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Cedar Ridge
Sometimes the Universe has a weird sense of humor.
What else could account for Jessica Hayes ending up stranded in a tiny northwestern Wyoming town without her cell phone or credit cards? All she’s ever wanted is to prove she could be an asset to her father and his company. She’s so determined to get her rightful inheritance that she even accepted a marriage proposal from Warner, the man her father is grooming to take over the family business. But Warner wants a behind-the-scenes wife, not a business partner, and leaving Jessica behind in Cedar Ridge is just the beginning of what he’ll do to get what he wants.
The last thing Jared McKendrick needs is a damsel in distress. Still burning from his fiancée dumping him for another—richer—guy, all his attention and every spare moment is dedicated to keeping his family’s ranch running, profitable, and out of the hands of the aggressive developer who’s been buying up all the property around Cedar Ridge. But then his mother up and offers Jessica the use of their phone and a place to stay, and neither of them have a clue that it’s Jessica’s father who is trying to push them out of their family home.
Warner is doing his damnedest to keep Jessica out of his way, but the real monkey wrench in the works is the growing attraction between Jared and Jessica. Can she convince Jared to sell the ranch before he realizes who she really is? Can she do it without falling for him completely? Can Jared figure out a way to keep his ranch and convince her to stay? Will it be Warner or the Universe who gets the last laugh?
Author's note: Starring a pampered but spunky city girl and a hunky cowboy hero, Cedar Ridge is a sweet and spicy small-town western rom-com set in the fictitious town of Cedar Ridge, Wyoming.
What else could account for Jessica Hayes ending up stranded in a tiny northwestern Wyoming town without her cell phone or credit cards? All she’s ever wanted is to prove she could be an asset to her father and his company. She’s so determined to get her rightful inheritance that she even accepted a marriage proposal from Warner, the man her father is grooming to take over the family business. But Warner wants a behind-the-scenes wife, not a business partner, and leaving Jessica behind in Cedar Ridge is just the beginning of what he’ll do to get what he wants.
The last thing Jared McKendrick needs is a damsel in distress. Still burning from his fiancée dumping him for another—richer—guy, all his attention and every spare moment is dedicated to keeping his family’s ranch running, profitable, and out of the hands of the aggressive developer who’s been buying up all the property around Cedar Ridge. But then his mother up and offers Jessica the use of their phone and a place to stay, and neither of them have a clue that it’s Jessica’s father who is trying to push them out of their family home.
Warner is doing his damnedest to keep Jessica out of his way, but the real monkey wrench in the works is the growing attraction between Jared and Jessica. Can she convince Jared to sell the ranch before he realizes who she really is? Can she do it without falling for him completely? Can Jared figure out a way to keep his ranch and convince her to stay? Will it be Warner or the Universe who gets the last laugh?
Author's note: Starring a pampered but spunky city girl and a hunky cowboy hero, Cedar Ridge is a sweet and spicy small-town western rom-com set in the fictitious town of Cedar Ridge, Wyoming.
246 pages, ebook
Published June 22, 2021
36 people are currently reading
44 people want to read
About the author
Maris Parker
6 books8 followersMaris Parker is a novelist who began her career in the 6th grade writing serialized romance stories about her friends and their crushes. After a few decades and too much procrastination, she decided to get serious (though not too serious!) about becoming a published author and never looked back.
These days, Maris writes full-time from her home in the Northwest, where she lives with her husband and a furry family that includes a pack of Chihuahuas and a pair of cats. On the rare occasion when she’s not working on her next novel or collaborating with other authors, Maris enjoys spending time in Western Wyoming, the home of her heart.
In fact, a lifetime spent in rural Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana near gorgeous, wild countryside has been her inspiration for countless story ideas. A blend of humor, small towns, breathtaking wilderness, cowboys, and a little romance, Maris Parker’s novels are like comfort food for the spirit with a dash of spice.
These days, Maris writes full-time from her home in the Northwest, where she lives with her husband and a furry family that includes a pack of Chihuahuas and a pair of cats. On the rare occasion when she’s not working on her next novel or collaborating with other authors, Maris enjoys spending time in Western Wyoming, the home of her heart.
In fact, a lifetime spent in rural Idaho, Wyoming, and Montana near gorgeous, wild countryside has been her inspiration for countless story ideas. A blend of humor, small towns, breathtaking wilderness, cowboys, and a little romance, Maris Parker’s novels are like comfort food for the spirit with a dash of spice.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 28, 2021
An enjoyable read, this story has depth, warmth, and very importantly, humour. I very much enjoyed the journey to Wyoming – where I’ve never been – and being able to share Jessica’s life for a while. It had me from the start and was great escapism at a time when we can all use it!
September 23, 2021
A great lighthearted read
This is a romantic comedy worth reading. It is well written with warmth and humour and has great good guys and bad guys you want to smack (seriously, who drives off and leaves their fiancé in a small town with no phone, money, or warning?). There are some hilarious fish out of water moments, - think, city girl on a farm - and a lovely slow burn love story.
At times I felt a little – OMG, what next? – but it all comes to an ending we all deserved. Looking forward to more stories set in Cedar Ridge.
This is a romantic comedy worth reading. It is well written with warmth and humour and has great good guys and bad guys you want to smack (seriously, who drives off and leaves their fiancé in a small town with no phone, money, or warning?). There are some hilarious fish out of water moments, - think, city girl on a farm - and a lovely slow burn love story.
At times I felt a little – OMG, what next? – but it all comes to an ending we all deserved. Looking forward to more stories set in Cedar Ridge.
October 2, 2021
Cedar Ridge by Maris Parker.
New author to me and I can guarantee I will be reading more of her books.
I found Cedar Ridge an excellent book that has been written brilliantly. The main characters were fantastic with great chemistry I loved Jarad and Jessica, and it has a very strong plot.Ifelt I was there, truly a wonderful read.I highly recommend.
New author to me and I can guarantee I will be reading more of her books.
I found Cedar Ridge an excellent book that has been written brilliantly. The main characters were fantastic with great chemistry I loved Jarad and Jessica, and it has a very strong plot.Ifelt I was there, truly a wonderful read.I highly recommend.
September 10, 2021
I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
I loved this story read it straight through forgot lunch lol
Wonderful true to life characters rich v struggling love and being who you are not controlled is what life is about in this book
City life v ranch life who would believe love could happen this way the rich don’t always get what they want with money
Can’t wait for more😊
I loved this story read it straight through forgot lunch lol
Wonderful true to life characters rich v struggling love and being who you are not controlled is what life is about in this book
City life v ranch life who would believe love could happen this way the rich don’t always get what they want with money
Can’t wait for more😊
October 17, 2021
Wonderful heart warming storu
A lovely hear warming story taking place in a beautiful landscape. I can't help but root for Jessie and Jared and hope for a sequel and what comes next.
A lovely hear warming story taking place in a beautiful landscape. I can't help but root for Jessie and Jared and hope for a sequel and what comes next.
June 23, 2021
Fun and fast read
I loved this book and was actually pretty surprised by how quickly I finished it. It really held my attention and kept me turning the pages.
I liked the main characters, but what I really enjoyed was how the author portrayed Warner and Jessica’s dad. Both were jerks, but not over-the-top. The characters were believable and I was invested in their outcomes. I definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
I loved this book and was actually pretty surprised by how quickly I finished it. It really held my attention and kept me turning the pages.
I liked the main characters, but what I really enjoyed was how the author portrayed Warner and Jessica’s dad. Both were jerks, but not over-the-top. The characters were believable and I was invested in their outcomes. I definitely recommend, and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series!
October 5, 2021
Cowboy, city girl, fun, sexy, romantic, HEA.
I loved this book. It was exactly what I was hoping for, a small town, sexy cowboy romantic escape. We have the city girl, Jessica, stranded in a small-town gas station by her jerk of a fiance. She is taken in by non-other than the family her father’s company is trying to buy out. Antics, drama and of course romance ensues.
This was a well-written story with interesting and compelling characters. Even though I couldn’t identify with Jessica’s pushover personality I was still 100% invested in her journey. Jared, for me, was absolutely fantastic, and not because he was perfect, because he definitely was not but that made me love him even more. I knew there was a HEA but I was still captivated to see how things were going to work out. As a side note, I do wish it was a wee bit sexier, we got a small taste but not the entire show.
I cannot wait for more from Cedar Ridge. I hope with it being a small town and all we will continue to see Jessica and Jarad’s story develop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#BookSirens #CedarRidge
I loved this book. It was exactly what I was hoping for, a small town, sexy cowboy romantic escape. We have the city girl, Jessica, stranded in a small-town gas station by her jerk of a fiance. She is taken in by non-other than the family her father’s company is trying to buy out. Antics, drama and of course romance ensues.
This was a well-written story with interesting and compelling characters. Even though I couldn’t identify with Jessica’s pushover personality I was still 100% invested in her journey. Jared, for me, was absolutely fantastic, and not because he was perfect, because he definitely was not but that made me love him even more. I knew there was a HEA but I was still captivated to see how things were going to work out. As a side note, I do wish it was a wee bit sexier, we got a small taste but not the entire show.
I cannot wait for more from Cedar Ridge. I hope with it being a small town and all we will continue to see Jessica and Jarad’s story develop.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
#BookSirens #CedarRidge
October 3, 2021
Poor little rich girl Jessica Hayes is stranded in Cedar Ridge, Wyoming by her nefarious fiancé Warner. Fortunately, handsome rancher Jared MacKendrick and his mom are able to give her a ride, a place to stay and a place to belong. The plot is predictable in a nice way. Some hot sex with euphemistic language. This is the first book in a series, and I plan to read the rest. This small town has my heart. ❤️
I received this book at no charge from BookSirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.
I received this book at no charge from BookSirens and the author, but all opinions are my own.
July 20, 2021
Excellent writing
I enjoyed reading this story immensely and it was interesting and gripping.Characters were special and delightful. I look forward to reading more from this author. I love a sweet and exciting ending. It was great!!!!
I enjoyed reading this story immensely and it was interesting and gripping.Characters were special and delightful. I look forward to reading more from this author. I love a sweet and exciting ending. It was great!!!!
July 6, 2021
Fun read!
This book was fun to read, kept me turning the pages, and I liked seeing the main character, Jessica, evolve from the beginning to end of the book.
This book was fun to read, kept me turning the pages, and I liked seeing the main character, Jessica, evolve from the beginning to end of the book.
October 13, 2021
sad but true
Frankly I expected more laughter reading this book but it reminded me of lots of harsh realities we all have to face today. Due to financial struggles lots of families living in rural areas have to let go of their homes they lived on for generations, being forced to let traditons die. Although we all have to adapt to changes, it makes me sad that often ruthless, greedy developers win only because money rules the world. Still the author managed to make me feel connected to the characters depicted, to feel joy that there are still good people caring for their fellow citizens, so the book was worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Frankly I expected more laughter reading this book but it reminded me of lots of harsh realities we all have to face today. Due to financial struggles lots of families living in rural areas have to let go of their homes they lived on for generations, being forced to let traditons die. Although we all have to adapt to changes, it makes me sad that often ruthless, greedy developers win only because money rules the world. Still the author managed to make me feel connected to the characters depicted, to feel joy that there are still good people caring for their fellow citizens, so the book was worth reading.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 3, 2021
I loved this book. The author describes the lifestyle and landscapes of Wyoming so well that readers can picture themselves there with the heroine, Jessica Hayes as she navigates being stranded in a small town by her jerk of a self-centered boyfriend. She is a big city girl with no cell phone, money, or resources. Thanks to a kindhearted local mom and a gruff rancher, she learns how wonderful the simple things in life can be when you clear out all of the noise of big city living. I loved the characters and the storyline kept me engaged all the way to the happy ending. I can't wait to read more of this author's work.
October 16, 2021
I received a digital arc of this book. I loved every page! The character development is great. You feel like you are reading about people you know. I love that Jess goes in with one plan, but her heart leads her to another plan altogether. If you like Hallmark movies, you will love this story! If you love women conquering opinionated men, you will love this story. If you love a good old fashioned love story, you will love this book. I hope that there will be a sequel so we can find out what Jess is up to next!
May 4, 2023
This was the first of Maris Parker's books for me - and I was not disappointed. Set in the beautiful Wyoming mountains, the story follows the growth of Jessica Hayes from an unloved but indulged childhood to a strong woman prepared to tackle anything - and anyone. Ditched on the roadside by her greedy, self-centered fiance, Jess is rescued by a kindly local farmer and her son, Jared. Her life opens to a whole new world and the truth begins to reveal itself. Who gets the last laugh? A sweet but spicy romance, this book was an entertaining and enjoyable read.
January 31, 2022
Maris Parker accomplished something unique in this genre. Her story is light and easy to read but her characters are well developed and I found myself being drawn in and rooting for Jess. I was completely invested by the end of the book and pleasantly surprised as well. I want to follow Jessie and Jared into the next chapter of their lives. And I wanna book some time out in Wyoming too!! Great book! Highly recommend for lovers of sweet, mildly spicy romance.
February 19, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed Cedar Ridge! Although, as with most romance novels, I knew the ending after the first chapter or two, it was so much fun finding out how it came to be. It was great, and emotional, watching how Jared and Jessica worked through their relationship and all that seemed to come between them. Very well done, Maris Parker!
January 9, 2023
Audiobook review.
If you are looking for a romantic, funny, well written story with depth, suspense and feel good vibes - this is definitely it. It is an amazing book, brilliantly told by the author herself.
If you are looking for a romantic, funny, well written story with depth, suspense and feel good vibes - this is definitely it. It is an amazing book, brilliantly told by the author herself.
December 25, 2022
Was impressed with this story. Had a good balance of angst and other emotions, with a strong storyline. Characters were good.
February 27, 2024
Sometimes being dumped on the side of the road can be the best things that can happen to a young woman. I loved the three main characters and the villain was a good one to hate.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews