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Montana Secrets #2
It Had to Be You
(Alternate cover edition of ASIN B07PRF87L8.)
Sheriff Jonas Taggert needs a helping hand with his daughter and Rissa Matthews and her Goth-dressing teen are definitely not it. He can't afford to fall for a woman who doesn't plan to stick around, much less one who can't control her own kid. But the girls become friends and Jonas' perspective takes a hard hit.
Of all the people in the world for him and his daughter to love... why did it have to be them?
Sheriff Jonas Taggert needs a helping hand with his daughter and Rissa Matthews and her Goth-dressing teen are definitely not it. He can't afford to fall for a woman who doesn't plan to stick around, much less one who can't control her own kid. But the girls become friends and Jonas' perspective takes a hard hit.
Of all the people in the world for him and his daughter to love... why did it have to be them?
304 pages, ebook
First published January 1, 2007
409 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
About the author
Kay Stockham
32 books70 followersKay Lyons Stockham is an award-winning author of 25+ books published by Harlequin Enterprises, Berkley Publishing and Kindred Spirits Publishing. She has also been a Book Buyers Best, HOLT Medallion and RITA Award finalist with a million books in print.
For more information on Kay's work, please visit her website at http://www.kaystockham.com or find her at one of the following:
Kay Lyons Stockham, Author (FB)
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For more information on Kay's work, please visit her website at http://www.kaystockham.com or find her at one of the following:
Kay Lyons Stockham, Author (FB)
@KayStockham (Twitter)
Kay Stockham (Authorgraph)
Kay Lyons Stockham (Pinterest)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
July 4, 2012
I found this book to be pretty deep & handle a host of issues. I also appreciated a bit more as we got to see Carly the heroine in the next book deal with peer pressure and face certain realities.
Both the hero and heroine have had unhappy marriages. The hero's wife left him and his daughter for city lights leaving his interfering mother in law and now that his daughter Carly is growing, Jonas the hero is so conflicted. He doesn't know how to deal with a teenage daughter and it takes a major episode for him to deal with his failings and the trust and freedom he has given his daughter and also stand up for himself in front of his mother in law who is not such a bad woman, just a sad one, ashamed of her daughter.
The heroine Rissa has too much on her plate as well, she can't seem to find a job in her field, flying(she's a pilot) and she can't get through to her daughter Skylar. Rissa's daughter told her about her father's affair(he was a TV anchor) and that led to unhappy times and in hindsight Rissa sees she depended a lot on her daughter and didn't see that she was still her child. Then, her husband died in an accident and Skylar was in the car. Afterwards, the blond, good student Skylar changed and took her credit card and racked debt worth thousands, turning into a troublemaker, sullen, so she moved for a year, waiting for her husband's insurance policy.
The book depicted a lot of things, the friendship that develops between the h/H and even their daughters, which Jonas the hero opposes at first because he doesn't like the look of Skylar. He does find out later that Skylar got into trouble protecting his daughter and that she isn't a bad person. A lot of parental, teenage drama is there in the book but it is real. Skylar doesn't like Jonas and Rissa has to leave and her daughter needs to come first.
I loved the slow, mellow romance, I didn't like how it is never mentioned how old the h/H are.
Both the hero and heroine have had unhappy marriages. The hero's wife left him and his daughter for city lights leaving his interfering mother in law and now that his daughter Carly is growing, Jonas the hero is so conflicted. He doesn't know how to deal with a teenage daughter and it takes a major episode for him to deal with his failings and the trust and freedom he has given his daughter and also stand up for himself in front of his mother in law who is not such a bad woman, just a sad one, ashamed of her daughter.
The heroine Rissa has too much on her plate as well, she can't seem to find a job in her field, flying(she's a pilot) and she can't get through to her daughter Skylar. Rissa's daughter told her about her father's affair(he was a TV anchor) and that led to unhappy times and in hindsight Rissa sees she depended a lot on her daughter and didn't see that she was still her child. Then, her husband died in an accident and Skylar was in the car. Afterwards, the blond, good student Skylar changed and took her credit card and racked debt worth thousands, turning into a troublemaker, sullen, so she moved for a year, waiting for her husband's insurance policy.
The book depicted a lot of things, the friendship that develops between the h/H and even their daughters, which Jonas the hero opposes at first because he doesn't like the look of Skylar. He does find out later that Skylar got into trouble protecting his daughter and that she isn't a bad person. A lot of parental, teenage drama is there in the book but it is real. Skylar doesn't like Jonas and Rissa has to leave and her daughter needs to come first.
I loved the slow, mellow romance, I didn't like how it is never mentioned how old the h/H are.
January 18, 2022
I was a little confused at the start of this novel. Characters are mentioned without any real explanation of who they are (Maura, Seth, Grace) and I wondered whether I needed to read Book 1 first, but then we got to the 'meat' of the story and I stopped worrying about that and simply enjoyed reading a seriously GOOD book.
What a refreshing change to read about an obnoxious teenager who actually seems believable! Skylar was FABULOUS! And Caroline was just as good! It was wonderful to read dialogue that got it 'right' - these were real teenagers, not the sort of precocious idiots all too often shown in a lot of novels. I loved the way Skylar was written, and the hints of intrigue and the way Rissa stepped in to help Caroline etc.
LOVED it. I'd have liked some tighter proof-reading (a few places where i wasn't sure who was speaking) but this was one of those books where the two girls came alive on the page. I wasn't that interested in the relationship between the two parents, but that was deftly handled as well and there were some very nice moments in the story. One particular event was handled with incredible tact and care and honesty.
One of those 'rich soup' stories where a lot is included and you finish the bowl feeling full and satisfied and hoping the next serving is as good.
What a refreshing change to read about an obnoxious teenager who actually seems believable! Skylar was FABULOUS! And Caroline was just as good! It was wonderful to read dialogue that got it 'right' - these were real teenagers, not the sort of precocious idiots all too often shown in a lot of novels. I loved the way Skylar was written, and the hints of intrigue and the way Rissa stepped in to help Caroline etc.
LOVED it. I'd have liked some tighter proof-reading (a few places where i wasn't sure who was speaking) but this was one of those books where the two girls came alive on the page. I wasn't that interested in the relationship between the two parents, but that was deftly handled as well and there were some very nice moments in the story. One particular event was handled with incredible tact and care and honesty.
One of those 'rich soup' stories where a lot is included and you finish the bowl feeling full and satisfied and hoping the next serving is as good.
January 16, 2012
The continuation of the series with a relative, Rissa (an unemployed pilot) coming to the ranch to work. She brings with her her troubled teen whom has suffered a terrible tragedy and has hidden her feelings in 'Goth' clothing and make-up. During the time of looking for work as a pilot, while Rissa works as a maid for the ranch as well as a waitress for the diner. Skylar her daughter and the Sheriff's daughter, Carly become the town's mis-matched friends and Carly's single dad Jonas become more than friends with their common thread of raising teenagers. A great story about teenagers, hiding secrets while dealing with tragedy and love make this a great story. This second book made me want to keep reading the series to learn more about this ranch and Montana.
June 22, 2017
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. as a parent I could relate to many of the situations throughout the book. I was shocked at the ending and all of the revelations. was definitely worth the read.
August 5, 2023
There is a lot I didn't like. More than I liked. First off, the points of view change so often that I had to come back and reread to understand who is talking. Then multiple references to capital G God's power/will/intervention. Felt slightly preachy. But then you get 14y.o.having sex (referenced to, no actual description) *spoilers* The daughter of the FMC admits to having had sex with a friend's dad when she was 13!!! Admitting she wanted it. Statutory rape fan much? *end of spoiler* By contrast, the grown ups have no sex, just some kissing, that didn't even feel hot. There's marriage proposal after like 3 months, because no sex before marriage... Overall prudish, preachy, but on the other hand full of statutory rape instances that are sort of glided over.
At the end you get the first chapter of the next book, which apparently is about Carly, the MMC's daughter who is 14 in book 2. It starts right off the bat with someone oggling her breasts. If you've just finished book 2 you might feel slightly sick at this point, because seriously after the statutory rape of book 2 you now get this???? As it turns out Carly is in her 20s in book 3.
There's something seriously wrong with this author.
At the end you get the first chapter of the next book, which apparently is about Carly, the MMC's daughter who is 14 in book 2. It starts right off the bat with someone oggling her breasts. If you've just finished book 2 you might feel slightly sick at this point, because seriously after the statutory rape of book 2 you now get this???? As it turns out Carly is in her 20s in book 3.
There's something seriously wrong with this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 6, 2022
Rissa, Skylar, Jonas and Carly (Charlotte)
Rissa and her daughter, Skylar are in Montana only because Rissa cant find a pilot's job since before her husband's death a year ago. So her cousin Maura and her husband Jake and his brother Seth and his wife Grace have graciously invited them to come and work for them till they are able to get back on their feet. Only Skylar has gone off the deep end since her father's death and has gone "goth", which has created all kinds of problems at her new school. Rissa has gotten an urgent call from the school, but she gets pulled over by the Sheriff himself for speeding. Jonas does something he never does, and lets her off with a warning after she explains what is happening. Then he sees her daughter later when he gets a call about an altercation at the library and forbids his daughter Charlotte from any contact with her. What happens next? Read this great story by Kay Lyons to find out. You wont want to miss each detail!
Rissa and her daughter, Skylar are in Montana only because Rissa cant find a pilot's job since before her husband's death a year ago. So her cousin Maura and her husband Jake and his brother Seth and his wife Grace have graciously invited them to come and work for them till they are able to get back on their feet. Only Skylar has gone off the deep end since her father's death and has gone "goth", which has created all kinds of problems at her new school. Rissa has gotten an urgent call from the school, but she gets pulled over by the Sheriff himself for speeding. Jonas does something he never does, and lets her off with a warning after she explains what is happening. Then he sees her daughter later when he gets a call about an altercation at the library and forbids his daughter Charlotte from any contact with her. What happens next? Read this great story by Kay Lyons to find out. You wont want to miss each detail!
January 22, 2022
Jonas and Rissa's story was emotional and further complicated by both of their previous marriages. Add in teenage daughters, one each, and their chances of getting to know each other diminished to practically zero. This amazing narrative became even more engrossing as more details from the past were revealed and an unexpected emergency developed from a harmless outing. I was completely enthralled and didn't want to put it down. All of the characters were very memorable and I just loved the Montana setting. Really a Great Read!!!!!
February 7, 2022
This was a somewhat continuation of the previous book in the Montana Secret series, and I really liked both Rissa and Jonas and their building relationship.
This story had a lot of elements, that I found to be a good mix of tension, romance and real world problems. What I didn't expect was the revelation at the end - which I didn't particularly like, but perhaps it was the conclusion it needed for all the main characters of Riss, Jonas and their two daughters to finally be at peace.
All in all it was a good read.
This story had a lot of elements, that I found to be a good mix of tension, romance and real world problems. What I didn't expect was the revelation at the end - which I didn't particularly like, but perhaps it was the conclusion it needed for all the main characters of Riss, Jonas and their two daughters to finally be at peace.
All in all it was a good read.
January 21, 2022
THIS REMINDED ME OF A SWEET HALLMARK MOVIE, NOT SEXUALLY EXPLICT (just kissing). IT IS FILLED WITH A MULTITUDE OF PROBLEMS TEENAGERS FACE ALONG WITH THEIR SINGLE PARENTSTRYING TO GUIDE THEM INTO ADULTHOOD. I FEEL TRULLY BLESSED I NEVER HAD THAT MANY PROBLEMS AS A SINGLE PARENT MYSELF. I ENJOYED THIS, IT HAD A GOOD STORYLINE AND I LOVE SECOND CHANCE ROMANCES. I JUST BOUGHT THE NEXT BOOK IN THE SERIES "HERS TO KEEP". ;D
January 18, 2022
Lovely story
The characters were interesting and complex. The two girls had each lost a parent. They were both in need of guidance to handle the loss. The story deals with their adjustment and mistakes. It helps that their parents have become attracted -very attracted to each other!
The characters were interesting and complex. The two girls had each lost a parent. They were both in need of guidance to handle the loss. The story deals with their adjustment and mistakes. It helps that their parents have become attracted -very attracted to each other!
January 28, 2022
ebook
She’s a widow with a goth daughter. Her daughter was in the car with her dad when he died in a car crash. They are having a hard time after a move from NYC to the Midwest. They meet the sheriff and his daughter, it doesn’t go well. But eventually things start to change, can their lives become happy and be filled with love?
She’s a widow with a goth daughter. Her daughter was in the car with her dad when he died in a car crash. They are having a hard time after a move from NYC to the Midwest. They meet the sheriff and his daughter, it doesn’t go well. But eventually things start to change, can their lives become happy and be filled with love?
January 16, 2022
Suspenseful, Realistic
This excellent book has several subthemes that make it deeper and richer than the usual romance. Beautiful writing, characters that truly grow, and a clear sense of place set this book apart and above.
This excellent book has several subthemes that make it deeper and richer than the usual romance. Beautiful writing, characters that truly grow, and a clear sense of place set this book apart and above.
January 25, 2022
He caught her speeding.
Wonderful story, there is so much going on, two adults who have been hurt by former spouses. The children of these two have suffered so much. So interesting to see them make their way through so much pain.
Wonderful story, there is so much going on, two adults who have been hurt by former spouses. The children of these two have suffered so much. So interesting to see them make their way through so much pain.
January 27, 2022
Good story!
Well written and I don't remember seeing any spelling errors and that's truly amazing. The characters were believable and came to life. The storyline was clean and engaging. I liked this author.
Well written and I don't remember seeing any spelling errors and that's truly amazing. The characters were believable and came to life. The storyline was clean and engaging. I liked this author.
February 5, 2022
a good quick read
Some deeply dark issues for young teens with out of focus single parents. Calamity after calamity ensues, love and forgiveness solves all. A clean read, enjoyable, but it’s topics aren’t always nice.
Some deeply dark issues for young teens with out of focus single parents. Calamity after calamity ensues, love and forgiveness solves all. A clean read, enjoyable, but it’s topics aren’t always nice.
February 22, 2022
Single parenting and High School bullying
This is a story about two single parents who have very different philosophies about how to raise a teenage girl. Despite the parents, these girls become friends and deal with some High School bullying and constant prejudice. Good read.
This is a story about two single parents who have very different philosophies about how to raise a teenage girl. Despite the parents, these girls become friends and deal with some High School bullying and constant prejudice. Good read.
March 18, 2022
okay
I didn’t like romantic aspect of this book at all. There was no zing for me to be quite honest. I preferred the familial aspect of the book more. There was just a bit too much going on. You got the hero, heroine and the daughters’ point of view.
I didn’t like romantic aspect of this book at all. There was no zing for me to be quite honest. I preferred the familial aspect of the book more. There was just a bit too much going on. You got the hero, heroine and the daughters’ point of view.
February 19, 2024
This is a much intense book than what the cover or blurb depicts. It touches lots of serious issues and the resolutions feel parboil. The MCs aren't very likable initially but they slowly grew into their characters. A one-time good read.
January 20, 2022
Enjoyable
January 26, 2022
Three and a half stars
January 30, 2022
That was unexpected.
February 4, 2022
Excellent book. I really enjoyed reading this book with life challenges..
February 21, 2022
Montana secrets #2
Very well written and great plot. The characters were described so well I could picture them in my mind. I really enjoyed this book.
Very well written and great plot. The characters were described so well I could picture them in my mind. I really enjoyed this book.
March 12, 2022
Interesting characters and promise, but I didn't quite connect with the structure and overall story. Just not my cup of tea.
December 17, 2022
I loved everything about these two families! I loved how they came together slowly to become one! So happy Jonas and Rissa made it worked! 🥰
February 12, 2023
Easy to read, light hearted short novel re: finding love a second time and trials of blended families.
August 17, 2023
A mother's empathy, selflessness, and unwavering love for adolescent children in all circumstances are beautifully depicted in this thought-provoking and endearing novel!
July 6, 2024
So much teenage angst.
I had to admire Jonas and Rissa. Each had struggles with their teen daughters. Rissa is a pilot and Jonas is the sheriff. Interesting plot.
I had to admire Jonas and Rissa. Each had struggles with their teen daughters. Rissa is a pilot and Jonas is the sheriff. Interesting plot.
December 25, 2025
Maybe I'm just emotional, but Carly's struggle o fit in really made me cry. I can't wait to read her story.
May 14, 2022
Rissa Matthews, a private pilot, and her teen daughter Skylar have just moved to a small Montana town to be nearer family after her unfaithful husband was killed in a car accident, that Skylar was also in. Skylar changed nearly overnight from a ballet dancer with great grades, to goth and attitude. Sherriff Jonas Taggert's a local and so was his wife, who walked out on him leaving him to raise their daughter Caroline. The two girls, both outcasts at school, become friends after Skylar helps Carly out with the local bully. Jonas isn't happy about it, but he and Rissa finally reluctantly begin working together for the sake of the girls, and then discover a mutual attraction. Skylar starts to tone down her looks and attitude as she befriends Carly and tries to help her out of some bad situations. When they're both lost in the woods on a camping trip, the parents unite to find them. Finally, some of the bad things they've been dealing with come into the open, and the four get the family they want.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews