspense added in, I was excited to check it out! This one absolutely did not disappoint! It had all the elements I've come to love and expect from her other books- unforgettable meet-cutes, swoon worthy cowboys, a feeling of family and healing, and moments that will make me laugh out loud... but it also had that added element of danger mixed in too. And I loved it! The suspense was just enough to keep me guessing and wondering what was going to happen next, without taking away from the heart and humor of the story! Zeke and Megan drew me in right from the start with their fantastic chemistry. I always love a good protective hero, and Zeke certainly was just that. This truly was a great start to a new series... I already find myself loving the De Los Santos family and looking forward to discovering what is going to happen next. I cannot wait!
Zeke De Los Santos Talks About His Feelings is a closed-door romance with kisses only and no language. While it is the first book in the new series, there is a prequel (Surviving Christmas) and several other characters from the author's previous series are mentioned as well... but you don't have to have read any of these to enjoy this one.
**ARC received for consideration. All opinions are my own.
I am so excited to be at the start of a new cowboy series from Remi Carrington after loving her past cowboy books. This series will follow the Brothers of Rocking Double Heart Ranch and is off to a strong start with Zeke De Los Santos Talks about his Feelings.
I really loved the prequel to this book, Surviving Christmas, one of my top Christmas reads, so when Zeke was back for his own story I felt like I already knew him and his daughter Bree. I couldn’t have enjoyed how we first met Megan more. It was such a fun and unique opening to the story that made me laugh. Megan is an actress who is in town to film a rom-com, when she gets lost while on set and needs help, she is picked up by Bree and ends up spending time at the ranch. There was such a great family dynamic to this story, Zeke with his daughters, the brothers, the found family aspect. It was all just perfect and by the end of the story I felt like I was a part of the family. I enjoyed that this was a later in life romance and loved how the romance developed at a natural pace and was not rushed. Zeke was such a protective and swoony hero. He made Megan feel safe and beautiful. There was a mystery to the story that kept it fresh and interesting. I loved the cameos from Remi’s past books and reading about the meals that Bree cooked. This story was full of heart and felt like a warm hug. I highly recommend you grab a copy.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Zeke De Los Santos Talks About His Feelings is a great romantic comedy with a touch of suspense and mystery. This is NOT the kind of suspense that is going to have you cowering in your bed with all the lights on, unless you have a peacock or poison ivy phobia! Megan Hope is a movie star that during a break from filming, is chased by a peacock, falls down an embankment, has to escape in a river, and then is lost. Zeke De Los Santos is a single dad of a teenaged daughter, who is a big fan of Megan. I loved the characters and the back and forth point of view from chapter to chapter. I liked how the characters grew emotionally through the book. Author Remi Carrington writes hilarious romcoms. I enjoyed the addition of the mystery and suspense to this first book in the Brothers of Rocking Double Heart Ranch. I am eagerly looking forward to reading about the other brothers. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this truly fun story.
As usual, when I needed a sweet, adorable story, Carrington delivered! I loved that this one had a bit of mystery to it, and that everything was wrapped up nicely in the end. Zeke is such a great character, and I loved that he had such a great relationship with his daughters. I wanted a little more development with his brothers, but the story did set up the series well overall (especially the next book). Megan was well-written, and I liked that she didn't instantly fall for Zeke - building a friendship came first, and made sense for both of them. The mystery stalker added a good level of drama, especially in the end. I can't wait for Reuben's story!
Content: mild innuendo.
I received this book free from the publisher/author. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own.
A Movie Star, A Cowboy, & A Mystery—5 stars. I love the author’s humorous and plain speaking dialog; her characters seem so real. Along with respectful cowboys this time, we get a mystery. Who wants to hurt Megan? I’m not a fan of the title of the book because while Zeke could talk more about his feelings, he still does talk about them from time to time throughout the story, although mostly with his daughter, just not with Megan. This was a fun, action packed story with great characters and a mystery to solve. I look forward to reading Cora’s story next. I really liked her character and her friendship with Megan. I also liked Zeke’s brothers coming home to the ranch, and the support they gave each other. I received an ARC copy from the author.
Ladies and gentlemen we have a new series by Remi Carrington! The first book Zeke De Los Santos talks about his feelings gives you all the signature romcom moments plus an added mystery element. This book was such a delight.
The book starts out with the female main character who is an actress being chased by a rogue peacock. Then she gets picked up by Zekes daughter and taken to their ranch. I was guessing the entire time on the suspense part of the book about who wants to hurt Megan. This was a fun, action packed story with great characters and a mystery to solve.
You also get to meet all the De Los Santos brothers who are going thru their own struggles. I am so excited to get to see more of their stories.
What a fun way to start the year, and I almost feel like starting with a book with a Z title means I should try the alphabet book challenge...
Remi Carrington never disappoints and I love this opening into a new series (I loved the novella that set it up too!)
Zeke is guarded and grumpy without either coming off as inauthentic or a red flag and Megan is totally her own woman despite being in danger. I love stories with older characters for this reason.
A sweet, slow burn with the threat of danger and the right amount of angst, definitely leaves me a little disappointed that when I go 'feed the horses' the only thing that happens is that the horses get fed.
Zeke De Los Santos Talks About His Feelings is a heartwarming, family-centric, romantic comedy with a tad of suspense. I literally fell into and in love with this wonderful book. Anyone would be lucky to have Bree and Zeke on their side. The welcome everyone and make them feel like family. The opening scene is funny despite setting up the suspense element. Do not start reading at bedtime thinking you will read two or three chapters and then sleep. The book is too good to put down. Zeke ends up with a very full house as his brothers appear after he takes in Megan. I loved watching how this cowboy and an actress fell in love. AS soon as I reached the end I wanted to start reading it again!
What another great Remi read! We met Zeke in Surviving Christmas and I’m glad that he got his own book. Zeke is another great cowboy character and he’s so protective and chivalrous. I love how he takes care of everyone in his family and Megan. I also love how down to earth Megan was and how easily she fit into the family. I cannot wait for the brothers to get their books.
I was nervous about who was going to be responsible for all of the scares Megan had. So glad it wasn’t who I was afraid of!
- Later in life characters - Cowboy romance - Celebrity romance - Mild suspense
I fell so hard for closed off cowboy Zeke. He lost his wife nearly 10 years ago and has decided romance will not be in his future. He is only concerned about his family.
After a rogue peacock chases movie star Megan, Zeke's daughter comes to her rescue. And all of their lives will be forever changed.
Zeke is the epitome of swoony cowboys. He doesn't want to let anyone down, but finally realizes he deserves happiness too.
0Zeke has been grieving the loss of his wife for so long that when Megan appears [in his closet], he's closed off enough that this stranger is barely a blip on his radar. It isn't long, though, before he becomes protective of her, and then, oh my!, feelings are caught! Zeke and Megan and the whole family - his two daughters, a daughter's boyfriend, Zeke's three brothers, and three very young nephews - are so wonderfully welcoming, even from the first, Megan feels at home.
Megan is chased by a peacock, falls down an incline and tries to find a road. When she does, Bree stops and picks her up so excited to see her favorite actress in person. Zeke walks into his closet and sees Megan there. He is not exactly thrilled she is there and taking over his bedroom. Loved how protective Zeke became when Megan was threatened.Loved this, just I have loved all of Remi Carrington’s books. Can’t wait for Cora and Reuben’s story.
The beginning of this book was very comical as well as Megan and Zeke's first meeting. While this is their story my favorite character is Bree, Zeke's daughter. Humor, romance, intrigue, family and more makes this a great story. Looking forward to the next book in this series and can't wait to read Bree's.
Absolutely loved this one! Every book by Remi becomes my new favorite! This is a later in life love story with a little bit of suspense, but still lots of humor & a protective MMC. Adored Zeke & Megan together and I’m so happy they got their happily ever after!
There is a reason this is one of my favorite authors! I loved this story! The suspense was great! Chemistry - oh my! So many smiles and guessing! Very entertaining and enjoyable! A feel good story!!
This book is hilarious! There aren’t too many books where I truly laugh out loud, but this is one of them! Megan and Bree are so funny together and I just love how Zeke gets drawn in by both of them. This is a great read!
This later-in-life romcom was just the sweetest! I loved seeing Zeke and Megan gently (even reluctantly—on his part) fall for each other. Zeke is just the sweetest, most steady man that you cannot help but root for. His meddling teenage daughter, some light suspense, crazy family antics, and Megan’s celebrity status make this an altogether unique and fun read. I cannot wait for more from this family! And as always, all the Easter eggs to Remi’s other books are just an added delight!