The love of a lifetime, lost but never forgotten… If he could turn back time, Declan would do things differently. For one, he would've never let go of Iris Blue McLain, the only woman he’s ever loved. Fifteen long and lonely years, and the ache in his heart is as painful as ever. When he sees her for the first time since they parted, she’s every bit as pretty as she was years ago. No, she’s even prettier. From across the crowded room, she steals his breath. Same silken, flame-colored hair. Same summer-blue eyes and almost the same smile, only now, there’s a hint of sadness. But when he asks her to dance, she wastes no time giving him the brush off.
She’ll protect her heart, no matter the cost… The years haven’t been kind to Iris. It all started when Declan broke up with her, leaving her heart shattered. After her car wreck, things went from bad to worse. Now, to top it all off, Declan strolls back into her life, acting like he’s got a right to be there. She can’t risk a second heartbreak. But some things never change, like the way his eyes remind her of his slow seduction, or his work-roughened hands that promise a gentle caress. For a moment, the years melt away and Iris wonders if she and Declan might have a second chance. But time can’t heal all wounds, and for two broken people, the secrets of the past threaten to break them once again.
Returning for Love is the fourth novel in the Long Valley world, although all books in the Long Valley world can be read as standalones. It has some strong language, and oh my, sexy times. Enjoy!
USA Today Bestselling author Erin Wright has worked every job under the sun, including library director, barista, teacher, website designer, and ranch hand helping brand cattle, before settling into the career she’s always dreamed about: Author.
She still loves coffee, doesn’t love the smell of cow flesh burning, and is currently living out her own love story in a tiny town in rural Idaho.
I got this free on Amazon and decided to read it because the storyline looked interesting, the many, many 4 and 5 star reviews, and because I couldn't find answers to my questions in any of the glowing reviews.
This is a second chance romance that didn't impress me much. Granted, it's hard to do second chance the right way. I hate to write a bad review but at least I can answer some of the questions I had about the book. Rant ahead: **Beware, major spoilers**
I will say that the writing was good and that's why I gave it 2 stars. But the plot and plot holes were too much for this reader.
Another book full of folks mad when their partner can't magically read their minds and full of self centered "self sacrifice". Go to therapy and frigging talk to each other!!!!
Sweet, funny, quirky, emotionally engaging and easily relate-able small town second chance romance. Highly entertaining reading that kept me reading all night long.
Declan is sweet, charming and the sexy peacemaking middle son. He has a deep secret he only ever told one person and now that person is gone. Iris is smart, sexy and a sassy independent woman back home to recover after a car accident impairs her natural balance. She is also the only woman Declan ever truly loved. Such a sweetly charming romantic journey, love visiting Long Valley and look forward to my next visit.
Declan helped Jennifer with the last-minute preparation for Wyatt and Abby’s wedding being held in the Miller Family barn. The ladies had done a great job of making everything perfect! He gave his groom’s toast amid laughter at Warren’s expense. Chloe then took her turn toasting the bride. As Declan glanced around, his past came crashing back on him. Having left town 15 years ago, Iris was here in Sawyer! But before he could talk to her, his brother, Stetson, dragged him off to load up the tables in the truck.
Jennifer joined Stetson and Declan as they “decorated” Wyatt’s truck with the “Just Married” touch – he was going to have a fit! Jennifer asked who the redhead was that Declan talked to. At mention of Iris’ name, Jennifer said, “Poor girl,” and Declan asked her what she meant. Finally he would learn her secret! He felt horrible when he learned that she had balance problems as a result of a car accident – and he had no doubt embarrassed her by asking her to dance!
Not wanting Iris to think he was avoiding her because of her disability, Declan knew he had to at least ask her out once. They began dating again, each holding on to secrets. But secrets have a way of coming out. Will they hold on to their second chance? Or will they let pride and stubbornness ruin the best thing to ever come along?
This was a very well written, enjoyable book, with just the right touch of humor. The characters were developed so well that they felt like old friends. The emotions the reader felt were real! The story line was excellent, putting the reader right in the middle of the celebration, only to face the shock/delight of seeing that Iris had returned to Sawyer. The book was wonderful, including the beautiful cover, and I highly recommend it! I received a copy of the book from Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review expressing my honest opinion after purchasing a copy for myself.
A tender second chance romance, Declan and Iris meet again after a number of years of being apart. Only, they now both come with so much baggage that it is a wonder they ever manage to talk to each again after the intervening period. However, the same easy flow of conversation takes them by surprise as they start to reconnect. Unfortunately with all that is unsaid between them, misunderstandings arise, and when it seems that the relationship is getting serious. Iris tries to shut him out. On the other hand, Declan has learned to hide his disability but it comes with a price. Nevertheless it has taught him how to circumvent the problems in his life by being an all-round nice guy. Fear of being ridiculed and exposed keeps many people from dealing with a disorder; however we are fortunately that we live in a much kinder world today, as learning disabilities are being diagnosed so much earlier. I enjoyed the gentle humour in this story, the internal conversations that Iris held with herself and the obvious connection between Declan and Iris. I loved Declan's caring nature and even when he didn't know how to handle a situation with Iris, he found a way to give her what she needed. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, which I received as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Declan Miller is the Best Man at his brother Wyatt's wedding. Now that both of his brother's are happy, in love, and their futures are set it's Declan's turn so say's his sister-in-laws. They have been setting him up on blind dates, but they are wasting their time. Declan found his true love in High School, and walked away from her in college. Declan gives his Best Man speech, sits down, and he can't believe she's back in town. Iris, the one who holds Declan's heart.
Iris McClan is back in town and attends the Miller wedding with her parents. She hides from Declan until she can't anymore. She needs to see him. Right as Iris looks up Declan is looking at her, and once the Maid of Honor finishes her speech he comes directly to her.
Declan and Iris never stopped loving each other, but they both have issues they are dealing with. This second chance love story is beautifully written, and it will take you on an emotional roller coaster. It pulls you in, grabs at your heart, and has you pulling for Declan and Iris to find the ability to trust one another in order to get their happily ever after. I volunteered to review an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
What a great capture of human relationships that are filled with feelings of inadequacy, love and forgiveness. Long time love without the commitment due to secrets, lies and feelings of guilt are interwoven to entice the reader to read just a little bit more and a little bit more until the book is read in its entirety.
Don’t let anybody tell you we have no diversity here. Neurodivergent? Disabled? We have ableism for EVERYBODY!!
tw: constant ableism, discussion of dislexia in extremely negative ways, equating the need of using a cane to being useless, death of a parent, ABLEISM (again, because it’s present in every single page of this book)
Some fun quotes that made my heart flutter 🥰🥰 “A real man doesn’t have dislexia.” Girlies do y’all ever feel the feminine urge to be neurodivergent 😌💖 “Thank you for loving me even though I’m broken.” No further comments needed. “Brokenness” is used to describe both the person with a disability and the person with dislexia. “No one could ever really love a cripple.” Literally appears verbatim in 12/32 chapters, and the rest of the chapters have the same sentiment expressed differently. “For some reason she couldn’t find, he didn’t mind that she was a cripple” I really love the amazing way we get hit over an over that it's a miracle that anyone could love a disabled or neurodivergent person “A buddy can't go around complimenting his brothers. That was crazy talk.” Let us never get rid of toxic masculinity in western romance, please, I absolutely love it 🥵 “Was she his Christmas angel? Then he saw her cane, and thought that if she were an angel, she had gotten the bum end of the deal. They were supposed to come back perfect, not still with shaky legs and an off-way of looking into the world” TELL US HOW YOU REALLY FEEL WON’T YA? “She wouldn’t want to marry him. Not when she knew how dumb he was. What if dislexia was passed genetically? She wouldn’t want stupid kids.” MA’AM?????
This is not even mentioning the fact that the MMC first approached our FMC after 15 years of being apart because he wanted to invite her on a pity date (HIS WORDS) and that never gets addressed.
Do I know I have a finite amount of time on Earth and should stop reading something if I don’t particularly like it? Yes. But I already wasted my finite amount of money on them and they have an absurd amount of good reviews so I’m here to give you some ✨spice✨ (the same spice missing from these books, since all of the character are either whiter than white or caricatures of Latine folks)
3.5 but rounding up. I took off .5 stars because at this point the author seems ignorant on mental health issues and disabilities and she definitely should have had someone check over these facts.
I think this book enraged me more than any other. And this is where the books started to go downhill for me. I was enraged because of how the characters saw themselves as incapable and broken because they were different. This was more enraged on their behalf because society is what made them feel this way. And as someone who grew up with a learning disability, I completely feel the stupid thing, even though mine was just math and numbers related. But I get it. And even though it was temporary, I couldn't walk properly for a year and a half, a year of that where I could not walk at all, and I can never hike/walk/stand like I used to, so I got her side as much as I could since mine isn't impacted nearly as much.
But at the end, the author has a note where she called him broken, saying he had a broken brain because he has dyslexia. He doesn't have a broken brain. How can she write a character where she has his love interest correct him and tell him he's not dumb and not broken, but then write that he is broken. Learning disabilities, or any other variation in the functioning of the brain that occurs organically, is not a broken brain. It's a difference in functioning. If the brain was injured, then yeah, technically broken, but not the best way to put that. It's kind of demeaning to the person, making them seem like they need to be fixed when in reality they just need extra help. And there's nothing wrong with that!
I think the author needs to desperately educate herself, especially given the books later on in the line.
Other than this, their story was a great second change romance. It was sweet and cute, and I really did not like him at first because of the whole "pity" date, but he grew on me as it went on and he realized he was dumb.
5 ++++++ Stars!! Oh Erin, she knows how to write a story that tugs at heartstrings and makes you fall in love with all of the characters of a book! I started reading this story and could NOT put it down, the pages just flow and the chapters fly and before you know it, it's over...this book and this series will forever take up space in my Kindle!!
I have read all of the books of the Long Valley series and there isn't a bad one in the bunch but this one has something special. Declan is the middle son and the peacemaker between Wyatt (the eldest (see book 3)) and Stetson (the youngest (see book 1)) but we finally get to read his story. I will say that I have been anxious to read this one because reading book 3 Declan makes a large appearance in that one and since then I have been wondering about him and his story and Erin delivers in a BIG way! Declan proves that he is the man that I thought he was and rises to the occasion when it comes to defending the people he loves! This is not your typical/formula second chance love story, it is so wonderful and beautiful that I kept forgetting that Declan and Iris knew each other in the past, it is, I believe, a fresh take on second chance romance and I loved it!! I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
Bravo and Well Done Erin! Can't wait to see where you take us next!!
Returning for Love. I loved this book. It was so heartwarming. The last Miller brother has a beautiful story. At Wyatt's wedding, Declan is surprised to see Iris McLain. She was his sweetheart all through high school and part of college. Something was different about her though. Declan finds out that Iris was in an accident and has a brain injury that has left her body out of balance and walking with a cane. His heart has not changed from loving her and he asks her out on a date. They rekindle the love they had but with a few issues they try to keep secret. Iris feels she wouldn't be able to take care of children when she over hears Declan talking to his brother about children and she decides to shut him out. Life changes when Iris has another accident and she goes into the hospital not wanting Declan to know or wanting to see him. Declan is distraught and wants to know why. When they finally talk and try to understand the problem, Declan lets her know that he would hire someone to help if that was all it took. Now back on track, Declan realizes he has a secret he has yet to tell Iris. Now will this be the end or can he let Iris know how stupid he is and she walks away from him. You must read this book. The series is such a great series that you will not be able to stop reading the series.
(Declan & Iris): First of all, I love that EW based this book partially on a true story she got from one of her fans. I thought that was really awesome and I love the character she built around the story. This book has a lot of deep issues and it hit really hard. Declan is the last of the Miller brothers. Just like the other two brothers, Declan has a really sad backstory but there's more to it with him. It makes you want to just hug him. He's extremely strong and resilient. Iris is his long lost love from middle school to college, but they broke up after the death of the Miller matriarch. Iris has returned to town and has her own demons to battle, her life has changed in a major way. I love how these two didn't even waste time before they were rekindling their relationship. These two are each other's perfect match, being the exact opposite. One thing I didn't like was the discussion of dyslexia. There was a mention that there was no actual diagnosis of the condition however the character just knows and can't read. There's a difference between being illiterate and being dyslexic. Either way, how does one SELF diagnose this condition. That really bugged me. Other than that. I really enjoyed the book and the series as a whole.
This was one of the best love stories I’ve read. I found myself saying “awe” a lot while reading this. I have read all of the books of the Long Valley series and there isn't a bad one in the bunch but this one has something special. Declan is the middle son and the peacemaker between Wyatt (the eldest (see book 3)) and Stetson (the youngest (see book 1)) but we finally get to read his story. His “disability” of having dyslexia was handled beautifully. He’s such a proud man. It made him feel less than intelligent dealing with a reading disability that he’s afraid Iris would think him stupid. We know thats far from the truth. Meanwhile, Iris feels less and whole since her car accident and is struggling why Declan would even want her? What’s great about this story is that they have a history. They’ve seen each other in different aspects and phases of their lives but still want and love what they see in the here and now. They still want their future. No love story is perfect and thats ok with them. Beautiful. I can’t wait to read the next story in this series. A+!
Declan Miller is at his brother's wedding when he spots Iris McClain. He can't believe she is here as he hasn't seen her since he broke up with her 15 years ago. He has never quit loving her, but doesn't feel like he can be with her. He does go and talks to her and immediately asks her to dance. She turns him down. He asks his sister in law if he heard why she was back in town. She did hear and tells him Iris is staying at her parents' mother in law house. Declan goes to see her and ends up asking her out. They both have secrets they are keeping from each other.
The two may have loved each other when they were younger, but they had to learn about each other's older selves. They have some sweet dates that help them get to know about each other. It was frustrating how stubborn they both were. You could tell that they were meant for each other. This is a good series that I enjoy reading. I voluntarily read an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book.
“Returning for Love” is the fourth novel in Ms. Wright’s contemporary western romance Long Valley series and it is Declan Miller’s story. Declan Miller broke up with Iris Blue McLain 15 years ago without any explanation. The years have changed both of them and their past secrets and current wounds threaten to derail their second chance at love and an HEA. Erin Wright weaves an emotional and romantic story that is flawlessly written with characters that are well developed and a plot that holds the readers interest and is believable. Both have personal issues that must be addressed both separately and together and that makes for a compelling story that I really enjoyed reading. Erin Wright’s writing style does not disappoint. Her storylines flow smoothly, the editing is always perfect and I love her epilogues. I highly recommend “Returning for love.” You will enjoy it as much as I did. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Iris is a nurse but after her accident, she can’t work any longer in the same position. Declan has problems reading, all the letters think the same and that is because he is dyslexic. However, he is a good person and he works hard on his farm. A sweet story about two people who think they are not whole because of a disability. They are afraid to let people know about their feelings and it takes awhile to be able to speak about it. They need to trust each other with their problems and realize that asking for help is not as bad as it looks. I like Erin’s stories because their characters are honest people and I like honesty. She has a way with words to show us the feelings of her characters and I think that is one of the best assets for an author. I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book.
I am voluntarily reviewing an advanced reader copy of this book, Returning For Love By Erin Wright.
My love of Erin’s work grows with each book of hers I read. Her writing style is exceptional! I love getting immersed in her books, with her funny, entertaining, sweet, lovable, crazy characters. They are very real and relatable with everyday issues and situations. Erin’s Long Valley Series is one of my favorites!!
Declan has loved Iris since HS. Breaking up and being apart for years has not changed that. Seeing Iris at his brother’s wedding is a complete shock to Declan, but he sees it as a second chance to be with the love of his life. Will Iris see it the same way? Does she still love Declan? Is love enough or will their secrets keep them apart?
We are introduced to the whole famdamily at Wyatt;s wedding where Declan sees his former girlfriend, Iris. He discovers she's been in an accident and now walks with a cane. He decides to ask her out on one date, just to show that he is an equal opportunity dater. To his surprise, it's like slipping back in time and his feelings for Iris reemerge. The reader watches as both Iris and Declan learn each other again. The love is there, unfortunately they both have issues with communications. It's a beautiful story dealing with miscommunications, or maybe no communication, but love blossoms... Wonderful story!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Excellent contemporary second chance romance with a western theme. Iris returns home to live in her parent's mother-in-law apartment following a severe auto accident. Iris is having a very difficult time with her balance, walking and with her eyesight. Declan spots Ivey during his brothers wedding reception. Once Declan saw Iris he had to go see her not realizing she's at least temporarily disabled. After being apart for 15 years they soon realized that the love never ended. Unfortunately, Declan is hiding a huge secret from his family, friends and Iris. I received a complementary copy of this book via Booksprout and chose to write a review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms. Wright.
Declan and Iris had a history when they met again after 15 years. Old feelings, never forgotten, flare up - anger and love struggle for supremacy, especially as Iris had a car accident that renders her an invalid. They need to overcome their own feelings and misconceptions as well as well-meant interferences from friends and family to finally have a second chance. This book is book 4 of the "Long Valley" series, and part of the story is already well known, if we have ead the previous books. But as it is told from a different angle it is still an interesting read. Should you want to read just something completely new and unique - then this series is not for you. I had received this book as a gift, and enjoyed it as much as I did the other stories of Long valley.
Returning for Love by Erin Wright is a second chance love story of two wounded personalities who eventually find comfort and love with each other. Declan Miller is the middle child and the peacemaker between his two volatile brothers. Though he is plagued with problems he is hard working, trustworthy and lovable. Iris McLain is Declan's former high school and college girlfriend. She too is plagued with many problems, problems that are overwhelming her. Ms. Wright heartrending love story is filled with pathos and it is an emotional roller coaster ride. This is a book that will tug on your heartstrings. Returning for Love is a book definitely worth reading and I highly recommend it.
I received this book from the author and I am freely posting this fair and balanced review.
Declan is a farmer and is happy to see his brothers settled down with women they love,but unfortunately reminds him of the woman he loves and let go and still regrets that decision to this day. When that same woman shows up to his brothers wedding, he’s shocked but also excited to see her again❣️
Iris doesn’t want to go to Wyatt and Abby’s wedding but after her accident and moving home, there’s no convincing her mom for her to stay home…and then she sees Declan and hopes the gossip vine in town has told him she’s back home and why but as is Murphy’s law, no one has told him anything🤦♀️
A great story which is pretty complicated but I loved Declan and Iris together, their ending was perfect❤️
(I DNF’d this book) There’s probably not really anything wrong with this book, mostly, but I just COULD NOT get into it. even the first few chapters felt very draggy, dramatic, and all over a bit cheesy in my opinion.
I don’t mean to knock the author, she’s written quite a few books it seems - but her writing, in this one at least, was not for me. I personally have not read any other books by this author and I got a signed copy in a “reveal” subscription box- so I didn’t choose it. Unfortunately as I didn’t seem to vibe with the writing in this one, I don’t see myself checking out any other books by this author.
This is only the 2nd book I’ve ever DNF’d but I just could not get any further than the first few chapters. I’d rather move on and read something I’ll actually enjoy.
Crying over a book just isn't something I do, but I did tear up a bit while reading this one. Declan has a secret, one that is embarrassing to him, but also makes him feel 'less than' at the same time. Iris accident is something that everyone seems to know about when she returns to her hometown to live with her parents - everyone that is except for Declan who she's loved forever. These are two very proud and stubborn people who have to learn to communicate. But once th do start talking, everything falls into place and they can move forward. These two lovers are the perfect couple who have gone through hell and back and get when you get to the last page you know they will be together, happily in love forever.
RETURNING. FOR. LOVE by Erin Wright a Long Valley Romance book 4 Declan, the only one not married, at the wedding he spotted Iris, love of his life. She is back, but not as she was before dreams and plans had changed drastically for her. He doesn't seem to mind, the cane,but she didn't want to be an embarrassment for him or others. This is a beautiful story, of Iris finally seeing herself, as so much more. If needed she knew that Declan would be there to hold her up. Readers will love this story and feel the emotions of Iris. Looking forward to the next story. Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion.
I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review
OMG This is a great book. Declan has struggled all his life with his secret and worked hard to not let anyone know. Now he needs to decide if it is worth it to risk telling Iris his secrets. Iris has also been keeping secrets from Declan but they are more recent not her whole life. Will they finally reveal their secrets to each other and figure out how to deal with them or will they let the secrets come between them and keep them apart?
This was very well written and filled with a lot of emotions. It will make you laugh but you may also need Kleenex by the end.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deer and Pigs..
Both Declan and Iris think they are "broken". Declan pushed Iris away years ago because he was "broken" and a because of a deer. Iris doesn't believe Declan could possibly want to be with her now that she is "broken". Will a piglet be able to make these two realize how to face their issues and what truly matters? You may be wondering what deer and pigs have to do with anything but I'm not telling. You will have to read to find out the answer to this question and why Decal and Iris think they are "broken". I loved this story and the town of Sawyer.