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Saddleback Ridge #11
Double Dare: in Saddleback Ridge
A dare, a dire situation and a competition makes for a complicated (televised) romance.
Hunter Watson has kept to himself ever since he returned from Iraq. After losing too many friends, he's careful about letting anyone get too close. Now he's about to lose someone else - his nephew. When his sister announces she's entered him in the PASSION GAMES, Hunter is horrified. But the winning money can save his nephew.
As a blog writer, Abigail Riley, is a solitary person. She refuses to think of herself as lonely. When her sister dares her to take part in the latest reality television show, Abby turns her down. Until she turns it into a double dare.
Isolated for thirty days on Hunter's hidden gem of a vineyard, both Abby and Hunter finds themselves being tempted. They never expected to find love in a reality show, but now it's clear the tables have been turned.
Can they win the Passion Games without losing their hearts?
Welcome to Saddleback Ridge
There are numerous titles in this series, but every book can be enjoyed as a standalone romance. They are all set against the backdrop of Saddleback Ridge and cameo performances of other characters might appear.
In Saddleback Ridge Stetsons are a way of life and not just a fashion statement. Cowboys, romance and small-town charm guaranteed.
Hunter Watson has kept to himself ever since he returned from Iraq. After losing too many friends, he's careful about letting anyone get too close. Now he's about to lose someone else - his nephew. When his sister announces she's entered him in the PASSION GAMES, Hunter is horrified. But the winning money can save his nephew.
As a blog writer, Abigail Riley, is a solitary person. She refuses to think of herself as lonely. When her sister dares her to take part in the latest reality television show, Abby turns her down. Until she turns it into a double dare.
Isolated for thirty days on Hunter's hidden gem of a vineyard, both Abby and Hunter finds themselves being tempted. They never expected to find love in a reality show, but now it's clear the tables have been turned.
Can they win the Passion Games without losing their hearts?
Welcome to Saddleback Ridge
There are numerous titles in this series, but every book can be enjoyed as a standalone romance. They are all set against the backdrop of Saddleback Ridge and cameo performances of other characters might appear.
In Saddleback Ridge Stetsons are a way of life and not just a fashion statement. Cowboys, romance and small-town charm guaranteed.
182 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 28, 2022
14 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
February 28, 2022
Another trip to Saddleback Ridge and it’s a doozy! A reality tv show to find love, you have Hunter a war vet who keeps to himself and then you have Abby a blogger who has isolated herself from the world. Both dared into being on the show, both a little sacred, both who need to come back to the world and find love. It’s an emotional read, it’s full of angst, heartache, intrigue, finding love and romance and I just couldn’t put it down. Great characters, great storyline and it was fantastic to see old friends whilst in town!
February 22, 2022
Wow! Another great story in Saddleback Ridge. This is a heartwarming story. Hunter and Abby seem like complete opposites but find they have a lot in common. Their initial spark just keeps growing. Each of their sisters set them up with a reality tv show. I loved reading this and just couldn’t put it down.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
February 28, 2022
This is a super quick trip back to visit with the residents of Saddleback Ridge. It is a really cute story. Both Hunter and Abby are loners who are sent on a reality tv sho by their sisters. It is charming and funny as they frolic and get to know each other in the bubble created by the show. As this series has proven, love finds the characters when they least expect and in the most enjoyable ways.
March 18, 2022
The Saddleback Ridge series has been really entertaining. It revolves around a small town set in Colorado. It has all the makings of a small town romance series: interesting characters, friends who have known each other since childhood, small town gossip, and finding love. So, when I learned that Milan Watson had written a new book for the series, I knew that I would love it! AND I DID !!!
This one had a cute premise - two people who happen to live in the same town (Saddleback Ridge) go on a reality game show where they will live in the same house for 30 days to discover if "proximity" is enough to make two people fall for each other. Far fetched? Maybe, but haven't we all seen (or heard of) worse on television? Watson did a great job of writing not only what a show like this would be like but she added some interesting elements to the story.
Hunter and Abby are the two main characters. Watson wrote them both to be very likable people. Neither one was after the drama or the notoriety that we would likely see on a television reality show. Hunter does not decide to go on the show for selfish reasons, but rather to help save his nephews life with the winning money. Abby goes on because her sister Double Dares her to go. And who can refuse a double dare?
As always, Watson writes a fun story - one with a lot of heart. Whenever I read one of Watson's books, I grab a cup of coffee and curl up in my favorite reading chair because I know that I can relax and simply enjoy a good story by a very gifted writer.
I would definitely recommend this book and the entire Saddleback Ridge series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
This one had a cute premise - two people who happen to live in the same town (Saddleback Ridge) go on a reality game show where they will live in the same house for 30 days to discover if "proximity" is enough to make two people fall for each other. Far fetched? Maybe, but haven't we all seen (or heard of) worse on television? Watson did a great job of writing not only what a show like this would be like but she added some interesting elements to the story.
Hunter and Abby are the two main characters. Watson wrote them both to be very likable people. Neither one was after the drama or the notoriety that we would likely see on a television reality show. Hunter does not decide to go on the show for selfish reasons, but rather to help save his nephews life with the winning money. Abby goes on because her sister Double Dares her to go. And who can refuse a double dare?
As always, Watson writes a fun story - one with a lot of heart. Whenever I read one of Watson's books, I grab a cup of coffee and curl up in my favorite reading chair because I know that I can relax and simply enjoy a good story by a very gifted writer.
I would definitely recommend this book and the entire Saddleback Ridge series.
I received an ARC for an honest review.
February 26, 2022
Cute, cute, cute!!!! And for me to say that is not normal because I usually stay far away from reality show storylines. But this one is different, the main characters are total opposites….. but are they really?
Neither Abby or Hunter are people looking for the limelight. Both tend to stay isolated. But when the opportunity arises to be on the Passion Games neither can turn it down … for completely different reasons.
Hunter desperately needs money to pay for his nine year old nephew’s chemo. And what a backstory Hunter has… he’s lost a lot and no way wants to lose his nephew.
As for Abby, sitting around at her computer all day blogging in her PJs bothers her family. They keep trying to set her up with blind dates. So when her sister dares her to enter the Passion Games Abby can’t refuse. Why? Gemma, her sister, promised to never set Abby up with a blind date again. No way Abby’s gonna turn that down.
If you like heartwarming stories with just enough angst to make it interesting without going overboard, you’ll probably want to read Double Dare. Plus there’s the advantage of returning to Saddleback Ridge and meet up with a lot of our friends from past Saddleback books. If this is your first Saddleback Ridge book, don’t worry, Double Dare is a stand alone. However, you might find yourself wanting to know the backstory to some of the characters you’ll meet. They not only are interesting but many are unforgettable.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.
Neither Abby or Hunter are people looking for the limelight. Both tend to stay isolated. But when the opportunity arises to be on the Passion Games neither can turn it down … for completely different reasons.
Hunter desperately needs money to pay for his nine year old nephew’s chemo. And what a backstory Hunter has… he’s lost a lot and no way wants to lose his nephew.
As for Abby, sitting around at her computer all day blogging in her PJs bothers her family. They keep trying to set her up with blind dates. So when her sister dares her to enter the Passion Games Abby can’t refuse. Why? Gemma, her sister, promised to never set Abby up with a blind date again. No way Abby’s gonna turn that down.
If you like heartwarming stories with just enough angst to make it interesting without going overboard, you’ll probably want to read Double Dare. Plus there’s the advantage of returning to Saddleback Ridge and meet up with a lot of our friends from past Saddleback books. If this is your first Saddleback Ridge book, don’t worry, Double Dare is a stand alone. However, you might find yourself wanting to know the backstory to some of the characters you’ll meet. They not only are interesting but many are unforgettable.
I received an advance copy of this book and am leaving my personal thoughts and opinions.
February 27, 2022
Saddleback Ridge is home to lots of people, but most everyone knows everyone else, so how is it that Abby and Hunter have never met? It takes a reality TV show to bring these two into each other's path along with the help of their sisters. The prize is a million dollars, but could there be an even better prize than that? Abby is recluse blogger, and her sister is worried that she is going to turn into an agoraphobic. Abby doesn't realize just how bad things have gotten until she tasks her sister with meeting her at the local bakery. Hunter came home to Saddleback Ridge to take over his father's newspaper editor's job. He is still trying to deal with the backlash from his two tours in Iraq and his time as a journalist there. His only close relationship is with his sister and his nephew who is battling cancer. His sister talks him into doing the show so that they will have the money to pay for the next round of treatments that Will needs. Hunter not only agrees to take part, but he also agrees to the use of his vineyard. When he and Abby first meet, some sparks do fly, but while she recognizes him, he has no clue about her. This could either make things very interesting or very complicated. This book definitely pulled at my heartstrings and feelings which is always a good indicator of a wonderful book. In fact, once I started it, I didn't put it down until I finished it. Sleep is highly overrated.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 23, 2022
🗞💕💻A man with issues, but is he perfect for her?!🤔
4.5🌟 stars
Another entertaining and touching read from Milan Watson. This is the latest in a good series set in a rural Colorado town called Saddleback Ridge where romance strikes regularly. In this case, the leads live in the same town as strangers but their sisters push them out of their comfort zone into a reality relationship show with a huge monetary incentive to fall for each other in 30 days.
Hunter, the male lead, is a man you can cheer! one minute and boo! the next. Yeah, he can make some dumb moves sometimes. His backstory, however is really touching. Abby, the blogger female lead, takes on the show for a dare, a double dare actually (oh my goodness, at least her sister did not have to resort to a double dog dare!), and finds getting away from her computer and socializing may be the best thing since sliced bread!
With good secondary characters from the Saddleback Ridge community, an idyllic remote setting among the vines and some sweet, just a tad heated, romance livened up by an unwelcome houseguest that gets the relationship rolling, this was a very good, quick read. There's just enough angst to make things interesting, not depressing, and I smiled at the end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
4.5🌟 stars
Another entertaining and touching read from Milan Watson. This is the latest in a good series set in a rural Colorado town called Saddleback Ridge where romance strikes regularly. In this case, the leads live in the same town as strangers but their sisters push them out of their comfort zone into a reality relationship show with a huge monetary incentive to fall for each other in 30 days.
Hunter, the male lead, is a man you can cheer! one minute and boo! the next. Yeah, he can make some dumb moves sometimes. His backstory, however is really touching. Abby, the blogger female lead, takes on the show for a dare, a double dare actually (oh my goodness, at least her sister did not have to resort to a double dog dare!), and finds getting away from her computer and socializing may be the best thing since sliced bread!
With good secondary characters from the Saddleback Ridge community, an idyllic remote setting among the vines and some sweet, just a tad heated, romance livened up by an unwelcome houseguest that gets the relationship rolling, this was a very good, quick read. There's just enough angst to make things interesting, not depressing, and I smiled at the end.
I read a complimentary advance copy of the book; this is my voluntary and honest opinion.
March 10, 2022
Can a reality show lead to a true love match? Hunter and Abbey both agree to be part of the show for very different reasons, but finding love was not something they expected to happen. Despite having the cameras watching them, quality one on one time leads to lowering their guards and being vulnerable around each other. They find that they genuinely like each other, though his snobbish attitude about her blog writing leads to Abbey schooling him rather handily. Each of their hearts are opening slowly to the other, at least until a misunderstanding seems to put distance between them.
I loved the vulnerability of both Hunter and Abbey. Life hasn’t been easy for either of them and though they really weren’t expecting love to be the result of this reality show experiment, they were still open to it. Both are very family oriented and close to their siblings, and it was their sisters that pushed for them to participate in the show, again for very different reasons. Their journey toward love makes for great reading. The conclusion of this book is a little twisty but also wonderful.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I loved the vulnerability of both Hunter and Abbey. Life hasn’t been easy for either of them and though they really weren’t expecting love to be the result of this reality show experiment, they were still open to it. Both are very family oriented and close to their siblings, and it was their sisters that pushed for them to participate in the show, again for very different reasons. Their journey toward love makes for great reading. The conclusion of this book is a little twisty but also wonderful.
I received an ARC of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 1, 2022
I enjoyed this book because it was an interesting concept. Hunter and Abby ended up on a TV show called the Passion Games hoping to win the million dollar prize. Both of their sisters talked them into entering and both lived in Saddleback Ridge and had never met. They had to stay in the same house that was wired with cameras and microphones so the producers could show if how they acted and if two strangers could fall in love. I especially liked the scene that happened to Abby on the first night when she was coming out of the shower before going to bed. It was scary and funny. You will have to read the book to find out what happened during that scene and to find out if they won the million dollars. I highly recommend this book as very entertaining. It is one of my favorite books that Milan Watson has written and the characters are great. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.
February 26, 2022
Abby and Hunter met under circumstances they never thought would lead to finding love…
There are times in which I don’t understand the characters. How can Abby feel slighted that Hunter did not recognize her? She’s a hermit, he as well. Difficult to meet when both persons basically never go out. It’s not like they had already met and he forgot about her. Later on, even though Abby knew she should never have heard what Hunter said to the psychologist, instead of confronting Hunter and clarify the situation, she distanced herself from him. I just don’t get why adults let themselves get so emotional that they forget to speak to one another. Lots of hurt and tears could be avoided.
Nonetheless, it was an entertaining story, one full of hope, love, and generosity.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
There are times in which I don’t understand the characters. How can Abby feel slighted that Hunter did not recognize her? She’s a hermit, he as well. Difficult to meet when both persons basically never go out. It’s not like they had already met and he forgot about her. Later on, even though Abby knew she should never have heard what Hunter said to the psychologist, instead of confronting Hunter and clarify the situation, she distanced herself from him. I just don’t get why adults let themselves get so emotional that they forget to speak to one another. Lots of hurt and tears could be avoided.
Nonetheless, it was an entertaining story, one full of hope, love, and generosity.
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 25, 2022
This is Book 11 of the Saddleback Ridge Series and another solid hit! This story had me hooked from the very beginning. I mean, who could resist a Double Dare? Not me, that’s for sure. I was rooting for Hunter and Abby from the very beginning. Their story brought a gamut of emotions – sadness, laughter, sarcasm, doubt, heroism, and of course, love!
Milan does a fantastic job of incorporating characters from previous stories from the series into the current story that makes sense and provides a bit of reminiscing. In this particular story, it makes for an absolutely wonderful impact towards the end of the story. I can’t say more without spoiling it for readers but trust me, you’ll love it as much as I did.
Milan does a fantastic job of incorporating characters from previous stories from the series into the current story that makes sense and provides a bit of reminiscing. In this particular story, it makes for an absolutely wonderful impact towards the end of the story. I can’t say more without spoiling it for readers but trust me, you’ll love it as much as I did.
February 25, 2022
This is a very entertaining story about two people whose sisters enter them into a reality show with a million dollar prize. They both think that their siblings are becoming hermits, not mixing with people.
Hunter was in Iraq and keeps to himself because of what he saw and the nightmares. Abby writes a blog and has got used to staying at home. Hunter's sister wants him to enter so they can use the money for her son's treatment. Abby's sister double dares her!
They have to spend a month in each other's company. Hunter suggests his vineyard to the producers. Abby realises that she knows Hunter from Saddleback Ridge.
Will they fall in love? Will they win the prize?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A great read from Milan
Hunter was in Iraq and keeps to himself because of what he saw and the nightmares. Abby writes a blog and has got used to staying at home. Hunter's sister wants him to enter so they can use the money for her son's treatment. Abby's sister double dares her!
They have to spend a month in each other's company. Hunter suggests his vineyard to the producers. Abby realises that she knows Hunter from Saddleback Ridge.
Will they fall in love? Will they win the prize?
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
A great read from Milan
February 27, 2022
I really enjoyed this romance with a reality tv show angle. Both Abby and Hunter are conned into the show by their sisters but I felt that Abby was the bravest as she had practically become a hermit in her day to day life and to have her every thought, word and emotion covered by cameras and microphones must have been excruciating. Hunter’s past gave his character depth and his heartbreaking reason for being on the show was understandable considering the prize at stake. However the fact that they both come from the same small town definitely ups the stakes if things go wrong and everything is played out in full view of their family and friends! A recommended read.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 28, 2022
What a fun story. I really liked Abby who was a blog and content writer. I liked how her character blossomed during the story and made her seem to eventually glow like a bright star. I also liked Hunter, who suffered from PTSD and how he had a heart of gold for his sister and his nephew. I thought it was interesting that both Hunter's and Abby's sisters had recommended they star in the new reality tv show. I especially enjoyed the fun, humorous, lighthearted moments in the book. This was a great story because of the banter, humor, innuendos and wonderful, realistic, heartwarming characters. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
February 25, 2022
Hunter and Abby each have different reasons to become contestants on the TV show Passion Games. Abby is a blogger that spends a lot of time at home alone. Hunter the owner of the local newspaper has become a loner since his military tours. Seemingly an unusual pairing Hunter and Abby find a connection almost immediately.
It was interesting to catch up with the characters of Saddleback Ridge as they watch the show and see Hunter and Abby fall in love. I always enjoy the trip to this small town.
It was interesting to catch up with the characters of Saddleback Ridge as they watch the show and see Hunter and Abby fall in love. I always enjoy the trip to this small town.
April 21, 2022
This is part of the Saddleback Ridge Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a tender hearted romance set in rural Montana. It won't take you long to get emotionally involved with Hunter as he deals with his PTSD from serving in Iraq. He is horrified when his sister enters him in the Passion Games but he knows it's for a good cause. The winning money can really help his nephew with leukemia treatments. An emotional book and you will love Abby and Hunter's story as these took loners make sparks fly. I read an advance copy via the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
March 3, 2022
love wins out in the end!
This was exceptionally good. This Author continues to amaze me, each book I’ve read of hers keeps getting better and better. What an emotional read this was, tears pouring down my face as the story continues on. Hunter, a war torn veteran did t want anything to do with love, Abby, a bloggers too did t believe in love. This book was amazing and very well written. I could go on, but don’t want to give it away. I highly recommend this book. Get it you won’t be disappointed in it. But have a box of tissues handy.
This was exceptionally good. This Author continues to amaze me, each book I’ve read of hers keeps getting better and better. What an emotional read this was, tears pouring down my face as the story continues on. Hunter, a war torn veteran did t want anything to do with love, Abby, a bloggers too did t believe in love. This book was amazing and very well written. I could go on, but don’t want to give it away. I highly recommend this book. Get it you won’t be disappointed in it. But have a box of tissues handy.
February 25, 2022
Really enjoyed. Okay, so Hunter and Abigail are both ambushed by their sisters to be on a reality dating show called Passion Games. The theory is proximity will force intimacy. Hunter has plenty of issues. Abigail has a few. Hunter was in Iraq and he’s doing it for sister and niece.
So forced proximity on a vineyard?
Heck, yes. Plus it helps they had a lot in common.
Recommend.
So forced proximity on a vineyard?
Heck, yes. Plus it helps they had a lot in common.
Recommend.
June 3, 2022
This is an entertaining page-turner from one of my favourite authors. It was good to see some protagnists from previous episodes in this series and I can hardly wait to see who will be fetured in the next instalment.
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review
I received a free copy of this book from the author and I am voluntarily leaving a review
February 23, 2022
I absolutely loved this book!! This author cements her place as a favorite of mine with each book she writes!! I really thought that the stories from Saddle Back Ridge was over but was delighted to find this new story!!
March 8, 2022
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. This was about Hunter and Abby on how they were talked into doing a reality show and coming from Saddleback Ridge. A standalone read but plenty of characters to be able to follow along with no trouble.
November 11, 2024
Double Dare
This is the story of a young woman whose sister did a double dare with her to goon a television show to win half a million dollars and she ended up with a man from her own home town who she fell deeply in love with. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This is the story of a young woman whose sister did a double dare with her to goon a television show to win half a million dollars and she ended up with a man from her own home town who she fell deeply in love with. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
May 1, 2023
Love the Saddleback Ridge series. So easy to immerse yourself in the lives of the characters. This one didn't fail to accomplish that as well.
December 23, 2023
It was OK. She's very bad at communication, he's awful at expressing his feelings, and there were a couple chapters with characters I care not for that shouldn't have been there.
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