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Pacific Vista Ranch #2
The Very Thought of You
A perfectionistic equine vet. A gorgeous fireman. An unrequited high school crush blazes hot twelve years later.
Reliable Amanda McNeill’s world toppled last summer when Hollywood invaded her family’s horse breeding ranch. Now she’s in a massive rut. She yearns to be impulsive, even wild, and a hot fling with Jake Cruz might be the sizzle she needs to jumpstart her life.
When firefighter Jake Cruz comes face to face with his former crush Amanda, her charming blushes and heated glances tell him she notices him this time around. While Jake longs to discover if this Amanda matches the girl who starred in his adolescent fantasies, his desire to become fire captain, and earn his family's pride, requires he focus on work, not passion.
Could his dream woman become his real love or will his professional ambitions extinguish their chances? Once the smoke clears, will Amanda realize Jake isn’t a fling but her hero after all?
Reliable Amanda McNeill’s world toppled last summer when Hollywood invaded her family’s horse breeding ranch. Now she’s in a massive rut. She yearns to be impulsive, even wild, and a hot fling with Jake Cruz might be the sizzle she needs to jumpstart her life.
When firefighter Jake Cruz comes face to face with his former crush Amanda, her charming blushes and heated glances tell him she notices him this time around. While Jake longs to discover if this Amanda matches the girl who starred in his adolescent fantasies, his desire to become fire captain, and earn his family's pride, requires he focus on work, not passion.
Could his dream woman become his real love or will his professional ambitions extinguish their chances? Once the smoke clears, will Amanda realize Jake isn’t a fling but her hero after all?
- GenresRomanceContemporary
274 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2022
63 people are currently reading
88 people want to read
About the author
Claire Marti
27 books738 followersClaire Marti is an award winning and USA Today Bestselling author of swoonworthy Contemporary Romance novels set in Southern California, including the Pacific Vista Ranch series and the California Suits series. She lives in San Diego with her husband, silly dog, and two clever cats.
Claire started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
When Claire's not writing, she's teaching yoga. You can find her sixty+ online classes on the international website www.yogadownload.com. A breast cancer survivor, Claire is a sought-after speaker on the power of yoga and meditation. She's been published in numerous magazines with articles on wellness and is the author of a memoir, Come Ride with Me Along the Big C, on her experience beating breast cancer.
Claire started writing stories as soon as she was old enough to pick up pencil and paper. After graduating from the University of Virginia with a BA in English Literature, Claire was sidetracked by other careers, including practicing law, selling software for legal publishers, and managing a non-profit animal rescue for a Hollywood actress.
When Claire's not writing, she's teaching yoga. You can find her sixty+ online classes on the international website www.yogadownload.com. A breast cancer survivor, Claire is a sought-after speaker on the power of yoga and meditation. She's been published in numerous magazines with articles on wellness and is the author of a memoir, Come Ride with Me Along the Big C, on her experience beating breast cancer.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
November 14, 2019
Firefighter Jake Cruz never forgot the kindness his high school tutor Amanda McNeill bestowed upon him and helped him try to overcome his learning disability all those years ago. He’s also carried a five-alarm torch for her and no woman can measure up to the fantasy in Jake’s head. Flash forward twelve years and a cute dog named Stella brings them together again. This time, though, Jake is a man and he’s conflicted. He’s trying to get a college degree so he can become a Captain but his learning disability is holding him back. When he asks Amanda to tutor him, she agrees. Jake tries to bury his feelings for her but she takes the reins. Their fling burns up the sheets but runs cold when she breaks it off with him. Can he convince her he’s her forever hero or has his career sputtered their love?
I love a good second-chance romance and The Very Thought of You is one of the best I’ve read. This is more than a romance, though. Serious life issues like learning disabilities, health, animal rescue and parental expectations all play a role in this story. Jake is such a lovable hero; it was easy to fall in love with him. Amanda is, like most women, attracted to the physical appearance of Jake but soon sees Jake’s gentle spirit and heart. Every time the dog, Stella, entered a scene, my heart melted. There’s a lot of angst to this romance but trust me, it's worth it in the end. Jake and Amanda are a couple any romance reader will fall for. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
I love a good second-chance romance and The Very Thought of You is one of the best I’ve read. This is more than a romance, though. Serious life issues like learning disabilities, health, animal rescue and parental expectations all play a role in this story. Jake is such a lovable hero; it was easy to fall in love with him. Amanda is, like most women, attracted to the physical appearance of Jake but soon sees Jake’s gentle spirit and heart. Every time the dog, Stella, entered a scene, my heart melted. There’s a lot of angst to this romance but trust me, it's worth it in the end. Jake and Amanda are a couple any romance reader will fall for. Highly recommend!
My Rating: 5 stars
Reviewed by: Mrs. N
This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/si...
March 15, 2020
Rating: 3.5/5.0
Amanda and Jake’s story offers a charming spin on the theme of second-chance love.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Amanda and Jake’s story offers a charming spin on the theme of second-chance love.
Read full review in the 2020 March issue of InD'tale Magazine.
November 12, 2019
Jake Cruz allowed his learning disabilities to define and limit him for most of his life. He's been able to work around them, and carved a good life for himself as a firefighter, one that didn't rely on reading or book smarts. But now that he wants to go for a captain position he needs to earn his Bachelors degree, and he's gonna need help to get there.
Enter Dr. Amanda McNeill, a local vet, and the older girl from his high school days he carried the biggest torch for. Crush sounds too mild for the feelings he had for Amanda back when she was his algebra tutor. She never treated him like he was dumb, and when he runs into her again he's struck by how beautiful and kind and perfect she still is after all these years.
Amanda lost her actress mother as a teen, her family's life uprooted by the tragedy and the hounding of the media. The events of the past still haunt her, her underlying fear of abandonment making her unwilling to get too close to people. Even someone as yummy as Jake Cruz.
The chemistry between the characters is steamy hot, despite the insecurities they both hold close. The interplay between the two as they get to know each other and then finally (finally!) give in to the electricity arcing between them is well written, well timed, and just wonderful. I totally felt for Jake, trying so hard to earn his father's approval and while he loves his brother, is still totally jealous of how everything seems to come easily to him. Ms. Marti does a really great job of creating complex characters and family dynamics that ring true.
I wish I had more than five stars to give this book, and eagerly await a next installment to this series with this family.
Enter Dr. Amanda McNeill, a local vet, and the older girl from his high school days he carried the biggest torch for. Crush sounds too mild for the feelings he had for Amanda back when she was his algebra tutor. She never treated him like he was dumb, and when he runs into her again he's struck by how beautiful and kind and perfect she still is after all these years.
Amanda lost her actress mother as a teen, her family's life uprooted by the tragedy and the hounding of the media. The events of the past still haunt her, her underlying fear of abandonment making her unwilling to get too close to people. Even someone as yummy as Jake Cruz.
The chemistry between the characters is steamy hot, despite the insecurities they both hold close. The interplay between the two as they get to know each other and then finally (finally!) give in to the electricity arcing between them is well written, well timed, and just wonderful. I totally felt for Jake, trying so hard to earn his father's approval and while he loves his brother, is still totally jealous of how everything seems to come easily to him. Ms. Marti does a really great job of creating complex characters and family dynamics that ring true.
I wish I had more than five stars to give this book, and eagerly await a next installment to this series with this family.
December 3, 2019
Okay, remember the hunky firefighter from the first book? What you haven’t read the first book, yet? Better get a wiggle on and pick it up. LOL
Anyway this book is his story. He let a learning disability and his father’s apparent lack of respect for his decision to become a firefighter instead of going to college define him as an adult. I loved how the author set him up years ago s a scrawny high school freshman crushing on his student tutor, Amanda McNeill. Now the tables have turned. He’s a six foot five inch hunky fireman who rescued a dog hit by a driver that didn’t even stop. (Should be a special place in Hell for people that hit dogs and drive away. Okay putting away my soapbox.) To get help, he takes the dog to the nearest veterinarian. Low and behold the vet is Amanda McNeill. Wow, do the sparks fly... Chemistry between Jake and Amanda sizzles right off the page, despite their insecurities. Coming face to face with Amanda, will Jake’s fantasies come true? No spoilers here.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Being a dog person, I enjoyed the way the author wove the story around the wonderfully believable characters, their feelings and the dog. I can’t wait for book three, Dylan’s story.
I highly recommend the book. Are you still sitting there? So what are you waiting for? Get your copy today and curl up in front of a cozy fire with The Very Thought of you!
