Boone

Buckhorn Brothers #5.7

by Lori Foster

Second chances were never more seductive than those in this brand-new Buckhorn novella…The day April Kasper offered herself to Boone Barton is etched in her memory—for all the wrong reasons. He turned her down flat. Five years later the humiliation still stings, but April isn’t a naive kid anymore. Now that Boone is back in Buckhorn, she needs him to see that she’s older, wiser and over him. Or at least two out of three…Back then, Boone was a bad boy—no question. But even he knew that sweet, smart April was off-limits. Now though, it’s an entirely different ball game. No matter how hard he’s tried to forget her, she’s plagued his dreams. So he’s back in Buckhorn to prove that letting her go was the biggest mistake of his life, and a wise man never repeats his mistakes…

Genres: Romance, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Novella, Harlequin, Second Chance, Ebooks

88 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 1, 2019

About the author

Since first publishing in January 1996, Lori Foster has become a USA Today, Publisher’s Weekly and New York Times bestselling author. Lori has published through a variety of houses, including Kensington, St. Martin’s, Harlequin, Silhouette, Samhain, and Berkley/Jove. She is currently published with HQN.

Lori hosts a very special annual “Reader & Author” event in West Chester, Ohio. Proceeds from the event have benefited many worthy causes, including the Hamilton County YWCA Battered Women’s Shelter, the Animal Adoption Foundation, The Conductive Learning Center for children with spina bifida and cerebral palsy, and The One Way Farm, Children’s Home.

Each year Lori donates all proceeds from one book to charity. You can see the benefit romance books here: http://lorifoster.com/benefit-books/

Career Highlights
•In 2001, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Series Romantic Fantasy.

•In 2002, Lori’s book Too Much Temptation was the top-selling romance title for Amazon books.

•In 2003, Say No To Joe was the second “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for Waldenbooks.

•In 2004, Lori Foster was a clue in the New York Times crossword puzzle.

•In 2004, The Secret Life of Bryan was the “Bestselling Original Contemporary” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2005, Lori received the prestigious Romantic Times “Career Achievement Award” for Contemporary Romance.

•In 2006, Jude’s Law was the “Bestselling Romantic Comedy” romance title for the BGI group.

•In 2007, Lori launched a new “urban fantasy” series under the name L.L. Foster. See more on her “dark side” at www.llfoster.com.

•In 2007, Causing Havoc was among Amazon’s Top Ten Editor’s picks in Romance.

•In 2008, Hard to Handle made #2 on The New York Times.

•In 2009, Servant: The Acceptance was Amazon’s #1 Editors’ Pick in Romance.

•In 2010, Lori was a clue in the USA Today Quick Cross puzzle.

Reviews

[♥ WishfulMiss ♥ · Rating 4 out of 5]

These quickies by Lori Foster are always sweet and the bonus of helping a great charity is a plus. The Buckhorn series always have sassy likable heroines and drool-worthy heroes and April and Boone totally deliver.

This was a second chance romance with two people reuniting after years apart. Fate kind of conspired against them when they were younger but Boone is home and ready to show April that she’s it for him. *sigh*

If you liked determined, sexy and confident than you’ll love April and Boone!

It’s always fun to revisit this small town and the very memorable characters that reside in it. Loved catching up with everyone else and seeing the new and old generations together.

SAFETY INFO:
Ages : April is 23 (and a virgin) Boone is 29.

Cheating : None.

OM/OW drama : Mild. There is OW interested in April who tries to come between them but he gets shut down quick. No mention of past partners for Boone, he isn’t described as a player/manwhore either. As for April, she has dated others and wasn’t carrying a torch or pining for the H. She just never felt that pull with anyone and seeing Boone again kind of brings it all back.

Separation : They haven’t seen each other in 5-6 years. Boone moved away when his father became ill but has always had plans to come back to his hometown.

Push/Pull: None. Their relationship was the slow burn type but with sincere emotions driving their actions. I loved that they didn’t’ rush into things and gave each other time to get to know one another.

Main Pursuer of relationship : Boone.

Possible Triggers : Death of a parent (off page)

HEA/HFN: Ends on a HEA, no epilogue.

[Tpagirl Loves Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Boone was a novella within the Buckhorn Brothers series by Lori Foster. It was still one of my favorite all time series and I loved catching up with our Buckhorn favorites of all generations.

Boone grew up in Buckhorn but moved away when his father became ill. April Kasper (Gabe’s daughter, Original Buckhorn) had crushed on the slightly older Boone when she was a child. He broke her heart at seventeen, but not in the way you would expect. He was now back in buckhorn five years later and ready to claim what was his.

Foster took us through a quick, fun and flirty plot. Boone had his work cut out for him. And, of course, April’s extended family was uber protective and practically owned Buckhorn, so that added to the fun.

I was a Boone fan from the start so I totally loved it. It was great to get a new story and to catch up with the old. Hopefully there is still more to come from Buckhorn and Foster!

[Jewlsbookblog · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone and April’s story was a sweet and sexy little read! Even better, the proceeds go to a wonderful cause! Besides that, I’m always up for an excuse to revisit Buckhorn and their residents!

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories featuring a second chance romance and unrequited love. Boone has both.

This ebook also features a next novella, Tucker but I had already read it.

[T.J. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lori Foster has done it again! I'm always amazed and impressed by how much she can pack into a novella! "Boone" takes us back to Buckhorn, KY, in another welcome addition to the Buckhorn Brothers series.

Boone Barton and April Kasper have a bit of a history together. One April would just as soon forget, thank you very much. But forgetting is the last thing Boone wants to do. Memories of April are what kept him going when everything else in his life fell apart, forcing him to leave Buckhorn.

Five years later, Boone is back for good and can't help but notice the spirited, impetuous teenager he'd always been drawn to had grown into a gorgeous, kind, self-assured woman. April was the main reason he returned to Buckhorn, even if it meant facing his painful past.

April thought her memories of Boone were fanciful imaginings conjured by her horny teenage brain. Well, she was wrong. He was everything she remembered and so much more. No wonder she'd never been able to forget him and move on.

Now that they've found each other again, is their love strong enough to help Boone let go of the past and embrace their future? Guess you'll have to read the book to find out.

[Mateja · Rating 2 out of 5]

*2.5*

[Dina · Rating 4 out of 5]

3 1/2 stars

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read for me that I thoroughly enjoyed. April Kasper certainly has the "magic" of her extended family! And Boone Barton is still struggling to be the person she deserves...only they haven't told each other. Yet. Very hawt story that also hits the "sweet" spots. Best part, for me, was Boone stepping back and letting April be April. Best laugh for me were her uncles...age hasn't changed them, that's for sure! Even her dad is still a hoot, for me. It was fun revisiting with her family. It was fun to be back in Buckhorn.

[Maura · Rating 3 out of 5]

I leaned more towards a 3.5 with this one but settled on a 3 in the end. This had a lot of potential, which I can't usually say with second chance romances. Granted, April and Boone hadn't really gotten together, but they were both secretly in love with each other and she threw herself at him at a bad time and got rejected horribly, just before he moved out of town with his dad. So honestly, the thing that caused their separation, wasn't really a huge deal, which is why it was pretty easy for them to get over...as evidenced by April's quick abandonment of her little revenge plot after she realizes Boone is still good people. But she still needs a bit of time to overcome that embarrassment and to figure out what Boone is all about in pursuing her. So I didn't feel like any bitterness or resentment were left unresolved and I could totally see them getting together without any problems. Except I wanted an apology from Boone. I mean, he really didn't mean to hurt her and he seemed sorry in his monologues, but I looked back and realized he never actually just says he's sorry. Sometimes it's the littlest things that make a difference.

Now clearly, Boone loved April all along (and vice versa). And while we got clear evidence that April had been celibate in their separation, we didn't get that from Boone (and the fact that his dog is used to him needing privacy makes me wonder...could be needing privacy for self-love, but could be he wasn't celibate while knowing he loved April?). It's totally fine if he wasn't in this situation, since he hadn't made any promises, didn't really know if he'd have a shot with April or long it'd be til he got back to Buckhorn, but I wanted to know. I think I might have liked him even more if he had been. I also totally appreciated that Boone honestly didn't care when he believed April wasn't still a virgin (even expected it). He never felt like he was entitled to it and he never got possessive about her. He even let her settle her disputes on her own because he trusted she could. These Buckhorn boys have come a long way in their wokefulness regarding women.

[Limecello · Rating 3 out of 5]

I almost DNF'd the book because of the beginning - I hate the "revenge" plots - and especially because of her motivation. Thankfully, it ends quickly.
However, this whole "I threw myself at an older man when I was 17/18 and he turned me down so now I'm going to get him, and humiliate him, 5 years later..." no.
No.

I was also ~scared it was going to be "oh well she's legal" which ... omfg I fucking HATE. THAT. SHIT.

However, like I said - she lets that go pretty quickly in the course of their first conversation, which was nice.

I ~can't believe April is Gabe's daughter. (I haven't caught up on all the Buckhorn Brothers books, obviously.) Love seeing this second generation, and how the "first" generation is all there and still so badass.

Poor Boone all messed up, feeling such guilt about being ... basically just any thoughtless kid.

There was some meh which I read skimmed ... but what I like a LOT is that April can handle herself, and more, Boone "lets" her - as in - he doesn't rush in trying to save "the little lady" and ignore her wishes etc. Obviously he'd like to take care of the "villain" but April says she can handle it - so he stands down - even despite all her male relatives being like "why didn't you do anything?"
... hopefully I'm making sense - but anyway, he only steps in when it's too much - he's supportive and totally knows April's worth and that she can handle herself.

So I'm wavering between 2-3 stars because the skimming ... but that was really goods stuff, what I've discussed...

So C--

[Lynn Brooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short, sassy and and oh so satisfying! Each year for her annual Reader Author Get Together event, Lori Foster adds a new novella to her beloved Buckhorn Brothers series with royalties going to benefit a charity. This year we have the pleasure of watching Boone return home and reunite with the one that got away. It's a quick read full of snark and sass that gripped this reader's heart quickly. Obviously we don't get a huge amount of turmoil and strife in a novella length book, but the author manages to secure the likability of the characters easily and leaves us satisfied that they are on their way towards that happily ever. Highly recommend the series and especially this years contribution to it!

Five years ago teenage April Kasper laid her heart at Boone Barton's feet and suffered the humiliation of outright rejection. Now that she's heard he's back in town, she's still embarrassed over what happened and wishes she could show him that she's grown up from that girl and no longer carries a torch for him.

Boone Barton wasn't unaffected by April all those years ago and to tell you the truth, she's never been far from his mind since he left town ... but he knew he wasn't sticking around Buckhorn back then, and he knew he was far from good enough for her. Now he's back, he's a changed man, and he's going to put his heart on the line and see if she's interested ... if only she wasn't still holding a grudge for his rejection!

[Kathryn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Every year Lori Foster writes a “benefit book”. All author proceeds go to an animal rescue charity. This would be worth supporting even if I didn’t love the book, but I love the book! Ms. Foster writes with such passion.
The fictional town of Buckhorn, Kentucky is the setting for these benefit books and many other ones. If you have read the Buckhorn series you will be familiar with some of the minor characters in this story, but you can enjoy the read without knowing anything before you start.
The love story between Boone and April is a sweet and sexy story. These are novellas, not full novels, but the second-chance romance is hot! April is trying to stand on her own feet without her extended family “taking care” of her, and Boone cares enough to let her do it herself. Ms. Foster packs a lot into a novella! A fun read! I think you will enjoy it.
I received an ARC and this is an honest review.

[Debra · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to move to Buckhorn, KY! All these stories are just so sweet, with family, friends, and dogs.

In this book, Boone, who was a bad boy in high school and into his twenties, has returned to Buckhorn after the death of his father. He is a changed man after spending the last five years with his father as his father died of cancer.

April had a crush on Boone while she was in high school, but he was six years older than April and managed to never be alone with her. Now he is back and they are both adults.

Included with this book was a novella, Tucker. Tucker is not from Buckhorn, but he is now the sheriff of Buckhorn. Kady Kasper is a flirt, but that is all she does. So when she flirts with Tucker he thinks he is one of many. But he soon finds out he is the only one. All these books have HEAs, which makes them so enjoyable.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another great short story from Lori Foster...I have thoroughly enjoyed reading this series and look forward to Brianna’s book.

Boone left five years ago taking April’s heart with him. Even after the events that happened and April’s utter humiliation at being rejected Boone still held her heart.
This was a story of second chances, Boone knew he fucked up after he left and he returned with a singular goal and that was to get April back.

This is a stand-alone book BUT I don’t advise reading it unless you have read the entire series...if for no other reason than you get the whole background of characters throughout this book.

[Christina Montminy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another wonderful addition to the Buckhorn series. I’ve loved this series from the first page of the first book. This book adds more fun, chemistry & love to the series as we see grown up April find love with Boone the man who rejected her as a teenage girl. Their history was sad but their present & future are definitely full of heat & emotions neither have felt for anyone else in the years they’ve been apart. That it was Boone who said I love you first was very emotional & I cheered for him to win April this time. I enjoyed that there was that little bit of angst between them but in the end it was wonderful to see them come together. Definitely recommend.

[arabia · Rating 3 out of 5]

**3 stars**

I would have wanted to give a higher rating, but mostly I'm annoyed that the book cut off so early (at the 50% mark -- the rest is a reissue of a previous novella), which meant much wasted potential. Even a noticeable subplot involving a date of April's gone wrong was almost completely ignored, not to mention that we barely got to know Boone or spend time with previous characters.

On the plus side, I could see the romance/tension building between April and Boone, although -- again -- the story barely had a chance to get into anything.

[Kathy Newcomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh man, Boone was well worth waiting for! The only thing that could have made this story better is more of it!! I absolutely LOVE Boone and April. He's a major hunk that is also one of the sweetest and most drool-worthy heroes Lori has written! April is feminine and gorgeous, yet is feisty, caring, and also sweet. The Buckhorn Series just keeps getting better! I just wish I could give this story more than 5 stars!! If you haven't read Lori's books, you don't know what you're missing! This is one sexy and romantic story!

[Darcy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a cute one, short but covered a lot of ground.

As April went to see Boone and thought about the past I honestly didn't think I would like him, he was a bit cruel to her at that age. But when he explained things to April you can see why he was and why it was easy to forgive him, especially as every move in the present showed how much he cared for April and supported her. I loved how the rest of the family welcomed Boone and showed their support for them as a couple in small ways.

The ending was perfect for them, a quiet time planning looking towards their future.

[Lisa Gibbs · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone left Buckhorn 5 years ago and left April Kasper behind, embarrassed and humiliated. Now he is back and she wants revenge. Well at least that what she thinks until she sees him again and all bets are off.

This is a fun, fast, sweet and sexy read. Boone is a reformed bad boy who is out to win over April, the girl her never forgot. She is strong willed, sweet, sexy and he wants her. Boone is strong and sexy and she wants him.

This is a fun, fast summer read. It's good to revisit Buckhorn!

[bjneary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this novella on my kindle since I am totally in love with the Buckhorn series by Lori Foster! I loved both main characters, April and Boone- they were younger years ago and made some mistakes- but they were meant for each other. Now that Boone has moved back, April wants to put the humiliating past behind her and confront Boone-show him who she really is now that she is much more mature. But does it work out for them? Loved this short sexy summer beach read- loved the characters and setting- no games played, just two people who have never really gotten over their feelings for one another. There is another novella in this kindle edition but I already read and loved that one previously:)

[Jamoz23 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Though short, this was well written and flowed nicely.
Apart from April’s immature thinking at the beginning, I totally enjoyed my revisit to Buckhorn and its people.
Boone to me was a real gentleman and a sweetheart.
April proved herself to be capable and likeable.
I have read the originals a few times but I have just started reading the next generation ones.
Having overdosed reading the original series in one go, I gave myself a break and it was nice to re-visit and find myself liking these characters again.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely one of my favorite authors. Lori writes some of the best Sexy alpha males.Lori writes a benefit book every year and all the proceeds go to her chosen animal shelter. Boone is this years benefit book, he and April (Gabe’s daughter) have a bit of history...sort of. Love all of them and Boone is no exception because these books are set in Buckhorn her long running family series. So in love with this family!

[Sarah Lehman · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed my visit back to Buckhorn, this time with April Kasper. I liked that Boone & April had somewhat of a history together but they never dated. Boone had his reasons why but didn't explain anything to April years ago. It was so much fun to see them talking, connecting and sharing their pasts. I loved seeing her Dad & uncle's too, their personalities have not changed at all. I just wish, like I always do with this series, is that the story was longer.

[Cinderella · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a wonderful addition to the Buckhorn family! Not only are we readers lucky enough that Lori Foster writes alpha men and the strong women who love them but we are also lucky enough that she turns one book into a benefit book to help our beloved furry faithful friends!

How awesome is that?!? Loved this short story of lost and found love, sweet, powerful and oh so sexy. The story alone is worthy and the “benefits” heart warming! I urge you to buy!

[Pam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Always glad to read a Buckhorn novel by Foster.
Reformed bad boy, Boone, is back after five years and April Kasper needs to resolve her embarrassment and memories over the last time she saw him, and, at eighteen, threw herself at him. Boone has returned home to continue grieving for his dad and to see if he can develop a relationship with April.
Sweet story of their relationship as they deal with the past and the present.

[Robin Franks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

Another awesome addition to the Buckhorn series. April and Boone are a great couple and as always Sunshine the dog has as much personality as the people in the story. Lori Foster writes the best animal characters and her people are good too. I would recommend this story to any adult reader who enjoys super sexy heroes and strong heroines.

[Melinda Hennies · Rating 5 out of 5]

Boone returns to town after being gone. April goes to look at Boone who she has crushed on for years but still embarrassed how she last saw him. Boone let April know that be left to help his dad who was dying. April told Boone that he is the only one for her. Boone gets the support of April's dad and family and April is on cloud nine. April and Boone have their happily ever after!

[Pamela(AllHoney) · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short novella that brings us back to Buckhorn. Five years ago April Kasper offered herself to Boone Barton but Boone wasn't ready and rejected her. He left town due to his father having cancer but now he has come back. And he's ready.

It's a novella so not a lot of character development. Not much drama either which is fine for me. But it was a fun, short read so I enjoyed it.

[Michelle Graves · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's 2 damn short again!! I can understand why he tried and kept himself away from her when they were younger. Cancer is a bitch!! Especially 2 this situation when he was not really dealing with things like he should b when he was younger but at least he's keeping his promise he made and making amends and 2 make things much better 4 her and him with a good future.

[Princess Thuy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful benefit book by Lori Foster. I love these short stories that are filled with adorable animals and hot chemistry between the hero and heroine. I really loved this kinda second chance romance, more like the one that got away story about Boone and April. I'm glad they got their happy ending. And I purchased this book knowing all the proceeds were going to a charitable organization, which is so sweet of Lori to do, but I was also pleasantly surprised that Tucker was included as well. Although I had already read and purchased Tucker previously, it was nice to reread it again this time too. So two stories in one. What's not to love, right?