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Outlaw Hartes #3
Return to Star Valley: A Second Chance Cowboy Romance
Originally published as Cassidy Harte and the Comeback Kid, a woman left at the altar is reunited with her runaway groom in this heart-racing romance by New York Times bestselling author RaeAnne Thayne!
Ten years ago, Cassidy Harte had stood at the altar waiting for Zach Slater. And when he didn’t show up—and was said to have disappeared with her brother’s flirtatious wife—she did the only thing she could do. Held her head up high. Helped raise her motherless niece. And swore never to get involved with a man again.
And then back into her life walked Zach—with an “I’m sorry” on his lips, an explanation she refused to hear and the vow that he would make her his once again. And this was one vow he was determined to keep....
Originally published in 2002
Ten years ago, Cassidy Harte had stood at the altar waiting for Zach Slater. And when he didn’t show up—and was said to have disappeared with her brother’s flirtatious wife—she did the only thing she could do. Held her head up high. Helped raise her motherless niece. And swore never to get involved with a man again.
And then back into her life walked Zach—with an “I’m sorry” on his lips, an explanation she refused to hear and the vow that he would make her his once again. And this was one vow he was determined to keep....
Originally published in 2002
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2002
About the author
RaeAnne Thayne
328 books3,966 followersI'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
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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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
June 26, 2015
Good second chance story. Ten years earlier the man that Cassidy had loved with all of her eighteen year old heart disappeared without a word a week before their wedding. He was seen leaving town with her brother's wild wife. Devastated, and feeling guilty that her man had destroyed her brother's life too, she devoted herself to caring for Matt's infant daughter and making a home for her two brothers. Now both of them have moved on with their lives, and her niece has a new mother and sister.
Cassidy feels a bit lost and without a real purpose, so she takes a job as the cook at a local guest ranch. She enjoys the work and the variety and meeting new people, even though she's never found anyone else she's willing to risk her heart on. She loves her elderly employer, and is sad but understanding when the woman sells the ranch to an unknown wealthy Denver businessman. She is stunned when the new owner arrives and it turns out to be Zach.
There were several reasons the Zach had left ten years ago, and none of them were because he didn't love Cassidy. In fact, one of the reasons he left was because he loved her too much to saddle her with a penniless drifter. Leaving hurt, but he thought he was doing the right thing. Over the next ten years he became a very successful man, but there was always something missing. Now he's returned to Salt River with the goal of winning her back.
It's not going to be as easy as he had hoped. Their initial meeting shows Zach just how bitter she is. She's the one who had to deal with the gossip and the pity. To make it worse, this is the first he's heard about Matt's wife leaving with him. He wants to explain, but first he has to get Cassidy to listen to him. Cassidy doesn't want to hear his excuses. The past is in the past and she wants it to stay there. But her heart isn't quite so ready to write off what they used to have together.
I really enjoyed Zach's persistence in trying to get back together with Cassidy. He knows he had gone about things the wrong way back then, and he's trying to show her that he's changed. There are some really sweet moments when his romantic side comes out and they are able to remember the good times. There are also a couple times when jealousy overrules his common sense and sets his cause back a little. His biggest issue is trying to prove that he didn't leave with Melanie, and that is turning out to be harder than expected. I also liked the way that Zach never tried to convince Cassidy that he didn't deserve her anger. He knows he does, and he takes all of her verbal blows without argument.
Cassidy's distrust of Zach was completely understandable. His return has brought back all the memories of everything she went through after he left. It has also brought back the attraction and the feelings she thought had died long ago. She had a real war going on within herself as to whether or not she wanted to take a chance on him again. I liked seeing her begin to see that the boy she loved was still there in the man. The extra maturity also enables her to stand up to her brothers when she makes the decision to give Zach another chance.
Not everything goes smoothly, because there was another reason that Zach had left town so abruptly. Older and wiser now, he realizes that he never believed that Cassidy would have stood by him, and that was one of the reasons he ran. When that past comes roaring back, it puts a strain on their new relationship, and Zach's pride gets in the way of him accepting her support. The person behind part of that past is not happy that Zach is back. As it turns out, he's played a bigger part in Zach's troubles than even Zach knows. The identity of the person isn't really a surprise, but there's a twist to his actions that I hadn't seen coming. The final confrontation was very good, and it was satisfying to see some people having to face up to how wrong they were.
Cassidy feels a bit lost and without a real purpose, so she takes a job as the cook at a local guest ranch. She enjoys the work and the variety and meeting new people, even though she's never found anyone else she's willing to risk her heart on. She loves her elderly employer, and is sad but understanding when the woman sells the ranch to an unknown wealthy Denver businessman. She is stunned when the new owner arrives and it turns out to be Zach.
There were several reasons the Zach had left ten years ago, and none of them were because he didn't love Cassidy. In fact, one of the reasons he left was because he loved her too much to saddle her with a penniless drifter. Leaving hurt, but he thought he was doing the right thing. Over the next ten years he became a very successful man, but there was always something missing. Now he's returned to Salt River with the goal of winning her back.
It's not going to be as easy as he had hoped. Their initial meeting shows Zach just how bitter she is. She's the one who had to deal with the gossip and the pity. To make it worse, this is the first he's heard about Matt's wife leaving with him. He wants to explain, but first he has to get Cassidy to listen to him. Cassidy doesn't want to hear his excuses. The past is in the past and she wants it to stay there. But her heart isn't quite so ready to write off what they used to have together.
I really enjoyed Zach's persistence in trying to get back together with Cassidy. He knows he had gone about things the wrong way back then, and he's trying to show her that he's changed. There are some really sweet moments when his romantic side comes out and they are able to remember the good times. There are also a couple times when jealousy overrules his common sense and sets his cause back a little. His biggest issue is trying to prove that he didn't leave with Melanie, and that is turning out to be harder than expected. I also liked the way that Zach never tried to convince Cassidy that he didn't deserve her anger. He knows he does, and he takes all of her verbal blows without argument.
Cassidy's distrust of Zach was completely understandable. His return has brought back all the memories of everything she went through after he left. It has also brought back the attraction and the feelings she thought had died long ago. She had a real war going on within herself as to whether or not she wanted to take a chance on him again. I liked seeing her begin to see that the boy she loved was still there in the man. The extra maturity also enables her to stand up to her brothers when she makes the decision to give Zach another chance.
Not everything goes smoothly, because there was another reason that Zach had left town so abruptly. Older and wiser now, he realizes that he never believed that Cassidy would have stood by him, and that was one of the reasons he ran. When that past comes roaring back, it puts a strain on their new relationship, and Zach's pride gets in the way of him accepting her support. The person behind part of that past is not happy that Zach is back. As it turns out, he's played a bigger part in Zach's troubles than even Zach knows. The identity of the person isn't really a surprise, but there's a twist to his actions that I hadn't seen coming. The final confrontation was very good, and it was satisfying to see some people having to face up to how wrong they were.
July 18, 2011
Cassidy Harte was a twelve-year old girl when she lost her parents, with only two older brothers, she learned too cook to pitch in and all the guys were like brothers for her when at eighteen she fell into love with a ranch-hand Zack. Those months were miraculous for her, despite Zack's apprehension about her age, she decided they should get married before she starts college. Then, she gets the news that Melanie(her sister-in-law) was seen leaving town with Zach.
Devastated, losing confidence in herself and feeling guilty she settled into the safety of the ranch and helped in raising her three-month old niece Lucy. But now she feels at odds, Lucy has a new mother and her brothers are moving forward while that fun loving Cassidy is long gone and has allowed her dreams to wither. So, she has moved out and taken a job at Lost Creek.
When in walks the new owner, a rich guy from Denver who turns out to be Zack. Cassie is not pleased and doesn't really believe him at first(that he is the owner) but when she does she turns in her resignation when Zack blackmails and guilts her into staying for a month(also promises her a great deal of money). You might think what a jerk but think again, you see Zack has come to win over Cassie. Despite all the wealth he has he has never forgotten Cassie and their dreams and then he finds out that people think he left with Melanie. He didn't and tries to tell her but he knows that he has lost that trust. You see Zack never considered himself worthy of Cassie and he was threatened into leaving town by some criminals, yes he could have contacted Cassie, but he thought a clean break would be better for her.
He takes all her anger and verbal jaunts quietly since he knows he deserves it and he is determined to do whatever it takes. I didn't want to like Zack but I did, the guy did love Cassie and regretted the pain he had caused and was genuine. I also loved Cassie see how she herself had stifled herself over the years using many things to blame for it.
I loved seeing these two come together again. A very good re-united lovers story.
Devastated, losing confidence in herself and feeling guilty she settled into the safety of the ranch and helped in raising her three-month old niece Lucy. But now she feels at odds, Lucy has a new mother and her brothers are moving forward while that fun loving Cassidy is long gone and has allowed her dreams to wither. So, she has moved out and taken a job at Lost Creek.
When in walks the new owner, a rich guy from Denver who turns out to be Zack. Cassie is not pleased and doesn't really believe him at first(that he is the owner) but when she does she turns in her resignation when Zack blackmails and guilts her into staying for a month(also promises her a great deal of money). You might think what a jerk but think again, you see Zack has come to win over Cassie. Despite all the wealth he has he has never forgotten Cassie and their dreams and then he finds out that people think he left with Melanie. He didn't and tries to tell her but he knows that he has lost that trust. You see Zack never considered himself worthy of Cassie and he was threatened into leaving town by some criminals, yes he could have contacted Cassie, but he thought a clean break would be better for her.
He takes all her anger and verbal jaunts quietly since he knows he deserves it and he is determined to do whatever it takes. I didn't want to like Zack but I did, the guy did love Cassie and regretted the pain he had caused and was genuine. I also loved Cassie see how she herself had stifled herself over the years using many things to blame for it.
I loved seeing these two come together again. A very good re-united lovers story.
September 19, 2018
Cassidy Jane and Zach Slater.
Good plot but shifts from present to past didn’t sit too well with me.
Also Zach’s plan didn’t seem to fit with the person he’d grown to be.
Lots of angst for things not said ....
Good plot but shifts from present to past didn’t sit too well with me.
Also Zach’s plan didn’t seem to fit with the person he’d grown to be.
Lots of angst for things not said ....
October 20, 2021
Great story! I didn’t know prior to reading this book that it’s the third one in the Outlaw Hartes series but that’s not a concern because it can be read as a standalone. The author’s name, RaeAnne Thayne, and the story in Return to Star Valley sounded familiar to me but I don’t have any record of reading it before. For longtime romance readers, apparently it was published as Cassidy Harte and the Comeback Kid years ago. Regardless if I’ve read it before or not, I thoroughly enjoyed spending time with this book and I’d have no problem reading it again and again and again.
I actually got this book from my mother the last time that I visited her. She is the one responsible for my addiction to reading romance books. Return to Star Valley is a sensually sweet love story between two heart-shattered love birds destined for each other. There are many plot twists that gutted my heart, kept me in suspense or had me holding on to my seat. It’s a must read if you love a bit of mystery mixed in with your love story.
The hero, Zach, was grossly misunderstood and judged. He had my devotion immediately. His character was well developed and easy to connect with. The heroine, Cassidy, was equally developed and relatable. She was a heartstring-puller. Together I ached for them to work out the inevitable circumstances circling their relationship.
There is so much more to this story that isn’t even alluded to in the synopsis. When I read the blurb, I asked myself, why would Zach leave? I was skeptical of any acceptable excuses but decided I wanted to read the book to find out. I’m so glad I did.
I felt the story was well written and would consider reading another RaeAnne Thayne story starting with book one in this series. Cheers, to discovering new authors and reading great books!
I actually got this book from my mother the last time that I visited her. She is the one responsible for my addiction to reading romance books. Return to Star Valley is a sensually sweet love story between two heart-shattered love birds destined for each other. There are many plot twists that gutted my heart, kept me in suspense or had me holding on to my seat. It’s a must read if you love a bit of mystery mixed in with your love story.
The hero, Zach, was grossly misunderstood and judged. He had my devotion immediately. His character was well developed and easy to connect with. The heroine, Cassidy, was equally developed and relatable. She was a heartstring-puller. Together I ached for them to work out the inevitable circumstances circling their relationship.
There is so much more to this story that isn’t even alluded to in the synopsis. When I read the blurb, I asked myself, why would Zach leave? I was skeptical of any acceptable excuses but decided I wanted to read the book to find out. I’m so glad I did.
I felt the story was well written and would consider reading another RaeAnne Thayne story starting with book one in this series. Cheers, to discovering new authors and reading great books!
October 14, 2018
I have already written an review for the first story so will go on to Cassidy and Zach story.
I don't know why the author put the first and third books together but please read Jesse and Sarah's story first.
Cassidy has had a tough life she lost both her parents when young, was raised by an older brother, and a hell raiser 2nd brother. Just when she thinks the things are going to chance the love of her life disappears alone with her sister-in law.
On her wedding day. The grief for both Matt her older brother, and her's chance her life.
She gives up going to school to help raise her 3 month old niece and keep the ranch house going.
After 10 years Matt has found the new love of his life and Cassy is free to move on with her.
Just as she starts a new chef job the new owner shows up Zach Slater ! The ex fiance.
Will Cassy be able to forgive him, was his betrayal what she has always thought ? Has he been accused wrongly for
years? Will her brother shoot him even if he is the Chief of police.
So much hurt, and misunderstanding. Then there is someone out to hurt Cassidy.
You just going to have to read it to find out the answer's to all the above.
Grab a cup of coffee and get started your going to love it.....
I don't know why the author put the first and third books together but please read Jesse and Sarah's story first.
Cassidy has had a tough life she lost both her parents when young, was raised by an older brother, and a hell raiser 2nd brother. Just when she thinks the things are going to chance the love of her life disappears alone with her sister-in law.
On her wedding day. The grief for both Matt her older brother, and her's chance her life.
She gives up going to school to help raise her 3 month old niece and keep the ranch house going.
After 10 years Matt has found the new love of his life and Cassy is free to move on with her.
Just as she starts a new chef job the new owner shows up Zach Slater ! The ex fiance.
Will Cassy be able to forgive him, was his betrayal what she has always thought ? Has he been accused wrongly for
years? Will her brother shoot him even if he is the Chief of police.
So much hurt, and misunderstanding. Then there is someone out to hurt Cassidy.
You just going to have to read it to find out the answer's to all the above.
Grab a cup of coffee and get started your going to love it.....
March 1, 2019
I listened to this book on Audible— the narration was good and did not distract from the story.
While I enjoyed this book, there was just something missing in this one for me. It was a good second chance story, and yet it just didn’t click for me.
I would read this again but this book just wasn’t my favorite.
While I enjoyed this book, there was just something missing in this one for me. It was a good second chance story, and yet it just didn’t click for me.
I would read this again but this book just wasn’t my favorite.
February 19, 2020
Ok. Cassie was left at the altar 10 years before when Zach left without a word and with his brothers wife. Now he’s back, a millionaire who has purchased the dude ranch she works at. He swears he didn’t leave with Melanie and has a story of drug smuggling and being beaten and leaving to protect her. Is it true.
March 20, 2018
As always, a wonderful read by Ms. Thayne. The story kept me reading, and entertained, for an entire evening. I loved how Zach just couldn't stop the snark from leaving his lips...but of course it works out in the end!
April 16, 2018
An interesting read, with several twists. Liked and felt for the main characters. The secondary characters felt rather one dimensional, but the overall story moved rapidly and held my interest. Loved the descriptions of the area and the ranch, resorts and stores in the small town
July 2, 2018
i loved reading about these Harte siblings, this one is a second chance at HEA, i noticed in this series, the heroines are able to take care of themselves, which i really enjoyed reading about, and this book nicely closes this series out, am looking to read more books from RT:-)
August 16, 2020
This is a romantic western mystery. A little more steamy than I am used to RaeAnne Thayne writing which surprised me. The storyline is good and there is plenty of mystery and action. It does keep you guessing.
February 10, 2023
Return to Star Valley
The story kept me fully involved and I found every spare chance to read a gift. The main characters were relatable and a sweet romance that was often hard fought had me pulling for them. Completely enjoyable.
The story kept me fully involved and I found every spare chance to read a gift. The main characters were relatable and a sweet romance that was often hard fought had me pulling for them. Completely enjoyable.
February 1, 2025
a stroll down memory lane
I had read this series before but had the good luck to get the first 2 on Audible listen to them then read this they are so good I know I will listen to them again and enjoy them again
I had read this series before but had the good luck to get the first 2 on Audible listen to them then read this they are so good I know I will listen to them again and enjoy them again
January 20, 2018
Great
A really good read.Nice story,with a whole lot going.One of those stories that have you sitting on the edge of your seat,wondering just what's going to happen next..
A really good read.Nice story,with a whole lot going.One of those stories that have you sitting on the edge of your seat,wondering just what's going to happen next..
March 16, 2018
RETURN TO STAR VALLEY
This is a very good book, just not as good as most of the Raeanne Thayne books I have read. I need to read the first two in the trilogy.
This is a very good book, just not as good as most of the Raeanne Thayne books I have read. I need to read the first two in the trilogy.
March 17, 2018
A very nice read, indeed!
March 20, 2018
Very quick read!!!
April 3, 2018
this book was so good I read it in less than a day! I just couldn't put it down!
April 3, 2018
An interesting story of misunderstood H/H. Conclusions drawn falsely. A second chance.
April 12, 2018
Loved this book.
April 20, 2018
Review
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were real and I didn't want to leave the story especially toward the end
I enjoyed reading this story. The characters were real and I didn't want to leave the story especially toward the end
January 2, 2020
This was a good story. Had a good plot with a twist that made it even better.
July 14, 2020
It was good. Zach and cassie's story.
Read
March 29, 20262/9/2026
April 22, 2018
Cassidy Harte has spent the last 10 years trying to forget Zach, who left just before their wedding. Zach left because he was threatened and because deep down, he thought he was not good enough for Cassidy. Now, Zach is successful, wealthy and determined to win back Cassidy.
Read
February 3, 2018Miniseries: Outlaw Hartes
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