A Doctor's Promise

Jackson Hole #9

by Cindy Kirk

Will their differences bring them together or tear them apart?

With hard work, determination, and sheer grit, Cassidy Kaye has built a good life for herself in Jackson Hole. Though some don’t approve of her wild hairstyles and brash ways, Cassidy proudly lives life on her own terms.

Dr. Timothy Duggan, the widowed father of twin daughters, leads a quiet life. He’s not the type to participate in a Jackson Hole charity auction. But he steps up when one of his friends has to back out at the last minute.

When Cassidy is the winning bidder of a-date-with-the-doctor, Tim expects them to have little in common. He’s boring and she’s so full of life. To his surprise, they both enjoy the date.

As he spends time with Cassidy, Tim’s dull life turns bright as the Wyoming sun. Now it’s up to Tim to convince her he loves her for the woman she is and he can’t imagine spending the rest of his life with anyone else.

Genres: Romance, Harlequin, Contemporary

230 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 16, 2015

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author Cindy Kirk is a Booksellers' Best Award Winner, a National Readers' Choice Awards finalist, and a Publishers Weekly bestselling author. Cindy launched her Good Hope series with a bang. Christmas in Good Hope hit #1 on the Amazon bestseller list for both Contemporary Romance and Women's Fiction.

A lifelong Nebraska resident, Cindy started writing after taking a class at a local community college. An incurable romantic, Cindy loves seeing her characters grow and learn from their mistakes and, in the process, achieve a happy ending.

Someone once told Cindy that to know a writer you just have to read what she's written; she hopes that once you read her books you can tell she is an eternal optimist, one who truly believes in the power of love. She invites you to kick off your shoes, pick up one of her books, and get to know her.

Cindy and her high school sweetheart husband live on an acreage with their two dogs.

Reviews

[Codi Gary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very funny, sweet sexy romance. I loved both Tim and Cass and reading as these two fell in love kept me smiling (even when I was cryong.) Definitely recommend this book to contemporary romance lovers.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted with this story from the first. Cassidy is such fun, a free spirit who is not afraid to be who she really is. Tim is the opposite, serious and controlled, his main focus his twin daughters since his wife died. It was interesting to me the way Cassidy and Tim wanted to be together yet wanted to stay apart, each for their own reasons. I loved the way love won out at the end, overcoming their reservations about a long-term committment. I cheered when Cassidy had a great "color day" with the girls and booed Tim's mother who was very prejudiced against Cassidy. Overall a very satisfying read with a very happy ending.
I received an advanced reader's copy of this title from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun story of opposites attracting. Tim is a doctor and a single dad. His wife died several years earlier and he is determined to concentrate on raising his daughters. When he fills in for a sick colleague at a bachelor auction, he's concerned that he won't do well, since he's older than the other bachelors. He's relieved to see his friend Cassidy, where she is doing the hair and makeup for the bachelorettes. He expresses his concerns and she offers to bid herself if it's needed.

Cassidy owns a popular salon and loves what she does. She's always been determined to live her life her way. She likes Tim a lot, even had a crush on him when they were in school. She's happy to relieve his fears about the auction, and surprises herself when she decides to bid on him for real. I really liked Cassidy. She has a style all her own and isn't afraid to display it. She also has made an excellent life for herself, overcoming the issues of her childhood to do it. I loved seeing the way she also gives back to the community, trying to help kids like she had been.

I really enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Tim and Cassidy. They seem like such different people at the start. Cassidy is fun loving and the date she takes Tim on is an eye opener for him. Once he stopped comparing Cassidy to his late wife he really relaxed and started having a good time. Both were surprised by the attraction they felt for each other. Because he doesn't plan to get involved with anyone until the girls are older, Tim tries to resist the attraction, but he can't stop thinking about how much fun he has with her, and gives in to the urge to see her again. Cassidy knows he's not interested in anything permanent, but can't resist spending time with him. At one point their attraction gets the better of their intentions, but then they back off from each other.

Then Cassidy discovers she's pregnant. She panics because she doesn't think she has the ability to be a good mother because of her background. When she tells Tim he immediately proposes marriage, because it's the right thing to do. But Cassidy doesn't want marriage without love and turns him down, though agrees that they need to get to know each other better for the sake of the baby. Tim doesn't give up on his plan to marry Cassidy, but keeps quiet about it. Instead he just insists on dating. I loved their dates and seeing how well they really suit each other. I really liked seeing how Tim liked Cassidy for who she was, and didn't think her past was a detriment. I also loved seeing him loosen up and get less concerned with appearances. Cassidy's feelings for Tim continued to grow, but she didn't think love was possible.

As they continue seeing each other, both have some issues to overcome. Tim has had little confidence in his ability to balance his work and family, thanks to the attitude of his late wife. It takes him awhile to see that Cassidy is very different. He is also fighting the disapproval of his mother, who doesn't think Cassidy is good enough for him. I loved the way that Tim always came out on Cassidy's side and made sure his mom understood that he wouldn't put up with her attitude. Cassidy's biggest fear is that she will be a terrible mother because of the example set by her own mother. I loved seeing her with Tim's girls and how terrific she was with them. She was a great counterbalance to their grandmother's uptight attitude. I really loved the things they did the afternoon she watched them, and how it showed what a great mom she could be. It was great to see how Tim's confidence in her finally showed her what she could do, I loved Tim's big moment at the end - it was absolutely perfect, and the epilogue was great!

[Denise Pittman · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun and entertaining book based in Jackson Hole WY with two main characters that I could have kept on reading and reading about. This is the story about Tim Duggan, influential widowed baby doctor with a set of young twin girls. His main focus was to get the girls raised and maybe after that focus on himself. Then there is the colorful, fun proprietor hairstylist Cassidy Kaye that has worked hard for her business to grow and to become a respectful business owner in the community.
What brings these two acquaintances together was a Bachelor Auction in which Cassidy spent some of her hard saved money for a chance to spend some time with the nice looking doctor and be the winning bidder.
Cassidy has planned a fun date that turns out both of them enjoying the company of each other. As time goes on, both Tim and Cassidy enjoy spending time together, alone and sometimes with the twins. The girls in turn, enjoyed being around Cassidy and her fun ways. But then enters Tim’s meddling mother that knows that Cassidy was someone that grew up on the other side of the tracks. It didn’t matter how successful Cassidy was in her business, Suzanne felt she was not good enough to be spending time with her son much less her granddaughters. She makes it very clear to both Tim and Cassidy that she doesn’t and won’t accept them together.
To Cassidy’s dismay, she ends up pregnant and as she struggles with what she should do about the baby, keeping it versus raising, then Tim struggles with knowing what the right thing to do is and doing it because there is love involved. Before long Tim realizes that there is a true feeling of love that he has for Cassidy. Now is the job of convincing his love for her (with or without his mom’s acceptance). Read the book to the end and several questions can be answered including whether Tim’s mom has an attitude change about Cassidy and the unborn child which is her grandchild.
I received an advanced reader’s copy of this title from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it. It is the first book of this series that I have read and even though it is Book #9 it can be read as a stand-alone book. I will though be going back and reading the full series.

[Danielle Merritt · Rating 5 out of 5]

“I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.”
Book #9 in the Jackson Hole series focuses on Cassidy & Tim. This really is a case of opposites attract. These two characters know each other but don't KNOW each other. Tim is a doctor & a single dad raising twin girls on his own after his wife died. Cassidy is a hairdresser & a free spirit & not afraid to be who she is.
Tim is a last minute stand in for a friend at a bachelor auction where Cassidy is doing hair for the bachelorettes. Cassidy offers to bid on Tim as he is afraid no one will place a bid. Due to her having had a crush on Tim for ages she ends up bidding more than she wanted.
Once the two get together for their "date" they find that they have a lot more in common than they thought. Tim is able to let his hair down so to speak & ends up having lots more fun than he intended.
Cassidy & Tim end up spending lots more time together much to the chagrin of Tim's mother who believes Cassidy is just a gold digger after Tim's money as he is an obstetrician. They continue to find ways to spend time together which includes Cassidy looking after Tim's girls who have a ball. Cassidy soon discovers she is pregnant despite taking precaution & is worried that she won't be a good mother due to her terrible upbringing.
Despite all of her fears, Cassidy goes through with the pregnancy & evens manages to get Tim's mother onside! Tim & Cassidy doe get HEA but you will need to read the book to discover how that comes about.
Another great read from Ms Kirk & one that I couldn't put down once I started!

[Maria Carina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a quick visit to Jackson Hole. This visit introduces us to Cass and Tim -- who reside on opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of personality and outlook in life. What was it that was said about opposites attracting -- well, this story is all about opposites attract, and then some.

Cassidy is a hair stylist, she is all about grabbing life by the horns and living it fully and well. Tim thought he had his life mapped out for him, and it sure was not about being a single dad and a busy doctor. They know of each other but have not really had the chance to know each other.

Cassidy is doing hair for a benefit and Tim suddenly gets roped into joining a bachelor auction because his friend couldnt make it. And this is where our story takes of .... these 2 people who think they hardly have anything in common realize that shared feelings trump common ground any day of the year.

It is such fun to read their story as it unfolds because Cindy wrote their story beautifully. Tim's twins certainly add to the fun and excitement as we watch a family form and strengthen. I totally enjoyed reading this book and I cannot wait to read more. Reading Cindy's books are like coming home to a warm hug and family. That cannot be beat!

** I received an ARC of this book but this review is written voluntarily and all opinions expressed in it are my own.

[Delsora Lowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Successful, playful, and eccentric, beauty salon owner rescues single, widowed father and doctor from the “meat-market” for charity, bachelor / bachelorette auction. Thrown into the auction as a sub for a sick friend, quiet Tim is out of his comfort zone. Cass picks up on his uncertainty, as she finishes styling hair for the contestants. When a man-hungry woman raises the stakes at the auction, Cass jumps in and outbids her.

Kirk tells a wonderful tale of rags to riches, other-side-of-the-track versus country club, as the hero and heroine each work out their deep-seated relationship issues with family. What starts out as a foil, becomes a beautiful friendship and more.

I loved the ending that brought the entire story full circle. And adored the joy of watching these two characters find themselves and work through all their personal and family issues, hopes, and dreams to find comfort and love in each other’s arms. Opposite do attract.

I received an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and have given a fair and unbiased review.

[Nicole Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy and am voluntarily reviewing it. I feel in love with Cassidy Kaye when she first entered the series and longed to hear her backstory. It was everything I imagined and so much more. Tim Duggan is a widowed father of twin girls, Esther and Ellyn, and a very overbearing, opinionated mother. I mentioned his mother, Suzanne, because she plays a pretty significant role in the couple’s demise and union.

One night of pleasure can’t turn your world upside down. Neither Cassidy nor Tim were ready to be a couple, let alone a couple with a baby on the way. Attraction, yes but love is something that Cassidy needed a craved after her tumultuous upbringing. Readers will like Cassidy for many of the same reasons that Tim does. She marches to the beat of her own drum from the tips of her pink colored hair to the ends of her glittery toes.

This series once again, gives readers all the Cindy feels they are used to. Readers will fall in love with love again after reading this heartwarming novel.

[Maria Grass · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.
From the moment I picked up this book I couldn’t put it down. Cassidy and Tim were two totally different people. Cassidy’s happy go lucky personality and colourful sense of fashion belied the tough childhood she’d endured. She is a talented hair stylist and built a solid business from the ground up, through hard work and determination. Tim, a local successful Obstetrician is a widower with twin girls who takes life very seriously. Standing in for a sick friend at a bachelor auction, Tim is won by Cassidy who has a secret crush on him. When the date arrives, Cassidy talks him into doing things he would never have considered and he finds himself having a fantastic time. Drawn to Cassidy and the side she brings out in him, he tries to avoid her as he thinks he has no time for a relationship. This story tells of their struggles, Cassidy thinking she isn’t enough for him and Tim thinking he cannot do justice to any relationship, whilst not being able to keep away with each other. A truly lovely book with a HEA.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tim fills in for his friend Liam at a Bachelor Auction. Cassidy, who owns the hair salon Clippety Do Dah, bids on him and wins a date with him. They both have a lot of fun together. They decide to date some more, which leads to a physical relationship. She gets a positive pregnancy test. Tim, a widowed OB/GYN single father to twin girls, is scared and excited. She had some issues at home growing up, and has to think if she will be a good Mom. Tim assures her all the time that he will be with her every step of the way. His Mother disapproves of Cassidy, but eventually she comes around, especially after helping Tim organize his engagement party. She says Yes.

In the epilogue we get to meet their baby.

Up next is Noah, who we met in this book and Josie.

I received a copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader's copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. I love when two unlikely characters come together and positively change each other's worlds. Cassidy is from "the wrong side of the tracks" but has become a self-made business owner and fought her way to success, with pizzazz and flair. Tim has experienced loss and trauma but is a steadfast, buttoned-up doctor with parents well-known in the community. They become fast friends and then more, as unlikely as the pairing might be. I do wish the inevitable pregnancy wouldn't have occurred because it definitely gave the initial impression that would be the only reason in the eyes of the community or Tim's mother that the couple would end up together. But they persevere through the naysayers to find their happily ever after.

[Julie Eichelberger-Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Doctor's Promise is another novel set in the Jackson Hole series but as with the others, this a stand alone story. This is a story of opposites attract and how the differences can make a relationship more fulfilling. Cassidy grew up in an abusive, neglectful home with a mother who was a drunk and drug addict while having a revolving door of boyfriends. Cassidy never felt wanted or loved. Now as an adult, she has risen above her past by owning and operating her own salon. She has a unique style in which she changes her hair color with her outfits and the bolder the better. Her personality is just as bold, engaging and delightful. Tim Duggan is a ob/gyn doctor, a widower and the father of adorable twin seven year old daughters. He lives a quiet, reserved, bland life and until he agrees to fill in for a colleague at a bachelor auction, he has never really stepped out. Cassidy is the winning bidder and is determined to show Tim how to have fun. The evening is a success and the chance meetings that follow have the two growing closer and one night of extreme fun leads to unexpected consequences. Although Tim never wanted to have a relationship, he asks Cassidy to marry him but she turns him down because she will only marry for love and knowing that she is wanted. The story that follows is filled with an array of emotions, engaging characters and a love story that will have your heart thumping in time with each turn of the page.

I received an advanced reader copy from the publisher but all thoughts and feelings are my own.

[Mabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is always a warm feeling when two people from different sides of the track can find a way to love. Cassidy Kaye was always deemed trash due to her upbringing and hard life lessons at the hand of her mother. Now she is a successful business woman with a crush on the town Doctor. Dr. Tim Duggan is widowed with two girls and has the eccentric family that "know" who and what he needs in life. Apparently a trashy town girl is not in the picture to complete his happy family. I caught feelings as Tim realizes how much he really loved Cassidy and it's not due to their surprising circumstances. Tim's mother stole a piece of my heart as they reached a phenomenal happy ending, though I was ready to strangle her in the beginning when all she caused was hurt and chaos.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Liz Noke · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of the book and am voluntarily reviewing it.

We are back in Jackson Hole where free spirit Cassidy has her eye on Tim Duggan, the local doctor, at a charity date auction.

Cassidy is happy to be herself and does not care what people think, Tim is staid and conservative and does care. However, he goes on his date with Cassidy and she shows him a more carefree aspect of life and he likes it and Cass. However, he has his two girls to think of. He also has the most opinionated mother. This is definitely a case of opposites attract.

This is a fun read with all the usual Jackson Hole residents but I hope everyone takes way from this book that it is always ok to be yourself.

It doesn't matter what colour your hair is, whether you wear glasses or whether you are fat or thin, the most important thing in life is to be happy and be yourself.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Tim and Cassidy’s story!!

Love Tim and Cassidy’s story!! Cindy has done it again, she brings the best characters that complement each other. Poor Dr. Tim was doing a favor for a fellow friend by being auctioned for a charity cause, and this is where Cassidy, his friend, decided to help him out by placing her bid for a date with him. That auction date is what brought more than a relationship between these two but so many more including Domino.

Love that this dealt with finding forgiveness, self love and value, a new way to love and always trying something new! Cindy has a way to get you hooked with her series’s and I can’t wait to read the next book!

[Camiba · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it. I love a good story about finding love in the most unexpected ways. This book follows the romance of doctor Tim and hairstylist Cassidy. What started as a fundraiser bachelor auction date ended with true love. I appreciated the drama in this couple’s relationship was found from outside, namely Tim’s mother. I found the couple to be mature and realistic as their relationship developed. This book is a sweet addition to the Jackson Hole series and easy to jump in without feeling like you needed to read the previous stories.

[Jill Reid (marge280975) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Didn’t put it down until it was finished. So glad to delve into Cassidy more and Tim just made her complete. In a small town you often feel like you are what people think even though you know deep down you aren’t but it’s not up to you to change peoples opinions. Tim realises that Cassidy is everything that him and girls never knew they needed but proving his love to Cassidy is a different matter. Just one auction changed both of their paths forever.

I am lucky enough to receive an advanced copy of this book from the publisher and I am voluntarily reviewing it

[Corinne Dewey · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily
Another true to life story from my favourite author
Oh the joy of living where everyone knows everyone and families stay close by too people assume things are going on when they’re just starting out on a relationship can be hard and yet comfortable too and let’s not forget those well to do mothers who think they know what’s best for you even when you’re a grown man and father
A lovely romantic topsy turvy read

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A tale of opposites attract. Cassidy is a successful salon owner who happens to be quirky and fun loving. Dr. Tim Duggan is a widower with twin girls who is careful and a bit staid. While they are attracted to each other at the beginning, Tim has swore not to get married until his girls are older. However, once Cassidy finds herself unexpectedly pregnant, he starts rethinking his stance. She won't marry without love. Add in his mom who does everything possible to break them up and it's a wild ride until the very end.

[Stephanie Montey · Rating 4 out of 5]

What do a town doctor/widowed father of twins and a whirlwind hair dresser have in common?! CHEMISTRY! On paper do Dr. Timothy and Cassidy make sense….probably not, especially if looked at by Tim’s mother. But, we all know being good on paper doesn’t always add up.

What started as a date from a bachelor auction turned into a friendship and much much more.

I loved this story! The fun, spunky, ups and downs, and life’s adventures.

I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[Sara Gorman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another great read in author Cindy Kirk's Jackson Hole series. While it is the ninth book in the series, it could be read on its own. What you miss, however, is some of the characters being introduced and learning about some of their stories in previous books. This book is a fun and easy read where you find yourself rooting for the main characters even when some opinionated family gets in the way. I am certainly looking forward to the remaining books in this series, and bet you will too!

I received an ARC of the book, but this review contains my own opinions.

[Virginia Boylan · Rating 4 out of 5]

For a category romance featuring yet another woman-falls-in-love-with-doctor story, this one is pretty decent. Both characters are well developed with just enough and not too much backstory. I enjoyed the progressing romance between them and the strength of conviction Cassidy had. Tim was less appealing, and I had a herd time believing a small town like Jackson Hole could support two multi-doctor specialty practices. There were certainly a lot of births and a whole lot of twins. The story didn't hook me to read late into the night, but I enjoyed coming back to it.

[Katreniah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm not a fan of adults accidentally getting pregnant in the 21st century; in fact, if I'd paid attention to the title, I wouldn't have even started reading this one. However, I'm glad I did read it. Cassidy, the main character, is wonderful, filled with quips and intelligence and determination - and of course a backstory. Tim, while not as vivid, has his own issues and life that make for some challenges.

All in all, a good read, one I totally recommend.

[Candice · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I loved about this story was how different the two characters are yet they are perfect for each other. I also loved how they came together and discovered that it's OK to be a little different and to be yourself. I like how the story dealt with how others see you and how sometimes what they see is not true and they need to take the chance to really see someone before making a judgment. This was another great addition to the Jackson Hole series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[SARAH DOUGHERTY · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a quick, easy and light hearted read that left me with a good feeling. Cassidy, who grew up on the wrong side of the tracks, and Tim, who grew up completely differently, end up going on a charity date and surprisingly have a great time. While Cassidy and Tim are very opposite, they end up realizing that it actually works for them. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from the publisher and am voluntarily reviewing it.

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really liked this book because even if Cassidy had her own insecurities, she was still her own woman and held her head high. I liked that Tim didn't spend his time trying to make her over into a different person. That he didn't cave to his mother's whims.

Cassidy added a brightness to Tim's life that he really needed. I think Tim helped confirm to Cassidy that there was someone else who she could love, trust and depend upon.

I loved the way Cassidy was with his girls. I even came to the point that I got over my dislike for his mother.

Another great return to Jackson Hole while revisiting some of the earlier characters. This was a sweet, romantic read ending in a special HEA. 4.5 stars

I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book.

[Suzanne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cassidy and Tim are from different worlds, but Cassidy is just what this single father needs in his life.

Cassidy is excited to win an auction for a date with Tim, since she's had a crush on him since high school. Tim feels much too busy for any relationship, between his career and caring for his twin girls. Tim's mother thinks Cassidy is trashy, and doesn't hesitate to let everyone know it. And yet, when Tim spends time with this exciting, beautiful woman he feels happy for the first time in years.

I enjoyed this book and really admired how Cassidy lived her life.
Big thanks to the author and publisher for giving me an advanced reader copy!

[Megan Paholke · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always love returning to Jackson Hole and this time was a wonderful story that unfolded about opposites attract. I loved the character of Cassidy and enjoyed seeing her get a happily ever after even with Tim’s mom’s interference. Another great addition to the series.

I received an arc from the publisher and voluntarily read it

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book by advanced reader copy.. I’ve been waiting for Cassidy’s happily ever after for so long and I loved ever second of her journey with Tim. Such a beautiful story of love after tragedy and for Cassidy, love after not the best childhood. Perfectly written and all familiar residents of Jackson Hole we love to read about. Wonderful book

[Ginny Rodenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cassie is from the wrong side of the tracks, but pulled herself up and has become a successful salon owner. Tim is a widower doctor whom she buys at a charity auction. Tim is uptight where Cass is more freewheeling. It's great to see them work out that they are great together.