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Drew Paresky runs smack into a large cowboy at the hardware store where she’s buying supplies in her desperate attempt to restore the most derelict B&B in the world. To her surprise, the cowboy, Ray Malory, apologizes to her and helps her haul the stuff home.
Drew isn’t from Riverbend–at least, she’s never been there, even if her grandfather owned the B&B he left her in his will. If she doesn’t fix up the place and turn it around within the year, she’ll lose not only the land but the money her grandfather left her.
Ray’s help is a godsend, but Drew’s not sure whether her growing attraction to him is wise. She’ll fix up the B&B, inherit her money, and return to Chicago, where her life is. Drew can’t afford to set down in roots in Riverbend, Texas, and she certainly can’t afford to lose her heart. Can she?
Note to reader: Events in the first half of this book happen concurrently with events in Kyle (Riding Hard, Book 6).
Drew isn’t from Riverbend–at least, she’s never been there, even if her grandfather owned the B&B he left her in his will. If she doesn’t fix up the place and turn it around within the year, she’ll lose not only the land but the money her grandfather left her.
Ray’s help is a godsend, but Drew’s not sure whether her growing attraction to him is wise. She’ll fix up the B&B, inherit her money, and return to Chicago, where her life is. Drew can’t afford to set down in roots in Riverbend, Texas, and she certainly can’t afford to lose her heart. Can she?
Note to reader: Events in the first half of this book happen concurrently with events in Kyle (Riding Hard, Book 6).
209 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 6, 2019
135 people are currently reading
569 people want to read
About the author
Jennifer Ashley
215 books7,335 followersNY Times Bestselling author Jennifer Ashley writes historical, contemporary, and paranormal romance, historical mysteries, and urban fantasy as Jennifer Ashley, Allyson James, and Ashley Gardner.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
Jennifer's novels have been translated into many different languages, and earned starred reviews from Booklist and Publisher's Weekly. More about her books at http://www.jenniferashley.com and http://gardnermysteries.com.
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August 1, 2019August 6, 2019 release! In e-book, print, and audio.
See http://www.jenniferashley.com/jennife...
The story parallels Kyle's for about the first half--you see what Ray has been up to when he disappears from Kyle's book!
See http://www.jenniferashley.com/jennife...
The story parallels Kyle's for about the first half--you see what Ray has been up to when he disappears from Kyle's book!
October 1, 2019
Single mom inherits a rundown B&B from her grandfather. But his will stipulates that she must restore the B&B and have paying customers within a year or she loses everything. With no money she's determined to tackle the task and make a new life for her and her daughter - then a quiet cowboy in the hardware shop offers to help …
There was nothing wrong with this, maybe the lack of romantic tension made this more of a meh than a yeah for me. I found the character of Ray just a bit boring and the villain was just too much like a cardboard cut-out. I suspect Jennifer Ashley also found Ray a bit boring because we also saw three other couples get together in the book, as if she didn't think Ray was interesting enough on his own.
A pleasant read but not one I'm likely to read again.
There was nothing wrong with this, maybe the lack of romantic tension made this more of a meh than a yeah for me. I found the character of Ray just a bit boring and the villain was just too much like a cardboard cut-out. I suspect Jennifer Ashley also found Ray a bit boring because we also saw three other couples get together in the book, as if she didn't think Ray was interesting enough on his own.
A pleasant read but not one I'm likely to read again.
August 6, 2019
Two lonely souls starting over -- a peaceful story of finding home. This wonderfully crafted story is a strong steady journey to meeting impossible expectations, her grandfathers, and going back to your roots and belonging.
We met Ray, the elder Mallory brother in the previous story of his brother Kyle. Ray is a bull rider with his brother Kyle who have been running the family ranch, training horses & a small herd of cattle, since he was fifteen. What they win they put back into the ranch. Kyle is home healing from his last ride and Ray's taking his turn at taking care of the ranch. He collides with Drew Paresky at the feed store getting doused with drywall joint compound. He quickly learns he's met the new girl in town who's trying to fix the dilapidated bed & breakfast left to her by her grandfather, old man Paresky. He left her the inn in his will with the condition if she can get it up and running in a year she can have the trust fund he set aside for her. It's a tall order and Ray quickly finds she needs help. He likes her so being the neighborly rancher he is, he offers to help.
Drew is starting over, the grandfather she's never met left her this derelict, but it's a way to get away from Chicago and her controlling brother-in-law Jules. She's a librarian and widower with a 12 year old daughter Erica. Chicago was full of gangs and Drew wants away and find a better way of life. She expects rejection as an outsider and instead she's welcomed and encouraged. Ray becomes a steady rock, introducing her to the town, teaching her how to renovate the inn by working beside her, quietly finding her money and people to help. I just loved his strong steady character. This isn't an emotionally explosive story but the other side of love, quiet and slowly building. Such a lovely story of Ray finding his home in Drew as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
We met Ray, the elder Mallory brother in the previous story of his brother Kyle. Ray is a bull rider with his brother Kyle who have been running the family ranch, training horses & a small herd of cattle, since he was fifteen. What they win they put back into the ranch. Kyle is home healing from his last ride and Ray's taking his turn at taking care of the ranch. He collides with Drew Paresky at the feed store getting doused with drywall joint compound. He quickly learns he's met the new girl in town who's trying to fix the dilapidated bed & breakfast left to her by her grandfather, old man Paresky. He left her the inn in his will with the condition if she can get it up and running in a year she can have the trust fund he set aside for her. It's a tall order and Ray quickly finds she needs help. He likes her so being the neighborly rancher he is, he offers to help.
Drew is starting over, the grandfather she's never met left her this derelict, but it's a way to get away from Chicago and her controlling brother-in-law Jules. She's a librarian and widower with a 12 year old daughter Erica. Chicago was full of gangs and Drew wants away and find a better way of life. She expects rejection as an outsider and instead she's welcomed and encouraged. Ray becomes a steady rock, introducing her to the town, teaching her how to renovate the inn by working beside her, quietly finding her money and people to help. I just loved his strong steady character. This isn't an emotionally explosive story but the other side of love, quiet and slowly building. Such a lovely story of Ray finding his home in Drew as well.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 12, 2019
It's Ray's turn at last! This author has such great character and world building going on it's like we already know them fairly well from their previous mentions in other books.
I really like Ray, he is more subtle but no less impressive then his brother Kyle and I like his quite way he goes about things. He just seem to slot into Drew's life with ease like he was meant to be there with her. Easing her path anyway he could.
Drew was great, as was her daughter Erica, just trying to make a go of a hard situation. I loved how accepting she was of Ray and that she could see his worth.
I'll admit at first I wasn't too sure how I was going to like this one seeing as how we were informed it ran the same time as the things happening in Kyle's book but honestly I didn't find it very repetitive at all. It was almost a fresh take on things and I enjoyed seeing them from Drew and Ray's POV's. It also had additional events play out that weren't in Kyle's book, which I am thankful for, it wasn't just Kyle's book regurgitated in a different POV, thank you for that!
A lot of mentions of the secondary characters like the Campbell men and their families but also the other Malory sister's, especially Lucy and the bold and interesting Karen. I liked we got snippets of them and their new relationships, I was hoping they may have got their own books but it was hard to tell if we wold get more from these characters, hope so!
Overall a great addition to a wonderful series, hopefully there are more to come!!!
I really like Ray, he is more subtle but no less impressive then his brother Kyle and I like his quite way he goes about things. He just seem to slot into Drew's life with ease like he was meant to be there with her. Easing her path anyway he could.
Drew was great, as was her daughter Erica, just trying to make a go of a hard situation. I loved how accepting she was of Ray and that she could see his worth.
I'll admit at first I wasn't too sure how I was going to like this one seeing as how we were informed it ran the same time as the things happening in Kyle's book but honestly I didn't find it very repetitive at all. It was almost a fresh take on things and I enjoyed seeing them from Drew and Ray's POV's. It also had additional events play out that weren't in Kyle's book, which I am thankful for, it wasn't just Kyle's book regurgitated in a different POV, thank you for that!
A lot of mentions of the secondary characters like the Campbell men and their families but also the other Malory sister's, especially Lucy and the bold and interesting Karen. I liked we got snippets of them and their new relationships, I was hoping they may have got their own books but it was hard to tell if we wold get more from these characters, hope so!
Overall a great addition to a wonderful series, hopefully there are more to come!!!
June 29, 2020
(Parts of this outing take place simultaneously to Kyle, so some lifts are used.) New to town divorcee Drew Parensky, inherited a dilapidated B&B from her grandfather. No strings but chains are attached that include Drew renovating and making a profit within a year before the B&B is actually her inheritance.
Ray Malory’s struck dumb when he and Drew meet at the local hardware and charmed by Drew’s pre-teen daughter when he helps Drew get her supplies home and stays to rescue a stray. Attracted to each other and shyly building memories, Ray makes a habit of hurrying through his own ranch work before sneaking off to help at Drew’s.
This is book six of the series and a bit sappy but still a fun visit with now favorite characters. Overall, each book is a standalone and the referenced couples and singles only have cameos in the other books.
Rating: 3.75stars
Ray Malory’s struck dumb when he and Drew meet at the local hardware and charmed by Drew’s pre-teen daughter when he helps Drew get her supplies home and stays to rescue a stray. Attracted to each other and shyly building memories, Ray makes a habit of hurrying through his own ranch work before sneaking off to help at Drew’s.
This is book six of the series and a bit sappy but still a fun visit with now favorite characters. Overall, each book is a standalone and the referenced couples and singles only have cameos in the other books.
Rating: 3.75stars
August 9, 2019
I have loved all the books in this series for different and individual reasons. I have been anxiously awaiting Ray's story and it was totally worth my wait. This may go down as one of my favorites in the series. My most memorable/favorite book is usually the first book I read from a series, well, just because its the first book. Not in this case. Ray and Drew hold a special place on my bookshelf! He is a cowboy to swoon over but is humble and kind and sweet. Drew and her daughter are new in town and while they aren't helpless they need all the help in the world. The two meet in such a funny way, you will turn the pages quickly to see just how this romance unfolds. No spoiler alerts, but this book was full of all the warm and fuzzy feelings with a sprinkle of mystery from the past, and well-developed characters and their story lines.
August 18, 2019
A great addition to the Riding Hard series. Drew and Ray's story began in Kyle, Riding Hard #7, with the wonderful conclusion in this book.
Drew had no clue what she was getting into when she moved to her grandfather's B&B, a man she never knew. She had an impossible task in order to meet the requirements of his will. Renovate and open for business with a tight timeline and no money. A chance meeting in the hardware story has Ray dusting off drywall powder and falling for Drew as everything in her hands crashes to the floor.
Community support, family love, and a bright future made this an enjoyable read. Drew becoming independent and standing up for herself her late husband's brother was the icing on the cake. She may have been knocked down in Chicago but she is standing tall at the Blue Bonnet Inn Bed & Breakfast.
Drew had no clue what she was getting into when she moved to her grandfather's B&B, a man she never knew. She had an impossible task in order to meet the requirements of his will. Renovate and open for business with a tight timeline and no money. A chance meeting in the hardware story has Ray dusting off drywall powder and falling for Drew as everything in her hands crashes to the floor.
Community support, family love, and a bright future made this an enjoyable read. Drew becoming independent and standing up for herself her late husband's brother was the icing on the cake. She may have been knocked down in Chicago but she is standing tall at the Blue Bonnet Inn Bed & Breakfast.
June 2, 2020
Ray is one of the good guys! We saw him earlier in Grant’s story, and you knew then he was a good guy, but he really shines with Drew. Sweet, patient, earnest, and caring, he is also strong, resilient, and stalwart, see, a good guy. Drew needs a good guy because she has been struggling for years. These two have a nice slow burn and a sweet romance, with some wonderfully exuberant bedroom antics as well. Set over the course of a year, many people in town get set-up and settled down as Ray and Drew fall further in love, and it was perfect!
August 4, 2019
This is the 7th book in the Riding Hard series. I love reading Jennifer Ashley's books they never disappoint. If you haven't read her books I highly recommend them.
August 6, 2019
Love a great happy ever after and a story with a bit of humour and love
August 9, 2019
Loved it! I know this series has been about the men, but I'd love to know what will happen with Lucy and Karen!
August 16, 2019
3.5 stars
April 2, 2020
4.0 overall stars
Couple 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Plot 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story 3.75 🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Sex 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Series 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Couple 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Plot 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Story 3.75 🌟🌟🌟⭐️
Sex 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
Series 4.0 🌟🌟🌟🌟
December 12, 2020
I enjoyed reading.
August 7, 2019
A Delightful Discovery!!!
Ray the oldest of the Malory siblings had been helping a single mother renovated her late grandfather's B&B. They first encounter was an interesting turn of events. She was new to Riverbend even though her family was from there, this was Drew's first time. He was intrigued by her.
Drew Paresky took over the old B&B out on the western road of Riverbend. With the help of the sexy, calm and oh so adorable Ray Malory (not a word many would use to describe him). Things have been looking up ever since, he walked into her life. But if they don't finish their endeavor within a year, she could lose everything, her land and the money her grandfather left her in his will.
It would break her daughter Erica's heart and neither her or Ray would let that happened. The man always kept his promises when it came to her and her little one. The bond between the three of them kept growing stronger and stronger as well as their own with the Campbells, the Malorys and the entire town.
Half of this book was happening in the background in conjunction with Kyle's story. We finally got all the glory details about why Ray was disappearing and what he had been up to. As Drew was making progress someone from her past was hellbent on ruining things for her. What that evil person didn't know was that she had lots of people in her corner now caused she was one of them, a Riverbender.
It was great to see Lucy come home even though it was to mend a broken heart. Catching up with old characters and meeting new ones was always a delightful treat.
RAY is the seventh book in Jennifer Ashley's RIDING HARD series. What a beautiful, fun, passionate and amazing journey. Wonderful job by Jennifer Ashley. I'm going to miss to series very much. Please give it a try, you guys won't regret it. Two thumbs up!
Ray the oldest of the Malory siblings had been helping a single mother renovated her late grandfather's B&B. They first encounter was an interesting turn of events. She was new to Riverbend even though her family was from there, this was Drew's first time. He was intrigued by her.
Drew Paresky took over the old B&B out on the western road of Riverbend. With the help of the sexy, calm and oh so adorable Ray Malory (not a word many would use to describe him). Things have been looking up ever since, he walked into her life. But if they don't finish their endeavor within a year, she could lose everything, her land and the money her grandfather left her in his will.
It would break her daughter Erica's heart and neither her or Ray would let that happened. The man always kept his promises when it came to her and her little one. The bond between the three of them kept growing stronger and stronger as well as their own with the Campbells, the Malorys and the entire town.
Half of this book was happening in the background in conjunction with Kyle's story. We finally got all the glory details about why Ray was disappearing and what he had been up to. As Drew was making progress someone from her past was hellbent on ruining things for her. What that evil person didn't know was that she had lots of people in her corner now caused she was one of them, a Riverbender.
It was great to see Lucy come home even though it was to mend a broken heart. Catching up with old characters and meeting new ones was always a delightful treat.
RAY is the seventh book in Jennifer Ashley's RIDING HARD series. What a beautiful, fun, passionate and amazing journey. Wonderful job by Jennifer Ashley. I'm going to miss to series very much. Please give it a try, you guys won't regret it. Two thumbs up!
February 9, 2023
Awe what a great feel good read
I love this series and I loved Ray's book. He reminds me a little of Carter, strong, silent and broody. It made my heart feel good that he found someone who loved him back after what Christina put him through. I think this might be my fave. Both he and Drew seemed a little gun shy where it came to relationships especially after why they both went through. But Drew taking on a huge project of restoring her Grandfathers B&B showed her determination and strength and Ray was right there with her. You felt the attraction from their first encounter and watched it progress. Great Great Read.
I was a little disappointed when I didn't see anything about an upcoming read. I was hoping we would see a date for Hal or Jack's books but nope nothing. I hope we'll hear something soon. I'm so curious about who they'll end up with. Lucy and Karen maybe.
I love this series and I loved Ray's book. He reminds me a little of Carter, strong, silent and broody. It made my heart feel good that he found someone who loved him back after what Christina put him through. I think this might be my fave. Both he and Drew seemed a little gun shy where it came to relationships especially after why they both went through. But Drew taking on a huge project of restoring her Grandfathers B&B showed her determination and strength and Ray was right there with her. You felt the attraction from their first encounter and watched it progress. Great Great Read.
I was a little disappointed when I didn't see anything about an upcoming read. I was hoping we would see a date for Hal or Jack's books but nope nothing. I hope we'll hear something soon. I'm so curious about who they'll end up with. Lucy and Karen maybe.
November 2, 2019
I absolutely love this series, and this book is no different. Ray is an awesome man. Just tired of the Buckle Bunnys, and empty one night stands. He gets a lot more than he ever dreamed of when Drew and her daughter enter not only his town but his. Such a great read with amazing heart felt characters. The story mostly follows Ray and Drew, but characters from past books make an appearance making the story just that much better. But to my great surprise there are other fun couples mentioned. The town stays together and has each others back, and Drew and her daughter are amazed and thrilled to be a part of it. HEA that just wraps it up with a smile on my faceand begging for more.
April 25, 2022
Fun and sexy
The town had ready begun talking about her when Ray literally ran into her..Drew had inherited her grandfather's B and B and was working to fix it up. Together with her daughter Erica they had the town's focus...and now Ray's. The B and B was a disaster, Drew was working under a deadline, and a past that haunted her....but Ray couldn't stop himself from helping...Campbell's, Mallorys, and some ancient Town history, are the backdrop for a slow burning passion...great read!
The town had ready begun talking about her when Ray literally ran into her..Drew had inherited her grandfather's B and B and was working to fix it up. Together with her daughter Erica they had the town's focus...and now Ray's. The B and B was a disaster, Drew was working under a deadline, and a past that haunted her....but Ray couldn't stop himself from helping...Campbell's, Mallorys, and some ancient Town history, are the backdrop for a slow burning passion...great read!
August 8, 2019
Ray is humorous while also having a serious side
I enjoyed Ray's story immensely. I also like how it overlaps with his brother Kyle's book. This series has been a favorite of mine and I really hate to see if end. Though maybe if we are lucky, we will get Lucy and Karen's stories in the future.
I enjoyed Ray's story immensely. I also like how it overlaps with his brother Kyle's book. This series has been a favorite of mine and I really hate to see if end. Though maybe if we are lucky, we will get Lucy and Karen's stories in the future.
September 19, 2019
Good read
A true love story. They meet, they're intrigued, they're attracted, they have lots of foreplay and then some sex, and then they fall in love. But amid it all, there is some mystery, a little threat, and loads of love and laughter. The characters are realistic and warm. Highly recommend.
A true love story. They meet, they're intrigued, they're attracted, they have lots of foreplay and then some sex, and then they fall in love. But amid it all, there is some mystery, a little threat, and loads of love and laughter. The characters are realistic and warm. Highly recommend.
February 21, 2020
One of my favorite authors.
This is a smart sexy book And Jennifer Ashley is 1 of my favorite authors every time I read 1 of her books it transports me to another time I do enjoy being able to be young and happy and in love all over again every time I read 1 of her books I feel like I'm transported to another place another age and another chance to find happiness.Great book.
This is a smart sexy book And Jennifer Ashley is 1 of my favorite authors every time I read 1 of her books it transports me to another time I do enjoy being able to be young and happy and in love all over again every time I read 1 of her books I feel like I'm transported to another place another age and another chance to find happiness.Great book.
April 9, 2024
Love is in the air
I want to visit Riverbend Texas just to see what could happen and to meet all these characters in this series. Better yet, I want to live there. If only. Oh well, back to the real world and onto Jennifer's next in the Riding Hard series. Each book in the series is worth the read.
I want to visit Riverbend Texas just to see what could happen and to meet all these characters in this series. Better yet, I want to live there. If only. Oh well, back to the real world and onto Jennifer's next in the Riding Hard series. Each book in the series is worth the read.
April 13, 2024
Ray and the whole series are typical of Jennifer Ashley's writing - superb. Each page is a turn ove and to read her books means you have to set aside a fair amount of time to put aside because once you start read you cannot wait to see what happens next! She is a brilliant author in all genres she writes in and I just love her stories.!
Lyndy
Lyndy
August 6, 2019
Loved this series
I loved all the books of the Riding Hard series. I don't even think I can pick a favourite. I would love to see a book about Lucy and also Karen with Jack - now they would be hot. Here's hoping.
I loved all the books of the Riding Hard series. I don't even think I can pick a favourite. I would love to see a book about Lucy and also Karen with Jack - now they would be hot. Here's hoping.
September 25, 2024
Nice ending to a fun series
I so enjoyed all the characters from all the previous series’ books being a strong part of this book and without overriding the two main characters Ray and Drew. A lovely and slow developing romance that made sense all the way to the end of the book.
I so enjoyed all the characters from all the previous series’ books being a strong part of this book and without overriding the two main characters Ray and Drew. A lovely and slow developing romance that made sense all the way to the end of the book.
March 27, 2020
Nice romantic
Ray and Drew are a couple destined to find love. They both have the gifts to achieve their goals but lack spark to do it. Then they meet and sparks fly as life breathes anew.
Ray and Drew are a couple destined to find love. They both have the gifts to achieve their goals but lack spark to do it. Then they meet and sparks fly as life breathes anew.
May 24, 2021
Good series
I have really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Riverbend. It's especially gratifying to see the rivals from earlier books finally get their own happily ever afters. I can't wait to see what happens next.
I have really enjoyed getting to know the residents of Riverbend. It's especially gratifying to see the rivals from earlier books finally get their own happily ever afters. I can't wait to see what happens next.
December 31, 2023
3-1-19 - / Will need to request from library.
Oct 2023 read with Libby. Love this series.
Oct 2023 read with Libby. Love this series.
August 9, 2019
Wonderful
Each book in the series gets better and better. I loved Ray's quiet strength and his caring for Free and Erica. I highly recommend this book
Each book in the series gets better and better. I loved Ray's quiet strength and his caring for Free and Erica. I highly recommend this book
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews