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River's End Ranch #49

Bigfoot Believer

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Nick Norego likes being a computer nerd. He likes the careful routine of his day, and the fact he doesn’t have to interact much with people. He even likes that he works someplace as beautiful as River’s End Ranch, where he’s surrounded by gorgeous mountain views without having to actually, you know, step foot in nature.

Okie Pucklin came to River’s End Ranch to paint that nature, and to find Bigfoot. Nick’s website insists this is where Bigfoot lives…but how come Nick is so secretive about that site? And how can someone who is surrounded by such majestic mountains be content to just sit in his office and look at them?

As Nick’s new friend turns into something more, he realizes he needs to find a way to convince Okie to stay. If that means going on a Bigfoot hunt, so be it…because they’re both keeping secrets, and this might be the only way to discover the truth!

110 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 22, 2018

260 people are currently reading
63 people want to read

About the author

Caroline Lee

162 books654 followers

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5 stars
243 (60%)
4 stars
97 (23%)
3 stars
46 (11%)
2 stars
14 (3%)
1 star
5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
Profile Image for Jeffrey.
379 reviews26 followers
May 3, 2018
What I particularly love about Carolyn Lee is her featuring lovable heroes and heroines who do not fit into the "ideal" character mode. Nick Norego works at River's End Ranch as an I.T. director and his personality may fit into the mild Asperger's syndrome level. He likes routine, familiarity, and socially keeps to himself. While sitting at his usual routine drinking coffee at a mountain overlook he spies Okie Pucklin who is creating the scene before him on her tablet art app with incredible skill and creativity. Okie, a product of the foster care system, has what seems like a more severe Autism Spectrum Disorder. Homeless, she and her pet cat are looking for Bigfoot in her pickup and unbeknownst to her the website she had referred to was originated by Nick! It is all fake but in her naive reality it is all real to her! The two begin an awkward relationship as just friends but the two of them realize how alone they have both been in their lives and the stirrings of needing someone significant in their lives begins to blossom into a romance. The author treats the reader to the scrambled and confused thoughts of Okie with great sensitivity and understanding. As is the case of many with an Autism spectrum disorder, Okie exhibits extraordinary talent in one narrowly defined area: her artwork. It is obviously a comfort to her and helps he cope with the world. To me, this is such an important and current story that needs more exposure. Add that supernatural and mystical thread which permeates many of the author's works and you get a fascinating and whimsical romance like no other you have read.
271 reviews1 follower
April 24, 2018
This is a book with 2 different main characters, both who have some challenges in life.
Nick is an engineer who struggles to understand social situations and much prefers to be on his own doing work that he loves, or spending time playing computer games. Although not labelled as such in the book he is somewhat classical for ASD/Aspergers.
Then, there's Okie. She's extra special, she struggles to communicate with people, prefers solitude, grew up in the foster care system (and wasn't understood by almost anyone) and yet has an amazing talent as an artist and really connects with nature. My assumption is that she probably fits the diagnosis of a more severe end of the ASD spectrum paired with the challenges of having being raised in various foster homes. Again, no diagnosis is mentioned in the story.
This story shows these 2 characters connecting and growing through friendship. The depiction of these 2 special people is just beautiful. It's not cheesy, nor condescending or awkward. It's genuinely beautiful. This is a difficult feat. Many stories with characters in them who have additional needs don't have those characters as main characters and if they do they often do a poor job of describing how they feel. Caroline does an amazing job and accurately describing the challenges of living with ASD (or similar issues) and shows how that doesn't have to be a hindrance to friendship, work and ultimately love.
I have ASD/Aspergers and so do both my children so this is a real area of interest to me. Usually I avoid books with characters with ASD as it's too distressing and uncomfortable. I did not feel distressed or uncomfortable with how these characters were described at any point. That's amazing.
Overall. A great book! I love the whole series, but this is my favourite book of the series so far!
3,645 reviews17 followers
April 25, 2018
Nick and Okie are socially awkward people who both love video games and become great friends. Nick is the IT Director at River's End Ranch. Okie is a graphic artistic who owns her own company and lives out of her truck with her cat. She appears to be on the autism spectrum and is very literal in her thinking, so she can't accept that Nick would create a fake website about a Bigfoot sighting. It was great see Okie reconnect with her foster brother Jace and become more comfortable around people as the story went on. Sweet romance with lots of funny moments.
2 reviews
April 27, 2018
Sweet story

It is so nice to see a romance wrote about these special people who are unique in there own way. This love story was different then a traditional one because people on the spectrum are emotionally delayed but special in their own way. Just because they think differently doesn't mean they don't deserve love! The character of Okie really hit home for me so I understood her reactions to the people around her and appreciated that the author was able to describe these reactions appropriately.
Profile Image for Liberty.
422 reviews1 follower
June 4, 2018
My favorite part of this book is that it features two very special characters who don't quite fit in. Okie lives with her cat in her pickup and Nick doesn't like to socialize, yet finds himself inexplicably drawn to Okie. The sweet story of how these two find comfort and friendship in each other is absolutely delightful. Their relationship develops at a realistic pace and they experience some ups and downs while navigating their growing attraction. This book is so much more than the title suggests.
Profile Image for Renate Deutsche Oma.
1,401 reviews
April 23, 2018
Delightful romance with unique quirky characters, a cat, and beautiful tranquil mountainous setting. Can romance develop between two silent type computer geeks? Will the matchmakers predictions come true? While this is a fun read, this survival story has contemporary themes: misrepresentation of the truth, foster care vs. traditional family, technology, how society stereotypes individuals and how individuals are taught to approach the arts. More than a love story!
Profile Image for Gina.
2,392 reviews31 followers
April 23, 2018
I really enjoyed this story, especially the characters of Okie and Nick. I liked that they were "different", socially inept but drawn together inexplicably. But Nick' s secret about Bigfoot might be his undoing with his blossoming relationship with Okie. It's sweet the way he tries to understand her more deeply by being inside her art with her. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
27 reviews
April 25, 2018
Unbelievable laughter

I've never read an adult book that contained such juvenile characters. I felt that I was reading about 2 elementary school children. Okie seriously needs to seek professional help and should take Jaclyn with her. The author is also very repetitive, like she really had to push the story out. So if you're looking for a quick read, don't bother. You'd only be wasting your time.
11 reviews
October 7, 2020
I was happy with the main characters and their developing relationship. My disdain was with the joke(?), erroneous website encouraging people to post on their made-up evidence for Bigfoot and the fact the Weston family tolerated, even encouraged this. It is deceptive to the public and goes against their reputation for honesty and integrity. That is very much against everything they have stood for throughout the series - and not funny.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Melissa Sagendorph.
13 reviews
April 12, 2022
Sweet, goofy story, like most of Rivers End Ranch (which I can’t seem to get enough of! ) I particularly loved seeing a positive portrayal of an young woman with ASD! As an autism mom, I know how much our ASD kiddos-turned-young adults need to see these types of characters represented! AND not seem as if they have something “wrong”!! The acceptance and support shown to this character was perfect!!
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,964 reviews9 followers
April 24, 2018
Special

A wonderful presentation of two caring people who have special talents and react differently yet function exceptionally well in their world's of art and technology. Each has a special way of doing and accepting and are out of the scope of normal,but who gets to decide what is normal anyway.
Profile Image for Jenny.
1,124 reviews14 followers
April 26, 2018
Do you believe??

Bigfoot Believer was very different from the rest of the RER series. In a good way. It was refreshing to read a book where the H and h brains work a bit differently than others and for them to find love not only in each other but themselves. Very well done Ms. Lee
Profile Image for Cindy Edwards.
324 reviews1 follower
April 26, 2018
Read despite the title

To new readers to this series, you will want to read anyways. Its not just a "bigfoot story". I like how 2 socially awkward people are attracted to each other because they noticed the similarities that both of them had. I like how the author did not diagnose either so that anyone could relate to them.
356 reviews
April 28, 2018
Beautiful

Caroline Lee is fantastic! She was able to weave a love story between two very quiet nerdy people so great. She was able to make me see more about how autism affects everyday life then I really realized and I thought I understood fairly well. Thank you, Caroline Lee for showing us that people can live a fulfilling life even with autism.
Profile Image for Tamara.
1,152 reviews5 followers
August 25, 2018
Great Lighthearted Love

I enjoyed these two Nick and Okie immensely as they remind me of a couple in my own expanded family. Okie is very so loveable and precious and the fact that she brought out the best parts of Nick are awesome.
Always love this series and the warm love stories that happen to characters I can easily relate with.

Look forward to more in the series.
61 reviews
August 26, 2018
Nick Norego / Okie Pucklin
A website built and constructed as a prank and with fake memorabilia attracts a following of fervent believers. What’s a guy supposed to do when he falls for a believer and follower of his fake website? How does a Big Foot Believer know Jace RER uptight accountant? I CAN NOT EXPRESS HOW GOOD I THINK THIS BOOK IS !
Profile Image for Janet McMillan.
500 reviews
September 3, 2023
This is my least favorite book of the series. I think the writer was trying to write a story about 2 autistic people falling in love. Probably Aspergers, highly functioning or at least on the spectrum. I wish the words would have been used. The story felt very stiff. If the two characters Okie and Nic were explained better, perhaps the story would have been better.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
April 25, 2018
So many tears!

I cried so much while reading this, not because it was bad or sad, but because it was so utterly emotional and wonderful!!! Okie and Nick are two very special characters, and this story really does them justice.
Profile Image for Love.
1,747 reviews5 followers
April 24, 2018
Special Love

This is by far my favorite of the river end series and it keeps getting better and better with more amazing and adorable characters to fall in love with definitely must read .
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,921 reviews6 followers
April 24, 2018
Loved it

This is a special story about special people and we'll worth the read. I've always enjoyed Caroline Lee's books and really enjoyed this one. Another great book in a great series.
Profile Image for Sonya .
228 reviews2 followers
April 25, 2018
Is he real?

Do you believe in Bigfoot? That's what this book covers along with a very sweet romance involving two special individuals. I enjoyed the characters a lot. It was a touching story.
156 reviews1 follower
April 25, 2018
Happy Ending

I’m so glad the story ended the way it did, it makes perfect sense. We are all unique in our own way and need to do what is right for us. Thanks for another great book. Can’t wait for the next one.
351 reviews
April 26, 2018
Best story yet!

I live all if the books in this series, but this is my favorite. I love the portrayal of Okie and how special she is. Nick is perfefft for her! Thank you Caroline Lee for a wonderful book!
Profile Image for Sue Stinnett.
1,374 reviews3 followers
April 26, 2018
Mountain View

Two people with their own quirky personalities find those very quirks is what they love about each other. The fact they both love the mountains is just an added benefit.
Profile Image for Lynn Smith.
2,682 reviews9 followers
April 27, 2018
Bigfoot Believer

I was torn on this one. I enjoyed the story and I understood that Nick and Okie were both different. It was just hard when the characters don't have much of a dialogue. Most of it played out in their thoughts.
Profile Image for Melissa Henderson.
Author 8 books190 followers
April 28, 2018
Unique story with interesting characters. Romance and mystery. Do you believe in Bigfoot? Read and find out what the characters believe. I received a copy of this book from the author and this is my personal honest opinion. No review was required.
Profile Image for Sherri.
23 reviews
June 27, 2018
Fabulous

I think this was wonderful. I want to know more about okie and nick. I loved this story so much i wish it were twice as long as it was. I really think it was my favorite River's End Ranch story so far .....Thank You Caroline!!!!!
Profile Image for Tj Walker.
299 reviews5 followers
October 28, 2018
A very unique couple 💑

Okie and Nick are both unique people. Caroline Lee never identifies it with either one, but I wonder if they are autistic. Just the way their minds are working. This is a sweet story that I enjoyed.
Profile Image for Patricia Rutland.
108 reviews
October 14, 2019
Superb Story

This story has a unique and sensitive quality that make it a stand out. This romance tale goes beyond the norm and relates to two characters who can change each other's lives forever.
Profile Image for Catherine.
218 reviews
April 24, 2018
Wonderful

I adored Okie lol she is a sweet girl and Nick is the perfect best friend for her! Looking forward to reading more about them in future RER stories!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews

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