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A Lesson In Love
Fired from her job and accused of a crime she has not committed, Tricia Paxton retreats to Coyote Creek to recover from trauma and rebuild her career. Though she shields herself from the past, her secrets challenge new relationships, and her new position as an elementary school teacher further complicate personal boundaries when an eye-catching stranger requires lessons of his own.
Carefree bachelor, Riley Flint, has problems, too. While focusing on building a veterinary practice, his plans grind to a halt when a daughter he has never known enters his life. Accepting the troublesome news that the mother has passed away and her maternal grandparents cannot offer their care, he assumes the responsibility of raising his daughter. But he has little experience with children and the girl needs more instruction than a man can give, so Riley approaches the new teacher for help.
Who knew a daughter to Riley and a student to Tricia would spark joy and conflict in a couple’s life? Daisy might complicate their romance, but Riley’s family urges him to embrace his new life as a father and welcome both Daisy and Tricia into his heart. Can love find common ground and unite a family or will Tricia’s past tear them apart?
Carefree bachelor, Riley Flint, has problems, too. While focusing on building a veterinary practice, his plans grind to a halt when a daughter he has never known enters his life. Accepting the troublesome news that the mother has passed away and her maternal grandparents cannot offer their care, he assumes the responsibility of raising his daughter. But he has little experience with children and the girl needs more instruction than a man can give, so Riley approaches the new teacher for help.
Who knew a daughter to Riley and a student to Tricia would spark joy and conflict in a couple’s life? Daisy might complicate their romance, but Riley’s family urges him to embrace his new life as a father and welcome both Daisy and Tricia into his heart. Can love find common ground and unite a family or will Tricia’s past tear them apart?
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2020
58 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Katie O'Connor
46 books137 followersKatie O’Connor lives in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She married her high school sweetheart and is living her happily ever after. She is the mother of two grown daughters and is extremely proud of her five grandchildren.
Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and x-ray technician. She is an avid quilter and crafter. She finds inspiration and relaxation in the wilds of Alberta.
She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, fantasy/paranormal romance and erotica. Recently, she’s crafted her first cozy mystery with the intention of publishing a cozy mystery series.
She believes in all things magical; including dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies. But most of all she believes in love, romance and hope.
Katie’s career path has been long and twisted, with most of her life devoted to her family. She’s been a waitress, chambermaid, cashier, store manager, as well as a lab and x-ray technician. She is an avid quilter and crafter. She finds inspiration and relaxation in the wilds of Alberta.
She’s dabbled in writing since high school because something drives her to create stories. She swears it’s impossible for her NOT to write. Unsatisfied with one genre, Katie writes contemporary romance, fantasy/paranormal romance and erotica. Recently, she’s crafted her first cozy mystery with the intention of publishing a cozy mystery series.
She believes in all things magical; including dragons, fairies, UFOs, ghosts, and house pixies. But most of all she believes in love, romance and hope.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
September 15, 2023
LEARNING TO TRUST
The story is the first book in the Coyote Creek series. The story is a clean contemporary with some secrets, mystery, and surprises. The town of Coyote Creek is a small town and isn’t a place where you can normally keep secrets—the grapevine gossip is rampant—but the friendships are strong. It seems that everyone knows everyone or something about them.
Grade one teacher, Tricia Paxton, took a chance to come to Coyote Creek as a temporary teacher for the one out on maternity leave. She was thrilled when they offered her the job full-time when the previous teacher decided to be a stay-at-home mother. Tricia left Edmonton, getting away from a scandal that she wasn’t part of, but linked into anyway. The shame of her parents, and the rejection of her fiancé, and best friend were heartbreaking. Finding another teaching position in town is impossible. Having her college friend, Jo, here makes things better.
Riley Flint is one of the Flint brothers—there are five of them, plus the three added sisters that his stepmother, Sue, brought to the family. They are a close-knit group, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their squabbles too. Carefree bachelor, Riley is a flirt, women (of all ages) love him, but he isn’t ready to settle down with his life. Even when he and a woman break off a relationship, they remain friends. He is the town veterinarian, along with his friend, Houston Jackson.
The story’s plot will begin at Bar None, where Tricia and her friend Jo, are hanging out. Tricia will watch Riley dance the night away with women of all ages. He even asks her to dance, and finally, she will—only to be interrupted by Sue and the local constable who takes him away to the precinct. What a shocker, Riley is a father to a nearly six-year-old girl he never knew about. But looking at her, and seeing her Flint green eyes, he knows she is his. Learning her mother has died, and that the grandparent’s health is fragile, Riley’s lifestyle is taking a huge change, that of a responsible parent—even if he really doesn’t know what he is doing.
“Go with your gut. Never act in anger and don’t be afraid to admit you’re wrong or have made a mistake. Set rules and stick to them.”
I loved the characters and interaction. Riley has his large family for support, and Daisy will have several cousins to play with, especially Jane, a girl her age. Jane and Daisy will both be in Miss Tricia Paxton's first-grade class. Riley understands animals, and how to deal with them, and while some of that works for frightened children, he is out of his element. He calls Tricia, often, asking for help and she is kind and willing to do so. Tricia fits in great with the Flint family, and Daisy looks up to her.
Sue: Stop gritting your teeth. He’s egging you on. He has no interest in Tricia and he knows full well she’s yours and off limits.
Riley: She isn’t mine.
Sue: She is yours, you just haven’t figured it out yet. Neither has she. I can see it in your eyes when you watch her. She watches you when she thinks nobody is looking. When the universe sends you love, you don’t get a choice.
The story is an emotional roller-coaster ride that had me crying so many times, including happy and sad tears. When Tricia gives all of herself to helping Riley with Daisy, and offering sound advice, things are great—one level of trust with the Flint family will change all that. Will all Tricia has done to help Riley come to a screeching halt? Can harsh words be forgiven?
The story is the first book in the Coyote Creek series. The story is a clean contemporary with some secrets, mystery, and surprises. The town of Coyote Creek is a small town and isn’t a place where you can normally keep secrets—the grapevine gossip is rampant—but the friendships are strong. It seems that everyone knows everyone or something about them.
Grade one teacher, Tricia Paxton, took a chance to come to Coyote Creek as a temporary teacher for the one out on maternity leave. She was thrilled when they offered her the job full-time when the previous teacher decided to be a stay-at-home mother. Tricia left Edmonton, getting away from a scandal that she wasn’t part of, but linked into anyway. The shame of her parents, and the rejection of her fiancé, and best friend were heartbreaking. Finding another teaching position in town is impossible. Having her college friend, Jo, here makes things better.
Riley Flint is one of the Flint brothers—there are five of them, plus the three added sisters that his stepmother, Sue, brought to the family. They are a close-knit group, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have their squabbles too. Carefree bachelor, Riley is a flirt, women (of all ages) love him, but he isn’t ready to settle down with his life. Even when he and a woman break off a relationship, they remain friends. He is the town veterinarian, along with his friend, Houston Jackson.
The story’s plot will begin at Bar None, where Tricia and her friend Jo, are hanging out. Tricia will watch Riley dance the night away with women of all ages. He even asks her to dance, and finally, she will—only to be interrupted by Sue and the local constable who takes him away to the precinct. What a shocker, Riley is a father to a nearly six-year-old girl he never knew about. But looking at her, and seeing her Flint green eyes, he knows she is his. Learning her mother has died, and that the grandparent’s health is fragile, Riley’s lifestyle is taking a huge change, that of a responsible parent—even if he really doesn’t know what he is doing.
“Go with your gut. Never act in anger and don’t be afraid to admit you’re wrong or have made a mistake. Set rules and stick to them.”
I loved the characters and interaction. Riley has his large family for support, and Daisy will have several cousins to play with, especially Jane, a girl her age. Jane and Daisy will both be in Miss Tricia Paxton's first-grade class. Riley understands animals, and how to deal with them, and while some of that works for frightened children, he is out of his element. He calls Tricia, often, asking for help and she is kind and willing to do so. Tricia fits in great with the Flint family, and Daisy looks up to her.
Sue: Stop gritting your teeth. He’s egging you on. He has no interest in Tricia and he knows full well she’s yours and off limits.
Riley: She isn’t mine.
Sue: She is yours, you just haven’t figured it out yet. Neither has she. I can see it in your eyes when you watch her. She watches you when she thinks nobody is looking. When the universe sends you love, you don’t get a choice.
The story is an emotional roller-coaster ride that had me crying so many times, including happy and sad tears. When Tricia gives all of herself to helping Riley with Daisy, and offering sound advice, things are great—one level of trust with the Flint family will change all that. Will all Tricia has done to help Riley come to a screeching halt? Can harsh words be forgiven?
January 24, 2023
Sexy, sweet, caring bachelor Riley meets beautiful Tricia, sparks fly. However, their bubble is interrupted by startling news, and Riley is shocked to find out that he is a father to a daughter he never knew about, then later finds out Tricia is her teacher. Riley seeks out Tricia’s help and throughout the story they become close. Tricia is a Teacher with a past that haunts her. This is a cute story about the road to fatherhood, about fitting in, about acceptance and taking chances. Riley and Daisy are adorable as they learn about each other and accept their new situation. I Loved how Riley embraced his fatherhood and how easily Daisy flourished. It’s a fun, cute story to read. I voluntarily reviewed this ARC.
July 3, 2023
A Lesson In Love by Katie O'Connor - I really enjoyed this rural romance book. The right amount of rural, romance, cowboy and story. Riley is a sexy vet who is one of a big family. With four brothers and three sisters the family is a well known town staple. Tricia is a year one school teacher who has left behind a horrible past, betrayed by her parents, ex-finance and best friend she has cut them off to start anew in a small town call Coyote Creek. Cue illegitimate daughter Riley never knew about and well, a bit of chaos and a lot of love ensue and perfect story! Easy realistic well written read, and I am looking forward to reading book 2 in this series.
April 4, 2024
❤️
I haven't read a book by Katie O'Connor that i haven't liked yet!!
Across the floor, she saw Riley Flint dancing with a curvaceous blonde. Tricia had met him last spring when he’d picked up his nephews, Gary and Zander, at school. Riley was barely under six feet tall and broad shouldered. He had a lean, almost wiry look. Tonight, his neatly trimmed, dark brown hair was hidden by his usual tan Stetson. Blue jeans and a plaid button-down shirt spoke of his cowboy roots even though he’d left the family ranch for a career as a veterinarian.
I haven't read a book by Katie O'Connor that i haven't liked yet!!
Across the floor, she saw Riley Flint dancing with a curvaceous blonde. Tricia had met him last spring when he’d picked up his nephews, Gary and Zander, at school. Riley was barely under six feet tall and broad shouldered. He had a lean, almost wiry look. Tonight, his neatly trimmed, dark brown hair was hidden by his usual tan Stetson. Blue jeans and a plaid button-down shirt spoke of his cowboy roots even though he’d left the family ranch for a career as a veterinarian.
December 27, 2024
It was ok- written ok some parts were repeated thoughts- kinda slow i kept waiting for it to get to the steamy part but just wasnt happening- started skimming in some parts- got to the end and there was no steamy parts at all. Kinda disappointed had potential to be better but meh wasnt my full cup of tea preference.
July 24, 2023
It was a great book, easy to read, and exactly what you're looking for if you want to get out of a funk. I recommend it 😊!
January 5, 2024
Really it’s more of a 4, but the writing is just middle of the road. The story was sweet and predicable and I can see where the author has set things up for the other brothers to also find love.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews