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Montana Men #2

When It's Right

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Everything's bigger in Big Sky Country--including the hearts of the Montana Men.Wide-open sky, rolling green hills ... Gillian Tucker could get used to life in the country--one far from the violence she left behind in San Francisco. Warily accepting an invitation to the Montana ranch that belongs to her grandfather, a man she's never met, Gillian hopes this is the haven she seeks. A sexy, overbearing cowboy who shines a light on her well-hidden dreams is not at all part of her plans.Blake Bowden's reckless past is far behind him, and as a newly named co-owner of Three Peaks Ranch, he's not taking any chances ... until a beautiful, haunted woman arrives, igniting a desire he shouldn't feel. His partner's granddaughter is strictly off-limits. But the longer Gillian's there, the stronger the pull grows between them. And when a new danger surfaces, Blake will do anything to keep her safe ... even if it means risking everything for her heart.

1 pages, Audio CD

First published March 31, 2015

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About the author

Jennifer Ryan

48 books1,888 followers
Jennifer Ryan, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of The Hunted and McBrides Series, writes romantic suspense and contemporary small-town romances.

Jennifer lives in the San Francisco Bay Area with her husband and three children. When she isn’t writing a book, she’s reading one. Her obsession with both is often revealed in the state of her home, and how late dinner is to the table. When she finally leaves those fictional worlds, you’ll find her in the garden, playing in the dirt and daydreaming about people who live only in her head, until she puts them on paper.

Please visit her website at www.jennifer-ryan.com for information about upcoming releases.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 159 reviews
Profile Image for Jacqueline J.
3,565 reviews371 followers
March 25, 2015
Wow, I'm really going to have to disagree with all the rave reviews for this one.

Horses: First problem and one that is a BIG problem for me is lack of research. This book takes place on a ranch in Montana. But the horse details are simply ludicrous. I tried to overlook them but they just kept getting more and more egregious. A few examples: a two week old horse, like a two week old human, only drinks milk. There is no way that an experienced horse person would offer a foal a piece of apple. I taught horseback riding lessons as my sole profession for over 10 years. I don't care if she is a "natural", she learned to ride way too quickly. Also there is no way that within 2 months a person could ride well enough and understand horse psychology well enough to train race horses. And let's talk about race horses. Horses don't race at one year old. They are still babies. They have not finished growing. At that age they will still need to put on as much as a foot in height and their bones are not finished growing and their joints are not set. They simply cannot bear a person's weight at that point. So Boots did not race as a one year old. And the reason that he ended up so neglected by 3 was a little unrealistic. If he'd been being used as a stud as a 2 year old, another unlikely scenario but moderately possible, and his bloodlines were so good? Then it is unlikely that he would have been left to starve. He would have been sold or at least left out in a pasture with grass to eat. They're in Montana for heavens sake. It's not like it's crowded there. And if they left him in a small paddock with no food, explain to me how that happened in ranching country. I could go on and on but I'll finish up with no concrete details about an adequate set up for racing and an unlikely training scenario with the whole Ken thing. Sigh...

So what else didn't cut it for me?

Sappy: I should have been warned when the hero kept obsessing about her tiny feet when he saw her picture. That was just the tip of the almost purple prosy writing style. Some people like this style but it just doesn't work for me.

Insta love: I like love at first site as well as the next girl but it was pretty extreme here. Although gotta say I like this line. I took one look at you and my heart fell out of my chest and landed at your damn tiny feet." I just would have liked him to have kept that to himself for more than a week.

Irrational bad guy: Ken was way out there but not in a good, well written way. His motivations were just wonky. He's jealous of his boss because he doesn't get to train the good horses? At any racing stable I've ever heard of there is a head trainer. All the other trainers, if there are more, work under him/her and follow his direction. So just the suggestion that he could choose or demand to train a specific horse is unrealistic. I think they would have unloaded him for that insubordination alone. And then he just kept coming on to her in front of both his bosses who had already warned him about it. Was he insane? And then to think that he could attack the boss' granddaughter and think he has any realistic way to blackmail her into not telling? She should have just gone straight to her grandfather or Blake. And why didn't Justin tell? It was unrealistic that he wouldn't. He blabbed everything else. So Ken was just a caricature of a bad guy with OTT mustache twirling evilness.

4th wall: And finally the author broke the fourth wall. "You'd think she would blah blah blah..."
Profile Image for Nanci **Warning**IWasASailor⚓️MyMouthisDirty.
521 reviews163 followers
March 16, 2016
I really enjoyed book 4 so I decided "what the hell" let me just read the series. After book one I was sold. Yes! This series rocks, I really hate when I start celebrating to early.

This book, I didn't like and it's a shame because I was really looking forward to Blake's story. The heroine killed it, I was annoyed for most of the book. I even had to stop and put it away. Finally after a night of not sleeping I decided to just finish it.

Why is it a lot of times in books when a heroine has a troubled past and becomes a victim, she can't take what she has endured and rise above? Become stronger for it? Shape her into a kickass female that everyone wants to be?

Gillian was just frustrating. She played the whole, I can do this on my own, I need help from no one (even if I fall flat on my face, could end up severely hurt, homeless, & in danger) because my dad was a douche! I'm strong! Look at me here failing and drowning because I'm stupid and can't accept help from people who care. Ugh

Anyway, she bugged me. The storyline was also bleh. I was hoping with her dad's shady past, someone would be looking for her because of his sins. That would have kept me entertained. Here, the drama was a worker on her grandfather's farm that kept messing with her. She of course tells no one and keeps taking his threats and abuse and I was like ha???

He was a nobody and you can't tell your grandfather or boyfriend that this piece of shit is tormenting you?? It's not as if he had some juicy blackmail on her so she has no choice but to be closed lip.

Blake was just ok. He seemed to prissy to me. He lost the whole rugged cowboy. The man who gets hurt and rubs some dirt in it. He was mushy, and chased after Gillian like she Aphrodite herself. It didn't work for me.

Will I continue with the series, hmmmm maybe. I do want to read book 5, I just don't know if I'll read 3.

Profile Image for Big Joe  Rossi.
1,776 reviews50 followers
April 17, 2019
Gillian Tucker's life has been about 2 things, surviving and protecting her younger brother from their father. Now after a near tragic final run in with her father, she travels to Montana, to a ranch she's never been, to a Grandfather she has never met, to start over. To try and give her brother a childhood, not like hers. There she will need to quiet the demons of her life. To trust people she has never met in hopes of a positive future. Determined to do so for her brother but also ready to flee if need be. What she isnt ready for is a sexy cowboy who seems to see through her facade and her.

Blake Bowden worked the ranch for years now becoming a part owner of it, Three Peaks Ranch. When his boss/partner's granddaughter arrive he is thrown. First she has a young boy with him, they knew nothing about. Second, she is broken but strong. Third, she is gorgeous but off limits. He is determined to be there for her to protect her, to help her heal. Even if that means being friends, when his heart and soul scream for wanting more.

As she spends time on the ranch, she begins to trust, begins to heal, not as easily as her brother, but her brother was sheltered by her. These people will prove they are trust-able. They will work to show her she is worthy. Is strong. Is capable. But someone has their eyes on her, and may be willing to make trouble.

I really liked this one. Almost 5 starred it but I didnt love the ending, liked it a lot but didnt truly love it. id say 4.5 stars. Love Jennifer Ryan books, becoming a huge fan.
Profile Image for Lover of Romance.
3,712 reviews1,120 followers
March 9, 2015
Summary

Gillian Tucker, has suffered abuse and protecting her little brother at all costs from her father. But while protecting her brother from their fathers rages, she is forced to shoot him to save their lives. When her grandfather hears about the situation, he offers her a home, and since they have no other place to go, she realizes that she has no choice if she wants to keep her brother out of foster care. So injured, they both head to Montana to the Three Peaks Ranch. Blake, is the co-owner and foreman for the Three Peaks Ranch. When he meets Gillian, he is drawn to her determination and strength. But she is vulnerable and is determined to show her that there are some men that have honor. Gillian doesn't trust Blake or her grandfather, but soon she sees that they are nothing like her father, and soon she starts to find a place at the Ranch, and finding a passion in helping horses who have been abused. But will she let Blake love her as he wants to...

The Hero

Blake is one of the Bowden brothers, he once fell in love but she broke his heart, and has never trusted another woman since...but then he meets Gillian and he desires to prove himself to her. Blake is a simply wonderful hero, he is strong yet tender, a man of hard work and passion, He was such a sweet hearted man who I fell for from the beginning. I love the way he was with Gillian, and how he treats her. He doesn't pity her, but admires her for her inner strength of all the abuse she has had to suffer.

The Heroine

Gillian has never known love or affection from her parents. All she has known is abuse and has had to find her own way to protect and provide for herself. Then when her brother was born, she has done everything to protect him at all costs...even to herself. Gillian...oh my heart went out to her. She was such an endearing heroine, and she has gone through hell, and still has spunk and is a fighter. She has gumption and I just admired that. I loved seeing her become stronger and opening her heart to love and a real intimate relationship.

Plot and Story Line

When Its Right is the second book in the Montana Men series. This story was just as intense and emotionally driven as the first book was. It was a bit different, and deals with issues of abuse. The focus of the story is centered on Gillian and seeing her growth as a character. The romance does develop pretty quickly, there were a couple of moments it felt a bit rushed, but as I look at the story...not really. I really liked Blake and Gillian as a couple. We don't see much focus on Blake as much as Gillian...which I would have loved seeing more. We see how much that these two need each other. I loved having Justin (Gillian's brother) play a part in the story. He was charming and so adorable. I loved his blunt honesty and how he adds some depth to the story. What I loved most about When Its Right is seeing these two come together, and seeing the focus of overcoming past struggles of abuse. It definitely had a vividly real tone to the story that touches your heart. This is a story that isn't for the faint hearted. A love story of overcoming the painful past to embrace a good future.

Cover

It's a simple cover...but what a cover. Where can I find a simply cowboy like him?? He is sexy with just jeans and a t shirt...but he fills it out well.

Overall View

A tender and charming western romance, a love story of passion and how true love can heal the deepest of wounds. If you like a stimulating country romance...this one is for you. A western gem!!
Profile Image for ☕️Kimberly  (Caffeinated Reviewer).
3,555 reviews780 followers
March 31, 2015
When It’s Right by Jennifer Ryan is the second novel in the Montana Men series and folks I am lovin’ it. The series has a small-town vibe, a little heat and each book deals with a Bowden brother..Yee-ha! Ryan blends suspense into the tales and does it all in Big Sky country. I loved this as much as the first novel. My only struggle is deciding which brother I love more.

When It’s Right is part of a series, but each book works as a standalone and involves one brother. We were made aware of Gillian Tucker’s arrival to the Three Peaks Ranch in At Wolf’s Ranch, but no details were given other than she’d had some trouble. Whoa, baby has she ever.

I admired Gillian and connected immediately. I think most women will find her courageous. She is a little skittish and a whole lot of brave. Blake Bowden is co-owner of the ranch where Gillian’s grandparents reside. He handles the day to day managing of the horses and books. The man is F-I-N-E fine. The synopsis says he is overbearing but I disagree he is like a horse whisper for Gillian. A women whisper?!?

The romance had a nice slow build despite the immediate attraction. They begin with trust and friendship and it was so sweet seeing how gentle Blake was and watching Gillian come into her own. There is heat but it is very much-closed doors. I did not miss it, as the tender moments and delicious banter gave me the entire swoon I needed.

Secondary characters both old and new added depth and lent to the small-town charm I adore in these types of stories. We see Gabe and Ella from book one, along with Blake’s other brothers and parents. A certain adorable young man will make you smile and a ranch hand named Jeff needs a story. *hint Ms. Ryan*

Ryan weaves suspense into these stories adding a little danger and ramping up my enjoyment. The threat is realistically done and balances out the tale. It completely removes the “couple drama” typical in contemporary romances without overwhelming the story. It falls smack dab in-between the two genres and I want more.

If you have not tried the Montana Men series and love small-town contemporary romances and romantic suspense I encourage you to go, go forth and lose yourself to the Bowden brothers and When It's Right!

Copy provided by publisher This review was originally posted at Caffeinated Book Reviewer
Profile Image for Pamela .
1,438 reviews77 followers
April 9, 2015
So boring, so unrealistic, and so, so sappy. I'm being generous here giving this novel two stars. Far cry from book one which I really enjoyed.
Profile Image for Anna's Herding Cats.
1,274 reviews318 followers
March 25, 2018


Reviewed for herding cats & burning soup. (live on blog 4/25)
Amazon: https://amzn.to/2Gck9g3

When It's Right didn't hold any punches. The first half of the book did a number on me and held me in it's grip. It was awesome.

The Gist: Gillian has escaped a life of abuse and has been sent to her grandfather's ranch until she recovers. Thing is...she's never met him. Being around strange men...make her nervous. Her grandfather's right hand man...definitely makes her nervous but not in an entirely bad way.
Whew, yall. These characters.

Blake is a hero anyone would beg for. He's kind, generous, gentle. He has a way about him that just pulls you in and makes you feel safe. But he can be all yummy alpha male, too. He was just a kind heart.

And Gillian. Lordy. She's one tough chickie. The first half she was like a wounded feral cat. Couldn't handle kindness, didn't trust, just wanted to protect all her soft vulnerable parts even from those trying to help her. It was hard watching her struggle with her new situation and having people care about her. The girl doesn't give up, though.

The romance was fast but slow. They have an instant connection and attraction but because of what she's gone through it's half a step forward and three giant leaps backward for a while. It was sweet and touching and goodness once they get going had some nice heat, too.

My only issue--and why this didn't get a 5 which it sure felt like during the first half of the book--was the 20 year old heroine was just too good at EVERYTHING. She can fix a truck better than anyone on the ranch, she's better at doing the business's books and payroll than those doing them, she's a natural at riding horses and racing them and training them and doing a better job than the men who's job it is. It was just a bit much after a while and by the second half of the book I was rolling my eyes when she aced yet another thing her first go-round. lol

All in all, though. When It's Right was an incredibly touching read.
Profile Image for Steffi.
3,265 reviews180 followers
February 26, 2017
Nachdem mir schon der erste Teil der Montana Dreams Reihe so gut gefallen hatte, war ich sehr gespannt auf die Geschichte von Blake.

Schon im ersten Buch war mir Blake sehr sympathisch und in "seinem" Buch hat er seinen Charakter mehr als bestärkt. Es war einfach toll wie er sich um Gillian gekümmert hat, für sie da war und immer an ihrer Seiten stand.
Die Geschichte von Gillian ist wirklich heftig und ich fand es gut dargestellt wie sie mit ihrer Vergangenheit zu kämpfen hatte. Lediglich zum Ende hin ging es mir manchmal etwas schnell wie schnell sie Vertrauen gefasst hat.

Die Liebesgeschichte war wirklich toll und für jedes Romantikerherz geeignet. Auch das setting in Montana war wieder sehr gelungen.

Die Reihe ist absolut geeignet für gemütliche Lesestunden, egal ob eingekuschelt mit Decke im Winter oder am Strand im Sommer. In der Montana Dreams Reihe fühle ich mich schon jetzt zu Hause.
1,116 reviews23 followers
July 6, 2015
Gillian Tucker shot her father right before he threw her out a second story window. He died, she didn't. She was attempting to protect her five-year-old brother. Her father, a drug addict, alcoholic, and all round evil person, had been abusing his children for years. While Gillian had raised her brother from the time he was born and her only fourteen, she would do anything to keep Justin safe. When her father pulled a gun while stoned out of his mind, she had no choice but to defend herself. Now, if she wants to keep Justin with her, the social worker is recommending she go stay with her grandfather at his ranch in Montana. She's never met the man, knows nothing about him so she tells Justin they'll check it out and if their grandfather turns out to be anything like their father they'll go it on their own.

Blake Bowden is part owner of the Three Peaks Ranch. He also manages the place and handles all the paperwork. When Bud' s granddaughter arrives they can't believe the extent of her injuries or the fact she has a brother. Bud is thrilled but Blake sees the fear and uncertainty in her eyes and knows it's going to take some work on their parts before she'll trust them.

Gillian finds everything she could possibly want at the ranch. Her grandfather and his wife are wonderful people who shower both her and her brother with love and affection. Both she and Justin have found a home here. And then there's Blake. He takes Justin under his wing, teaches him to ride, wrestles with him, really becoming the big brother the boy never had. Blake's relationship with Gillian is more complicated. He's quickly falling for her but doesn't want to do anything to scare her away. The longer she's there the more she begins to relax believe she could have a future with Blake. There are some bumps in the road they have to overcome but both realize the other one is worth fighting for.

An excellent read. While I really enjoyed the first book in the series, I liked this one even more. Gillian was so young to have been through so much but she was strong and resilient, two points in her favor. She never gave up, never quit fighting for her brother but hadn't once thought of herself and what she wanted out of life. Not until she met Blake. When she was with him the possibilities seemed endless. Blake had always worked hard and figured he'd eventually settle down and raise a family but lately, since two of his brothers had taken the plunge, he'd been thinking more and more about it. When he meets Gillian all the pieces to a happy life seem to fall into place - if he can convince Gillian she's met her match in him.

Am really enjoying this series. Can't wait to read Dane' s story soon.
Profile Image for Simply Love Book Reviews.
7,046 reviews868 followers
March 30, 2015
JavaGirl's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews

Like the first book in the Montana Men series, I really liked both of the main characters, Blake and Gillian. Gillian and her little brother, Justin, move to Montana to live with the grandparents they've never met. After years of abuse and neglect at the hands of their drug-addicted father, they are finally able to live in a safe secure environment, surrounded by a loving, supportive family. A horse farm is the perfect place for Gillian and Justin to put the horrors of the past behind them and try to build new lives.

Overall, I enjoyed all aspects of this book--Blake and Gillian's love story, and the story of Justin and Gillian healing from the physical and emotional damage of the past and finding their places in their family. Gillian was a strong woman who had worked hard to protect and care for her brother. Her stubbornness, strength of character, and self-reliance had been the key to her and Justin surviving, but those traits made it difficult for her to accept help and to trust. I was expecting her stubbornness to put more obstacles in her path to recovery, but I was happy to be wrong. The gradual lowering of Gillian's protective walls was believable and kept the story moving forward at a good pace. Blake also had some baggage in the form of guilt from an old relationship. My fear that this would be a major stumbling block for him went unrealized. It would have been easy for Ms. Ryan to use both of these issues as obstacles in Blake and Gillian's relationship, but she didn't, which made me very happy.While there weren't a lot of twists and turns in the plot, it also wasn't completely predictable.

There were two rather nasty characters in the book with whom I had a bit of an issue. Ken, a belligerent ranch hand whose behavior should have resulted in his being fired, and Justin's teacher whose hostility toward Blake (and therefore, Gillian) didn't quite ring true to me. Neither, however, was bad enough to ruin the book for me.

As with the first book in the series, I had some minor issues, but it's a pleasant, enjoyable read--nothing groundbreaking, but a solid story, with likable characters,humor, emotion, and some steamy love scenes.

Review copy provided for an honest review.
Profile Image for Beth.
3,088 reviews303 followers
November 2, 2025
What would you do if the only one you could ever rely on was yourself? Gillian Tucker has been on her own as long as she can remember. Oh, she has a worthless and abusive father. The only reasons she is still around is to protect her defense little brother. When an altercation with her father leaves her beaten and almost destroyed Gillain must turn to complete strangers; her grandfather and his ranch, to keep her brother from being taken from her and put into the system.

Blake is Gillian's grandfather's right hand man at Three Peaks Ranch. When he sees the waif of a woman pull up in a dilapidated old truck every protective instinct explodes within him. He quickly realizes that Gillian is as skittish as an abused stallion and he's going to have to work for her trust. But everything inside him is screaming for that trust with Gillian.

When It's Right is a wonderful story of Gillian learning to live; her whole life she's been just surviving. Now, at Three Peaks Ranch Gillina finally has the opportunity to have a future.

I fell in love with the cast, Ryan story is infused with real emotions and heart felt struggles. When its Right is an utterly sweet and moving romance that you can' t help but have it touch your heart.

I found it to be the perfect contemporary romance read.

I received this ARC copy of When It's Right from Avon in exchange for a honest review. This book is set for publication March 31, 2015.

Profile Image for Lynsey A.
1,969 reviews
September 23, 2015
I was wishy washy about this one. At times I enjoyed it, other times it was just so so for me. I did really like the surprise birthday party scene and the proposal. Both were cute.

I enjoyed the first one more because it had more suspense to it than this one. This one didn't quite cut it for me.
Profile Image for Paula Legate.
Author 17 books25 followers
July 29, 2015
Ever once in awhile you read a book that deeply touches your soul. This was one of those books that I will remember forever. Several times throughout the story, I had to put the book down, long enough to wipe the tears from my eyes. As a child I was abused, and my broken spirit was healed by those that loved me. I could empathize with the struggles that Gillian faced. She was one beautiful, and strong heroine. I admire her for the person she became in the story.
Gillian, and her little brother Justine was abused by their father. The mother died when Gillian was 14. Gillian took care of her brother, and always protected him from the drunk, abusive dad. When her dad left her no choice, she ended up shooting him. He was going to shoot her, but she got the gun away from him, and knew she had to shoot, or he would kill her. After she shot him, he pushed her out a two story window before he died. She landed on top of a car. She lived but as you can imagine, she was hurt really bad. A grandfather she never knew she had, invited her to his ranch to live, and heal.
This was a beautiful story. It took time for Gillian to learn to trust others, and to know what love was, and to know she was loved. Justine, and Gillian had a real family for the first time. I loved Dee. She had married Bud Gillian's grandfather later in life. She was thrilled to be a grandma, and she had so much love in her big heart for everyone in her life. She was also a good cook.
This was also a romance between Gillian, and Blake. I loved the way Blake gave Gillian time, and space, but was always there for her. He was so patient. He also loved playing with Justine. I couldn't help but fall in love with his character. He was always giving Gillian her favorite foods, or giving her flowers. He was so thoughtful.
Sample from chapter 5 - When I was five, I used to think he'd come into my room and kill me one night in a drunken, doped-up rage. By the time I was ten, there were a lot of days and nights that I thought if he hit my mom or me one more time I might just kill him. When I was fourteen, I knew I'd lay down my life if he ever crossed the line. He knew the line, and he crossed it. He brought the gun, not me. I did what I had to do. He had a choice. He didn't give me one.
Sample from chapter 8 - "No one could pity you, Gillian. You've got guts and strength and a will and determination anyone would admire. I do. When I look at you I see -" "A dozen bruises, a broken arm, a sprained wrist and knee, and a baker's dozen stitched up glass cuts," she said sarcastically. " I see," He went on, ignoring her interruptions, " a woman with enough guts to take on raising a newborn baby. I see a woman who worked her ass off to graduate high school and work a part time job at whatever she had to, in order to feed and clothe her brother. I see a woman who thinks about a little boy's welfare in exclusion to her own. I see a woman who is fearless and took on a drugged out man with a gun in order to prevent him from hurting or killing a defenseless little boy. I see a woman who is fearless enough to put herself in the path of that man over and over again to spare her brother. I see a woman who is fearless enough to come to a new state, to a family member that she isn't sure will be decent to her, because she wants her brother to have a normal childhood, and she's hoping this is his shot. I see a woman who has enough guts to stick it out and see if it works, and who knows that if she has to turn around and leave, she'll do everything in her power to give that little boy that normal childhood even if it kills her. "I don't pity you, I have an overabundance of respect and admiration for you."

Sample from chapter 23 - Eager to be skin to skin with her, he playfully pushed her back on the bed. She landed with a bounce and a saucy smile on her lips. She wore her slinky sandals. He took each foot, pulled the shoes off, and dropped them to the floor. He worked off his socks and stood before her in nothing but his boxer briefs. Her eyes slid down his chest to his hard length. He hooked his thumbs in the waistband and slowly slid the boxers down his legs. The heat in her eyes scorched him.
Profile Image for Tina ♥ Bookaholic.
952 reviews133 followers
May 2, 2017
https://martinabookaholic.wordpress.c...

Meine Gedanken zum Buch:
Sofort mit der ersten Szene steigen wir brutal in die Geschehnisse und in das bisher sehr schwierige Leben der Hauptfigur Gillian ein. Groß geworden neben ihren Drogen- und Alkoholsüchtigen Eltern muss sie nicht nur sich selbst durchbringen, sondern später auch noch auf eine weitere Person achtgeben. Solange, bis die Situation eskaliert und sie in Notwehr ihren Vater erschießt und sie anschließend nach einigem Widerwillen bei ihrem Großvater auf einer Ranch abgelegen in Montana leben soll, obwohl sie eine Großstadt-Frau ist.

Doch sie hat nicht damit gerechnet, dass sie die Arbeit mit den Pferden liebt, oder es so eine große Ranch ist, die viele (männliche) Mitarbeiter hat. Unter anderem den attraktiven Stellvertreter ihres Großvaters und heißen Cowboy Blake. Tja, und dann nimmt die Geschichte ihren Lauf. ^^

Die Geschichte hat mir eigentlich richtig gut gefallen, nur manchmal war es mir etwas zu übertrieben oder zu kitschig. Besonders Blakes Verhalten und seine Gedanken und super schnelle Liebe zu Gillian und seine Faszination von ihr. Das Buch ist nämlich nicht nur von Gillians Sicht aus geschrieben, sondern auch von Blakes, die sich immer wieder abwechseln, um eine Einsicht in beide Figuren zu bekommen. Das ist etwas, das ich speziell bei Liebesromanen sehr schätze und es mir einfach leichter macht, das gesamte Gefühlsspektrum des Pärchens nachzuempfinden.

Warum das Buch dennoch nicht die volle Punktezahl bekommen hat, lag daran, weil ich Blake zwar mochte, er mir aber viel zu kitschig und zu schnell verliebt war. Er war für mich einfach zu unrealistisch gezeichnet, wo man merkt, dass es eben kein richtiger Mann ist, sondern man weiß, dass er von einer Autorin erschaffen wurde. Und so sollte es ja nicht sein. Man sollte immer das Gefühl haben, diese Person könnte es irgendwo da draußen wirklich geben.

Auch wirkte es für mich mit der Beschreibung der Farm, der Arbeiten und dem ganzen Drumherum nicht echt. Da kam es schon ein paar ‚komische‘ Szenen, bei denen ich das Gesicht verziehen musste und einfach so im realen Leben nicht so sein können. Zb. Kann man ein kleines Tagealtes Fohlen nicht schon mit Apfelstücken füttern. Oder nach einem ganzen Tag bei Pferden und dann nach zwei Stunden abladen der Tiere im Stall, schleicht Blake zu ihr und sie haben Sex oder kuscheln… keine Ahnung. Auf alle Fälle muss der Typ ja mega nach Stall und diesen ‚speziellen‘ Gerüchen riechen. Ich weiß wovon ich rede, ich komme von einer Landwirtschaft, meine Eltern betreiben sie noch immer und das riecht man eben auch *sorry*. Da würde ich nie wollen, das mein Mann zu mir ins Bett krabbelt, nachdem er im Stall war. *no way* :D Das waren jetzt nur zwei Beispiele, an denen man zu gut erkennt, dass die Autorin nicht wirklich eine Ahnung von einer Farm/ Bauernhof hat und es sehr verklärt romantisch darstellt. ^^

Außerdem kam am Ende das Drama dazu mit dem Arbeitskollegen, das ich einfach zu krass und auch in dieser Form etwas unnötig fand und dem ganzen einen komischen Beigeschmack gegeben hat. Auch wenn der Epilog dann wieder kitschig schön und okay war. Das perfekte Ende für höherschlagende Frauenherzen. ^^

(Mehr dazu auf meinem Blog)
Profile Image for GraceMyBookSnack.
321 reviews26 followers
March 12, 2015
Review also posted at My Book Snack

4.5 Stars

Jennifer Ryan pulled at my heartstrings again in the second book to the Montana Men series! Life has not been easy for Gillian Tucker. I don’t want to say too much, but the first few chapters of When It’s Right had me in tears! Let’s just say that Gillian’s journey leads her to her grandfather’s ranch in Montana. Thank goodness, because that’s where she meets Blake Bowden (younger brother of Gabe from At Wolf Ranch). Blake and Gillian’s grandfather, Bud, go way back. He’s great with horses and the utmost gentleman. Those of you who love sexy cowboys need to meet Blake!

My heart just absolutely broke while reading this story! I loved Gillian, Blake, and the rest of the cast of characters. I admired Gillian’s strength and perseverance. Blake knows he has to be extra patient with Gillian, who has very good reasons for keeping her defenses up. I like that they take the time to carve out a meaningful relationship. The plot is fast moving, which also includes an adorable kid and a very special horse. A heartfelt read! I’m fast becoming a fan of Jennifer Ryan’s wonderful, touching stories! I’m looking forward to the next one in this series!
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,513 reviews237 followers
June 20, 2015
After reading the first book, At Wolf Ranch, I thought I would read the second book. It was alright. Even though I liked Blake way better than Gabe, I was not digging the storyline as much as the first book. I tried several times to get into this book but could not. I would start and stop again. Finally found myself jumping ahead to the middle for a bit and then the end just to see how the story went. Which I did get an good idea of the whole story even reading it this way. I gathered that Blake and Gillian shared good chemistry. It was because Gillian was off limits to Blake so the closer they got to each other the build up grew more intense. Understandably with all that Gillian went through in an abusive relationship I could see where she was coming from being so guarded but when Blake proved time and time again that he was not like other guys and could be trusted, I grew tried of Gillian keeping Blake at a distance. Plus, she was not as strong as Ella from the first book.
Profile Image for Yesenia Gonzalez.
539 reviews18 followers
July 11, 2015
awwwwwwwwww! This is the second book in the Montana men series. Blake was amazing and loving always taking care of Gillian as soon as he saw her come out of the truck. Also he connecting with her grandpa was sweet all he wanted was to be with her and he was also for Justin Gillian's little brother who she has been taking care of since birth.This was a great book from Gillian recovering to finding family and to finally finding love. excited for the next book
Profile Image for Lyndi W..
2,042 reviews210 followers
December 5, 2020
While I very much enjoyed it, I'm slightly bothered by the heavy-handed foreshadowing. It's just a little too obvious that something is going to happen when it's been pointed out like three or four times that it could happen. Just dial it back.
Profile Image for Julia Kai.
555 reviews127 followers
December 1, 2018
Unfortunately I didn’t enjoyed this one as much as the first one
Profile Image for Steffi.
878 reviews47 followers
September 16, 2017
Kennt ihr solche Bücher über die ihr zufällig gestolpert seid und von denen ihr nicht wirklich viel mehr erwartet als eine nette Geschichte für zwischendurch, und dann am Ende absolut geflasht seid?
Tja, Montana Dreams - So wild wie das Leben ist so ein Buch für mich. Denn ich bin beim herumstöbern auf das Buch gestoßen und dachte eigentlich nur, dass es mal eine etwas andere Geschichte ist, mit einem Cowboy als Protagonist. Aber dieses Buch ist so viel mehr und hat mich echt umgehauen.
Gillian hat in ihrem Leben schon viel durchgemacht. Sie hat nicht nur ihren kleinen Bruder großgezogen, sondern auch immer wieder Prügel von ihrem Vater einstecken müssen. Doch nun soll ihr neues Leben auf der Ranch ihres Großvaters in Montana beginnen. Als sie auf der Ranch ankommt, und dort Blake begegnet, weiß sie das sich ihr Leben wirklich ändern wird. Auch für Blake ändert sich ab diesem Moment alles, denn er weiß sofort, dass er für Gillian und ihren Bruder Justin alles machen würde um sie zu beschützen. Und auch wenn Gillian sich zusammen mit Justin auf der Ranch ein neue Leben aufbaut und in Blakes Nähe aufblüht, hat sie immer noch Mauern um sich herum die nicht so leicht einzureißen sind.
"Nein, du bist die Frau, die ich liebe und ohne die ich nicht leben kann. Würde dir etwas passieren, wäre das mein Ende."

Mir sind bei all den Büchern die ich schon gelesen habe, immer wieder Protagonistinnen untergekommen, die mich allein durch ihre Stärke und ihren Mut beeindruckt haben. Und auch Gillian gehört definitiv in diese Kategorie. Gott, was sie alles auf sich genommen hat, nur um ihren kleinen Bruder groß zuziehen und zu beschützen. Ich hatte wirklich ein paar mal Pipi in den Augen nur wegen ihr. Und ich war so glücklich, das sie mit Blake ihre große Liebe gefunden hat.
Denn Blake ist wirklich ein echter Cowboy. Nicht nur das er auf einer Ranch mit Pferden arbeitet. Er ist ein vom Charakter her ein toller Mann. Er ist charmant, liebevoll, süß, sexy natürlich (Hallo, er ist ein Cowboy!), aber vor allem hat er einen riesigen Beschützerinstinkt. Ich fand es wahnsinnig toll, wie er sich um Gillian und ihren kleinen Bruder gekümmert hat. Er hat einfach Qualitäten, die man im echten Leben leider viel zu selten zu sehen bekommt.
"Dieser Mann besaß eine Kraft, die ihr Vater nie hatte: Er könnte sie brechen. Denn Blake berührte ihr Herz, und das würde einfach nicht noch mehr Verletzungen ertragen."

Was für mich aber diesen Roman so besonders gemacht ist die Beziehung zwischen Blake und Gillian. Denn das ist eine ganz besondere. Denn durch die Liebe zu Blake erkennt Gillian erst wie stark sie wirklich ist. Es war so schön mit anzusehen, wie sich ihre Persönlichkeit wandelte. Und das hat mir mal wieder vor Augen geführt, dass man mit Liebe so ziemlich alles erreichen kann.
Montana Dreams - So wild wie das Leben ist ein wundervolles Buch über die Stärke und Macht der Liebe. Welches flüssig und gefühlvoll geschrieben wurde, auch wenn es einige Klischees enthält, und für mich auf die Liste der Reihen wandert, die ich definitiv weiter lesen muss.
Profile Image for Quinn.
688 reviews58 followers
April 30, 2015
When I first heard about When It’s Right by Jennifer Ryan it totally grabbed my attention. I had heard good things about this book, and it really did seem like my kind of book, unfortunately When It’s Right just wasn’t the book for me. It’s not a bad book by any means, it just wasn’t a good fit for me.

Gillian has lived a very tough life. Although she’s only 20 years old, she’s had some life experiences that made her grow up and mature more quickly than the average person. Gillian moves to Montana to stay with her grandfather, someone she doesn’t know at all, to recover from these traumatic events, and while she’s there she meets Blake who is co-owner of her grandfather’s ranch in Montana. And then romance happens.

I did like Gillian and Blake a lot. They are both the type of characters that I am always drawn to. I have such a soft spot for romances where the heroine is coming from an abusive situation because I love seeing that heroine grow and become more confident and realize that she didn’t deserve that kind of abuse. And that’s certainly what’s going on with Gillian. But, Gillian kind of came off as this perfect young woman. It sort of felt like she couldn’t ever do anything wrong. And that was kind of annoying.

Blake was also very much on the perfection side, and not in a good way. Once he meets Gillian, he’s fascinated with her and they fall for each other fairly quickly, although they don’t really realize it. I liked that Blake is committed, and he wants to take care of Gillian. He’s not a jerk in the slightest. Which is nice. But, he also didn’t really feel all that realistic, and I was never swooning over him.

I also feel like Ryan could have found better ways for Gillian’s life to be told to her new family. She would just sort of spout it out, and I couldn’t imagine anyone doing that ever. It felt more like a way for Ryan to get her characters to know of Gillian’s trials than a realistic way someone would share this type of information.

I read the book in one day, and it was an easy read. I enjoyed the romance, but at times it was a bit more sappy and cheesy for my tastes. As much as I love romance, sometimes things can get a little sickly sweet, and it felt that way for me. But even with all my complaints, I think When It’s Right is a good story. It’s not amazing, at least it wasn’t for me. But if you are looking for a contemporary romance with a heroine who has had to go through a lot, and then finally finds happiness, I think you might enjoy When It’s Right.
Profile Image for 1-Click Addict Support Group.
3,749 reviews489 followers
March 18, 2015
When It's Right is pretty much everything I love about cowboys. Wide open spaces, trickling creeks, rolling mountains, horses, strong, sassy women and sexy, Alpha men.

After making a life-or-death decision, Gillian Tucker makes her way to the open skies and beautiful mountains of Montana, and her grandfather's ranch. She's wary and on guard, unsure and untrusting, and meeting Blake Bowden isn't exactly what she had in mind for her new life.

Blake is tall, dark and handsome, and he scares her -- but not in the way to which she's grown accustomed. He makes her feel safe and dream of a brighter future, and that's all Blake wants. To protect this girl, no matter the cost to himself.

When danger makes its way back to her, he vows to do whatever it takes to keep it from her, and he's willing to gamble his heart, his job and his life to do it.

I have to say, I was surprised by this book. I enjoyed book one in this series, very much. It was suspenseful and interesting, and Gabe was fantastic, but damn, he's been overshadowed here by his younger brother, Blake. When It's Right was excellent. Well-written and well-paced, it took what could be construed as a "whirlwind" romance and made it believable and, even better, desirable. I wanted Gillian and Blake to get there, to their happily ever after. They deserved it, and it made the journey all the sweeter.

Gillian was a remarkable character. I loved her strength, her balls and her brains. She was no willing flower, no martyr to her past. Yes, she had issues and yes, she struggled with them, but she lived true to her word and tried, and I admired the character, as well as the author for making this young woman so easy to root for. She was a good match for Blake, who was mmm, yummy with his protectiveness, his openness and his Alphaness. I'll admit that the age difference briefly gave me pause and that Blake's backstory felt a touch out-of-place at times, but I can't deny that Gillian and Blake were stronger together, and her maturity and his willingness to be what she needed made it work in a beautiful way.

I can't wait to read more of these Montana Men and I am hoping I don't have to for too long. Dane's story needs to be told and I need to read it, especially if it's another cowboy book just like this one. ~ Beth, 4.5 stars
Profile Image for Melody  May (What I'm Reading).
1,488 reviews24 followers
March 15, 2015
Posted on What I'm Reading

When I started When It's Right, I was having a hard time getting into the story. A lot of my issues were with Gillian. I know, why don't I kick a dog when it's down. That's when it hit me, and I started to put Gillian's character into perspective: Gillian is just acting like a wounded animal ready to bit whenever someone gets too close. Of course the story started to work for me. Darn perspective. Anyway, I enjoyed this story immensely and everything started to click for me. YAY!

In the story, we meet Gillian and Justin, and they have been through a lot. So, they are emotionally and physically drain and unsure if they can trust her grandparents or Blake. I thought I was going to have problems with Gillian, and I didn't. She actually made an effort to try to find her way home. I think what kept her grounded was her brother Justin. If she didn't have Justin she might have been one of those wounded heroines with one foot out the door. I love that she was able to find a kindred spirit in a horse name Boots. Boots helps Gillian a lot in the story.

Now Blake. He's pretty awesome. He's patient and caring to Gillian and Justin. Justin starts to open up to Blake immediately, while Gillian took a little time. However, Blake didn't mind. Gillian brought out Blake's protective instincts. Yes, Blake can be charming and overbearing alpha at times, but he has the sweetest heart. He's a bit fearful about hurting Gillian, because a past relation. We don't get the full story till shortly after the middle, and it gives an understanding to his overprotective side.

All right, I enjoyed When It's Right. Yes, it took me a little while to get into the story, but a lot has to deal with Gillian learning to accept love. Growing up she never been loved and cared for and having everyone show her that overwhelms her system. I love the slow building love between Gillian and Blake, because had it been instant love it wouldn't be believable. I can't wait for Dane's story, because each of these boys fall hard for the girl they weren't really looking.

Copy provided by Avon via Edelweiss
Profile Image for Brooke Blogs.
675 reviews201 followers
September 1, 2015
When It's Right by Jennifer Ryan is the second book in the Montana Men series. I loved the first book, At Wolf Ranch, when I read it earlier this year, and I was looking forward to reading book two. In When It's Right, we get to read Blake and Gillian's story.

Gillian has grown up with a drug addicted father, and her mother passed away from an overdose. From her early teens, Gillian has had to be the adult in their family dynamic. She stepped up to take care of her little brother, Justin. She took the brunt of the verbal and physical abuse from their father, and also worked at as many jobs as she could to provide for her brother. When she moves to Montana to her grandfather's ranch, it is the biggest leap of faith of her life. She doesn't know her grandfather or grandmother, and she's unsure if they will accept her and Justin - or even if Three Peaks Ranch is a safe haven for her.

Blake is a partner at Three Peaks Ranch - he works side by side with Gillian's grandfather, Bud, and is determined to focus on working hard at the ranch and helping it succeed. He doesn't want any distractions - until Gillian shows up. The second he lays eyes on her, a primal urge to protect her overtakes him. Blake knows Gillian is fighting her own demons, but he'd give anything to stand there and fight them with her.

I loved this story. There was so much hurt and heartbreak in the characters' lives that you couldn't help but want them to live happily ever after. They totally deserve it! I really like how the author writes each book in the series about one brother, but brings in the other brothers as well. It's like getting to visit with an old friend. :)

This story had some great elements that I love in a contemporary Western romance: strong, loyal cowboy hero - wounded female who has to find her own strength - a beautiful story unfolding between them and an ending that makes my heart happy.

I received a copy of this book from Avon for review consideration. I was not required to write a positive review.
Profile Image for The Book Junkie Reads . . ..
5,010 reviews153 followers
November 14, 2021
Gillian had much on her young strong shoulders. She had to work for years to keep her younger brother safe and protected from a father that should have loved and cared for them both. But he turns out to be the danger that keeps them awake at night. One day things all go wrong. The next thing Gillian knows she and her brother are in Montana. Instead of one man to be leary of she has a few more.

Blane has accomplished his dreams of own a ranch. So what that he is part owner of an existing one that was just fine with him. In a blink of an eye he has more than the ranch to care about. He finds that his pull towards his partner's granddaughter is strong. He would do anything to make her feel safe.

As there attraction grows, so does jealousy. This was a read that had the Jennifer Ryan style slapped all over it. I got drama, intensity, suspense, and most certainly romance with a sexy cowboy.
Profile Image for Kelly at.
1,145 reviews13 followers
March 30, 2015
Review will be posted at www.books-n-kisses.com .

NUMBER OF HEARTS: 4 1/2
REVIEW:
Another great Montana Men story by Ms. Ryan. I loved Blake and Gillian’s story. There was so many ups and downs in this story. Every page brought to light a new issue and a new way to deal with said issue. While there were a few story lines that didn’t get explored as much as I would have liked, I loved how much Gillian grows as a person.
Blake is what every wounded bird ever needs. Blake is patient, yet push. He is gentle, yet doesn’t use too many kid gloves and loves so deeply..
Can’t wait to see what Ms. Ryan has in store for us next.

Disclaimer:
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Edelweiss & Avon in exchange for an honest review. This review is my own opinion and not a paid review.
Profile Image for Diana.
476 reviews12 followers
April 28, 2015
This is mthe second book in Jennifer Ryan's new series on Montana Men. I was drawn into this book and domestic abuse and addiction to drugs and the effects it has on the children's lives. I recommend this book highly to anyone who loves a story where the underdog finally gets their dreams.
Profile Image for Abra.
594 reviews15 followers
October 6, 2015
I received this as a freebie at RT15.

When It's Right is sugary sweet, but fine. The first half of the book contains a lot of repetition about the heroine's past, which I thought sucked the intensity right out of it. I became desensitized after a while and started skimming those passages.
Profile Image for Melinda.
2,049 reviews19 followers
April 30, 2016
I really enjoyed this story of Blake and Gillian. Nice characters, good storyline, plenty of angst and fear and patience and love.
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