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Cattenach Ranch #1
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Een eindeloze hemel, besneeuwde bergtoppen die glinsteren in de zon, wilde bloemenweides. Dit is wat Nate Roldan verwacht te zien als hij aankomt bij de Wildflower Ranch. Tegelijk weet hij zeker dat hij hier niet thuishoort. Met zijn motor en tatoeages is hij als een lelijke olievlek op deze prachtige, vredige plek. Maar dat lijkt Olivia Cattenach niet te deren. Nate is hier voor haar. Hij heeft Olivia's broer voor hij stierf beloofd voor haar te zorgen. En Nate wil deze belofte nakomen. Ook al kost het hem zijn hart...
331 pages, Paperback
First published May 15, 2017
30 people are currently reading
861 people want to read
About the author
Kelly Moran
49 books1,331 followersKelly Moran is an international bestselling author of enchanting ever-afters. She gets her ideas from everyone and everything around her and there's always a book playing out in her head. No one who knows her bats an eyelash when she talks to herself.
She is a RITA® Finalist, RONE Award-Winner, Catherine Award-Winner, Reader's Choice Finalist, Holt Medallion Finalist, Book Excellence Award Finalist, Amor Book Award-Winner, and landed on the "Must Read" & "10 Best Reads" lists in USA Today's Lifestyle section. She is a former Romance Writers of America® member, where she was an Award of Excellence Finalist. Her books have foreign translation rights in Germany (where she is a Spiegel Bestseller), France, the Czech Republic, Romania, Russia, and the Netherlands. She also writes horror as Kelly Covic. In 2024, she founded her own publishing company for fiction called Rowan Prose Publishing.
Her interests include: scary movies, all kinds of art, driving others insane, and sleeping when she can. She is a closet coffee junkie and chocoholic. Tell no one. She's originally from Wisconsin, but she resides in South Carolina with her three sons, their wily dog, a bearded dragon, and their sassy cats. She loves hearing from her readers.
Visit her website for up-to-date book news and where to follow.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 349 reviews
June 11, 2017
Favorite Quotes:
Nakos had always been placed in the what-if column in her someday mental file. Biological clock aside, she was hesitant to pull out the folder and dust it off.
Right this second, he could’ve sworn she was shoving aside shadows in his mind and checking corners for secrets.
He gave up. Understanding women, especially this one, was like trying to learn molecular fusion while drinking Jack Daniels. Pointless.
If there was the slightest chance I was capable of leaving you, there’s a greater one I never will.
This is your world, Olivia. Your home, your family, your friends. I don’t have the foggiest idea what the hell is going on. I just follow you. You’re the only person in my world.
My Review:
Kelly Moran’s Redemption was a topical, relevant, and thought-provoking read. The storyline was an entertaining, realistic, and well-crafted slow-burn romance; plump with insightful observations, heart-squeezes, and amusing humor. The undercurrent of a yearning attraction simmered slowly on the back burner while the plot developed until the long-awaited volcanic boil over occurred that had me gasping and wiping my brow. Snap! Kelly Moran continues to delight me with deftly written, engaging, and seamless stories that capture my attention and move my heart. I savor her intriguing and quirky characters and always leave them feeling more than a bit rueful once I reach the last page.
Nakos had always been placed in the what-if column in her someday mental file. Biological clock aside, she was hesitant to pull out the folder and dust it off.
Right this second, he could’ve sworn she was shoving aside shadows in his mind and checking corners for secrets.
He gave up. Understanding women, especially this one, was like trying to learn molecular fusion while drinking Jack Daniels. Pointless.
If there was the slightest chance I was capable of leaving you, there’s a greater one I never will.
This is your world, Olivia. Your home, your family, your friends. I don’t have the foggiest idea what the hell is going on. I just follow you. You’re the only person in my world.
My Review:
Kelly Moran’s Redemption was a topical, relevant, and thought-provoking read. The storyline was an entertaining, realistic, and well-crafted slow-burn romance; plump with insightful observations, heart-squeezes, and amusing humor. The undercurrent of a yearning attraction simmered slowly on the back burner while the plot developed until the long-awaited volcanic boil over occurred that had me gasping and wiping my brow. Snap! Kelly Moran continues to delight me with deftly written, engaging, and seamless stories that capture my attention and move my heart. I savor her intriguing and quirky characters and always leave them feeling more than a bit rueful once I reach the last page.
May 1, 2017
Oh my. There is so many emotions in this book. Olivia is dealing with the death of her brother who was killed in the military over seas. Nate who was his superior officer is dealing with his death and so many demons of his own. Nate following through on a death bed request comes to Cattenach ranch to bring Olivia the letter her brother had written. What follows is so emotionally packed.I couldn't put this book down. Nate has so much guilt and problems, he doesn't feel like her deserves love but Olivia breaks them all down. It was awesome how Bones attached himself to Nate and helped him with his PTSD while sleeping. I loved the part when Nate finally goes to the cemetery to speak to Justin, and Bones brings Olivia there. I fell in love with all these characters and look forward to Nakos and Amy's story
April 27, 2017
My favorite Kelly Moran book to date!
This book is intense, Kelly Moran has a way of telling a story. She takes her time building it up, she doesn't rush anything. It's honestly like she's letting the story simmer at just the perfect heat and then...BOOM! Your taste buds implode from the deliciousness she just cooked up.
Can Nate and Olivia be a better matched couple? Goodness was this story one for the record books. As a reader I was taken back by the flow of words, by the scenery, Kelly Moran can teleport you to the actual location of her story. Its a gift she has.
This story is of a broken man and a woman who desperately needs to find love. They come together in a way that is somehow fate. Her loss and pain turn into love and joy. His brokenness and guilt turn into more than he ever anticipated. I'm goner when it comes to a man like Nate and he had me all sorts of wound up.
The story is raw, emotional and one hell of a ride. So grab your copy, find your comfy chair and prepare to enter a world where you will find one hot piece of man that will have you saying... "the power of Christ compels you" after an epic orgasm. Dear Lord, "have mercy"
Oh, and p.s. this book is all about the feels. Tissue may or may not be needed.
This book is intense, Kelly Moran has a way of telling a story. She takes her time building it up, she doesn't rush anything. It's honestly like she's letting the story simmer at just the perfect heat and then...BOOM! Your taste buds implode from the deliciousness she just cooked up.
Can Nate and Olivia be a better matched couple? Goodness was this story one for the record books. As a reader I was taken back by the flow of words, by the scenery, Kelly Moran can teleport you to the actual location of her story. Its a gift she has.
This story is of a broken man and a woman who desperately needs to find love. They come together in a way that is somehow fate. Her loss and pain turn into love and joy. His brokenness and guilt turn into more than he ever anticipated. I'm goner when it comes to a man like Nate and he had me all sorts of wound up.
The story is raw, emotional and one hell of a ride. So grab your copy, find your comfy chair and prepare to enter a world where you will find one hot piece of man that will have you saying... "the power of Christ compels you" after an epic orgasm. Dear Lord, "have mercy"
Oh, and p.s. this book is all about the feels. Tissue may or may not be needed.
June 4, 2020
Nachdem ich die Redwood-Reihe letztes Jahr geliebt habe, hatte ich sehr hohe Erwartungen an die neue Dilogie Wildflower Summer und wurde leider enttäuscht.
Das Setting des Buches auf der Ranch hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Die Landschaft und die Zusammenarbeit dort wurden schön beschrieben, sodass ich mich selbst dort hingewünscht habe. Der Schreibstil war wie in den vorherigen Büchern der Autorin wieder flüssig und leicht, sodass die inhaltlichen Probleme, die ich damit hatte etwas besser zu ertragen waren.
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus Nates und aus Olivias Perspektive erzählt, die ich jedoch beide etwas anstrengend fand.
Olivia ist eine Frohnatur, obwohl sie bereits fast alle verloren hat die ihr Nahe standen, und versucht jedem zu helfen, der ihre Hilfe brauchen könnte. Dadurch, dass sowohl ihr bester Freund Nakos, als auch Nate jedoch überbeschützend sind und sie nie aus den Augen lassen, wird sie als naiv, tollpatschig und nicht alleine lebensfähig dargestellt. Mir gefällt es ehrlich gesagt nicht so gut, wenn es so dargestellt wird als würde eine Frau nicht ohne ihre männlichen Beschützer klarkommen, doch hat Olivia sich selbst bereits auf den ersten Seiten durch eine sehr unüberlegte Handlung gegenüber ihrem besten Freund recht unbeliebt bei mir gemacht.
Nate wiederum hat eine schwere Vergangenheit, eine riesige Statur und möchte Olivia beschützen, weil er es ihrem Bruder bei seinem Tod versprochen hat. Er ist geprägt von Schuldgefühlen, aber auch von den anderen Lasten, die er aus der Kindheit und der Armeezeit davongetragen hat. Trotzdem ist er eigentlich ein „sanftmütiger Teddy, der allen Menschen nur Gutes will.
Die Nebencharaktere Tante Mae, die bereits Olivia und ihren Bruder großgezogen hat und sich um Speis und Trank für die Ranchmitarbeiter kümmert, der Hund Bones und der Vorarbeiter Nakos haben toll in die Geschichte gepasst und waren für mich noch mit das Beste am Buch.
Kommen wir nun zu Olivia und Nates Beziehung, die mein großes Problem an der Geschichte war. Von der ersten Begegnung an bestand eine sexuelle Spannung zwischen den beiden, die rein auf Äußerlichkeiten beruhte. Von da an gab es kein Gespräch zwischen den beiden, dass nicht entweder von Dirty Talk durchzogen war oder in Sex endete. Dadurch konnte mich die Beziehung der beiden überhaupt nicht überzeugen und hat mich mehr an eine Affäre erinnert als an eine ernsthafte emotionale Bindung. Besonders genervt hat es, dass Nate in jedem zweiten Satz den Begriff „Baby“ benutzt und zudem immer wieder wiederholt, dass er „nicht gut genug für sie ist“. Auf der einen Seite sind seine Schuldgefühle natürlich ein wichtiger Teil der Handlung, manchmal ist weniger aber mehr. Auch die Umschreibungen beim Dirty Talk fand ich einfach nur cringy, ich weiß nicht ob sie der Übersetzung geschuldet sind doch Aussagen, wie „du könntest Unterhosen zum Schmelzen bringen“ (S. 78), „höschengefährdend“ oder die Fähigkeit „Höschen zu Staub zerfallen zu lassen“ (S. 215) fand ich eher abtörnend. Auch die zahlreichen Wiederholungen der Beschreibung von Olivias „kornblumenblauen Augen“ und die Kriegsvergleiche beim Dirty Talk haben mir nicht sehr zugesagt, sind aber zum Teil wohl auch dem amerikanischen Patriotismus geschuldet.
Insgesamt war das Buch wie man merkt leider gar nicht mein Fall. Wer gerne Bücher mit vielen Sexszenen und Dirty Talk liest, wird vermutlich mit diesem Buch glücklich werden. Wer aber mit der Erwartung an eine sanfte Liebesgeschichte a la Redwood Love herangeht könnte stark enttäuscht werden. Von mir gibt es daher 2.5 Sterne.
Das Setting des Buches auf der Ranch hat mir sehr gut gefallen. Die Landschaft und die Zusammenarbeit dort wurden schön beschrieben, sodass ich mich selbst dort hingewünscht habe. Der Schreibstil war wie in den vorherigen Büchern der Autorin wieder flüssig und leicht, sodass die inhaltlichen Probleme, die ich damit hatte etwas besser zu ertragen waren.
Die Geschichte wird abwechselnd aus Nates und aus Olivias Perspektive erzählt, die ich jedoch beide etwas anstrengend fand.
Olivia ist eine Frohnatur, obwohl sie bereits fast alle verloren hat die ihr Nahe standen, und versucht jedem zu helfen, der ihre Hilfe brauchen könnte. Dadurch, dass sowohl ihr bester Freund Nakos, als auch Nate jedoch überbeschützend sind und sie nie aus den Augen lassen, wird sie als naiv, tollpatschig und nicht alleine lebensfähig dargestellt. Mir gefällt es ehrlich gesagt nicht so gut, wenn es so dargestellt wird als würde eine Frau nicht ohne ihre männlichen Beschützer klarkommen, doch hat Olivia sich selbst bereits auf den ersten Seiten durch eine sehr unüberlegte Handlung gegenüber ihrem besten Freund recht unbeliebt bei mir gemacht.
Nate wiederum hat eine schwere Vergangenheit, eine riesige Statur und möchte Olivia beschützen, weil er es ihrem Bruder bei seinem Tod versprochen hat. Er ist geprägt von Schuldgefühlen, aber auch von den anderen Lasten, die er aus der Kindheit und der Armeezeit davongetragen hat. Trotzdem ist er eigentlich ein „sanftmütiger Teddy, der allen Menschen nur Gutes will.
Die Nebencharaktere Tante Mae, die bereits Olivia und ihren Bruder großgezogen hat und sich um Speis und Trank für die Ranchmitarbeiter kümmert, der Hund Bones und der Vorarbeiter Nakos haben toll in die Geschichte gepasst und waren für mich noch mit das Beste am Buch.
Kommen wir nun zu Olivia und Nates Beziehung, die mein großes Problem an der Geschichte war. Von der ersten Begegnung an bestand eine sexuelle Spannung zwischen den beiden, die rein auf Äußerlichkeiten beruhte. Von da an gab es kein Gespräch zwischen den beiden, dass nicht entweder von Dirty Talk durchzogen war oder in Sex endete. Dadurch konnte mich die Beziehung der beiden überhaupt nicht überzeugen und hat mich mehr an eine Affäre erinnert als an eine ernsthafte emotionale Bindung. Besonders genervt hat es, dass Nate in jedem zweiten Satz den Begriff „Baby“ benutzt und zudem immer wieder wiederholt, dass er „nicht gut genug für sie ist“. Auf der einen Seite sind seine Schuldgefühle natürlich ein wichtiger Teil der Handlung, manchmal ist weniger aber mehr. Auch die Umschreibungen beim Dirty Talk fand ich einfach nur cringy, ich weiß nicht ob sie der Übersetzung geschuldet sind doch Aussagen, wie „du könntest Unterhosen zum Schmelzen bringen“ (S. 78), „höschengefährdend“ oder die Fähigkeit „Höschen zu Staub zerfallen zu lassen“ (S. 215) fand ich eher abtörnend. Auch die zahlreichen Wiederholungen der Beschreibung von Olivias „kornblumenblauen Augen“ und die Kriegsvergleiche beim Dirty Talk haben mir nicht sehr zugesagt, sind aber zum Teil wohl auch dem amerikanischen Patriotismus geschuldet.
Insgesamt war das Buch wie man merkt leider gar nicht mein Fall. Wer gerne Bücher mit vielen Sexszenen und Dirty Talk liest, wird vermutlich mit diesem Buch glücklich werden. Wer aber mit der Erwartung an eine sanfte Liebesgeschichte a la Redwood Love herangeht könnte stark enttäuscht werden. Von mir gibt es daher 2.5 Sterne.
May 8, 2017
Wow! What an emotional roller coaster ride this is! I couldn't put it down. I think I sweated blood for Nate as he struggled with his past the only way he knew how - by withdrawing into himself. Yet when his only friend is dying and asks him to take care of his sister, he doesn't hesitate. He's a true hero in every sense of the word. Olivia is kind, generous, outgoing and strong beyond measure, and when she loves someone, she loves with her whole heart. When the sexual tension starts flowing and the sparks start flying between these two - it's hot, hot, hot! Moran tells an unforgettable story!
June 13, 2017
Kelly Moran has yet to write characters that don't have me falling head over heels for them, and Nate and Olivia just might top this list. I freaking loved Olivia's attitude. She's such a strong, determined heroine, but also passionate and understanding. Nate feels he's broken, but still has this side to him that's protective and kick butt. This story had me laughing and crying in equal parts, and it was awesome seeing Olivia bring light and life to Nate's world.
I would definitely recommend reading this!!!
I would definitely recommend reading this!!!
April 28, 2017
This is the type of book you need to give more than 5*. I am a huge fan of Kelly Moran and so far I have loved every book of hers I have read and this story is no different. The way she writes her stories is like no other I've read. I want to rave about this book so much but I just don't have the words to explain why you should read this book but I will give it my best.
The characters are real. You feel every ounce of pain and happiness they do and at times it takes your breath away. Nate had a truck load of issues that will almost make you cry and yet he has a quiet strength that had me crossing fingers for a HEA for him. Olivia is such a beautiful character. She is strong and loyal and I wished I had more friends like her in my life. You will fall in love with these two and if you are anything like me you won't be able to put the book down. It was the kind of story where you let your kid's do things you normally wouldn't just so you can get another chapter read.
The characters are real. You feel every ounce of pain and happiness they do and at times it takes your breath away. Nate had a truck load of issues that will almost make you cry and yet he has a quiet strength that had me crossing fingers for a HEA for him. Olivia is such a beautiful character. She is strong and loyal and I wished I had more friends like her in my life. You will fall in love with these two and if you are anything like me you won't be able to put the book down. It was the kind of story where you let your kid's do things you normally wouldn't just so you can get another chapter read.
Read
June 8, 2017"Rich characterizations, realistic emotions, and a lovely story make for a can't-put-it-down emotional read."
~Library Journal
"Redemption is an emotionally raw story of two broken people finding love amidst the agonizing pain of loss and the debilitating specter of PTSD. From the deserts of the Middle East to the sweeping Cattenach ranch in Wyoming, Nate and Olivia's scorching passion ignites the sheets and heats up the pages. With beautiful prose and a colorful cast of supporting characters, including Bones, the dog, Redemption is a compelling read of love overcoming immense obstacles."
~Katie Ashley, New York Times & USA Today Bestseller
"Nate and Olivia are branded on me, along with this unparalleled story of love and healing."
~Nom de Plume
~Library Journal
"Redemption is an emotionally raw story of two broken people finding love amidst the agonizing pain of loss and the debilitating specter of PTSD. From the deserts of the Middle East to the sweeping Cattenach ranch in Wyoming, Nate and Olivia's scorching passion ignites the sheets and heats up the pages. With beautiful prose and a colorful cast of supporting characters, including Bones, the dog, Redemption is a compelling read of love overcoming immense obstacles."
~Katie Ashley, New York Times & USA Today Bestseller
"Nate and Olivia are branded on me, along with this unparalleled story of love and healing."
~Nom de Plume
June 16, 2017
5 star
I was pulled right into this story. This story contains suspense, secrets, love, grief, heartbreak, and pain.
This is Olivia and Nate‘s story. Nate has a sad past but he made a promise and knows that must fulfill that promise. When he meets Olivia, he is smitten but knows she is too good for him. After all a mistake, he made caused his teammate to be killed. A deathbed promise is what brought him her. Olivia can see the pain behind Nate’s eyes. But she is determined to get her gentle giant to work through his pain and learn to love. Can she get him to see she is just what he needs? What happens when the truth of his guilt comes out? Will it be the end of them?
I recommend this book.
I was pulled right into this story. This story contains suspense, secrets, love, grief, heartbreak, and pain.
This is Olivia and Nate‘s story. Nate has a sad past but he made a promise and knows that must fulfill that promise. When he meets Olivia, he is smitten but knows she is too good for him. After all a mistake, he made caused his teammate to be killed. A deathbed promise is what brought him her. Olivia can see the pain behind Nate’s eyes. But she is determined to get her gentle giant to work through his pain and learn to love. Can she get him to see she is just what he needs? What happens when the truth of his guilt comes out? Will it be the end of them?
I recommend this book.
April 29, 2017
What a fantastic book. I love the Donation button at the bottom of the inner picture. The writing under it is hard to read and would love to be able to. I am a former WAVE and my 1st husband was a retired Sailor.
The Military no matter what branch you always make at least 1 great friend you don't lose touch with.
PTSD was right on and not just for the Military figure in it.
She hit it all on the head.
It's a great clean read well 99% clean and I can't wait for her to get 2nd book done.
It also brings different cultures together and different ways they were brought up and how everyone can work together and become friends.
I'm sorry not good with words But this book was GREAT
The Military no matter what branch you always make at least 1 great friend you don't lose touch with.
PTSD was right on and not just for the Military figure in it.
She hit it all on the head.
It's a great clean read well 99% clean and I can't wait for her to get 2nd book done.
It also brings different cultures together and different ways they were brought up and how everyone can work together and become friends.
I'm sorry not good with words But this book was GREAT
June 13, 2017
One way to describe this book is emotionally beautiful. I won't lie the tears were flowing especially at the end so I recommend to having tissues handy once you get to that part. This book just pulled my heartstrings. Nate, he's a damaged hero who doesn't see his worth. My heart went out to him, but he had two people put into his life to lead him on the path of redemption. This book had me hooked right from the beginning and I literally had a hard time setting this one down. Kelly Moran writes the description of everything so well I had this beautiful picture in my head the whole time I was reading this book. I'm so looking forward to the next book
June 13, 2017
To me this became more than just a love story. It allowed for the main characters to really grow and see themselves through each others eyes.
A broken military hero that believes he doesn't deserve a nice life due to the way he was raised and a misguided ranch owner believing she has to shut herself off because of the great losses she has felt. Gradually they discover that together they are so much more than they ever thought they could be.
After reading this story it really made me think about our heroes coming home and the struggles they may be facing. I, for one, sure hope that Ms. Moran continues to write such gripping stories and allowing us to enjoy them.
Received ARC of this book with no expectations.
A broken military hero that believes he doesn't deserve a nice life due to the way he was raised and a misguided ranch owner believing she has to shut herself off because of the great losses she has felt. Gradually they discover that together they are so much more than they ever thought they could be.
After reading this story it really made me think about our heroes coming home and the struggles they may be facing. I, for one, sure hope that Ms. Moran continues to write such gripping stories and allowing us to enjoy them.
Received ARC of this book with no expectations.
May 30, 2020
3.5✨
Irgendwas hat mir gefehlt 🤔 Eigentlich eine wirklich rührende Geschichte, in der Themen wie Verlust und Trauer eine Rolle spielen...
Allerdings hat mir ein bisschen das Ranch Life Feeling gefehlt...
Irgendwas hat mir gefehlt 🤔 Eigentlich eine wirklich rührende Geschichte, in der Themen wie Verlust und Trauer eine Rolle spielen...
Allerdings hat mir ein bisschen das Ranch Life Feeling gefehlt...
June 7, 2017
This was a beautiful story. Olivia and Nate are brought together by losing the same person – her brother, his comrade/friend. Olivia is slowly healing, but Nate is constantly reliving that fateful day. He can't let go of the grief or the guilt. Nate had no idea that delivering Justin's "If you're reading this" letter would lead him to the one person who could help him and love him.
Kelly Moran had my emotions all over the place! I was loving, laughing, and grieving right along with Olivia and Nate (and other characters but I won't give away any details). The characters will leap off of the page and pull you into their story. Make sure you have free time when you start this book because I lost track of time while reading.
I've never read a book where the cover model and main character were so much alike that I felt the book was written for THAT EXACT model. (Matthew Hosea is pretty easy on the eyes…right?!?!)
Kelly Moran had my emotions all over the place! I was loving, laughing, and grieving right along with Olivia and Nate (and other characters but I won't give away any details). The characters will leap off of the page and pull you into their story. Make sure you have free time when you start this book because I lost track of time while reading.
I've never read a book where the cover model and main character were so much alike that I felt the book was written for THAT EXACT model. (Matthew Hosea is pretty easy on the eyes…right?!?!)
June 13, 2017
There are books that while you are sure that you are going to enjoy the story, you just have no idea what the author has in store for you and for me this was one of those read, Kelly Moran pulled out the big guns and blew me away.
The story belongs to Nate and Olivia, and whilst they meet over the most tragic of circumstances…after all Olivia’s brother Justin has passed away and Nate is delivering his last letter to her.
But unbeknown to her, he is also honouring the last promise, he made to Justin …to look out for his sister. I couldn’t help but think that this pair were getting the help they both needed to heel and move forward from beyond the grave, from the one person they share…Justin.
I certainly hoped that this protective big brother had known that his friend and his sister were just what either other needed. Although had he been around, I am sure he would have had something to say about the fact that Nate seemed to have other ideas because he was adamant that despite the fact that he was super attracted to Olivia, nothing could ever come of them being together…yip let’s just see how that works out for you Nate!
I got the reason why he felt the way he did but that didn’t mean I liked it, not one little bit, I could feel my temperature and blood pressure rising, I wanted him to see that when it came to being a good man, he only had to look in the mirror.
Olivia had the patience of the saint, she knew what she wanted but she had a lot of work to put in to get through the walls that Nate had so carefully constructed around himself, darn the defence mechanism he had constructed was military grade…but just when she set her mind to showing him just wonderful they could be together, it became clear that the secrets that were holding Nate hostage had the capacity to not only break Olivia’s heart but also cost him the woman that he has come to love.
A super read, five glorious stars!
The story belongs to Nate and Olivia, and whilst they meet over the most tragic of circumstances…after all Olivia’s brother Justin has passed away and Nate is delivering his last letter to her.
But unbeknown to her, he is also honouring the last promise, he made to Justin …to look out for his sister. I couldn’t help but think that this pair were getting the help they both needed to heel and move forward from beyond the grave, from the one person they share…Justin.
I certainly hoped that this protective big brother had known that his friend and his sister were just what either other needed. Although had he been around, I am sure he would have had something to say about the fact that Nate seemed to have other ideas because he was adamant that despite the fact that he was super attracted to Olivia, nothing could ever come of them being together…yip let’s just see how that works out for you Nate!
I got the reason why he felt the way he did but that didn’t mean I liked it, not one little bit, I could feel my temperature and blood pressure rising, I wanted him to see that when it came to being a good man, he only had to look in the mirror.
Olivia had the patience of the saint, she knew what she wanted but she had a lot of work to put in to get through the walls that Nate had so carefully constructed around himself, darn the defence mechanism he had constructed was military grade…but just when she set her mind to showing him just wonderful they could be together, it became clear that the secrets that were holding Nate hostage had the capacity to not only break Olivia’s heart but also cost him the woman that he has come to love.
A super read, five glorious stars!
June 9, 2017
*** I received an ARC copy of Redemption from Kelly Moran. My review is completely voluntary.***
Nathan "Nate" Roldan made a promise to his dying friend Justin that he would watch over Justin's sister Olivia Cattenach. Six months after Justin's passing Nate shows up on the ranch with a "if you're reading this" letter in hand for Olivia. He plans to stay close by and keep an eye on her to fulfill his promise to Justin, but after reading the letter Olivia has other ideas. She invites him to stay at the ranch and work for her.
The sparks are instantaneous between the two; however, Nate fights it with everything he has. He doesn't believe in himself, he feels he's damaged from his childhood and the war.
Redemption is a sweet, heart warming story that had me laughing and crying along the way. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read and I loved it with everything in me. As my first Kelly Moran book, I can definitely say it won't be my last.
Nathan "Nate" Roldan made a promise to his dying friend Justin that he would watch over Justin's sister Olivia Cattenach. Six months after Justin's passing Nate shows up on the ranch with a "if you're reading this" letter in hand for Olivia. He plans to stay close by and keep an eye on her to fulfill his promise to Justin, but after reading the letter Olivia has other ideas. She invites him to stay at the ranch and work for her.
The sparks are instantaneous between the two; however, Nate fights it with everything he has. He doesn't believe in himself, he feels he's damaged from his childhood and the war.
Redemption is a sweet, heart warming story that had me laughing and crying along the way. It was one of the most beautiful love stories I have ever read and I loved it with everything in me. As my first Kelly Moran book, I can definitely say it won't be my last.
June 13, 2017
Redemption by Kelly Moran
In many ways Redemption is an emotional charged story of healing and finding love and strength with that one special person. Kelly Moran's writing is so strong and every time I read one of her books I always feel that it's my new favorite. Warning, this story will touch your heart and there may be a few tears involved.
In this story both Olivia & Nate have had tragic circumstances touch their lives that have shaped the way they look at life. Olivia lost her parents when she was young, and her brother was killed overseas while serving in the military.
Nate was with Olivia's brother when he was killed and the memory haunts him. He blames himself and is determined to take care of Olivia, but when she offers him a job on the farm it gives him the excuse of staying close.
In many ways Redemption is an emotional charged story of healing and finding love and strength with that one special person. Kelly Moran's writing is so strong and every time I read one of her books I always feel that it's my new favorite. Warning, this story will touch your heart and there may be a few tears involved.
In this story both Olivia & Nate have had tragic circumstances touch their lives that have shaped the way they look at life. Olivia lost her parents when she was young, and her brother was killed overseas while serving in the military.
Nate was with Olivia's brother when he was killed and the memory haunts him. He blames himself and is determined to take care of Olivia, but when she offers him a job on the farm it gives him the excuse of staying close.
May 29, 2020
Dieses Buch hat mir total gut gefallen. Ich würde gerne meine Sachen packen und auf die Wildflower Farm ziehen. Eine tolle Geschichte, wie man es von Kelly Moran gewöhnt ist. Freu mich auf Band 2.
4,5 Sterne
4,5 Sterne
June 14, 2017
Evocative and emotionally powerful, funny at times and tears dripping down my face at others, this story is romantic and loving more than sexy although there is lots of sexual tension and intimacy. I did not previously know this author and I have no idea how that could be but I'm certainly happy to have been introduced to her wonderful story weaving.
The story: The best friend and commanding officer of a fallen soldier comes to visit the soldier's sister, Olivia, at the soldier's last request. Justin's last words, "Take care of my sister. Promise me you will take care of Olivia". More than to visit, he comes to bring Justin's 'last letter' to his sister and to carry out his last request. Nate doesn't know that Justin's letter to Olivia said "I choose Nate for you. Whether he is a friend you nurture or a soul mate that develops into love...take care of him and let him take care of you."
The author's use of description is such that you share the emotions of the character, as when Nate is overcome by emotion; "He could trace every red blood cell that swam through his veins. He was that hyperaware, that ...lost."
There are themes of PTSD and one incidence of violence with a speedy, satisfying resolution by the hero. Effective use of tender and at times erotic memory replacement therapy, for PTSD, is found to be of great value to fade the visual memories, terrible flashbacks, from both distant and recent past.
The reader automatically has an emotional response when reading that "he pulled her close enough that the holy ghost couldn't have come between them" and then to laugh at references of "speaking Vulcan".
This story absolutely delivered and even surpassed my expectations.
The story: The best friend and commanding officer of a fallen soldier comes to visit the soldier's sister, Olivia, at the soldier's last request. Justin's last words, "Take care of my sister. Promise me you will take care of Olivia". More than to visit, he comes to bring Justin's 'last letter' to his sister and to carry out his last request. Nate doesn't know that Justin's letter to Olivia said "I choose Nate for you. Whether he is a friend you nurture or a soul mate that develops into love...take care of him and let him take care of you."
The author's use of description is such that you share the emotions of the character, as when Nate is overcome by emotion; "He could trace every red blood cell that swam through his veins. He was that hyperaware, that ...lost."
There are themes of PTSD and one incidence of violence with a speedy, satisfying resolution by the hero. Effective use of tender and at times erotic memory replacement therapy, for PTSD, is found to be of great value to fade the visual memories, terrible flashbacks, from both distant and recent past.
The reader automatically has an emotional response when reading that "he pulled her close enough that the holy ghost couldn't have come between them" and then to laugh at references of "speaking Vulcan".
This story absolutely delivered and even surpassed my expectations.
June 13, 2017
I laughed, I cried… I cheered
“Settle.”
Oh, how Olivia hated that word… settle…. Olivia knew that Nakos, her childhood friend and now foreman of her family’s ranch, was in love with her. Olivia loved him as well, but as a friend, not as a wife should love her husband. Olivia had always wanted children, but she was uncertain about marrying Nakos. Feeling pressure from her mother, Olivia is starting to bend…
Nathan is a broken man; he survived the war, but was left with a shattered soul. Eaten up by guilt, Nathan follows through with the final promise to his friend, Justin: to deliver Justin’s final letter to his sister, Olivia.
Upon arrival at the family ranch, Nathan is welcomed as a friend of Justin’s, and finds himself immediately attracted to Olivia. It appears the attraction is mutual, but Nathan fights it every inch of the way, his guilt blockading the fragile, tender feelings that are starting to grow in his heart…. and the healing that is taking place in his soul.
Olivia is stunned at the overwhelming attraction that she feels for Nathan; she’s unsure if it will last, but it’s real and immediate. Unfortunately, Nathan doesn’t seem to reciprocate; if he does, he immediately pulls back from intimacy with Olivia.
Nathan is torn; he finds himself unwillingly drawn to Olivia’s compassion, warmth and beauty, but he can’t forgive himself for his role in Olivia’s brother’s death. He knows in his soul, that Olivia wants more from him than a fleeting glance or a hesitant touch. Nathan doesn’t believe he deserves…. Redemption…
“Settle.”
Oh, how Olivia hated that word… settle…. Olivia knew that Nakos, her childhood friend and now foreman of her family’s ranch, was in love with her. Olivia loved him as well, but as a friend, not as a wife should love her husband. Olivia had always wanted children, but she was uncertain about marrying Nakos. Feeling pressure from her mother, Olivia is starting to bend…
Nathan is a broken man; he survived the war, but was left with a shattered soul. Eaten up by guilt, Nathan follows through with the final promise to his friend, Justin: to deliver Justin’s final letter to his sister, Olivia.
Upon arrival at the family ranch, Nathan is welcomed as a friend of Justin’s, and finds himself immediately attracted to Olivia. It appears the attraction is mutual, but Nathan fights it every inch of the way, his guilt blockading the fragile, tender feelings that are starting to grow in his heart…. and the healing that is taking place in his soul.
Olivia is stunned at the overwhelming attraction that she feels for Nathan; she’s unsure if it will last, but it’s real and immediate. Unfortunately, Nathan doesn’t seem to reciprocate; if he does, he immediately pulls back from intimacy with Olivia.
Nathan is torn; he finds himself unwillingly drawn to Olivia’s compassion, warmth and beauty, but he can’t forgive himself for his role in Olivia’s brother’s death. He knows in his soul, that Olivia wants more from him than a fleeting glance or a hesitant touch. Nathan doesn’t believe he deserves…. Redemption…
May 13, 2017
Redemption by Kelly Moran, was an excellent book. Nate, an Iraqi war veteran was fulfilling a promise made to a fellow vet who died under his command.
Nate is carrying around a huge burden of guilt. He travels to Montana to deliver a letter from Justin, to Olivia, the sister of Nate's fallen friend. Oliver is still grieving her brother's death. She visits Justin's grave every day to talk to him. It helps to ease her grief. There is only Olivia and her Aunt Mae left on a huge ranch with 10 ranch hands and her childhood friend Nayko.
Nate and Olivia form an immediate connection, but Nate is dealing with a horrid childhood, and fights letting down his walls. Compounded by his guilt over Justin's death. Olivia does not know that Nate was her brother's commanding officer, not just his friend. This book will have you in tears. Nate is an achingly damaged man who believes he does not deserve anything good in life! Olivia is funny, stubborn and a force to be reckoned with. She slowly starts chipping away at Nate's walls, but Nate is still dealing with things Olivia knows nothing about! This book will keep you riveted. I had to make myself put it down in order to sleep!
Nate is carrying around a huge burden of guilt. He travels to Montana to deliver a letter from Justin, to Olivia, the sister of Nate's fallen friend. Oliver is still grieving her brother's death. She visits Justin's grave every day to talk to him. It helps to ease her grief. There is only Olivia and her Aunt Mae left on a huge ranch with 10 ranch hands and her childhood friend Nayko.
Nate and Olivia form an immediate connection, but Nate is dealing with a horrid childhood, and fights letting down his walls. Compounded by his guilt over Justin's death. Olivia does not know that Nate was her brother's commanding officer, not just his friend. This book will have you in tears. Nate is an achingly damaged man who believes he does not deserve anything good in life! Olivia is funny, stubborn and a force to be reckoned with. She slowly starts chipping away at Nate's walls, but Nate is still dealing with things Olivia knows nothing about! This book will keep you riveted. I had to make myself put it down in order to sleep!
August 10, 2020
» 2.5 von 5 Sternen «
Leider war dieses Buch so gar nicht mein Ding. Bereits der Einstieg stieß bei mir auf wenig Gefallen, besonders weil sich die Protagonistin direkt unbeliebt machte. Und so zog sich das quasi durch die ganze Handlung. Olivia konnte mich einfach nicht für sich gewinnen, und auch zwischen dem männlichen Hauptcharakter und mir herrschte eine unüberbrückbare Distanz. Wo waren die Gefühle, die Emotionen, die Atmosphäre? Für mich Geschmack schwirrten hier zu viele negative Vibes umher und zogen mich stellenweise echt runter. Alles was geschah, hatte etwas aggressives an sich. Von wohlfühlen kann also keine Rede sein. Im Grunde lebt die Handlung rein von dummen Entscheidungen und Olivia's forschem Auftreten - wäre das nicht gewesen, wäre wohl so gar nichts mehr passiert. Erst gen Ende kam einige einzige Szene, die mich tatsächlich so was wie berühren konnte. Aber das rettete das Ganze halt auch nicht mehr. Meine ausführliche Meinung könnt ihr gern » hier « nochmal genauer nachlesen. Dort bin ich auch nochmal auf alles intensiver eingegangen.
Leider war dieses Buch so gar nicht mein Ding. Bereits der Einstieg stieß bei mir auf wenig Gefallen, besonders weil sich die Protagonistin direkt unbeliebt machte. Und so zog sich das quasi durch die ganze Handlung. Olivia konnte mich einfach nicht für sich gewinnen, und auch zwischen dem männlichen Hauptcharakter und mir herrschte eine unüberbrückbare Distanz. Wo waren die Gefühle, die Emotionen, die Atmosphäre? Für mich Geschmack schwirrten hier zu viele negative Vibes umher und zogen mich stellenweise echt runter. Alles was geschah, hatte etwas aggressives an sich. Von wohlfühlen kann also keine Rede sein. Im Grunde lebt die Handlung rein von dummen Entscheidungen und Olivia's forschem Auftreten - wäre das nicht gewesen, wäre wohl so gar nichts mehr passiert. Erst gen Ende kam einige einzige Szene, die mich tatsächlich so was wie berühren konnte. Aber das rettete das Ganze halt auch nicht mehr. Meine ausführliche Meinung könnt ihr gern » hier « nochmal genauer nachlesen. Dort bin ich auch nochmal auf alles intensiver eingegangen.
May 29, 2017
Olivia is trying to deal with the death of her brother. When a soldier that served with her brother shows up to give her "if you reading this" letter she invites him to stay. Nate feels that he does not deserve an HEA but Olivia try's her best to knock down his walls. Through out this whole book you will feel all of the emotion that Nate goes through. They are hard emotions. Olivia is a spunky, strong women who runs the ranch. She has close friends and family that help her through tough times. Nate struggles with his feelings for Olivia and Ms. Moran does a phenomenal job of writing his struggle. There is plenty of angst since Olivia can't seem to keep herself out of trouble sometimes.
Another great job done by Ms. Moran of writing characters that you won't forget and a story that deals with so many emotions. If you like a romantic story about broken individuals, family, friends, hardships, love, and angst this book has it all.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.
Another great job done by Ms. Moran of writing characters that you won't forget and a story that deals with so many emotions. If you like a romantic story about broken individuals, family, friends, hardships, love, and angst this book has it all.
I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.
March 24, 2020
4 Sterne (= sehr gut)
Huiiih, schööööön. Das hat mich auf dem richtigen Fuß erwischt! Aber gut, dass man beim eReader das Cover nicht ständig vor Augen hat 😱 Kommt am 19. Mai auf Deutsch raus 💜
Olivia hat ihren Bruder Justin bei einem Angriff auf amerikanische Soldaten verloren. Entsprechend fühlt sie große Verbundenheit, als Nate, ein ehemaliger Kollege ihres Bruders, auf ihrer Ranch auftaucht. Er hat geschworen, sich nach Justins Tod um Olivia zu kümmern. Aber kann auch sie ihm helfen, die Vergangenheit zu überwinden?
- stetig wachsende, kribbelige Spannung
- keine überdramatischen Reaktionen auf vermeintliche "Geheimnisse"
- toll beschriebene Landschaften
- rührender Fokus darauf, dass Familien nicht immer auf gemeinsamen Genen basieren müssen
- sehr schön erzählt, wie man schlechte Erinnerungen mit guten überschreibt
- macht RICHTIG Lust auf das Pärchen in Band 2!
Huiiih, schööööön. Das hat mich auf dem richtigen Fuß erwischt! Aber gut, dass man beim eReader das Cover nicht ständig vor Augen hat 😱 Kommt am 19. Mai auf Deutsch raus 💜
Olivia hat ihren Bruder Justin bei einem Angriff auf amerikanische Soldaten verloren. Entsprechend fühlt sie große Verbundenheit, als Nate, ein ehemaliger Kollege ihres Bruders, auf ihrer Ranch auftaucht. Er hat geschworen, sich nach Justins Tod um Olivia zu kümmern. Aber kann auch sie ihm helfen, die Vergangenheit zu überwinden?
- stetig wachsende, kribbelige Spannung
- keine überdramatischen Reaktionen auf vermeintliche "Geheimnisse"
- toll beschriebene Landschaften
- rührender Fokus darauf, dass Familien nicht immer auf gemeinsamen Genen basieren müssen
- sehr schön erzählt, wie man schlechte Erinnerungen mit guten überschreibt
- macht RICHTIG Lust auf das Pärchen in Band 2!
May 21, 2017
This book has replaced my favorite series of Ms. Moran. I absolutely loved this emotional rollercoaster ride I took while reading this book. Nate totally had me as soon as he showed up at Olivia's front door. Both him and Olivia had their own forms of PTSD and each needed to find a new way to cope with it. I can't even being to tell you how many laugh out loud real moments that happened while I was reading. I felt as if I was right there with them on this journey of love, loss, and hope. Ms. Moran gives us a beautifully written story that will stick with you long after you have read it. 5/5 Cross posting to My reading Reality and Amazon
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December 23, 20244.75 STARS!
Kelly Moran never fails to pull me into a story while succeeding in keeping me there. Her character development is always stellar, and her details (extensive to minute) create vivid pictures of every person, place, and event. I am a detail-loving reader; Kelly Moran is just that type of author. I honestly can't believe this book is under 250 pages because there is so much story.
This book has three main characters - Nate, Olivia, and Justin (Olivia's deceased brother.) Justin may be deceased, but his characterization is just as developed and highly significant to the story's arc as Nate and Olivia's healing. The scenes where he was most prominent were the most moving and heartfelt. I enjoyed seeing how Justin's manipulation (after his death) brought Nate and Olivia together, knowing it would be a conduit for "redemption." This was a realistic relationship drama/romance that emphasized the loving generosity of others and giving hope and restoration to the broken. I highly recommend this story of true love, healing, and redemption.
July 16, 2020
This review may contain SPOILERS!
Before I give my two cents about this story, I got to say that beforehand I read a slightly negative opinion about this book, which did influence my views whilst reading this ... and it shouldn't have, cause this really was but the opposite of what that opinion said. Olivia and Nate were incredibly cute and while some may think that Nate fell for her too quickly or that his attention on her borders on obsessive, I actually think it's quite cute and probably normal to hold on to someone so real to him. The whole story felt a lot like Kelly Moran's other books ... beautiful scenery, small-town-feeling, emotional scenes and a romance that is both sweet and pure, but also sizzling and hot. I certainly enjoyed this story, and btw also fell for the minor characters such as Amy, Mae and Nakos, even though he is grumpier than all of the other characters combined. I cannot wait to dig into his and Amy's story cause I just know it's going to be another wild ride!
4/5 stars
Before I give my two cents about this story, I got to say that beforehand I read a slightly negative opinion about this book, which did influence my views whilst reading this ... and it shouldn't have, cause this really was but the opposite of what that opinion said. Olivia and Nate were incredibly cute and while some may think that Nate fell for her too quickly or that his attention on her borders on obsessive, I actually think it's quite cute and probably normal to hold on to someone so real to him. The whole story felt a lot like Kelly Moran's other books ... beautiful scenery, small-town-feeling, emotional scenes and a romance that is both sweet and pure, but also sizzling and hot. I certainly enjoyed this story, and btw also fell for the minor characters such as Amy, Mae and Nakos, even though he is grumpier than all of the other characters combined. I cannot wait to dig into his and Amy's story cause I just know it's going to be another wild ride!
4/5 stars
April 1, 2022
They say don’t judge a book by its cover. But let’s be honest...we all do it anyway. Authors know we do it - otherwise they wouldn’t put shirtless men on the cover hoping to entice us to read their book! So when I see a cover that defies the stereotypical romance cover (scantily clad, busty woman with long, flowing hair) in favor of a completely covered, normal looking woman with super-short hair, I take notice. And that’s how I previously became aware of Kelly Moran. But as we all know, a good cover doesn’t make a story good.
What does make a good story? Emotionally gripping writing and compelling, sympathetic characters. Which is what Kelly Moran has mastered.
Olivia Cattenach and her younger brother, Justin, inherited the family ranch in Wyoming when their parents died twenty years ago. Now, her brother has been killed during a suicide bombing in Iraq, leaving her to run the ranch alone. When Nathan Roldan shows up at the ranch with a letter from Justin, Olivia is determined to hang on to the person her brother befriended while he was overseas.
Such a conundrum, Nathan Roldan. Grizzly bear on the surface, teddy underneath.
Olivia offers the quiet, mysterious man a job on the ranch. He’s reluctant to take it, but without any other options, and needing to fulfill his promise to Justin to watch over Olivia, he stays. As Olivia spends time with Nate, she begins to suspect Nate hasn’t had the best life.
Her heart cracked in half. Nakos had been right, as were her suspicions. It seemed Nate never had anyone in his life he cared about and, when faced with genuine emotion, he hadn’t a clue to handle it. What had happened to him, this gentle giant? How could a person go their whole life completely...alone? Worse, she wondered how she was going to repair that kind of damage.
Olivia is drawn to Nate in a way she’s never been to anyone else before. While Nate tries to keep her at arm’s length, Olivia does her best to show him what he’s been missing in his life - family and connections.
“Olivia.” He sighed. “You keep doing that. Reversing the clock hands, dragging me back to the beginning. Why? It’s in the past.”
“Because it made you who you are.”
“I don’t know what you’re doing to me or why you’re hell-bent on trying to fix me, but…” He shook his head again as if at a loss for how to finish.
“Fixing you implies that you’re broken.” With a heavy heart, she wondered if it was possible to undo a lifetime of damage. “There’s nothing wrong with you, aside from a misguided sense of guilt.”
And Nate has a lot of guilt. About mistakes he made growing up, mistakes he made that resulted in people dying in Iraq, and about not controlling his feelings for Olivia. But Olivia is a strong woman, and isn’t going to let Nate walk away without a fight.
Unflinching, unblinking, he went stone-cold still and started. “You’re a square peg and I’m a round hole, baby. We don’t fit.”
“Then we’ll build our own world in the shape of us.”
“Life is scary, more so if navigating alone.”
There’s not much better than the story of the tortured war hero who finally finds a peaceful life because of the love of a good woman. Ms. Moran does an amazing job of creating the noble, conflicted heroes with tragic pasts, and strong women who heal their pain. Her books are emotional, but not so gut wrenching that I’m a total, emotional mess when I read them. Witty, charming characters help counter-balance the intense emotions. I love her writing, I love her characters, I love the stories she writes. And I can’t wait to read more from her!
**This review is also published at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews.
What does make a good story? Emotionally gripping writing and compelling, sympathetic characters. Which is what Kelly Moran has mastered.
Olivia Cattenach and her younger brother, Justin, inherited the family ranch in Wyoming when their parents died twenty years ago. Now, her brother has been killed during a suicide bombing in Iraq, leaving her to run the ranch alone. When Nathan Roldan shows up at the ranch with a letter from Justin, Olivia is determined to hang on to the person her brother befriended while he was overseas.
Such a conundrum, Nathan Roldan. Grizzly bear on the surface, teddy underneath.
Olivia offers the quiet, mysterious man a job on the ranch. He’s reluctant to take it, but without any other options, and needing to fulfill his promise to Justin to watch over Olivia, he stays. As Olivia spends time with Nate, she begins to suspect Nate hasn’t had the best life.
Her heart cracked in half. Nakos had been right, as were her suspicions. It seemed Nate never had anyone in his life he cared about and, when faced with genuine emotion, he hadn’t a clue to handle it. What had happened to him, this gentle giant? How could a person go their whole life completely...alone? Worse, she wondered how she was going to repair that kind of damage.
Olivia is drawn to Nate in a way she’s never been to anyone else before. While Nate tries to keep her at arm’s length, Olivia does her best to show him what he’s been missing in his life - family and connections.
“Olivia.” He sighed. “You keep doing that. Reversing the clock hands, dragging me back to the beginning. Why? It’s in the past.”
“Because it made you who you are.”
“I don’t know what you’re doing to me or why you’re hell-bent on trying to fix me, but…” He shook his head again as if at a loss for how to finish.
“Fixing you implies that you’re broken.” With a heavy heart, she wondered if it was possible to undo a lifetime of damage. “There’s nothing wrong with you, aside from a misguided sense of guilt.”
And Nate has a lot of guilt. About mistakes he made growing up, mistakes he made that resulted in people dying in Iraq, and about not controlling his feelings for Olivia. But Olivia is a strong woman, and isn’t going to let Nate walk away without a fight.
Unflinching, unblinking, he went stone-cold still and started. “You’re a square peg and I’m a round hole, baby. We don’t fit.”
“Then we’ll build our own world in the shape of us.”
“Life is scary, more so if navigating alone.”
There’s not much better than the story of the tortured war hero who finally finds a peaceful life because of the love of a good woman. Ms. Moran does an amazing job of creating the noble, conflicted heroes with tragic pasts, and strong women who heal their pain. Her books are emotional, but not so gut wrenching that I’m a total, emotional mess when I read them. Witty, charming characters help counter-balance the intense emotions. I love her writing, I love her characters, I love the stories she writes. And I can’t wait to read more from her!
**This review is also published at Straight Shootin' Book Reviews.
June 25, 2021
Olivia Cattenach hat ihren Bruder verloren. Nie wieder wollte sie etwas mit dem Militär zu tun haben. Als nun Nate Roldan in seiner Uniform vor ihr steht, würde Olivia am liebsten flüchten. Als er ihr jedoch mitteilt, dass er ihrem Bruder versprochen hat auf sie aufzupassen, begrüßt sie ihn mit offenen Armen auf der Cattenach Ranch. Doch Nate ist so von Schuldgefühlen zerfressen, dass er ihre Gastfreundschaft nur schwer akzeptieren kann. Als er dann auch noch beginnt, Gefühle für sie zu entwickelt zerreißt es ihn förmlich. Jedoch ist er damit nicht alleine. Auch Olivia kann sich der Anziehung des gebrochenen Mannes nicht entziehen.
Character (10/10):
Ihr glaubt nicht wie sehr ich mich in die Charaktere dieser Geschichte verliebt habe! Olivia ist so unglaublich warmherzig und toll. Genau die richtige Person, um einen lädierten Mann wie Nate die Geborgenheit zu geben, die er schon so lange vermisst und verdient.
Vor allem hat mich jedoch Nate begeistert. Ich habe einfach so viel mit ihm mitgelitten. Je mehr man über ihn erfahren hat, desto besser haben die ganzen Puzzleteile ineinander gepasst. Für mich hatte "Wildflower Summer - In deinen Armen" einfach wahnsinnig gelungene Charaktere.
Atmosphere (10/10):
Kelly Moran meine Queen of cozy reads hat es wieder geschafft mich mit ihrer Geschichte vollkommen einzufangen. Farm/Ranch/Kleinstadt-Storys sind einfach meine liebsten und die Autorin beherrscht es meisterhaft einen vollkommen in diese ländliche Welt zu entführen.
Writing Style (10/10):
Auch hier kann ich einfach nur 10 out of 10 geben. Ich bin förmlich durch die Seiten geflogen. Es war flüssig, packend und wunderschön.
Plot (8/10):
Die Handlung konnte mich wirklich begeistern. Zwar gab es die ein oder andere kleine Schwäche, aber alles in allem hat es mir sehr gut gefallen. Auch hier hat mich besonders Nates Geschichte angesprochen. Ich fand es emotional berührend, was man über ihn und seine Vergangenheit erfahren hat. Aber auch Olivia, Nakos und Amy haben der Handlung Leben eingehaucht. Was ich hier noch anmerken möchte, ist das man nicht einen weiteren Redwood Band erwarten sollte. Auch, wenn Schreibstil und Setting wieder genial sind, ist "Wildflower Summer" schon deutlich sexueller. Für mich ist das in Ordnung, solange es in eine gute Story verpackt ist. Wenn man das aber nicht mag, könnte ich mir vorstellen, dass man mit dem Buch nicht ganz glücklich wird.
Intrigue (10/10):
Was soll ich noch sagen? Mich hat das Buch wirklich total in seinen Bann gezogen.
Logic (9/10):
Auch hier habe ich nichts weiter anzumerken. Für mich hat die Geschichte einen roten Faden und alles hat gut aneinander gepasst.
Enjoyment (10/10):
Ein absoluter Lesegenuss! Bis auf Kleinigkeiten habe ich das Buch einfach durch und durch geliebt. Die Charaktere, das Setting, die Handlung, der Schreibstil - es hat mich alles verzaubert. Es war emotional, humorvoll und einfach schön. Eine Geschichte für die Seele.
Fazit (9,6/10):
Ganz ehrlich, während ich diese Rezension schreibe, möchte ich am liebsten direkt wieder zu dem Buch greifen. Es gibt selten Geschichten, die mich so mitreißen wie diese. Ich wünschte das wäre öfter der Fall, aber dazu bin ich wohl einfach zu kritisch. So oder so, bin ich sehr froh dieses Buch gelesen zu haben und freue mich auf alle weiteren Kelly Moran Bücher, die noch erscheinen werden. Und ich hoffe, dass es noch sehr viele sein werden.
Character (10/10):
Ihr glaubt nicht wie sehr ich mich in die Charaktere dieser Geschichte verliebt habe! Olivia ist so unglaublich warmherzig und toll. Genau die richtige Person, um einen lädierten Mann wie Nate die Geborgenheit zu geben, die er schon so lange vermisst und verdient.
Vor allem hat mich jedoch Nate begeistert. Ich habe einfach so viel mit ihm mitgelitten. Je mehr man über ihn erfahren hat, desto besser haben die ganzen Puzzleteile ineinander gepasst. Für mich hatte "Wildflower Summer - In deinen Armen" einfach wahnsinnig gelungene Charaktere.
Atmosphere (10/10):
Kelly Moran meine Queen of cozy reads hat es wieder geschafft mich mit ihrer Geschichte vollkommen einzufangen. Farm/Ranch/Kleinstadt-Storys sind einfach meine liebsten und die Autorin beherrscht es meisterhaft einen vollkommen in diese ländliche Welt zu entführen.
Writing Style (10/10):
Auch hier kann ich einfach nur 10 out of 10 geben. Ich bin förmlich durch die Seiten geflogen. Es war flüssig, packend und wunderschön.
Plot (8/10):
Die Handlung konnte mich wirklich begeistern. Zwar gab es die ein oder andere kleine Schwäche, aber alles in allem hat es mir sehr gut gefallen. Auch hier hat mich besonders Nates Geschichte angesprochen. Ich fand es emotional berührend, was man über ihn und seine Vergangenheit erfahren hat. Aber auch Olivia, Nakos und Amy haben der Handlung Leben eingehaucht. Was ich hier noch anmerken möchte, ist das man nicht einen weiteren Redwood Band erwarten sollte. Auch, wenn Schreibstil und Setting wieder genial sind, ist "Wildflower Summer" schon deutlich sexueller. Für mich ist das in Ordnung, solange es in eine gute Story verpackt ist. Wenn man das aber nicht mag, könnte ich mir vorstellen, dass man mit dem Buch nicht ganz glücklich wird.
Intrigue (10/10):
Was soll ich noch sagen? Mich hat das Buch wirklich total in seinen Bann gezogen.
Logic (9/10):
Auch hier habe ich nichts weiter anzumerken. Für mich hat die Geschichte einen roten Faden und alles hat gut aneinander gepasst.
Enjoyment (10/10):
Ein absoluter Lesegenuss! Bis auf Kleinigkeiten habe ich das Buch einfach durch und durch geliebt. Die Charaktere, das Setting, die Handlung, der Schreibstil - es hat mich alles verzaubert. Es war emotional, humorvoll und einfach schön. Eine Geschichte für die Seele.
Fazit (9,6/10):
Ganz ehrlich, während ich diese Rezension schreibe, möchte ich am liebsten direkt wieder zu dem Buch greifen. Es gibt selten Geschichten, die mich so mitreißen wie diese. Ich wünschte das wäre öfter der Fall, aber dazu bin ich wohl einfach zu kritisch. So oder so, bin ich sehr froh dieses Buch gelesen zu haben und freue mich auf alle weiteren Kelly Moran Bücher, die noch erscheinen werden. Und ich hoffe, dass es noch sehr viele sein werden.
June 11, 2017
She Had Me at Gentle Giant
Once I read our leading man was a gentle giant in the blurb, I knew I needed to read this book. There's nothing sexier than a big ol' alpha guy on the outside that is a teddy bear on the inside. Nate fit the bill perfectly and more.
Nate arrives on Olivia's family farm to deliver a message from her brother's deathbed. While they weren't best friends, Nate and Olivia's brother Justin, were brothers in arms, a bond that is never broken. He knew all about Olivia from Justin's stories, however never expected what he found at the farm once he arrived.
It's Olivia and her aunt Mae left to run the family farm. After losing her parents when she was young and now her brother, Olivia is starting to think about her future and the future of the farm. Happy for the moment with her work, aunt and ranch hands, that are more like family than employees, on the outside she seems to be doing fine. On the inside, she wants for more. And more shows up on a motorcycle, big, burly, shaved head (thank god no man bun) and covered in tatts.
I really liked Nate right off the bat, although you can tell he's got lots and lots to work through. A terrible childhood, paired with war isn't a good combination for anybody. Plus he carries the mountain of guilt about Justin, which is only amplified when Nate meets Justin's beautiful sister.
Of course Olivia's attracted to him, even more so when she gets to know the man behind the mask. She learns that Nate has been on his own for a long time and hasn't the slightest clue what to do with what she's showing him. It was very sweet and I loved how patient Olivia was with Nate. Baby steps. Never letting him get the upper hand on her.
"I'm not the hero or the white knight, and that's the man you should be looking for."
"Sometimes the hero's a beast or a frog or an ogre. maybe I'm not looking for a knight."
And that's how she does it. Admittingly, the self-deprecation from Nate got a little old, however he was trying to win the girl, while holding on to a secret that will crush her. Usually, I read these types of books and can't wait for that other shoe to drop. This time I didn't want him to tell her, I liked what they were starting and didn't want to see it ruined.
"You're a square peg and I'm a round hole, baby. We don't fit."
Um yes, you do. Lots of that kind of talk. The "I'm not good for you" stuff. Nate needed to move on from his past, let the chips fall where they may and if she's there when it's all said and done, she's his.
"Luck may not have been on your side, but it is now. You're here, in a new world. Shed the old one and let go."
Redemption is well written from dual points of view. Rarely do I look up a playlist and/or song in a book, however I remembered The Reason by Hoobastank and had to look at the lyrics. Kelly Moran couldn't have made a better choice of song for that scene. It absolutely made the difference as I was reading.
Along with Nate and Olivia, we are introduced to Nakos, her ranch hand and Amy, her best friend. While the main focus is on Nate and Olivia, the whole Nakos and Amy thing is brewing in the background. I was a bit upset there was no epilogue for Nate and Olivia, however we get more of them in the next book. I can't wait!
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
Once I read our leading man was a gentle giant in the blurb, I knew I needed to read this book. There's nothing sexier than a big ol' alpha guy on the outside that is a teddy bear on the inside. Nate fit the bill perfectly and more.
Nate arrives on Olivia's family farm to deliver a message from her brother's deathbed. While they weren't best friends, Nate and Olivia's brother Justin, were brothers in arms, a bond that is never broken. He knew all about Olivia from Justin's stories, however never expected what he found at the farm once he arrived.
It's Olivia and her aunt Mae left to run the family farm. After losing her parents when she was young and now her brother, Olivia is starting to think about her future and the future of the farm. Happy for the moment with her work, aunt and ranch hands, that are more like family than employees, on the outside she seems to be doing fine. On the inside, she wants for more. And more shows up on a motorcycle, big, burly, shaved head (thank god no man bun) and covered in tatts.
I really liked Nate right off the bat, although you can tell he's got lots and lots to work through. A terrible childhood, paired with war isn't a good combination for anybody. Plus he carries the mountain of guilt about Justin, which is only amplified when Nate meets Justin's beautiful sister.
Of course Olivia's attracted to him, even more so when she gets to know the man behind the mask. She learns that Nate has been on his own for a long time and hasn't the slightest clue what to do with what she's showing him. It was very sweet and I loved how patient Olivia was with Nate. Baby steps. Never letting him get the upper hand on her.
"I'm not the hero or the white knight, and that's the man you should be looking for."
"Sometimes the hero's a beast or a frog or an ogre. maybe I'm not looking for a knight."
And that's how she does it. Admittingly, the self-deprecation from Nate got a little old, however he was trying to win the girl, while holding on to a secret that will crush her. Usually, I read these types of books and can't wait for that other shoe to drop. This time I didn't want him to tell her, I liked what they were starting and didn't want to see it ruined.
"You're a square peg and I'm a round hole, baby. We don't fit."
Um yes, you do. Lots of that kind of talk. The "I'm not good for you" stuff. Nate needed to move on from his past, let the chips fall where they may and if she's there when it's all said and done, she's his.
"Luck may not have been on your side, but it is now. You're here, in a new world. Shed the old one and let go."
Redemption is well written from dual points of view. Rarely do I look up a playlist and/or song in a book, however I remembered The Reason by Hoobastank and had to look at the lyrics. Kelly Moran couldn't have made a better choice of song for that scene. It absolutely made the difference as I was reading.
Along with Nate and Olivia, we are introduced to Nakos, her ranch hand and Amy, her best friend. While the main focus is on Nate and Olivia, the whole Nakos and Amy thing is brewing in the background. I was a bit upset there was no epilogue for Nate and Olivia, however we get more of them in the next book. I can't wait!
Reviewed for Renee Entress's Blog.
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