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Sunnybell #2
The Return
With beating hearts and bated breath...
Ashley Montoya was in love with Mack McLeroy in high school--until he broke her heart. When an accident brings him back home to Sunnybell to recover, Ashley's determined to avoid him, but Mack can't stay away. And the more she's with him, the more she can't help but to fall into his embrace...
BookShots Flames
Original romances presented by JAMES PATTERSON Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to stop reading
Ashley Montoya was in love with Mack McLeroy in high school--until he broke her heart. When an accident brings him back home to Sunnybell to recover, Ashley's determined to avoid him, but Mack can't stay away. And the more she's with him, the more she can't help but to fall into his embrace...
BookShots Flames
Original romances presented by JAMES PATTERSON Novels you can devour in a few hours Impossible to stop reading
122 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2016
184 people are currently reading
692 people want to read
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October 20, 2016This was a miss for me. It was a good lesson though. Just because I see a free book on Bookbub by an author that I had read and enjoyed in the past doesn't mean the current book will be a good fit for my tastes. The other book I had read by this author was cute, unique, and didn't hit my pet peeves. Sadly, this book was not cute, nor unique and did hit some of my major pet peeves. I don't mean this review as a rant. I mean this as a warning for others like me that might want to know after reading other books by this author that you might want to check closely to make sure this one will work for you too.
The first thing that should have warned me off was the premise. It's a second chance story and those are very hit or miss for me. First of all, the past issue can't be too bad or I have a hard time getting past it in the present time. Second of all, the past issue must be appropriately groveled by the one who did wrong, if in fact it was due to something that needs to be forgiven. In this story, the past incident is sufficiently bad that I couldn't really get past it, especially since there seemed to be no groveling or really any sorry feelings on the part of our hero other than saying he decided to
Yuck! Furthermore, he doesn't seem all that bothered about his past behavior that was only 5 years ago. I would need to see way more growth from a guy than I did with this so-called-hero to ever feel like I could get past this. I didn't see that growth. He still seemed like a hormonal adolescent. His biggest regret seemed to be because she was the prettiest girl in the area rather than real remorse. At least that is how it came across to me.
In the present he came across as self centered and whiny. He seems to think about himself first and it's his default postion. Not only are we supposed to buy into the premise that he's a changed man despite no evidence to that (and probably more evidence that says he's not changed that much), but we're also supposed to believe that suddenly he falls in love with the heroine. There was no real supporting evidence to say why that happened other than she was hot. And she falls in love with him. All the past is forgiven because he was sort of nice to her couple of times in the present, though not that nice in my opinion. No grovel for the past bad deed. He seemed to be a pretty entitled manwhore- one of my most hated tropes in books.
There was nothing unique, cute or fun about this book for me which is a huge disappointment after the other book I'd read by this author. That book had been so good that I'd though for sure I found an author that I could read again and again. As a matter of fact, I'd been thinking about buying a book by her recently when I came across this free book. This book was so different that I'd never believe it was the same author if I didn't see both books under her author page. This is a good lesson that just because you like one book by an author doesn't mean your tastes will line up for others. At least I found out at no cost.
The first thing that should have warned me off was the premise. It's a second chance story and those are very hit or miss for me. First of all, the past issue can't be too bad or I have a hard time getting past it in the present time. Second of all, the past issue must be appropriately groveled by the one who did wrong, if in fact it was due to something that needs to be forgiven. In this story, the past incident is sufficiently bad that I couldn't really get past it, especially since there seemed to be no groveling or really any sorry feelings on the part of our hero other than saying he decided to
Yuck! Furthermore, he doesn't seem all that bothered about his past behavior that was only 5 years ago. I would need to see way more growth from a guy than I did with this so-called-hero to ever feel like I could get past this. I didn't see that growth. He still seemed like a hormonal adolescent. His biggest regret seemed to be because she was the prettiest girl in the area rather than real remorse. At least that is how it came across to me.
In the present he came across as self centered and whiny. He seems to think about himself first and it's his default postion. Not only are we supposed to buy into the premise that he's a changed man despite no evidence to that (and probably more evidence that says he's not changed that much), but we're also supposed to believe that suddenly he falls in love with the heroine. There was no real supporting evidence to say why that happened other than she was hot. And she falls in love with him. All the past is forgiven because he was sort of nice to her couple of times in the present, though not that nice in my opinion. No grovel for the past bad deed. He seemed to be a pretty entitled manwhore- one of my most hated tropes in books.
There was nothing unique, cute or fun about this book for me which is a huge disappointment after the other book I'd read by this author. That book had been so good that I'd though for sure I found an author that I could read again and again. As a matter of fact, I'd been thinking about buying a book by her recently when I came across this free book. This book was so different that I'd never believe it was the same author if I didn't see both books under her author page. This is a good lesson that just because you like one book by an author doesn't mean your tastes will line up for others. At least I found out at no cost.
April 13, 2017
Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup.
Amazon: http://amzn.to/2mQKlWr
Yall know I'm a sucker for a cowboy. Add in that this is by Erin Knightley (one of my local ladies) and I was in! I'd been in a bit of a reading slump and The Return hit the spot.
The quick of it is that Mack was in a really bad rodeo accident and has ended up back home injured and broke and desperately needing his ex's help. Something she's not all that inclined to offer since he really fucked up good when they were teens-- I was NOT pleased with him, yall. Anywho. A bargain is made--she'll help him out with his problem-- losing his sponsor, her uncle-- if he'll help her get some connections in the rodeo world.
I had fun with Mac and Ashley for the most part. They have a nice spark between them even if it's full of snark and growls a lot of the time. Yeah, there are some serious hurt feelings to get past. And having to work so closely together to get her ready for competition and then travel...whew some petty and childish could slip out now and again. That was in turns really funny and really annoying. lol But I still liked them together and seeing them wear each other down and start up something new. It was a quickie and got me back reading so I really can't complain. And, Mack won me over in the end with some really sweet gestures that had me forgiving his stupid teenage self.
September 2, 2018
2.5 stars. I just didn’t connect with the characters on this one.
Also, I shouldn’t have to google barrel racing/riding to find out what this is. A little explanation/world building would have been nice too!
Also, I shouldn’t have to google barrel racing/riding to find out what this is. A little explanation/world building would have been nice too!
October 28, 2016
Cute Short story
This was a very cute short story. (SPOILERS MIGHT BE BELOW)
This story had some great potential but then it ended!! Like all the sudden. I was hoping that the book would go into more detail on why he cheated on her and then the ending was so sudden. But over all a cute quick read.
This was a very cute short story. (SPOILERS MIGHT BE BELOW)
This story had some great potential but then it ended!! Like all the sudden. I was hoping that the book would go into more detail on why he cheated on her and then the ending was so sudden. But over all a cute quick read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2017
THE RETURN
Ashley and Mack are both competitive and in the rodeo business but one gets hurt while the other has just dreams to begin again with til things start getting heated and them things start going in the other direction... Who needs who and for what... Does this have a happy ending or does life take them in different directions... Hope you find these answers and many more when you read this great book...
Ashley and Mack are both competitive and in the rodeo business but one gets hurt while the other has just dreams to begin again with til things start getting heated and them things start going in the other direction... Who needs who and for what... Does this have a happy ending or does life take them in different directions... Hope you find these answers and many more when you read this great book...
December 29, 2021
De esos libros que te sirven para desestresarte un rato, cortos, divertidos y a lo que van. Y si les gusta el estilo del oeste en sus lecturas, este libro es para ti.
November 5, 2016
I loved this second chance romance about an injured star bull rider and a barrel racer that finally wants her chance to compete and shine. Mac broke Ashley's heart back in high school in a big way, and she isn't in a hurry to forgive him. Ashley's uncle holds Mac's advertising contract, which has just been broken due to Mac's injury & long time healing process. He wants her to talk to her uncle & she agrees, as long as Mac helps her train & break in to the circuit. Needless to say, the sparks still fly, but Ashley has trust issues. Loved the way this played out! It felt like a full length story in a novella format.
December 10, 2017
A so-so love story. The main characters were a bit 1 dimensional, I never really felt like I cared whether or not they were happy. I felt like there could have been more attention to detail with regard to the setting to help draw in the reader more. I wanted to know more about the bull riding and barrel racing worlds. There was too much focus on the main characters' wants, and because of it it was a bit bland to read. I found myself skim reading to just get to the end.
October 28, 2016
Absolutely nothing special, this book was barely worth the read as a free e-book. I thought I would try the author and the new Bookshots, but I found the read rather annoying as Ashley and Jake seemed to dislike and reject each other almost the entire way and then got together fast with no believable growth or chemistry. Just a hollow story.
February 6, 2017
Mack McLeroy's star was quickly rising in the professional rodeo circuit until a horrific fall from a bull nearly killed him. Faced with the loss of income and sponsorships, and unsure if he'll even be able to recover sufficiently to return to competition, Mack returns home to Sunnybell, Texas. If he can convince his old high school girlfriend, Ashley Montoya, to use her influence as the niece of his biggest sponsor to save his gig, he might just be able to salvage his dreams of rodeo fame. The only thing he didn't count on was Ashley's ability to hold a grudge...
Following the humiliation of discovering her boyfriend Mack cheating on her, Ashley Montoya was forced to set aside her teenage heartbreak and grow up fast when she became her ALS-stricken mother's primary caregiver. Despite the intervening years she was not ready to forgive Mack when he showed up on her doorstep asking for a favor, until the spark of an idea resurrects her long-cherished dream of becoming a competitive barrel racer. She'll help Mack with his sponsorship woes but only if he'll first use his contacts to help establish her career on the professional rodeo circuit. What neither counted on was the enforced proximity reawakening feelings each though long buried, calling into question the hard-fought dreams each holds dear.
Last year I read Learning to Ride , the first Sunnybell novella and Knightley's first foray into contemporary romance. While I enjoyed it, I had some issues with the unhappy career woman trope and the hook-up between the hero and heroine which felt forced, lacking the characterization I'd come to expect from Knightley's historicals. The Return is a much stronger and more enjoyable contemporary offering. If Knightley continues to pen contemporaries of this ilk I'll happily follow this line of her career trajectory with interest.
I love a good second chances romance, and Ashley and Mack are well drawn characters, sketched with Knightley's trademark warmth and nuance. I did feel that their ages were somewhat deceptive -- Ashley and Mack have each lived a LOT of life for early twentysomethings, and their respective voices often translated older and more world weary than their actual ages on the page. That minor issue aside, is a much stronger contemporary offering from Knightley. There is history in this romance, believable romantic tension, and organic conflict, making this short offering an entertaining, satisfying way in which to while away a few hours. While I suspect I'll always gravitate towards Knightley's historicals first, she's proving to be increasingly adept at penning enjoyable contemporaries, and I look forward to seeing this series continue.
Following the humiliation of discovering her boyfriend Mack cheating on her, Ashley Montoya was forced to set aside her teenage heartbreak and grow up fast when she became her ALS-stricken mother's primary caregiver. Despite the intervening years she was not ready to forgive Mack when he showed up on her doorstep asking for a favor, until the spark of an idea resurrects her long-cherished dream of becoming a competitive barrel racer. She'll help Mack with his sponsorship woes but only if he'll first use his contacts to help establish her career on the professional rodeo circuit. What neither counted on was the enforced proximity reawakening feelings each though long buried, calling into question the hard-fought dreams each holds dear.
Last year I read Learning to Ride , the first Sunnybell novella and Knightley's first foray into contemporary romance. While I enjoyed it, I had some issues with the unhappy career woman trope and the hook-up between the hero and heroine which felt forced, lacking the characterization I'd come to expect from Knightley's historicals. The Return is a much stronger and more enjoyable contemporary offering. If Knightley continues to pen contemporaries of this ilk I'll happily follow this line of her career trajectory with interest.
I love a good second chances romance, and Ashley and Mack are well drawn characters, sketched with Knightley's trademark warmth and nuance. I did feel that their ages were somewhat deceptive -- Ashley and Mack have each lived a LOT of life for early twentysomethings, and their respective voices often translated older and more world weary than their actual ages on the page. That minor issue aside, is a much stronger contemporary offering from Knightley. There is history in this romance, believable romantic tension, and organic conflict, making this short offering an entertaining, satisfying way in which to while away a few hours. While I suspect I'll always gravitate towards Knightley's historicals first, she's proving to be increasingly adept at penning enjoyable contemporaries, and I look forward to seeing this series continue.
October 23, 2016
I read this book for a challenge, looking for a lighthearted western themed romance. It started out alright with a foreword written by James Patterson, but then things took a dive. This book could have been much better if A) Mack wasn't such an immature jerk. B) The author had included a few more background details so I wasn't constantly pulled out of the story. And finally, C) Included a heroine that had a speck of common sense. I could also rant about research, such as warming up a horse before a barrel race, but it won't help this disaster of a relationship, or (ultimately) the book.
Add an abrupt ending and you have a perfectly dysfunctional romance. If you like cheaters who return to their ex out of a selfish (monetary) and shallow (has to be seen with the pretty girl) need. This is your book!
I do think the author has potential. Her writing flows well, she just needs time to learn her craft, research her subjects and fine-tune the details. Maybe short stories are not her niche. I may give her another try if I run across a longer book.
Add an abrupt ending and you have a perfectly dysfunctional romance. If you like cheaters who return to their ex out of a selfish (monetary) and shallow (has to be seen with the pretty girl) need. This is your book!
I do think the author has potential. Her writing flows well, she just needs time to learn her craft, research her subjects and fine-tune the details. Maybe short stories are not her niche. I may give her another try if I run across a longer book.
June 3, 2017
Romantic, adventure around the rodeo circuit! Loved it!
I fell in love with star-crossed lovers Ashley and Mack... and you will too. In this light-hearted, dramatic, romantic adventure, their lives are complicated by something that happened in their teens, becoming even more complex when they meet again.
What happens to bull-rider Mack on the rodeo circuit that sends him back to his hometown? How does his life mesh with Ashley's when she goes for her ambition to be a champion barrel-racer?
Everyone who loves cowboys and cowgirls will love this story of true love overcoming horrendous obstacles.
Highly recommended...
Reviewed by Betty Dravis, June 3, 2017
Author of "The Search for Bobby McGee"
I fell in love with star-crossed lovers Ashley and Mack... and you will too. In this light-hearted, dramatic, romantic adventure, their lives are complicated by something that happened in their teens, becoming even more complex when they meet again.
What happens to bull-rider Mack on the rodeo circuit that sends him back to his hometown? How does his life mesh with Ashley's when she goes for her ambition to be a champion barrel-racer?
Everyone who loves cowboys and cowgirls will love this story of true love overcoming horrendous obstacles.
Highly recommended...
Reviewed by Betty Dravis, June 3, 2017
Author of "The Search for Bobby McGee"
August 29, 2019
Mack McLeroy is a champion bull rider or was until he was thrown and trampled. He plans to be back riding in six months but learns that his contract has been cancelled. He goes to his old flame Ashley Montoya and asks her to talk to her uncle who is CEO of his sponsor. She agrees on several conditions. She wants to be a barrel racer and wants him to help her get into the competitive field. He agrees and is stunned when he sees how good she is. He also realizes what a jerk he had been toward her and wants her to give him another chance.
She sees he is still a big flirt with the women who follow the rodeo riders and doesn't know whether she can trust him or not. She realizes she loves him. He loves her and tells her in words as well as action.
She sees he is still a big flirt with the women who follow the rodeo riders and doesn't know whether she can trust him or not. She realizes she loves him. He loves her and tells her in words as well as action.
March 21, 2022
3'5 🌟
«Lo que pasa en Dallas, se queda en Dallas».
Una lectura increíblemente ligera, dulce y sexy. Ha sido una muy buena historia, con una aventura romántica y dramática que realmente he disfrutado mucho. Me ha gustado que no se trate solo de romance, sino también del crecimiento de los protagonistas. Y sobre todo me ha encantado la parte en la que crecen juntos como ellos mismos y como pareja.
También me encanta cómo se desarrolla la historia aún siendo tan corta. No hay muchos giros en la trama, solo uno sutil. Pero me gusta la forma en como progresó. Aunque sea una historia con cliché sigue siendo un romance diferente.
«Lo que pasa en Dallas, se queda en Dallas».
Una lectura increíblemente ligera, dulce y sexy. Ha sido una muy buena historia, con una aventura romántica y dramática que realmente he disfrutado mucho. Me ha gustado que no se trate solo de romance, sino también del crecimiento de los protagonistas. Y sobre todo me ha encantado la parte en la que crecen juntos como ellos mismos y como pareja.
También me encanta cómo se desarrolla la historia aún siendo tan corta. No hay muchos giros en la trama, solo uno sutil. Pero me gusta la forma en como progresó. Aunque sea una historia con cliché sigue siendo un romance diferente.
November 20, 2016
Really enjoyed
I was slightly unsure of what to expect as so many short stories just feel like most of the story is missing, however, I really enjoyed this book. I feel there was plenty to it and the story was concluded, it didn't feel like it was just a chapter out of another book. It was a nice romance story, a bit predictable in places but hard not to be with a romance story.
I was slightly unsure of what to expect as so many short stories just feel like most of the story is missing, however, I really enjoyed this book. I feel there was plenty to it and the story was concluded, it didn't feel like it was just a chapter out of another book. It was a nice romance story, a bit predictable in places but hard not to be with a romance story.
December 31, 2016
Disappointing
I expected that something with James Patterson's name on it to be better. I didnt feel the characters nor the story line were well developed. The story wasnt bad, it just could have been better. This is the second book by Patterson and another author that has disappointed me.
I expected that something with James Patterson's name on it to be better. I didnt feel the characters nor the story line were well developed. The story wasnt bad, it just could have been better. This is the second book by Patterson and another author that has disappointed me.
January 31, 2018
I loved The Return. Ashley and Mack are great characters and I enjoyed their story. I'm new to bookshots and love the quick reads. The Authors writing was enjoyable and I'm looking forward to reading more of her books
I give The Return 5 stars for its feel good read.
I would recommend this book to romance fans.
I give The Return 5 stars for its feel good read.
I would recommend this book to romance fans.
October 25, 2016
As I was reading this BookShot (self-contained, compact story) I kept thinking I can totally see this as a movie on the Hallmark Channel. So if those are your types of TV movies, then this is your type of book!
October 29, 2016
Mack was a bull rider until he had a terrible accident. Now he's heading to get his strength back, he hopes. Ashley is a girl from his past but could help. But will she? Will the past cloud her from doing so.
August 20, 2018
Fun!
This was a quick and enjoyable read. It’s somewhat predictable for a romance, but not quite “boy meets girl (again), boy gets girl”. He’s got to work just a little harder this time around.
This was a quick and enjoyable read. It’s somewhat predictable for a romance, but not quite “boy meets girl (again), boy gets girl”. He’s got to work just a little harder this time around.
April 25, 2019
Really didn't take to this, might have if it had been longer but couldn't really stand the main character so probably not. She was just pretty horrible most of the time. Only really liked the last two chapters out of the 20.
February 7, 2020
The hero cheated in the past and doesn’t really apologize for it. It’s shrugged off as “I was a young horny teenager, I couldn’t help myself.” Blech.
I finished this because it was super short and I’m already behind on my challenge for this year, this will boost it by one 😜
I finished this because it was super short and I’m already behind on my challenge for this year, this will boost it by one 😜
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2020
Predictable and not exciting. Two thirds through the book I started reading first and last sentences of each paragraph just to get done. Not even a good beach read. Don’t waste your time as there are too many really good books waiting to be read.
February 22, 2021
Ashley Montoya was in love with Mack McLeroy in high school--until he broke her heart. When an accident brings him back home to Sunnybell to recover, Ashley's determined to avoid him, but Mack can't stay away. And the more she's with him, the more she can't help but to fall into his embrace...
May 10, 2021
This contemporary romance started off well, but it went downhill from there. The heroine is childish, petty and mean, and she got worse as the story continued. I honestly couldn't stand her, and I stopped reading the story at 67%.
November 24, 2024
Lo compre por qué me salió como en $20.
Cumple su función pero... podrían haberle puesto otras 50 hojas mas. Si le faltaban. Literalmente esto es como para una fila de banco te lo termina y ya quedó. Ni tiempo te da a pensar en tu personaje favorito o como es que se conocieron.
Cumple su función pero... podrían haberle puesto otras 50 hojas mas. Si le faltaban. Literalmente esto es como para una fila de banco te lo termina y ya quedó. Ni tiempo te da a pensar en tu personaje favorito o como es que se conocieron.
May 10, 2017
Best book by far this year!
June 19, 2017
Short, sweet and formulaic but sometimes that's just what I want!
July 4, 2017
Great story. Keep them coming.
It's great when you can achieve you goals no matter how long the wait. Like winning the lottery St the last minute purchase,
It's great when you can achieve you goals no matter how long the wait. Like winning the lottery St the last minute purchase,
August 18, 2017
Very quick read. Good love story, but goes around the same circle too many times.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews