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Colorado Grooms #3
The Bull Rider's Secret
Will the truth keep them from a second chance?The next Colorado Grooms romance
Letting bull rider Jace Hawke back into her life breaks all of Mackenzie Wilder’s rules—just like he broke her heart years ago. But he’s working at her family’s ranch while recovering from a rodeo injury…and chipping away at Mackenzie’s tough-girl exterior with each passing day. Which is the bigger falling for Jace again…or letting him go without a fight?
Letting bull rider Jace Hawke back into her life breaks all of Mackenzie Wilder’s rules—just like he broke her heart years ago. But he’s working at her family’s ranch while recovering from a rodeo injury…and chipping away at Mackenzie’s tough-girl exterior with each passing day. Which is the bigger falling for Jace again…or letting him go without a fight?
368 pages, Paperback
First published September 1, 2019
32 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Jill Lynn
32 books464 followersJill Lynn Buteyn is a co-author of Just Show Up with Kara Tippetts, and the author of inspirational romances (as Jill Lynn). A recipient of the ACFW Genesis award for her fiction work, she has a bachelor’s degree in communications from Bethel University. Jill lives near the beautiful Rocky Mountains with her husband and two children.
Connect with her on social media or at Jill-Lynn.com.
Connect with her on social media or at Jill-Lynn.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
October 11, 2019
"Whoo--ee. The amount of loathing streaming from Mackenzie was enough to heat the town of Westbend in the dead of winter." (p 14) Not an auspicious start to a summer reunion romance but it sure was fun to fume and cheer and sigh over Jace and Mackenzie's mangled and miraculous second chance at love.
Jace is dream-worthy, swoon-worthy and every other kind of hero worthy you can think of. I'm still trying to get my heart rate down. He's just so gallant and stoic and kind and....gah, but he has the patience of Job when it comes to this determined-to-stay-mad-forever heroine. And I nosedived into my fainting couch every time he called her Kenzie Rae. Every. Single. Time. I don't know how Mackenzie held out as long as she did.
The dude ranch setting sparkles along with the Wilder clan. Love how the author has incorporated the siblings into this story as well. Fans of the series will be thrilled to catch up with previous heroes and heroines in spectacular ways! But don't worry if you haven't read the first two books -- The Bull Rider's Secret reads wonderfully well as a standalone!
Jace is dream-worthy, swoon-worthy and every other kind of hero worthy you can think of. I'm still trying to get my heart rate down. He's just so gallant and stoic and kind and....gah, but he has the patience of Job when it comes to this determined-to-stay-mad-forever heroine. And I nosedived into my fainting couch every time he called her Kenzie Rae. Every. Single. Time. I don't know how Mackenzie held out as long as she did.
The dude ranch setting sparkles along with the Wilder clan. Love how the author has incorporated the siblings into this story as well. Fans of the series will be thrilled to catch up with previous heroes and heroines in spectacular ways! But don't worry if you haven't read the first two books -- The Bull Rider's Secret reads wonderfully well as a standalone!
July 26, 2019
The Bull Rider’s Secret : A Wholesome Western Romance Colorado grooms #3 )
By: Jill Lynn
This is a Love Inspired Romance story and well written. The author went all out on this one. Jace is a bull rider who has gotten hurt and he is coming back to Mackenzie family ranch to heal. There is a past between Jace and Mackenzie . Jace is healing , but Mackenzie has not. She does not want him on the ranch and wants him thrown off. There is a lot of arguing that goes on between these two. Will Jace get to stay or will he have to leave? Is there any way these two can ever just be friends again? This is a good wholesome western romance and I did not want to put it down.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give positive review. All opinions are my own.
By: Jill Lynn
This is a Love Inspired Romance story and well written. The author went all out on this one. Jace is a bull rider who has gotten hurt and he is coming back to Mackenzie family ranch to heal. There is a past between Jace and Mackenzie . Jace is healing , but Mackenzie has not. She does not want him on the ranch and wants him thrown off. There is a lot of arguing that goes on between these two. Will Jace get to stay or will he have to leave? Is there any way these two can ever just be friends again? This is a good wholesome western romance and I did not want to put it down.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book , but was not told that I had to give positive review. All opinions are my own.
August 24, 2019
This book was so good!!! Actually, the entire series is a favorite of mine and I highly recommend all three of the Colorado Grooms books. However, you can jump in and read The Bull Rider’s Secret and enjoy this reunion romance, even if you haven’t read the other books in the series.
I just loved the tension between these two main characters. There was so much past hurt and anger that needed to be dealt with. Jace and Mackenzie were two people that you could see were perfect for each other, yet it seemed that they were destined for unhappiness once again as they struggled with the desires of their hearts and Jace’s guilt over his past. This book had all the feels! I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
I just loved the tension between these two main characters. There was so much past hurt and anger that needed to be dealt with. Jace and Mackenzie were two people that you could see were perfect for each other, yet it seemed that they were destined for unhappiness once again as they struggled with the desires of their hearts and Jace’s guilt over his past. This book had all the feels! I highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
You can read this review on my blog:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
August 23, 2019
Full review on FaithfullyBookish.com
From the opening line to a satisfying conclusion, I love this book and all the delicious banter within! This story is for everyone and especially those who have lived the expected life or taken the assumed path. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and Jill Lynn does it right! The way Mackenzie and Jace clash and yet perfectly fit one another's imperfections is a beautiful thing.
The Wilders have quickly become one of my favorite fictional families! The Bull Rider's Secret certainly has me reexamining the whys in my own life and I deeply appreciate fiction which challenges my perspective, inspires me and spurs me into action. I highly recommend this story and I picked up a print copy to add to my all-time favorites shelf!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
From the opening line to a satisfying conclusion, I love this book and all the delicious banter within! This story is for everyone and especially those who have lived the expected life or taken the assumed path. Second chance romance is one of my favorite tropes and Jill Lynn does it right! The way Mackenzie and Jace clash and yet perfectly fit one another's imperfections is a beautiful thing.
The Wilders have quickly become one of my favorite fictional families! The Bull Rider's Secret certainly has me reexamining the whys in my own life and I deeply appreciate fiction which challenges my perspective, inspires me and spurs me into action. I highly recommend this story and I picked up a print copy to add to my all-time favorites shelf!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and was under no obligation to post a review. The opinions expressed are my own.
August 19, 2019
I don’t read a ton of Love Inspired stories, but if the author is Jill Lynn, I’m in. I have loved every one of her stories! Even though Love Inspired books are shorter, hers always feel more like a full length novel. I always love her characters, storylines, and pops of humor.
One of my pet peeves is a female character that is not likable. I want to like the characters I’m reading about. So from the past stories in this series, I knew that MacKenzie was described as having a “tough-girl exterior” and, at first, I was worried I wouldn’t like her. I shouldn’t have worried at all! I really liked both MacKenzie and Jace. Theirs was a reunion story, one of my favorite tropes, and it was done beautifully. And while MacKenzie was hard on Jace at first, it was realistic and totally understandable. (Not to mention that he kind of deserved it!) I absolutely loved the ending, it was unexpected and just perfect!
I really enjoyed catching up with the couples from the first two books in this series. While this is a series, each story reads well as a stand-alone, and all of the stories are well worth your time! I can’t wait for Jill Lynn’s next story!
One of my pet peeves is a female character that is not likable. I want to like the characters I’m reading about. So from the past stories in this series, I knew that MacKenzie was described as having a “tough-girl exterior” and, at first, I was worried I wouldn’t like her. I shouldn’t have worried at all! I really liked both MacKenzie and Jace. Theirs was a reunion story, one of my favorite tropes, and it was done beautifully. And while MacKenzie was hard on Jace at first, it was realistic and totally understandable. (Not to mention that he kind of deserved it!) I absolutely loved the ending, it was unexpected and just perfect!
I really enjoyed catching up with the couples from the first two books in this series. While this is a series, each story reads well as a stand-alone, and all of the stories are well worth your time! I can’t wait for Jill Lynn’s next story!
October 24, 2019
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! It is a trope I enjoy - old flame coming home - and this author did it well. When Jace returns to heal from a bull-riding injury, MacKenzie is not happy...especially when she finds out he is working on her family's ranch. I loved their "bickering/flirting" and thought the issues they both dealt with were resolved well at the end. They both grew in their emotional journey and I closed the book with a happy sigh.
July 20, 2019
Ahhhh!!! She did it again! 😍
4/5 stars. Full review to come.
4/5 stars. Full review to come.
March 14, 2021
Really enjoyed this book. At times I agreed with MacKenzie for being upset with Jace and at times I didn't. This is the kind of book that draws you in and makes you feel like you are part of the story. The whole book tugs at your emotions but is an awesome read.
Once I started I just could'nt put it down. Check it out I think you will enjoy it too
Once I started I just could'nt put it down. Check it out I think you will enjoy it too
July 16, 2019
It's not a secret that as soon as Jill Lynn's books upload to my kindle app on my tablet that there will be little else going on until I finish the last word. The Bull Rider's Secret was no different. Here's Why:
First of all, Makenzie is a feisty character and I love her. Then enter the hunky Bull Rider. I mean, what could go wrong? Jace Hawke is healing up and Makenzie hasn't healed from their past. This delicate dance is so entertaining to watch while the summer progresses. I just love how Makenzie does things her way. The scene where Emma (her sister) gets married is hilarious. Jill Lynn could not have created a more quirky and appealing character in Makenzie. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. This family has grown dear to our hearts, and it's wonderful to revisit Wilder Guest Ranch. I read this in a day and was sad when it was finished. Jill Lynn has a delightfully refreshing turn of phrase and I enjoy her style. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a copy from the publisher, my opinion is my own.
First of all, Makenzie is a feisty character and I love her. Then enter the hunky Bull Rider. I mean, what could go wrong? Jace Hawke is healing up and Makenzie hasn't healed from their past. This delicate dance is so entertaining to watch while the summer progresses. I just love how Makenzie does things her way. The scene where Emma (her sister) gets married is hilarious. Jill Lynn could not have created a more quirky and appealing character in Makenzie. I could not turn the pages fast enough to find out what was going to happen next. This family has grown dear to our hearts, and it's wonderful to revisit Wilder Guest Ranch. I read this in a day and was sad when it was finished. Jill Lynn has a delightfully refreshing turn of phrase and I enjoy her style. A thoroughly enjoyable read.
I received a copy from the publisher, my opinion is my own.
August 12, 2019
Recently I finished the third book in the Colorado Grooms series by Jill Lynn. As I had previously read the first two books in the series, I felt like I was meeting up with old friends and looked forward to catching up with the characters and find out what would happen next. Although several misunderstandings hamper the characters in the beginning, by the end of the book these, along with several from the past, have been cleared up. This story was a satisfying conclusion to the series.
The Bullrider's Secret was simply an enjoyable read. The plot is interesting although somewhat predictable and the characters are wholesome. It truly is a book that was fun to read but requires very little extra thought to keep the plot or characters straight. These characteristics make it a perfect book for vacation or after a hard day at work.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Bull Rider's Secret from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
The Bullrider's Secret was simply an enjoyable read. The plot is interesting although somewhat predictable and the characters are wholesome. It truly is a book that was fun to read but requires very little extra thought to keep the plot or characters straight. These characteristics make it a perfect book for vacation or after a hard day at work.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received The Bull Rider's Secret from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.
July 9, 2019
'She didn't do shaky. Or nervous. She did strong and unbreakable.'
Jill Lynn brings us her third book in the Colorado Grooms series and she saved the best for last. Mackenzie Wilder is her own woman, totally sure if herself and not willing to back down. But her brother has hired her old boyfriend to work on their ranch for the summer. The same boyfriend who walked out on her seven years ago without the decency to speak to her in person.
Jace Hawke has been sidelined from bull riding by a serious injury, one he doesn't want Kenzie to know about. Now all the feels they had for one another race to the surface. Can Mackenzie continue her tough girl act? Will these two give God a shot at this?
Jill Lynn has done a bang up job in this one. Oh, how I enjoyed this! Her characters, her plot, the emotions, the spiritual theme.....all well done indeed!
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinion stated here are entirely my own.
Jill Lynn brings us her third book in the Colorado Grooms series and she saved the best for last. Mackenzie Wilder is her own woman, totally sure if herself and not willing to back down. But her brother has hired her old boyfriend to work on their ranch for the summer. The same boyfriend who walked out on her seven years ago without the decency to speak to her in person.
Jace Hawke has been sidelined from bull riding by a serious injury, one he doesn't want Kenzie to know about. Now all the feels they had for one another race to the surface. Can Mackenzie continue her tough girl act? Will these two give God a shot at this?
Jill Lynn has done a bang up job in this one. Oh, how I enjoyed this! Her characters, her plot, the emotions, the spiritual theme.....all well done indeed!
*My thanks to the publisher and author for a preview copy of this book. The opinion stated here are entirely my own.
May 27, 2020
Excellently written! Sometimes Love Inspired books don't get the accolades that "real novels" do, but this book was so pitch perfect, I can help but applaud Mrs. Lynn's writing style. Jace and Mackenzie are true-to-life characters and their attraction, chemistry, sexual tension or whatever you want to call it, is electric throughout the entire book. The dialog was razor sharp, witty, flirty, humorous and absolutely PERFECTION!! This is the first book I've read by Mrs. Lynn, but it definitely won't be my last. If you've been hesitant to read Love Inspired thinking there was no depth with only cookie-cutter characters and plots, I BEG you to please pick this one up. You will not be disappointed! Cowboy hats off to you, Mrs. Lynn.
February 27, 2024
Love Inspired books are mostly shallow. It's rare to find one that is written well, has a good plot, good romance, and a good ending. This book wasn't great, but it wasn't as bad as a few others I've read. 😁
This book had stuff going on, but it was all so repetitive.
This trope is your classic bull-rider-gets-hurt-has-to-recover and then his girlfriend is thinking that the next time he rides he'll get torn up even worse or disabled or die.
If that's your thing, well, this book isn't good, but that's the trope.
I was surprised by Mackenzie; I thought she'd be super annoying, a brat, and self-righteous, but she was actually super chill and her pains in life are completely understandable and normal.
It wasn't right of her parents to take her bother Luc away on the day of his surgery before she got to talk with him. That's lasting trauma for a kid! Good thing he lived & was okay.
Her complaints and traumas from the past are totally justified.
Add Jace leaving her with just a note and everything makes sense.
Like I said, I was surprised my Mackenzie.
Jace was cool, too, but the romance was just so sporadic, that the whole book just feels reallllly drawn out and boring.
There were some cutesy scenes between Jace and Mackenzie, but it doesn't make up for how boring the book is. The romance was simply not written well.
I like how the book ends: Mackenzie catches up with Jace en route to his next rodeo match to tell him that she'll wait for him for however long it takes and that she loves him.
Jace, of course, by this time has already decided that he doesn't want to continue riding, and goes home with her, but I've read this kind of trope before and usually the girl stays stubborn and rigid in her ways ‘til the end and the guy has to do all the compromising!
So yeah good ending but still this book really sucked, I'm sorry. The writing is just so bad and boring and too drawn out.
I'm really just done with Love Inspired books because they're published quickly and aren't required to be of good quality.
P.S. Jace's "secret" was kinda dumb (it holds very little meaning in the story). His "secret" was that his brother Evan asked him to ride bulls for him since he couldn't (Evan lost his leg during a riding mower accident), and Jace never told Mackenzie that that is why he had to leave her to ride bulls.
Yeah, I know, basic. HAH
This book had stuff going on, but it was all so repetitive.
This trope is your classic bull-rider-gets-hurt-has-to-recover and then his girlfriend is thinking that the next time he rides he'll get torn up even worse or disabled or die.
If that's your thing, well, this book isn't good, but that's the trope.
I was surprised by Mackenzie; I thought she'd be super annoying, a brat, and self-righteous, but she was actually super chill and her pains in life are completely understandable and normal.
It wasn't right of her parents to take her bother Luc away on the day of his surgery before she got to talk with him. That's lasting trauma for a kid! Good thing he lived & was okay.
Her complaints and traumas from the past are totally justified.
Add Jace leaving her with just a note and everything makes sense.
Like I said, I was surprised my Mackenzie.
Jace was cool, too, but the romance was just so sporadic, that the whole book just feels reallllly drawn out and boring.
There were some cutesy scenes between Jace and Mackenzie, but it doesn't make up for how boring the book is. The romance was simply not written well.
I like how the book ends: Mackenzie catches up with Jace en route to his next rodeo match to tell him that she'll wait for him for however long it takes and that she loves him.
Jace, of course, by this time has already decided that he doesn't want to continue riding, and goes home with her, but I've read this kind of trope before and usually the girl stays stubborn and rigid in her ways ‘til the end and the guy has to do all the compromising!
So yeah good ending but still this book really sucked, I'm sorry. The writing is just so bad and boring and too drawn out.
I'm really just done with Love Inspired books because they're published quickly and aren't required to be of good quality.
P.S. Jace's "secret" was kinda dumb (it holds very little meaning in the story). His "secret" was that his brother Evan asked him to ride bulls for him since he couldn't (Evan lost his leg during a riding mower accident), and Jace never told Mackenzie that that is why he had to leave her to ride bulls.
Yeah, I know, basic. HAH
February 9, 2024
Considering the two books before this...? Something went terribly, TERRIBLY wrong.
This didn't have any of the beautiful similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, or descriptive writing. It was not uplifting. It was not whimsical and fun.
It's a story about two people who hate each other. Neither of them are good, loving, or even admirable. The whole book, they're at each other's throats. It's NOT inspirational. Neither is the glaring lack of faith in either of them. Oh, sure... the secondary characters talk about God and spiritual things, but these two? They're awful.
But it's okay, because they sit in a pew, come Sunday. R'something.
The problem is that Jill wanted to write a 'strong' character, and apparently doesn't know what strength is. She made Mackenzie bitter, sullen, raging, frustrated... and frankly *WEAK*. If Kenzie was half the woman Jill says she is? She would NEVER have put up with Jace when he walked in to say goodbye. She would've turned her back and walked away, not letting anyone hurt her like that. She *CERTAINLY* wouldn't have kissed him. That's *WEAK*.
And about that whole 'everyone left her/hurt her' thing... that was never resolved with Luc, and it was barely resolved with Jace. We were left with unraveled ends, and I'm not okay with that.
Additionally, the story was terribly forced. Luc is gone so Mackenzie has to run the ranch, do the paperwork, handle the staff, man the activities... we're told she doesn't have two hours to herself. But we're also told that she's been taking care of Ruby for Luc in between everything. IN. WHAT. TIME!? It's a total cheat - there's no way anyone in her shoes would have time to babysit a kid on top of everything else.
We're told Mackenzie had been visiting Jace's mom. That's *NOT* Mackenzie. It's Emma, but not Mackenzie. If she had that many bad memories of Jace, she would NOT be over to his mother's house. The whole thing was absolutely flawed and in conflict with itself.
I'm keeping with the series, to see if Jill just had a bad one, but... I think if things don't move back to what they were in the first two books, I may be ditching the rest. I'm loathe to hang on to this for the sake of the series, as it is.
It was badly done, and I wish I hadn't read it.
This didn't have any of the beautiful similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, or descriptive writing. It was not uplifting. It was not whimsical and fun.
It's a story about two people who hate each other. Neither of them are good, loving, or even admirable. The whole book, they're at each other's throats. It's NOT inspirational. Neither is the glaring lack of faith in either of them. Oh, sure... the secondary characters talk about God and spiritual things, but these two? They're awful.
But it's okay, because they sit in a pew, come Sunday. R'something.
The problem is that Jill wanted to write a 'strong' character, and apparently doesn't know what strength is. She made Mackenzie bitter, sullen, raging, frustrated... and frankly *WEAK*. If Kenzie was half the woman Jill says she is? She would NEVER have put up with Jace when he walked in to say goodbye. She would've turned her back and walked away, not letting anyone hurt her like that. She *CERTAINLY* wouldn't have kissed him. That's *WEAK*.
And about that whole 'everyone left her/hurt her' thing... that was never resolved with Luc, and it was barely resolved with Jace. We were left with unraveled ends, and I'm not okay with that.
Additionally, the story was terribly forced. Luc is gone so Mackenzie has to run the ranch, do the paperwork, handle the staff, man the activities... we're told she doesn't have two hours to herself. But we're also told that she's been taking care of Ruby for Luc in between everything. IN. WHAT. TIME!? It's a total cheat - there's no way anyone in her shoes would have time to babysit a kid on top of everything else.
We're told Mackenzie had been visiting Jace's mom. That's *NOT* Mackenzie. It's Emma, but not Mackenzie. If she had that many bad memories of Jace, she would NOT be over to his mother's house. The whole thing was absolutely flawed and in conflict with itself.
I'm keeping with the series, to see if Jill just had a bad one, but... I think if things don't move back to what they were in the first two books, I may be ditching the rest. I'm loathe to hang on to this for the sake of the series, as it is.
It was badly done, and I wish I hadn't read it.
August 12, 2019
Very rarely do I ever read an entire series where I enjoy each installment equally. Usually one or two of the books will stand out as my favorites, and the rest I'll find while still good, aren't quite as good as the others. However, I can honestly state that each book in Jill Lynn's Colorado Grooms series is amazing, and after I've now finished the third book, I can't even pick a favorite.
I was anxiously awaiting Mackenzie's story. I'd really enjoyed her as a character in the previous books, and I was expecting pretty great things from it. I'm happy to say that Jill Lynn has definitely delivered the amazing story that Mackenzie's character deserved, and I'm already looking forward to rereading this entire series.
Mackenzie's always been known as strong and unbreakable. She'll do whatever it takes to help her family, and to keep her family's dude ranch operational. However, this season, their may be one thing she's unable to do for the sake of her family's ranch. When her twin brother hires her ex-boyfriend, the only man Mackenzie ever truly loved, to help the family out during a transitional year with new staff, she's not sure that she's going to be able to handle it. Jace Hawke broke her heart when he left her without a proper goodbye, and she's never been able to allow herself to truly forgive him for doing so.
However, as Mackenzie and Jace put aside their differences and past hurts for the sake of Wilder ranch, feelings start to reemerge between the two of them. With a complicated past, and an uncertain future, Mackenzie's not sure she can truly trust her heart once again to the man who left it in a million pieces the first time around. With God's help, Mackenzie and Jace might just get their happily ever after after all.
With strong familial ties, witty and well developed characters, plots twists and turns, and faith at the core and center of the story, The Bull Rider's Secret was everything I was hoping for and more. It goes without saying that Jill Lynn has become a new favorite author of mine, and Wilder Ranch and its various occupants have become near and dear to my heart ever since I picked up the first book to read. I adore Jill Lynn's refreshing writing style, and the way her stories always captivate me right from start to finish.
I couldn't have enjoyed this more, and Colorado Grooms is without a doubt my favorite Love Inspired series of all time. I can't wait to see what this author is going to have in store next for her readers, and I expect to see more great things from her in the future.
Final Rating: 5/5
Thanks so much to the author and the publisher for allowing me to advance read this!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
I was anxiously awaiting Mackenzie's story. I'd really enjoyed her as a character in the previous books, and I was expecting pretty great things from it. I'm happy to say that Jill Lynn has definitely delivered the amazing story that Mackenzie's character deserved, and I'm already looking forward to rereading this entire series.
Mackenzie's always been known as strong and unbreakable. She'll do whatever it takes to help her family, and to keep her family's dude ranch operational. However, this season, their may be one thing she's unable to do for the sake of her family's ranch. When her twin brother hires her ex-boyfriend, the only man Mackenzie ever truly loved, to help the family out during a transitional year with new staff, she's not sure that she's going to be able to handle it. Jace Hawke broke her heart when he left her without a proper goodbye, and she's never been able to allow herself to truly forgive him for doing so.
However, as Mackenzie and Jace put aside their differences and past hurts for the sake of Wilder ranch, feelings start to reemerge between the two of them. With a complicated past, and an uncertain future, Mackenzie's not sure she can truly trust her heart once again to the man who left it in a million pieces the first time around. With God's help, Mackenzie and Jace might just get their happily ever after after all.
With strong familial ties, witty and well developed characters, plots twists and turns, and faith at the core and center of the story, The Bull Rider's Secret was everything I was hoping for and more. It goes without saying that Jill Lynn has become a new favorite author of mine, and Wilder Ranch and its various occupants have become near and dear to my heart ever since I picked up the first book to read. I adore Jill Lynn's refreshing writing style, and the way her stories always captivate me right from start to finish.
I couldn't have enjoyed this more, and Colorado Grooms is without a doubt my favorite Love Inspired series of all time. I can't wait to see what this author is going to have in store next for her readers, and I expect to see more great things from her in the future.
Final Rating: 5/5
Thanks so much to the author and the publisher for allowing me to advance read this!
I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I was not required to give a positive review.
August 21, 2019
When I read one of Jill Lynn’s books, I can always count on a charming and satisfying read. The Bull Rider’s Secret definitely fits into this category. With a setting at the Wilder family guest ranch in Colorado and a cast of colorful and engaging characters, this story comes alive on the page. Mackenzie Wilder and Jace Hawke have a past history they need to overcome and reconcile. They are both wonderful characters. Mackenzie is independent, feisty, and still hurting from the past. Jace is strong, capable, but struggling with feelings of guilt. I enjoyed seeing them both start to heal and grow in their relationship.
This is the last of the three books in the Colorado Grooms series by this author, but it can easily stand alone. It was fun to see some of the characters from the previous books pop up in this one. The importance of family, the power of love and forgiveness, and the beauty of second chances all added to my enjoyment of this story. I’ll be looking forward to more books by Jill Lynn.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
This is the last of the three books in the Colorado Grooms series by this author, but it can easily stand alone. It was fun to see some of the characters from the previous books pop up in this one. The importance of family, the power of love and forgiveness, and the beauty of second chances all added to my enjoyment of this story. I’ll be looking forward to more books by Jill Lynn.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
September 2, 2019
3.5 stars
Lynn’s latest is the third installment in the “Colorado Grooms” series, though it could be read as a standalone.
Mackenzie Wilder is not impressed to see the man her brother hired to help out on their ranch: Jace Hawke, her ex-boyfriend who broke her heart when he left town—and her—to follow his dream of riding bulls. Will she give in to those old feelings she still harbors for Jace, or will she let him walk out of her life again?
Jace needs a job while he’s recovering from an injury, and the Wilder’s ranch seems like the perfect opportunity, even though Mackenzie’s attitude toward him makes things a bit challenging. Can he break through her tough exterior?
This is a sweet, quick read with relatable (flawed but authentic) characters and scenarios.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
Lynn’s latest is the third installment in the “Colorado Grooms” series, though it could be read as a standalone.
Mackenzie Wilder is not impressed to see the man her brother hired to help out on their ranch: Jace Hawke, her ex-boyfriend who broke her heart when he left town—and her—to follow his dream of riding bulls. Will she give in to those old feelings she still harbors for Jace, or will she let him walk out of her life again?
Jace needs a job while he’s recovering from an injury, and the Wilder’s ranch seems like the perfect opportunity, even though Mackenzie’s attitude toward him makes things a bit challenging. Can he break through her tough exterior?
This is a sweet, quick read with relatable (flawed but authentic) characters and scenarios.
You can read the full review on my blog: https://lmckeeediting.blogspot.com/20...
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary copy, but I wasn’t required to leave a positive review.
July 20, 2019
Absolutely Amazing once again! Sometimes you find authors in life who writes a series of books and you find that none of the series is as good as the first book, however, once again, Jill blew it out of the water! She is such an amazing author and can literally capture your attention in the first paragraph and you will find yourself unable to put it down! This is exactly what happened to me! From the first page I felt like I was sitting on the porch watching the story of Jace and Mackenzie unfold. I highly recommend this book and this author! You will not be disappointed at all!!!
July 30, 2019
Mackenzie Wilder is a strong woman who helps run Wilder Dude Ranch. You can imagine her anger when her twin brother hires Jace who walked out on her seven years ago to work at the ranch without consulting her! Jace is recovering from injuries he sustained while bull riding. Jace and Mackenzie learn that emotions sometimes keep us from seeing the truth. The Bull Rider's Secret is well written. I'm sure you will enjoy this third book in the Colorado Grooms series. I received a complimentary e-book from the author. This is my honest opinion.
May 29, 2021
I found this book to be very humorous. My favorite line occurs at the very beginning of the book, "Mackenzie Wilder didn't want to kill her brother in the true sense, just in the what-were-you-thinking, cartoon-wringing-of-the-neck sense." Apparently, that's what happens when the new hire at the family ranch happens to be the ex. She doesn't want him there (surprise, surprise), but will she run him off or is he stubborn enough to stay? I loved Jace's sense of loyalty to his brother and the way they were able to work out a misunderstanding that happened when they were teens.
August 7, 2019
Another great book by Jill Lynn! The characters will pull you in to their wonderful family keeping your eyes glued to the pages. I felt as if I could move to this ranch and live there forever. I love McKenzie’s spunk and her strong personality. The plot will keep you turning pages to see what happens next. Love, forgiveness and healing will capture your heart with this story. This is one book you don’t want to pass up!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
August 20, 2019
This is a great quick read. If you like rodeo's, cowboys and romance, then this is a book for you. This is Jace and Mackenzie's story. Jace is a bull rider, Mackenzie helps run the Wilder family ranch. Jace left years ago for reasons only he knows. He has returned to nurse his injuries. When he's healed, he'll be gone again unless his secret for leaving is revealed. Thanks Jill Lynn for this amazing read. I couldn't put the book down it's a real page turner.
September 21, 2019
I enjoyed " The Bull Rider's Secret," the third book in the Colorado Grooms series. Jace is an injured bull rider who has come to Wilder Ranch to work while his injuries heal. Mackenzie Wilder is the girl he left behind to rodeo. Sparks fly as old hurts surface.
October 5, 2019
Soooo good
I've read all three from this Colorado Grooms series and I love all three. Such a great place to visit - Wilder Ranch - wish I could go. 3 amazing ladies, 3 amazing guys, 3 rich, grace-filled stories. Mmmmm!
I've read all three from this Colorado Grooms series and I love all three. Such a great place to visit - Wilder Ranch - wish I could go. 3 amazing ladies, 3 amazing guys, 3 rich, grace-filled stories. Mmmmm!
October 2, 2020
WOW!!!!!!
This series is good. Each book is better than the last one. I'm looking forward to the next one. This one is such a sweet romance. It shows how God will work things out for good if we keep our hands off the situation and let Him work in our lives.
This series is good. Each book is better than the last one. I'm looking forward to the next one. This one is such a sweet romance. It shows how God will work things out for good if we keep our hands off the situation and let Him work in our lives.
January 23, 2024
Great second chance
Sometimes its hard to accept that second chances do exist. Mackenzie was determined to resist being hurt a second time. Would it be worth the battle for Jace to continue his pursuit. Enjoy the read
Sometimes its hard to accept that second chances do exist. Mackenzie was determined to resist being hurt a second time. Would it be worth the battle for Jace to continue his pursuit. Enjoy the read
May 10, 2020
A sweet Harlequin story.
May 14, 2020
Another winner!
October 23, 2020
If you like books that feature feisty cowgirl heroines, you'll love this one :)
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