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Glacier Creek #1
A Hot Montana Summer
Jamie Colter is a combat-hardened Marine who’s back in Glacier Creek recuperating from a mortar attack that left him with a busted leg and a serious case of cabin fever. He just wants to get back on his feet and rejoin his unit, until the one woman he’s never been able to forget walks back into his life. The last time she saw him, he was a scrawny teenager. Now he has just two weeks to make her see him as the only man who is perfect for her.
With her marriage in ruins, Rachel McCafferty returns to Glacier Creek to nurse her wounds and make a fresh start—one that doesn’t involve someone who will eventually abandon her, the way her ex-husband did. When Rachel catches sight of Jamie, she’s dumbstruck by his good looks and brash confidence. He’s no longer a boy—he’s a man, and when he makes it clear he’s hers for the taking, she finds herself rethinking all her rules about younger guys.
With her marriage in ruins, Rachel McCafferty returns to Glacier Creek to nurse her wounds and make a fresh start—one that doesn’t involve someone who will eventually abandon her, the way her ex-husband did. When Rachel catches sight of Jamie, she’s dumbstruck by his good looks and brash confidence. He’s no longer a boy—he’s a man, and when he makes it clear he’s hers for the taking, she finds herself rethinking all her rules about younger guys.
230 pages, Paperback
Published April 5, 2018
571 people are currently reading
410 people want to read
About the author
Karen Foley
71 books127 followersKaren is the multi-award winning author of 28 novels, and is both a RWA RITA ® and a RWA Vivian Award nominee. She believes life is better with love, chocolate, and a view of the ocean. Karen splits her time between writing romance and folding laundry, and escapes to Ireland as often as possible. She lives in coastal New England, in a sweet little waterfront cottage that she shares with her high school sweetheart and one very skittish cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
April 6, 2018
I think I need to start this review off by saying I’m pretty sure this is the first book I’ve read set in Montana that doesn’t involve a cowboy or serial killer (sometimes both). Seriously, I love cowboys so I have to admit I was a little disappointed. The I fell in love with Jamie, and all was forgiven. He didn’t need to be a cowboy.
The prologue was absolutely adorable. I aww’d (is that even a word?) outloud! I can’t say I’ve ever given much thought to my favorite prologue but this is absolutely it.
Now, for the rest of the book. The story was engaging, there wasn’t a lot of external drama or angst. It was mostly just the hero and heroine wrapped up in their own insecurities. Rachel thinks she’s too old for Jamie. Jamie worries he’s not rich enough for Rachel.
I appreciated the way Jamie wasn’t coy about what happened to him over seas. He shares his story with Rachel in a very straight-forward and factual way without making her jump through hoops to get it.
The chemistry and bater between Rachel and Jamie was undeniable. However, the entire book was about Rachel struggling to come to terms with their 6 year age difference. I tried to wrap my head around it but in the end, I couldn’t. With everything going on in the world and all the possible issues to have with a relationship, age just seemed a bit boring.
Don’t get me wrong, I read the description I knew their age difference was going to be a problem, I just didn’t realize it was going to be the only problem. There were so many openings for real drama to come in: PTSD, Rachel’s ex, parents not being supportive of their relationship. But nothing, their only barriers were their thoughts. That’s why I gave it 4 stars. It was good, I just wanted a bit more tension.
I fell in love with both Jamie and Rachel. Over the course of the book, I found myself invested in their relationship and hoping they would just give in and accept eachother. The writing was engaging, I kept reading “just one more chapter” until almost 2 AM. That wasn’t when I finally found the strength to put the book down; it was when I ran out of chapters.
A Hot Montana Summer was the perfect book to curl up with during a cold Saskatchewan winter.
The prologue was absolutely adorable. I aww’d (is that even a word?) outloud! I can’t say I’ve ever given much thought to my favorite prologue but this is absolutely it.
Now, for the rest of the book. The story was engaging, there wasn’t a lot of external drama or angst. It was mostly just the hero and heroine wrapped up in their own insecurities. Rachel thinks she’s too old for Jamie. Jamie worries he’s not rich enough for Rachel.
I appreciated the way Jamie wasn’t coy about what happened to him over seas. He shares his story with Rachel in a very straight-forward and factual way without making her jump through hoops to get it.
The chemistry and bater between Rachel and Jamie was undeniable. However, the entire book was about Rachel struggling to come to terms with their 6 year age difference. I tried to wrap my head around it but in the end, I couldn’t. With everything going on in the world and all the possible issues to have with a relationship, age just seemed a bit boring.
Don’t get me wrong, I read the description I knew their age difference was going to be a problem, I just didn’t realize it was going to be the only problem. There were so many openings for real drama to come in: PTSD, Rachel’s ex, parents not being supportive of their relationship. But nothing, their only barriers were their thoughts. That’s why I gave it 4 stars. It was good, I just wanted a bit more tension.
I fell in love with both Jamie and Rachel. Over the course of the book, I found myself invested in their relationship and hoping they would just give in and accept eachother. The writing was engaging, I kept reading “just one more chapter” until almost 2 AM. That wasn’t when I finally found the strength to put the book down; it was when I ran out of chapters.
A Hot Montana Summer was the perfect book to curl up with during a cold Saskatchewan winter.
March 30, 2018
2.5 stars
I downloaded this one on a whim because it sounded relatively fluffy and I liked the idea of a new series to start.
I liked Jamie. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. Rachel is a good person who is trying to find her way after a messy divorce. Together they have a lot of potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any part of them getting to know each other, which kept this from being a great book for me. I struggled with the idea that they never really interacted before Rachel comes back and yet, Jamie has been in love with her for his entire life.
Plot wise, it was just okay. The push and pull and Rachel’s constant hang up over the age difference got old fairly quickly. And I wasn’t a fan of how she treated Jamie whenever anyone else was around. The writing has a lot of telling, not showing and several of the same words being repeated.
Overall, it was a quick read and I did like the idea of the story and the characters. Sadly, for me, it was lacking in execution. I doubt I’ll be reading any other books in this series.
**Huge thanks to Tule Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**
I downloaded this one on a whim because it sounded relatively fluffy and I liked the idea of a new series to start.
I liked Jamie. He knows what he wants and he goes after it. Rachel is a good person who is trying to find her way after a messy divorce. Together they have a lot of potential. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any part of them getting to know each other, which kept this from being a great book for me. I struggled with the idea that they never really interacted before Rachel comes back and yet, Jamie has been in love with her for his entire life.
Plot wise, it was just okay. The push and pull and Rachel’s constant hang up over the age difference got old fairly quickly. And I wasn’t a fan of how she treated Jamie whenever anyone else was around. The writing has a lot of telling, not showing and several of the same words being repeated.
Overall, it was a quick read and I did like the idea of the story and the characters. Sadly, for me, it was lacking in execution. I doubt I’ll be reading any other books in this series.
**Huge thanks to Tule Publishing for providing the arc free of charge**
May 5, 2018
Release Date: April 3, 2018
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Actual Rating: 3.75 stars
A Hot Montana Summer is a fluffy and lighthearted romance with enough heart to make you swoon. I really enjoyed this one. The heroine of the story is recently divorced and finds herself having a summer fling with a younger man who is friends with her brother. The older woman/younger man is certainly a trope that I love- what a sexy little fantasy, yea? I also liked that the book is a friends to lovers small town romance (some of my other favorite tropes). I guess this one encompasses many! If you are looking for a book that you can get lost in for a few hours this is definitely the book to do it. Had I not been so damn busy I would have read this in under three hours. Sigh, don't you hate when life gets in the way of reading?!?!
I am going to leave this review short and sweet because that is exactly what this book is. If you need to know what it is about then read the synopsis as it breaks the book down pretty good. However, I will let you know what you can expect when you go into this one:
1. A small town romance (while I wish the author would have put a little more detail in the setting, you do get the vibes of small town).
2. A friends to lovers love story. When you read the first chapter/introduction to the story you will see the hero making a statement about how the heroine will be the one he marries despite their significant age difference at the time (he was 13 and she 19 I believe). These two have known each other their entire lives thanks to the friendship of her brother and the hero.
3. An age gap trope. As I mentioned, there is an age gap between these two and the HEROINE is the older one! While it doesn't feel like a big difference when they are older, it it certainly something you notice when they were younger.
4. A sweet and lighthearted read with a nice and believable romance.
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Actual Rating: 3.75 stars
A Hot Montana Summer is a fluffy and lighthearted romance with enough heart to make you swoon. I really enjoyed this one. The heroine of the story is recently divorced and finds herself having a summer fling with a younger man who is friends with her brother. The older woman/younger man is certainly a trope that I love- what a sexy little fantasy, yea? I also liked that the book is a friends to lovers small town romance (some of my other favorite tropes). I guess this one encompasses many! If you are looking for a book that you can get lost in for a few hours this is definitely the book to do it. Had I not been so damn busy I would have read this in under three hours. Sigh, don't you hate when life gets in the way of reading?!?!
I am going to leave this review short and sweet because that is exactly what this book is. If you need to know what it is about then read the synopsis as it breaks the book down pretty good. However, I will let you know what you can expect when you go into this one:
1. A small town romance (while I wish the author would have put a little more detail in the setting, you do get the vibes of small town).
2. A friends to lovers love story. When you read the first chapter/introduction to the story you will see the hero making a statement about how the heroine will be the one he marries despite their significant age difference at the time (he was 13 and she 19 I believe). These two have known each other their entire lives thanks to the friendship of her brother and the hero.
3. An age gap trope. As I mentioned, there is an age gap between these two and the HEROINE is the older one! While it doesn't feel like a big difference when they are older, it it certainly something you notice when they were younger.
4. A sweet and lighthearted read with a nice and believable romance.
April 6, 2018
Jamie Colter is a combat-hardened Marine who’s back in Glacier Creek and to his surprise Rachel McCafferty has returned as well trying to heal from her wounds her ex-husband pushed on her. Jamie has a long standing crush on Rachel and even told her he would marry her one day.
Rachel is asked by Jamie’s mom, to drive him around and watch out for him while both their parents go on a cruise. Nothing can happen in two weeks can it? Oh it can.
Rachel has been hurt and her self esteem is shot by spoiled rich ex husband. She thinks she is too old for Jamie even though he has made it clear he doesn’t care about their age. As the days go by they get closer but she tires to hide their relationship and it takes Jamie a while to learn to deal with it. That is until he hears what Rachel has to say and he storms out.
Can these two make this work or will Rachel keep pushing him away?
I enjoyed these two characters as they each has some baggage to deal with and overcome. The banter between them were at times funny and heart breaking but you want to keep reading to find out what happens. The authors did an excellent job with the story.
Rachel is asked by Jamie’s mom, to drive him around and watch out for him while both their parents go on a cruise. Nothing can happen in two weeks can it? Oh it can.
Rachel has been hurt and her self esteem is shot by spoiled rich ex husband. She thinks she is too old for Jamie even though he has made it clear he doesn’t care about their age. As the days go by they get closer but she tires to hide their relationship and it takes Jamie a while to learn to deal with it. That is until he hears what Rachel has to say and he storms out.
Can these two make this work or will Rachel keep pushing him away?
I enjoyed these two characters as they each has some baggage to deal with and overcome. The banter between them were at times funny and heart breaking but you want to keep reading to find out what happens. The authors did an excellent job with the story.
October 16, 2018
There wasn’t a time when Jamie could remember when he wasn’t in love with his best friend’s older sister, Rachel. He was a month short of fourteen and she was twenty and home for a visit from college. He declared his love for her and also that one day he would marry her.
When Rachel finished stirring the lemonade she was making she poured him a glass and pointed out the age difference. Yet, she could tell by the look in his eyes he could care less and he meant every word. She didn’t have the heart to dash his declaration so she just stared. “I’ll be an old maid by then if you expect me to wait fourteen years for you, you’re only twelve.”
He said don’t worry in fourteen years we’ll be married. He was so sure about it she didn’t know how to respond. Thank goodness her brother cam in all mad at him for not coming upstairs to get him. He was annoyed Jamie was hanging with his sister. Dylan says if she was your sister you wouldn’t like hanging around with her and living with her.
As they leave to go and Jamie gathers up his skateboard so they could meet some friends to go skateboarding he tells her that he, thank God daily she’s not his sister with the wickedest grin ever. As if he knew something she didn’t.
Now, twelve years later after being deployed in Syria and being injured severely. Jamie’s staying with his parents when he’s about to go crazy from his mom fussing over him twenty-four-seven. He finds out that he and his dad finally talked his mom into keeping their plans to go on their cruise with there good friends the McCafferty’s that live across the street. Dylan and Rachel’s parents.
As he’s out getting the mail the day before they are to leave using his crutches to get around. He sees a Porsche Carrera GT pull into the McCafferty’s driveway. When sexy as ever Rachel gets out wearing a pair of white short shorts with her dark hair long and glistening he goes hard as hell.
She looks even better than she did the last time he saw her three years ago in a trendy restaurant waiting on her sleazeball husband to come back with her drink. But he was flirting at the bar. So, he just admired her from afar.
When they were done catching up and making nice with each other and turning to go into their parent's houses when Rachel hears him say “Great seeing you, Rachel.” To which she says, “Yes, we should do it again, soon.”
Rachel’s only problem is her hang up with age. She was older than Deke by three years. He had done a number on her at the end of the relationship. Other women and then when she went to him to end it he belittled her in front of all his friends. Calling out all of her weaknesses and if they weren’t weaknesses they are now.
Five minutes with Jamie made her feel sexy and desired so she feels so conflicted and lustful. Follow this couple as they both find a way to heal. Him from almost being buried alive. Rachel from an ex-who liked the chase better than the marriage. Can they teach each other to feel at ease with one another and not allow the world to crowd them?
I loved how we saw this so much from Jamie’s POV. How he loved Rachel for so long and that no matter what it didn’t fade. Not age, not wrinkles, not an idiot of an ex-husband either. He loved, Rachel. Yet, he stood up for himself to not allow himself to be used either. He would not be her dirty little secret. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
When Rachel finished stirring the lemonade she was making she poured him a glass and pointed out the age difference. Yet, she could tell by the look in his eyes he could care less and he meant every word. She didn’t have the heart to dash his declaration so she just stared. “I’ll be an old maid by then if you expect me to wait fourteen years for you, you’re only twelve.”
He said don’t worry in fourteen years we’ll be married. He was so sure about it she didn’t know how to respond. Thank goodness her brother cam in all mad at him for not coming upstairs to get him. He was annoyed Jamie was hanging with his sister. Dylan says if she was your sister you wouldn’t like hanging around with her and living with her.
As they leave to go and Jamie gathers up his skateboard so they could meet some friends to go skateboarding he tells her that he, thank God daily she’s not his sister with the wickedest grin ever. As if he knew something she didn’t.
Now, twelve years later after being deployed in Syria and being injured severely. Jamie’s staying with his parents when he’s about to go crazy from his mom fussing over him twenty-four-seven. He finds out that he and his dad finally talked his mom into keeping their plans to go on their cruise with there good friends the McCafferty’s that live across the street. Dylan and Rachel’s parents.
As he’s out getting the mail the day before they are to leave using his crutches to get around. He sees a Porsche Carrera GT pull into the McCafferty’s driveway. When sexy as ever Rachel gets out wearing a pair of white short shorts with her dark hair long and glistening he goes hard as hell.
She looks even better than she did the last time he saw her three years ago in a trendy restaurant waiting on her sleazeball husband to come back with her drink. But he was flirting at the bar. So, he just admired her from afar.
When they were done catching up and making nice with each other and turning to go into their parent's houses when Rachel hears him say “Great seeing you, Rachel.” To which she says, “Yes, we should do it again, soon.”
Rachel’s only problem is her hang up with age. She was older than Deke by three years. He had done a number on her at the end of the relationship. Other women and then when she went to him to end it he belittled her in front of all his friends. Calling out all of her weaknesses and if they weren’t weaknesses they are now.
Five minutes with Jamie made her feel sexy and desired so she feels so conflicted and lustful. Follow this couple as they both find a way to heal. Him from almost being buried alive. Rachel from an ex-who liked the chase better than the marriage. Can they teach each other to feel at ease with one another and not allow the world to crowd them?
I loved how we saw this so much from Jamie’s POV. How he loved Rachel for so long and that no matter what it didn’t fade. Not age, not wrinkles, not an idiot of an ex-husband either. He loved, Rachel. Yet, he stood up for himself to not allow himself to be used either. He would not be her dirty little secret. I give this: 5 stars. Provided by netgalley.com.
Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com.
May 11, 2018
First off, what’s with the lack of a cover picture for this book??? Even the sequel, which has come out already (I’m WAY behind in my ARC reading), has a cover...
Anyway, I think I’m going to title this review “A Hot Montana Mess”... This book started out really great. The heroine is so kind and considerate to a much younger hero (she’s 20 and he’s almost 14), and I loved how she handled an awkward situation. I thought “oh, this is going to be a great book!”
But then we move to present day, and the story is just one big running inner monologue by the heroine about how good looking the hero is and how how hot his body is. Also, that she is much too old for him (FYI...she’s now 32 and he’s 26).
Our hero, when he and the heroine have a morning-after conversation and the heroine tells him it was a mistake, instead of being honest with his feelings, tells her he’s just up for a quick fling - thinking if he tells her the truth she’ll run away. I’m expecting a man who is unapologetic and honest about how he feels for Rachel - as he was when he was 14 - and what I got was one who lied to her repeatedly. And really, it was hard to understand why he felt so strongly for her after not seeing her for seven or eight years. I know young love/infatuation is strong, but it was difficult to feel anything between them other than sexual tension.
And the heroine? She was like a toddler, only deciding she loved him when she witnessed him hug another woman. Ugh. Just not much to like about either character…
This story could have been so good. The age difference, which was the backbone of their conflict, could have been explored more. They only touched on whether or not the hero was ready to settle down and have a family, as the heroine was. The heroine had previously been married to a man who constantly traveled around the world without her, causing some abandonment issues. That, to me, could have been a much more compelling conflict - if they stayed together and the hero went back to active duty, could their relationship endure being apart when her first marriage couldn’t?
There were several directions this story could have gone, but didn’t. Instead we had to read too much about pecs and not enough about plot. This is the start to a series, but I’m going to be skipping the rest of them for a couple reasons: first, I didn’t like this book, and second, this story sets up the next book about the heroine’s brother and his neighbor who has apparently been pining after him - but there is a chapter at the end of A Hot Montana Summer for the next book, and they have him meeting a random woman and being interested in her. WHAT THE HECK?!?! Unless the author plans to find someone else for the lovelorn neighbor, I’m gonna be hacked off! Although, I probably wouldn’t read that book either, so I don’t even know why I’m angry on behalf of a character I don’t even particularly care about. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
* thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
Anyway, I think I’m going to title this review “A Hot Montana Mess”... This book started out really great. The heroine is so kind and considerate to a much younger hero (she’s 20 and he’s almost 14), and I loved how she handled an awkward situation. I thought “oh, this is going to be a great book!”
But then we move to present day, and the story is just one big running inner monologue by the heroine about how good looking the hero is and how how hot his body is. Also, that she is much too old for him (FYI...she’s now 32 and he’s 26).
Our hero, when he and the heroine have a morning-after conversation and the heroine tells him it was a mistake, instead of being honest with his feelings, tells her he’s just up for a quick fling - thinking if he tells her the truth she’ll run away. I’m expecting a man who is unapologetic and honest about how he feels for Rachel - as he was when he was 14 - and what I got was one who lied to her repeatedly. And really, it was hard to understand why he felt so strongly for her after not seeing her for seven or eight years. I know young love/infatuation is strong, but it was difficult to feel anything between them other than sexual tension.
And the heroine? She was like a toddler, only deciding she loved him when she witnessed him hug another woman. Ugh. Just not much to like about either character…
This story could have been so good. The age difference, which was the backbone of their conflict, could have been explored more. They only touched on whether or not the hero was ready to settle down and have a family, as the heroine was. The heroine had previously been married to a man who constantly traveled around the world without her, causing some abandonment issues. That, to me, could have been a much more compelling conflict - if they stayed together and the hero went back to active duty, could their relationship endure being apart when her first marriage couldn’t?
There were several directions this story could have gone, but didn’t. Instead we had to read too much about pecs and not enough about plot. This is the start to a series, but I’m going to be skipping the rest of them for a couple reasons: first, I didn’t like this book, and second, this story sets up the next book about the heroine’s brother and his neighbor who has apparently been pining after him - but there is a chapter at the end of A Hot Montana Summer for the next book, and they have him meeting a random woman and being interested in her. WHAT THE HECK?!?! Unless the author plans to find someone else for the lovelorn neighbor, I’m gonna be hacked off! Although, I probably wouldn’t read that book either, so I don’t even know why I’m angry on behalf of a character I don’t even particularly care about. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯
* thank you to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for providing an ARC in exchange for an honest review
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March 29, 2018
"Received an Advance Reader Copy in exchange for a fair review"
An excellent story that presents a take on the older woman/younger man trope involving childhood friendships, namely the heroine’s brother best friend.
I was hooked by the opening lines, which introduce three great characters, two boys and a young woman. I was immediately fascinated by Jamie, a 13 year old boy so innocent, serious and determined, and Rachel, the young woman kind and sensitive enough to not hurt the kid’s feelings. (The third character is Dylan, Rachel’s younger brother)
Jamie turns out to be a great adult. I was truly pleased to read a wounded warrior, still recovering from his injuries and haunted by war, who nonetheless is not dominated by his crippling and life-altering wound or his nightmares. Twenty-six-year-old Jamie is indeed a well-balanced and positive guy, self-confident and with a sunny disposition despite all his problems. His confidence on the viability of his childhood crush makes him even more endearing, creating a young male character that is both mature and boyish. And it’s lovely that the age difference is a non-issue for him.
The dialogue is great, full of sexy innuendos and humor, and I loved watching Rachel slowly surrender to his onslaught of charm (all that grinning and laughing!) and audacity and overcome her doubts, insecurities and fears. Because we see how he loves her and he really cares for her. Rachel’s almost permanent state of bewilderment because skinny Jamie is now a muscled, gorgeous hunk is delightful, and it takes her a while to recover.
A cast of great secondary characters – I hope Laurel and Dylan’s story will be next – and the small-town setting of Glacier Creek also contribute to make this story a very enjoyable read.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
An excellent story that presents a take on the older woman/younger man trope involving childhood friendships, namely the heroine’s brother best friend.
I was hooked by the opening lines, which introduce three great characters, two boys and a young woman. I was immediately fascinated by Jamie, a 13 year old boy so innocent, serious and determined, and Rachel, the young woman kind and sensitive enough to not hurt the kid’s feelings. (The third character is Dylan, Rachel’s younger brother)
Jamie turns out to be a great adult. I was truly pleased to read a wounded warrior, still recovering from his injuries and haunted by war, who nonetheless is not dominated by his crippling and life-altering wound or his nightmares. Twenty-six-year-old Jamie is indeed a well-balanced and positive guy, self-confident and with a sunny disposition despite all his problems. His confidence on the viability of his childhood crush makes him even more endearing, creating a young male character that is both mature and boyish. And it’s lovely that the age difference is a non-issue for him.
The dialogue is great, full of sexy innuendos and humor, and I loved watching Rachel slowly surrender to his onslaught of charm (all that grinning and laughing!) and audacity and overcome her doubts, insecurities and fears. Because we see how he loves her and he really cares for her. Rachel’s almost permanent state of bewilderment because skinny Jamie is now a muscled, gorgeous hunk is delightful, and it takes her a while to recover.
A cast of great secondary characters – I hope Laurel and Dylan’s story will be next – and the small-town setting of Glacier Creek also contribute to make this story a very enjoyable read.
I'm grateful to the publisher, Tule Publishing, and NetGalley for providing a free copy.
April 20, 2018
A nice story about two people coming together. First Jamie grew up living across the street from Rachel and is also her brother’s best friend. She is older than him by six years and this theme comes out throughout the story. Now she is in her thirty’s and home as her divorce is finalized, her mother talks her into helping Jamie who has come home from the Marines after his unit came under attack. Injured and not being able to get around like he would like she agrees to help so her parents and his will go away on their annual cruise. When seeing him it is not his injuries that set her back a breath but his body size and over all appearance is nothing like she remembers. The Marines has definitely changed his body into a man, and is nothing like her former husband. Jamie is attracted to her more now than he was years earlier now he only needs to show her that he can be right for her. The problem for her is that her former husband was younger than her, and though that really was not the problem that is what she focuses on with Jamie when they start to get hot and heavy. Later when he hears her talking to her mother and comparing him to her ex he has had enough and leaves. Her problem is that when she goes to his house to apologize he gone, gone. She has no idea where he went and she begins to realize that she had something special. Now she needs to find him and tell him if he will listen to her. The last part of the book has a lot going on for all of the characters, including her brother and his neighbor which he is clueless over. Along with Jamie and Rachel. A good story with good characters. Very much worth the read. I received this book from Netgalley.com I gave it 4 stars. Follow us at www.1rad-readerreviews.com
April 4, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Alright, I’ve scratched my original review and am starting over because, frankly, that turned into a rant that wasn’t fair. So, instead I’ll be brief and to the point. While I liked A Hot Montana Summer, liked Jamie and Rachel individually (for the most part), there was one factor that prevented me, personally, from falling into this story and loving it. The constant mentioning of the age difference between Jamie and Rachel. I understand that it was Rachel’s voice driving it, that her insecurity was taking over – I do get that. Yet, the sledgehammer of it overtook the romance and I simply stopped caring about whether Jamie and Rachel ever got their happy ending.
For me this is a 3.5 star review which I’ll round up where necessary. After reading A Hummingbird Christmas (which, by the way, what happened to that first story? If this is the first then that had to be a prequel)), I was looking forward to learning more of Glacier Creek’s residents. And I’ll read the next story to see what happens next. I think the point got driven home too hard, and I stopped caring along the way. I am sorry that I ended up feeling this way about a good story, but eventually the constant reminder of age simply got too old.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Alright, I’ve scratched my original review and am starting over because, frankly, that turned into a rant that wasn’t fair. So, instead I’ll be brief and to the point. While I liked A Hot Montana Summer, liked Jamie and Rachel individually (for the most part), there was one factor that prevented me, personally, from falling into this story and loving it. The constant mentioning of the age difference between Jamie and Rachel. I understand that it was Rachel’s voice driving it, that her insecurity was taking over – I do get that. Yet, the sledgehammer of it overtook the romance and I simply stopped caring about whether Jamie and Rachel ever got their happy ending.
For me this is a 3.5 star review which I’ll round up where necessary. After reading A Hummingbird Christmas (which, by the way, what happened to that first story? If this is the first then that had to be a prequel)), I was looking forward to learning more of Glacier Creek’s residents. And I’ll read the next story to see what happens next. I think the point got driven home too hard, and I stopped caring along the way. I am sorry that I ended up feeling this way about a good story, but eventually the constant reminder of age simply got too old.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
June 14, 2022
Sigh I think I'm officially in a reading slump. I actually didn't realise I'd already read the second in this series until afterwards, and I felt the same about this as I did that one. It just felt a bit flat. There were too many issues that bothered me, the age gap thing, I know that it's traditionally been more accepted for the man to be older than the woman, but even so six years is no big deal.
The age gap thing created a bit of a difficulty for the writer though, because if Rachel had been interested in Jamie when he was 14 and she was six years older that would have the ick factor, but the fact that she only becomes interested in him when he works out and has a good body makes her seem shallow. Actually she just seemed a bit of a b***h as well, oh and her self esteem seemed to hinge around what her current boyfriend/husband thought of her, hmmm.
Now I also have experience of someone with a badly broken leg, and this really made too much seem easy for Jamie, let me tell you just preparing a meal is hard when you can't put weight on your leg and your bloody crutches fall over and cause issues
Also nearly DNF'd this when he started making sex noises when he ate, who does that, yuk.
The age gap thing created a bit of a difficulty for the writer though, because if Rachel had been interested in Jamie when he was 14 and she was six years older that would have the ick factor, but the fact that she only becomes interested in him when he works out and has a good body makes her seem shallow. Actually she just seemed a bit of a b***h as well, oh and her self esteem seemed to hinge around what her current boyfriend/husband thought of her, hmmm.
Now I also have experience of someone with a badly broken leg, and this really made too much seem easy for Jamie, let me tell you just preparing a meal is hard when you can't put weight on your leg and your bloody crutches fall over and cause issues
Also nearly DNF'd this when he started making sex noises when he ate, who does that, yuk.
April 26, 2018
What a terrific book. I gave them t 5 Stars. There was the return to home, steamy romance and a little second chance romance feel. We meet Rachel and Jamie. Jamie is 7years younger, the best friend of Rachel’s brother and next door neighbor. Rachel returns home after an unpleasant divorce to her Uber rich ex husband. Jamie returns home after a bad attack in his military life that left his leg shattered, bad nightmares and an uncertain return to his former career. Jamie has always wanted Rachel but she is 7 years older and found it a stumbling block. Jamie and Rachel’s parents are scheduled for a 2 week Hawaiian cruise and hire Rachel in her former job as a personal concierge to care for Jamie. The 2 become lovers and Rachel struggles to hide it. This book had a lot of wonderful steamy romance and angst. I got this from Net Gallery in exchange for an honest review. I highly recommend it. I love the Montana romances and this didn’t disappoint.
November 21, 2018
Suddenly freezing weather had me reaching for a summer book to warm me up and A Hot Montana Summer has done the trick nicely. Set in Glacier Creek Montana, this is the first book in Karen Foley’s Glacier Creek series and features injured Marine Jamie Coulter and newly divorced Rachel McAffertey. These two have known each other all their lives, and while Rachel is seven years older than him, Jamie has been in love with her most of that time.
This is a story of healing for both Jamie and Rachel but it also has plenty of sexy sizzle as the feelings grow between these two. Fast paced, the story kept me hooked until the last page though I did feel as though things were tied up a little too neatly and a little too quickly at then end. Nonetheless, a good read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
This is a story of healing for both Jamie and Rachel but it also has plenty of sexy sizzle as the feelings grow between these two. Fast paced, the story kept me hooked until the last page though I did feel as though things were tied up a little too neatly and a little too quickly at then end. Nonetheless, a good read and I’m looking forward to the next in the series.
July 5, 2021
Four and a half stars
MONTANA DEFENDER by Karen Foley is a brother’s best friend, small town romance, the first in her Glacier Creek series.
Jamie Colter is on medical leave while his leg heals, and the only way his parents agree to leave on their scheduled cruise is by hiring Rachel McCafferty to keep an eye on him while they’re out of town. Jamie has had it bad for Rachel for years. She’s his best friend’s older sister, and she’s been the woman of his dreams since he was a teen. For her part, Rachel’s never seen Jamie as more than her kid brother’s friend, but she has to admit that Jamie has grown up rather handsomely.
I definitely enjoyed Jamie’s confidence and consideration, and loved when Rachel could get past her own anxiety over their age difference to see how well they got along.
A very lovely read
MONTANA DEFENDER by Karen Foley is a brother’s best friend, small town romance, the first in her Glacier Creek series.
Jamie Colter is on medical leave while his leg heals, and the only way his parents agree to leave on their scheduled cruise is by hiring Rachel McCafferty to keep an eye on him while they’re out of town. Jamie has had it bad for Rachel for years. She’s his best friend’s older sister, and she’s been the woman of his dreams since he was a teen. For her part, Rachel’s never seen Jamie as more than her kid brother’s friend, but she has to admit that Jamie has grown up rather handsomely.
I definitely enjoyed Jamie’s confidence and consideration, and loved when Rachel could get past her own anxiety over their age difference to see how well they got along.
A very lovely read
August 21, 2022
2 Stars.
The Good:
• Jamie's persistence
The Bad:
• No spark
• Bland, uninteresting relationship
The Book:
Honestly, this book me a good while to read but that was because there was nothing that really made me want to come back to it. It was a bland & uninteresting relationship, I didn't see or feel a spark between Jamie & Rachel. Plus Rachel would always bring up the age gap & regret anything that happened with Jamie but then seconds after she says nothing will ever happen between them again she just forgets or something because she's kissing him again. Not a fan but I can say that one thing I liked about this book was Jamie's persistence where he just kept going after her, from when he was a kid until now. Otherwise, this book is pretty much a pass for me. Didn't really care for it.
The Good:
• Jamie's persistence
The Bad:
• No spark
• Bland, uninteresting relationship
The Book:
Honestly, this book me a good while to read but that was because there was nothing that really made me want to come back to it. It was a bland & uninteresting relationship, I didn't see or feel a spark between Jamie & Rachel. Plus Rachel would always bring up the age gap & regret anything that happened with Jamie but then seconds after she says nothing will ever happen between them again she just forgets or something because she's kissing him again. Not a fan but I can say that one thing I liked about this book was Jamie's persistence where he just kept going after her, from when he was a kid until now. Otherwise, this book is pretty much a pass for me. Didn't really care for it.
April 1, 2018
I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first book that I have ever read by this author and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed meeting Jamie and Rachel and feel that this story can be pretty believable. Jamie’s been admiring Rachel since he was in Middle School and now their time is finally right. I would definitely be happy to read the next book in this series and hopefully get more of an insight into the relationship between Dylan and Laurel.
Having children of my own with a significant age difference between them, I have seen first hand how they can have crushes on their siblings friends- it definitely seems like the relationship that Jamie and Rachel have could happen in real life.
This is the first book that I have ever read by this author and I was not disappointed. I really enjoyed meeting Jamie and Rachel and feel that this story can be pretty believable. Jamie’s been admiring Rachel since he was in Middle School and now their time is finally right. I would definitely be happy to read the next book in this series and hopefully get more of an insight into the relationship between Dylan and Laurel.
Having children of my own with a significant age difference between them, I have seen first hand how they can have crushes on their siblings friends- it definitely seems like the relationship that Jamie and Rachel have could happen in real life.
October 23, 2025
This is the second book in the Glacier Creek series by Karen Foley. Jamie Colter is a Marine in his hometown of Glacier Creek wanting to return to his unit after recovering from being wounded by a mortar attack. Jamie’s mother hires a family friend to help him through his PTSD. Rachel McAfferty moves back to her hometown of Glacier Creek to restart her life after going through a divorce. Jamie is Rachel’s brother Dylan’s best friend and Rachel is six years older than Jamie. Rachel knew Jamie when they were younger growing up as neighbors. Rachel and Jamie start a romantic relationship but Rachel doesn’t like dating younger men and Jamie has always had an attraction to Rachel since they were young. I really enjoyed this Friends to lover’s romance novel.
November 12, 2025
This is the second book in the Glacier Creek series by Karen Foley. Jamie Colter is a Marine in his hometown of Glacier Creek wanting to return to his unit after recovering from being wounded by a mortar attack. Jamie’s mother hires a family friend to help him through his PTSD. Rachel McAfferty moves back to her hometown of Glacier Creek to restart her life after going through a divorce. Jamie is Rachel’s brother Dylan’s best friend and Rachel is six years older than Jamie. Rachel knew Jamie when they were younger growing up as neighbors. Rachel and Jamie start a romantic relationship but Rachel doesn’t like dating younger men and Jamie has always had an attraction to Rachel since they were young. I really enjoyed this Friends to lover’s romance novel.
August 22, 2025
Rachel was Jamie Colter's best friend, Ryan's sister. Jamie told her when he was almost 14 years old that he was gonna marry her in 14 years! But 12 years later she had gone through a divorce and was now living across the street from him in Glacier Creek! Both sets of parents were planning a trip and since Jamie was now home on medical leave from the service, they wanted Rachel to be his personal concierge till they returned. OH MY! Can you imagine how much trouble they will get into for the next 2 weeks??? Enjoy the way the they stumble around each other until they realize where they are headed!
April 3, 2018
This is an appealing story of determination fraught with the twists and turns that make up love. All that keeps Rachel McCafferty from seriously considering the chemistry between her and Jamie Coulter is the difference in age between them. Jamie doesn’t see it as anything to be bothered by especially since he’s been attracted to her since his teens.
At a lucky moment in time, he sees his chance to win her over, age difference or not. Her reluctance wavers in the face of their chemistry and maybe, just maybe, she will relent.
At a lucky moment in time, he sees his chance to win her over, age difference or not. Her reluctance wavers in the face of their chemistry and maybe, just maybe, she will relent.
June 8, 2022
Jamie Colter has been in love with Rachel McCafferty his neighbor and best friends sister for as long as he can remember. When he comes home injured from the service and needs to recoup and heal he finds himself face to face with Rachel. Rachel is fresh out of a divorce and needing to find herself again. This is a well written friends to lovers romance with characters you can't help but root for!
April 3, 2018
I voluntarily read and reviewed a advanced reader's copy of this book
The first book in the Glacier Creek series, A Hot Montana Summer by Karen Foley. This book grabbed me from the first page with it's likable characters, captivating storyline and dialogue. First line, "You're going to marry me someday." I look forward to see what the next book brings us.
The first book in the Glacier Creek series, A Hot Montana Summer by Karen Foley. This book grabbed me from the first page with it's likable characters, captivating storyline and dialogue. First line, "You're going to marry me someday." I look forward to see what the next book brings us.
June 8, 2022
Great story!
Jamie was lost, being home and thinking about the loss of his buddies. He still has bad dreams. He went home to recover, his leg in a cast. He then see Rachel? He told her when he was almost 14 that he would marry her someday. Well through life’s adventures, her divorce, his over seas, they meet again. Things go up and down,but finally all seemed oh so right.
Jamie was lost, being home and thinking about the loss of his buddies. He still has bad dreams. He went home to recover, his leg in a cast. He then see Rachel? He told her when he was almost 14 that he would marry her someday. Well through life’s adventures, her divorce, his over seas, they meet again. Things go up and down,but finally all seemed oh so right.
July 12, 2022
Fell hard for Jamie.
Wow, every woman would love a Jamie..... I loved this story right from the start. I loved how Jamie had fallen for Rachel as a teen . When Rachel's marriage falls apart she finally sees the man Jamie has become. I loved their story and look forward to Dylan and Laurel finally getting together.
Wow, every woman would love a Jamie..... I loved this story right from the start. I loved how Jamie had fallen for Rachel as a teen . When Rachel's marriage falls apart she finally sees the man Jamie has become. I loved their story and look forward to Dylan and Laurel finally getting together.
July 11, 2022
montanadefender
Well, Jamie knows what he wants from the time he was 14 years old. He wants his best friend’s older sister Rachel. By the end of the story she figures out that he’s correct! I loved Jamie’s persistence and attitude throughout the story.
Well, Jamie knows what he wants from the time he was 14 years old. He wants his best friend’s older sister Rachel. By the end of the story she figures out that he’s correct! I loved Jamie’s persistence and attitude throughout the story.
November 8, 2023
This is a well written story with great characters. This was a quick read for me for me that is a plus because I like books that keep me in the story, that means it is a good read. I would encourage everyone to get this one it is worth your time.
November 12, 2023
okay
I got the book free to try the author. The characters were well developed but the heroine took too long to get over the age difference. The spin off into the new business at the end was unrealistic.
I got the book free to try the author. The characters were well developed but the heroine took too long to get over the age difference. The spin off into the new business at the end was unrealistic.
October 5, 2024
Romance with a dash of adventure
This is a warm romantic story about love and second chances. The vivid story telling also brings to life the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces and by firefighters who keep Montana safe from forest fires.
This is a warm romantic story about love and second chances. The vivid story telling also brings to life the sacrifices made by those in the armed forces and by firefighters who keep Montana safe from forest fires.
April 22, 2018
3.5
Wounded war hero in need of a personal concierge? Brother's best friend. Small town neighbors. She's older and recently divorced.
Wounded war hero in need of a personal concierge? Brother's best friend. Small town neighbors. She's older and recently divorced.
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