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Reining Her In
The last time I saw Declan St. James was at our rehearsal dinner. That was shortly before he jilted me at the altar. To avoid the swarm of whispers and finger pointing every time I dared to show my face in public, I fled two hours south to Atlanta and never looked back. Over the last decade, I’d planned hundreds of scenarios about how our next meeting would go down. The expletives I’d hurl at him. Which knee I might use to annihilate his balls. Which dimpled cheek on his ridiculously handsome face I would send a stinging slap across.
But being elbow deep in a cow’s ass was not one of them.
Normally, I didn’t get up close and personal to a bovine’s rectum. At least not since veterinarian school. But desperate times found me back home to attend my grandfather’s funeral, who happened to be the town’s large animal vet. Those two facts had left me wading through manure in Roy Wallace’s pasture to care for a distressed heifer.
While time and maturity seemed to have changed him from the boy I knew, I still wasn’t falling for his charm. Or his hard, chiseled body. Or ass you could eat dinner off of.
No, I wasn’t going back down that street again. Unfortunately, Declan didn’t seem to get the message. Instead, he seemed as stubborn as he ever was and ready for a fight. It’ll be the fight of his life for me to let him back in my heart.
But being elbow deep in a cow’s ass was not one of them.
Normally, I didn’t get up close and personal to a bovine’s rectum. At least not since veterinarian school. But desperate times found me back home to attend my grandfather’s funeral, who happened to be the town’s large animal vet. Those two facts had left me wading through manure in Roy Wallace’s pasture to care for a distressed heifer.
While time and maturity seemed to have changed him from the boy I knew, I still wasn’t falling for his charm. Or his hard, chiseled body. Or ass you could eat dinner off of.
No, I wasn’t going back down that street again. Unfortunately, Declan didn’t seem to get the message. Instead, he seemed as stubborn as he ever was and ready for a fight. It’ll be the fight of his life for me to let him back in my heart.
Unknown Binding
First published August 15, 2019
603 people are currently reading
1257 people want to read
About the author
Katie Ashley
68 books9,018 followersKatie Ashley is a New York Times, USA Today, and Amazon Top Three Best-Selling author of both Indie and Traditionally published books. She's written rockers, bikers, manwhores with hearts of gold, New Adult, and Young Adult. She lives outside of Atlanta, Georgia with her daughter, Olivia, her rescue mutts, Belle and Elsa, and her two cats, Mama Kitty and Luna. She has a slight obsession with The Golden Girls, Shakespeare, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
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With a BA in English, a BS in Secondary English Education, and a Masters in Adolescent English Education, she spent eleven years teaching both middle and high school English, as well as a few adjunct college English classes. As of January 2013, she became a full-time writer.
Although she is a life-long Georgia peach, she loves traveling the country and world meeting readers. Most days, you can find her being a hermit, styling leggings, and binging on Netflix whenever her toddler daughter isn't monopolizing the TV with Paw Patrol or Frozen.
CONNECT WITH KATIE
➜ NEWSLETTER: http://bit.ly/2ljVosh
➜ FACEBOOK: facebook.com/katie.ashleyromance
➜ FACEBOOK READER GROUP (ASHLEY'S ANGELS): facebook.com/groups/ashleyangels
➜ WEBSITE: www.katieashleybooks.com
➜INSTAGRAM: Instagram.com/katieashleyluv
➜ TWITTER: twitter.com/katieashleyluv
➜ PINTEREST: pinterest.com/katieashleyluv
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 181 reviews
avoid
November 19, 2019Whatever it is, this is NOT romance.
There was NO good reason for jilting the h.
He just no longer saw himself in the picture with her future.
He even tried to play the hero when he was explaining to her why he jilted her.
“I did you a favour. You’d have been barefoot and pregnant if I married you. Not a vet. Because, yes I told you I’d have waited to have babies, but there was no way I’d have waited for six years to have babies.”
This is no different to him cheating on her if he DID get married to her.
He was NOT ready to be only with h. So he decided to jilt her and sow his wild oats. He wanted the h when he was done with tasting the buffet. He was committed to h when he was engaged to her. So I’m sorry that I have a broken brain. But it’s telling me since he came back and now wanted her. It’s exactly like cheating. She was not his first choice. And just because they broke up doesn’t mean it’s ok for him to sleep around. It’d have been ok if he didn’t come back to her. Or claimed no matter who he slept with he thought of h. That’s even worse.
Cherry on top. He made OW pregnant and married her. So clearly, h, was not important to him and he couldn’t commit to her because he couldn’t get her pregnant because she had a career plan. All he wanted was a baby and wife and any woman would’ve done and did.
There was NO good reason for jilting the h.
He just no longer saw himself in the picture with her future.
He even tried to play the hero when he was explaining to her why he jilted her.
“I did you a favour. You’d have been barefoot and pregnant if I married you. Not a vet. Because, yes I told you I’d have waited to have babies, but there was no way I’d have waited for six years to have babies.”
This is no different to him cheating on her if he DID get married to her.
He was NOT ready to be only with h. So he decided to jilt her and sow his wild oats. He wanted the h when he was done with tasting the buffet. He was committed to h when he was engaged to her. So I’m sorry that I have a broken brain. But it’s telling me since he came back and now wanted her. It’s exactly like cheating. She was not his first choice. And just because they broke up doesn’t mean it’s ok for him to sleep around. It’d have been ok if he didn’t come back to her. Or claimed no matter who he slept with he thought of h. That’s even worse.
Cherry on top. He made OW pregnant and married her. So clearly, h, was not important to him and he couldn’t commit to her because he couldn’t get her pregnant because she had a career plan. All he wanted was a baby and wife and any woman would’ve done and did.
August 12, 2019
What’s so romantic about leaving h at the alter (someone who he knew almost all his life) then marrying another woman and having an adored son with said other woman? Oh and let’s not forget he actually did love the ow and was devastated when she left! Seriously I found nothing likeable about this wimp.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
never-no-way
July 18, 2020He leaves her at the altar as he thinks they are too young to marry (no, he couldn't say it to her the day before, the jerk!), goes and lives his life, sleeping with whomever he wishes, blah bla. Then he meets a woman, he loves her and marries her. They have a son. Then, his marriage fails... And then when he meets the heroine years later, he decides he wants her back and she is too stupid to take back that miserable asshole!.
Well, here's your romance!
Are you f*cking kidding me!!!!????
Well, here's your romance!
Are you f*cking kidding me!!!!????
August 13, 2019
Unfuckingbelievable!!! Where the HELL is the massive grovel this dirtbag should've delivered? WHERE is it?? It's non existent.
Instead we get a weak pathetic heroine who falls at the feet of an unworthy jerk who did NOT even have to try to earn her forgiveness. Only literally a couple of "oops sorry" and "oops I did end fall in love with OW, married her, had a child with her & was devastated when the marriage busted up, but now it's time to suck you in again so just rollover doormat". And the doormat rolls over and so does her doormat family. Really?
In addition this is poorly edited.
Instead we get a weak pathetic heroine who falls at the feet of an unworthy jerk who did NOT even have to try to earn her forgiveness. Only literally a couple of "oops sorry" and "oops I did end fall in love with OW, married her, had a child with her & was devastated when the marriage busted up, but now it's time to suck you in again so just rollover doormat". And the doormat rolls over and so does her doormat family. Really?
In addition this is poorly edited.
no-thanks
August 10, 2019Don’t feel like reading about a loser guy who jilted a woman at the altar then seems like got married to someone else and has a son and now after a decade wants the woman back.
If this is the case then no ways I’m gonna read this.
But if it isn’t the case then what possibly could be the reason for such stupid behavior....
If this is the case then no ways I’m gonna read this.
But if it isn’t the case then what possibly could be the reason for such stupid behavior....
nope-nope-nope
August 10, 2019I dont even know how someone thinks up a plot like this and says "oooo that will be a good romance book" seriously?! 😫😫
nope
January 22, 2020Why do women continue to write "romance" novels where the heroine loves the hero more than he loves her? If the target audience was men and it was men writing this shit then okay, I guess I would understand. But it's not. It's women. Usually married women. And men aren't reading these books, women are.
July 19, 2022
3 stars
This is one of those instances where I wish I read blurbs. I don’t think I would have picked it up if I had. It wasn’t a bad book, but I could never get over what the hero did at the start as I don’t feel like he had a good reason to do it that way. Sigh.
This is one of those instances where I wish I read blurbs. I don’t think I would have picked it up if I had. It wasn’t a bad book, but I could never get over what the hero did at the start as I don’t feel like he had a good reason to do it that way. Sigh.
Audio book source: Hoopla
Story Rating: 3 stars
Narrator: Stephanie Wyles
Narration Rating: 4 stars
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Length: 7h 32m
July 23, 2020
A one star, not so much because the H ditches the heroine at the altar and then marries someone else, but there is just too much missing for the story to jell and make sense. I feel like 30% of a book was missing.
The premise is a good one, but the following holes derail the story.
The hero never really explains why he ditched the girl he's loved forever other than they were too young and he feared his life was already planned out. That's it?
The h is back in town, but the doting and supportive family are never seen or heard from again.
How and why does the H dump the h so brutally only to get married a few years later to a woman he never loved?
The evil ex-wife cheater and Supreme Bad Mother is completely off page the whole story.
After ten years of avoiding the H and the whole town, one conversation and it's all okey dokey.
The heroine's boy toy is jettisoned immediately and never makes an appearance.
The premise is a good one, but the following holes derail the story.
The hero never really explains why he ditched the girl he's loved forever other than they were too young and he feared his life was already planned out. That's it?
The h is back in town, but the doting and supportive family are never seen or heard from again.
How and why does the H dump the h so brutally only to get married a few years later to a woman he never loved?
The evil ex-wife cheater and Supreme Bad Mother is completely off page the whole story.
After ten years of avoiding the H and the whole town, one conversation and it's all okey dokey.
The heroine's boy toy is jettisoned immediately and never makes an appearance.
Read
August 9, 2019JUST ANOTHER AUTHOR THOUGHT WOMEN ARE REALLY STUPID.
August 17, 2019
Second best is so not romantic. And kid with the other woman is soooo not my kind of romance.
March 28, 2022
I don't want to give a lot of space to a mediocre book when there are already so many quality reviews that point out its problems, but...
Here's the brief version of this review:
The guy wrongs the heroine by jilting her in an incredibly insensitive, immature way on their wedding day when they are both 20 years old. She stays away for ten years (during which he makes no attempt to contact her to apologize), but is obliged to return to their small town after her grandfather dies. The guy makes one apology for jilting her, then the rest of the book is about the trauma he has suffered by marrying a cheating woman he is in the process of divorcing. (Yes, that's right, our "hero" is still married through 60% the book.) Total failure as a grovelmance.
And here's the lengthy version because I gotta be me:
Also, the title on the cover of my library copy of this book (I'm borrowing it through Overdrive) reads Reining Him In. Was it just an error by the cover designer, or did the author decide to switch titles because suggesting that the heroine had to pursue and catch this guy was just too pathetic?
Here's the brief version of this review:
The guy wrongs the heroine by jilting her in an incredibly insensitive, immature way on their wedding day when they are both 20 years old. She stays away for ten years (during which he makes no attempt to contact her to apologize), but is obliged to return to their small town after her grandfather dies. The guy makes one apology for jilting her, then the rest of the book is about the trauma he has suffered by marrying a cheating woman he is in the process of divorcing. (Yes, that's right, our "hero" is still married through 60% the book.) Total failure as a grovelmance.
And here's the lengthy version because I gotta be me:
Also, the title on the cover of my library copy of this book (I'm borrowing it through Overdrive) reads Reining Him In. Was it just an error by the cover designer, or did the author decide to switch titles because suggesting that the heroine had to pursue and catch this guy was just too pathetic?
August 6, 2019
If you love second chance romances and you love everything Katie Ashley writes then you won’t want to miss Reining Her In.
Peyton Beasley thought ten years ago her life was going to be one way and it took a one eighty turn that she never expected. The life she was living now was somewhat happy but never getting over the past halted her future until the day she unexpectedly had to return to her hometown. What she didn’t want to face was the one person who she thought would be “her” person, Declan St. James.
Declan knew the consequences of his action ten years ago would change the course of his life, He became a successful business man, a dad but there was always that one regret until in the most unexpected places he saw Peyton once again.
There was a lot of animosity, hurt feelings but what they never expected was the chemistry was just as strong as it was all those years ago.
Can two people rekindle what they had all those years ago or is there to much hurt to get past. You can’t help getting caught up in there story and as you turn each page you find yourself cheering them on to hopefully finding there HEA even if it’s ten years later.
Peyton Beasley thought ten years ago her life was going to be one way and it took a one eighty turn that she never expected. The life she was living now was somewhat happy but never getting over the past halted her future until the day she unexpectedly had to return to her hometown. What she didn’t want to face was the one person who she thought would be “her” person, Declan St. James.
Declan knew the consequences of his action ten years ago would change the course of his life, He became a successful business man, a dad but there was always that one regret until in the most unexpected places he saw Peyton once again.
There was a lot of animosity, hurt feelings but what they never expected was the chemistry was just as strong as it was all those years ago.
Can two people rekindle what they had all those years ago or is there to much hurt to get past. You can’t help getting caught up in there story and as you turn each page you find yourself cheering them on to hopefully finding there HEA even if it’s ten years later.
no-f-cking-way
January 22, 2020Prob one of the WORST ways a guy can leave you. I would never, EVER take him back. Any sane, self-respecting woman would have ripped him a new one.
April 10, 2020
Free to read with KU, Reining Her In is a second chance romance for childhood sweethearts Peyton Beasley, and Declan St. James. We know from the blurb that Declan, jilted her at the altar ten years ago, that she moved away, and hasn’t seen him since.
I didn’t love this one, but not because of Declan being an ass, like most reviewers. Yes, I think it was super immature, cowardly, and a total dick move to just run off, and break up an hour before the ceremony via a phone call. BUT They were young, 20 years old, and in dude years, that puts him maturity wise like a 17-yr-old girl… so maybe I’m a softy, but I gave him a bit of a pass.
I loved that Peyton moved on and dated/had sex with other men during the separation; I HATE it when the h is celibate, pining away after her H. Considering that, I felt it would be hypocritical of me to fault him for doing the same. Mild Spoilers Ahead Declan married five years after the “jilting situation”; the OW said she was on BC, and got knocked up, so he married her. I was only mildly annoyed he felt some love for her, because life happens, and there are different levels of love. It was a nice touch that the author made the ex-wife, a selfish, cheating, child abandoning bitch; so we could all hate her, and it cleared the way for Peyton.
There were two reasons I just couldn’t love this book. The biggest being, I felt the author brushed over the most important part of the plot; all the emotional baggage that needed to be sorted before they could reconcile. Yes, Declan apologizes many times, but they didn’t have one meaningful conversation to discuss his reasons. Even though I didn’t write Declan off for his choices; he still caused a shit ton of hurt that Peyton lugged around for a decade. It would be natural, and authentic, if she felt resentful of him for moving on while she felt stuck, but everything was glossed over, frankly kind of lazy, with crap like…. He stopped drinking, and sent care packages- so he always loved me…. His wife was a cheating skank- so it’s ok he got married…. This kid has a shitty mom- so I’m totally ok with him.
Her only “angry” parts were solely focused on being jilted, but that was such a small part of what should have been bothering her. For me, he didn’t need to grovel; he needed to be super supportive and patient for the NUMEROUS angry, angsty conversations that should have been sprinkled throughout the entire book.
My other issue was that we didn’t get Declan’s POV; I felt like I had half a story. It might have filled in some of the huge gaps of missing conversations, had we been privy to his thoughts. This plot had so much potential to be an awesome angsty, emotional read, but it just fell flat. Bottom line- It's not a long read, and is entertaining from a surface aspect. I didn't skim, and stayed interested...Ok read...
I didn’t love this one, but not because of Declan being an ass, like most reviewers. Yes, I think it was super immature, cowardly, and a total dick move to just run off, and break up an hour before the ceremony via a phone call. BUT They were young, 20 years old, and in dude years, that puts him maturity wise like a 17-yr-old girl… so maybe I’m a softy, but I gave him a bit of a pass.
I loved that Peyton moved on and dated/had sex with other men during the separation; I HATE it when the h is celibate, pining away after her H. Considering that, I felt it would be hypocritical of me to fault him for doing the same. Mild Spoilers Ahead Declan married five years after the “jilting situation”; the OW said she was on BC, and got knocked up, so he married her. I was only mildly annoyed he felt some love for her, because life happens, and there are different levels of love. It was a nice touch that the author made the ex-wife, a selfish, cheating, child abandoning bitch; so we could all hate her, and it cleared the way for Peyton.
There were two reasons I just couldn’t love this book. The biggest being, I felt the author brushed over the most important part of the plot; all the emotional baggage that needed to be sorted before they could reconcile. Yes, Declan apologizes many times, but they didn’t have one meaningful conversation to discuss his reasons. Even though I didn’t write Declan off for his choices; he still caused a shit ton of hurt that Peyton lugged around for a decade. It would be natural, and authentic, if she felt resentful of him for moving on while she felt stuck, but everything was glossed over, frankly kind of lazy, with crap like…. He stopped drinking, and sent care packages- so he always loved me…. His wife was a cheating skank- so it’s ok he got married…. This kid has a shitty mom- so I’m totally ok with him.
Her only “angry” parts were solely focused on being jilted, but that was such a small part of what should have been bothering her. For me, he didn’t need to grovel; he needed to be super supportive and patient for the NUMEROUS angry, angsty conversations that should have been sprinkled throughout the entire book.
My other issue was that we didn’t get Declan’s POV; I felt like I had half a story. It might have filled in some of the huge gaps of missing conversations, had we been privy to his thoughts. This plot had so much potential to be an awesome angsty, emotional read, but it just fell flat. Bottom line- It's not a long read, and is entertaining from a surface aspect. I didn't skim, and stayed interested...Ok read...
August 7, 2019
* A review copy was provided by the author *
~ 4 One and Only Love Stars ~
Reining Her In is an entertaining and sweet second chance romance.
This is a standalone novel told solely from Peyton’s POV. This is Katie Ashley’s latest book.
I loved the storyline of this book and I thought the characters were relatable. The only thing I found missing was the “talk” about why Declan left Peyton at the altar. I kept waiting for that answer but I never really got what I was looking for. But this was still an enjoyable read. I did think this was on the tamer side of Katie’s work. There are some steamy scenes but not what I have come to expect from one of her books.
Reining Her In is a second chance romance between Peyton and Declan. Two characters who have known each other since they were kids and started dating in High School. At age 20 they are all set to get married, that is until Declan doesn’t show on their wedding day. Now it’s 10 years later and Peyton has to go back to her hometown because of a family tragedy. Never did she think she would run into Declan again while she is treating a pregnant cow. (She’s a veterinarian) Can Peyton ever get over the anger she has toward Declan?? Will these two find their way back to each other?? Read this book to find out.
I thought the story flowed very well. I also liked that there wasn’t a lot of drama in this story, just enough to keep things interesting. I loved that Katie gave us humor, love and forgiveness in this story. I also loved the secondary characters she gave us. I do wish we would’ve seen Cam more in the story….he is truly adorable :)
If you are a fan of a second chance romance then you should definitely pick this one up. Also if you are a fan of Katie’s books this is one you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t read a Katie Ashley book, this is the perfect place to start!!!
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~ 4 One and Only Love Stars ~
Reining Her In is an entertaining and sweet second chance romance.
This is a standalone novel told solely from Peyton’s POV. This is Katie Ashley’s latest book.
I loved the storyline of this book and I thought the characters were relatable. The only thing I found missing was the “talk” about why Declan left Peyton at the altar. I kept waiting for that answer but I never really got what I was looking for. But this was still an enjoyable read. I did think this was on the tamer side of Katie’s work. There are some steamy scenes but not what I have come to expect from one of her books.
Reining Her In is a second chance romance between Peyton and Declan. Two characters who have known each other since they were kids and started dating in High School. At age 20 they are all set to get married, that is until Declan doesn’t show on their wedding day. Now it’s 10 years later and Peyton has to go back to her hometown because of a family tragedy. Never did she think she would run into Declan again while she is treating a pregnant cow. (She’s a veterinarian) Can Peyton ever get over the anger she has toward Declan?? Will these two find their way back to each other?? Read this book to find out.
I thought the story flowed very well. I also liked that there wasn’t a lot of drama in this story, just enough to keep things interesting. I loved that Katie gave us humor, love and forgiveness in this story. I also loved the secondary characters she gave us. I do wish we would’ve seen Cam more in the story….he is truly adorable :)
If you are a fan of a second chance romance then you should definitely pick this one up. Also if you are a fan of Katie’s books this is one you don’t want to miss. If you haven’t read a Katie Ashley book, this is the perfect place to start!!!
Follow Us at :: Book Bitches Blog | Facebook | Twitter
January 23, 2020
This should have been a super angsty second chance romance. He jilts her at the alter, can't get anymore angsty then that! Some years later he marries someone else and has a child and then some years later, when he's single, wants to get back together with the h when she goes back to her hometown.
Now to clear something up. This guy wasn't a cheater, not sure where some reviewers get that from. He may be douchey but not a cheater. My disappointment with this was the pacing and the weak efforts to redeem the H. She's moved on to other realtionships but never committment. When she moves back home this went from hating him to some weeks later forgiving him and within two days, sexing him up. Those last 2 stages were just whiplash fast. Forgiveness isn't normally so convenient. And when she does forgive him, she's all over him. Made me question her stability. Of course then its supposed to be tied up in a neat bow by thinking his jilting her was really so she could truly appreciate the bounty that was him. That last line made me consider a 1* rating. Please authors, make the H as douchey as you like but then work to make the reconciliation believable without making the heroine stupid.
Now to clear something up. This guy wasn't a cheater, not sure where some reviewers get that from. He may be douchey but not a cheater. My disappointment with this was the pacing and the weak efforts to redeem the H. She's moved on to other realtionships but never committment. When she moves back home this went from hating him to some weeks later forgiving him and within two days, sexing him up. Those last 2 stages were just whiplash fast. Forgiveness isn't normally so convenient. And when she does forgive him, she's all over him. Made me question her stability. Of course then its supposed to be tied up in a neat bow by thinking his jilting her was really so she could truly appreciate the bounty that was him. That last line made me consider a 1* rating. Please authors, make the H as douchey as you like but then work to make the reconciliation believable without making the heroine stupid.
August 12, 2019
Kind of spoiler. Not really but kind of.
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Second chance romance is usually my favorite trope but this book left me unsatisfied. They were high school sweethearts and he left her at the alter for literally no good reason. They claimed to be the love of each other's life but he literally dumped her in the worst way possible. Like damn, I've had better break ups with guys who didn't care about me.
Everyone was also just pushing them together and I was so confused. Like again, homeboy dumped her in one of the worst ways possible and people are just like "he's mature now".
Not to mention there was a lack of build up in their relationship. He should have been crawling on the floor begging for her forgiveness and she should of took her time to forgive him.
He also was still pretty hung up on his shitty ex so it was really unfair to be like let's get back together when he needed to heal and allow his child to accept it too.
Overall there were a lot of things that could be been improved and changed plotwise and character wise. I also don't really like the book title because i don't really get it.
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Second chance romance is usually my favorite trope but this book left me unsatisfied. They were high school sweethearts and he left her at the alter for literally no good reason. They claimed to be the love of each other's life but he literally dumped her in the worst way possible. Like damn, I've had better break ups with guys who didn't care about me.
Everyone was also just pushing them together and I was so confused. Like again, homeboy dumped her in one of the worst ways possible and people are just like "he's mature now".
Not to mention there was a lack of build up in their relationship. He should have been crawling on the floor begging for her forgiveness and she should of took her time to forgive him.
He also was still pretty hung up on his shitty ex so it was really unfair to be like let's get back together when he needed to heal and allow his child to accept it too.
Overall there were a lot of things that could be been improved and changed plotwise and character wise. I also don't really like the book title because i don't really get it.
April 22, 2024
Re read 3/24. No change in opinion.
Solid 3.5
I had such high, high hopes. All those angst ridden reviews telling me that the H was a cheating monster!! All those ever so eloquently worded snippets telling me the heroine must be an idiot if she "took back" the "cheating hero" (Those last two words ~ might ~ have them wiggling on the floor in agony). But, alas, this really wasn't as angsty as I wanted, but it was a sweet second chance romance if your in the mood for one. AND NO DAMN CHEATING, I WAS LIED TO!!! I do get a giggle at how serious they take it though, so some good comes from it.
So, to be clear, this is a sweet second chance story about two kids who were way too young to even be at the altar. Also, tbc, the hero marries the second woman 5 years after he jilted heroine, 5 years. I think we can all agree, folks do a lot of stuff after 5 years. This one was a bit on the sweet side.
Solid 3.5
I had such high, high hopes. All those angst ridden reviews telling me that the H was a cheating monster!! All those ever so eloquently worded snippets telling me the heroine must be an idiot if she "took back" the "cheating hero" (Those last two words ~ might ~ have them wiggling on the floor in agony). But, alas, this really wasn't as angsty as I wanted, but it was a sweet second chance romance if your in the mood for one. AND NO DAMN CHEATING, I WAS LIED TO!!! I do get a giggle at how serious they take it though, so some good comes from it.
So, to be clear, this is a sweet second chance story about two kids who were way too young to even be at the altar. Also, tbc, the hero marries the second woman 5 years after he jilted heroine, 5 years. I think we can all agree, folks do a lot of stuff after 5 years. This one was a bit on the sweet side.
August 19, 2019
I have always been a Katie Ashley fan. Reading Reining Her In was one of the easiest things that I have done lately. I loved this story and the story line. The characters were amazing and so well written. Katie Ashley reined me in from page one.
Yes, you have no choice but to hate Declan in the first chapter then you get to know him and can’t help but fall in love with him. Your heart breaks for Peyton but you cheer her on as she picks up her life and moves on. She becomes the woman her Papa always knew that she would. But, not in her home town. She’ll never go back there again. Until she has no choice. Declan never left Hayesville. He married and started a family with one HELL of a woman. Now he’s paying the price. He’s getting through, trying to make everything right for Camden and never expected to see Peyton back in her hometown. But, now that she’s here, it’s time to reclaim the one woman that he never stopped loving. Even if it meant stalking her. As Declan pleads his case and Peyton shuts him down at every turn, you can’t help but root for him. He’s persistent, smart and unstoppable. Now, he has to find a way to show her that’s he has changed, that he never stopped loving her and for her to give him another chance. With a little help and a whole lot of perseverance, he finally gets her to see that he’s worth that second chance.
I loved this story. Like I said, it was an easy read. Like, a one sitting read. Declan and Peyton were wonderful, combustible and hysterical. When you hear his reasoning, you understand. When she let’s her temper go, you understand. When they finally get back together, you cheer! I loved the humor and the drama … they definitely went hand-in-hand and only added to this wonderful story.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
Yes, you have no choice but to hate Declan in the first chapter then you get to know him and can’t help but fall in love with him. Your heart breaks for Peyton but you cheer her on as she picks up her life and moves on. She becomes the woman her Papa always knew that she would. But, not in her home town. She’ll never go back there again. Until she has no choice. Declan never left Hayesville. He married and started a family with one HELL of a woman. Now he’s paying the price. He’s getting through, trying to make everything right for Camden and never expected to see Peyton back in her hometown. But, now that she’s here, it’s time to reclaim the one woman that he never stopped loving. Even if it meant stalking her. As Declan pleads his case and Peyton shuts him down at every turn, you can’t help but root for him. He’s persistent, smart and unstoppable. Now, he has to find a way to show her that’s he has changed, that he never stopped loving her and for her to give him another chance. With a little help and a whole lot of perseverance, he finally gets her to see that he’s worth that second chance.
I loved this story. Like I said, it was an easy read. Like, a one sitting read. Declan and Peyton were wonderful, combustible and hysterical. When you hear his reasoning, you understand. When she let’s her temper go, you understand. When they finally get back together, you cheer! I loved the humor and the drama … they definitely went hand-in-hand and only added to this wonderful story.
Review copy provided for a voluntary review.
August 23, 2019
****I received an ARC from the author****
I LOVED this story. I devoured it in one day and could not put it down!
Declan and Peyton were young lovers about to get married when he left her at the alter. So Peyton left town and didn't return for 10 years until her Papa died.
On her return she is called to help a breeched calf. With her arm up inside the cow she is surprised to see Declan. Little did she know that she would see Declan again "I just stood staring at the cow's ass with my arm buried in its vagina while wishing I could sink beneath the grass and manure" Well she got her wish! Seeing Declan lead her to being kicked in the thigh by the cow and ending up face down in manure.
Peyton finds out that Declan has a child. Due to him being married. She doesn't understand how he could marry someone else when he left her at the alter.
Peyton and Declan definitely had their moments throughout this book. Declan slaps Peyton's ass after they land in some bushes, Peyton retaliates by kneeing him in the balls. Declan want's her Papas clinic and thought that he cut her water line which had her storming down to his office covered in blood and gunk from a surgery she performed on an animal. She left blood on door and handles to get back at him.
Through all of this Declan and Peyton finally found their way back to each other. Peyton knew that Declan had a son and fell in love with him as well.
My favourite scene with Cam was when Peyton stayed over the first night. Cam decided that he wanted to snuggle with Peyton and even used "Pwease" Who can resist that! It was cute how Cam told Peyton about her being his new mommy that his reply was "I'll tell Daddy. He usally gets me what I want". I mean how bloody cute that he want's Peyton as his new mum.
My favourite line is when Declan is speaking to Peyton "Even after all these years, there's never been anyone else. You've always been the one for me. You and only you"
This book is sweet, funny, kinky, dirty, romantic and quirky. It has romance, a single dad and a HEA. Fans of Katie Ashley will not be disappointed with this book
I LOVED this story. I devoured it in one day and could not put it down!
Declan and Peyton were young lovers about to get married when he left her at the alter. So Peyton left town and didn't return for 10 years until her Papa died.
On her return she is called to help a breeched calf. With her arm up inside the cow she is surprised to see Declan. Little did she know that she would see Declan again "I just stood staring at the cow's ass with my arm buried in its vagina while wishing I could sink beneath the grass and manure" Well she got her wish! Seeing Declan lead her to being kicked in the thigh by the cow and ending up face down in manure.
Peyton finds out that Declan has a child. Due to him being married. She doesn't understand how he could marry someone else when he left her at the alter.
Peyton and Declan definitely had their moments throughout this book. Declan slaps Peyton's ass after they land in some bushes, Peyton retaliates by kneeing him in the balls. Declan want's her Papas clinic and thought that he cut her water line which had her storming down to his office covered in blood and gunk from a surgery she performed on an animal. She left blood on door and handles to get back at him.
Through all of this Declan and Peyton finally found their way back to each other. Peyton knew that Declan had a son and fell in love with him as well.
My favourite scene with Cam was when Peyton stayed over the first night. Cam decided that he wanted to snuggle with Peyton and even used "Pwease" Who can resist that! It was cute how Cam told Peyton about her being his new mommy that his reply was "I'll tell Daddy. He usally gets me what I want". I mean how bloody cute that he want's Peyton as his new mum.
My favourite line is when Declan is speaking to Peyton "Even after all these years, there's never been anyone else. You've always been the one for me. You and only you"
This book is sweet, funny, kinky, dirty, romantic and quirky. It has romance, a single dad and a HEA. Fans of Katie Ashley will not be disappointed with this book
August 8, 2019
4.5 Sweet and Steamy Stars!
I loved this sweet, and steamy second chance romance! Declan and Peyton were young with big plans when Declan broke her heart on their wedding day. Peyton fled their small town to move on with her life, never wanting to see him again. It takes another heartbreaking event to bring her back home, ten years later. She didn't plan to stay, but surprisingly takes over her grandfather's veterinary clinic, the only place she truly loves. Declan is so happy to see that he may have a chance to earn Peyton's forgiveness and trust, and maybe convince Peyton that she has always owned his heart. They are totally different people now, and have had several complications along the way. They must learn who they are, today, and decide if the person who has their firsts, will also be their last. I really loved Declan and Peyton, they were so sweet and fiery together. This sweet and emotional story is filled with close friends and family who are fun, quirky, and totally supportive. But it is the engaging, heartfelt and swoony romance that captured my heart and wouldn't let go.
I loved this sweet, and steamy second chance romance! Declan and Peyton were young with big plans when Declan broke her heart on their wedding day. Peyton fled their small town to move on with her life, never wanting to see him again. It takes another heartbreaking event to bring her back home, ten years later. She didn't plan to stay, but surprisingly takes over her grandfather's veterinary clinic, the only place she truly loves. Declan is so happy to see that he may have a chance to earn Peyton's forgiveness and trust, and maybe convince Peyton that she has always owned his heart. They are totally different people now, and have had several complications along the way. They must learn who they are, today, and decide if the person who has their firsts, will also be their last. I really loved Declan and Peyton, they were so sweet and fiery together. This sweet and emotional story is filled with close friends and family who are fun, quirky, and totally supportive. But it is the engaging, heartfelt and swoony romance that captured my heart and wouldn't let go.
August 10, 2019
This second chance romance will leave you with all the feels. Of course you want to slap them both at first, that’s the emotion talking that Katie puts into this book. But as their story evolves, you can’t help but root for this beautiful couple with the absolute perfect ending. Katie never disappoints on a true love story! ❤️
August 25, 2019
Beautiful story.
This book was really good I enjoyed the story I luv second chance romance and this author so I knew I would have to read this book. I'm really glad I did Declan and Peyton were great characters. They have a lot of history together some good and some really bad. Peyton has been away from her home for a long time and Declan is the reason why. But know she has no choice but to go home it wasn't goin to be easy to go back and face her past but she would do it with her head up high. Peyton is strong and will deal with anything that is thrown at her. She just hoped she didn't have to stay long and deal with her past. But she wasn't that lucky.
I did enjoy this story even though I did find it a bit predictable in parts. It flowed well and the connection with the characters were really good. It was hard to be angry with Declan what he did was so wrong but God the guy is very sexy. I know why Peyton found It hard to not be angry with him. There sexual chemistry was so strong even when they were shouting at each other. Well It was more Peyton shouting at Declan for something else he has done. I would recommend this if your looking for a light read this is your book.
This book was really good I enjoyed the story I luv second chance romance and this author so I knew I would have to read this book. I'm really glad I did Declan and Peyton were great characters. They have a lot of history together some good and some really bad. Peyton has been away from her home for a long time and Declan is the reason why. But know she has no choice but to go home it wasn't goin to be easy to go back and face her past but she would do it with her head up high. Peyton is strong and will deal with anything that is thrown at her. She just hoped she didn't have to stay long and deal with her past. But she wasn't that lucky.
I did enjoy this story even though I did find it a bit predictable in parts. It flowed well and the connection with the characters were really good. It was hard to be angry with Declan what he did was so wrong but God the guy is very sexy. I know why Peyton found It hard to not be angry with him. There sexual chemistry was so strong even when they were shouting at each other. Well It was more Peyton shouting at Declan for something else he has done. I would recommend this if your looking for a light read this is your book.
August 11, 2019
So it starts with "Reigning" on the cover, but says "Reining" on Goodreads and on my Kobo. Weird? But I guess it was matched the spelling and punctuation mistakes spread throughout the book, which was irritating.
This book was not on par with Katie's other books and I was extremely disappointed. Not only was the male character a huge douche for what he did to Peyton, but his lack of remorse or excuses for why he did what he did were pathetic.
I was sad to see the female character was so weak. She started off kinda strong and independent, but after she forgave Declan, she never spoke up whenever he did something to make her uncomfortable. She just swallowed her comments and put up with everything.
Tbh, I didn't see the connection between her and Declan's son, very awkward for someone who badly wanted kids. Not a lot of interaction with the townspeople, which is kind of the allure of a book when they live in a small town.
But a huge problem.... did anyone else notice that his son's name magically changed from Camden to Cameron? But they kept calling him Cam, so maybe people wouldn't notice?
Again, this book was not on the same level with her other books. What happened?
This book was not on par with Katie's other books and I was extremely disappointed. Not only was the male character a huge douche for what he did to Peyton, but his lack of remorse or excuses for why he did what he did were pathetic.
I was sad to see the female character was so weak. She started off kinda strong and independent, but after she forgave Declan, she never spoke up whenever he did something to make her uncomfortable. She just swallowed her comments and put up with everything.
Tbh, I didn't see the connection between her and Declan's son, very awkward for someone who badly wanted kids. Not a lot of interaction with the townspeople, which is kind of the allure of a book when they live in a small town.
But a huge problem.... did anyone else notice that his son's name magically changed from Camden to Cameron? But they kept calling him Cam, so maybe people wouldn't notice?
Again, this book was not on the same level with her other books. What happened?
August 7, 2019
Loved Peyton and her humour!!
You might be able to say time heals all sounds, it took Peyton 10 yrs.
Declan might had made a huge mistake, however he made up for it. Peyton wasn't ready to forgive, Declan helped her open her eyes and her heart to him again.
Loved how Peyton's family seemed close, although she stayed away from her home town. Peyton kept in touch as much as she could. Shows that with a broken heart, her family means everything.
I laughed, I even had a few tears. Once you meet Cameron you will see.
Reining her in shows that even years apart, there is still true love!!
You might be able to say time heals all sounds, it took Peyton 10 yrs.
Declan might had made a huge mistake, however he made up for it. Peyton wasn't ready to forgive, Declan helped her open her eyes and her heart to him again.
Loved how Peyton's family seemed close, although she stayed away from her home town. Peyton kept in touch as much as she could. Shows that with a broken heart, her family means everything.
I laughed, I even had a few tears. Once you meet Cameron you will see.
Reining her in shows that even years apart, there is still true love!!
August 11, 2019
Rating: 4.25/5
Review to come!
Review to come!
no-way-jose
February 25, 2020I used to enjoy this author’s books. Unfortunately the path she’s taking with her books nowadays is not the one I want to follow. Reading reviews for this book made me sad she created a(Z)hero like this and a weak heroine to forgive his,imo,unforgivable actions.
August 9, 2019
I’ve read almost all of Ms. Ashley’s books and love the storylines and characters.
I deeply felt Peyton’s heartbreak when she was jilted at the altar by Declan. I don’t want to give away details but the way he did it was beyond appalling and I didn’t care for him or the way he treated her. Peyton goes back to college to become a veterinarian and doesn’t return home for ten years since he still lives there.
When she receives sad news, she’s definitely not happy to return to her hometown. Of course, it doesn’t take but just a short time before she sees Declan. I enjoyed Peyton’s putdowns and altercations with Declan and that she’s finally able to confront him about his actions. There are a couple of scenes that are just hilarious and Declan deserved it all!
I like a second chance story and this one was initially based on two people that are only 20 and making a lifetime commitment. I can understand that Declan decided he wasn’t ready for his life to be set in stone at such a young age, but the fallout for Peyton was that she never really recovered all those years.
I loved Declan’s son, Cam. He was just so adorable and anytime you can add a child or pet to the story, it really adds fun and emotion. There are several other engaging characters that add emotional depth to the story.
I don’t know if I could forgive Declan or at least not as quickly as Peyton, but Declan is sincere in his apologies. I think it would take me a while to believe that he wouldn’t change his mind again. I love epilogues and this one was full of sweetness.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Ashley’s stories.
I deeply felt Peyton’s heartbreak when she was jilted at the altar by Declan. I don’t want to give away details but the way he did it was beyond appalling and I didn’t care for him or the way he treated her. Peyton goes back to college to become a veterinarian and doesn’t return home for ten years since he still lives there.
When she receives sad news, she’s definitely not happy to return to her hometown. Of course, it doesn’t take but just a short time before she sees Declan. I enjoyed Peyton’s putdowns and altercations with Declan and that she’s finally able to confront him about his actions. There are a couple of scenes that are just hilarious and Declan deserved it all!
I like a second chance story and this one was initially based on two people that are only 20 and making a lifetime commitment. I can understand that Declan decided he wasn’t ready for his life to be set in stone at such a young age, but the fallout for Peyton was that she never really recovered all those years.
I loved Declan’s son, Cam. He was just so adorable and anytime you can add a child or pet to the story, it really adds fun and emotion. There are several other engaging characters that add emotional depth to the story.
I don’t know if I could forgive Declan or at least not as quickly as Peyton, but Declan is sincere in his apologies. I think it would take me a while to believe that he wouldn’t change his mind again. I love epilogues and this one was full of sweetness.
I look forward to reading more of Ms. Ashley’s stories.
August 15, 2019
Thank you, Katie Ashley, for writing a light, entertaining read. This girl found it refeshing not to be slammed with so much angst it would make my head spin, especially with the topic at hand.
Was Declan a prick for jilting her? Yes. Absolutely. But they were 20 years old. Just babies. And a decade had moved on. Both parties dated and had sex with other people (a HUGE thank you to Ms. Ashley, for not making our heroine celibate!). Girl power and all that. There was no reason to make things contrived and stressful. I loved that Declan came in as a flirty ex, who knew he fucked up.
As for OW drama, there was another woman a year or two before Peyton came back in the picture. BUT NO DRAMA FROM HER. Declan is a single dad. A great dad, who had the cutest little boy 6 years after the wedding fiasco. The author could have built so much contrived drama around this. Thank god she didn't. Made me like our MCs that much more.
And Peyton, I loved her spitfire attitude. She gave Declan shit and didn't let him off easy.
I loved that there were some oh my god, did she really go there moments, some laugh out loud moments, some sad ones, and some are you fricken kidding me ones. Reining Her In was exactly what I needed after 5 overbearing, alpha male Gideon Cross books.
P.s. thanks for giving us bloggers/advanced readers a heads up that this copy was unedited and final edits are coming. I can't wait to read Declan and Peyton again in all their finished glory.
Was Declan a prick for jilting her? Yes. Absolutely. But they were 20 years old. Just babies. And a decade had moved on. Both parties dated and had sex with other people (a HUGE thank you to Ms. Ashley, for not making our heroine celibate!). Girl power and all that. There was no reason to make things contrived and stressful. I loved that Declan came in as a flirty ex, who knew he fucked up.
As for OW drama, there was another woman a year or two before Peyton came back in the picture. BUT NO DRAMA FROM HER. Declan is a single dad. A great dad, who had the cutest little boy 6 years after the wedding fiasco. The author could have built so much contrived drama around this. Thank god she didn't. Made me like our MCs that much more.
And Peyton, I loved her spitfire attitude. She gave Declan shit and didn't let him off easy.
I loved that there were some oh my god, did she really go there moments, some laugh out loud moments, some sad ones, and some are you fricken kidding me ones. Reining Her In was exactly what I needed after 5 overbearing, alpha male Gideon Cross books.
P.s. thanks for giving us bloggers/advanced readers a heads up that this copy was unedited and final edits are coming. I can't wait to read Declan and Peyton again in all their finished glory.
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