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Peakview, Colorado #7
Colorado Summer Stars
When your life is in danger, the only safe place to go is home.
How did her relationship go so wrong? When Nicole Phillips flees San Francisco after her boyfriend’s jealousy turns violent, she doesn’t know where to go next. Out of a job and a place to live, she heads to the only place she feels safe—her childhood home in the tiny town of Peakview, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies. The one place she’d sworn to never live again.
Rick Brady was a skinny, nerdy kid, earning him the not-so-flattering nickname of Scarecrow in high school. He’d been glad to escape his reputation and leave Peakview behind. When his parents’ health begins to fail, he returns to Peakview and opens his own veterinarian practice on their ranch. He’s never really been in love, unless you count that crush he had on the most popular girl in school from kindergarten through senior year.
Now fifteen years after they both left town, they are back home and searching for answers to questions they can’t define. Beneath the beauty of the Colorado summer stars, they reconnect. They soon discover that it’s not easy to leave the past behind. To move forward and find true love, they must overcome their insecurities and doubts and learn to trust again.
How did her relationship go so wrong? When Nicole Phillips flees San Francisco after her boyfriend’s jealousy turns violent, she doesn’t know where to go next. Out of a job and a place to live, she heads to the only place she feels safe—her childhood home in the tiny town of Peakview, nestled high in the Colorado Rockies. The one place she’d sworn to never live again.
Rick Brady was a skinny, nerdy kid, earning him the not-so-flattering nickname of Scarecrow in high school. He’d been glad to escape his reputation and leave Peakview behind. When his parents’ health begins to fail, he returns to Peakview and opens his own veterinarian practice on their ranch. He’s never really been in love, unless you count that crush he had on the most popular girl in school from kindergarten through senior year.
Now fifteen years after they both left town, they are back home and searching for answers to questions they can’t define. Beneath the beauty of the Colorado summer stars, they reconnect. They soon discover that it’s not easy to leave the past behind. To move forward and find true love, they must overcome their insecurities and doubts and learn to trust again.
234 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 20, 2017
About the author
Jill Haymaker
53 books122 followersJill Haymaker writes contemporary romances centered in her home state of Colorado. After growing up in Indiana and Ohio, she moved to Colorado and feel in love with the beautiful mountains. She writes about adventurous women and the rugged cowboys they fall in love with. She currently has published 25 novels in her three series that take place in Peakview County, Colorado: The Peakview Series, The Aspen Ridge Series, and The Peaktop Dude Ranch Series. She is currently working on her new Montana Pines Series.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
August 26, 2018
3-1/2 Stars for me. This book kind of surprised me because it was a little more graphic in the details given of the physical abuse the h faced. Don’t get me wrong it’s always good to see how a woman can turn her life around after being in an abusive relationship but some images can stay in your head too long after you read them. I was glad to see that she was able to get help to overcome the emotional issues that she had from the abuse.
The main story is about how Nicole returns home and finds love when she least expects. Rick has had a forever crush on Nicole and he finally has the opportunity to show her he is not the ‘scarecrow’ she knew in high school. Rick is a really great guy, loyal, trustworthy, reliable. It’s sweet how they get together. But it was TMI for the details on her attack for me. It took away from the story for me.
The main story is about how Nicole returns home and finds love when she least expects. Rick has had a forever crush on Nicole and he finally has the opportunity to show her he is not the ‘scarecrow’ she knew in high school. Rick is a really great guy, loyal, trustworthy, reliable. It’s sweet how they get together. But it was TMI for the details on her attack for me. It took away from the story for me.
October 10, 2017
Jill returns with another romantic addition to her Peakview Series. This time the story focus’ on two former residents who return for 2 very different reasons. Sometimes life calls you home, and others it’s the only place you can see as a way to end the cycle of sadness.
Nicole left behind an abusive boyfriend to come home to be with her family. While she had the strength to walk away from him, she has to figure out how to rebuild. She takes a job in her dad’s store to try and rebuild and just do something positive. Doing a favor for her dad walks her into the office of a former classmate.
Rick was the kid everyone passed over in school. He was picked on for being skinny, a nerd and over all an achiever. It's the life he left behind when he left Peakview. But with his return home, he’s being seen as anything but that. Instead he’s turned into a handsome and successful man. He’s home to take care of his family and open a practice doing what he loves, being a vet.
They rekindle their friendship, and their love blossoms. Along the way they hit some hardships and there is someone who tries to steal her away. But in the end, Rick saves the day and the heart of Nicole. I found Nicole’s bravery to be very commendable. Her strength in walking away from such a horrible (if not common) situation is something that shines through. I think each one of us has a bit of Ricks’ personality. The part of him that was the odd man out, maybe a bit awkward, etc. But in the end he really gets a time to shine. I loved that! Its a sweet weekend read with a bit of heat and romance. Another hit for Jill!
Nicole left behind an abusive boyfriend to come home to be with her family. While she had the strength to walk away from him, she has to figure out how to rebuild. She takes a job in her dad’s store to try and rebuild and just do something positive. Doing a favor for her dad walks her into the office of a former classmate.
Rick was the kid everyone passed over in school. He was picked on for being skinny, a nerd and over all an achiever. It's the life he left behind when he left Peakview. But with his return home, he’s being seen as anything but that. Instead he’s turned into a handsome and successful man. He’s home to take care of his family and open a practice doing what he loves, being a vet.
They rekindle their friendship, and their love blossoms. Along the way they hit some hardships and there is someone who tries to steal her away. But in the end, Rick saves the day and the heart of Nicole. I found Nicole’s bravery to be very commendable. Her strength in walking away from such a horrible (if not common) situation is something that shines through. I think each one of us has a bit of Ricks’ personality. The part of him that was the odd man out, maybe a bit awkward, etc. But in the end he really gets a time to shine. I loved that! Its a sweet weekend read with a bit of heat and romance. Another hit for Jill!
December 8, 2017
I enjoy Jill Haymaker’s books .They are a bit predictable but quite enjoyable. With this book I was impressed with how Nicole realized that her relationship was toxic and incredibly unhappy. I cheered her on when she didn’t listen to the people who told her to just let her abusive boyfriend “sleep it off,” “It’s how he gets when he’s drinking.” It was as though her friends were making excuses for him. Nicole, on the other hand, realized there is no excuse for violence and left.
Her return home and relationship with her father and his dog Marshall was heartwarming. I felt her reactions to running into her different friends and classmates after 15 years away were pretty typical. Her decision to not just curl up in a ball and wallow in self-pity was also impressive. It showed her true strength. She knew she needed to stand on her own two feet, find her own place and get a job.
When it comes to the romance aspect of this book I loved the interactions between Nicole and Rick. The chemistry was almost instantaneous. There was a bit of hesitation in wanting to get too close, yet they both were drawn to each other, like magnets. I found the twist somewhat surprising, yet shocking at the same time. The way the author handled the aftermath was beautifully written and incredibly realistic.
If you haven’t read any books in the Peakview Series you are truly missing out. This is a wonderful set of books.
Her return home and relationship with her father and his dog Marshall was heartwarming. I felt her reactions to running into her different friends and classmates after 15 years away were pretty typical. Her decision to not just curl up in a ball and wallow in self-pity was also impressive. It showed her true strength. She knew she needed to stand on her own two feet, find her own place and get a job.
When it comes to the romance aspect of this book I loved the interactions between Nicole and Rick. The chemistry was almost instantaneous. There was a bit of hesitation in wanting to get too close, yet they both were drawn to each other, like magnets. I found the twist somewhat surprising, yet shocking at the same time. The way the author handled the aftermath was beautifully written and incredibly realistic.
If you haven’t read any books in the Peakview Series you are truly missing out. This is a wonderful set of books.
July 11, 2018
Colorado Summer Stars
This book is more realistic than many others are. After her traumatic day, instead of just getting a hug from the hero that makes everything all better, she has real issues that take time to work through. As always, I appreciate not having to read graphic details about sex. However, I also all appreciate that the author doesn't ignore the very real physical responses that are part of a growing attraction between two people. Good story! Thanks, Jill!
This book is more realistic than many others are. After her traumatic day, instead of just getting a hug from the hero that makes everything all better, she has real issues that take time to work through. As always, I appreciate not having to read graphic details about sex. However, I also all appreciate that the author doesn't ignore the very real physical responses that are part of a growing attraction between two people. Good story! Thanks, Jill!
November 19, 2017
We aren't the only ones headed back to Peakview; fabulous romance
Colorado Summer Stars is the second story in the Peakview Series that I have read, it is book #7. Although it is only the 2nd book, I absolutely love this series and would like to read more about the small town of Peakview and it's residents.
Nicole Phillips was waiting tables in San Francisco and stuck in a relationship that was going downhill fast. This time, when her boyfriend was drunk and threatening her, she left. Unfortunately she didn't get away without some serious bruising. Nicole wasn't sure where to go, but ultimately found herself on the long drive home to Peakview. It has been quite a while since she had been home. Going back after her mother died was incredibly difficult. But maybe this time would be different.
Rick Brady had come back to Peakview after college and had recently opened up a veterinarian hospital, the only vet hospital, in town. He needed to help his parents with the farm and Peakview was home. Not to mention he had plenty of business. Rick was single; not for a lack of trying and dating, but because no one seemed to stack up well to his first (secret) love, Nicole.
Colorado Summer Stars brings two people together and gives you a romance that you crave. It has a little bit of everything to keep you turning the pages; romance, mystery, tension, and a knight in shining armor. I highly recommend this book as well as the Peakview series. They are the perfect read for the person who loves romance. I wasn't able to put the book down and read it very quickly... maybe too quickly, but at least there are other stories in this series where I can get my fix. It is best suited for a mature audience that can handle some adult situations. Happy Reading.
Colorado Summer Stars is the second story in the Peakview Series that I have read, it is book #7. Although it is only the 2nd book, I absolutely love this series and would like to read more about the small town of Peakview and it's residents.
Nicole Phillips was waiting tables in San Francisco and stuck in a relationship that was going downhill fast. This time, when her boyfriend was drunk and threatening her, she left. Unfortunately she didn't get away without some serious bruising. Nicole wasn't sure where to go, but ultimately found herself on the long drive home to Peakview. It has been quite a while since she had been home. Going back after her mother died was incredibly difficult. But maybe this time would be different.
Rick Brady had come back to Peakview after college and had recently opened up a veterinarian hospital, the only vet hospital, in town. He needed to help his parents with the farm and Peakview was home. Not to mention he had plenty of business. Rick was single; not for a lack of trying and dating, but because no one seemed to stack up well to his first (secret) love, Nicole.
Colorado Summer Stars brings two people together and gives you a romance that you crave. It has a little bit of everything to keep you turning the pages; romance, mystery, tension, and a knight in shining armor. I highly recommend this book as well as the Peakview series. They are the perfect read for the person who loves romance. I wasn't able to put the book down and read it very quickly... maybe too quickly, but at least there are other stories in this series where I can get my fix. It is best suited for a mature audience that can handle some adult situations. Happy Reading.
June 27, 2021
Is this story predictable and cheesy? Yes, but isn't that why we read lighthearted romances? I enjoyed this sweet romance. This is my first Peakview book, and the likeable characters make me want to read more books in this series. I like the balance between positive returning home vibes and negative after effects of recent choices. Dave's intrusion into the idyllic Peakview community is harsh and shocking in contrast to Rick's steadfast peaceful presence. Nicole must deal with one before accepting the other. Tension and suspense add depth to this small town story. Childhood memories of feeling invisible and sometimes bullied shape one of the characters while popularity and parties shape another. Can two people with opposite experiences find common ground? Is Nicole back in Peakview to stay? This sweet, sappy story blends hope, disappointment, yearnings, healing, and home for a well deserved happy ending.
July 14, 2018
Home.
Feed up with her abusive boyfriend, Nicole, heads home to Peakview to heal emotionally and physically after the latest fight. She reconnects with fellow classmate, Rick, who has matured into a handsome hunk. Rick, the school geek, is now the town's vet who has lived Nicole since kindergarten. Can Rick save Nicole when her drunken, abusive boyfriend shows up to drag her unwillingly back to San Francisco?
Feed up with her abusive boyfriend, Nicole, heads home to Peakview to heal emotionally and physically after the latest fight. She reconnects with fellow classmate, Rick, who has matured into a handsome hunk. Rick, the school geek, is now the town's vet who has lived Nicole since kindergarten. Can Rick save Nicole when her drunken, abusive boyfriend shows up to drag her unwillingly back to San Francisco?
December 17, 2018
Romance, adventure, excitement...what more could you want?
Beautiful scenery, perfectly described in detail along with characters that make you want to invite over for dinner. This book shows the beauty of living in a small town, where everybody's got your back. Ms. Haymaker has created a warm and welcoming town and cast of characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Haymaker's books. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves small town, clean romances.
Beautiful scenery, perfectly described in detail along with characters that make you want to invite over for dinner. This book shows the beauty of living in a small town, where everybody's got your back. Ms. Haymaker has created a warm and welcoming town and cast of characters. I'm looking forward to reading more of Ms. Haymaker's books. I'd recommend this book to anyone who loves small town, clean romances.
December 27, 2020
Amateurish writing style and storyline. It felt like it was written by a teen. LOTS of punctuation errors, like speech not starting with inverted commas, which made for some confusing moments and ruined the flow each time. As for the storyline, all the main characters were too good, too clean, too perfect.
July 13, 2018
Very good clean book!
Loved the small town vibe and no sex romance! If course adding a mini Aussie , of which I own, was a wonderful thing too! Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!
Loved the small town vibe and no sex romance! If course adding a mini Aussie , of which I own, was a wonderful thing too! Hope everyone enjoys it as much as I did!
December 11, 2018
Excitement around every corner
With each book in the series I get more invested in Peakview and the residents. There is so much love between everyone. It feels as though you would fit in immediately if you were there.
With each book in the series I get more invested in Peakview and the residents. There is so much love between everyone. It feels as though you would fit in immediately if you were there.
December 16, 2018
Fantastic book
I loved this book. It touched on domestic violence and love and family and friendship in a way that makes it real for the reader. I couldn’t put it down. Bravo to the author for a book well written.
I loved this book. It touched on domestic violence and love and family and friendship in a way that makes it real for the reader. I couldn’t put it down. Bravo to the author for a book well written.
February 25, 2019
Colorado Summer Stars
Another wonderful season in Peakview. More good times with your old friends. This one focuses mainly on the story of Rick, the town vet, and Nichole, the daughter of Sam Phillips.
Another wonderful season in Peakview. More good times with your old friends. This one focuses mainly on the story of Rick, the town vet, and Nichole, the daughter of Sam Phillips.
April 30, 2019
Endearing romance
This is a very pleasant and endearing romance. The character building and story building are very well done. It touches on violent domestic abuse, high school inhibitions and mature adult romance.
This is a very pleasant and endearing romance. The character building and story building are very well done. It touches on violent domestic abuse, high school inhibitions and mature adult romance.
June 30, 2019
A great 2nd chance read
Just getting started reading this author as this is the 2nd book I have read and I plan on reading more. She weaves a great story and since I live in Fort Collins CO it brings the story closer.
Just getting started reading this author as this is the 2nd book I have read and I plan on reading more. She weaves a great story and since I live in Fort Collins CO it brings the story closer.
January 12, 2020
Ah, this is an easy review for in the writer's own words:
"She'd come home to find herself, and she'd found so much more. She'd found the love of her life right here in the sleepy little town she'd run from. Her ghosts dissolved in the night air. Her future looked as bright as the stars."
"She'd come home to find herself, and she'd found so much more. She'd found the love of her life right here in the sleepy little town she'd run from. Her ghosts dissolved in the night air. Her future looked as bright as the stars."
September 20, 2021
Love saves the day!
This book is a great addition to the series. I loved Rich and Nicole's trials to find each other. This small town we find filled with wonderful characters with vast histories to one another.Enjoy!
This book is a great addition to the series. I loved Rich and Nicole's trials to find each other. This small town we find filled with wonderful characters with vast histories to one another.Enjoy!
February 11, 2023
Good Story
Trigger! There is a scene where Nicole is assaulted and rape
attempted. This is pretty much just a love story between Rick, the town vet, and Nicole, who moves back home to get her life together. Old school friends, they fall for each other. Clean romance.
Trigger! There is a scene where Nicole is assaulted and rape
attempted. This is pretty much just a love story between Rick, the town vet, and Nicole, who moves back home to get her life together. Old school friends, they fall for each other. Clean romance.
July 10, 2026
A good read.
A touch of reality. The importance of choosing someone who is more than into himself/herself. Caring and communication is vital…as is not rushing into a relationship out of desperation.
A touch of reality. The importance of choosing someone who is more than into himself/herself. Caring and communication is vital…as is not rushing into a relationship out of desperation.
October 30, 2017
Good story
Good story, but to many mistakes to truly enjoy it. The mistakes were confusing. They were mostly mistakes with characters names. It drove me nuts
Good story, but to many mistakes to truly enjoy it. The mistakes were confusing. They were mostly mistakes with characters names. It drove me nuts
March 6, 2018
This series is great
This series of books has made me laugh and made me cry,kind of hard to put down the writer is great
This series of books has made me laugh and made me cry,kind of hard to put down the writer is great
May 10, 2018
Eh
How many times do I have to say- get out of the characters heads? I felt like I was walking around reading inner thoughts to move the story along. It was an ok story....
How many times do I have to say- get out of the characters heads? I felt like I was walking around reading inner thoughts to move the story along. It was an ok story....
August 4, 2018
Stars
I liked the book because it was a clean romance. It wasn't filled with sexual scenes. There wasn't anything about it that I didn't like. It was well written.
I liked the book because it was a clean romance. It wasn't filled with sexual scenes. There wasn't anything about it that I didn't like. It was well written.
May 13, 2019
Cute
I like the characters, I like the hometown feel and I like the drama. Cute story of Nicole and Rick
I like the characters, I like the hometown feel and I like the drama. Cute story of Nicole and Rick
September 8, 2019
Enjoyed
As I have readed several of Jill Haymaker book I just can not stop wanting more of the story and not end.
As I have readed several of Jill Haymaker book I just can not stop wanting more of the story and not end.
July 13, 2023
Great read!😊😁
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews