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Sawtooth Mountains #4
Someone
Ellen Emerson has lived in Jasper Ridge, Idaho all her life and has never wanted to be anywhere else. She loves her town, her family, her friends, and her job managing the Moondancer Ranch. But she’s been unlucky in love, and after years of trying, she’s just about run out of options for romance among the men of her tiny town. Lately, she’s been trying to adjust her expectations for her future, to embrace the life she has and give up her dreams for a love and a family of her own.
She doesn’t need love. She’ll be okay on her own.
Luke Taylor is also a lifelong resident of Jasper Ridge. He and Ellen have known each other always, and they’ve worked together at the Moondancer for years. Ellen’s one of his favorite people; she’s fair and forthright. But Luke doesn’t really think the way most people do; he’s never been good at understanding people or being understood by them. So he doesn’t think much about romance. His mother’s always insisted that there’s someone for everyone, but a life of awkwardness and rejection has convinced him she’s wrong.
That’s okay. He’s just fine—better off—on his own.
Then one day, something between them changes. Maybe it’s the trouble Ellen has with a wealthy and insistent guest. Maybe it’s the trouble that’s risen up suddenly between the people of Jasper Ridge and the people of the Sawtooth Jasper reservation. Whatever it is, their world shakes. And Ellen and Luke, friends for years, see each other differently for the first time.
Maybe there’s someone for everyone after all.
She doesn’t need love. She’ll be okay on her own.
Luke Taylor is also a lifelong resident of Jasper Ridge. He and Ellen have known each other always, and they’ve worked together at the Moondancer for years. Ellen’s one of his favorite people; she’s fair and forthright. But Luke doesn’t really think the way most people do; he’s never been good at understanding people or being understood by them. So he doesn’t think much about romance. His mother’s always insisted that there’s someone for everyone, but a life of awkwardness and rejection has convinced him she’s wrong.
That’s okay. He’s just fine—better off—on his own.
Then one day, something between them changes. Maybe it’s the trouble Ellen has with a wealthy and insistent guest. Maybe it’s the trouble that’s risen up suddenly between the people of Jasper Ridge and the people of the Sawtooth Jasper reservation. Whatever it is, their world shakes. And Ellen and Luke, friends for years, see each other differently for the first time.
Maybe there’s someone for everyone after all.
346 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 2, 2020
16 people are currently reading
147 people want to read
About the author
Susan Fanetti
84 books1,418 followersI was born and raised in the Midwest, but I was transplanted into the dusty soil of Northern California and have apparently taken root there. An inveterate geek and gamer, I am a fan of many things considered pop culture and maybe even lowbrow.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
As a reader, my favorite genres are science fiction and fantasy, but as a writer, I've found my home in romance--or perhaps it's better to say simply "love stories." I have a yen to try other genres, too, at some point, but for now my muse wants to tell stories about lovers and families.
I write for the joy of it, and I write stories that I want to read. If others like them, too, that's just the cherry on top. I’m not interested in rules and formulae. I follow my muse and my characters and let them take me where they want to go, wherever that might be. I like big emotions, dark and light.
I like complicated characters with flaws and weaknesses as well as strengths, and I like each character’s strengths and weaknesses to be different from those of other characters. I’m much more concerned that my characters be interesting and diverse than that they be widely considered to be likable. I try to create people, not types.
Likewise, I want my stories each to be distinct from the others. Once I’ve told a story, I don’t want to tell it again. So even within a series, one of my books might be very different from the next. Some might be very dark, others equally mild.
That isn’t to say there aren’t trends and recurrences in my work. I’m drawn to certain themes and settings, and my muse has her favorite toys and tools. But I guard against those tendencies becoming a formula.
Find my blog at www.susanfanetti.com
Find my FB author page: https://www.facebook.com/authorsusanf...
A note: I don't spend much time here on Goodreads. I try not to read any reviews of my own work. Besides, this is a site for readers, but since I write at a fairly manic pace, and read and edit for other writers, I don't have much time to read recreationally. Mainly, I log on to update my info. So if you message me here, it might be a while before I see it.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
August 23, 2020
4.25 Stars
I so love the symbolism of the titles in this series. And everything else inside the books.
It's been so long since I read a whole series. Five or more years, I think. No, that's not right. I've read Lauren Gilley's Dartmoor series a few years ago. But that's it.
I'm not sure why, I used to read everything and, I mean, everything in the romance genre. But somehow in that ocean of books I got lost. Or drowned. I guess the sudden explosion of romance booksoriginated from the Fifty Shades' success spit out, along with some truly talented writers, a multitude of authors, whose books, sadly, couldn't hold my interest long enough to finish their series.
Or maybe my tastes changed drastically over the years.
Anyhow, this one is giving off Archer's Voice vibe. I loved it. Slow-burn at its best. Not in an "insta lovish but they don't fall in bed together before the end of the book" kind of way, but in a "they have no chemistry and feelings for each other and never in a million years have they thought of hooking up but they gradually fall in love as the story progresses" way. How deliciously awkward. Yum.
Susan Fanetti is a truly talented author and I'm definitely planning on reading all of her books. Well, at least the ones where she doesn't off her characters.
Oh, and don't you think we were robbed of Victor's story?
This series can't be over yet. It's not fair.
I so love the symbolism of the titles in this series. And everything else inside the books.
It's been so long since I read a whole series. Five or more years, I think. No, that's not right. I've read Lauren Gilley's Dartmoor series a few years ago. But that's it.
I'm not sure why, I used to read everything and, I mean, everything in the romance genre. But somehow in that ocean of books I got lost. Or drowned. I guess the sudden explosion of romance books
Or maybe my tastes changed drastically over the years.
Anyhow, this one is giving off Archer's Voice vibe. I loved it. Slow-burn at its best. Not in an "insta lovish but they don't fall in bed together before the end of the book" kind of way, but in a "they have no chemistry and feelings for each other and never in a million years have they thought of hooking up but they gradually fall in love as the story progresses" way. How deliciously awkward. Yum.
Susan Fanetti is a truly talented author and I'm definitely planning on reading all of her books. Well, at least the ones where she doesn't off her characters.
Oh, and don't you think we were robbed of Victor's story?
This series can't be over yet. It's not fair.
June 30, 2020
Someone was a great conclusion to the Sawtooth Mountain series. This final book was a friends to lovers, slow burn romance. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t without struggles. I really liked the main characters Ellen and Luke.
Ellen’s a vocal and open person whereas Luke is closed off and not very good with people. He prefers his animals. Luke in particular fascinated me because of his personality and he definitely won me over early on. He and Ellen has a great friendship and has known each other what feels like forever but has never seen each other as more than friends. That slowly changes. That progress was well explored.
Someone is a slow burn but timeline wise it moves very quickly for them as a couple and I think that’s why I struggled with them. I felt their chemistry was lacking but that didn’t mean I didn’t liked them as a couple. I did but I expected more.
The epilogue was so good and cute. Even though Someone wasn’t my favorite it still ended with me smiling all thanks to Ellen and Luke.
Ellen’s a vocal and open person whereas Luke is closed off and not very good with people. He prefers his animals. Luke in particular fascinated me because of his personality and he definitely won me over early on. He and Ellen has a great friendship and has known each other what feels like forever but has never seen each other as more than friends. That slowly changes. That progress was well explored.
Someone is a slow burn but timeline wise it moves very quickly for them as a couple and I think that’s why I struggled with them. I felt their chemistry was lacking but that didn’t mean I didn’t liked them as a couple. I did but I expected more.
The epilogue was so good and cute. Even though Someone wasn’t my favorite it still ended with me smiling all thanks to Ellen and Luke.
May 4, 2020
**Someone generously provided.**
5 "When I'm with you..." Stars
A gorgeous, slow-burn romance novel by Susan Fanetti. This book lends itself toward the notion of home wrapped up in safety, love, and loyalty. It's unexpected love based on years of friendship and living parallel lives. Both of these characters lent charm and vulnerabilities to the story making it real and engaging.
I love the Sawtooth Mountains. Fanetti has managed to take a beautiful landscape and fill it with people who suffer in a myriad of ways without the love of another. This story takes on new meaning in this series as it truly expresses the cocoon of safety in understanding and taking great pride in your where you're from and the roots you've planted there. The tenderness of care and realizations in the story are compelling and thoughtful.
This wasn't the story I expected of Ellen Emerson but when doesn't this author surprise us? The surface simplicity of this blooming romance burns with intensity and human complexities that should be cherished and valued. If you love romance, Someone is not to be missed.
5 "When I'm with you..." Stars
A gorgeous, slow-burn romance novel by Susan Fanetti. This book lends itself toward the notion of home wrapped up in safety, love, and loyalty. It's unexpected love based on years of friendship and living parallel lives. Both of these characters lent charm and vulnerabilities to the story making it real and engaging.
I love the Sawtooth Mountains. Fanetti has managed to take a beautiful landscape and fill it with people who suffer in a myriad of ways without the love of another. This story takes on new meaning in this series as it truly expresses the cocoon of safety in understanding and taking great pride in your where you're from and the roots you've planted there. The tenderness of care and realizations in the story are compelling and thoughtful.
This wasn't the story I expected of Ellen Emerson but when doesn't this author surprise us? The surface simplicity of this blooming romance burns with intensity and human complexities that should be cherished and valued. If you love romance, Someone is not to be missed.
January 29, 2022
Reread Jan 2022. Still loved it.
Ellen and Luke’s story just left me feeling happy. I always like a good friends to lovers story and this one was extremely well done. Both of them showed vulnerability but also strength, loyalty, love - all things I love in my books. As usual, Ms. Fanetti gave us terrific writing with great characters in a beautiful setting. This story is a good place to jump in as a standalone if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
“All those years of looking for someone, hoping for someone who’d love her, and he’d been right in front of her all along.”
Ellen and Luke’s story just left me feeling happy. I always like a good friends to lovers story and this one was extremely well done. Both of them showed vulnerability but also strength, loyalty, love - all things I love in my books. As usual, Ms. Fanetti gave us terrific writing with great characters in a beautiful setting. This story is a good place to jump in as a standalone if you haven’t read the rest of the series.
“All those years of looking for someone, hoping for someone who’d love her, and he’d been right in front of her all along.”
May 11, 2020
After reading some books that continue to recycle story lines, tired doormat heroines and "manwhore" (I am sick of that word, BTW) heroes, I really should try to remember that there is always Susan Fanetti with her refreshing storylines and unique heroes and heroines. Her talent amazes me. Her H/h are always flawed yet likable and/or redeem themselves in a grand way. Someone's hero Luke really intrigued me and I loved him. I have to say Luke may be my new favorite hero of hers, or a seriously close second to Nolan from Night Horde/Signal Bend.
Simply put, another lovely story by Susan Fanetti!
Simply put, another lovely story by Susan Fanetti!
June 4, 2020
This had a lot threads, but wasn't woven into a well written tapestry. Writing was a little dry and uninvolved as well. If this was the end of the series, it ended on a whimper.
May 4, 2020
Once again, I'm in awe of Susan Fanetti 's gifts with the written word. This story was beautiful. A slow burn romance, filled with beautiful words and amazing characters. At first, I found the story a bit slow going, but I quickly realized how important it was to get to know the characters separately before they became involved.
I loved Luke, this often misunderstood gentle giant that many overlooked. I loved Ellen for being so compassionate and understanding, and for her willingness to be open to the possibility of a great love with someone many would judge to be different. I appreciated how straight forward they both were in their actions and words.... no subterfuge or games. I loved that Ellen was able to give Luke what he needed in order for him to be able to love. I appreciated that this story didn't have any silly drama and that issues were resolved quickly and maturely. I'm so glad the story was told in both of the main characters points of view. Being able to read Luke's thought process and reasoning definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. For me, this book is what a great love story should look and feel like.
I loved Luke, this often misunderstood gentle giant that many overlooked. I loved Ellen for being so compassionate and understanding, and for her willingness to be open to the possibility of a great love with someone many would judge to be different. I appreciated how straight forward they both were in their actions and words.... no subterfuge or games. I loved that Ellen was able to give Luke what he needed in order for him to be able to love. I appreciated that this story didn't have any silly drama and that issues were resolved quickly and maturely. I'm so glad the story was told in both of the main characters points of view. Being able to read Luke's thought process and reasoning definitely added to my enjoyment of the story. For me, this book is what a great love story should look and feel like.
October 4, 2021
I would like to read Luke's pov when he leads. Uncontrollable, let himself be free and talk his mind. It felt like he's doing a math with everyone when he interact. I know it changed at the end with Ellen but I would have liked to see the moments.
I didn't like any other side characters. I'm sure they have their own book but nope I'm not going to read any. Cause I kinda dislike every single of them.
The sad fact when Luke has to go 100miles away to his mother just to talk without being judged cause he was so confused. There's no one in this so called town he felt comfortable. And we see how they not outright but make fun of him anyway. So yeah he was really alone.
Didn't like that Cabot drama. Not much sense there.
It's an okay book for me. I'll read more of Susan fanetti but not from this series
I didn't like any other side characters. I'm sure they have their own book but nope I'm not going to read any. Cause I kinda dislike every single of them.
The sad fact when Luke has to go 100miles away to his mother just to talk without being judged cause he was so confused. There's no one in this so called town he felt comfortable. And we see how they not outright but make fun of him anyway. So yeah he was really alone.
Didn't like that Cabot drama. Not much sense there.
It's an okay book for me. I'll read more of Susan fanetti but not from this series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 11, 2020
Such a deep and heartfelt addition to the series. I adored Luke and Ellen together. Two terrific characters you just really understand, appreciate and root for. This story starts out a bit slower, builds as it goes and just gets better and better, and by the end, I felt really happy and satisfied, with a smile on my face and a very content heart. ❤️
May 26, 2020
5 ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆
《《《《《SPOILERS AT THE END》》》》》
The most perfect, beautiful #SlowBurn #Love #Romance book I've read for so long. It was so lovely reading this love story.
Ellen, I admired her. She was lovely, she had a calm yet strong personality. Very straight to the point without being too other the top.
Luke, I adored him. I actually fell in love with him right alongside Ellen. He was exactly what Ellen needed. And in return her to him. He broke my heart in places, in a good way. He was such a gift, he needed to be cherished.
I cried at the birth scene, they are going to make the BEST parents. Thank the lord for c-sections, 9lb 4oz!.
That last sentence, icing on the cake. Just beautiful.
《《《《《SPOILERS AT THE END》》》》》
The most perfect, beautiful #SlowBurn #Love #Romance book I've read for so long. It was so lovely reading this love story.
Ellen, I admired her. She was lovely, she had a calm yet strong personality. Very straight to the point without being too other the top.
Luke, I adored him. I actually fell in love with him right alongside Ellen. He was exactly what Ellen needed. And in return her to him. He broke my heart in places, in a good way. He was such a gift, he needed to be cherished.
I cried at the birth scene, they are going to make the BEST parents. Thank the lord for c-sections, 9lb 4oz!.
That last sentence, icing on the cake. Just beautiful.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 28, 2020
Another good read, it was nice to see Luke get his HEA, and who better for him thatn Ellen, who deserved an HEA just as much!
May 28, 2020
4-4.5 stars
I was super happy to see Ellen finally get her well deserved happily ever after! Luke was a gentle giant and I loved watching their relationship develop from their friendship.
I was super happy to see Ellen finally get her well deserved happily ever after! Luke was a gentle giant and I loved watching their relationship develop from their friendship.
June 4, 2020
Gritty, friends-to-lovers, small-town romance
It’s always a dicey proposition to highlight contemporary political issues in a romance novel, but I do feel Susan Fanetti managed to pull it off credibly, even though she received some criticism when she did it in previous books. Adding immediacy to my reading was the fact, that while I was immersed in the story in real time the conflict between Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and two Sioux tribes about Covid-19 checkpoints on national highways leading thru their territories was still ongoing. All the while Native Americans in general and the Navajo Nation in particular are communities disproportinally impacted by the pandemic and devastated due to the lack of funding from the Federal Government.
Although on a much smaller scale and about a different issue (though also health related) a conflict between the fictional town of Jasper Ridge and the nearby reservation concerning the newly opened health center on the reservation forms the backdrop before which this story plays out. The two main protagonists are both white and so they initially think that the conflict is not their business and they are not into politics anyway. Only in the course of the story it becomes increasingly clear that they actually inhabit a very priviledged position, where they can stay aloof from the conflict because the politics and policy decisions on the local level don’t directly affect them. Mostly, it’s the members of the Sawtooth Jasper Shoshone tribe that bear the brunt oft he brewing conflict. It’s only after the townsfolk and especially the business community start to feel the fallout from the conflict, that things come to a head.
I am aware that many romance readers don’t like to be disturbed by social issues/criticsm that intrudes on the love story, but I, on the other hand, really like stories that push the established boundaries of the romance genre.
And for all the die-hard romantics this is also a wonderful love story of two people who are in their late thirties / early forties and have basically given up on ever finding love. Ellen, who has had a few serious relationships in her life has been disappointed again and she feels she has run out of options in the small community of Jasper Ridge. Luke hasn’t had a longterm romantic relationship because he is different and has trouble connecting with people on an intimate level. Ellen and Luke both work on the Moondancer Ranch, she as the hotel and event manager, and he looks after the live stock and organizes outdoor events for the guests of the luxury dude ranch. They have been good friends for a long time, and Luke has always been there for Ellen when she needed him. But it takes an incident with a pushy guest for them to finally see each other in a different light.
There are so many things I like about this book: the sweet but nonetheless steamy romance between the two main protagonists, the small-town setting where everybody knows everybody (including recurring characters from other books of the series – though it is written in way that it can be read as a standalone), the vastness and beauty of the landscape that the writing manages to evoke, the social criticism that is flawlessy woven into the story, the accurate depictions of family, friendship and community dynamics and last, but not least the earthy grittyness of Susan Fanetti’s narrative voice that gives her books such a distinctive feel. 4.75 stars, since it is not my favorite in the Sawtooth Mountain Stories series, but probably a close second!
It’s always a dicey proposition to highlight contemporary political issues in a romance novel, but I do feel Susan Fanetti managed to pull it off credibly, even though she received some criticism when she did it in previous books. Adding immediacy to my reading was the fact, that while I was immersed in the story in real time the conflict between Republican South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem and two Sioux tribes about Covid-19 checkpoints on national highways leading thru their territories was still ongoing. All the while Native Americans in general and the Navajo Nation in particular are communities disproportinally impacted by the pandemic and devastated due to the lack of funding from the Federal Government.
Although on a much smaller scale and about a different issue (though also health related) a conflict between the fictional town of Jasper Ridge and the nearby reservation concerning the newly opened health center on the reservation forms the backdrop before which this story plays out. The two main protagonists are both white and so they initially think that the conflict is not their business and they are not into politics anyway. Only in the course of the story it becomes increasingly clear that they actually inhabit a very priviledged position, where they can stay aloof from the conflict because the politics and policy decisions on the local level don’t directly affect them. Mostly, it’s the members of the Sawtooth Jasper Shoshone tribe that bear the brunt oft he brewing conflict. It’s only after the townsfolk and especially the business community start to feel the fallout from the conflict, that things come to a head.
I am aware that many romance readers don’t like to be disturbed by social issues/criticsm that intrudes on the love story, but I, on the other hand, really like stories that push the established boundaries of the romance genre.
And for all the die-hard romantics this is also a wonderful love story of two people who are in their late thirties / early forties and have basically given up on ever finding love. Ellen, who has had a few serious relationships in her life has been disappointed again and she feels she has run out of options in the small community of Jasper Ridge. Luke hasn’t had a longterm romantic relationship because he is different and has trouble connecting with people on an intimate level. Ellen and Luke both work on the Moondancer Ranch, she as the hotel and event manager, and he looks after the live stock and organizes outdoor events for the guests of the luxury dude ranch. They have been good friends for a long time, and Luke has always been there for Ellen when she needed him. But it takes an incident with a pushy guest for them to finally see each other in a different light.
There are so many things I like about this book: the sweet but nonetheless steamy romance between the two main protagonists, the small-town setting where everybody knows everybody (including recurring characters from other books of the series – though it is written in way that it can be read as a standalone), the vastness and beauty of the landscape that the writing manages to evoke, the social criticism that is flawlessy woven into the story, the accurate depictions of family, friendship and community dynamics and last, but not least the earthy grittyness of Susan Fanetti’s narrative voice that gives her books such a distinctive feel. 4.75 stars, since it is not my favorite in the Sawtooth Mountain Stories series, but probably a close second!
May 26, 2020
This is the 4th book in the Sawtooth Mountain series and while I think I loved the third book the most, this was another great love story. Susan Fanetti has a way of pulling out characters from a previous book that you didn't pay that much attention to, so I am always pleasantly surprised when these characters later get their own book. Such is the case with Ellen and Luke; I remembered Ellen from Anywhere but she really didn't register to me as an interesting character per se; boy was I wrong! This is the sweetest love story between Ellen, who runs the Moondancer Ranch and Luke who is in charge of the animals and ranch activities. They have known each other all their lives and have worked together on the ranch for years, but you know how you know someone but don't think of them romantically, and then all of a sudden, wham! it hits you; what you've been looking for has been staring at you in your face all these years.
Ellen and Luke are a different couple, while there is a lot of passion between them, there is very little angst (they do have a few bumps along the way), once they realize they are attracted to each other and have feelings, it was really sweet watching them fall in love. They start off pretty slow because Luke has Autism Spectrum disorder (there isn't an explicit diagnosis in the book, but it looks like ASD to me) and he sometimes experiences sensory overload and misreads subtle social cues. Susan Fanetti always does a GREAT job addressing mental health challenges in her characters and she does a great job describing Luke's challenges. I really love the fact that Luke is not diagnosed, there are a lot of people on the spectrum who are never diagnosed - like Luke - people know he is somehow "different" and he gets teased for it but he doesn't seem to realize he has a diagnosable condition. He does know something is wrong because he has a hard time picking up on social cues in ambiguous situations and he doesn't really get sarcasm or dry humor. In fact, he tends to stay to himself when not working bc he's been teased for being "stupid" and the "most boring date ever." He also uses a lot of avoidance when he feels emotionally stressed.
Yet, he finds love in spite of these obstacles and Ellen really loves him! Against this story we also have a couple of great subplots: one is the way Jamie Cabot, a millionaire guest at the ranch, sexually harasses Ellen (so glad she eventually kicked him in the balls) and more prominently, there are some tensions between the citizens of Jasper Ridge and the Native Americans who live on Sawtooth Jasper Shoshone Reservation. This is a continuation of some of the tensions we witnessed in Book 3 of the series, although you can follow this story without having read Book 3. I think Susan is SO BRAVE for not only including culturally diverse characters in her stories (and they' aren't just the side kicks either!) but she addresses the issues of racism and prejudice and privilege head on, one of the reasons why I LOVE her books. She even addressed how the Church sometimes perpetuates and stirs of divisive racial strife.
So, I continue to applaud Susan's writings and while it sounds like this is the last book in this series, I hope not! Maybe we could hear more about Wes and Emma?
Ellen and Luke are a different couple, while there is a lot of passion between them, there is very little angst (they do have a few bumps along the way), once they realize they are attracted to each other and have feelings, it was really sweet watching them fall in love. They start off pretty slow because Luke has Autism Spectrum disorder (there isn't an explicit diagnosis in the book, but it looks like ASD to me) and he sometimes experiences sensory overload and misreads subtle social cues. Susan Fanetti always does a GREAT job addressing mental health challenges in her characters and she does a great job describing Luke's challenges. I really love the fact that Luke is not diagnosed, there are a lot of people on the spectrum who are never diagnosed - like Luke - people know he is somehow "different" and he gets teased for it but he doesn't seem to realize he has a diagnosable condition. He does know something is wrong because he has a hard time picking up on social cues in ambiguous situations and he doesn't really get sarcasm or dry humor. In fact, he tends to stay to himself when not working bc he's been teased for being "stupid" and the "most boring date ever." He also uses a lot of avoidance when he feels emotionally stressed.
Yet, he finds love in spite of these obstacles and Ellen really loves him! Against this story we also have a couple of great subplots: one is the way Jamie Cabot, a millionaire guest at the ranch, sexually harasses Ellen (so glad she eventually kicked him in the balls) and more prominently, there are some tensions between the citizens of Jasper Ridge and the Native Americans who live on Sawtooth Jasper Shoshone Reservation. This is a continuation of some of the tensions we witnessed in Book 3 of the series, although you can follow this story without having read Book 3. I think Susan is SO BRAVE for not only including culturally diverse characters in her stories (and they' aren't just the side kicks either!) but she addresses the issues of racism and prejudice and privilege head on, one of the reasons why I LOVE her books. She even addressed how the Church sometimes perpetuates and stirs of divisive racial strife.
So, I continue to applaud Susan's writings and while it sounds like this is the last book in this series, I hope not! Maybe we could hear more about Wes and Emma?
Read
May 19, 2020.
I hate to say that this is my least favorite book of all Susan Fanetti books. However, that doesn't mean it's terrible. She published under a pen name first for this very reason (Jenny Gavin). Her readers expect a certain type of book from her and it's not really fair as she warned us that it was to be lighter & fluffier than her usual work. I usually would have rated this book 3 STARS, but since I read it knowing it was going to be different, I can't in good conscience ruin her score as I would be straight up comparing this to her usual work Susan Fanetti work.
SUMMARY:
So I'm not going to rate it at all & just say, if you like a nice light & fluffy romance with very little conflict or no drama....you'll probably like this.
NOTE:
I did have some issues with the book & it's miraculous fix of their town issues, but since I don't want to ruin it with spoilers, I'll just keep my mouth shut about it.
I hate to say that this is my least favorite book of all Susan Fanetti books. However, that doesn't mean it's terrible. She published under a pen name first for this very reason (Jenny Gavin). Her readers expect a certain type of book from her and it's not really fair as she warned us that it was to be lighter & fluffier than her usual work. I usually would have rated this book 3 STARS, but since I read it knowing it was going to be different, I can't in good conscience ruin her score as I would be straight up comparing this to her usual work Susan Fanetti work.
SUMMARY:
So I'm not going to rate it at all & just say, if you like a nice light & fluffy romance with very little conflict or no drama....you'll probably like this.
NOTE:
I did have some issues with the book & it's miraculous fix of their town issues, but since I don't want to ruin it with spoilers, I'll just keep my mouth shut about it.
July 19, 2021
4 stars for an engaging read .. friends to lovers .. who realise they have good chemistry between themselves and actually devote time to work on their relationship ..
Different H in the sense that he has no time or understanding for subtleties or double meaning .. he doesn't 'read between the lines' or play mind games simply because he doesn't understand them
He prefers things to be spelled out and offers the same courtesy ...
After knowing this about him h realises that she prefers his refreshing ways because she is tired of all mind games
Author took an interesting turn where h tries to decide if H perhaps is autistic or maybe eccentric or anything else before thinking that she doesn't need to label him; he is simply himself and there is nothing wrong or vastly different about him; he is a simple man who has his own way of looking at things ...
I loved the total lack of judgment and the need to label or put characters into boxes ...
Different H in the sense that he has no time or understanding for subtleties or double meaning .. he doesn't 'read between the lines' or play mind games simply because he doesn't understand them
He prefers things to be spelled out and offers the same courtesy ...
After knowing this about him h realises that she prefers his refreshing ways because she is tired of all mind games
Author took an interesting turn where h tries to decide if H perhaps is autistic or maybe eccentric or anything else before thinking that she doesn't need to label him; he is simply himself and there is nothing wrong or vastly different about him; he is a simple man who has his own way of looking at things ...
I loved the total lack of judgment and the need to label or put characters into boxes ...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 21, 2024
Definitely my fave read of the series. God, Luke what a sweetheart. Over looked because of his awkwardness and suspected “on the spectrum” status. And Ellen. Just the sweetest woman who fully understood what she had once she found Luke. And right under her nose the whole time.
This book was a great finish to the series. While, per my last review of the last book, overall I enjoyed the series, this one was just the epitome of sweet. I have a toothache now 🩷.
This book was a great finish to the series. While, per my last review of the last book, overall I enjoyed the series, this one was just the epitome of sweet. I have a toothache now 🩷.
May 3, 2020
I miss the ‘old’ Susan Fanetti....the Signal Bend days. I understand that authors have to be true to themselves and write what they know, but I don’t read romance to hear someone’s view of politics (or abortion). This came off as too political and intolerant to be considered a romance. No thanks.
July 1, 2020
I have loved all the Sawtooth Mountain books. This author always manages to write a great story with wonderful flawed characters. Loved Luke and how she tackled a person who was a little bit different to the rest of us. The scenes with the hawk where beautiful. Lovely story with Ellen and Luke. I’m hoping for more books from this series.
May 14, 2020
Nothing fancy...just good solid friends to lovers solid romance! Heartwarming and uplifting...just what I needed.
4 ★
4 ★
July 15, 2020
Another great book
March 20, 2025
This book was easy reading, and a lovely way to spend several hours. The characters were very pleasurable company, and I enjoyed their story, and living in their world for a little while
Read
May 18, 2022Another disappointment!
This was supposed to be a fun slow burn romance with an odd duck H and a sweet h, and it turned out to be a bummer! It took 40% of the book for them to feel something for each other. I know what you'd say it's a slow burn, 40% is nothing... I know I know! but my problem with this is that in all those 40% they interacted with each other for abt 2% of it, and the rest is unnecessary description of other events, and then bam out of nowhere they get together. He touches her hand she feels something next thing you know they're KISSING.. It wasn't that fast ofc, it was after abt 3 chapters, 3 FREAKING CHAPTERS OF THEM NOT INTERACTING WITH EACH OTHER..
What I like abt a slow burn is the relationship development, the buildup.. and this book didn't deliver, it was - plain and simple- A BORING read!
What a shame because the H's character was really interesting!
This was supposed to be a fun slow burn romance with an odd duck H and a sweet h, and it turned out to be a bummer! It took 40% of the book for them to feel something for each other. I know what you'd say it's a slow burn, 40% is nothing... I know I know! but my problem with this is that in all those 40% they interacted with each other for abt 2% of it, and the rest is unnecessary description of other events, and then bam out of nowhere they get together. He touches her hand she feels something next thing you know they're KISSING.. It wasn't that fast ofc, it was after abt 3 chapters, 3 FREAKING CHAPTERS OF THEM NOT INTERACTING WITH EACH OTHER..
What I like abt a slow burn is the relationship development, the buildup.. and this book didn't deliver, it was - plain and simple- A BORING read!
What a shame because the H's character was really interesting!
February 27, 2023
Just seemed kind of boring. The h runs a ranch, has been there most of her adult life as has the H. They've known each other for more than a decade, but nothing ever happened. And suddenly they are into each other.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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