Anyway this book is his story. He let a learning disability and his father’s apparent lack of respect for his decision to become a firefighter instead of going to college define him as an adult. I loved how the author set him up years ago s a scrawny high school freshman crushing on his student tutor, Amanda McNeill. Now the tables have turned. He’s a six foot five inch hunky fireman who rescued a dog hit by a driver that didn’t even stop. (Should be a special place in Hell for people that hit dogs and drive away. Okay putting away my soapbox.) To get help, he takes the dog to the nearest veterinarian. Low and behold the vet is Amanda McNeill. Wow, do the sparks fly... Chemistry between Jake and Amanda sizzles right off the page, despite their insecurities. Coming face to face with Amanda, will Jake’s fantasies come true? No spoilers here.
I loved this book from beginning to end. Being a dog person, I enjoyed the way the author wove the story around the wonderfully believable characters, their feelings and the dog. I can’t wait for book three, Dylan’s story.
I highly recommend the book. Are you still sitting there? So what are you waiting for? Get your copy today and curl up in front of a cozy fire with The Very Thought of you!
February 14, 2020
The Very Thought of You is the second book in Claire Marti’s Pacific Vista Ranch series. I loved the first book in the series, Nobody Else But You, so this one was had big shoes to fill. And, I have to tell you, I enjoyed this book even more than the first!
Jake Cruz had a crush on Amanda MacNeill in high school, and now that they’ve met again as adults, he is still attracted to her. Only this time around, the feelings might be reciprocated, even though Amanda tries to tell herself she only wants a fun fling.
I loved the characters of Jake and Amanda, and the sweet relationship that unfolds between them. Jake is a huge, hunky fire fighter, but at heart he is a gentle giant, and I found his character to be especially appealing. Marti has a knack for creating well-rounded characters. She draws you into the story, and I feel as though I’ve actually been to the Pacific Vista Ranch when I’ve finished one of her books.
While it was fun to get a glimpse of the characters from the first book, this one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel, if you have not yet read the first one. But, if you haven’t…why not? This is a sweet and sexy addition to a fun series and I have already pre-ordered book three and can’t wait to read it too.
Jake Cruz had a crush on Amanda MacNeill in high school, and now that they’ve met again as adults, he is still attracted to her. Only this time around, the feelings might be reciprocated, even though Amanda tries to tell herself she only wants a fun fling.
I loved the characters of Jake and Amanda, and the sweet relationship that unfolds between them. Jake is a huge, hunky fire fighter, but at heart he is a gentle giant, and I found his character to be especially appealing. Marti has a knack for creating well-rounded characters. She draws you into the story, and I feel as though I’ve actually been to the Pacific Vista Ranch when I’ve finished one of her books.
While it was fun to get a glimpse of the characters from the first book, this one can be read and enjoyed as a standalone novel, if you have not yet read the first one. But, if you haven’t…why not? This is a sweet and sexy addition to a fun series and I have already pre-ordered book three and can’t wait to read it too.
November 5, 2019
If you read the first book in Claire Marti’s Pacific Vista Ranch series, NOBODY ELSE BY YOU, you met Amanda, the dependable vet at her family’s horse breeding ranch. You also met the smoking hot fireman, Jake, but when he encounters Amanda in book two, THE VERY THOUGHT OF YOU, all kinds of sparks fly. Claire Marti is in her element as she weaves this emotional second chance romance between Amanda and Jake, and I could not put it down. Amanda is ready for an adventure, determined to shed a bit of her staid reputation, and a fling with Jake seems perfect. Jake, however, used to nurse a crush for Amanda when she was his tutor in high school, and he’s concerned his memories of her will be marred by the reality of her. But, of course, he can’t say no, and “watching” them fall into their fling, and later in love, as they re-evaluate what they really want, is so satisfying! Book three can’t come fast enough!
October 30, 2019
This is book two in the Pacific Vista Ranch series. Remember the firefighter from book 1? Yeah, this is his story. I Love that Jake was a scrawny little freshman crushing on his senior tutor (the heroine, Amanda) and now he is a 6'5 smoking hot fireman. Once he placed her on a pedestal but will the reality be as good as his fantasy? (the answer is yes.)
Here is the problem - Jake wants to become a fire captain and doesn't have time for love. But Amanda wants to take a walk on the wild side and let go of her "dependable" and boring reputation. Obviously Jake doesn't stand a chance. Such a fun read! I can't wait for Book 3 and Dylan's story.
Here is the problem - Jake wants to become a fire captain and doesn't have time for love. But Amanda wants to take a walk on the wild side and let go of her "dependable" and boring reputation. Obviously Jake doesn't stand a chance. Such a fun read! I can't wait for Book 3 and Dylan's story.
October 31, 2019
The Very Thought of You is a beautiful continuation of the McNeill family journey as the second book in the Pacific Vista Ranch series. Amanda and Jake effortlessly brought me into their story with tenderness, love, and challenges of the human spirit. As an animal lover, I also experienced a heart melt every time an adorable dog named Stella made her appearance! A compelling, sweet love story set upon stunning descriptions of North San Diego County in California, made this a continual page turner for me. It also left me with a wonderful motto: Don't let fear hold you back.
November 13, 2019
Opposites attract and set emotions ablaze. Marti couldn't disappoint my heart even if she tried. The Very Thought of You brings a real life canvas with a smidge of fairytale fantasy. Though far from a perfect fit Amanda and Jake barrel deep into the vulnerable moments of life and love to deliver a more human approach. I felt like I was wrapped inside of a beautiful dream.
November 12, 2019
Well conceived characters with strong and compelling goals and motivation. The setting is gorgerous. Each scene is a jewel in and of itself. A terrific follow-up to book 1 in this series.
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
Kat Henry Doran, Wild Women Reviews
December 13, 2019
So Steamy ....
As always a lighthearted great read. Marti captures the Southern California coast in her books and you wish you were there with Jake and Amanda. Looking forward to book three!
As always a lighthearted great read. Marti captures the Southern California coast in her books and you wish you were there with Jake and Amanda. Looking forward to book three!
February 7, 2020
3.5 Stars
June 12, 2024
As much as I love the heat from an enemies-to-lovers or instalove/lust storyline, the slow burn of passion can be exactly what I need at times — and this book completely filled that need!
Amanda lost her mother during her teen years, critically wounding her ability to let people close to her. But she’s never let it sway her from being kind, compassionate, and sweet. Going all the way back to high school when she helped tutor Jake to now as a vet, it’s clear that she has a love language for giving and helping others in need.
Jake has spent a lot of his life letting a learning disability hold him back in who he is beyond what numbers and test scores say on paper. But when he needs some help climbing the ladder again, I love that he turns to Amanda again. This time, he has a little more confidence in that regard and seeing it unfold is a sizzling fire that ends up burning hot!
In addition to seeing more of Amanda’s family dynamics, I enjoyed getting to see Jake’s as well. His relationship with his father was strained as he was constantly trying to impress him. And understandably, he felt a bit envious of his brother because of his lack of struggles. To me, it made Jake an even more admirable man that he could face his insecurities and strive to do something about them.
Amanda lost her mother during her teen years, critically wounding her ability to let people close to her. But she’s never let it sway her from being kind, compassionate, and sweet. Going all the way back to high school when she helped tutor Jake to now as a vet, it’s clear that she has a love language for giving and helping others in need.
Jake has spent a lot of his life letting a learning disability hold him back in who he is beyond what numbers and test scores say on paper. But when he needs some help climbing the ladder again, I love that he turns to Amanda again. This time, he has a little more confidence in that regard and seeing it unfold is a sizzling fire that ends up burning hot!
In addition to seeing more of Amanda’s family dynamics, I enjoyed getting to see Jake’s as well. His relationship with his father was strained as he was constantly trying to impress him. And understandably, he felt a bit envious of his brother because of his lack of struggles. To me, it made Jake an even more admirable man that he could face his insecurities and strive to do something about them.
April 8, 2021
A beautiful, well written romance. This is book 2 in Marti's Pacific Vista Ranch series and a great addition to this series. It can be read as a stand alone and is the story of Jake and Amanda. Amazing characters and a storyline that will capture your heart as well as your attention. A great balance between sweet and heat. Falling in love with these characters and looking forward to more!
I received a free copy of this read at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
I received a free copy of this read at my request and I provided this voluntary review.
November 7, 2019
First, I want to thank Claire Marti for providing me with this book so I can bring you this review.
The Very Thought of You by Claire Marti is the second book in the Pacific Vista Ranch Book. This book is Jake and Amanda’s story. It is best if read in order than as a stand alone so you can get a feel for the characters and the storyline. Plus, storylines of the previous book is mentioned in this book.
I loved how she dedicated this book to Todd. For waiting patiently while she wrote this book into the wee hours of the morning. She loves you. To her furry kids: Beau and Josie thanks for providing her unconditional love.
Each cover in this series has been amazingly beautiful. This one though took my breath away. It incorporated everything into one cover and captured the essence of the book perfectly! You had the couple Jake and Amanda (who looks beautiful) and the field with the beautiful horses. Not to mention creativity of font and placement of it. It definitely captures the eye of the reader and made me want to know what the book was about. Kudos to the graphic designer on this book.
Right away Claire captured my attention with the dramatic beginning of a rescue of an injured dog found on the road by Jake. What type of animal would run over a dog and just leave the scene like that?! Jake took the poor injured dog to the only person he knew that could possibly help. His high school crush Amanda and Vet to horses.
I never grew up with pets so I myself have never experienced the bond that an owner has with beloved pet. However, I loved and appreciated the compassion and passion they felt for this injured dog. Claire did an incredible job bringing out these emotions in the characters. Not only that but the crush that Jake had on Amanda that was resurfacing as he saw her again. That made me smile. However, she didn’t recognize him.
Amanda’s reunion with Jake plays a big role in his future and his character growth within this story.
If you read the last book you will be familiar with what happened with the McNeil’s private life being spread all over when they filmed a movie that brought up the tragic Mother’s death. In this book you will get updates about what happened to the rest of the family members and what they are doing now.
I totally agreed when Amanda said it is tough to meet guys because I’d rather read a book than go online or go out and make small talk at a bar. Plus, I don’t drink! Yes, like her sister says in the book I probably do sound like I am ninety! But it is the truth!
I was shocked when Cowgirl cow-kicked Amanda hard and she went soaring through the air!! Now she had a broken shoulder to deal with! I couldn’t imagine the shock that she went though when that happened let alone the agony of pain she was going through. My heart went out to her! Claire did an incredible job writing that scene! I have never read anything like that before. When I said it shocked me I really meant that! Putting myself in Amanda’s position I can’t imagine the pain she must be in.
The Very Thought of You by Claire Marti is the second book in the Pacific Vista Ranch Book. This book is Jake and Amanda’s story. It is best if read in order than as a stand alone so you can get a feel for the characters and the storyline. Plus, storylines of the previous book is mentioned in this book.
I loved how she dedicated this book to Todd. For waiting patiently while she wrote this book into the wee hours of the morning. She loves you. To her furry kids: Beau and Josie thanks for providing her unconditional love.
Each cover in this series has been amazingly beautiful. This one though took my breath away. It incorporated everything into one cover and captured the essence of the book perfectly! You had the couple Jake and Amanda (who looks beautiful) and the field with the beautiful horses. Not to mention creativity of font and placement of it. It definitely captures the eye of the reader and made me want to know what the book was about. Kudos to the graphic designer on this book.
Right away Claire captured my attention with the dramatic beginning of a rescue of an injured dog found on the road by Jake. What type of animal would run over a dog and just leave the scene like that?! Jake took the poor injured dog to the only person he knew that could possibly help. His high school crush Amanda and Vet to horses.
I never grew up with pets so I myself have never experienced the bond that an owner has with beloved pet. However, I loved and appreciated the compassion and passion they felt for this injured dog. Claire did an incredible job bringing out these emotions in the characters. Not only that but the crush that Jake had on Amanda that was resurfacing as he saw her again. That made me smile. However, she didn’t recognize him.
Amanda’s reunion with Jake plays a big role in his future and his character growth within this story.
If you read the last book you will be familiar with what happened with the McNeil’s private life being spread all over when they filmed a movie that brought up the tragic Mother’s death. In this book you will get updates about what happened to the rest of the family members and what they are doing now.
I totally agreed when Amanda said it is tough to meet guys because I’d rather read a book than go online or go out and make small talk at a bar. Plus, I don’t drink! Yes, like her sister says in the book I probably do sound like I am ninety! But it is the truth!
I was shocked when Cowgirl cow-kicked Amanda hard and she went soaring through the air!! Now she had a broken shoulder to deal with! I couldn’t imagine the shock that she went though when that happened let alone the agony of pain she was going through. My heart went out to her! Claire did an incredible job writing that scene! I have never read anything like that before. When I said it shocked me I really meant that! Putting myself in Amanda’s position I can’t imagine the pain she must be in.
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews