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Stargazer Ranch #4
Cloudburst
Alternate cover edition of ASIN B08TH5QVQK
She’s not what she seems.
He doesn’t know who to trust.
Neither of them needs this sort of complication. And yet…
Penny Smith is not who she seems. Behind her shy, schoolteacher guise, she hides a traumatic past. Her job as the receptionist at Stargazer Ranch has provided sanctuary over the last two years. But when her abusive ex-husband reappears and tries to snatch her off the street, ex-cowboy Clayton steps in to help.
Clayton Sabitino has a chequered past; a year ago he was convicted of an attempted abduction of one of the Stargazer staff. So, while Penny is eternally grateful to him for rescuing her, the irony isn’t lost on him. He is the absolute last person Penny needs as a saviour.
Clayton offers Penny refuge at his house. But things go from bad to worse when two hired hitmen try to kill them both because Clayton has agreed to be a witness in an upcoming trial of a notorious mob boss. He is drawn to this beautiful, courageous woman, and their attraction is undeniable. It seems Penny is the only one who trusts him.
But will that trust prove her undoing? Clayton will do anything to protect Penny, but neither of them bargained on the depths their pursuers will go to find them. Who’ll pay the ultimate sacrifice?
She’s not what she seems.
He doesn’t know who to trust.
Neither of them needs this sort of complication. And yet…
Penny Smith is not who she seems. Behind her shy, schoolteacher guise, she hides a traumatic past. Her job as the receptionist at Stargazer Ranch has provided sanctuary over the last two years. But when her abusive ex-husband reappears and tries to snatch her off the street, ex-cowboy Clayton steps in to help.
Clayton Sabitino has a chequered past; a year ago he was convicted of an attempted abduction of one of the Stargazer staff. So, while Penny is eternally grateful to him for rescuing her, the irony isn’t lost on him. He is the absolute last person Penny needs as a saviour.
Clayton offers Penny refuge at his house. But things go from bad to worse when two hired hitmen try to kill them both because Clayton has agreed to be a witness in an upcoming trial of a notorious mob boss. He is drawn to this beautiful, courageous woman, and their attraction is undeniable. It seems Penny is the only one who trusts him.
But will that trust prove her undoing? Clayton will do anything to protect Penny, but neither of them bargained on the depths their pursuers will go to find them. Who’ll pay the ultimate sacrifice?
162 pages, ebook
First published February 15, 2021
131 people are currently reading
165 people want to read
About the author
Suzanne Cass
47 books51 followersSuzanne Cass has always had a fascination with the tough resilience of people who live in our amazing red-dirt outback country. Much of her adolescence was spent working as a jillaroo in the Snowy Mountains, forming her love of lean, enigmatic, cowboy heroes in wild, passionate, dangerous stories. When not writing about the characters that inhabit her head, Suzanne can be found prowling the Perth beaches with her border collie, or yelling from the sidelines as her two sons play sport. Her debut novel, Island Redemption won the Romance Writers of Australia award for best unpublished romance novel of 2016.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
February 17, 2021
I really enjoyed this 4th book in the Stargazer Ranch series. Penny's story was a tough one, stalked by an abusive ex-husband, or near enough, what an unbalanced man he was. We meet Clayton again who was in previous books in this series, accused of arson, then charged with attempted kidnapping. He's back in town, disliked and untrusted, but he's the one to save Penny, and despite his own issues, he takes on the role of protector. I liked both these characters, their need to realise their own worth and get past their pasts.
I liked that we got to attend Cat and Levin's wedding, after all they went through in book #1 it was nice to see them still together.
I hope somewhere down the track there's more drama and romance to be had on Stargazer Ranch.
I liked that we got to attend Cat and Levin's wedding, after all they went through in book #1 it was nice to see them still together.
I hope somewhere down the track there's more drama and romance to be had on Stargazer Ranch.
April 27, 2021
A bit cheesy, a lot simple. There is not much going on. A tad bland.
***
Un poquito simplón y empalagoso. No hay mucho de donde rascar, la verdad. Un tanto insípido.
***
Un poquito simplón y empalagoso. No hay mucho de donde rascar, la verdad. Un tanto insípido.
February 8, 2021
The author, Suzanne Cass, claims Cloudburst to be the last instalment in her Stargazer Ranch series. I hope she means the latest, not the last. There must be another disaster she can conjure up for her readers. So far those living at, or connected with the ranch in Montana have faced forest fire, kidnap, trapped in a winter blizzard, arson, imprisonment, a gun wielding ex spouse and thugs intent upon murder. There's still scope for another in the series.
Two years ago Penny Smith escaped her abusive husband, working at Cloudburst Ranch provides her with peace and safely. The arrival in town of her husband terrifies Penny, he starts to threaten and intimidate her in an attempt to persuade her to return to him. When he suddenly grabs her and tries to push her into his car Clayton Sabitino appears offering his protection.
Ex-ranch worker Clayton is unaccepted by the town after spending time in jail (book one), Penny seems to be the only person who trusts him. Going into hiding they are tracked by Penny's husband and two hitmen who have orders to permanently silence Clayton stopping him being a witness for the prosecuting of their boss. Even fleeing for their lives, Penny and Clayton realise how attracted they are to each other.
A well written romantic thriller, fingers crossed that another book will follow.
Two years ago Penny Smith escaped her abusive husband, working at Cloudburst Ranch provides her with peace and safely. The arrival in town of her husband terrifies Penny, he starts to threaten and intimidate her in an attempt to persuade her to return to him. When he suddenly grabs her and tries to push her into his car Clayton Sabitino appears offering his protection.
Ex-ranch worker Clayton is unaccepted by the town after spending time in jail (book one), Penny seems to be the only person who trusts him. Going into hiding they are tracked by Penny's husband and two hitmen who have orders to permanently silence Clayton stopping him being a witness for the prosecuting of their boss. Even fleeing for their lives, Penny and Clayton realise how attracted they are to each other.
A well written romantic thriller, fingers crossed that another book will follow.
February 15, 2021
Cloudburst is book four in the Stargazer Ranch series by Suzanne Cass. Penny Smith hid a secret from her family and colleagues at Stargazer Ranch. Until one day her past collied with the present. Clayton Sabitino crosses path with Penny Smith while her husband is trying to snatch her outside the local florist shop. However, this encounter will change Clayton and Penny life forever. The reader's of Cloudburst will continue to follow Clayton and Penny to find out what happens.
Cloudburst is a fantastic addition to this excellent series. Every time I read one of Suzanne Cass books, I always forget about housework and sleeping and Cloudburst keep up the tradition. I love Suzanne Cass's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted with each other throughout this book. Cloudburst was well written and researched by Suzanne Cass. I like Suzanne Cass description of the settings of Cloudburst that complement the book's plot.
The readers of Cloudburst will learn that we should give everyone a second chance we all make mistakes. Also, Cloudburst's reader will learn about the problems with Apprehended Violence Orders for law enforcement and the families they meant to protect.
Thank you to the author for my free ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Cloudburst is a fantastic addition to this excellent series. Every time I read one of Suzanne Cass books, I always forget about housework and sleeping and Cloudburst keep up the tradition. I love Suzanne Cass's portrayal of her characters and how they interacted with each other throughout this book. Cloudburst was well written and researched by Suzanne Cass. I like Suzanne Cass description of the settings of Cloudburst that complement the book's plot.
The readers of Cloudburst will learn that we should give everyone a second chance we all make mistakes. Also, Cloudburst's reader will learn about the problems with Apprehended Violence Orders for law enforcement and the families they meant to protect.
Thank you to the author for my free ARC copy for an honest review. I recommend this book.
February 4, 2021
This is the fifth book in a series that takes place in the Bitterroot in Montana. I've read all of them and liked Cloudburst much better than the others.
In this book, a cowboy who has recently been released from jail takes an interest in the receptionist, Penny, at a mountain resort, kind of like a dude ranch.
She's interested in him too. She was earlier, also, before he went to jail. Generally speaking, she's too consumed with her fear of her former husband to concentrate on anything else for long. As she put it. "She was as jittery as a frog on a strinh.'
When her ex begins stalking her and threatens to kill her, she panics, sprains her ankle and has a melt down or two. Luckily, she remembers she has skills throwing knives and that becomes critical to their survival.
Clayton's doesn't fare much better as he is stalked and attacked by a couple of mafiosos who are out to kill him.
The deaths of the scumbags, a deputy shot, a car wrecked at a wedding, and things eventually quiet down.
Penny and Clayton have some good times and the book ends.
I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
In this book, a cowboy who has recently been released from jail takes an interest in the receptionist, Penny, at a mountain resort, kind of like a dude ranch.
She's interested in him too. She was earlier, also, before he went to jail. Generally speaking, she's too consumed with her fear of her former husband to concentrate on anything else for long. As she put it. "She was as jittery as a frog on a strinh.'
When her ex begins stalking her and threatens to kill her, she panics, sprains her ankle and has a melt down or two. Luckily, she remembers she has skills throwing knives and that becomes critical to their survival.
Clayton's doesn't fare much better as he is stalked and attacked by a couple of mafiosos who are out to kill him.
The deaths of the scumbags, a deputy shot, a car wrecked at a wedding, and things eventually quiet down.
Penny and Clayton have some good times and the book ends.
I Voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
did-not-finish
April 6, 2022DNF at 19%. I really tried to give it a chance, but I honestly feel like maybe this didn't have an editor because there are instances when the sentence structure is messed up and so is a lot of the punctuation. Not only that, but it's really difficult to connect to the characters and their motivations. The worst part is that the dialogue seems stiff and unnatural. So many times I found myself wondering why a character would say certain things. I think the author suspected this too because there were justifications in the narration for it, but it was still very awkward.
I was going to try to stick with it because this is a short book, but the plot is a little bit too much for me. I probably should have read the summary better before grabbing it, but man, I just really loved the cover.
So yeah, the general premise seems promising (guy protecting girl from ex stalking her) but the whole hero being an ex-con with a history of kidnapping another girl?? No thanks. And all the other things going on in the background of this book--it's just not for me.
The cover... beautiful.
I was going to try to stick with it because this is a short book, but the plot is a little bit too much for me. I probably should have read the summary better before grabbing it, but man, I just really loved the cover.
So yeah, the general premise seems promising (guy protecting girl from ex stalking her) but the whole hero being an ex-con with a history of kidnapping another girl?? No thanks. And all the other things going on in the background of this book--it's just not for me.
The cover... beautiful.
February 23, 2021
Clayton came across Jenny being threatened by her abusive ex-husband and stopped to help her. He had a history with the townpeople after being accused of arson and spending time in jail but he was found innocent. And now he was helping the police and the FBI in testifying against a mob boss currently in jail. That led to him being followed by some shady characters wanting to stop him from giving testimony. And soon his new friendship with Jenny had her in the crossfire as well and he had to protect her at all costs. Jenny always thought him handsome but getting to know him better she realized that he was a good person, a good person who done some bad things trying to proof his innocence before. And everyone deserve a second chance, didn't they? This story is about forgiveness, redemption and second chances, something we all need in our lives. I received an ARC copy and am leaving a voluntary review.
February 6, 2021
In this latest addition to the Stargazer Ranch Mystery Romance Series, we get Clayton and Penny’s story. When Clayton worked there before, they flirted, but then he went to prison for attempting to abduct Cat, while trying to convince people he wasn’t the arsonist. Now, Clayton is out and has returned to Stevensville, Montana. Each book has a strong suspense element, which I love and this book wasn’t any different. After Penny and Clayton are targeted by the bad guys, they have to hide out. During this time, they become closer, but who is after them? Is it Mitch, Penny’s abusive husband, or Dmytro’s goons? No spoilers, so grab your copy and see what happens. Oh, I just have to say, I really don’t like Sheriff Hank Buchanan.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 19, 2021
This book was another excellent addition to the Stargazer Ranch series. Clayton was just trying to lay low and work hard after his time in prison, and Penny had found a home with the Stargazer family while hiding out from her psycho ex-husband. There was an immediate attraction between the two, and I was instantly drawn into their story. Clayton’s protective instincts kicked into high gear when he caught Penny being bullied by her ex, and as if that wasn’t enough trouble, he was being chased by hitmen trying to prevent him testifying against their mob boss. The action was non-stop, and I loved the ending—so romantic! I received an advanced copy of this book from the author (many thanks), and will continue to read any book that Ms. Cass writes, as she is a great storyteller!
March 9, 2022
How could they turn on him?
Penny’s been hiding out from her abusive husband at a Montana ranch where she and Clayton worked, for years. In a heartless betrayal, Clayton had been accused and convicted of kidnapping and arson. Almost all the people at the ranch that had become like family since he started working there, believed the accusation of arson, despite the fact that he had been one of the best liked and most trusted hands. Back after a year of incarceration, Clayton was surprised that Penny was the one person who really seemed to want to help him.
You’ll not be disappointed in this tender, and occasionally, terrifying heart wrenching romance.
Penny’s been hiding out from her abusive husband at a Montana ranch where she and Clayton worked, for years. In a heartless betrayal, Clayton had been accused and convicted of kidnapping and arson. Almost all the people at the ranch that had become like family since he started working there, believed the accusation of arson, despite the fact that he had been one of the best liked and most trusted hands. Back after a year of incarceration, Clayton was surprised that Penny was the one person who really seemed to want to help him.
You’ll not be disappointed in this tender, and occasionally, terrifying heart wrenching romance.
February 13, 2021
Love this book in the series, I have read almost all of them in this series and live the way that people come together to become a family. Conner is back in town after servicing his time and is trying to stay on the straight and narrow. He avoids trouble until he sees Penny being assaulted by a guy in the parking lot, he stops to help her. The interaction between them heats up after that as he ends up saving her again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 15, 2021
Penny worked with Clayton previously, until he was wrongly accused of the arson, then he did something really stupid and ended up in jail.
He's out now and working at a timber place, it's a job that's all. He sees Penny's car, then sees someone who appears to be treating her badly and goes to help. It's her ex husband who won't let her go, she's been hiding from him. Clayton has also been hiding things, whilst in jail he heard some information and passed it on. Now they're both in danger.
Another great read from Suzanne. Is this the last in the series? Hope not!
He's out now and working at a timber place, it's a job that's all. He sees Penny's car, then sees someone who appears to be treating her badly and goes to help. It's her ex husband who won't let her go, she's been hiding from him. Clayton has also been hiding things, whilst in jail he heard some information and passed it on. Now they're both in danger.
Another great read from Suzanne. Is this the last in the series? Hope not!
February 16, 2021
This is a new author for me, so the first in this series that I have read. The story moved along well and held my interest. I thought it showed the good and bad of life; judgements, forgiveness, prejudice, understanding, support and love. I felt for both Penny and Clayton for what they had been through before and what they were going through during the story. I believed in their connection and liked how no matter what, they stood by each other and for each other.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 16, 2021
I received an ARC of this book from the author, Suzanne Cass, via Bookfunnel and this is my voluntary and honest review. All of the books in this Stargazer Ranch mystery romance series have been exciting, and I couldn't put them down once I started reading. The characters are great and the mysterious happenings keep you on your toes. This book is the romance between Penny and Clayton. They both have pasts they would like to forget, but their love for each other gives forgiveness and a HEA ending. I highly recommend this book and hate to see the series end.
February 25, 2021
This story was amazing and intense. Penny and Clayton’s story was wonderfully written and enjoyable from star to finish. Penny is hiding from an ex husband that has finally found her. Clayton is trying to atone for things in the past but his past is catching up to him. Stepping in to help Penny puts them both in the middle of each other’s dangerous situations. Everything about this story was so good. I loved the aha part of the story when the title make sense. That part of the story was beautiful!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2021
Penny escapes her abusive husband and lands a job at the Stargazer Ranch where she meets Clayton who works as a ranch hand but gets accused of setting fires but he is innocent. They are thrown together when her husband tracks her down and tries to kidnap her and Clayton steps up to rescue her. Can these two people who have had some trouble thrown their way be able to clear up those troubles and start a relationship with each other?
February 15, 2021
This is such a great series and I have not been disappointed in any of the books. Doubly happy that Clayton got his partner. I was worried that this will be the last in the series, but I can see a few people who need to find their one, as well as a possible spin off at Stormcloud Station in Australia. We can only live in hope.
I received an ARC copy and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC copy and am leaving an honest and voluntary review.
March 3, 2022
Nope
I bet this could have been a good read.... It started out that way but once the author decided to use the Lords name in vain I stopped reading. So many authors have destroyed their gift that the creator blessed them with by allowing Satan to use them. I will not be adding this author to my reading list!
I bet this could have been a good read.... It started out that way but once the author decided to use the Lords name in vain I stopped reading. So many authors have destroyed their gift that the creator blessed them with by allowing Satan to use them. I will not be adding this author to my reading list!
March 15, 2022
A number of strange phrases: have you ever fired one [a bow and arrow] before; the word audacious was used to describe the behavior of her estranged husband when he torched her car; and later on, we are told that Penny needs to organize the knife to cut the cake with. Add this to the jerky pacing and I can't give the book more than two stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 1, 2021
Cute! Super fast paced and a bit unrealistic but a cute love story.
Want to read
February 26, 2022🎁 FREE on Amazon & on Apple iBooks today (2/26/2022)! 🎁
March 7, 2022
Good love story
Entertaining book, likable characters. Although some scenarios were far fetched I still enjoyed following the chaos of both main characters lives.
Entertaining book, likable characters. Although some scenarios were far fetched I still enjoyed following the chaos of both main characters lives.
March 13, 2022
Pretty good.
Knife throwing, huh. Go, girl!
Knife throwing, huh. Go, girl!
March 14, 2022
Relax and enjoy
Ive been there with a stalker, and this guy Mitch, made me feel for Penny. The
author touched my feelings about Mitch the bad guy.
Ive been there with a stalker, and this guy Mitch, made me feel for Penny. The
author touched my feelings about Mitch the bad guy.
March 15, 2022
Great book
March 18, 2022
SWEET, ROMANTIC, MILDLY SEXUAL NOT EXPLICIT. ;D
March 30, 2022
After on the ranch
This was a good western suspense, but was a bit confusing in places. But I think it would have helped if I'd read the books before this one.
This was a good western suspense, but was a bit confusing in places. But I think it would have helped if I'd read the books before this one.
Read
April 9, 2022Je,
May 14, 2022
intriguing story
This book had everything to keep me turning the pages. Lots of suspense, with just the right amount of romance intertwined. I really enjoyed reading this story.
This book had everything to keep me turning the pages. Lots of suspense, with just the right amount of romance intertwined. I really enjoyed reading this story.
August 28, 2023
Cheesy but good
Light hearted story. Interesting for the reader and enough plot twist and turns. It was easy to read and very enjoyable.
Light hearted story. Interesting for the reader and enough plot twist and turns. It was easy to read and very enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews