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One & Only #4
Keep On Loving You
In an enchanting new romance from USA Today bestselling author Christie Ridgway, love comes home to Blue Arrow Lake when childhood sweethearts get an unexpected second chance…
Mackenzie Walker's siblings have all found their happy-ever-afters, but she has everything a single girl needs in her California mountain hometown. Family, friends, a thriving business…and memories of Zan Elliott, her first love, whose touch—and betrayal—she's never forgotten. Now, ten years after he left town, Zan returns to manage his late grandfather's estate…and flip Mac's life upside down with one heated glance.
Documentary filmmaking has taken Zan all over the globe, yet nowhere was far enough away to make him forget Mac. Seeing her ignites their incredible chemistry all over again. Mac's trust won't be easily won, however, especially when Zan's inheritance jeopardizes her family's hard-earned dreams. But every moment together is challenging Zan to stop living life through a lens and dare to let his guard down for a chance at forever…
Mackenzie Walker's siblings have all found their happy-ever-afters, but she has everything a single girl needs in her California mountain hometown. Family, friends, a thriving business…and memories of Zan Elliott, her first love, whose touch—and betrayal—she's never forgotten. Now, ten years after he left town, Zan returns to manage his late grandfather's estate…and flip Mac's life upside down with one heated glance.
Documentary filmmaking has taken Zan all over the globe, yet nowhere was far enough away to make him forget Mac. Seeing her ignites their incredible chemistry all over again. Mac's trust won't be easily won, however, especially when Zan's inheritance jeopardizes her family's hard-earned dreams. But every moment together is challenging Zan to stop living life through a lens and dare to let his guard down for a chance at forever…
393 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 26, 2016
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827 people want to read
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July 18, 2017
Dear Lord … why haven’t I read this series before now? Christie Ridgway just drew me into this wonderful tale of love lost and then found again. Of course, there are quite a few hiccups along the way but they just made everything a little more interesting. But, of course there is a but, Mackenzie and I didn’t see eye to eye through most of the story. In fact, I kind of really, really disliked her a lot until the end.
Talk about holding a grudge. I think Mackenzie is the president of the grudge-holding club. I kept singing “Let it go. Let it go.” through the whole book. Then the “woe is me” came into play and I just wanted to slap her upside the head. She knew, he told her he was leaving and, yet, she couldn’t forgive him for leaving. When he comes back into her life, she doesn’t listen, doesn’t even try to understand, just treats him like dirt. I get it, she had her heart broken, she is afraid of the feelings she still has for him, she doesn’t want to lose her heart just to have him leave town again. But, she asks him to keep a secret that could ultimately destroy her family or could very well be their salvation.
Zan knows he messed up but there is nothing that could have kept him in Blue Arrow Lake. He had a wandering soul, could not afford to have anyone get close to him for fear that they would just leave and never come back. It was better if he just left even though he knew he would be hurting the people who treated him as one of their own. He’s back, not for long, just to settle his grandfather’s estate. He had no idea that he would see HER so soon and couldn’t help himself when he saw her standing there alone, swaying to the music. He couldn’t help himself when he saw her in the dinner. He couldn’t help himself when he woke from his illness and found her in his kitchen. He couldn’t help himself when he kissed her, told her he would keep the secret under his conditions. Now, he’s paying for his actions, he’s fighting his heart, he’s fighting for the girl that he lost and wants back.
The Walker Family is wonderful, loving, caring and open. They know that Zan broke Mac but, they also know that he was one of them. It’s time he remembers what he lost when he left and what he still has in Blue Arrow Lake. Through their persistence, love and understanding, Zan knows where he belongs and, it’s not “down the hill”.
Even though Mac drove me nuts, I loved One Love. Christie Ridgway did a wonderful job of showing us all sides of Mac and Zan. She wove the family into the picture, seamlessly. She made us understand why Zaz left and why Mac couldn’t forgive him. As she lets us into their past and present, Ms. Ridgway showed us exactly what forgiveness is, loving is and that the past should not define who we are today. Live with it, learn from it, look ahead to the future.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
February 3, 2016
Originally posted at SmexyBooks-http://smexybooks.com/2016/01/review-...
Keep On Loving You is a second chance romance that promises a lot but for me didn’t deliver. The beginning is promising. A woman sees her first love at her sister’s wedding. The man who walked away from her ten years ago and never looked back. She doesn’t fall at his feet or try to push to recreate the past. She treats him like a person she used to love and now no longer does. Which is to be expected. There is anger, frustration, and pain in her actions and voice. She can sort of understand why he left but can’t understand or forgive that he never came home. All she got from him was a series of postcards over the years signed with a Z.
I really liked Mac. She’s a strong, loyal, take charge woman whose heart was broken but she survived. She took over as head of the household when her parents died and focuses most of her attention of the happiness of her siblings, making sure that unlike her, they will get everything they desire out of life. Strong on love but not money, she started her own business and is forever looking for ways to make more. Living in a town where everyone discusses the “legend of Zan and Mac” like it happened yesterday, I really felt for her. She claims her love for him is why she hasn’t moved on but there is much more to it than that. There is also the fact that no one will let her forget her first love so she can’t move on.
As the story evolves, the pacing gradually slows to a limp and drags its way to the end. Ridgeway does a good job providing the background for this couple; letting us see how they were in the past and their future potential. There is a solid base on which to build this story-the problem is the hero. Zan never developed for me. I never felt, even at the very end, that we ever got to know him. The emotional connections never surfaced. He felt like he was place setting in the script. We are told throughout the book how he feels about things but there are no real scenes given to show it. He didn’t seem to have a wide range of emotions.
The dialogue between Zan and everyone further intensified my ambivalent feelings towards him. Everything that comes out of his mouth is almost in code and he is the master of deflecting. While we can feel just how deeply Mac was hurt over Zan’s actions and the way it stunted her ability to form any other romantic connections, Zan remained locked up tight. No matter how many times Mac tries to get answers from him, he just brushes aside her concerns and works on trying to get her into bed. He wants everything to be like it was 10 years ago and couldn’t seem to understand that time didn’t stand still when he left. That no one stopped what they were doing to wait till he decided to grace them with his presence. And the whole time he’s sending conflicting messages by telling her he’s leaving again while acting confused and hurt she struggles against wanting to reconnect with him. Overall, I found him selfish and dense. So very, very dense. The postcards were the most powerful indicator into his mindset. He didn’t love her enough to stay but he made sure she could never, ever forgot him.
The story is saved from complete failure, somewhat, by the Walker family. They are all getting married and we are included in their lives as they plan, live, and love. The feeling of family is strong and that is part of the lesson Zan needed to learn. All the Walkers, with the exception of Mac and her older brother Brett, welcome Zan back with open arms. They missed him and the possibility of him staying for Mac makes them push them for a reconciliation even though they are not in possession of all the facts. They bring a small amount of humor and excitement to this story that it is desperately missing when the focus in on the main protagonists. There is also a small side romance that was stronger and produced a stronger emotion from me than the main romance.
The ending is nothing more than a single lightbulb moment where Zan finally gets it. Zan finally admits his feelings and does what he should have done years ago and Mac finally gets her happily ever after. I only wish she could have found it with someone else who actually deserved her.
GRADE: D
Keep On Loving You is a second chance romance that promises a lot but for me didn’t deliver. The beginning is promising. A woman sees her first love at her sister’s wedding. The man who walked away from her ten years ago and never looked back. She doesn’t fall at his feet or try to push to recreate the past. She treats him like a person she used to love and now no longer does. Which is to be expected. There is anger, frustration, and pain in her actions and voice. She can sort of understand why he left but can’t understand or forgive that he never came home. All she got from him was a series of postcards over the years signed with a Z.
I really liked Mac. She’s a strong, loyal, take charge woman whose heart was broken but she survived. She took over as head of the household when her parents died and focuses most of her attention of the happiness of her siblings, making sure that unlike her, they will get everything they desire out of life. Strong on love but not money, she started her own business and is forever looking for ways to make more. Living in a town where everyone discusses the “legend of Zan and Mac” like it happened yesterday, I really felt for her. She claims her love for him is why she hasn’t moved on but there is much more to it than that. There is also the fact that no one will let her forget her first love so she can’t move on.
As the story evolves, the pacing gradually slows to a limp and drags its way to the end. Ridgeway does a good job providing the background for this couple; letting us see how they were in the past and their future potential. There is a solid base on which to build this story-the problem is the hero. Zan never developed for me. I never felt, even at the very end, that we ever got to know him. The emotional connections never surfaced. He felt like he was place setting in the script. We are told throughout the book how he feels about things but there are no real scenes given to show it. He didn’t seem to have a wide range of emotions.
The dialogue between Zan and everyone further intensified my ambivalent feelings towards him. Everything that comes out of his mouth is almost in code and he is the master of deflecting. While we can feel just how deeply Mac was hurt over Zan’s actions and the way it stunted her ability to form any other romantic connections, Zan remained locked up tight. No matter how many times Mac tries to get answers from him, he just brushes aside her concerns and works on trying to get her into bed. He wants everything to be like it was 10 years ago and couldn’t seem to understand that time didn’t stand still when he left. That no one stopped what they were doing to wait till he decided to grace them with his presence. And the whole time he’s sending conflicting messages by telling her he’s leaving again while acting confused and hurt she struggles against wanting to reconnect with him. Overall, I found him selfish and dense. So very, very dense. The postcards were the most powerful indicator into his mindset. He didn’t love her enough to stay but he made sure she could never, ever forgot him.
The story is saved from complete failure, somewhat, by the Walker family. They are all getting married and we are included in their lives as they plan, live, and love. The feeling of family is strong and that is part of the lesson Zan needed to learn. All the Walkers, with the exception of Mac and her older brother Brett, welcome Zan back with open arms. They missed him and the possibility of him staying for Mac makes them push them for a reconciliation even though they are not in possession of all the facts. They bring a small amount of humor and excitement to this story that it is desperately missing when the focus in on the main protagonists. There is also a small side romance that was stronger and produced a stronger emotion from me than the main romance.
The ending is nothing more than a single lightbulb moment where Zan finally gets it. Zan finally admits his feelings and does what he should have done years ago and Mac finally gets her happily ever after. I only wish she could have found it with someone else who actually deserved her.
GRADE: D
September 23, 2016
Keep On Loving You By Christie Ridgway
NetGalley, Arc received for an Honest Review
Keep on Loving you is the fourth story in the cabin fever series, i didn't realize this when i requested it.
Its a second chance romance, that i didn't connect well with.
I would really recommend to read the other stories before this one, i felt lost and should have realized it wasn't a standalone. there are lots of characters.
Mac and Zan dated 10 years ago, then he took off and its taken her 10 years to get over him.
Now he has returned...
Unfortunately I didn't connect to the story, so i felt my self skimming which i hate doing, so from there i new i couldn't give an honest review on the whole story. I got to about 30% before folding in the towel.
I'm sure if i had read the previous books in the series this would have been a good story.
NetGalley, Arc received for an Honest Review
Keep on Loving you is the fourth story in the cabin fever series, i didn't realize this when i requested it.
Its a second chance romance, that i didn't connect well with.
I would really recommend to read the other stories before this one, i felt lost and should have realized it wasn't a standalone. there are lots of characters.
Mac and Zan dated 10 years ago, then he took off and its taken her 10 years to get over him.
Now he has returned...
Unfortunately I didn't connect to the story, so i felt my self skimming which i hate doing, so from there i new i couldn't give an honest review on the whole story. I got to about 30% before folding in the towel.
I'm sure if i had read the previous books in the series this would have been a good story.
July 3, 2017
When you find yourself crying and don't remember feeling the teardrops fall, is the moment that a reader realizes something special just happened. That's what One Love proves to be. Something special. Ms. Ridgway delivers two deeply moving romances in a pocket-sized work of art. The Walkers are hardworking people that find trust a hard emotion, but once they let someone into their world they do so wholeheartedly. Zan considered himself an honorary Walker. In them he found the family he craved and the heart he thought was lost. Brett was his best friend, Mac was the missing part of his soul. In an act of desperation, Zan left it all behind to see the world, only to realize he already had it, right on that mountaintop. Now he's back to claim what's his, if the secrets he exposes doesn't wreck his chances. Zan and Walker, along with Ash and Tilda show that despite the odds, TRUE LOVE IS WORTH FIGHTING FOR.
July 28, 2017
A terrific conclusion to the series. Zan has been a background character in all the books, the friend who left town for parts unknown. The only contact has been the occasional postcard sent to Mac, with no message other than the letter Z. After ten years away, Zan has returned to settle his grandfather's estate.
When Zan was a boy, he lost his entire family in an airplane crash. He was sent to live with his grandfather, where he met the Walkers. The lonely boy became a "brother of the heart" to them and as a teen much more to Mac. For two years they were a couple, and then Zan abruptly left town, taking Mac's heart with him.
Mac has spent the last ten years taking care of her family, building her business, and trying to forget Zan. She's very practical, a bit cynical, and very protective of her family. She's happy that her siblings have found love, but a bit sad that she doesn't have someone of her own. Zan's return throws her into a tailspin, as she discovers that the chemistry they had together in the past is stronger than ever. She is determined to keep her distance from him and not risk another heartbreak when he leaves again.
Zan is surprised by how strong his attraction to Mac still is. He would love to pick up where they left off, enjoying the time they have together before he leaves again. He's a bit confused by her chilly attitude.
I really enjoyed the reigniting of their relationship. Both Mac and Zan have been unable to forget each other over the last ten years, but each has some major hurdles to overcome to make a future possible. Mac was devastated by Zan's departure all those years ago and has some huge trust issues now. Zan believes that love always ends in loss because of what happened to him. He pushes people away rather than take a chance on loving and losing. As they work together on Zan's house, the sparks between them burn hotter. Zan wants to give in to them, while Mac is convinced it would be a bad idea. Her brief attempt at believing she can have a fling with him without risking her heart shows her just the opposite, and she pulls away again. Zan wants Mac with every fiber of his being, but he's afraid to believe that it can last. In spite of the fears that each of them has, they can't stay away from each other.
I ached so much for Zan who has spent years running from the ghosts in his heart. His memories of his times with the Walkers are some of the best he has but he's afraid to believe. When he returns to town it takes him a while to adjust to all the changes he finds. He's oblivious to the hurt he's caused by his long absence and lack of communication. It was really sweet to see the way that Shay and Poppy sucked him right back into their lives. The conversation between Zan and Brett, as Brett makes his point that Zan is family brought me to tears. The whole deal with the land made me hurt for him, as he tried to keep his promise to Mac and deal with his guilt at the same time. I wasn't at all surprised at his solution. It was also great to see how many of the people in town were happy to see Zan, and that their pleasure and the memories they shared all began to change the way he looked at the town.
I loved how Mac confronted him at the end, using the postcards to show him how she felt. That scene was really emotional as they started to lay the past to rest. But the best was yet to come at Poppy's wedding. I loved how a chance encounter with an old woman finally showed Zan what he had been doing to himself all those years. His big moment at the end was sweet, romantic and just the type of grand gesture that Mac needed.
I loved the epilogue and the glimpse of the whole family five years later.
When Zan was a boy, he lost his entire family in an airplane crash. He was sent to live with his grandfather, where he met the Walkers. The lonely boy became a "brother of the heart" to them and as a teen much more to Mac. For two years they were a couple, and then Zan abruptly left town, taking Mac's heart with him.
Mac has spent the last ten years taking care of her family, building her business, and trying to forget Zan. She's very practical, a bit cynical, and very protective of her family. She's happy that her siblings have found love, but a bit sad that she doesn't have someone of her own. Zan's return throws her into a tailspin, as she discovers that the chemistry they had together in the past is stronger than ever. She is determined to keep her distance from him and not risk another heartbreak when he leaves again.
Zan is surprised by how strong his attraction to Mac still is. He would love to pick up where they left off, enjoying the time they have together before he leaves again. He's a bit confused by her chilly attitude.
I really enjoyed the reigniting of their relationship. Both Mac and Zan have been unable to forget each other over the last ten years, but each has some major hurdles to overcome to make a future possible. Mac was devastated by Zan's departure all those years ago and has some huge trust issues now. Zan believes that love always ends in loss because of what happened to him. He pushes people away rather than take a chance on loving and losing. As they work together on Zan's house, the sparks between them burn hotter. Zan wants to give in to them, while Mac is convinced it would be a bad idea. Her brief attempt at believing she can have a fling with him without risking her heart shows her just the opposite, and she pulls away again. Zan wants Mac with every fiber of his being, but he's afraid to believe that it can last. In spite of the fears that each of them has, they can't stay away from each other.
I ached so much for Zan who has spent years running from the ghosts in his heart. His memories of his times with the Walkers are some of the best he has but he's afraid to believe. When he returns to town it takes him a while to adjust to all the changes he finds. He's oblivious to the hurt he's caused by his long absence and lack of communication. It was really sweet to see the way that Shay and Poppy sucked him right back into their lives. The conversation between Zan and Brett, as Brett makes his point that Zan is family brought me to tears. The whole deal with the land made me hurt for him, as he tried to keep his promise to Mac and deal with his guilt at the same time. I wasn't at all surprised at his solution. It was also great to see how many of the people in town were happy to see Zan, and that their pleasure and the memories they shared all began to change the way he looked at the town.
I loved how Mac confronted him at the end, using the postcards to show him how she felt. That scene was really emotional as they started to lay the past to rest. But the best was yet to come at Poppy's wedding. I loved how a chance encounter with an old woman finally showed Zan what he had been doing to himself all those years. His big moment at the end was sweet, romantic and just the type of grand gesture that Mac needed.
I loved the epilogue and the glimpse of the whole family five years later.
January 26, 2016
My Review:
Ten years. 117 empty postcards with only the letter "Z". No way for anyone to reach him. No way to know what was happening in his life. He left with only a single day's notice...and it broke Mac.
If I were in Mac's shoes, I'm not so sure I could have been so forgiving, because what Zan did was cruel, with leaving her like that. But the postcards made it so she couldn't ever move on and I think I would have found that unforgivable. Mac deserved so much more.
And I get it. Zan was broken too. He had his warped reasons for why he did what he did. But gah...10 years. No word...at least not a real one...an initial doesn't count.
But now he's back...and he still doesn't get it. How much he hurt her. How much he scarred her. How much he BROKE her. For so much of this book, I wanted to knock him upside his selfish, broken head and knock some sense into him. And then I wanted to go to Mac and give her a hug where she could cry it out. Because they are so good together...Mac and Zan are legend, in just how good they were together...and that chemistry is still there simmering between them, hot and ready. But they aren't.
In fact, they're even less ready than they were 10 years ago. Now they have the layers of 10 more years of hard life lessons to hold them back, to keep them both for reaching out for what they really want.
I had to laugh...there is a thread of Pride & Prejudice running lightly throughout the book and that is so darn appropriate for Mac. She doesn't have anything left besides her pride and she's holding onto that with everything she has.
But for Zan, the thing that's holding him back is something much deeper. Inside he's still that little boy who lost EVERY single person in his family. He's still so deeply wounded and scared. Scared to care. Scared to love. Because then that opens him up to that soul-searing possibility of loss. Not an acceptable risk.
This story was so emotionally satisfying. There is a lot of angst for these two characters and in the backdrop is another romantic story line that was equally satisfying. I also LOVED getting to see all three weddings for the couples from the other three books in the series. This is a series built around a family of four siblings. This final book focused on family and what that means and was the PERFECT ending for the series.
I enjoyed it and I've enjoyed the entire series. You don't have to read them all. They all work perfectly well as stand-alones, but it is a really good series. If you like contemporary romance set in a small mountain community, you probably will like these books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Ten years. 117 empty postcards with only the letter "Z". No way for anyone to reach him. No way to know what was happening in his life. He left with only a single day's notice...and it broke Mac.
If I were in Mac's shoes, I'm not so sure I could have been so forgiving, because what Zan did was cruel, with leaving her like that. But the postcards made it so she couldn't ever move on and I think I would have found that unforgivable. Mac deserved so much more.
And I get it. Zan was broken too. He had his warped reasons for why he did what he did. But gah...10 years. No word...at least not a real one...an initial doesn't count.
But now he's back...and he still doesn't get it. How much he hurt her. How much he scarred her. How much he BROKE her. For so much of this book, I wanted to knock him upside his selfish, broken head and knock some sense into him. And then I wanted to go to Mac and give her a hug where she could cry it out. Because they are so good together...Mac and Zan are legend, in just how good they were together...and that chemistry is still there simmering between them, hot and ready. But they aren't.
In fact, they're even less ready than they were 10 years ago. Now they have the layers of 10 more years of hard life lessons to hold them back, to keep them both for reaching out for what they really want.
I had to laugh...there is a thread of Pride & Prejudice running lightly throughout the book and that is so darn appropriate for Mac. She doesn't have anything left besides her pride and she's holding onto that with everything she has.
But for Zan, the thing that's holding him back is something much deeper. Inside he's still that little boy who lost EVERY single person in his family. He's still so deeply wounded and scared. Scared to care. Scared to love. Because then that opens him up to that soul-searing possibility of loss. Not an acceptable risk.
This story was so emotionally satisfying. There is a lot of angst for these two characters and in the backdrop is another romantic story line that was equally satisfying. I also LOVED getting to see all three weddings for the couples from the other three books in the series. This is a series built around a family of four siblings. This final book focused on family and what that means and was the PERFECT ending for the series.
I enjoyed it and I've enjoyed the entire series. You don't have to read them all. They all work perfectly well as stand-alones, but it is a really good series. If you like contemporary romance set in a small mountain community, you probably will like these books.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in return for an honest review.
March 26, 2016
Review also found at http://kristineandterri.blogspot.ca/2...
2.5 stars
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. In exchange I will offer my honest review.
I will start by mentioning my favorite part of this book. It was the story of Tilda and Ash. Not mentioned anywhere in the synopsis, it was essentially a secondary plot within the story. I found myself anxiously waiting for the storyline to keep going back to these two. In every way I found these characters more interesting than Mack and Zan.
The story of Mack and Zan was just ok for me. I found that there was no real original element to their storyline. Zan returns after ten years and of course Mack has never gotten over him and basically had her life on hold. Upon his return she just can't stay away from him yet fights it every step of the way.
I found the push and pull of their relationship simply went on for too long. You already know how it is going to end and it found the story started to drag on. In my opinion, the book went 50-100 pages to long and it felt like everything was getting repeated over and over again. Trimming the story would have went a long way.
I enjoyed the setting of the story and could imagine what the small mountain town was like. That and the story of Tilda and Ash redeemed the story for me. Otherwise I would have had a hard time finishing.
2.5 stars
I won a copy of this book in a giveaway on Goodreads. In exchange I will offer my honest review.
I will start by mentioning my favorite part of this book. It was the story of Tilda and Ash. Not mentioned anywhere in the synopsis, it was essentially a secondary plot within the story. I found myself anxiously waiting for the storyline to keep going back to these two. In every way I found these characters more interesting than Mack and Zan.
The story of Mack and Zan was just ok for me. I found that there was no real original element to their storyline. Zan returns after ten years and of course Mack has never gotten over him and basically had her life on hold. Upon his return she just can't stay away from him yet fights it every step of the way.
I found the push and pull of their relationship simply went on for too long. You already know how it is going to end and it found the story started to drag on. In my opinion, the book went 50-100 pages to long and it felt like everything was getting repeated over and over again. Trimming the story would have went a long way.
I enjoyed the setting of the story and could imagine what the small mountain town was like. That and the story of Tilda and Ash redeemed the story for me. Otherwise I would have had a hard time finishing.
July 18, 2017
One Love is the second book that I have read by Christie Ridgway and it is the fourth book in the One & Only series. Ridgway's writing style may have been a slow start for me to get use to, but in her last book she left me with a want to find out more of the amazing Walker family. I just had to know more about Mac and Zan's story and that comes down to amazing writing that has a way of drawing me in emotionally.
Mackenzie Walker is the oldest sister in this close-knit group of siblings, she is a strong character but is she strong enough to make it through 3 of her siblings weddings? Mac has hid behind her business, always keeping busy and avoiding all emotions instead of dealing with the memories of the guy that broke her heart and dreams when he walked away from her 10 years ago. Now, that Zan has come home to deal with family business how will Mackenzie be able to deal with the weddings, her business, and her heart?
Alexander "Zan" Elliot has never felt like he fit in, he had the best of friends in the Walker family but it wasn't enough to fight the internal struggle he has been carrying around. He now finds himself returning home to Blue Arrow Lake, a place that holds good memories and nightmares. The one thing that Blue Arrow has that wandering the world would never have is the love of his life, the one girl whose heart he broke and whose life he truly was never willing to let go of. Will Zan be able to walk away from her for the second time or will his time home remind him of the family and the dreams that he once had?
One Love is a contemporary romance that will have you swooning, crying and falling in love with this beautiful family. I loved the characters, story-line, picturing the amazing scenes and feeling apart of their lives. 5 Star Must read
Mackenzie Walker is the oldest sister in this close-knit group of siblings, she is a strong character but is she strong enough to make it through 3 of her siblings weddings? Mac has hid behind her business, always keeping busy and avoiding all emotions instead of dealing with the memories of the guy that broke her heart and dreams when he walked away from her 10 years ago. Now, that Zan has come home to deal with family business how will Mackenzie be able to deal with the weddings, her business, and her heart?
Alexander "Zan" Elliot has never felt like he fit in, he had the best of friends in the Walker family but it wasn't enough to fight the internal struggle he has been carrying around. He now finds himself returning home to Blue Arrow Lake, a place that holds good memories and nightmares. The one thing that Blue Arrow has that wandering the world would never have is the love of his life, the one girl whose heart he broke and whose life he truly was never willing to let go of. Will Zan be able to walk away from her for the second time or will his time home remind him of the family and the dreams that he once had?
One Love is a contemporary romance that will have you swooning, crying and falling in love with this beautiful family. I loved the characters, story-line, picturing the amazing scenes and feeling apart of their lives. 5 Star Must read
July 18, 2017
One love, is book four and last in the series. This is Mac and Zan’s story, they had grown up together and then became an item before Zan went off to be a documentary film maker and traveled the world. It is now ten years later and he has come back to Walker Mountain to settle his grandfather’s affairs.
The Walkers are a large and close family, all the siblings have found their loves except Mac and it has left her very bitter and Zan coming back and wanting her back in his bed is not helping. I became very annoyed with Mac and Zan they drove me mad. I found it hard to warm up to them. I did love the rest of the family and Tilda and Ash.
I think to get fall enjoyment you need to read the series. The sibling all have great stories to read. It was Mac and Zan didn’t do for me, and it could have been a lot shorter. The epilogue and the weddings was a great finish to the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Walkers are a large and close family, all the siblings have found their loves except Mac and it has left her very bitter and Zan coming back and wanting her back in his bed is not helping. I became very annoyed with Mac and Zan they drove me mad. I found it hard to warm up to them. I did love the rest of the family and Tilda and Ash.
I think to get fall enjoyment you need to read the series. The sibling all have great stories to read. It was Mac and Zan didn’t do for me, and it could have been a lot shorter. The epilogue and the weddings was a great finish to the series.
I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 18, 2017
Another one of my favorite type of books. The girl gets her heartbroken, turns into super tough woman. Mac had hardened her heart and her resolve after her boyfriend Zan broke her heart. She's tried and failed to have other relationships and so she's done with it. Zan comes back into town, excited to see Mac and eager to pick up where their romance ended. But Zan still doesn't plan on staying in town and Mac doesn't want to be a fling.
I love Christie Ridgway's writing and it's been one I've read for years. This whole series, while standalones, will be more I re-read.
I love Christie Ridgway's writing and it's been one I've read for years. This whole series, while standalones, will be more I re-read.
March 5, 2018
One Love is the fourth and last book in the series. This is Mac and Zan's story. They had dated in High School than Zan left for ten years to pursue his career. So when Zan comes back to settle his Grand Fathers estate Mac whats nothing to do with him after all he broke her heart once. But Zan wants to pick things back up where they left off. But he also tells Mac he plans to leave again and never come back. Should Mac take a chance and take him back on his terms? Or should she leave him alone forever?
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February 12, 2016Keep on Loving You by Christie Ridgway is Book 4 in her Cabin Fever series. This is Mac (Mackenzie) Walker’s story. Mac is the oldest sister who runs who own business, Maids by Mac. Over the last ten years she has received 117 postcards from Zan, her first love.
Zan is Alexander Elliot who returns after a ten year absence to manage his late grandfather’s estate. Zan was forced to live with his grandfather as a child after his family died in an airplane crash. Brett, the eldest Walker, invited Zan into the world of his family. Zan spent most of his time at the Walker home, feeling loved, hanging with Brett and Mac, and just growing up. At some point Zan and Mac became a couple, loving each other as only teens are capable of, until Zan flees the area to travel around the world.
Although Mac still cares for Zan she has major trust issues due to the way he left, or deserted her. Zan is surprised that the chemistry still exists between them. Both wonder what now. Zan has always believed that you lose the ones you love because of the way he lost his family. He reasoned that by leaving Mac before losing her was the best. Now he is no longer certain that is true.
Mac’s sisters remind Zan he is a “Brother of the Heart” and needs to accept that he will always have the Walker as family. Mac does her part to make sure that Zan knows she will always be his emergency contact. Zan wants to leave yet can he really leave Mac again.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Mac and Zan, Mac learning to trust and Zan learning to accept that he won’t always lose what he loves. Although this book is part of a series it is a standalone story.
Zan is Alexander Elliot who returns after a ten year absence to manage his late grandfather’s estate. Zan was forced to live with his grandfather as a child after his family died in an airplane crash. Brett, the eldest Walker, invited Zan into the world of his family. Zan spent most of his time at the Walker home, feeling loved, hanging with Brett and Mac, and just growing up. At some point Zan and Mac became a couple, loving each other as only teens are capable of, until Zan flees the area to travel around the world.
Although Mac still cares for Zan she has major trust issues due to the way he left, or deserted her. Zan is surprised that the chemistry still exists between them. Both wonder what now. Zan has always believed that you lose the ones you love because of the way he lost his family. He reasoned that by leaving Mac before losing her was the best. Now he is no longer certain that is true.
Mac’s sisters remind Zan he is a “Brother of the Heart” and needs to accept that he will always have the Walker as family. Mac does her part to make sure that Zan knows she will always be his emergency contact. Zan wants to leave yet can he really leave Mac again.
I highly recommend this book to all readers. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Mac and Zan, Mac learning to trust and Zan learning to accept that he won’t always lose what he loves. Although this book is part of a series it is a standalone story.
October 22, 2015
I really wanted to love this book but I found myself struggling to get into and then to finish it. Mac and Zan dated 10 years ago but they also were childhood friends. Then one day he decides he wants to leave the mountain and heads all around the world.
Zan sends Mac a post card from the many places he has been but he doesn't leave a note or a return address. It's just signed Z. For 10 years Mac doesn't think she will see her first love again. But then he shows up to settle his grandfathers estate and these two learn the feelings between them are still there.
This book starts off good but then it slowed down. Mac doesn't even want to be around him but as her family starts to forgive him she starts getting closer and the feelings she thought were gone start coming to light.
I liked seeing the characters from the previous books and catching up with them but I had a hard time with this story. I mean Zan leaves the love of his life and only family he knows to outrun ghosts of his past only to figure out they went with him all along.
This story also contains a little side story that was interesting but maybe they could have had there own book. I get why it was in there but it felt like it was taking away the spotlight from Mac and Zan.
The ending was expected. He finally figured how much he hurt Mac by leaving and realizes he is in love with her. Proposes at her sisters wedding and everyone lived happily ever after on the mountain.
There wasn't really a conflict other then the fact Zan still wanted to leave the mountain and nothing could really make him stay not even Mac. I just expected maybe a secret ex would show up and shake it up a little.
Zan sends Mac a post card from the many places he has been but he doesn't leave a note or a return address. It's just signed Z. For 10 years Mac doesn't think she will see her first love again. But then he shows up to settle his grandfathers estate and these two learn the feelings between them are still there.
This book starts off good but then it slowed down. Mac doesn't even want to be around him but as her family starts to forgive him she starts getting closer and the feelings she thought were gone start coming to light.
I liked seeing the characters from the previous books and catching up with them but I had a hard time with this story. I mean Zan leaves the love of his life and only family he knows to outrun ghosts of his past only to figure out they went with him all along.
This story also contains a little side story that was interesting but maybe they could have had there own book. I get why it was in there but it felt like it was taking away the spotlight from Mac and Zan.
The ending was expected. He finally figured how much he hurt Mac by leaving and realizes he is in love with her. Proposes at her sisters wedding and everyone lived happily ever after on the mountain.
There wasn't really a conflict other then the fact Zan still wanted to leave the mountain and nothing could really make him stay not even Mac. I just expected maybe a secret ex would show up and shake it up a little.
January 5, 2016
Review featured at www.books-n-kisses.com
3.75 Hearts This is the final story about the Walkers. To be honest I am not sure if there will be another in the series but the Walkers have had their turn and Mac was the last holdout. But now we have her story. And it is a story of second chances and first loves.
Mac and Zan were the IT couple 10 years ago but then Zan walked away and never really looked back. But even while gone he kept Mac tied to him by sending postcards from all over the world which was just enough to not let her forget. And now he is home and she doesn’t know what to do. She knows she should guard her heart but that is easier said than done sometimes. Zan knows he will be leaving again and is only back because he has to deal with his grandfather’s estate. But then he sees Mac again and he knows he has to have her for the time he is back.
I enjoyed the story but at times it got a little wordy. Mac was a bit needy and wanting of love so badly that she sometimes seems desperate. Zan is an all around good guy. I liked him but never really fell for him, if you know what I mean. But having read all of the series I really enjoyed seeing all of the Walkers happy and content. You can read this as a stand alone but I wouldn’t recommend it. The family is worth reading about and Ridgway is always a guarantee of an enjoyable story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
3.75 Hearts This is the final story about the Walkers. To be honest I am not sure if there will be another in the series but the Walkers have had their turn and Mac was the last holdout. But now we have her story. And it is a story of second chances and first loves.
Mac and Zan were the IT couple 10 years ago but then Zan walked away and never really looked back. But even while gone he kept Mac tied to him by sending postcards from all over the world which was just enough to not let her forget. And now he is home and she doesn’t know what to do. She knows she should guard her heart but that is easier said than done sometimes. Zan knows he will be leaving again and is only back because he has to deal with his grandfather’s estate. But then he sees Mac again and he knows he has to have her for the time he is back.
I enjoyed the story but at times it got a little wordy. Mac was a bit needy and wanting of love so badly that she sometimes seems desperate. Zan is an all around good guy. I liked him but never really fell for him, if you know what I mean. But having read all of the series I really enjoyed seeing all of the Walkers happy and content. You can read this as a stand alone but I wouldn’t recommend it. The family is worth reading about and Ridgway is always a guarantee of an enjoyable story.
Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
February 6, 2016
I used to read this author all the time but tastes change and I moved on to different style books. However, not long ago I noticed one of her books on the 100 Free List and I gave it a go but it was written more like a YA/NA book and I hardly recognised Ridgway's style of writing anymore. Seeing this book on Netgalley, I decided to give it a go although I had not read the other books in the series which I think would be advised as there are a lot of characters.
Zan and Mac dated 10 years ago then he suddenly left and it took Mac a while to get over him (she was 18 when he left). Now Zan has returned. I liked Mac's character (I must say, I don't like either of their names, I kept reading Zan as 'Zane'!). I quite liked the beginning and Mac's humour but then another side story is introduced totally out of the blue about Mac's employee and her love interest and I was thinking 'what's going on here'? The main story began to drag and I began to lose interest. I never felt I really got to understand or know Zan but it was a nice enough read but I really do think I'll have to admit that my tastes have moved on and this author is not for me anymore but that's my personal opinion
ARC provided by Netgalley
Zan and Mac dated 10 years ago then he suddenly left and it took Mac a while to get over him (she was 18 when he left). Now Zan has returned. I liked Mac's character (I must say, I don't like either of their names, I kept reading Zan as 'Zane'!). I quite liked the beginning and Mac's humour but then another side story is introduced totally out of the blue about Mac's employee and her love interest and I was thinking 'what's going on here'? The main story began to drag and I began to lose interest. I never felt I really got to understand or know Zan but it was a nice enough read but I really do think I'll have to admit that my tastes have moved on and this author is not for me anymore but that's my personal opinion
ARC provided by Netgalley
February 11, 2016
Keep On Loving You by Christie Ridgway was the last book in the Cabin Fever series. You finally get the story of Mac and Zan. I really enjoyed this second chance story. I wanted Zan to wise up sooner, see the light sooner, and pay a little more. But in the end, I think this is a story that proves that love heals, no matter how long it takes.
July 31, 2016
If you love a good "second chance" love story, this is a sweet read with real chemistry between the characters and some unique subplots. It could have been a great read if I had liked Zan a bit more, but I was still rooting for him and "Mac" to reunite and erase the 10 long years since they were together. As the details between the sporadic postcards signed with a "Z" are fleshed out, the stage is set for a possible happily ever after for this reunited couple.
April 18, 2016
Finished this last night and I loved it. This saga of the Walker clan has been terrific. It grabbed me right from the start with Poppy's story in Take My Breath Away and didn't let up through this concluding book. Zan's struggle to own up to being loved was beautifully written and grabbed me in the heart. I enthusiastically recommend this book, in fact the entire series.
July 13, 2017
I received an Advanced Reader Copy, and I'm leaving a voluntarily review.
This is another great story by Christie Ridgway. One Love is the fourth book in her “One & Only” series. There are three books ahead of this one, but it can be very easily read as a stand-alone. Even though the other characters are a part of this book, the author gives us enough information that we can enjoy the story without having read the other books.
This is the story of Mac and Zan. Mac and Zan were a couple when they were in high school, and Mac thought they would be together forever. However, one day Zan tells Mac that he is leaving the next day. She is devastated, especially when he doesn’t return for ten years.
In One Love Zan comes back after his grandfather’s death to clean out his prepare it to be sold. He is excited to see Mac and her family, but Mac is not. After ten years, and three engagements, Mac has hardened her heart and refuses to care about anybody again. On the other hand`, Zan wants to pick up from where he left off last time. Unfortunately, as he tells Mac, he plans to leave again and never return again.
I enjoyed this book so much that, the first evening, I couldn’t put it down. At 3:00 A.M. I finally stopped reading and that was only because I was exhausted.
I loved reading this series, although I did not like these characters as much as I did those in the other books. From the beginning, I was very angry at Zan for leaving Mac and never looking back. She so obviously loved him, yet he didn’t seem to notice or care.
Then when he does return and pushes Mac to see him again, he, casually, explains that he is leaving again and, and, this time he will never return.
I wanted to shake Zan him for being so blind about Mac. Eventually, we find out the reasons for his behavior, and Mac understands why he feels this way and, willingly, forgives him. Unfortunately, I don’t. Obviously, Ms. Ridgway is so masterful at creating such realistic characters, that I found it difficult to excuse his actions.
Mac, on the other hand is a fantastic character. She is an independent, strong, caring woman who always puts her brother’s and sisters’ needs ahead of her own. However, many times during this story, I want to shake her, also. When Zan returns, she has plenty of times when she can profess her love and explain how hurt she was when he left for ten years. Yet, she refuses to say anything because she insists that she stay strong and keep her pride.
I, also, love two secondary characters, Ash and Tilda. Their romance parallels the lives of Mac and Ash. They are happily in love until his father reveals some bitter news to Ash. At that point, Ash plans to leave Tilda and the town forever just as Zan did.
I enjoyed this story, and, I highly recommend, not only this book, but the entire series.
This is another great story by Christie Ridgway. One Love is the fourth book in her “One & Only” series. There are three books ahead of this one, but it can be very easily read as a stand-alone. Even though the other characters are a part of this book, the author gives us enough information that we can enjoy the story without having read the other books.
This is the story of Mac and Zan. Mac and Zan were a couple when they were in high school, and Mac thought they would be together forever. However, one day Zan tells Mac that he is leaving the next day. She is devastated, especially when he doesn’t return for ten years.
In One Love Zan comes back after his grandfather’s death to clean out his prepare it to be sold. He is excited to see Mac and her family, but Mac is not. After ten years, and three engagements, Mac has hardened her heart and refuses to care about anybody again. On the other hand`, Zan wants to pick up from where he left off last time. Unfortunately, as he tells Mac, he plans to leave again and never return again.
I enjoyed this book so much that, the first evening, I couldn’t put it down. At 3:00 A.M. I finally stopped reading and that was only because I was exhausted.
I loved reading this series, although I did not like these characters as much as I did those in the other books. From the beginning, I was very angry at Zan for leaving Mac and never looking back. She so obviously loved him, yet he didn’t seem to notice or care.
Then when he does return and pushes Mac to see him again, he, casually, explains that he is leaving again and, and, this time he will never return.
I wanted to shake Zan him for being so blind about Mac. Eventually, we find out the reasons for his behavior, and Mac understands why he feels this way and, willingly, forgives him. Unfortunately, I don’t. Obviously, Ms. Ridgway is so masterful at creating such realistic characters, that I found it difficult to excuse his actions.
Mac, on the other hand is a fantastic character. She is an independent, strong, caring woman who always puts her brother’s and sisters’ needs ahead of her own. However, many times during this story, I want to shake her, also. When Zan returns, she has plenty of times when she can profess her love and explain how hurt she was when he left for ten years. Yet, she refuses to say anything because she insists that she stay strong and keep her pride.
I, also, love two secondary characters, Ash and Tilda. Their romance parallels the lives of Mac and Ash. They are happily in love until his father reveals some bitter news to Ash. At that point, Ash plans to leave Tilda and the town forever just as Zan did.
I enjoyed this story, and, I highly recommend, not only this book, but the entire series.
July 17, 2017
This is book four in the One and Only series. It can be read as a standalone, but I wouldn't so you can get the whole experience and dynamic. This is Mackenzie “Mac” Walker’s and Alexander “Zan” Elliott. A great second chance romance more than ten years in the making.
Mac is the oldest sister in the Walker family. She has been in love with Zan forever. He is her one and only. He is an honorary member of the family. “The Brother of Heart”. He is close to the oldest Walker, Brett when he dragged him home one afternoon.
Mac is a strong and confident woman, owns her own business and has watched her siblings meet and fall in love with their soul-mates. Though not always an easy road. In life, though nothing worthwhile comes easy. She is the mother hen of the family. The female head of the family and she need to be sure everyone is taken care of, without even thinking about how she is.
Zan, like I said brother at heart is in love with Mac, but afraid. He is strong beautiful, and rugged and couldn't wait to leave the mountain. So he does and now he is back for a Walker wedding. When he sees Mac it all comes crashing back. Zan came home to settle his grandfather's estate and believes his short homecoming will be met with people happy to see him. Not the anger that he gets.
There is so much push and pull in this book. There were ups and downs, good times, scary times and happy, sexy times. Mac and Zan have so much sexual tension between the two of them, I thought you could cut it with the knife. Now, what I thought was great was there was a secondary story moving along within Zan and Mac’s. That was Tilda and Ash. Tilda works for Mac and is more than a boss to her. I loved Tilda and Ash.
Tilda is a strong willed woman who thinks she isn’t good enough for the rich and well to do Ash. They met back in May and she never expected to see him again. I was met with a shock with their story that I didn’t see coming.
I liked the writing and pace and the author had a good plot. I loved the Walkers and Zan as well. They are easy to fall in love with. They will suck you in and not let go of your heart. You will feel the struggle and pain they go through. Now if I’m being honest, I was not a fan of Zan in the very beginning, though Mac did pull to me. Then, Zan grew on me when I heard his story. I completely got him. My heart hurt for him a bit.
This was a great way to end the series and I am sad to see them go.
Mac is the oldest sister in the Walker family. She has been in love with Zan forever. He is her one and only. He is an honorary member of the family. “The Brother of Heart”. He is close to the oldest Walker, Brett when he dragged him home one afternoon.
Mac is a strong and confident woman, owns her own business and has watched her siblings meet and fall in love with their soul-mates. Though not always an easy road. In life, though nothing worthwhile comes easy. She is the mother hen of the family. The female head of the family and she need to be sure everyone is taken care of, without even thinking about how she is.
Zan, like I said brother at heart is in love with Mac, but afraid. He is strong beautiful, and rugged and couldn't wait to leave the mountain. So he does and now he is back for a Walker wedding. When he sees Mac it all comes crashing back. Zan came home to settle his grandfather's estate and believes his short homecoming will be met with people happy to see him. Not the anger that he gets.
There is so much push and pull in this book. There were ups and downs, good times, scary times and happy, sexy times. Mac and Zan have so much sexual tension between the two of them, I thought you could cut it with the knife. Now, what I thought was great was there was a secondary story moving along within Zan and Mac’s. That was Tilda and Ash. Tilda works for Mac and is more than a boss to her. I loved Tilda and Ash.
Tilda is a strong willed woman who thinks she isn’t good enough for the rich and well to do Ash. They met back in May and she never expected to see him again. I was met with a shock with their story that I didn’t see coming.
I liked the writing and pace and the author had a good plot. I loved the Walkers and Zan as well. They are easy to fall in love with. They will suck you in and not let go of your heart. You will feel the struggle and pain they go through. Now if I’m being honest, I was not a fan of Zan in the very beginning, though Mac did pull to me. Then, Zan grew on me when I heard his story. I completely got him. My heart hurt for him a bit.
This was a great way to end the series and I am sad to see them go.
July 15, 2017
It's been ten years, but when Alexander "Zan" Elliott walked back into Mackenzie "Mac" Walkers life it felt like a punch to the gut as the emotions swept over her.
Ten years ago Zan walked out and never made any promises that he'd be back, effectively taking Mac's heart with her. He may not have made any promises to return, but with each year he was away a postcard would arrive from an unknown destination, with no return address, signed only -Z.
Mac had not way of reaching out to him, no way of truly closing off the past, and he made sure she never forgot him. She hated him for it.
So when Zan Elliot came waltzing back into town Mackenzie Walker had a few choice words for him. She was no longer a love sick teenager. She was a woman with a mind of her own and she planned to tell him what she thought of him and his leaving and especially his postcards.
Zan left ten years ago, a promise he'd made to his grandfather to leave the mountain. Zan has traveled the world and now that his grandfather had passed, he was back to settle the estate. Zan wasn't sure how long he planned to stay, but one thing was certain, he wanted Mac for as long as he could have her.
Ten years wasn't long enough to squash the burning desire he left behind when he left Blue Arrow Lake. She may be a woman and not the young teenager he left behind, but he was still drawn to her like a moth to a flame. If only his family secrets didn't hurt her and her family during his stay maybe he wouldn't break her heart when he left this time.
This second chance love story is filled with family and is the fourth in the One and Only series. I hadn't read the previous three books, but I had no trouble jumping right in and following along.
Along with Zan and Mac's story there is a second storyline involving a second chance love story weaved in. It involves the couple, Tilda Smith and Ash Robbins. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story just as much as reading Zan and Mac's. Their second chance at love is somewhat similar, but they are younger which means they have different problems to face in regards to if they want to be together.
Reading both stories simultaneously was a big reminder when it comes to age difference. A few years makes all difference when it comes to life decisions and whether it is the right time to make them. A teenager with school or just beginning life has huge obstacles before them, where as a young twenty-four or twenty-five year old is just that much more of an adult. Excellent job Christie Ridgway.
Ten years ago Zan walked out and never made any promises that he'd be back, effectively taking Mac's heart with her. He may not have made any promises to return, but with each year he was away a postcard would arrive from an unknown destination, with no return address, signed only -Z.
Mac had not way of reaching out to him, no way of truly closing off the past, and he made sure she never forgot him. She hated him for it.
So when Zan Elliot came waltzing back into town Mackenzie Walker had a few choice words for him. She was no longer a love sick teenager. She was a woman with a mind of her own and she planned to tell him what she thought of him and his leaving and especially his postcards.
Zan left ten years ago, a promise he'd made to his grandfather to leave the mountain. Zan has traveled the world and now that his grandfather had passed, he was back to settle the estate. Zan wasn't sure how long he planned to stay, but one thing was certain, he wanted Mac for as long as he could have her.
Ten years wasn't long enough to squash the burning desire he left behind when he left Blue Arrow Lake. She may be a woman and not the young teenager he left behind, but he was still drawn to her like a moth to a flame. If only his family secrets didn't hurt her and her family during his stay maybe he wouldn't break her heart when he left this time.
This second chance love story is filled with family and is the fourth in the One and Only series. I hadn't read the previous three books, but I had no trouble jumping right in and following along.
Along with Zan and Mac's story there is a second storyline involving a second chance love story weaved in. It involves the couple, Tilda Smith and Ash Robbins. I thoroughly enjoyed reading their story just as much as reading Zan and Mac's. Their second chance at love is somewhat similar, but they are younger which means they have different problems to face in regards to if they want to be together.
Reading both stories simultaneously was a big reminder when it comes to age difference. A few years makes all difference when it comes to life decisions and whether it is the right time to make them. A teenager with school or just beginning life has huge obstacles before them, where as a young twenty-four or twenty-five year old is just that much more of an adult. Excellent job Christie Ridgway.
July 7, 2017
I give One Love 5 stars for making me happy. I went through many emotions with Mac and Zan from being peeved to extreme happiness and many in between. I felt her pain in his abandonment and his in the loss of his family. I felt their resistance to letting the other in but most of all I felt the happiness once they truly discovered their path. I felt sorry they lost ten years but sometimes you need separation to discover what the heart wants.
Christie Ridgway is a new author to me even though she has been around for some time. Her writing style is great, her characters strong, and the story line was very good.
A new fire is sparked as Zan and Mac rekindle their relationship as sex buddies.
It is definitely not cold in the snowy mountains surrounding beautiful Blue Arrow Lake. With all the push and pull between these two, either a fire will brew or a storm will come through. Which will it be?
Mackenzie "Mac" Walker is pretending to enjoy her brother's wedding when her long-lost first love, Zan Elliott, puts his arms around her at the reception. When he disappears, she figures she imagined it. For the last ten years she's become tough skinned so she could get over her loss. One look at Zan softens her heart and sets her pulse racing. He will only be in the area for a short period of time so she won't admit the she's still in love with him. Is she just fooling herself?
Alexander "Zan" Elliott has to take care of his grandfather's estate at Blue Arrow Lake and then he will be on his way. When he's reunited with the Walkers again, and especially Mac, he is reminded of his childhood. But because love means loss to him, he thinks getting close to Mac will only bring hurt to both of them. That doesn't stop him from wanting her. Will he give in to temptation?
One Love is a contemporary romance novel about lost love, wanting what the heart wants, and pushing past your boundaries. This couple have their issues but in the end, their love wins out.
This is a great standalone novel not to be missed.
Christie Ridgway is a new author to me even though she has been around for some time. Her writing style is great, her characters strong, and the story line was very good.
A new fire is sparked as Zan and Mac rekindle their relationship as sex buddies.
It is definitely not cold in the snowy mountains surrounding beautiful Blue Arrow Lake. With all the push and pull between these two, either a fire will brew or a storm will come through. Which will it be?
Mackenzie "Mac" Walker is pretending to enjoy her brother's wedding when her long-lost first love, Zan Elliott, puts his arms around her at the reception. When he disappears, she figures she imagined it. For the last ten years she's become tough skinned so she could get over her loss. One look at Zan softens her heart and sets her pulse racing. He will only be in the area for a short period of time so she won't admit the she's still in love with him. Is she just fooling herself?
Alexander "Zan" Elliott has to take care of his grandfather's estate at Blue Arrow Lake and then he will be on his way. When he's reunited with the Walkers again, and especially Mac, he is reminded of his childhood. But because love means loss to him, he thinks getting close to Mac will only bring hurt to both of them. That doesn't stop him from wanting her. Will he give in to temptation?
One Love is a contemporary romance novel about lost love, wanting what the heart wants, and pushing past your boundaries. This couple have their issues but in the end, their love wins out.
This is a great standalone novel not to be missed.
July 12, 2017
I loved reading One Love by Christie Ridgway is book four in her One and Only series. This is Mac (Mackenzie) Walker’s story. Mac is the oldest sister who runs who own business, Maids by Mac. Over the last ten years she has received 117 postcards from Zan, her first love.
Zan is Alexander Elliot who returns after a ten year absence to manage his late grandfather’s estate. Zan was forced to live with his grandfather as a child after his family died in an airplane crash. Brett, the eldest Walker, invited Zan into the world of his family. Zan spent most of his time at the Walker home, feeling loved, hanging with Brett and Mac, and just growing up. At some point Zan and Mac became a couple, loving each other as only teens are capable of, until Zan flees the area to travel around the world.
Although Mac still cares for Zan she has major trust issues due to the way he left, or deserted her. Zan is surprised that the chemistry still exists between them. Both wonder what now. Zan has always believed that you lose the ones you love because of the way he lost his family. He reasoned that by leaving Mac before losing her was the best. Now he is no longer certain that is true.
Mac’s sisters remind Zan he is a “Brother of the Heart” and needs to accept that he will always have the Walker as family. Mac does her part to make sure that Zan knows she will always be his emergency contact. Zan wants to leave yet can he really leave Mac again.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller, making me feel as if I was right there in Blue Arrow Lake. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Mac and Zan, Mac learning to trust and Zan learning to accept that he won’t always lose what he loves. Although this book is part of a series it is a standalone story. I definitely recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
Zan is Alexander Elliot who returns after a ten year absence to manage his late grandfather’s estate. Zan was forced to live with his grandfather as a child after his family died in an airplane crash. Brett, the eldest Walker, invited Zan into the world of his family. Zan spent most of his time at the Walker home, feeling loved, hanging with Brett and Mac, and just growing up. At some point Zan and Mac became a couple, loving each other as only teens are capable of, until Zan flees the area to travel around the world.
Although Mac still cares for Zan she has major trust issues due to the way he left, or deserted her. Zan is surprised that the chemistry still exists between them. Both wonder what now. Zan has always believed that you lose the ones you love because of the way he lost his family. He reasoned that by leaving Mac before losing her was the best. Now he is no longer certain that is true.
Mac’s sisters remind Zan he is a “Brother of the Heart” and needs to accept that he will always have the Walker as family. Mac does her part to make sure that Zan knows she will always be his emergency contact. Zan wants to leave yet can he really leave Mac again.
Ms. Ridgway is a wonderful story teller, making me feel as if I was right there in Blue Arrow Lake. I truly enjoyed this book and had trouble putting it down. I enjoyed seeing the changes in Mac and Zan, Mac learning to trust and Zan learning to accept that he won’t always lose what he loves. Although this book is part of a series it is a standalone story. I definitely recommend this book to other readers.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
July 13, 2017
This is the fourth book in the series. Mackenzie Walker, the oldest sister of the Walker clan, has watched as her two younger sisters, her older brother and even her cousin fall in love and are either married or soon will be. While this is Mac's story, her boisterous family is always near and present.
Mac has loved Zan, her one and only, since big brother Brett dragged him home one day and the whole family embraced him as "a brother of the heart". As they got older, Mac and Zan did more then just embrace, and they became a ,mountain legend. But he always said that he would leave the mountain after college and when he did, Mac recently found out, he let all the eligible men know that she was his.
He has been gone for 10 years, without any contact, except sending 117 postcards from around the world with only his initial Z written on them. After three broken engagements, becasue they weren't Zan, she has become lonely and built a wall around her heart. She has trust issues, because Zan left and never looked back. But now he is back, crashing Brett and Angelica's wedding reception. He has come back to settle his grandfather's affairs. He wants to pick up with Mac, though he has made it clear that he is not staying. The reader wants to shake him or smack him on the side of his head, because it is clear to everyone else that he loves Mac, but to him, love means loss and everything ends.
We find out why he was living with his grandfather when growing up, why he felt he had to leave, what ghosts he has been running from and what he has been doing for the past ten years. Will he get his epiphany about what the Walker family and especially Mac have always been to him before it is too late? Don't worry, everyone gets their HEA, including Mac's employee, Tilda with Zan's assistant, Ash. I have loved every book that I have read from this author, and this one is no exception. I read a free ARC for an honest review.
Mac has loved Zan, her one and only, since big brother Brett dragged him home one day and the whole family embraced him as "a brother of the heart". As they got older, Mac and Zan did more then just embrace, and they became a ,mountain legend. But he always said that he would leave the mountain after college and when he did, Mac recently found out, he let all the eligible men know that she was his.
He has been gone for 10 years, without any contact, except sending 117 postcards from around the world with only his initial Z written on them. After three broken engagements, becasue they weren't Zan, she has become lonely and built a wall around her heart. She has trust issues, because Zan left and never looked back. But now he is back, crashing Brett and Angelica's wedding reception. He has come back to settle his grandfather's affairs. He wants to pick up with Mac, though he has made it clear that he is not staying. The reader wants to shake him or smack him on the side of his head, because it is clear to everyone else that he loves Mac, but to him, love means loss and everything ends.
We find out why he was living with his grandfather when growing up, why he felt he had to leave, what ghosts he has been running from and what he has been doing for the past ten years. Will he get his epiphany about what the Walker family and especially Mac have always been to him before it is too late? Don't worry, everyone gets their HEA, including Mac's employee, Tilda with Zan's assistant, Ash. I have loved every book that I have read from this author, and this one is no exception. I read a free ARC for an honest review.
July 18, 2017
This is the first book I have read by this author, and while it is book 4 in the series I did not at all feel lost while reading, so very much a stand alone. This book is about Mackenzie Walker the oldest sister of the family and her long lost love from 10 years ago Alexander (Zan) Elliott.
He gave her no notice other then he was leaving in the morning and that was 10 years ago, and all she heard from him was in 117 postcards from his world travels with only Z written on them. I think heartbroken is not extreme enough for how she has felt. It really has shaped her future.
When Zan gets back to town and see Mac he can't help but want to fall back into what they once had. The problem is, Mac has changed and grown and she isn't as willing to open her heart to him again, besides he isn't planning to stay. But neither can deny the feelings that they still harbor for the other, especially Mac as she doesn't want to get her heart obliterated again when he leaves.
This really is a book of both of their demons in a way and how to overcome them. Zan has a lot to get over from the death of his family, and she hasn't recovered from being left behind. But you can see the chemistry just blowing up the pages of this book and can't help but want for the happy ending for them together. There were times I just started crying and didn't even realize I was that was how well written this story was.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I couldn't get into the second love story that was thrown into this book. While it was people both Mac and Zan knew, I just never felt their connection and I liked them as secondary characters, but just couldn't get into them as the "love story" when that was being told.
But I would definitely try another book by this author as I do overall really enjoy the writing style.
He gave her no notice other then he was leaving in the morning and that was 10 years ago, and all she heard from him was in 117 postcards from his world travels with only Z written on them. I think heartbroken is not extreme enough for how she has felt. It really has shaped her future.
When Zan gets back to town and see Mac he can't help but want to fall back into what they once had. The problem is, Mac has changed and grown and she isn't as willing to open her heart to him again, besides he isn't planning to stay. But neither can deny the feelings that they still harbor for the other, especially Mac as she doesn't want to get her heart obliterated again when he leaves.
This really is a book of both of their demons in a way and how to overcome them. Zan has a lot to get over from the death of his family, and she hasn't recovered from being left behind. But you can see the chemistry just blowing up the pages of this book and can't help but want for the happy ending for them together. There were times I just started crying and didn't even realize I was that was how well written this story was.
The only reason I didn't give it 5 stars is because I couldn't get into the second love story that was thrown into this book. While it was people both Mac and Zan knew, I just never felt their connection and I liked them as secondary characters, but just couldn't get into them as the "love story" when that was being told.
But I would definitely try another book by this author as I do overall really enjoy the writing style.
July 18, 2017
It must be hard to write related characters that belong to a series-each one must be even more amazing than the next, and you must always keep the reader wanting to know more and more about everything about the family-including where they are from. I can count on one hand how many family series I have given 5 stars too-and Christie Ridgeway now takes a spot on that list.
I loved this book-and every other book before it. I loved hearing about the mountains, their mother and father, and the characters' childhood. Zan and Mac were a couple when they were younger, but Zan left Mac high and dry to travel the world and be a part of a putting together documentaries. Zan's parting gift when he left the mountain was to ward every man away from Mac even though he no longer had any claim on her. After three failed engagements, because, lets face it-the men weren't Zan, Mac is thrown for a loop when Zan comes back into town years later to settle his grandfathers estate. As the two rekindle their romance-we are also introduced to Mac's employees romance-with Ash, who works along side of Zan. I have to admit-at first I didn't like how there was essentially two different couples in this book, but I ended up loving Tilda and Ash's story just as much, if not more than Mac and Zan.
There is a definite slow burn between the couples when they first see each other again-and it makes you want to read faster and faster to get to the point in which they finally put their egos aside and fall back into love with each other. It's worth the firework display of emotions when the couples finally realize they're truly meant to be together.
You'll want to read this series over and over again! And that's exactly what I plan on doing-I'm definitely a Walker fan for life! - By Victoria
I loved this book-and every other book before it. I loved hearing about the mountains, their mother and father, and the characters' childhood. Zan and Mac were a couple when they were younger, but Zan left Mac high and dry to travel the world and be a part of a putting together documentaries. Zan's parting gift when he left the mountain was to ward every man away from Mac even though he no longer had any claim on her. After three failed engagements, because, lets face it-the men weren't Zan, Mac is thrown for a loop when Zan comes back into town years later to settle his grandfathers estate. As the two rekindle their romance-we are also introduced to Mac's employees romance-with Ash, who works along side of Zan. I have to admit-at first I didn't like how there was essentially two different couples in this book, but I ended up loving Tilda and Ash's story just as much, if not more than Mac and Zan.
There is a definite slow burn between the couples when they first see each other again-and it makes you want to read faster and faster to get to the point in which they finally put their egos aside and fall back into love with each other. It's worth the firework display of emotions when the couples finally realize they're truly meant to be together.
You'll want to read this series over and over again! And that's exactly what I plan on doing-I'm definitely a Walker fan for life! - By Victoria
July 16, 2017
What a wonderful end to the Walker saga! Mac Walker has watched each of her siblings struggle, fall in love & start a new life with their significant other. Ten years ago she had her chance but Zan walked out of her life. Every time she starts to recover, another postcard arrives with no message, just the initial Z. She's decided she'll be alone forever because she isn't going to open her heart again.
Zan has come back to Blue Arrow Lake after his grandfather died to settle up the estate. He expects to be welcomed back with open arms & can't figure out why the Walkers are a little cold & standoffish. After all, they were like family before he left. Why can't he pick up where he left off with them all, especially Mac?
This is a book of second chances. Zan has a second chance to make things right with Mac. This is the first character that the author has developed that I didn't love from the beginning. Zan is very self absorbed. He left 10 years before & warned guys to stay away from "his" girl with no thought about what is was going to do to Mac or her life. He acts like the postcard he sends is his way of staying in touch but it didn't allow the Walker family anyway to get in touch with him. Mac tried to stay away from him & act cold to him. She just couldn't resist the chemistry & her own nature. She was everyone's caretaker. I really enjoyed Tilda & Ash's storyline also. This was a great way to end the series.
Zan has come back to Blue Arrow Lake after his grandfather died to settle up the estate. He expects to be welcomed back with open arms & can't figure out why the Walkers are a little cold & standoffish. After all, they were like family before he left. Why can't he pick up where he left off with them all, especially Mac?
This is a book of second chances. Zan has a second chance to make things right with Mac. This is the first character that the author has developed that I didn't love from the beginning. Zan is very self absorbed. He left 10 years before & warned guys to stay away from "his" girl with no thought about what is was going to do to Mac or her life. He acts like the postcard he sends is his way of staying in touch but it didn't allow the Walker family anyway to get in touch with him. Mac tried to stay away from him & act cold to him. She just couldn't resist the chemistry & her own nature. She was everyone's caretaker. I really enjoyed Tilda & Ash's storyline also. This was a great way to end the series.
August 26, 2017
This is the fourth of the stories in the series and finishes the Walker stories with Mackenzie, the oldest. Christie Ridgway has a way of writing that keeps you coming back for more and surprises you each time. The stories are always fun to read and never seem to duplicate the stories so that you can predict how things will happen, yet you also know the HEA will come!
Mackenzie Walker doesn’t need a man, doesn’t trust them and has no use for them much. She was dumped by her high school sweetheart without any explanation yet she could never seem to forget him. So there is never going to be another man in her life. Until he shows up ten years later at her brother’s wedding.
Alexander Elliot, or Zan, travelled the world after he left Blue Arrow Lake. He is back now to sell his grandfather’s house and get the love of his life back. Only she wants nothing to do with him and avoids him at all costs. He knows he can’t stay but he’s hoping she will go with him. So he settles for them to be friends with benefits until he can figure it out.
This is a delightful twist on most of the stories where you know for sure how it will end but you read it anyway. I enjoyed each and every story in the series and you will too!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.
Mackenzie Walker doesn’t need a man, doesn’t trust them and has no use for them much. She was dumped by her high school sweetheart without any explanation yet she could never seem to forget him. So there is never going to be another man in her life. Until he shows up ten years later at her brother’s wedding.
Alexander Elliot, or Zan, travelled the world after he left Blue Arrow Lake. He is back now to sell his grandfather’s house and get the love of his life back. Only she wants nothing to do with him and avoids him at all costs. He knows he can’t stay but he’s hoping she will go with him. So he settles for them to be friends with benefits until he can figure it out.
This is a delightful twist on most of the stories where you know for sure how it will end but you read it anyway. I enjoyed each and every story in the series and you will too!
I received an ARC from the author for an honest and unbiased review. No compensation was promised or received for this review.
July 9, 2017
One Love by Christie Ridgway is the fourth book in the One & Only -Cabin Fever Series. I have not read the other books in the series so I was a little lost as to who all the characters were but I tried my best to place them as the story went on.
Mac Walker is a bridesmaid at her brother’s wedding. While there, Mac thinks she sees her high school sweetheart, Zan, whom she has never moved on from. Their love is legendary around town.
After Zan left town ten years ago to get rid of his demons and became a world traveler, he is back to take care of some family issues. And see the love of his life, Mac, again.
This was an interesting second chance romance. Zan made it perfectly clear to everyone, that Mac was off limits. Yet Mac never had any idea where Zan was, what he was doing, except for the postcards he sent her from time to time.
When both Mac and Zan realize the attraction is still there after all of these years, are they strong enough to fight it or return to the happiness they once had? Will Mac risk her heart for the man who will leave her once again?
One Love was a sweet, second chance romance. I would suggest reading the other three books prior to this so you can understand better what is going on.
Mac Walker is a bridesmaid at her brother’s wedding. While there, Mac thinks she sees her high school sweetheart, Zan, whom she has never moved on from. Their love is legendary around town.
After Zan left town ten years ago to get rid of his demons and became a world traveler, he is back to take care of some family issues. And see the love of his life, Mac, again.
This was an interesting second chance romance. Zan made it perfectly clear to everyone, that Mac was off limits. Yet Mac never had any idea where Zan was, what he was doing, except for the postcards he sent her from time to time.
When both Mac and Zan realize the attraction is still there after all of these years, are they strong enough to fight it or return to the happiness they once had? Will Mac risk her heart for the man who will leave her once again?
One Love was a sweet, second chance romance. I would suggest reading the other three books prior to this so you can understand better what is going on.
July 12, 2017
Oh boy did this book give me all the feels. I cried huge tears of sadness, acceptance, love, heartbreak and joy. The deep feelings were sucked out of my soul and, I think, out of my tear ducts!
This is the fourth book about the four siblings, Mac, Brett, Shay and Poppy along with their partners; such a lovely family, the Walkers are so strong. We get to catch up with the weddings of Shay and Poppy and all the details of their lives. This is predominantly Mac and Zan's story, although I feel like I got a bonus story with the love life of Mac's employee, Tilda, and her love interest, Ash. They are all very endearing characters.
So much goes on in this family. Mac (Mackenzie) is the eldest sister in the family and she feels like she needs to be the one who has to hold them all together. I really love her character, she is outwardly strong but inwardly I feel that she's barely holding on; especially when her ex, Zan, comes back into their lives up on their very own mountain. They both have so many hidden feelings and emotions it churned my stomach with the stress of it all. I was so invested in their lives that I couldn't put the book down (Dinner was very late today.)
I feel like I could read about this entertaining family every day, it is an excellent series.
This is the fourth book about the four siblings, Mac, Brett, Shay and Poppy along with their partners; such a lovely family, the Walkers are so strong. We get to catch up with the weddings of Shay and Poppy and all the details of their lives. This is predominantly Mac and Zan's story, although I feel like I got a bonus story with the love life of Mac's employee, Tilda, and her love interest, Ash. They are all very endearing characters.
So much goes on in this family. Mac (Mackenzie) is the eldest sister in the family and she feels like she needs to be the one who has to hold them all together. I really love her character, she is outwardly strong but inwardly I feel that she's barely holding on; especially when her ex, Zan, comes back into their lives up on their very own mountain. They both have so many hidden feelings and emotions it churned my stomach with the stress of it all. I was so invested in their lives that I couldn't put the book down (Dinner was very late today.)
I feel like I could read about this entertaining family every day, it is an excellent series.
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