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Andrea McPhee and Sheriff Will Tanner find unexpected comfort and explosive passion in each other's arms. But can they let go of past grief to find the love of a lifetime? RaeAnne Thayne writes with tender humor in a story of healing hearts and second chances.

213 pages, Paperback

First published March 3, 1997

127 people are currently reading
288 people want to read

About the author

RaeAnne Thayne

317 books3,904 followers
I'm not one of those people who knew from birth she was destined to become a writer. I always loved to read and throughout my childhood I could usually be found with a book in my hands. To the disgust of my friends, I even enjoyed creative writing assignments that made them all groan. But I had other dreams besides writing. I wanted to be an actress or a teacher or a lawyer.

Life took a different turn for me, though, when my mother made me take a journalism elective in high school (thanks, Mom!). I knew the first day that this was where I belonged.

After I graduated from college in journalism, I took a job at the local daily newspaper and I reveled in the challenge and the diversity of it. One day I could be interviewing the latest country music star, the next day I was writing about local motorcycle gangs or interviewing an award-winning scientist.

Through it all -- through the natural progression of my career from reporter to editor -- I wrote stories in my head. Not just any stories, either, but romances, the kind of books I have devoured since junior high school, with tales about real people going through the trials and tribulations of life until they find deep and lasting love.

I had no idea how to put these people on paper, but knew I had to try -- their stories were too compelling for me to ignore. I sold my first book in 1995 and now, more than 30 books later, I've come to love everything about writing, from the click of the computer keys under my fingers to the "that's-it!" feeling I get when a story is flowing.

I write full-time now (well, as full-time as I can manage juggling my kids!) amid the raw beauty of the northern Utah mountains.

Even though I might not have dreamed of being a writer when I was younger, now I simply can't imagine my life any other way.

I love to hear from readers. You can reach me at my email address, raeannethayne@gmail.com

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5 stars
346 (54%)
4 stars
176 (27%)
3 stars
93 (14%)
2 stars
9 (1%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
Profile Image for Marcia  Haskell.
635 reviews12 followers
May 18, 2017
A lawman, a young girl and a preschool teacher find things in common

An injured sheriff, his 11 year old daughter both struggling against the murder of his wife and the fear of ever being happy again. They have moved, temporarily, to a small town Wyoming. He moves into a vacant house on the ranch of the local preschool owner. None of the 3 major characters thinks they can find love again, nor do they want to.

This book is the story of how they become close to each other and how they cope with threats that feel too close and frightening.

I enjoyed the plot, the sense of place RaeAnn Thayne brings to this book, the characters feel real and relatable and the problems seem to be caused by outside forces rather the principle people in the story. A satisfying read.
Profile Image for Jessica.
2,222 reviews51 followers
August 3, 2018
I enjoyed reading this short steamy contemporary romance. I actually think I liked it more then the first book. This once again felt like a story that I've read over and over but there was subtle differences that made this book unique. I enjoyed the characters and the story was well written and I enjoyed it. Its good for when your pressed for time but are looking for a good contemporary romance to read in a short amount of time. Overall pretty good book I liked it.
518 reviews17 followers
July 25, 2018
This one will get you in the feels. Will feels guilty for the loss of his wife and unborn son. Andie feels guilty for her failed marriage and her inability to have children. Two wounded souls fighting for self-preservation. Can they save each other, or will they destroy each other? Destruction seems so easy!
Profile Image for Theresa LeBlanc.
710 reviews11 followers
March 8, 2019
Another winner from RaeAnne

Every book by her that I’ve read has been wonderful. This one is no exception. Full of heart! Family, love, heartbreak, healing and suspense. It’s all here!
1,655 reviews23 followers
February 1, 2020
Enjoyable

A fairly quick read by one of my favorite authors! Andie and Will, two broken souls who have given up on love, meet and sparks fly. An enjoyable story with strong friendships, a caring community, a little suspense, and a lot of love.
1,055 reviews2 followers
July 26, 2024
Annie falls for the temporary sheriff in whiskey creek, Will. She is healing from a divorce and her hubbys rejection after numerous miscarriages. His wife is murdered by a gang he is investigating. Will they end up together? How about the horrible threatening phone calls she’s ween getting?
885 reviews
July 18, 2017
Great Ending!

I loved this story and the happy, surprise twist at the end is exactly why I read romance novels! Kudos to the author!
2 reviews
July 16, 2018
A Good Read

This story has interesting characters and a plot that held my interest. I read the book in a weekend. I'm looking. Forward to reading the next story in the series.
12 reviews
March 16, 2020
Loved the story!

Love the characters and the story. Keeps you interested from the first page. Can’t wait to read the next book. Highly recommend.
Profile Image for Pam Jackson-gorsline.
988 reviews3 followers
April 22, 2020
Deep

This is a great story with many twists and turns that keeps you reading.The characters were likable, complex and interesting. I enjoyed reading this story.
1 review
April 2, 2022
Good read.

Good read. I would recommend this book.
It was fast paced and easy to read. Romance and a little fear to keep if interesting.
Profile Image for Jo .
2,681 reviews71 followers
May 22, 2014
Great story with romance, danger and mystery. Will Tanner is back home helping out as the temporary sheriff while he heals from a gun shot wound. Andrea McPhee came to town five years ago to heal from a very bad marriage. Will is a big grouch and Andrea is bright and full of life. Of course they get together but not without a rough journey. Another book from the Sweet Life collection
Profile Image for Nancy Luebke.
1,466 reviews62 followers
April 18, 2015
I really enjoyed this romance with a little bit of danger and suspense in it. The characters were spunky or shy and moved along at a pretty fast clip. I had a hard time putting it down to recharge my reader. This is the 10th book in the Sweet Life Bundle. I will certainly look forward to reading more of this author's work.
Profile Image for Jenn C Reads.
1,972 reviews51 followers
September 17, 2014
Part of A Sweet Life Boxed Set.

Maybe 3.5 stars. I liked this one. A little heartache, a little action. Decent, but sometimes the H/h's lack of ability to talk to one another is infuriating. I really liked the gardening aspect and the epilogue choked me up a bit.
Profile Image for Kelly Marie.
20 reviews
January 28, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. I would have given it 4 stars but Will's angry attitude made me irritated at times, I felt it was not necessary to the story line. I look forward to reading more books by RaeAnne Thayne.
109 reviews
March 14, 2016
Two lost souls find love together.

As usual RaeAnne Thayne has written her characters with a strong hand. Both of the main characters have problems dealing with events in their past. Learning to share their pain helps them to love again.
Profile Image for Jemi Fraser.
Author 37 books77 followers
Read
August 29, 2014
Will and Andie are enjoyable characters - both with depth and tough backgrounds. Loved the setting and 2ndary characters too. A fun read with a good mix of suspense and romance! :)
2,698 reviews
May 30, 2015
An intriguing read. The characters were good, and played well against each other. The suspense added some depth. Will continue with the series.
1,833 reviews4 followers
November 9, 2015
Great

Has everything you need for a good story.Suspense,mystery,love.A bad guy that won't quit.A happy feels good ending.Next book please.I'm waiting.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews