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Rancho Lindo #1
Second Chance at Rancho Lindo
Fans of Rebekah Weatherspoon and R.C. Ryan will love this launch of a new western romance series exploring love and second chances in a small town in California.
This sexy cowboy is nothing but a complication...but he’s also impossible to resist.
As the new horticulturist at Rancho Lindo, Nora Torres is determined to make the garden a success and prove to the Ortega family that they made the right decision in hiring her. Plants take patience and care, and that should be Nora’s focus, not Gabe Ortega, who is back home on his family’s ranch after an injury abruptly ended his military career. A long time ago, Nora made the mistake of believing a promise from Gabe, and she’s determined not to make that mistake twice.
His family hopes he’s home for good, but Gabe has always wanted something else—something more—than working at Rancho Lindo. So he can’t allow himself to be sidetracked by his feelings for Nora when he knows he’ll be leaving again. But soon, rather than keeping his distance from the garden and the talented horticulturist, Gabe finds what he really wants is to change Nora’s mind about him.
This sexy cowboy is nothing but a complication...but he’s also impossible to resist.
As the new horticulturist at Rancho Lindo, Nora Torres is determined to make the garden a success and prove to the Ortega family that they made the right decision in hiring her. Plants take patience and care, and that should be Nora’s focus, not Gabe Ortega, who is back home on his family’s ranch after an injury abruptly ended his military career. A long time ago, Nora made the mistake of believing a promise from Gabe, and she’s determined not to make that mistake twice.
His family hopes he’s home for good, but Gabe has always wanted something else—something more—than working at Rancho Lindo. So he can’t allow himself to be sidetracked by his feelings for Nora when he knows he’ll be leaving again. But soon, rather than keeping his distance from the garden and the talented horticulturist, Gabe finds what he really wants is to change Nora’s mind about him.
337 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 29, 2022
12 people are currently reading
2204 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Sol
16 books165 followersI'm the chica who loves love! I write spicy romance stories about strong Latinas and their seach for love, success and happiness. I live in sunny Southern California with my husband, three kids and two Beagles. And my large, extended Mexican family may -- or may not -- be the source of inspiration behind some of my characters!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
December 29, 2022
I received this book for free, this does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
He'd been consumed with the idea that there was something better for him out in the world. When all he really had wanted was something different.
When an IED puts an end to his career as an explosions technician because of lingering hand grip issues, Gabe Ortega goes back home to the family ranch that he couldn't wait to escape. His four brothers still work on Rancho Lindo and with a father that Gabe just can't seem to connect with, he's felt like an outsider. At a transitional point in his life, Gabe gets reintroduced to the ranch's horticulturist, Nora Torres and while he's instantly attracted to her, he has some past issues to atone for with Nora and his family, along with deciding what he wants out of life once and for all.
He decided right then and there that his new favorite pastime was making Nora blush.
Second Chance at Rancho Lindo kicks off the series about the Ortega family, they've owned Rancho Lindo for generations. Second oldest brother Gabe, always felt like he couldn't live up to his father's expectations of him and be good enough like his older brother Cruz. When Gabe turned eighteen, the tension finally exploded and he signed up for the military to just get away. Coming from a close knit family, this fractured some relationships and because Gabe left forgetting that he promised to take Nora, a girl who spent her summers on the ranch with her tia and tio, to a dance, he also broke trust with her. This was really a family ensemble story, the Ortega brothers along with their parents and abuelita were a big part of the story and I would suggest reading this for that kind of atmosphere because this was a good story in that aspect. For me, the romance took a big backseat and there wasn't much there.
All she knew was that her pulse quickened at the way he looked at her.
By 20% Gabe learns why Nora is standoffish with him and I liked how that issue when they were teenagers wasn't the number one issue of keeping them apart throughout the story. It played, along with Nora's father leaving when she was nine, into Nora's trust issues with Gabe but Nora didn't fixate so much on it. Around 30% I felt like Nora and Gabe were starting to get going more and I was ready for the romance to make a stronger showing since the setting and family dynamics had been laid out but these two never really got their engines revving and out of park.
It was about time he truly appreciated what he had in front of him.
And that included Nora.
The majority of the story is Gabe figuring out what he really wants out of life now that his military career is over. He half halfheartedly checks around for jobs from his contacts but it's mostly him being wishy washy and not quite outright moping around that he feels like he could never live up to his father's expectations and therefore not wanting to try. An emotion and thread I think could have played better if around 20% had been trimmed from this, the story started to feel like it was dragging as this went on for the whole story. Halfway through we get Gabe learning about how the ranch is in financial trouble, health issues with his dad, and he and Nora kiss. It was around 60% that Nora and Gabe start up their relationship and while we get a few kisses here and there (one very fade-to-black scene) most of their romance is very much in the back and just about non-existent.
Nora did the only thing she could do in that very big moment between them.
She kissed him back.
The ending had Gabe coming through for the ranch and Nora in the work sense and a misunderstanding that had everyone leaning into their insecurities and with only 5% remaining, Gabe finally making a decision that he grappled with for the whole story. I struggled with how to rate this because I liked the story but if you read it in the family fiction sense, I would have wanted more conversations, scenes, and flushing out with some characters. I would promote it as family fiction over romance though, the romance was more of pinch seasoning and too much in the background for me. A good story, setting, and family but the romance was not there for me.
He'd been consumed with the idea that there was something better for him out in the world. When all he really had wanted was something different.
When an IED puts an end to his career as an explosions technician because of lingering hand grip issues, Gabe Ortega goes back home to the family ranch that he couldn't wait to escape. His four brothers still work on Rancho Lindo and with a father that Gabe just can't seem to connect with, he's felt like an outsider. At a transitional point in his life, Gabe gets reintroduced to the ranch's horticulturist, Nora Torres and while he's instantly attracted to her, he has some past issues to atone for with Nora and his family, along with deciding what he wants out of life once and for all.
He decided right then and there that his new favorite pastime was making Nora blush.
Second Chance at Rancho Lindo kicks off the series about the Ortega family, they've owned Rancho Lindo for generations. Second oldest brother Gabe, always felt like he couldn't live up to his father's expectations of him and be good enough like his older brother Cruz. When Gabe turned eighteen, the tension finally exploded and he signed up for the military to just get away. Coming from a close knit family, this fractured some relationships and because Gabe left forgetting that he promised to take Nora, a girl who spent her summers on the ranch with her tia and tio, to a dance, he also broke trust with her. This was really a family ensemble story, the Ortega brothers along with their parents and abuelita were a big part of the story and I would suggest reading this for that kind of atmosphere because this was a good story in that aspect. For me, the romance took a big backseat and there wasn't much there.
All she knew was that her pulse quickened at the way he looked at her.
By 20% Gabe learns why Nora is standoffish with him and I liked how that issue when they were teenagers wasn't the number one issue of keeping them apart throughout the story. It played, along with Nora's father leaving when she was nine, into Nora's trust issues with Gabe but Nora didn't fixate so much on it. Around 30% I felt like Nora and Gabe were starting to get going more and I was ready for the romance to make a stronger showing since the setting and family dynamics had been laid out but these two never really got their engines revving and out of park.
It was about time he truly appreciated what he had in front of him.
And that included Nora.
The majority of the story is Gabe figuring out what he really wants out of life now that his military career is over. He half halfheartedly checks around for jobs from his contacts but it's mostly him being wishy washy and not quite outright moping around that he feels like he could never live up to his father's expectations and therefore not wanting to try. An emotion and thread I think could have played better if around 20% had been trimmed from this, the story started to feel like it was dragging as this went on for the whole story. Halfway through we get Gabe learning about how the ranch is in financial trouble, health issues with his dad, and he and Nora kiss. It was around 60% that Nora and Gabe start up their relationship and while we get a few kisses here and there (one very fade-to-black scene) most of their romance is very much in the back and just about non-existent.
Nora did the only thing she could do in that very big moment between them.
She kissed him back.
The ending had Gabe coming through for the ranch and Nora in the work sense and a misunderstanding that had everyone leaning into their insecurities and with only 5% remaining, Gabe finally making a decision that he grappled with for the whole story. I struggled with how to rate this because I liked the story but if you read it in the family fiction sense, I would have wanted more conversations, scenes, and flushing out with some characters. I would promote it as family fiction over romance though, the romance was more of pinch seasoning and too much in the background for me. A good story, setting, and family but the romance was not there for me.
February 7, 2023
Thank you, Goodreads Giveaways, and to the Author, Sabrina Sol, for this fantastic book.
November 14, 2022
The comp to Rebekah Weatherspoon's Cowboys of California series had me hoping this would have on-page steam (and I've not ever read this author), but this one fades to black. There is some great sexy flirting and heat between the love interests, but no more than heavy kissing on page.
That said, no problem for me, but the addition of a surprise cancer reveal for Gabe's father made me sad. That is a particular touchy topic for me, so if not a deal breaker for you, give this one a go.
I will also say Second Chance also had a lot of world building and exposition to introduce the series, the Ortega family, and the vast cast of characters I'm assuming who will get their own stories in subsequent books. This meant Nora and Gabe weren't as together on page as I would have hoped.
Solid story, amazing world, not a perfect read for me. I will say this gives me echoes of Bend Towards the Sun by Jen Devon in a great way.
Content notes: Both Nora and Gabe are latine, Gabe is an Army Veteran home recovering from PTSD and injuries that ended his career. Nora is a botanist/gardener for the Ortega farm. PTSD, therapy, and emotional distant parents (in the past) are mentioned. Cancer, father of hero, on page surprise disclosure. Father is alive at the end of the book but I assume the cancer story arc will continue throughout the series.
thank you to forever for the advance copy.
That said, no problem for me, but the addition of a surprise cancer reveal for Gabe's father made me sad. That is a particular touchy topic for me, so if not a deal breaker for you, give this one a go.
I will also say Second Chance also had a lot of world building and exposition to introduce the series, the Ortega family, and the vast cast of characters I'm assuming who will get their own stories in subsequent books. This meant Nora and Gabe weren't as together on page as I would have hoped.
Solid story, amazing world, not a perfect read for me. I will say this gives me echoes of Bend Towards the Sun by Jen Devon in a great way.
Content notes: Both Nora and Gabe are latine, Gabe is an Army Veteran home recovering from PTSD and injuries that ended his career. Nora is a botanist/gardener for the Ortega farm. PTSD, therapy, and emotional distant parents (in the past) are mentioned. Cancer, father of hero, on page surprise disclosure. Father is alive at the end of the book but I assume the cancer story arc will continue throughout the series.
thank you to forever for the advance copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2024
This one I think is a great entry into diversifying a standard "cowboy romance." We have Latine characters, and as far as I can tell they are well represented here. (I am not myself, latine, so I can't say this for sure. I do try to pay attention to specific things that I have learned are offensive, and I didn't find any.) There is some great sexy flirting and heat between the love interests, but this romance is more of a fade to black than a spicy one, so do know that going into it so that you have proper expectations.
CW: This centers around a cancer diagnosis of a family member, and war related PTSD, so please enter cautiously.
This also had a lot of world building and exposition to introduce the series, the Ortega family, and the vast cast of characters I'm assuming who will get their own stories in subsequent books. This meant Nora and Gabe weren't as together on page as I typically like in a book, but it was truly a solid introduction to the series.
The banter between Nora and Gabe when they are on page together is magical, and it carried me through this one. I will be picking up this author again in the future.
CW: This centers around a cancer diagnosis of a family member, and war related PTSD, so please enter cautiously.
This also had a lot of world building and exposition to introduce the series, the Ortega family, and the vast cast of characters I'm assuming who will get their own stories in subsequent books. This meant Nora and Gabe weren't as together on page as I typically like in a book, but it was truly a solid introduction to the series.
The banter between Nora and Gabe when they are on page together is magical, and it carried me through this one. I will be picking up this author again in the future.
January 18, 2024
I love a cowboy book and a Mexican America cowboy makes it even better, so I’ll definitely be reading the whole series. But that’s really the main reason why I’ll keep reading. Nothing else about the story really stands out to me. It’s a solid romance with low spice.
December 2, 2023
2.5 stars rounded down. This book is so low stakes it practically flatlines. The FMC is annoying as all get out. Girl, the 2 of you were in HIGH SCHOOL when the supposed “drama” started. Get over yourself. Move on. Too many side characters taking up space on a page which we all know means one thing — eeeeryone gonna get their own book. Big, deep, heavy sigh.
Stuff happens but it’s all noise and the story doesn’t feel like it advances. People get butthurt because they feel like they’re being disrespected (read: FMC and the entire family of the MMC) when they’re really just being rude to someone dealing with war induced PTSD. Can you say selfish af family?
Finally, the author called a baby horse A PONY and I can’t. I really just can’t.
Stuff happens but it’s all noise and the story doesn’t feel like it advances. People get butthurt because they feel like they’re being disrespected (read: FMC and the entire family of the MMC) when they’re really just being rude to someone dealing with war induced PTSD. Can you say selfish af family?
Finally, the author called a baby horse A PONY and I can’t. I really just can’t.
September 16, 2022
I had heard about this book for a while, so I was excited to be given the opportunity to read it.
Second Chance at Rancho Lindo is not just a second chance romance, it's also with the hero's family too. Gabe left to join the army at 18, but is now back home and retired because of an injury. He didn't leave on good terms and now has to deal with the repercussions of leaving the family ranch. He also runs into a beautiful woman, Nora, the ranch's horticulturist, but doesn't recognize her as the girl he kinda ghosted before he left.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I wanted more from it. The romance felt more like a subplot than the main plot. The storyline was heavily about the relationship Gabe has with his father, older brother, and the ranch and that resolution felt more open ended than it should have been. I think the relationship with Nora was tied up well, but in the very last chapter of the book. I also didn't like all of the miscommunication.
The romance itself was sweet and I did enjoy it when we got to "see" it, but I felt we got more of the characters individually than we did together.
The author tells a story well, so I would read more from her, I just wanted more from this book.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
3.5 Stars
Second Chance at Rancho Lindo is not just a second chance romance, it's also with the hero's family too. Gabe left to join the army at 18, but is now back home and retired because of an injury. He didn't leave on good terms and now has to deal with the repercussions of leaving the family ranch. He also runs into a beautiful woman, Nora, the ranch's horticulturist, but doesn't recognize her as the girl he kinda ghosted before he left.
Overall, I enjoyed it, but I wanted more from it. The romance felt more like a subplot than the main plot. The storyline was heavily about the relationship Gabe has with his father, older brother, and the ranch and that resolution felt more open ended than it should have been. I think the relationship with Nora was tied up well, but in the very last chapter of the book. I also didn't like all of the miscommunication.
The romance itself was sweet and I did enjoy it when we got to "see" it, but I felt we got more of the characters individually than we did together.
The author tells a story well, so I would read more from her, I just wanted more from this book.
I voluntarily read an early copy of this book.
3.5 Stars
October 10, 2022
This is such a wonderful book that emphasizes the struggles that veterans face after an injury and the pressure that many Latinos feel from family. The struggle with doing what family expects is universal, and seeing it here from a Latino perspective is wonderful. We also get to see multiple perspectives on that family pressure because although Gabe has been running away from family, Nora has finally found her calling and the place she belongs by accepting everything that Gabe is running away from.
It is such a rich story! It is also about small-town life and shows that Mexicans have a long history in California that goes back to even before California became a state.
On top of it, I really enjoyed watching Gabe fall in love. This is a closed-door, low-heat romance that I think many of you will really love.
Content Warnings: PTSD, war injury, mental health discussions
It is such a rich story! It is also about small-town life and shows that Mexicans have a long history in California that goes back to even before California became a state.
On top of it, I really enjoyed watching Gabe fall in love. This is a closed-door, low-heat romance that I think many of you will really love.
Content Warnings: PTSD, war injury, mental health discussions
September 12, 2024
It was like a hallmark movie. A 2.5⭐️ because it was cute-ish but the plot was boring in my opinion.
December 12, 2022
Edit: I am changing my rating to a solid 4, again the romance was a little lacking for me (and it’s a romance book so I expected a bit more) but the rep and the relatability was a 100 🫶🏼 Def still love this book and recc it tho!
Big thanks to Read Forever for the advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is being given honestly and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
CWS: mentioning of PTSD, war related injury, nightmares caused by PTSD, parental death (mentioned not on page), parent with cancer (not super in depth but on page), Machista/toxic masculinity
TBH romance was a 4/4.5 and felt it needed a lil more oomf but the relatability was a 100.
I honestly couldn’t have loved this book more! As soon as I saw this was up for request on NetGalley you can bet your ass I ran to get it because I’ve been WAITING for this book (read: frothing at the mouth) to come up for review because I’m obsessed with the idea of this book, an emotionally stunted Mexican cowboy coming back home to figure out if his place is with his family and the girl he finds there? Dead. Deceased!
I will also not lie to y’all because I’m also super biased because I may have been super into vacerros when I was younger and thought they were the peak of attractiveness. I am a little sad to say that this was a no-spice romance but it didn’t bother me too much or affect my rating because the emotional pay off was pretty chefs kiss.
Gave us a Mexican American born and raised cowboy who basically ran away to the army to escape his family’s expectations and is now home after a career ending injury. He soon discovers Honora, a girl who kind of grew up on the farm, has grown up into a beautiful and brilliant woman who is the ranch’s horticulturist. The story follows both of them and their budding romance that teeters on the ‘what are we going to label this as’ because of Gabe’s ingrained Machista ways that leave him unable to talk about his feelings and he would rather leave than deal with them. This is honestly a lot less angsty than it sounds but not sure how else to review without giving this away.
All I can say is this book REALLY felt good to read because I felt so connected to the culture, family structure, and experiences of both our MCs, despite being a Chicana from Chicago. I want to just keep this book in my heart forever because of how much I was able to relate to it and didn’t realize how gratifying it would be to finally have that experience.
I literally can’t recommend this book enough and really hope that this will become a whole series around the Ortega brothers!
Big thanks to Read Forever for the advanced copy of this book via NetGalley. This review is being given honestly and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
CWS: mentioning of PTSD, war related injury, nightmares caused by PTSD, parental death (mentioned not on page), parent with cancer (not super in depth but on page), Machista/toxic masculinity
TBH romance was a 4/4.5 and felt it needed a lil more oomf but the relatability was a 100.
I honestly couldn’t have loved this book more! As soon as I saw this was up for request on NetGalley you can bet your ass I ran to get it because I’ve been WAITING for this book (read: frothing at the mouth) to come up for review because I’m obsessed with the idea of this book, an emotionally stunted Mexican cowboy coming back home to figure out if his place is with his family and the girl he finds there? Dead. Deceased!
I will also not lie to y’all because I’m also super biased because I may have been super into vacerros when I was younger and thought they were the peak of attractiveness. I am a little sad to say that this was a no-spice romance but it didn’t bother me too much or affect my rating because the emotional pay off was pretty chefs kiss.
Gave us a Mexican American born and raised cowboy who basically ran away to the army to escape his family’s expectations and is now home after a career ending injury. He soon discovers Honora, a girl who kind of grew up on the farm, has grown up into a beautiful and brilliant woman who is the ranch’s horticulturist. The story follows both of them and their budding romance that teeters on the ‘what are we going to label this as’ because of Gabe’s ingrained Machista ways that leave him unable to talk about his feelings and he would rather leave than deal with them. This is honestly a lot less angsty than it sounds but not sure how else to review without giving this away.
All I can say is this book REALLY felt good to read because I felt so connected to the culture, family structure, and experiences of both our MCs, despite being a Chicana from Chicago. I want to just keep this book in my heart forever because of how much I was able to relate to it and didn’t realize how gratifying it would be to finally have that experience.
I literally can’t recommend this book enough and really hope that this will become a whole series around the Ortega brothers!
December 1, 2022
Thank you to the publisher, Netgalley, and the author for letting me have an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Sometimes it’s tricky being an arc reader when I read something and don’t enjoy it. I, of course, want to be honest and express what I felt as I read but I also want to be conscious of the fact that the author is a human that put a lot of heart and soul into their work. That being said I really didn’t enjoy this book. It had good elements: second chance, cowboy, cinnamon roll MC, family. But it just… wasn’t executed… the best? It felt like a story about generational trauma from a boomers perspective.. that was trying to portray the newer generation.
I did like Gabe’s character. He was such a cinnamon roll and he was really trying but other than him and abuelita every other character was awful. I was actively rooting against the love interest, and I was hoping that he wouldn’t do what ended up happening. The whole time I felt bad for Gabe because of how everyone was treating him. It was actually pretty triggering to read the scenes with his emotionally immature father.
I liked the greenhouse and gardening bits and the little bit of ptsd rep but the storyline in general felt too busy and disorganized, I didn’t like the characters, and I just felt bad the whole time reading this book.
Sometimes it’s tricky being an arc reader when I read something and don’t enjoy it. I, of course, want to be honest and express what I felt as I read but I also want to be conscious of the fact that the author is a human that put a lot of heart and soul into their work. That being said I really didn’t enjoy this book. It had good elements: second chance, cowboy, cinnamon roll MC, family. But it just… wasn’t executed… the best? It felt like a story about generational trauma from a boomers perspective.. that was trying to portray the newer generation.
I did like Gabe’s character. He was such a cinnamon roll and he was really trying but other than him and abuelita every other character was awful. I was actively rooting against the love interest, and I was hoping that he wouldn’t do what ended up happening. The whole time I felt bad for Gabe because of how everyone was treating him. It was actually pretty triggering to read the scenes with his emotionally immature father.
I liked the greenhouse and gardening bits and the little bit of ptsd rep but the storyline in general felt too busy and disorganized, I didn’t like the characters, and I just felt bad the whole time reading this book.
dnf-nfn
May 28, 2023DNF (Did Not Finish) @ 22%
The writing in this book was great, but I think I got a little too attached the Gabe, the hero, since I struggled so much with how toxic his family relationships were and how much drama there was in the way everyone interacted with him. I wanted to root for where the story was going, but I ended up just wanting Gabe to leave the ranch and go out on his own again! The heroine in this was also good, but I had a hard time understanding the grudge she held against Gabe for what seemed like a very small interaction when they were teenagers, so I couldn't really root for the relationship either. I think if you can handle family drama better than I can, though, this might be a great contemporary romance to give a try!
Content Warnings:
toxic family relationships, injury
The writing in this book was great, but I think I got a little too attached the Gabe, the hero, since I struggled so much with how toxic his family relationships were and how much drama there was in the way everyone interacted with him. I wanted to root for where the story was going, but I ended up just wanting Gabe to leave the ranch and go out on his own again! The heroine in this was also good, but I had a hard time understanding the grudge she held against Gabe for what seemed like a very small interaction when they were teenagers, so I couldn't really root for the relationship either. I think if you can handle family drama better than I can, though, this might be a great contemporary romance to give a try!
Content Warnings:
toxic family relationships, injury
November 19, 2022
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily posting a review. All opinions are my own.
While I haven’t read Sabrina Sol before, I have read some of her #LatinxRom friends, like Priscilla Oliveras and Alexis Daria, and she does seem to write similar stuff. This series in particular was also compared to Rebekah Weaterspoon’s recent Cowboys series, which I really liked. However, I mostly found Second Chance at Rancho Lindo to be rather underwhelming.
Like her fellow authors in the Latinx romance community, she does present her own variation on the flavor you expect from this type of story. The food descriptions in particular are scrumptious, and I regretted that I couldn’t grab a bite of what the characters were eating. The family dynamics are also great. Gabe is part of the tight-knit Ortega family, which surely presents opportunities for future installments. The family stuff does often overwhelm the book, to the point of taking away from the romance, though. There’s also a cancer plotline which remains unresolved, and will likely impact future books.
Gabe is pretty easy to root for, and I like how his desire to carve his own niche outside the bonds of family are explored. He is also dealing with PTSD after having served in the army, and while I would have appreciated knowing about it prior to going into the book, I feel it was compassionately depicted.
Nora is also pretty sweet, if somewhat less developed. I did like that her established connection with the ranch allowed her to have these connections with everyone for the most part. And while I did wish there had been more time devoted to the romance on-page, especially with misunderstandings being at the heart of their breakup, she and Gabe ultimately make a sweet couple.
This book falls into the pitfalls of the starter of a big series: doing double duty of having a self-contained arc, while setting up future stories. While it doesn’t feel that satisfying on its own as a result, I am intrigued for what’s to come, and would recommend it to anyone who likes multicultural romances.
While I haven’t read Sabrina Sol before, I have read some of her #LatinxRom friends, like Priscilla Oliveras and Alexis Daria, and she does seem to write similar stuff. This series in particular was also compared to Rebekah Weaterspoon’s recent Cowboys series, which I really liked. However, I mostly found Second Chance at Rancho Lindo to be rather underwhelming.
Like her fellow authors in the Latinx romance community, she does present her own variation on the flavor you expect from this type of story. The food descriptions in particular are scrumptious, and I regretted that I couldn’t grab a bite of what the characters were eating. The family dynamics are also great. Gabe is part of the tight-knit Ortega family, which surely presents opportunities for future installments. The family stuff does often overwhelm the book, to the point of taking away from the romance, though. There’s also a cancer plotline which remains unresolved, and will likely impact future books.
Gabe is pretty easy to root for, and I like how his desire to carve his own niche outside the bonds of family are explored. He is also dealing with PTSD after having served in the army, and while I would have appreciated knowing about it prior to going into the book, I feel it was compassionately depicted.
Nora is also pretty sweet, if somewhat less developed. I did like that her established connection with the ranch allowed her to have these connections with everyone for the most part. And while I did wish there had been more time devoted to the romance on-page, especially with misunderstandings being at the heart of their breakup, she and Gabe ultimately make a sweet couple.
This book falls into the pitfalls of the starter of a big series: doing double duty of having a self-contained arc, while setting up future stories. While it doesn’t feel that satisfying on its own as a result, I am intrigued for what’s to come, and would recommend it to anyone who likes multicultural romances.
November 3, 2022
Sabrina Sol's writing is so captivating I literally had to force myself to stop reading this book so I could fall asleep last night at 2 am. I fell in love with the entire Ortega family I hope there's an entire series on all of the brothers because I need to watch them all find love and continue to follow along with Rancho Lindo.
She perfectly depicted the toxic masculinity that exists in the Latinx culture and until someone finally breaks the generational trauma like Gabe finally does it just keeps on repeating itself and that is what makes him the ultimate MMC. Watching his development from an injured veteran to finding his true calling at the ranch was what I hope to see for so many veterans. Nora returning to the ranch after it inspired her to get her education was beautiful. Seeing her connection to everyone on the ranch is so beautiful and inspiring. Then seeing how her and Gabe grow the greenhouse into even bigger and better for the Ranch is even better.
How Sabrina Sol always brings the family dynamics and makes the Ranch another character is an art. I always enjoy that about her writing. She is truly something special. This book is truly a standout in my eyes.
She perfectly depicted the toxic masculinity that exists in the Latinx culture and until someone finally breaks the generational trauma like Gabe finally does it just keeps on repeating itself and that is what makes him the ultimate MMC. Watching his development from an injured veteran to finding his true calling at the ranch was what I hope to see for so many veterans. Nora returning to the ranch after it inspired her to get her education was beautiful. Seeing her connection to everyone on the ranch is so beautiful and inspiring. Then seeing how her and Gabe grow the greenhouse into even bigger and better for the Ranch is even better.
How Sabrina Sol always brings the family dynamics and makes the Ranch another character is an art. I always enjoy that about her writing. She is truly something special. This book is truly a standout in my eyes.
September 4, 2022
Back home at the family ranch after a military injury, Gabe is mystified by the beautiful woman who runs the microgreens growing operation. She seems strangely familiar, and she appears to hate him. But Nora remembers Gabe. He's the guy who stood her up when nobody else would take her to the prom, back in high school. Eventually they bury the hatchet and work together to benefit the ranch, but there's a hard question hanging over them: will Gabe leave, like he always does? This was an enjoyable story about a legacy California ranching operation with many nods toward our Latinx heritage in the state. Strong family themes, great romantic attraction, happy ending. The only ding on the book was there was a lot of repetitious dialogue, and the two characters seemed somewhat immature for their ages; when communication would solve a problem they were afraid to speak. But overall, a good story.
December 3, 2022
This book is a slow paced, rural California-set cowboy romance with an extensive family and a farm/ community with lots of history and passion.
While the storyline seemed promising and I liked both main characters, I'd wished for their chemistry and their development to have run deeper and have seen more activities together on paper.
For me, it had a touch too much focus on the history and rest of the family as well as the other people in the community, than the current couple's development moving forward.
Trope: unrequited love, second chance
Heat level: 1.5/5
Content guidance: cancer diagnosis, suspected PTSD, life-altering accident during active military duty, emotionally unavailable and unsupportive father
Overall rating: 3/5
Publication date: out now
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.
While the storyline seemed promising and I liked both main characters, I'd wished for their chemistry and their development to have run deeper and have seen more activities together on paper.
For me, it had a touch too much focus on the history and rest of the family as well as the other people in the community, than the current couple's development moving forward.
Trope: unrequited love, second chance
Heat level: 1.5/5
Content guidance: cancer diagnosis, suspected PTSD, life-altering accident during active military duty, emotionally unavailable and unsupportive father
Overall rating: 3/5
Publication date: out now
Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advanced reader copy.
January 27, 2023
Gabe Ortega has come home from the military after being injured and no longer has a carer. The ranch has never felt like home to him but he knows he needs to be there for now. Walking around he runs into Norea Tores who takes care of the garden and for her, she is glad that he does not remember her, Gabe, of course, does not make a good impression. When Gbe finally remembers with some help he is embarrassed and tries to apologize but she is still mad at him and he does not know why. When he finds out he does not have the words to say he is sorry for by then he is liking her, she, of course, has always liked him and that is her problem. She still wonders if and when he will leave again. He does it again but this time he is not happy. See how he fixes himself and proves to Norea he is the man for her. A very good book with excellent characters. I received this book from Netgalley.com
September 30, 2024
3.25/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a sweet story about an army vet returning home to his families ranch after an injury prevented him from being about to serve. He reconnects with his childhood friend who has always had a crush on him while repairing the broken relation he has with the ranch and his family. I would recommend this to those who like sweet romances that are closed door because it was a good story with entertaining family banter and many adorable moments between the MCs.
I know that I’m not the target audience for this one as it is FTB and not steamy… it was compared to Rebekah Weatherspoon and that was a disservice in this case. I’ve read RW and all of their books are extremely spicy where this one is not, which is a deal breaker for me, personally.
No CW for PTSD and Cancer diagnosis there both present in the story.
This was a sweet story about an army vet returning home to his families ranch after an injury prevented him from being about to serve. He reconnects with his childhood friend who has always had a crush on him while repairing the broken relation he has with the ranch and his family. I would recommend this to those who like sweet romances that are closed door because it was a good story with entertaining family banter and many adorable moments between the MCs.
I know that I’m not the target audience for this one as it is FTB and not steamy… it was compared to Rebekah Weatherspoon and that was a disservice in this case. I’ve read RW and all of their books are extremely spicy where this one is not, which is a deal breaker for me, personally.
No CW for PTSD and Cancer diagnosis there both present in the story.
September 1, 2022
So I liked this book but it wasn’t expected. It was sort of like a second chance type of book but not quite. I absolutely adored the entire family and hope to see this become a series about the each brother and eventually the town. The author did a good job of introducing everyone without it becoming overwhelming. You get to see the personality each family member and a few of the the people in town giving you a quick glimpse of what is possible to come. While I did enjoy the book the end sort of fell flat for me. With that being said I do hope to read more about this town!
“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.”
November 25, 2022
A wounded veteran returned home to a struggling family enterprise, frayed relationships, and the girl he didn’t even know that he left behind.
I liked Gabe. He was juggling pain, transitioning to a new life plan, trying to figure out where he fit in his family, and debating on whether to jump into a relationship with horticulturist Nora. He’s also a tall shot of yumminess.
I thought the Ortega family were an interesting bunch of five brothers, a grandmother, and worried parents.
I loved the legacy ranch angle and the history behind it.
I look forward to reading what happens next with the Ortega brothers!
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the early read.
I liked Gabe. He was juggling pain, transitioning to a new life plan, trying to figure out where he fit in his family, and debating on whether to jump into a relationship with horticulturist Nora. He’s also a tall shot of yumminess.
I thought the Ortega family were an interesting bunch of five brothers, a grandmother, and worried parents.
I loved the legacy ranch angle and the history behind it.
I look forward to reading what happens next with the Ortega brothers!
Thanks to Forever and NetGalley for the early read.
January 2, 2023
Wow! Not what i expected. I really enjoyed this book as it was a slow burn romance also small town. Gabe is ex solider who has finally come home from being gone so long and he isn't sure he will stay as he doesn't feel like he belongs at the ranch with his family. Nora who has found a family within the ranch and a job she loves. But Gabe is home and the last time she saw him she was hurt badly by him. Nora takes a chance on letting Gabe in and Gabe is finally figuring out where he belongs. Heartbreak, family, small town, ranch, garden (which was a love for me) and love.
December 18, 2022
Second Chance at Rancho Lindo was such a joy to read! That is basically the best way for me to describe it. My first time reading a book by Sabrina Sol, and my first Western Romance. I loved the setting of Rancho Lindo, and the characters were fantastic. This book had the right amount of family drama and humor. I enjoyed reading about Gabe and Nora's growing feelings for each other.
I am happy that this will be an on-going series!
I am happy that this will be an on-going series!
January 27, 2023
💭Thoughts:
This was a fun romance, but honestly more of a family drama. The romance between Nora and Gabe was sweet, but not as well flushed out as I had hoped. It was also fade to black for anyone that matters to. I think this being the first book in the series meant more time was spent introducing all of the Ortega boys. The author throws a bit of a curve with about 15 pages left in the book, but ties it all up nicely in the end. I look forward to reading more of this series in the future!
May 5, 2023
I almost gave this three stars instead of two because the actual writing is halfway decent, which is more than I can say for some romance. But I really don’t see the point in romances where the main characters don’t kiss until after page 200, and all the sex is closed door. But god, the plot was so tedious, even for a romance, and the secondary characters were thin, and I don’t understand how Gabe miraculously made up with his father and brothers at the end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 27, 2022
Complimentary copy provided by NetGalley and the publisher. This book was a sweet romance with a strong cultural presence. It was slow-moving with the character build-up and latent romance. I would recommend it for sweet romance lovers.
November 27, 2022
Loved it. I am thrilled to see it is the beginning of a series. I look forward to reading about the rest of the brothers finding their significant others. Wonderful characters. Interesting family. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
December 2, 2022
Gabe was in an accident while he was deployed. His military career is over and he's back at home at the Rancho Lindo ranch. He never felt like he fits in at the ranch and wants out as soon as possible. Things start to change when he gets to know Nora.
This was such a fun cowboy romance and the beginning of a new series.
This was such a fun cowboy romance and the beginning of a new series.
December 19, 2022
The story line was cute, but it was like watching a Hallmark movie in that you could predict the ending within the first 20 pages or so. The antagonist and protagonist are predictable. Like all Hallmark movies, it has a happy ending.
January 20, 2023
Cute, quick read. Would make for a great little romance book to take on vacation.
April 12, 2023
This book was okay - I was expecting more for romance though. It felt more like the classic Hallmark movie, without much excitement though. Quick and easy read, but not much to it.
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