Montana Dreams

The Blackwell Sisters #3

by Anna J. Stewart

Can a single dad and a business whiz…

Find the right connection?

Swapping Silicon Valley for a Montana ranch isn’t Peyton Harrison’s choice. Nor is bringing along a bodyguard. But until threats subside at Peyton’s tech company, Matteo Rossi intends to watch over her while also reconnecting with his young son. Peyton’s instant bond with little Gino is making her rethink her path—and her feelings for Matteo. Is a new dream unfolding under Montana’s endless sky?

USA TODAY Bestselling Author

Genres: Romance

384 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published October 13, 2020

About the author

Anna J Stewart is the USA Today bestselling author of more than fifty sweet to spicy romances. She primarily writes for Harlequin's Heartwarming (sweet romance) and Romantic Suspense (spicy romance). In addition to being a Holt Medallion winner (Bride on the Run), she’s finaled in the Daphne duMaurier Award for Excellence, the National Readers’ Choice and had one of her books optioned as a TV movie. No matter the story, Anna’s books are always about family—the ones we’re born to and the ones we create. Anna lives in Northern California where she loves going to the movies, attending fan conventions, and heading to Disneyland, her favorite place on earth. When she’s not writing, she is usually cooking, baking, binge-watching her newest TV addiction, or re-watching her all-time favorite shows, Supernatural and all things Star Trek and Star Wars She also spends a frustrating amount of time wrangling two monstrous cats named Rosie and Sherlock. You can read more about Anna, her books, and her workshops for authors at www.AuthorAnnaStewart.com.

Reviews

[Candy Laine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm absolutely in love with the Blackwell/ Harrison girls and Anna's book about Peyton just adds to it. Anna is one of my favourite authors and this book was so beautifully put together. Dealing with learning disabilities, feelings of abandonment, intrigue, some mystery and of so much more family on the ranch. It's got everything and more. Absolutely must read for those of you who are following the Blackwell family fortune...

[Sunnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great addition to The Blackwell Sisters Series. Each book is written by different and talented authors. This book continues with the story of Peyton Harrison AKA Blackwell. In this book a lot of the past is revealed and explained so that even if picking up book 3, you will be able to read knowing how the story lines developed in previous books to this point. But I would recommend reading them all because they are all so interesting and fun.
This book has some intrigue and a little mystery that keeps the reader's interest throughout. Family dynamics play an important part in this book in several different ways. Its a clean romance and you will love the characters!

I enjoyed this book very much and felt it was a very fun and entertaining book.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts are my own.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

this is another great story in the series, can be a standalone Peyton is being threatened but why and by whom? Mattio is hired to be her bodyguard then big e shows up and she winds up at the ranch, along with Gino Mattio' son, who showes up at his door, can Peyton make up with her sister Lily and how will the rest of the cousins treat her? can Peyton get alone with Mattio's son and the animals / and who is after her and why. if you like cowboys animals and children you will have to read this one very good looking forward to the next one i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh my goodness, y'all - this book hit me in the feels. I chuckled, I swooned, and I teared up a few times too.

Montana Dreams focuses on Harrison/Blackwell sister Peyton - a workaholic and the oldest sister of the group. She's also the only one who wasn't totally floored by the revelation that their biological father was Thomas Blackwell, not Rudy Harrison. As such, there are a lot of emotional layers to be worked through with her sisters as well as in her own heart. But that only be done if she learns to look up from her laptop & her phone and engage life again.

Enter Matteo and his adorable little boy Gino (who will melt your heart and break it a little too).

Matteo is Peyton's hotty-hot bodyguard, and I loved having this dash of suspense in the story. Excuses for love interests to stay up close and personal with each other in potentially tense situations are always a win in my book! But there's so much more to Matteo than 'just' being a swoony bodyguard. He's also a daddy who loves his little boy fiercely and would do anything to make sure Gino knows he's loved and wanted. Gino's big, earnest heart and sensitive spirit make sure he steals the show more than once, and his absolute love for Peyton will warm even the Grinch's cold heart.

Bottom Line: Watching both Peyton, Matteo and Gino each come alive in Montana was my favorite part of this novel - well, besides the plenty-of-sparks romance of course. Because #priorities haha. The characters were all multi-layered and richly developed, both main and secondary characters, and I continue to enjoy the overarching subplot of trying to find out what happened to Thomas Blackwell. This is my favorite of the series so far (though I've enjoyed them all), and I can't wait to read the last two!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

[Cathie · Rating 5 out of 5]

When these authors write together, something magical happens. I can’t explain it, but they mesh these characters together like they are knitting a blanket. This one touched my heart even more than the others, because of the subject matter. I hope all who read this book & series enjoy it as much as I have.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton, the eldest of the Harrison-Blackwell sister’s, was the only sister old enough to know that Rudy was not their biological dad. Peyton’s mom felt it best the younger sisters didn’t know and asked Peyton to keep her secret. Peyton and her mom’s relationship suffered as she didn’t feel right keeping something so big from her sisters. When her mom got sick, she decided to leave it buried. Rudy was their dad in every way that mattered. When the secret is revealed before her younger sister’s wedding, walls started to crumble. Peyton’s relationships with her sisters suffered. She’d like to repair her relationship, but doesn’t know how. So she buries herself in her work becoming a powerful, successful VP. While her job is her life, she wonders if she may be missing out on something. When she’s threatened at work and forced to have a bodyguard, she goes into hiding at the famous Blackwell Ranch per Big E’s orders.

Matteo needs this job so that he can file for custody of his son. His ex took him out of the country when she transferred jobs and he misses him greatly. He also notices his son is not happy, so he accepts the job. The next morning, his son (along with an escort) shows up on his doorstep. There’s no way he can do his job and watch after his son. When he goes to inform Peyton that he can’t take the job, Gino and Peyton instantly bond. They load up and head out to Blackwell Ranch.

While this story can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading them in order. There are clues and characters that build onto the underlying story in each novel. I truly LOVED this story for many reasons. I enjoyed seeing the relationship blossom between Peyton and Gino. Peyton was able to “see” why Gino was having such difficulties in school. Peyton was kind, patient, and encouraging. I thought it sad that her sisters blamed her for keeping such a huge secret, when it was her mom’s secret to tell. I loved how Peyton was able to relax a little and not be so uptight. Matteo’s relationship with his son is what ALL dad’s should be! He was willing to do anything to win custody of his son because he thought it was better for Gino—not necessarily better for him. He truly cared for and loved Gino. Although his feelings for Peyton became stronger, he felt he needed to devote his love and attention to Gino. I enjoyed the action at the end and was surprised by the twist. I had the stalker totally WRONG! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

[Tammy Morse · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anna J Stewart wrote an fabulous book that has to do with a lot of emotions and family .
Payton Harrison she is a VP at a very big company called Electryone.
Matteo Rossi a bodyguard for Electryone and a father of a six year old.

Payton has been put on a matchmaking site to find the proper husband and she can't find the one that meets her needs. She is very much into her work and is not got time for family. She is out on a date and Matteo is sitting at the bar in ear shot. He knows all her moves to lets get going I have had enough.
This older gentleman sets next to him at the bar and starts talking to him and the older man lets him know that Payton is his granddaughter. Matteo's cellphone go off and it is his son. He doesn't want to ignore the call from his son so the gentleman says he will watch out for Payton for him while he takes the call. When he comes back Payton is standing at the bar talking to the man and introduces him as her grandfather as Elias Blackwell. Big E invites them for dinner when Matteo asks Payton where her date went. She said she is going to go order dinner for Carlo's the driver and go to the restroom. While in the restroom she calls her sister and her sister gives her some advice to get to know her grandfather.
The next day she receive flowers and Matteo won't let anyone touch them because they are not safe to touch. So Payton's grandfather shows up at her office the next day. When all this starts Matteo , Vilette, Payton and Big E go into Vilettes office and listen to what Matteo finds out about the flowers. Payton goes on leave where nobody know where she is going or when she is coming back.
This is a story that I found easy to follow and I thought that the characters all fit well together and very well descriptive. This is the first Anna J, Stewart book and I love her writing and loved the cover and made me feel like I was in the book as I was reading it.
I recommend this book if you love romance that is A Clean Romance she one I will read again.

[MK · Rating 5 out of 5]

First let me say this is the third book in a series-The Blackwell Sisters.
I found this book to be heartwarming and heartbreaking. A sweet six year old son which will melt your heart. Peyton oversteps but does it for love. Matteo a good father who will do anything for his son..It made me laugh and cry.

Peyton Harrison is a very work orientated person, and loves what she does. Well that’s until she
is introduced to her bodyguard Matteo Rossi who is there to protect her.
While on a date she runs into someone she rather not be associated it, but it’s bound to happen.
Big E Blackwell is her grandfather whether she likes it or not. Her blind date isn’t going well.
Matteo was enjoying watching in the background. The next part Matteo had to apologize for. He had a job to do. He needed to focus. The most important thing was his client, but his son Gino came first.

Soon Peyton found herself being sent to Montana. What she didn’t expect was Matteo and his six year old son at her door. Matteo had come to tell her something. That was just great Big E was png going and now Matteo.

Buy the book and see what happens. So much more to come. You don’t want to miss.

It’s like all the books I have read by Ms. Stewart. Even her suspense novels. They are suspenseful and great characters. Great storyline which she brings in all her books.

Other books in the series..

Book 1-Montana Welcome by Melinda Curtis
Book 2- Montana Wishes by Amy Vastine
Book 3- Montana Dreams by Anna Stewart
Book 4- Montana Match by Carol Ross
Book 5- Montana Wedding by Cari Lynn Webb

[Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think I found my favorite sister, et al! Maybe it’s because I “get” Peyton – who she is, what makes up her very being, where she works and how hard it is to do what she does – that makes Montana Dreams my favorite (so far) of the Blackwell Sisters stories but I think some credit should go to Matteo and his cutie-pie son, Gino, too.

The story opens with Big E sticking his nose in, his normal modus operandi, but for most of the book, he is in the background. Peyton is struggling, with her life, her work-life, and her relationship with her sisters and dad…add in a stalker and hooboy! Life gets complicated quickly.

I loved reading Peyton’s struggles with how to navigate her life and trying to do what’s right for her family. She works hard at avoiding the relationship with her sisters but of course, it wouldn’t be a story if she didn’t hafta do that. Her growth and change was heartwarming, and sometimes heartrending, but she is a trooper thru and thru.

And Matteo…oh man! Not even factoring in a cutie of a son, I just wanted to hug this guy. He is focused on his work, his son, and his growing feelings for Peyton, and just trying to protect all that he views as his. And Gino… SUCH an adorable little one. He has some pretty big struggles of his own and my heart went out to him every time he was in a scene. And I don’t think I’ll ever think of pancakes the same way again…

And the Blackwells. Well, they are true to their characters! All for one and one for all. Loved visiting with them again, too. Really enjoyed this story! Highly recommend.

[Wendy Keel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana Dreams is part of the Blackwell Sisters series and follows the Return of the Blackwell Brothers series. While it is part of a series and I do feel you'll better connect with the characters if you read at least the Blackwell Sisters books, you can read this as a stand alone. Just be warned once you meet these characters you'll want to read ALL of the stories in both series!

Montana Dreams is Peyton's story and what a story it is. Anna J Stewart always writes characters you'd like to know in real life. They are believable, well-written, and engaging. The story is at turns heartwarming and heart wrenching. Watching these characters, Peyton and Matteo find their way and their love....it's well worth the time! You'll fall in love with not only the characters but also the setting. I look forward to reading more in this series and to reading more from author Anna J. Stewart. I highly recommend Montana Dreams to EVERYONE!

[Phylis Carpenter · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying the Blackwell Sisters Series and what I like most about the series is the sense of family that you feel. This book was really touching because two people from two totally different backgrounds are put together in a business situation.

Matteo is a former Marine who works as a bodyguard and his latest job is protecting Peyton who is a VP at a large company and she is all business. Someone is stalking her and she needed his protection.

Ms Stewart wrote this book with a lot of great moments, a great cast of characters and a very good storyline. The only regret I had was that while reading it I had company and work and had to keep putting it down. This is a book that is hard to put down. I really love Matteo and his little boy Gino. I think you will too.

Another book very well written. Can't wait for the next one in this series. Or any other book by Anna J Stewart as well

[Rosemary K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Peyton and her mother kept a secret from her sisters. They didn't know that they were Blackwells and their biological father had deserted them. Now her sisters have learned the truth, it has destroyed their closeness. Now Peyton has a stalker. To keep her safe she's going to the Blackwell Ranch in Montana. Matteo Rossi, her bodyguard, will accompany her along with his six year old son. I admired Peyton for making peace with one of her sisters and meeting her new relations, but what I really made me happy was the growing love she feels for both Gino and his father. Peyton is a strong woman with a warm and loving heart. Her stalker added drama and a n unexpected twist. Anna J Stuart wrote a feel good story that lifted my spirits which is just what I needed.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Montana Dreams" (The Blackwell Sisters Book 3) by Anna J. Stewart is a terrific read. I loved Peyton and Matteo's story. This is another wonderful addition to this series. This story is full of romance, family, small-town life, entertaining characters, twists, and more. I loved spending more time with the Blackwell family and can't wait to see what happens next. Highly recommend to all fans of clean romance, family, and series.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought I loved the previous two Blackwell sisters stories, but this one just blew me out of the water. The oldest of the sisters, Peyton, is extremely driven. She is estranged from her sisters because of the past. And to top it off she has a stalker. For her protection, she is convinced to go to Montana to the Blackwell ranch with her bodyguard. What follows is a love story, but also a story about family reconciliation. I also appreciated that the author dealt with childhood dyslexia. Wonderful story!

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the chemistry between these two!

Peyton is a high-powered VP, the eldest sister of five girls, and the only one who knew that Rudy, their dad, was really their stepfather. Now that the secret has been discovered, she has to work on repairing her relationships with each of her younger sisters.

This story starts with Peyton having to accept a bodyguard when someone start threatening her at her work. When the threats turn deadly, she’s forced to hide out at the Montana ranch belonging to her newly-discovered family. Matteo is happy to protect Peyton in Montana, away from the threat in California, but the last-minute addition of his son, Gino, to the trip throws a wrench into all his plans.

I loved how Peyton connected with Gino, and how she instinctively knew what to do to engage him with his schoolwork. The story beautifully explores all the emotional conflict Peyton is feeling as she connects with relatives she isn’t sure she’s ready to accept. The author takes a head-on approach to the overall theme of fathers leaving and parental abandonment without becoming heavy-handed or melodramatic.

I really enjoyed the chemistry that these two have, and the easy way they worked together. Their love story was sweet and believable, and I admired the way the author included Gino throughout and treated him like a real child rather than the usual perfect (yet boring) offspring. The path to their HEA took a rather unexpected turn as Peyton comes up with a solution that goes against everything Matteo was working for, resulting in some truly honest self-reflection for both that only made their reconciliation that much stronger.

The corporate espionage part of the story was just enough to fuel the plot without taking unnecessary risks. My only issue is that, probably due to having different authors, this book had a bit of a problem matching up the childhood timeline with that of the earlier books, but it wasn’t enough to throw off the story. As the middle book in the series of five sisters, it perfectly balances the romance and the ongoing family drama. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all eventually unfolds. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana Dreams by Anna J Stewart follows how Peyton ends up in Montana and why she is there?
Will Peyton find what she has been missing in Matteo and Gino?
Peyton Harrison
Peyton Harrison is the oldest of the Harrison-Blackwell sisters and is the only one that still remembers their father. Well, their birth father, Thomas Blackwell. She has learned quite a lot since having to lay low in Montana on her paternal family's ranch in hopes that she won't be followed. Peyton has gotten to know Lily better and how well ranch life agrees with Lily, especially her new fiance. Spending time away from work and being there for Matteo and his son Gino has made a huge difference in Peyton's outlook.

I can't even fault her for doing something without asking because that comes naturally to her. A big thing that I like about Peyton is that despite having to keep a secret from their family for a while, she did it out of love for said family. She also does love deeply, and she doesn't want to get hurt. I can't fault her for that either. I like Peyton when she allows herself to spend time away from work for family time instead of focusing on her job.
Matteo Rossi
Matteo Rossi is a complicated man that wants what is best for his charge. Even if that means having to try to get her to take time away from her job to enjoy life on the ranch, he has a son from a previous marriage who's only six years old and has had a tough time so far with his school. Matteo clearly loves Gino from the moment he first sees him all the way to when he's trying to help him learn so that he can be a good student. He isn't just a family man since Matteo also works at a private security place, but he does his job well. Gino desperately needs a loving home with his dad and quite possibly Peyton as the little boy grows fond of Peyton. I like this character a lot, even if he has a big ego.
Five Stars
Montana Dreams by Anna J Stewart encompasses two genres that this author is more than capable of handling. A little bit of suspense was added to this book but not a lot that I felt the suspense takes precedent. Just enough to explain why little Miss Peyton Harrison needed a bodyguard. Everything about this story was great, and I loved how all the Blackwell brothers have greeted each of the Harrison girls with open arms and welcomed them into the Blackwell fold. Montana Dreams gets five stars and a recommendation from me. I love this Blackwell family (even Big E).


Other Books in the Series

Return of the Blackwell Brothers Series

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed these reviews of Montana Dreams by Anna J Stewart.

Until the next time,



Happy Reading!

This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[Lghiggins · Rating 5 out of 5]

The five Harrison sisters were abandoned by their father, Thomas Blackwell, when the oldest, Peyton, was eight years old leaving a hole in her heart that could not be filled. For reasons to be discovered in Montana Dreams by Anna J. Stewart, Peyton, ostensibly close to her sisters, has kept the girls’ biological roots a secret. She is the only one aware that Rudy Harrison, their devoted father and a retired Navy admiral, is actually their step-father.

Their world is turned upside down by Big E, the girls’ grandfather they never knew existed; the discovery impacted none of the girls as much as it did Peyton who has tried to fill the hole in her heart with work. Because Peyton, a Vice President in the company she works for, has a stalker, her boss has hired Matteo as her bodyguard. Big E convinces the boss that his ranch in Montana is the safest place for Peyton to be.

In many romances that include childhood family issues as part of the conflict, the background of the main character figures predominantly into the plot. In Montana Dreams, however, both Peyton and Matteo have issues, past and current, that need to be brought to the forefront and dealt with. Their secrets are unwrapped with care, and their romance is depicted with ups and downs and highs and lows that keep the reader in anticipation of possible resolutions.

The devotion Matteo has for his understandably confused six year old son is heartwarming. Well integrated into the plot are characters you might have met in the Return of the Blackwell Brothers series. Although I would love to have had the characters from that first series have more interaction in this book, I realize that would not be possible within the scope of this novel. As it is, the plot is full of twists and turns. Each one of the books in The Blackwell Sisters focuses on a different sister as each meets her welcoming Blackwell cousins and their spouses and learns about the positive sides of Montana ranch living. They also acclimate to the idea that their mother and step-father had presented a false narrative of their family to them as children. Meanwhile, the subplot of their manipulating grandfather Big E plotting to reunite his Blackwell family while searching for Thomas Blackwell, his son and the girls’ father, with Rudy Harrison, the girl’s step-father, continues on with a little progress and more clues in each book.

I would like to extend my thanks to Anna J. Stewart and to Harlequin Heartwarming for giving me the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

[Harmony · Rating 4 out of 5]

While I enjoyed this book, I couldn't give it a 5-star rating. The writing is solid, the characters are well-developed. There is a touch of mystery and suspense but not so much that it overpowers the romance. This is a romance novel, after all.

What I loved about this book is the little boy, Gino. He is an adorable child who just pulls at your heart strings. I felt for him and all he had gone through. I wanted him to get his HEA with a family who will cherish him.

I also really liked Matteo. He has a big heart and wants what is best for his son. He had a rough childhood and my heart went out to the scared little boy he once was. I can't imagine anybody going through the things he had to endure. He's protective of Peyton and is drawn to her. I think he let his pride get in the way too much, though. A parent does whatever they need to do to give their child a better life and better chances. I found myself getting annoyed with him towards the end of the book. It was like a switch was flipped and he suddenly became a different character. It was jarring.

I didn't like Peyton. I found her to be childish in so many ways. She was so cold to Big E when he wasn't even at fault (he didn't even know he had a son!). She was cold and distant to her own family. She was cold and distant to Matteo. She is just a cold character who needed to grow up. I found it frustrating that whenever the author would give her a tiny bit of growth and warm her up, BAM! she would slam her right back to that cold and distant character. I loved the way she was with Gino and I wish the author had allowed more of that side of her personality to show. Then perhaps I would have warmed up to her more.

I'm not sure I bought into their romance. They never went on a date, sure they had a couple of heated kisses and some heart-to-heart conversations but that's it. I'm not sure where or when they would have fallen in love.

The reason for the 4-star rating is because of Matteo and Gino. They carried this book and without them I would have never finished it. They are the heart of this story and the reason there is any warmth or charm in it. The ending was sweet though with Gino but not the ending with Big E and Rudy. That was ridiculous. Seriously some Marine grunt had better intel than a Navy Admiral? ARE YOU FREAKING KIDDING ME?!??! Does this author even understand the rank of Admiral? Claiming that Naval records weren't all that good? And instead they used the VA? Seriously? GAH! A FREAKING ADMIRAL WOULD HAVE BETTER RESOURCES.

[Marsha Keeper Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance

Montana Dreams is the third title in The Blackwell Sisters series, and delivers an interesting romance between what on the surface appears to be complete opposites – but what is in their hearts, when they finally acknowledge it, is priceless.

Peyton is career-driven, she has little time for personal relationships of the romantic kind so she’s turned to a professional match-maker to cut down on time and fuss. This decision isn’t based on a personal need but the professional impression that she won’t further her career where she is without that solid commitment in her personal life. (not something I’d agree to for my personal life should be far, far removed from my professional but some companies are like that, unfortunately)

Also, Peyton has been receiving threats, ones that the company she works for is taking seriously – which is how Matteo, her bodyguard, came into her life. Matteo is facing his own personal challenges, namely an ex-wife who is as selfish as the day is long, and an adorable little boy who just wants to be with his Daddy. Toss these three together, along with Big E’s shenanigans and you have a recipe for either disaster or the perfect match for them all. Only time and some people’s stubbornness will tell the final tale on this one.

I enjoyed Montana Dreams, little Gino stole my heart, at times I wanted to either smack Peyton or Matteo upside the head Gibbs style or sit them down for a very stern talking to. I don’t know what is it about the Blackwell women (sisters) though – I’m not falling in love with the heroines of this series as I expected to with the exception of Lily, I understood her personality far better. I liked Peyton, once she shed her attitude and I felt that Matteo was a good match for her – I simply wish I could have loved them, but their story was full of tensions, some danger, lots of stubbornness, and an eventual happy ending for all… so I guess I’m content with that.

I own a Kindle edition of Montana Dreams.

[Margie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Peyton is the oldest of the five Harrison sisters or actually that should be the Blackwell sisters as the triplets Georgie, Amanda and Lily plus the youngest Fiona found out at Lily's aborted wedding. Peyton was well aware that their father is Thomas Blackwell because she was old enough to remember him when he left. His leaving the family left a hole in Peyton's heart. She loved her father. But her mother who died a while before Lily's aborted wedding made Peyton promise not to tell her younger sisters the truth. She wanted to tell them. She really did, but a promise is a promise. The truth did finally come out on the day Lily was supposed to get married when their Blackwell grandfather, Elias Blackwell or Big E as he likes to be called, showed up. Peyton's sisters were not at all happy with her when they found out she knew the truth.

Now to add to that pain Peyton is receiving threatening letters concerning her work at Electryone Technologies. Her boss Vilette Wright assigned a bodyguard to her to keep her safe. Matteo Rossi is very competent, very professional and very handsome. To add to her safety when Peyton receives an arrangement at work including poisonous plants Vilette sends Peyton and her bodyguard Matteo to her grandfather's ranch in Falcon Creek, Montana. Just as they are about to fly there Matteo's son is brought to him from his ex-wife in Japan to stay for a while. Matteo is ecstatic since he hasn't seen his son for a couple years and Peyton falls for the little six-year-old Gino. These characters are very likable. Both Peyton and Matteo are caring and loving. Gino has insecurities and it was great to see both Matteo and Peyton addressing his needs. This is an entertaining read and great addition to the Harlequin series The Blackwell Sisters.

[Laurie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - Montana Dreams by Anna J. Stewart is the third installment in the Blackwell Sisters series and it focuses on Peyton Harrison (Blackwell). Peyton is the workaholic sister who prefers her world neat and orderly. But a complication arises when her life is suddenly in jeopardy. And if being assigned a bodyguard, albeit a very attractive one, weren’t enough, Peyton’s life is about to change in an even more substantial way. Her boss insists that she take a short leave from her city job for her own protection, as well as her colleagues’; and she won’t take no for an answer. But how will Peyton do that? Where will she go? Someone knows exactly where Peyton will go, and she’s not happy about it one bit.

I love it when Big E makes an appearance in these books!! He just seems to pop up out of nowhere, and his presence as a character is so believable that it feels as though he’s a true, living person. Anna Stewart’s description of the Montana Ranch caused me to put the book down and ruminate on the beauty I could visualize in my mind’s eye. She brought the characters and landscape to life. Reading about the horses and the details she provided made it seem as though someone with real horse experience wrote those pages, or a good amount of research was involved in writing them. I relished reading about the time that was spent between Matteo the bodyguard and his son, Gino. Gino’s youthful speech was spot-on, and his father’s obvious pride in, and adoration of his son was endearing. Add to that a mystery that kept the pages turning, and of course a happily-ever-after, and you have all the elements that make for a tender, heartwarming read. Loved it.

[Charlene Fox · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Montana Dreams” by Anna J. Stewart, the third in the five book Blackwell Sisters series, this time oldest sister Peyton is being threatened by an unknown person. When Big E, her recently found grandfather hears what is going on, he arranges for her to “vacation” on the family ranch in Big Sky Country – along with sexy bodyguard Matteo and his adorable son, Gino, whom Matteo’s ex-wife has just sent to live with him.
For Peyton this is not the place she wanted to be. Being around the horses is too much a reminder of her early childhood when her biological father took her riding – before he left the family to pursue his military career and her mother’s marriage brought stepfather Rudy Harrison into their lives. Peyton was the only one who remembered their biological father and had been sworn to secrecy by their mother. But now that the cat is out of the bag and the girls know Rudy is their adoptive father the trip is also a chance for her to try to mend fences with her sister Lily who is already living at the ranch and soon to be married.
Despite both Peyton and Matteo are determined to keep their relationship on a business level, but proximity, chemistry and one small boy who is impossible to resist, sparks fly.
Meanwhile back on the road, Big E and Rudy are still trying to find Thomas Blackwell, the biological father of the girls and the son Big E has only recently found out about. Is Thomas still alive? Will Big E and Rudy be successful? Two men as determined as they are will surely give it their best shot.

[Yvonne Cruz · Rating 5 out of 5]

The stories of the Harrison/Blackwell sisters keep on getting better each time.
This one belongs to Executive VP Peyton Harrison/Blackwell. A go-getter, that has no desire to have romance in her life, since loving hurts too much. At least her past experience proves it. While she’s resorted to a matchmaker, she has now a stalker. Something that worries her boss enough that she hires a bodyguard for Peyton.
Not any bodyguard, but rather former Marine, quiet Matteo Rossi. A man whose childhood should never be one a child should experience. He’s divorced with a six year old that lives in Japan. Gino is his life, but his ex has full custody and has not made it easy for Matteo.
Shen the danger intensifies and both Peyton’s boss and her new found meddling grandfather, Big E, intervene, Peyton ends up in the Blackwell Montana ranch with Matteo, and Gino, who unexpectedly was dropped at his doorstep by an employee of the wife’s husband.
As the story develops, so do the feelings Peyton has not only for Gino but also for his father.
This is a story about family or lack thereof. About forgiveness, opening one’s heart and taking a risk at love. Life can be messy, but love can overcome everything. Be ready to shed some tears as this story is sure to touch your hearts.
Another winner in this enchanting series.
I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.

[Valri Western · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've always enjoyed the storyline where a workaholic finds himself/herself in a situation that makes them reevaluate their life and find what's really important in life and also find love along the way! This is the situation Peyton finds herself in. She is the oldest of 5 girls in the family and had to be the responsible one due to some things happening in the family when she was only 6 years old. All her life she's had a secret and that secret just came out and now she's trying to repair the relationship with her sisters. She's been a workaholic for a long time and doesn't plan on changing but she's got a stalker so her boss gets her a bodyguard - Matteo Rossi - and it really chafes her style! I loved Matteo from the very beginning. The more his backstory was revealed, the more I loved him! He didn't have custody of his young son, Gino, but when Gino suddenly shows up, I loved the little boy too! It's these two males that begin to break down the walls around Peyton's workaholic lifestyle! Peyton finds herself in Montana due to getting away from her stalker and Peyton's "new" family, the Blackwells, plus Matteo & Gino work their magic! A fabulous story and so fun to connect with the Blackwells again!

[Kate Vale · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another in the Blackwell Sisters series in which tech wizard Peyton Harrison has become the subject of a stalker or worse. To keep her safe, her boss has not only hired a bodyguard, one Matteo Rossi, but has also agreed with her grandfather, Big E, that she should take an unplanned vacation at the Montana ranch until the person out to do her harm is found and jailed.

Just as they arrive at the ranch, Matteo is confronted by his 6 year old son, after his mother decides he's too much trouble to deal with. Matteo loves his son, has missed him in the three years since his divorce, but taking care of him on his own? Enter Peyton's help; after all, she helped to raise her four younger sisters years earlier and she likes kids. In fact, little Gino captures her heart from their first meeting.

But just as she's starting to relax and re-establish her relationship with her sisters, Matteo suspects that the stalker may have followed them to Montana and when she is confronted, what he really wants isn't at all what they suspect. Talk about a turn-around! However, manly pride gets in the way of the building relationship between Peyton and Matteo. Is there any way to fix things so that she doesn't have to say good-bye to both Matteo and little Gino? Read to find out.

[Jess Holden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana Dreams by Anna J Stewart is the third installment of the Blackwell Sisters. I personally haven't read the previous two books and didn't feel lost but at certain turning points I wish I had read them first so I had more knowledge of what to expect.

Peyton is a workaholic trying to find the man of her dreams through a matchmaker. She has so much guilt built up about lying to her sisters from the time she was seven till they were all grown. Work is her outlet to escape the guilt but someone is coming after her for something she has done and the only way to lay off the grid till the find the culprit is to face the family she is running from.

Matteo is a bodyguard whom hates having to watch his charge on blind dates. He knows none of these men are right for her but it isn't his place to step in. He will do his job and protect her no matter what the cost even if he has to take his 6 year old son to Montana on assignment to a dude ranch.

The love that overflows on the Blackwell Ranch is overflowing and I thoroughly enjoyed it. I love the safe at home feeling I get when reading about them.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana Dreams is the third in the Blackwell Sisters series but can also be read as a stand alone story, however I suggest reading the others in the series for a little backstory information. Peyton is the oldest of the sisters and the only one who remembers their biological father but is now trying to repair the damage to her relationships with her sisters from keeping the truth from them. She is a VP of a tech company who is being stalked by an unknown assailant so she must have a bodyguard every place she goes. Matteo Rossi is a former military turned private bodyguard who is trying to earn enough money to fight for custody of his son. After numerous threats to Peyton, it is decided by her boss and her grandfather that she spend some time on the Blackwell ranch in Montana. As they are preparing to leave, Matteo's adorable son is dropped off on his door step. The three embark on a fabulous, fun, thrilling adventure that will entertain the reader until the very end. This is another fantastic installment to the series.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Cheryl · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montana Dreams, book three in the Blackwell Sisters series is my favorite, at least so far. I honestly thought that Peyton’s story would be last, considering she’s the oldest and the only one to remember her biological dad. But I see why the authors did it this way after reading this book.
Peyton has a lot of guilt about keeping this secret, and more than a bit of an abandonment issue. Her workaholic tendencies keep her away from her family, which again is traced backed to the information she’s withheld since she was a child.
Matteo seemed very straight forward when he was introduced Peyton’s bodyguard, even with their intriguing chemistry. But he suddenly morphed into hot, single dad with an adorable, yet sad, little boy. Gino was the best kind of child character...appropriate for his age in both spirit, sweetness and rebellion. Ms. Stuart is exceptionally good at developing real, interesting and engaging children in her books. None of that overt brattiness that I find in some romance (but much more prevalent in women’s fiction).
Great story with lots of little side plots makes Montana Dreams a five star book for me.

[Marcie Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Montana Dreams” is book 3 of The Blackwell Sisters miniseries and features Peyton Harrison, the eldest sister.

Peyton has kept a secret from her sisters since they were little. Now, with someone in her business life threatening her, she’s told going to Montana would be the perfect opportunity to meet her new family and start making amends with her sisters. She just has to take her bodyguard with her.
Matteo Rossi, security professional, agrees to go with Peyton to Montana. He needs the extra money to fight for custody of his six-year-old son, Gino, who is unexpectedly sent to stay with him.
Both Peyton and Matteo face memories of their childhoods as they try to figure out how to move forward in their lives with a new outlook on family, while hoping to become a family themselves.

With autumn and Halloween as a backdrop, along with a light suspense element, Ms. Stewart crafts a wonderfully written story with great characters. She even gives a shout-out to Butterfly Harbor, a series she writes for Heartwarming.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so far and this book did not disappoint either. I love the Blackwell brothers and I love how nothing ever shocks them with their grandfather Big E so when Peyton is forced to go to Montana nothing that happens really shocks them. I think what was different with this story was with Peyton she remembers her biological father where her other sisters do not. I liked Matteo who has a big heart and who's past was not always that great but he seem to rise above and would do anything for those he loved. He is stubborn as a mule and sometimes you did want to just smack some sense into him but he was not the only hero in this story. The author through a little mystery into this story and if made you kind of keep guessing who was the "one' I think the really hero in this story was Gino he may be small but he was hard not to love and hard not to really enjoy. Over all this story is a good clean read which is suitable for all readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.