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West #1
Loving Lauren
Lauren had been raised to not be afraid of anything, and she lived by that code, that is until her dad died and left everything in her hands. Now she’s not only in charge of her two younger sisters, but she’s running a full-blown Texas ranch. Caring for a thousand‑acre ranch has its ups and downs, physically, mentally, and financially. All she is looking for is a little break. What she doesn't have time for is someone who will only complicate her life further.
Chase is back in his hometown. Helping his dad with his veterinary practice is high on his list. So is being with the lovely Lauren West. Years ago, he found a unique way to bind them together. Now all he has to do is prove to her that he’s the right man to spend the rest of her life with.
Chase is back in his hometown. Helping his dad with his veterinary practice is high on his list. So is being with the lovely Lauren West. Years ago, he found a unique way to bind them together. Now all he has to do is prove to her that he’s the right man to spend the rest of her life with.
252 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 13, 2013
1777 people are currently reading
3937 people want to read
About the author
Jill Sanders
197 books2,098 followersJill Sanders is a New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of Sweet Contemporary Romance, Romantic Suspense, Western Romance, and Paranormal Romance novels. With 100 books in eleven series, translations into several different languages, and audiobooks there’s plenty to choose from. Look for Jill’s bestselling stories wherever romance books are sold or visit her at jillsanders.com
Jill comes from a large family with six siblings, including an identical twin. She was raised in the Pacific Northwest and later relocated to Colorado for college and a successful IT career before discovering her talent for writing sweet and sexy page-turners. After Colorado, she decided to move south, living in Texas and now making her home along the Emerald Coast of Florida. You will find that the settings of several of her series are inspired by her time spent living in these areas. She has two sons and off-set the testosterone in her house by adopting three furry little ladies that provide her company while she’s locked in her writing cave. She enjoys heading to the beach, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, and pickleball with her husband, and of course writing. If you have read any of her books, you may also notice that there is a love of food, especially sweets! She has been blamed for a few added pounds by her assistant, editor, and fans… donuts or pie anyone?
https://www.tiktok.com/@jillsandersau...
Jill comes from a large family with six siblings, including an identical twin. She was raised in the Pacific Northwest and later relocated to Colorado for college and a successful IT career before discovering her talent for writing sweet and sexy page-turners. After Colorado, she decided to move south, living in Texas and now making her home along the Emerald Coast of Florida. You will find that the settings of several of her series are inspired by her time spent living in these areas. She has two sons and off-set the testosterone in her house by adopting three furry little ladies that provide her company while she’s locked in her writing cave. She enjoys heading to the beach, hiking, swimming, wine-tasting, and pickleball with her husband, and of course writing. If you have read any of her books, you may also notice that there is a love of food, especially sweets! She has been blamed for a few added pounds by her assistant, editor, and fans… donuts or pie anyone?
https://www.tiktok.com/@jillsandersau...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 293 reviews
September 26, 2015
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was pretty good. The story was short and sweet. This wasn't a story that will hang with me for a long time, but it was a good way to pass a few hours.
Lauren raises her younger sisters after the tragic deaths of her parents. When she's left I with a financial obligation she hadn't anticipated upon her father's death, an unexpected solution is offered up by Chase, her high school crush. She didn't imagine that years later he'd return to town and the wife he left behind.
Overall, it was a sweet and heartwarming story. Despite the depressing start to the story, it quickly became a lighthearted, cute read. It was a great way to pass a few hours.
Lauren raises her younger sisters after the tragic deaths of her parents. When she's left I with a financial obligation she hadn't anticipated upon her father's death, an unexpected solution is offered up by Chase, her high school crush. She didn't imagine that years later he'd return to town and the wife he left behind.
Overall, it was a sweet and heartwarming story. Despite the depressing start to the story, it quickly became a lighthearted, cute read. It was a great way to pass a few hours.
August 30, 2016
3 Chase Stars
Lauren- Not only does she lose both of her parents at early stages of her life, she also finds a way to keep her ranch, she also keeps her sisters together, and becomes a very independent woman. In all reality, she loses her self as she's the care giver and provider for her family.
Chase- He went away to school for a long time, now he's back to stay and to finally get the one thing he has always wanted and loved, Lauren.
This was a cute, quick read about a stubborn woman who doesn't want to lose her freedom and a man who wants to nothing more then to show her its okay to loosen the bands on her control with out giving up her freedom completely.
Lauren is the breadwinner and "mother" to her sisters. She has a hard time finding the line of just being a sister. She has no time for her own happiness, just the ranch. I found her to be a very stubborn woman through out most of the book. However, I loved the times she let herself relax and let go. Mostly those times are when she remembers her parents or spends time with Chase. Chase was awesome with her. I loved every time he was in a scene and the little things he did for her.
I loved Chase. He pursued her from the get go and never let up. He was funny and flirty and always put a smile on my face. He's a very caring man who always thought about Lauren and how to better her and her sisters lives out on the ranch. He wanted very much for Lauren to be happy and to be free in the living way instead of bearing everything on her shoulders for everyone else.
Over all, I enjoyed this book. For me, Chase was the one who stole the show.
Lauren- Not only does she lose both of her parents at early stages of her life, she also finds a way to keep her ranch, she also keeps her sisters together, and becomes a very independent woman. In all reality, she loses her self as she's the care giver and provider for her family.
Chase- He went away to school for a long time, now he's back to stay and to finally get the one thing he has always wanted and loved, Lauren.
This was a cute, quick read about a stubborn woman who doesn't want to lose her freedom and a man who wants to nothing more then to show her its okay to loosen the bands on her control with out giving up her freedom completely.
Lauren is the breadwinner and "mother" to her sisters. She has a hard time finding the line of just being a sister. She has no time for her own happiness, just the ranch. I found her to be a very stubborn woman through out most of the book. However, I loved the times she let herself relax and let go. Mostly those times are when she remembers her parents or spends time with Chase. Chase was awesome with her. I loved every time he was in a scene and the little things he did for her.
I loved Chase. He pursued her from the get go and never let up. He was funny and flirty and always put a smile on my face. He's a very caring man who always thought about Lauren and how to better her and her sisters lives out on the ranch. He wanted very much for Lauren to be happy and to be free in the living way instead of bearing everything on her shoulders for everyone else.
Over all, I enjoyed this book. For me, Chase was the one who stole the show.
March 17, 2014
I loved the book and it was all Chase's doing, "well, if you'd been listening, instead of talking to the dog about my love life, you would have heard my truck and known that I was coming up behind you. It took me at least a full minute to climb the hill there." He pointed behind him." I mean he turns everything into something amusing, "you're going to have to bend over a lot more. Come on, Lauren, stick that beautiful bottom in the air." He chuckled when she glared over her shoulder at him. "I'll behave." He held back a laugh." I mean the boy has stamina, "hmm, you smell wonderful." He began to place soft kisses on her neck and she was amazed that she could feel him growing inside her again. "On second thought, maybe I can move." She chuckled and was happy he could."
April 28, 2014
Loving Lauren was a surprisingly sweet and steamy childhood friends to lovers story, with a little mix of suspense.
July 26, 2020
⭐️ ⭐️
Have you ever have certain song on repeat on your mind and could never guess what’s the tittle , who singing it
It’s give pretty irritating feeling no matter how great the song is
This is what I feels toward the h on this story
Excellent plot - Nice H
But h character really killing my patient
Have you ever have certain song on repeat on your mind and could never guess what’s the tittle , who singing it
It’s give pretty irritating feeling no matter how great the song is
This is what I feels toward the h on this story
Excellent plot - Nice H
But h character really killing my patient
October 31, 2016
From someone who reads a ton of new adult romance - grade A for effort. This one was not great.
The premise is good and the pace goes at a good clip. The setting is beautiful and vivid. The whole thing should have worked beautifully. Unfortunately, the characters - the main character in particular - was contrary, the secondary characters were relatively underdeveloped and most of all, the story needed a content editor. Some examples:
"Come on. You're turn."
Seriously? This is basic grammar 101. If you can't distinguish between you're and your then you either need a fantastic editor, a ghost writer or more english classes.
". . . if it sprouted teeth and bit you on your arse."
All the Texans I've ever heard would say "ass" and not "arse." Americans in general have asses, not arses.
. . . she tried with all her might to get the slippery denim to slide down her hips."
OK, slippery denim wouldn't slide? The author here is referring to the character's wet jeans. Anyone who has worn a soaking wet pair of tight-fitting jeans knows that you peel them off, not slide them off. Sliding is not the appropriate adjective here. A copy editor would have caught that.
These are just a few of the problems I had with the writing that pulled me right out of the story. Beyond that, there was the character of Lauren and the way she was written.
Lauren is apparently a very independent woman who doesn't readily accept help. Her old friend Chase comes back into her life and her response is that she doesn't need or want him. But he is persistent. So Lauren vacillates between kissing him (with passion) and then telling him that she doesn't want him around. So does she or doesn't she? The idea that she can't make up her mind here is clear, but the constant flipping between a committed course of action makes her just flighty. Her actions don't speak to her independence but to her stupidity. Inconsistent behavior is always annoying in a character. The author may have been going for a push-pull attraction here to establish the relationship, but we just didn't get enough inner dialogue from Lauren to make it work.
There are several secondary characters, but none of them really get developed well. Lauren has two sisters for whom she is responsible, but they don't respect her. She has given up her whole life for them and yet they are just as flighty as she is. Where did this author get these characters? There was a great opportunity here to give them some depth with all the flaws in their relationships. But it comes off as just annoying.
On audio the book is narrated by Roy Samuelson. He's not a bad narrator, but he wasn't the best for this book. He tends to sound too monotone. He captured the characters well, but the overall tone just left me distracted. That could well have been the story, but the combination of both had me switching to the ebook at about the halfway point. Even doing that didn't save the story for me; I was bored and finally skimmed the last 25%.
I am going to continue on with the series because I want to give it a fair chance. Hopefully the next book in the series won't be as lacking as this one.
The premise is good and the pace goes at a good clip. The setting is beautiful and vivid. The whole thing should have worked beautifully. Unfortunately, the characters - the main character in particular - was contrary, the secondary characters were relatively underdeveloped and most of all, the story needed a content editor. Some examples:
"Come on. You're turn."
Seriously? This is basic grammar 101. If you can't distinguish between you're and your then you either need a fantastic editor, a ghost writer or more english classes.
". . . if it sprouted teeth and bit you on your arse."
All the Texans I've ever heard would say "ass" and not "arse." Americans in general have asses, not arses.
. . . she tried with all her might to get the slippery denim to slide down her hips."
OK, slippery denim wouldn't slide? The author here is referring to the character's wet jeans. Anyone who has worn a soaking wet pair of tight-fitting jeans knows that you peel them off, not slide them off. Sliding is not the appropriate adjective here. A copy editor would have caught that.
These are just a few of the problems I had with the writing that pulled me right out of the story. Beyond that, there was the character of Lauren and the way she was written.
Lauren is apparently a very independent woman who doesn't readily accept help. Her old friend Chase comes back into her life and her response is that she doesn't need or want him. But he is persistent. So Lauren vacillates between kissing him (with passion) and then telling him that she doesn't want him around. So does she or doesn't she? The idea that she can't make up her mind here is clear, but the constant flipping between a committed course of action makes her just flighty. Her actions don't speak to her independence but to her stupidity. Inconsistent behavior is always annoying in a character. The author may have been going for a push-pull attraction here to establish the relationship, but we just didn't get enough inner dialogue from Lauren to make it work.
There are several secondary characters, but none of them really get developed well. Lauren has two sisters for whom she is responsible, but they don't respect her. She has given up her whole life for them and yet they are just as flighty as she is. Where did this author get these characters? There was a great opportunity here to give them some depth with all the flaws in their relationships. But it comes off as just annoying.
On audio the book is narrated by Roy Samuelson. He's not a bad narrator, but he wasn't the best for this book. He tends to sound too monotone. He captured the characters well, but the overall tone just left me distracted. That could well have been the story, but the combination of both had me switching to the ebook at about the halfway point. Even doing that didn't save the story for me; I was bored and finally skimmed the last 25%.
I am going to continue on with the series because I want to give it a fair chance. Hopefully the next book in the series won't be as lacking as this one.
September 21, 2016
Reread 9/21/16
Originally rated 4 stars. Still 4 stars.
If you are looking for a sweet, cowboyish, small town romance.. definitely check this series out!
Originally rated 4 stars. Still 4 stars.
If you are looking for a sweet, cowboyish, small town romance.. definitely check this series out!
Want to read
June 19, 2019🎁 FREE on Amazon today (6/19/2019)! 🎁
April 5, 2014
This was a really fun read! Lauren and Chase faced many problems separately growing up in a small town, Chase leaves for college and Lauren raised her younger sisters. With piling debt Lauren & Chase make an agreement after seven years their true feelings are finally expressed.
Loved the characters and setting! This book is part of a new series for this author, I have already preordered the next book & look forward to reading it!!
Loved the characters and setting! This book is part of a new series for this author, I have already preordered the next book & look forward to reading it!!
November 12, 2021
Loving Lauren is my first Jill Sanders book, even though I have on my TBR another book of her waiting to read many years now. The truth is that I will read it soon because I enjoyed her writing.
At nineteen, Lauren, our main character, has a lot on her head, especially after losing her father.
Loving Lauren is a cute, quick read about a stubborn woman who doesn't want to lose her freedom and a man who wants nothing more than to show her it's okay to loosen the bands on her control without giving up her freedom completely.
Excellent read, it was not quite what I expected, and it had a couple of surprises to the plot I was not expecting. I liked Lauren, but she does have a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Chase is a great character; you want cowboy books, you should read.
My star rating is 3.5-stars.
At nineteen, Lauren, our main character, has a lot on her head, especially after losing her father.
Loving Lauren is a cute, quick read about a stubborn woman who doesn't want to lose her freedom and a man who wants nothing more than to show her it's okay to loosen the bands on her control without giving up her freedom completely.
Excellent read, it was not quite what I expected, and it had a couple of surprises to the plot I was not expecting. I liked Lauren, but she does have a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Chase is a great character; you want cowboy books, you should read.
My star rating is 3.5-stars.
June 18, 2018
I LOVED this book. I loved Lauren although she was a little too stubborn at times. She was quirky, loyal, smart and strong as hell. She has been given a horrible plate and is doing what she has to for her sisters. She takes some time to come around but Chase is the BEST. He is such a sweet guy, charming, and honest. I LOVE them together. This was a light, easy read and I enjoyed it.
March 27, 2018
Lauren West did what she had to to do when tragedy struck and she almost lost her families ranch. She had to care for her two sisters and did everything she could to make right by the debt that was owed to the man helped her carry a secret that no one knows about to this day. Now Chase is back to help his dad with his veterinary practice and the cool reception he receives from Lauren doesn't stop him from seeking her out. Chase wants what the promise of what could be with Lauren, but how does he convince the woman who is trying to push him out of her life.
Great read, it was not quite what I expected and it had a couple surprises to the plot I was not expecting. I liked Lauren but she does have a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Chase is a great character, you like cowboy books this is one to pick up.
Great read, it was not quite what I expected and it had a couple surprises to the plot I was not expecting. I liked Lauren but she does have a bit of a chip on her shoulder. Chase is a great character, you like cowboy books this is one to pick up.
December 18, 2015
Chace e Lauren se conhecem desde sempre, cresceram numa cidade pequena e seus pais eram muito próximos.
Lauren foi criada pelo pai depois que sua mãe morreu. Sendo a filha mais velha, ajudou na criação das duas irmãs. Aos 19, 20 anos seu pai também faleceu, assim, além de ter que cuidar das meninas, ela teve que assumir também a administração do rancho da família. Mal sabia ela que o pai havia feito um empréstimo com seus dois melhores amigos.
Chase e Lauren sempre tiveram uma fagulha entre eles, alguns toques e beijos roubados. Até que o pai dela morre e ele oferece ajuda, a qual ela prontamente aceita.
Após 7 anos fora, depois de ter ido para universidade e se formar em veterinária, ele está de volta para a cidade para ficar, redescobrindo que seus sentimentos por Lauren continuam fortes, decidindo que ele a quer.
A história tem um ângulo interessante - eles casaram escondido e Chase deu dinheiro para ela saldar a dívida, até que ele se convence que quer continuar casado com Lauren e finalmente clamar seu papel de marido - acontece que a autora pecou em vários aspectos.
1- A caracterização dos personagens não é muito boa. Eu acabei o livro e não sei exatamente quem são a Lauren e o Chase. Não me conectei com eles, embora eles sejam simpáticos.
2- Não há profundidade na narrativa.
3- há umas coisas pouco críveis, como .
4- A autora quer criar um clima bucólico ou algo do gênero, mas não me convenceu. Sem falar que não há um estilo consistente na escrita dela.
5- A Lauren se comporta como se fosse uma princesa da disney, meio sonhadora e sempre falando com os animais *facepalm* juro que esperava que ela fosse sair cantando e bailando pela floresta em algum momento.
6- Há uma sessão espírita no final. Ok, não exatamente isso, mas .
7- Como é que dão uma capa linda dessa e nem fazem valer os pensamentos pecaminosos que surgiram na minha cabeça?!
OBS: me deu super vontade de andar de cavalo de novo!!
Lauren foi criada pelo pai depois que sua mãe morreu. Sendo a filha mais velha, ajudou na criação das duas irmãs. Aos 19, 20 anos seu pai também faleceu, assim, além de ter que cuidar das meninas, ela teve que assumir também a administração do rancho da família. Mal sabia ela que o pai havia feito um empréstimo com seus dois melhores amigos.
Chase e Lauren sempre tiveram uma fagulha entre eles, alguns toques e beijos roubados. Até que o pai dela morre e ele oferece ajuda, a qual ela prontamente aceita.
Após 7 anos fora, depois de ter ido para universidade e se formar em veterinária, ele está de volta para a cidade para ficar, redescobrindo que seus sentimentos por Lauren continuam fortes, decidindo que ele a quer.
A história tem um ângulo interessante - eles casaram escondido e Chase deu dinheiro para ela saldar a dívida, até que ele se convence que quer continuar casado com Lauren e finalmente clamar seu papel de marido - acontece que a autora pecou em vários aspectos.
1- A caracterização dos personagens não é muito boa. Eu acabei o livro e não sei exatamente quem são a Lauren e o Chase. Não me conectei com eles, embora eles sejam simpáticos.
2- Não há profundidade na narrativa.
3- há umas coisas pouco críveis, como .
4- A autora quer criar um clima bucólico ou algo do gênero, mas não me convenceu. Sem falar que não há um estilo consistente na escrita dela.
5- A Lauren se comporta como se fosse uma princesa da disney, meio sonhadora e sempre falando com os animais *facepalm* juro que esperava que ela fosse sair cantando e bailando pela floresta em algum momento.
6- Há uma sessão espírita no final. Ok, não exatamente isso, mas .
7- Como é que dão uma capa linda dessa e nem fazem valer os pensamentos pecaminosos que surgiram na minha cabeça?!
OBS: me deu super vontade de andar de cavalo de novo!!
October 31, 2014
This is an enjoyable story starting with Lauren's father dieing when she was 19, which leaves her to run their large cattle ranch and look after her two sisters, Haley, 14 and Alexis, 16. Her father's two best friends ask to meet with her and let her know that several years earlier, her father borrowed $100,000 from them for the ranch. They had also agreed that, if it had not been repaid, they were to run the ranch and look after the girls. Lauren was pretty upset about the loan but even more by the men expecting to take over the ranch. She was saved, in a sense, by the son of one of these men, Chase. He offered to give Lauren the money and wanted them to get married. She agreed in order to keep the ranch and look after her family. Since Chase was going away to college and didn't plan on coming back there to settle, Lauren planned to repay the money and get an annulment. You will just have to read this story to find out her plan didn't work.
I liked this story with the author's smooth writing style and twists and turns in the tale. The characters were well developed and very likable. Lauren had a lot to handle with the ranch and her sisters and was quite controlling. In fairness, she felt she had to be in order to keep everything running. I loved Chase. He was a kind and considerate man, always willing to help everyone, especially Lauren. Of course, he has loved her half his life so very willing to make her life easier any way he can.
I liked this story with the author's smooth writing style and twists and turns in the tale. The characters were well developed and very likable. Lauren had a lot to handle with the ranch and her sisters and was quite controlling. In fairness, she felt she had to be in order to keep everything running. I loved Chase. He was a kind and considerate man, always willing to help everyone, especially Lauren. Of course, he has loved her half his life so very willing to make her life easier any way he can.
February 4, 2015
★★★★★Loving Lauren by Jill Sander (West Series book 1)
I was given this beta in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a new genre for me. I've never really read cowgirl/cowboy books, but loved it. I'm impatiently waiting to see where this series is heading. Ms. Jill has a knack for drawing you right into the story. I love when I feel like I'm part of the story.
Thanks Ms. Jill for another heartwarming series.
Reading Order
Loving Lauren (West Series #1)
Taming Alex (West Series #2)
Holding Haley (West Series #3)
Missy's Moments (West Series #4)
Breaking Travis (West Series #5)
Roping Ryan (West Series #6)
Wild Bride (West Series #7)
I was given this beta in exchange for my honest opinion.
This is a new genre for me. I've never really read cowgirl/cowboy books, but loved it. I'm impatiently waiting to see where this series is heading. Ms. Jill has a knack for drawing you right into the story. I love when I feel like I'm part of the story.
Thanks Ms. Jill for another heartwarming series.
Reading Order
Loving Lauren (West Series #1)
Taming Alex (West Series #2)
Holding Haley (West Series #3)
Missy's Moments (West Series #4)
Breaking Travis (West Series #5)
Roping Ryan (West Series #6)
Wild Bride (West Series #7)
August 16, 2015
Different but keeps you reading.
This book was different than any I have read recently but I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the next one of the series. I am anxious to see how the characters lives play out.
This book was different than any I have read recently but I enjoyed it. I am looking forward to reading the next one of the series. I am anxious to see how the characters lives play out.
September 19, 2014
I enjoyed this but I think Im going to enjoy sweet Grant a little more!
December 28, 2018
I really enjoyed this book. It was quick, but still well developed. I really enjoyed the characters. Both the hero and heroine were great, but I also fell in love with the side characters as well. can't wait to see what else comes from this series.
The narration was also really well done! This was my first time listening to Roy Samuelson, but it won't be the last.
The narration was also really well done! This was my first time listening to Roy Samuelson, but it won't be the last.
December 19, 2019
☺☺☺☺
Wow! Lauren and Chase story was so good. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I needed to see how there story was going to progressed,and I loved every minute of it. They put a smile on my face through the whole book. 💛
Wow! Lauren and Chase story was so good. I honestly couldn't put this book down. I needed to see how there story was going to progressed,and I loved every minute of it. They put a smile on my face through the whole book. 💛
July 29, 2025
adorable, well written, and I liked the characters
October 1, 2020
Great story
Loved Lauren and Chase’s story. Heartwarming. Strong characters. Loved the happily ever after. After all the scares and sacrifices, redemption.
Loved Lauren and Chase’s story. Heartwarming. Strong characters. Loved the happily ever after. After all the scares and sacrifices, redemption.
September 6, 2015
It's been years since Lauren has seen Chase, years since her parents died and left her to raise her sisters and run the ranch, years since Chase stepped in and helped her hang on to the one thing that seemed to keep what was left of her family together. But now Chase is back, not to call in her debt but to work at his dad's veterinary practice — and work on making a place for himself in Lauren's life.
But... Upon the deaths of her parents, Lauren learned that her father had taken a rather large loan from two good friends, with the stipulation that if it wasn't paid back, they were to take over managing the ranch. Rather than lose the ranch, Lauren agreed to let Chase give her the money, but in exchange, he insisted they get married. Part of me can understand that a young guy looking to hang onto the girl he loved might manipulate things that way, and it's not like he didn't let her continue to lead her own life without him. But I can't really understand why Lauren didn't eventually seek to get the marriage annulled. They weren't tied together in any way except on paper, and it just didn't make sense that she (a) let herself get roped into a marriage that was just a big secret, and (b) let that hang over her forever.
The Verdict: I grabbed Loving Lauren as part of a Kindle freebie sale, and it's clearly the start to an incredible series. For as much as I didn't understand the marriage for money bit, especially since Chase simply left for college and never spoke of it again, Lauren's story was very interesting.
She's stubborn and self-reliant, giving up everything to care for her younger sisters, maintain the family ranch, and hang on to what she can of her pride. Her determination to pay Chase back, even though that was never part of the deal, has her scrimping and saving money she could really use on the aging house she can barely maintain. Her relationship with her sisters is sometimes rocky, but in that sense it's real. She does the best she can to keep her family from falling apart.
Chase's reemergence in her life is a shock, and she does her best not to face it. But she can't deny her attraction to him, and he's certainly not doing anything to stay away from her. Before she knows it, she's falling into something of a relationship with him, even when she won't really admit that she needs him, and for his part, Chase is amazingly patient and understanding. Lauren's life has been all about the family, the ranch, and the finances, all at the expense of any semblance of a personal life, so Chase's slow approach to moving forward with her was exactly what she needed. Granted, he still had to push a little, if for no other reason than to counter her stubbornness, but it made him the perfect romantic hero.
I'd love to say I'm going to stick with this series, but we all know how limited my book budget is, and I'm not sure I can swing the other six books to finish it off. Then again, if they show up on Kindle Unlimited, I might be set. But it sounds like until I can convince the Austin Public Library to buy them (of course I've already submitted the requests!) I'll have to find another country-themed romance to tide me over…
March 24, 2014
Loving Lauren 3.5 stars
Lauren has lived on the ranch her entire life. Having lost her mom at a young age she had often sacrificed things in order to help her dad raise her little sisters. When her dad dies un expectantly the week before her 19th birthday, she’s determined to keep it running by herself but when she discovers that he owes a substantial amount of money, she thinks that all is lost until she is met with an offer that she can’t refuse and has her doing something that she never thought that she would do.
Seven years ago, Chase left town to attend college and moved to the city. Now he’s back to help his dad with his veterinary practice as well as to get close to Lauren. He found a way to bind them together before he left and feels that she’s determined to cut those ties but he’s just as determined to make her see that he’s here to stay and that he would like nothing more than to be her side.
I’m a huge fan of Jill Sanders and her Discovering Pride series is one of my favorites but I feel that this one feel short when compared to that one. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the book but to me when you compare the two, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. The characters were okay but I wasn’t drawn in like I normally am with her characters. There is a little mystery and suspense in the book which kept me reading and I will purchase Taming Alex when it comes out but unlike the Pride series where I couldn’t wait to crack open that next book, this one I can.
One other this that drove me crazy about this book but I don’t believe was even Ms. Sanders fault but an editing problem. I purchased this book through Amazon for my Kindle app on my phone and IPad. I read A LOT and since I suffer from Insomnia, I read a lot at night with the black background and white letters, also known as nighttime mode, so that I do not disturb my husband. This book, when in that mode, was like the whole book was highlighted in white with black letters. It made the screen brighter and hurt my eyes while reading in the dark. Again, I’m sure that was not the authors fault but it was a problem that I didn’t care for and did keep me from enjoying the book as much.
Lauren has lived on the ranch her entire life. Having lost her mom at a young age she had often sacrificed things in order to help her dad raise her little sisters. When her dad dies un expectantly the week before her 19th birthday, she’s determined to keep it running by herself but when she discovers that he owes a substantial amount of money, she thinks that all is lost until she is met with an offer that she can’t refuse and has her doing something that she never thought that she would do.
Seven years ago, Chase left town to attend college and moved to the city. Now he’s back to help his dad with his veterinary practice as well as to get close to Lauren. He found a way to bind them together before he left and feels that she’s determined to cut those ties but he’s just as determined to make her see that he’s here to stay and that he would like nothing more than to be her side.
I’m a huge fan of Jill Sanders and her Discovering Pride series is one of my favorites but I feel that this one feel short when compared to that one. Don’t get me wrong, I liked the book but to me when you compare the two, it’s like comparing apples and oranges. The characters were okay but I wasn’t drawn in like I normally am with her characters. There is a little mystery and suspense in the book which kept me reading and I will purchase Taming Alex when it comes out but unlike the Pride series where I couldn’t wait to crack open that next book, this one I can.
One other this that drove me crazy about this book but I don’t believe was even Ms. Sanders fault but an editing problem. I purchased this book through Amazon for my Kindle app on my phone and IPad. I read A LOT and since I suffer from Insomnia, I read a lot at night with the black background and white letters, also known as nighttime mode, so that I do not disturb my husband. This book, when in that mode, was like the whole book was highlighted in white with black letters. It made the screen brighter and hurt my eyes while reading in the dark. Again, I’m sure that was not the authors fault but it was a problem that I didn’t care for and did keep me from enjoying the book as much.
July 15, 2016
World Building: This story takes place in the small town of Fairplay, Texas, mainly around the Saddleback Ranch.
Characters: The main characters of this novel are Chase Graham and Lauren West. Lauren lost both of her parents before the age of nineteen and inherited not only her two younger sisters and a huge ranch but also a huge debt. But her salvation comes in the form of the veterinarian’s son, Chase Graham. Chase helped Lauren out of her bind and then left town to purse his own dreams as well as leave her to her own dreams. Seven years later Chase is back and wants Lauren more than ever. Can Chase break Lauren’s tough exterior and show her that he is never leaving again? Or will her hard headedness and outside forces, conspire to keep them apart forever?
Plot: I thought this novel was going to be a second chance romance and in a slight way it is. It’s a great story about helping people and falling in love in the process!
Writing: This story is told in third person points of view of Chase and Lauren. It is also the first novel in the West series and can be read as a standalone.
Curb Appeal: I really liked this cover! Not all western novel covers are created equally and this one is definitely one of the better ones I’ve seen. The blurb is short, sweet, and to the point! It gives enough tantalizing tidbits to get you on the hook but not enough to give the whole story away!
Ultimately: This is a western series that I could really sink my teeth into. I loved the characters, the setting, and how the story had just the right amount of drama to keep me engaged not turn me off! All in all, if you are in the mood for a cowboy who is willing to do anything for his independent cowgirl then come check out how he is Loving Lauren!!!
You can find this review and many more here: http://butterfly-o-meter.com/
Characters: The main characters of this novel are Chase Graham and Lauren West. Lauren lost both of her parents before the age of nineteen and inherited not only her two younger sisters and a huge ranch but also a huge debt. But her salvation comes in the form of the veterinarian’s son, Chase Graham. Chase helped Lauren out of her bind and then left town to purse his own dreams as well as leave her to her own dreams. Seven years later Chase is back and wants Lauren more than ever. Can Chase break Lauren’s tough exterior and show her that he is never leaving again? Or will her hard headedness and outside forces, conspire to keep them apart forever?
Plot: I thought this novel was going to be a second chance romance and in a slight way it is. It’s a great story about helping people and falling in love in the process!
Writing: This story is told in third person points of view of Chase and Lauren. It is also the first novel in the West series and can be read as a standalone.
Curb Appeal: I really liked this cover! Not all western novel covers are created equally and this one is definitely one of the better ones I’ve seen. The blurb is short, sweet, and to the point! It gives enough tantalizing tidbits to get you on the hook but not enough to give the whole story away!
Ultimately: This is a western series that I could really sink my teeth into. I loved the characters, the setting, and how the story had just the right amount of drama to keep me engaged not turn me off! All in all, if you are in the mood for a cowboy who is willing to do anything for his independent cowgirl then come check out how he is Loving Lauren!!!
You can find this review and many more here: http://butterfly-o-meter.com/
July 15, 2015
You're a rancher. A dying breed.You're made of strong stuff, stronger then you will ever know. You have the power to do whatever you want in life. Don't ever let anyone tell you different.
This is probably going to sound really silly but the guy on this cover is totally not how I imagined Chase yet the girl is exactly how I imagined Lauren. Not a huge deal just something that stuck out to me. I love me some good old country romance and this book did not disappoint. It was a little jumpy, jumpy at the start but then the pacing evened out after that. We started with a very dramatic prologue, then fast forwarded to 10 years later and then we jumped a further 7 years later all within the first few chapters. Spoiler alert there is apparently a wedding between the 10 and 7 year gap which didn't make sense to me at all. The whole marriage storyline was just a little forced in my opinion and was probably not needed.
This was a short and sweet country love story with characters that had you smiling and laughing while also leaving you very frustrated at times. Lauren was the main cause of my frustrations but I also liked her as a leading lady. I think Lauren just needed to learn when to not be so stubborn (some advice I could probably take as well haha). Chase was amazing and he was the perfect leading man. I loved all the banter between Lauren and Chase especially at the beginning of the book and I can't wait to read the future books about Alex and Hayley. I also can't wait to read more about Grant, I have a feeling that man is just going to be amazing. This isn't a series I will be rushing to finish in the next month or so but definitely keep an eye out for reviews of the other books as we move through the year.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
This is probably going to sound really silly but the guy on this cover is totally not how I imagined Chase yet the girl is exactly how I imagined Lauren. Not a huge deal just something that stuck out to me. I love me some good old country romance and this book did not disappoint. It was a little jumpy, jumpy at the start but then the pacing evened out after that. We started with a very dramatic prologue, then fast forwarded to 10 years later and then we jumped a further 7 years later all within the first few chapters. Spoiler alert there is apparently a wedding between the 10 and 7 year gap which didn't make sense to me at all. The whole marriage storyline was just a little forced in my opinion and was probably not needed.
This was a short and sweet country love story with characters that had you smiling and laughing while also leaving you very frustrated at times. Lauren was the main cause of my frustrations but I also liked her as a leading lady. I think Lauren just needed to learn when to not be so stubborn (some advice I could probably take as well haha). Chase was amazing and he was the perfect leading man. I loved all the banter between Lauren and Chase especially at the beginning of the book and I can't wait to read the future books about Alex and Hayley. I also can't wait to read more about Grant, I have a feeling that man is just going to be amazing. This isn't a series I will be rushing to finish in the next month or so but definitely keep an eye out for reviews of the other books as we move through the year.
http://harebearshangout.blogspot.com.au
April 1, 2015
I loved this book...now I must get the rest of the series!
I’ve been eyeing this on my Kindle for a while now. I’ve been tempted to read it but was some what skeptical since it’s about the South and some reads really go over board when it comes to the South. Boy was I wrong with this read! I full enjoyed it and it was authentic. I loved the story of Lauren who lost her mom very early in life and was raised by her father. When he dies she is left in charge of the family ranch and her sister, who are a handful and by the way each have their own stories in this series of books. Lauren is stubborn and hard headed and has focused all her life and energy to carry on the family tradition and making sure her father’s hard work doesn’t get taken away. Then enters Chase her old high school boyfriend who has been away for years and all of sudden Lauren’s life is thrown for a loop. Secrets that have been buried for years are about to come out and Lauren is hell bent for them not to. If there is ever a weakness for Lauren it’s Chase. Lauren doesn’t want to get hurt and the last thing she needs is Chase ruining everything. So will Lauren take a chance or will she let her pride get in the way? This is one story that's definitely worth the read.
This is a great quick read that focuses on romance and second chances. I love the banter between these two and it has it's funny moments also. I loved the characters and the scenery is just plain amazing, I actually felt like I was on the ranch watching the sunrises and sunsets while reading. This is the first of in a series focusing on Lauren and her sisters; I can’t wait to read how their stories play out.
I’ve been eyeing this on my Kindle for a while now. I’ve been tempted to read it but was some what skeptical since it’s about the South and some reads really go over board when it comes to the South. Boy was I wrong with this read! I full enjoyed it and it was authentic. I loved the story of Lauren who lost her mom very early in life and was raised by her father. When he dies she is left in charge of the family ranch and her sister, who are a handful and by the way each have their own stories in this series of books. Lauren is stubborn and hard headed and has focused all her life and energy to carry on the family tradition and making sure her father’s hard work doesn’t get taken away. Then enters Chase her old high school boyfriend who has been away for years and all of sudden Lauren’s life is thrown for a loop. Secrets that have been buried for years are about to come out and Lauren is hell bent for them not to. If there is ever a weakness for Lauren it’s Chase. Lauren doesn’t want to get hurt and the last thing she needs is Chase ruining everything. So will Lauren take a chance or will she let her pride get in the way? This is one story that's definitely worth the read.
This is a great quick read that focuses on romance and second chances. I love the banter between these two and it has it's funny moments also. I loved the characters and the scenery is just plain amazing, I actually felt like I was on the ranch watching the sunrises and sunsets while reading. This is the first of in a series focusing on Lauren and her sisters; I can’t wait to read how their stories play out.
March 29, 2014
Loving Lauren was a breath of fresh air to read. Jill Sanders grabs her readers right from the start and makes it hard to put the book down. Lauren suffers a tragic loss at a young age and watches as she loses her mother and then she loses her dad at the age of nineteen. She finds out her dad owes a lot of money on the huge ranch where she has lived her whole life with her two sisters. She feels she needs to keep the ranch going. Chase is the son of the man her father owed the money to, he come up with a plan that will save her ranch. He goes off to college and return seven years later and her world is turned upside down and a secret is lurking in the background. Lauren also works at the local diner is also make money to pay Chase back the money she owes him. There is a love between them that can't be denied but Lauren denies it and is unwilling to admit it to this day. All sorts of things comes to light and the ranch continues to fall apart around her. Chase starts to fix things up with the money she has set aside and the fireworks begins. Won't say anymore. You will have to read it to see how this all turns out. But is there plenty of stranger danger that goes on on the hills on the ranch as there are acres and acres of land. Truly loved this booked. Kudos Jill!
February 21, 2020
Strong Love!!!
Lauren West and her two sisters (Alex and Haley) lost their mother in a tornado at a young age. Years later they lost their father and Lauren is left in charge of taking care of their ranch and her siblings....When Lauren is faced with the possibility that she and her sisters could lose Saddleback Ranch, she did everything in her power to make sure that didn't happened. So when Chade Graham made Lauren a proposition she couldn't resist, she took it.
Chase Graham has always been in love with Lauren West and he'd do anything to keep her in his life.....and help her save her family ranch even if it meant he had to marry her.
Chase came back to Fairplay for good and he wouldn't stop at anything until he made Lauren realize that he was the man for her and that their marriage was real to him.....Lauren was running scared assuming that Chase came back to take Saddleback Ranch from her plus the guilt she felt over her mother's had her pushing Chase away at every turn .
But LOVE won and Lauren got her happily ever after with Chase....Such a marvelous way to start off the West series, loved the romance, the heartaches and everything in between.
Lauren West and her two sisters (Alex and Haley) lost their mother in a tornado at a young age. Years later they lost their father and Lauren is left in charge of taking care of their ranch and her siblings....When Lauren is faced with the possibility that she and her sisters could lose Saddleback Ranch, she did everything in her power to make sure that didn't happened. So when Chade Graham made Lauren a proposition she couldn't resist, she took it.
Chase Graham has always been in love with Lauren West and he'd do anything to keep her in his life.....and help her save her family ranch even if it meant he had to marry her.
Chase came back to Fairplay for good and he wouldn't stop at anything until he made Lauren realize that he was the man for her and that their marriage was real to him.....Lauren was running scared assuming that Chase came back to take Saddleback Ranch from her plus the guilt she felt over her mother's had her pushing Chase away at every turn .
But LOVE won and Lauren got her happily ever after with Chase....Such a marvelous way to start off the West series, loved the romance, the heartaches and everything in between.
November 28, 2015
Lauren is the oldest of three sisters, who is living on the family ranch. The ranch and homestead has been left to them after the death of their mother and then years later the death of their father. Unbeknownst to them, their father had taken out a substantial loan from his two best friends and the loan terms were less than favorable for Lauren, who believed she was capable of running the ranch.
Chase is the “boy next door”, who always knew he wanted Lauren and needed to find a way to do it was able to take advantage of a situation that was outside both of their control. What he didn’t expect was that Lauren wouldn’t be so receptive to his long term plans and although didn’t necessary have a different plan, just didn’t thing want to be obligated to anyone. All Lauren can think about is paying Chase back for his “kindness” and being free.
I read this one early in the month and got delayed in writing my review. This was one of my favorite story that I read this month and look forward to reading the next book in the series. This was my first experience with Jill Sanders writing and will definitely be reading more.
Chase is the “boy next door”, who always knew he wanted Lauren and needed to find a way to do it was able to take advantage of a situation that was outside both of their control. What he didn’t expect was that Lauren wouldn’t be so receptive to his long term plans and although didn’t necessary have a different plan, just didn’t thing want to be obligated to anyone. All Lauren can think about is paying Chase back for his “kindness” and being free.
I read this one early in the month and got delayed in writing my review. This was one of my favorite story that I read this month and look forward to reading the next book in the series. This was my first experience with Jill Sanders writing and will definitely be reading more.
February 27, 2015
This was an okay-for-afternoon-reading story. It was short and sweet but didn't have enough excitement or drama for me. There was an attempt at some, with the whole Lauren in danger thing but it was over in a blink of an eye.
There wasn't enough passion or chemistry between Lauren and Chase for my liking either. I kept reading how much he'd loved and wanted her for more than seven years but it wasn't convincing. He said it'd been a while since he was with a woman but I'm sure, unlike Lauren, he didn't stay seven years "faithful" to her while he was away. And even though it lasted like only 10 seconds... don't get me started on his comment of how he's a guy, so of course he like it when Savannah pushed her Dolly Parton-sized boobs against him. *smacks him upside the head with the stupid stick*
I wouldn't mind reading the next book in the series, Taming Alex, but I don't want to pay $3 for it. If it's available for free or at the library, then I'll be all over it.
There wasn't enough passion or chemistry between Lauren and Chase for my liking either. I kept reading how much he'd loved and wanted her for more than seven years but it wasn't convincing. He said it'd been a while since he was with a woman but I'm sure, unlike Lauren, he didn't stay seven years "faithful" to her while he was away. And even though it lasted like only 10 seconds... don't get me started on his comment of how he's a guy, so of course he like it when Savannah pushed her Dolly Parton-sized boobs against him. *smacks him upside the head with the stupid stick*
I wouldn't mind reading the next book in the series, Taming Alex, but I don't want to pay $3 for it. If it's available for free or at the library, then I'll be all over it.
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