What do you think?
Rate this book
Money can solve all her problems, but it can't mend a broken heart.
Stryder Flint returns to Two Rides, Montana and he's out to win back more than his reputation. He wants Melody Steel.
Growing up, they'd been inseparable but a last minute choice had stolen his heart and made him rich beyond measure. Too bad he could never buy what he truly wanted...
Flint and Steel made fire and she was done getting burned.With more debt than she can comprehend after her dad died, Melody doesn't need her poverty rubbed in her face or that Stryder found happiness and money without her. All she'd ever done was make her loved ones miserable.
Well, no more. Stryder was free and Melody was going to keep it that way - no matter how much it tore her apart.
***Books by Bonnie R. Paulson***
Clearwater County Collection
THE BILLIONAIRE COWBOYS
Stryder
Trevor
Brody
Mac
Zack
Wyatt
Vance
Jacob
Deegan
Ethan
Shane
Chance
The MONTANA TRAILS SERIES
Broken Trails (book 1)
Forbidden Trails (book 2)
Unbridled Trails (book 3)
Hidden Trails (book 4)
Forgotten Trails (book 5)
Endless Trails (book 6)
Forsaken Trails (book 7)
Lonesome Trails (book 8)
Lost Trails (book 9)
Untamed Trails (book 10)
Boxset – Books 1, 2, 3
Boxset – 4, 5, 6
Boxset – 7,8,9
Full Boxset – 1-10
LONELY LACE SERIES
Spurs and Lace (book 1)
Secrets and Lace (book 2)
Sorrows and Lace (book 3)
Boxset (all 3 books)
REDEMPTION SERIES
Romancing Redemption (book 1)
Riding for Redemption (book 2)
Resisting Redemption (book 3)
Regretting Redemption (book 4)
Rewarding Redemption (book 5)
Boxset (all 5 books)
Contemporary Romance
CLICKANDWED.COM SERIES
With This Click, I Thee Wed (book 1)
IDo.com (book 2)
DIY Vows (book 3)
eHoneymoon (book 4)
Keyword: I Do (book 5)
Let US-B Wed (book 6)
The Right Click (book 7)
MADE FOR LOVE SERIES
Made for Me (book 1)
Made for You (book 2)
Made for Love (book 3)
DOWNSHIFT SERIES
Downshift (book 1)
Full Throttle (book 2)
Block Pass (book 3)
196 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 6, 2018
447 people are currently reading
154 people want to read
About the author
Bonnie R. Paulson
162 books661 followersUSA Today Bestselling author, Bonnie Paulson focuses on the drive of sweet western romances and the heros who ride for justice and the love of their lives. Living with her own cowboy helps keep things real!
Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Liz Isaacson, and Linda Lael Miller!
Sign up and get a free Paulson western romance!
http://www.bonniepaulson.com
Some of her favorite authors are Robyn Carr, Liz Isaacson, and Linda Lael Miller!
Sign up and get a free Paulson western romance!
http://www.bonniepaulson.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 26, 2018
FTC DISCLAIMER: I RECEIVED AN E-ARC FROM THE AUTHOR. I ALSO PURCHASED A COPY AT MY OWN COST! I VOLUNTARILY OFFER MY HONEST REVIEW OF THE BOOK, THOUGH IT IS NOT EXPECTED OF ME! RECEIPT OF THIS BOOK IN THIS MANNER DOES NOT AFFECT MY OPINION OF THE BOOK OR THE CONTENT OF MY REVIEW!
This was actually more of a three and a half star read for me. The premise was interesting, especially after reading so many of the author's Montana Trails series, but something about the characters was off for me.
The conflict between Stryder and Melody felt forced, and a little bit unbelievable, as if neither one of them had the sense to question why the other just dropped out of their lives. Why couldn't they call one another instead of writing, which is easily intercepted? It just was unrealistic to me, and was a major stumbling block when I focused on it. However, when I ignored my problem with the above issue, it was actually an enjoyable read. I liked seeing Stryder and Melody reconnect with one another, and their journey to love actually didn't feel rushed due to the shortened nature of the book.
All things considered, it was a quick and mostly enjoyable read for me, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
This was actually more of a three and a half star read for me. The premise was interesting, especially after reading so many of the author's Montana Trails series, but something about the characters was off for me.
The conflict between Stryder and Melody felt forced, and a little bit unbelievable, as if neither one of them had the sense to question why the other just dropped out of their lives. Why couldn't they call one another instead of writing, which is easily intercepted? It just was unrealistic to me, and was a major stumbling block when I focused on it. However, when I ignored my problem with the above issue, it was actually an enjoyable read. I liked seeing Stryder and Melody reconnect with one another, and their journey to love actually didn't feel rushed due to the shortened nature of the book.
All things considered, it was a quick and mostly enjoyable read for me, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!
April 6, 2018
SCORE:
Stars: 4 (out of 5) for overall story
BOOK TIDBITS:
Genre: Romance
Recommended Readers: Teen+
Chapters: 20 + Epilogue
Ending: No cheating, No cliffhangers, HEA
Main Characters:
Stryder Flint
Melody Steel
Series: The Billionaire Cowboys of Clearwater County (Book 1)
REVIEW: Fun, sweet, second chance romance! Melody is one of the strongest characters I’ve read in a long time. She endures so much pain, heartache and disappointment in her life. Her family life ends with the worst kind of betrayal by the one she is the closest too. Unfortunately, she doesn’t learn about the betrayal until after the funeral and ten years after she endures not only a major loss, but abandonment from the one person she loves wholeheartedly.
Stryder returns home for Melody. He does everything he can to do what he thinks will make her happy, except actually ask her what it is she wants. He made a huge mistake in trusting someone ten years prior that has nearly crushed not only his heart but his spirit. His love for Melody has never wavered and he is determined to win her back, but is it too late? There’s competition knocking at her door.
This story does end with an HEA. I still can’t get over how Melody endures all that she does, learns of the betrayal and yet still remains forgiving, compassionate and overall level headed to take care of what needs done. Like I mentioned earlier, she is one of the strongest characters I’ve read in a long time.
My favorite part about Stryder is he’s definitely an alpha male, but he isn’t cocky. He knows what/whom he wants and he does everything not only to get it, but earn it. I’m crushing on him a bit!
ARC read in exchange for honest review.
Stars: 4 (out of 5) for overall story
BOOK TIDBITS:
Genre: Romance
Recommended Readers: Teen+
Chapters: 20 + Epilogue
Ending: No cheating, No cliffhangers, HEA
Main Characters:
Stryder Flint
Melody Steel
Series: The Billionaire Cowboys of Clearwater County (Book 1)
REVIEW: Fun, sweet, second chance romance! Melody is one of the strongest characters I’ve read in a long time. She endures so much pain, heartache and disappointment in her life. Her family life ends with the worst kind of betrayal by the one she is the closest too. Unfortunately, she doesn’t learn about the betrayal until after the funeral and ten years after she endures not only a major loss, but abandonment from the one person she loves wholeheartedly.
Stryder returns home for Melody. He does everything he can to do what he thinks will make her happy, except actually ask her what it is she wants. He made a huge mistake in trusting someone ten years prior that has nearly crushed not only his heart but his spirit. His love for Melody has never wavered and he is determined to win her back, but is it too late? There’s competition knocking at her door.
This story does end with an HEA. I still can’t get over how Melody endures all that she does, learns of the betrayal and yet still remains forgiving, compassionate and overall level headed to take care of what needs done. Like I mentioned earlier, she is one of the strongest characters I’ve read in a long time.
My favorite part about Stryder is he’s definitely an alpha male, but he isn’t cocky. He knows what/whom he wants and he does everything not only to get it, but earn it. I’m crushing on him a bit!
ARC read in exchange for honest review.
April 6, 2018
Ever since Stryder Flint left the small town of Two Rides, Montana, Melody Steel has been working to keep the Steel ranch functioning, or at least keep the bills paid, despite her father's drinking and indifference. She has long since stopped believing that Stryder will ever come back, especially now that he's a famous billionaire and not the poor boy who left to go to college.
Stryder, meanwhile, still harbors hopes of winning Melody back, even though she has never responded to any of his letters over the years.
When Clint Steel dies, and Melody simply can't even keep the lights on, much less pay the mortgage, Stryder decides it's time to take his chances and go home.
This is a novella- length story, and it's not long before the reader has a better understanding of what's really been happening than either of the principals. Stryder and Melody are both likable, decent, hardworking people, and with compatible values, and it would be hard not to root for them to get together.
Light but enjoyable.
I received a free electronic galley of the book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
Stryder, meanwhile, still harbors hopes of winning Melody back, even though she has never responded to any of his letters over the years.
When Clint Steel dies, and Melody simply can't even keep the lights on, much less pay the mortgage, Stryder decides it's time to take his chances and go home.
This is a novella- length story, and it's not long before the reader has a better understanding of what's really been happening than either of the principals. Stryder and Melody are both likable, decent, hardworking people, and with compatible values, and it would be hard not to root for them to get together.
Light but enjoyable.
I received a free electronic galley of the book from the author, and am reviewing it voluntarily.
March 23, 2019
This was a second chance romance. Melody and Stryder were in love but he off and leaves to seek his fortune. Melody doesn’t think he will come back. Which is painful since she loved and trusted Stryder and because her mother abandoned her and her father just a few years before. She thinks she must be unlovable. A local bully of a man has been trying to marry Melody for years but she knows he too doesn’t love her and she can’t marry a man like him. After 10 years Stryder comes back. Neither know if there is anything left between each other although each fans a flame for each other still. But they have to see if they can get over they misunderstandings between each other and the hurt they have in their heart. I enjoyed this story. It was a clean read. But it was kind of a sad book. It was harder for me to really get into it or feel the sparks between them. I think I would give it a 3.5 stars.
April 6, 2018
This is an emotional and dramatic story about a love that was torn apart by time and misunderstandings. Stryder left his home town and the woman he loved so that he could make a better future for them. But life takes time, so much time that Melody thought he abandoned her, just like her mother. When he comes back to town to win her again, she's too angry, hurt and depressed to listen to him. The twist in the storyline makes their story even sadder. However it does have a very sweet and very romantic ending. Bonnie is so could at weaving a story that is both heart-wrenching and sweetly romantic.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
May 17, 2018
WOW - Bonnie R. Paulson has done it again!!! Another amazing start to a new series!!!
Melody Steel (one of the main characters) thought that she and Stryder Flint (the other main character) would be together forever. They had made an agreement when they were in high school that they would be together forever. But, for some reason he leaves her and never looks back. When Melody's father passes away, she is faced with an inherited debt. Then Stryder returns to Two Rides and Melody doesn't know why. Did he come back because she was there??? I don't write spoilers -- you will just need to read and find out for yourself!!!
Can't wait to read the next book in the series -- WOOHOO!!!
Melody Steel (one of the main characters) thought that she and Stryder Flint (the other main character) would be together forever. They had made an agreement when they were in high school that they would be together forever. But, for some reason he leaves her and never looks back. When Melody's father passes away, she is faced with an inherited debt. Then Stryder returns to Two Rides and Melody doesn't know why. Did he come back because she was there??? I don't write spoilers -- you will just need to read and find out for yourself!!!
Can't wait to read the next book in the series -- WOOHOO!!!
April 8, 2018
Melody Steel just buried her father and the bills keep coming, risking losing her own home. At the same time, her job at the restaurant doesn't pay her what she needs to survive worthily.
Stryder Flint left Two Rides a few years ago to study and make his living, leaving Melody behind. Ten years have passed, and when he finds out that she may be in need, he decides to go back to his hometown and help her.
Mistakes and secrets of the past have kept them apart, but now that they are in the same city, will they be able to overcome everything and be together?
I loved the story and Mel and Stryder are very interesting characters.
Stryder Flint left Two Rides a few years ago to study and make his living, leaving Melody behind. Ten years have passed, and when he finds out that she may be in need, he decides to go back to his hometown and help her.
Mistakes and secrets of the past have kept them apart, but now that they are in the same city, will they be able to overcome everything and be together?
I loved the story and Mel and Stryder are very interesting characters.
April 12, 2018
Melody Steel always thought that she and Stryder Flint would be together forever. But, he leaves her and never looks back. Facing loss due to inherited debt, she's more than mortified when Stryder returns in all his wealthy glory.
Stryder came back to Two Rides because Melody is there, but is it a waste of time? Has she moved on? Miscommunication & misunderstandings pave their reunion but Stryder is determined to make Melody happy - at any cost - and have her love him the way she used to.
This is a light, sweet, enjoyable, second chance romance.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
Stryder came back to Two Rides because Melody is there, but is it a waste of time? Has she moved on? Miscommunication & misunderstandings pave their reunion but Stryder is determined to make Melody happy - at any cost - and have her love him the way she used to.
This is a light, sweet, enjoyable, second chance romance.
I voluntarily read & reviewed an ARC of this book.
April 15, 2018
A sweet story and an easy read. Stryder Flint left Melody Steel and the little town of Two Rides to go to college, promising he would come back for her ... but she never saw or heard from him again. She has waited patiently, but life has got worse and worse for her. Her father was an alcoholic, and left massive debts. Stryder comes back to town when he finds out her father has died, but she is angry, and wants nothing to do with him. He by now is a very rich man, and still wants to marry her - everything he has succeeded at has been for her.
Of course it all comes right in the end but there is a great deal of angst along the way. A pleasant read for a lazy afternoon.
Of course it all comes right in the end but there is a great deal of angst along the way. A pleasant read for a lazy afternoon.
June 20, 2018
Convoluted and confused, this story is different, but it does have a happy ending.
Two people who love each other, but cannot seem to communicate with each other, even gave to face. A father who is controlling and mentally abusive comes between them with a vengeance, and since they are prevented from speaking to each other, his control lasts til his death. Author needs to get a competent proof reader to go over the manuscript, because there were way too many spelling errors, misused word errors, and poor sentence structure problems that need to be corrected. Those errors cost a star on my review, because they were very frequent and annoying.
Two people who love each other, but cannot seem to communicate with each other, even gave to face. A father who is controlling and mentally abusive comes between them with a vengeance, and since they are prevented from speaking to each other, his control lasts til his death. Author needs to get a competent proof reader to go over the manuscript, because there were way too many spelling errors, misused word errors, and poor sentence structure problems that need to be corrected. Those errors cost a star on my review, because they were very frequent and annoying.
May 10, 2019
An Excellent Heartwarming Story
When you're tired of all the murder and mayhem stories in the world, The Billionaire Cowboys of Clearwater County series is the perfect way to get lost in feel good, clean romances. This book is Stryder and Melody's story. I loved these characters. They are kind, hard working, small town people who were separated by a father who tricked Stryder into leaving Melody and lied to keep them apart for years. He left Melody on brink of homelessness and homelessness. When Stryder returns, he and Melody put the pieces of their broken hearts back together? An excellent heartwarming story!
When you're tired of all the murder and mayhem stories in the world, The Billionaire Cowboys of Clearwater County series is the perfect way to get lost in feel good, clean romances. This book is Stryder and Melody's story. I loved these characters. They are kind, hard working, small town people who were separated by a father who tricked Stryder into leaving Melody and lied to keep them apart for years. He left Melody on brink of homelessness and homelessness. When Stryder returns, he and Melody put the pieces of their broken hearts back together? An excellent heartwarming story!
April 3, 2018
I love to relax with a book that holds my interest from start to finish and Stryder is just such a book. I’ve become a real fan of Bonnie R Paulson’s writing and I’m happily working my way through her various series. Stryder and Melody were apart for many years, each thinking the other had moved on and it’s not until Melody is in dire financial straits that Stryder returns and things begin to come to light. Not all was as it seemed but can they find the truth and each other.....read it and find out.
April 4, 2018
Stryder is the first book in a new series by Bonnie R. Paulson called The Billionaire Cowboys of Clearwater County and is a book that I couldn’t put down! I love all of Bonnie’s books but this one was exceptional.
Stryder and Melody had a past full of love, promises, betrayal and unknown secrets. Stryder left Melody unexpectedly years before without telling her why and became a billionaire. Melody buried her dad and was left heavy in debt. When Stryder came back to down would Melody accept him and his help or lose everything she olds dear?
Stryder and Melody had a past full of love, promises, betrayal and unknown secrets. Stryder left Melody unexpectedly years before without telling her why and became a billionaire. Melody buried her dad and was left heavy in debt. When Stryder came back to down would Melody accept him and his help or lose everything she olds dear?
April 10, 2018
Melody Steel just buried her father and the bills keep coming, risking losing her own home. At the same time, her job at the restaurant doesn't pay her what she needs to survive worthily.
Stryder Flint left Two Rides a few years ago to study and make his living, leaving Melody behind. Ten years have passed, and when he finds out that she may be in need, he decides to go back to his hometown and help her.
Mistakes and secrets of the past have kept them apart. I liked how they were able to reconnect and form a sold bond.
I received a ARC of this book.
Stryder Flint left Two Rides a few years ago to study and make his living, leaving Melody behind. Ten years have passed, and when he finds out that she may be in need, he decides to go back to his hometown and help her.
Mistakes and secrets of the past have kept them apart. I liked how they were able to reconnect and form a sold bond.
I received a ARC of this book.
April 7, 2018
I'm SO glad Bonnie is back to writing some good old fashion cowboy novels - I have to say I have missed Clearwater and Stryder is the perfect welcome home!
Melody is the girl next door, left behind when Stryder makes his way in the big wide world. Secrets and lies leave hurt feelings and misunderstandings that both need to conquer in order to find their HEA.
I read this in one sitting and loved every minute of the ups and downs Bonnie leads us on. I am looking forward to meeting Trevor next!
Melody is the girl next door, left behind when Stryder makes his way in the big wide world. Secrets and lies leave hurt feelings and misunderstandings that both need to conquer in order to find their HEA.
I read this in one sitting and loved every minute of the ups and downs Bonnie leads us on. I am looking forward to meeting Trevor next!
June 22, 2018
A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE
Down to earth characters who struggle with their relationships. Melody has struggled most of life with an alcoholic father who ran their family home into debt and ruin; also the betrayal of her young love. Stryder is back in town after he learns of her father's death. A cute and entertaining story about how they resolve their past abandonment feelings and need to work toward the future.
Down to earth characters who struggle with their relationships. Melody has struggled most of life with an alcoholic father who ran their family home into debt and ruin; also the betrayal of her young love. Stryder is back in town after he learns of her father's death. A cute and entertaining story about how they resolve their past abandonment feelings and need to work toward the future.
January 11, 2019
Second Chances
At first love. Melody got the phone call, her dad had passed and she was going to have to figure out money for the funeral. Stryker was in CA thinking of her. He left and went to college and made loads of money but his true love was in Two Rivers. Then he saw the obituary, he knew is was time to go home. Melody was trying, he boss was awful and the day Stryker walked in was too much. She quit. Now they need to fix them.
At first love. Melody got the phone call, her dad had passed and she was going to have to figure out money for the funeral. Stryker was in CA thinking of her. He left and went to college and made loads of money but his true love was in Two Rivers. Then he saw the obituary, he knew is was time to go home. Melody was trying, he boss was awful and the day Stryker walked in was too much. She quit. Now they need to fix them.
April 6, 2018
What a delightful story to start what I am sure will be a great series. This authors works draw you into the story and holds you captivated until the end. The characters have great interactions as they work toward a second chance at love. The road is not smooth but true love always wins. Great book, highly recommend it.
February 3, 2019
Second chance billionaire Cowboy
Great book. The difference between love and betrayal, love and hate all rolled into one. Stryder and Mel need a chance to figure out what they want or need. Clint made a big mistake keeping things from Mel so she had no idea what happened to Stryder. This was a great read and this is my review from my free book. Norma Gorrill
Great book. The difference between love and betrayal, love and hate all rolled into one. Stryder and Mel need a chance to figure out what they want or need. Clint made a big mistake keeping things from Mel so she had no idea what happened to Stryder. This was a great read and this is my review from my free book. Norma Gorrill
February 18, 2019
Stryder
When her father died she was left with a mountain of debt. The town bully wants her. But the one she loved left her years ago and became very rich. He has come back. But for what? Will the past secrets come to light or will it break her even more? Why did he come back after all this time?
When her father died she was left with a mountain of debt. The town bully wants her. But the one she loved left her years ago and became very rich. He has come back. But for what? Will the past secrets come to light or will it break her even more? Why did he come back after all this time?
May 11, 2019
Sweet second chances
Loved this book. So many misunderstandings create havoc with the couple. Her father had withheld Strykers letters to her for some unknown reason. Possibly he thought she would marry Brock. It was cruel thing to do to his daughter. They get their happy ending though.
Loved this book. So many misunderstandings create havoc with the couple. Her father had withheld Strykers letters to her for some unknown reason. Possibly he thought she would marry Brock. It was cruel thing to do to his daughter. They get their happy ending though.
May 30, 2019
First read from this author
The conflict between Stryder and Melody felt forced, and a little bit unbelievable, as if neither one of them had the sense to question why the other just dropped out of their lives. Just an okay book, story could have been better but the author chose to constantly repeat the problem
The conflict between Stryder and Melody felt forced, and a little bit unbelievable, as if neither one of them had the sense to question why the other just dropped out of their lives. Just an okay book, story could have been better but the author chose to constantly repeat the problem
July 31, 2019
A real romance.
Finally. A true romance. Too many of today's books that are classified as romance are nothing more than pornography. I'm not a prude and don't mind a sex scene here and there if it adds to the story. This book, however, is truly romantic. It deals with everyday struggle, heartbreak, heartache, betrayal, romance and love. I loved it.
Finally. A true romance. Too many of today's books that are classified as romance are nothing more than pornography. I'm not a prude and don't mind a sex scene here and there if it adds to the story. This book, however, is truly romantic. It deals with everyday struggle, heartbreak, heartache, betrayal, romance and love. I loved it.
October 16, 2021
Great story
Excellent book. I loved the story. It never dragged. The characters were great, and of course there were evil villains. I had to make myself stop reading for a while because my family thought they needed dinner. I d read it again and recommend it to all story lovers. Plus it was a clean book, which makes it all the better.
Excellent book. I loved the story. It never dragged. The characters were great, and of course there were evil villains. I had to make myself stop reading for a while because my family thought they needed dinner. I d read it again and recommend it to all story lovers. Plus it was a clean book, which makes it all the better.
April 8, 2018
This was a sweet, well-written book. Melody and Stryder were inseparable growing up, but he left and Melody had to cope on her own. He returns and plans to win her back, but there are obstacles between them. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading other books by this author.
June 14, 2018
Betrayal
Interesting story of a parent's betrayal to his daughter and the boy she loved. The promises they made to each other could bring them back together. I gave it 4 stars due to the number of typos.
Interesting story of a parent's betrayal to his daughter and the boy she loved. The promises they made to each other could bring them back together. I gave it 4 stars due to the number of typos.
October 14, 2018
Beautiful Love Story
This is a outstanding and sweet romance with adorable characters and heartwarming story of how true love can withstand any misunderstanding or obstacles if you believe in that love.
This is a outstanding and sweet romance with adorable characters and heartwarming story of how true love can withstand any misunderstanding or obstacles if you believe in that love.
November 8, 2018
Inflation!!
I remember when romances were hiked up to millionaires, obviously they’re inflated now. Billionaires and second chances are the perfect recipe for love. Monetary security for the future and emotional security from the past, sigh!
I remember when romances were hiked up to millionaires, obviously they’re inflated now. Billionaires and second chances are the perfect recipe for love. Monetary security for the future and emotional security from the past, sigh!
December 7, 2018
Billionaire stories would make good television series.
Stryder and Melody were the best characters in this story. Stryder does interesting things with his money and the freedom it gives him. Great story.
Stryder and Melody were the best characters in this story. Stryder does interesting things with his money and the freedom it gives him. Great story.
January 20, 2019
Flint and Steel
Everyone knows you need flint and steel to make fire. Just like they know Melody and Stryder should be together. Melody is still hurt from when Stryder left. She has no idea about the deal he made with her father. Can he convince her of his true intentions?~
Everyone knows you need flint and steel to make fire. Just like they know Melody and Stryder should be together. Melody is still hurt from when Stryder left. She has no idea about the deal he made with her father. Can he convince her of his true intentions?~
Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews