What do you think?
Rate this book
Zane
What can a cowboy do when his past and present collide?
Zane Talbot is comfortable with his life. Whiskey Bend is perfect for the future he envisions. Managing stables owned by his friends, plus work on a new computer application, provides challenges, and propels him toward his goal of buying a ranch. What he doesn’t need is a relationship with a former goodtime girl who takes up his time while stirring up ghosts from his past.
Sarah Hutchison has thrown aside her party girl lifestyle to focus on earning a teaching degree. Working forty hours a week at a nursing home and taking classes at the local community college leaves her little time for a social life. Not even with the handsome, taciturn cowboy working at her cousin’s ranch.
But sometimes, life disrupts personal plans.
Thrown together by family and friends, Zane and Sarah fight their strong attraction with little success. Complicating their growing feelings is the appearance of a woman greatly resembling Zane’s deceased fiancée.
As they increase their time together, other, more sinister actions are at work in the background.
The unanticipated dangers jeopardize the couple’s tenuous connection, threatening those around them. As the dire implications become clear, will Zane be able to protect the woman he’s come to love?
Zane, book five in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend Contemporary Western Romance series, is a stand-alone, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Zane Talbot is comfortable with his life. Whiskey Bend is perfect for the future he envisions. Managing stables owned by his friends, plus work on a new computer application, provides challenges, and propels him toward his goal of buying a ranch. What he doesn’t need is a relationship with a former goodtime girl who takes up his time while stirring up ghosts from his past.
Sarah Hutchison has thrown aside her party girl lifestyle to focus on earning a teaching degree. Working forty hours a week at a nursing home and taking classes at the local community college leaves her little time for a social life. Not even with the handsome, taciturn cowboy working at her cousin’s ranch.
But sometimes, life disrupts personal plans.
Thrown together by family and friends, Zane and Sarah fight their strong attraction with little success. Complicating their growing feelings is the appearance of a woman greatly resembling Zane’s deceased fiancée.
As they increase their time together, other, more sinister actions are at work in the background.
The unanticipated dangers jeopardize the couple’s tenuous connection, threatening those around them. As the dire implications become clear, will Zane be able to protect the woman he’s come to love?
Zane, book five in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend Contemporary Western Romance series, is a stand-alone, full-length novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
- GenresWesternsContemporary
249 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 27, 2022
126 people are currently reading
607 people want to read
About the author
Shirleen Davies
98 books921 followersShirleen Davies grew up in Southern California. She attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.
Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 9, 2022
I’ve never considered myself a true fan of romance books but when you put a cowboy or alien (yes, alien) on the cover then you’ve got my attention. The whole cowboy thing goes back to being a five year old who was going to grow up and be a cowboy, yes, cowboy not cowgirl, since cowboys got to chase down the bad guys. So the cover of this book caught my eye and then the description appealed so this was one romance I wanted to read.
I was a bit puzzled by the existence of one character, Rona, who seemed like she should have been more involved in the story and maybe she is in a later book but it just seemed odd that she was in the storyline at all. It was as though she was going to be involved and then she just wasn’t. Perhaps she was meant to be a red herring.
I enjoyed the storyline though I will say one part did seem a little farfetched but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I liked the gradual build between Zane and Sarah with each one being attracted and yet reluctant to pursue the other. Zane’s reluctance was understandable and Sarah’s simply not having time for romance was believable. I had no problem jumping into this series at the end since this read like a standalone.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Shirleen Davies.
I was a bit puzzled by the existence of one character, Rona, who seemed like she should have been more involved in the story and maybe she is in a later book but it just seemed odd that she was in the storyline at all. It was as though she was going to be involved and then she just wasn’t. Perhaps she was meant to be a red herring.
I enjoyed the storyline though I will say one part did seem a little farfetched but that didn’t stop me from enjoying it. I liked the gradual build between Zane and Sarah with each one being attracted and yet reluctant to pursue the other. Zane’s reluctance was understandable and Sarah’s simply not having time for romance was believable. I had no problem jumping into this series at the end since this read like a standalone.
I won this ebook in a First Reads giveaway. Thank you to the author Shirleen Davies.
September 27, 2022
Sarah was nothing more than a back-up plan for Zane. The author failed to convince me otherwise.
September 24, 2022
With this book, Shirleen Davies has written another winner! This is the beautiful, heartwarming story of Zane and Sarah. Unfortunately, their love does not come easy; there are difficulties and obstacles to overcome before they can have their happily ever after.
In high school, Zane was engaged to a woman that he considered the love of his life. Unfortunately, she died in a car crash before they ever had a chance to attend college together. As a result, Zane skips college, and chooses, instead, he chooses to work on the Macklin family ranch. He has never shown interest in any woman because he has never forgotten his late fiancée.
Zane and Sarah see each other a lot since they have the same friends. In spite of that, Zane has never shown any interest in her. In fact, he has never seen her as anything but a “party girl. However, recently, Zane notices Sarah and realizes that she has completely changed.
In order to become a teacher, Sarah now concentrates on her college studies. During her free time, she works at a nursing home. She no longer has the time, or inclination, to do anything else. Zane finds this “new” Sarah very attractive.
Sarah also feels a strong attraction for Zane. But, since neither of them wants a relationship, they decide to become platonic friends. In spite of that, without realizing it, they are slowly falling in love.
About halfway through the story, the author shocks the reader with a huge unanticipated obstacle that totally interfere with Zane’s and Sarah’s growing relationship. At this point, I was completely captivated with the story and could not put the book.
Of course, Sarah and Zane eventually get their happily-ever-after. But it comes with much pain and a lot of hard work. Great story!!
In high school, Zane was engaged to a woman that he considered the love of his life. Unfortunately, she died in a car crash before they ever had a chance to attend college together. As a result, Zane skips college, and chooses, instead, he chooses to work on the Macklin family ranch. He has never shown interest in any woman because he has never forgotten his late fiancée.
Zane and Sarah see each other a lot since they have the same friends. In spite of that, Zane has never shown any interest in her. In fact, he has never seen her as anything but a “party girl. However, recently, Zane notices Sarah and realizes that she has completely changed.
In order to become a teacher, Sarah now concentrates on her college studies. During her free time, she works at a nursing home. She no longer has the time, or inclination, to do anything else. Zane finds this “new” Sarah very attractive.
Sarah also feels a strong attraction for Zane. But, since neither of them wants a relationship, they decide to become platonic friends. In spite of that, without realizing it, they are slowly falling in love.
About halfway through the story, the author shocks the reader with a huge unanticipated obstacle that totally interfere with Zane’s and Sarah’s growing relationship. At this point, I was completely captivated with the story and could not put the book.
Of course, Sarah and Zane eventually get their happily-ever-after. But it comes with much pain and a lot of hard work. Great story!!
September 27, 2022
Zane Talbot's fiance was killed in an auto accident just before graduation, and he did not know how he was going to go on with his life. He spent some time in the Army Rangers, Southern California doing computer tech work, before heading back toward Montana to work on a ranch with some of his Ranger buddies. Even after ten years Zane still had not been able to put the loss of Debbie out of his mind. Then one day he just seemed to wake from a ten year nap, and he decided to start living again. That was when he took notice of Sarah Hutchinson a cousin to his boss's wife. At first they were only seeing each other as friends to have someone to do things with, but it soon became much more than friendship. Then strange things started to happen. Someone was following them, Zane thought he saw Debbie, but that was not possible. Just what was going on? The suspense was building, a simple accident was looking like murder where would it all end? An exciting read with plenty of action that will keep you on the edge of your chair reading until the end. The only thing settled in the ending was the HEA. Any crimes along the way seemed to disappear, along with the letters left for Zane and Sarah at her cousin's house. There were a lot of loose ends left hanging. Janelle leaving town with the US Marshall did not seem like the answer. I received an advance readers copy, and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 13, 2022
Zane and Debbie were high school sweethearts. They talked of marriage. Until Debbie was in a fatal car crash, and then she was gone. Zane grieved Debbie for 10 years. He never seriously dated another woman, because there was no one who could replace Debbie. But then why was his head turned when when he saw Sarah? Sarah was holding down a job and going to college. She had no time for a relationship or much of anything else; but when Zane asks her out on a date, she can't resist. He can't be serious, can he? He's been seen kissing and dancing with another woman and flirting. Just as they're about to smooth things over, there's a life-changing twist that has the potential to change everything. Decisions need to be made. Hearts will be broken.
A great story! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
A great story! I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
September 27, 2022
Zane Talbot is settled into his life in Whiskey Bend managing stables owned by his friends. He also is working on a new computer application that could bring in a lot of money. His goal is to be able to buy a ranch. He still is suffering the loss of his fiancée when they were hit be a hit and run driver. That happened ten years ago. Sarah Hutchison used to be a party girl but has totally turned her life around and is now working a forty-hour week in a nursing home and going to school full time. This doesn’t leave her much time to do anything social. When they were thrown together by friends, they work at seeing each other. When their attraction becomes strong, a woman resembling his deceased fiancée shows up in town. As danger seems to be right around the corner, who will need protection. I totally enjoyed this book and didn’t want to put it down.
September 28, 2022
First of all, this book had a really great opener and ending! The twists and turns were fast and fortis over the last third of the book and made it hard to put down. It was also great to catch up with other characters from the series throughout the book!
For me, Zane and Sarah were a good couple. I could understand his reluctance to really commit to a new love based on his tragic loss of his high school sweetheart Debbie. Sarah had to mature from a flighty party girl into a hard working future teacher. Both had great character traits with a few flaws. I would have liked for Sarah to give Zane hell for his bone headed actions a couple of times! His actions were understandable but she was just a little too accepting for me!
Overall, great book with the usual trademarks of sweet heart with a little danger and intrigue that have been the hallmarks of this series.
For me, Zane and Sarah were a good couple. I could understand his reluctance to really commit to a new love based on his tragic loss of his high school sweetheart Debbie. Sarah had to mature from a flighty party girl into a hard working future teacher. Both had great character traits with a few flaws. I would have liked for Sarah to give Zane hell for his bone headed actions a couple of times! His actions were understandable but she was just a little too accepting for me!
Overall, great book with the usual trademarks of sweet heart with a little danger and intrigue that have been the hallmarks of this series.
September 29, 2022
4.5***** stars. After a vehicle accident where his fiancé is killed, Zane pretty much keeps to himself. He works as a ranch hand on his friend’s ranch and works on developing computer apps. In 10 ears he has not met a woman that could make him feel and forget his dead girlfriend, until Sarah. She has changed her party girl ways, works at a nursing home and is going to school to become a teacher. She’s different, not looking to trap him or is even interested in a relationship. They start going out and feelings he hasn’t had in a long time are coming alive with her. His past is not how he remembers it when someone that looks like his dead girlfriend appears in town. As if he didn’t have enough conflict of feelings. Can he sort out the changes and surprises in his life? Another well written book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book
September 16, 2022
A*R*C for honest review with no compensation
Zane is book 5 in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend by Shirleen Davies and this series just gets better and better.
Zane and Debbie, high school sweethearts until Debbie was killed in an auto accident. Now 10 years later Zane still grieves the loss, claiming no one will ever take her place…until Sarah…
Sarah, the party girl decides that this isn’t her life any longer and goes back to college while working full time and has no time for relationships, even though butterflies happen when she is around Zane.
Mystery, suspense, flirting, twist you won’t see coming and more. Can these two become more than friends and open to new adventures together leading to a HEA? Only time will tell…
Zane is book 5 in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend by Shirleen Davies and this series just gets better and better.
Zane and Debbie, high school sweethearts until Debbie was killed in an auto accident. Now 10 years later Zane still grieves the loss, claiming no one will ever take her place…until Sarah…
Sarah, the party girl decides that this isn’t her life any longer and goes back to college while working full time and has no time for relationships, even though butterflies happen when she is around Zane.
Mystery, suspense, flirting, twist you won’t see coming and more. Can these two become more than friends and open to new adventures together leading to a HEA? Only time will tell…
September 25, 2022
Zane hasn't been interested in dating women ever since his fiancee died in a car accident. Instead, he's concentrated on building a life for himself and has a job that he enjoys. Sarah used to be a party girl but now she has plans to be a teacher. And since she's both working and going to school full-time, she doesn't have time for partying or dating. But then for some reason, Zane and Sarah start to feel an attraction to each other.
While Zane has his reasons for not wanting to date, he's conflicted about whether to date only Sarah or see other women. This leads to a somewhat poor decision at one point, especially considering they live in a small town. And then there's danger lurking that may impact their relationship. I really loved this story, especially the twists toward the end.
While Zane has his reasons for not wanting to date, he's conflicted about whether to date only Sarah or see other women. This leads to a somewhat poor decision at one point, especially considering they live in a small town. And then there's danger lurking that may impact their relationship. I really loved this story, especially the twists toward the end.
September 30, 2022
I love a good cowboy romance and gifted author Shirleen Davies is the best in making characters come to life so you feel like you know them and a dramatic and heartwarming story that you just can't put down from the first page to the last. I fell in love with Zane Talbot who manages the stables for his friends in Whiskey Bend plus works on a new computer application with the goal of buying his own ranch and enjoyed his undeniable attraction and chemistry with Sarah Hutchinson, former party girl who is focused on earning a teaching degree. If you enjoy reading well crafted western romance, don't miss Zane, book five in the Macklins of Whiskey Bend. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 24, 2022
This story focused on Zane and his new romantic relationship with Sarah. They both have reasons for holding back, afraid to go all in. I don't know how she fit in dating with a full-time nursing job and college courses. I wasn't thrilled that he kissed other women, one of which he wanted to be sure about before letting go. Zane seemed to have several women interested in him, add in the danger that seems to follow him, and I could see why Sarah had her doubts. But he's very romantic when he wants to be, and I loved that secretly he was a successful coding nerd. It was nice to catch up with characters from previous books in the series and their growing families.
September 22, 2022
Wonderful story!! The characters are realistic and entertaining. Zane has closed himself off from love after loosing his fiancé in a vehicle accident. He works on his friends ranch. Sarah was know as the Larry girl. Now she works full time and is studying to become a teacher. There’s no room in her life for anyone, or so Zane and Sarah thought. There are shocking drama from Zane’s past as wel as suspense when trouble occurs. I received a complimentary copy of the book and chose to write this review. I look forward to reading future books by Ms Davies. I love all her books.
September 9, 2022
Zane loved Debbie all through high school. Sadly she was killed in a car accident during their senior year. For ten long years Zane grieved, not allowing another woman to take her place. And then things changed.
In Whiskey Bend we get to catch up with old friends and meet a few new ones. The book is an easy read with a few twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. Worth the read and again leaves the reader wondering who’s story will be next.
In Whiskey Bend we get to catch up with old friends and meet a few new ones. The book is an easy read with a few twists and turns to keep the reader on their toes. Worth the read and again leaves the reader wondering who’s story will be next.
September 22, 2022
Zane hasn't had a relationship for ten years, when his fiancée died because of a drunk driver. It really affected him. Sarah has stopped being the party girl and is working hard at her job and studies.
Zane lives with Kell and Beth, who's Sarah's cousin. He's known about her but thought she was still partying. They grow closer together but then various strange things happen.
A great read from Shirleen
Zane lives with Kell and Beth, who's Sarah's cousin. He's known about her but thought she was still partying. They grow closer together but then various strange things happen.
A great read from Shirleen
September 22, 2022
Zane has been morning the death of his fiancé for the last 10 years. He finally decides to move on and the action begins. Intrigue, mystery and of course love intertwined together to make a wonderful story to read. Zane and Sarah begin seeing each other and he realizes the difference between the woman he was in love with and Sarah. Many twists and turns though out the story. Truly enjoyed the read. Thank you and truly appreciate the ARC.
September 29, 2022
The Macklins have been an interesting family. While Zane is not a family member, he is an important member of their ranch staff and an honorary family member. I always enjoy books by Shirleen Davies because I know there are going to be surprises and twists coming. Zane and Sarah may have been made for each other but their path will not be easy and smooth. Ten years is a long time to mourn a dead fiancée. I definitely enjoyed this book.
Read
October 13, 2022Zane is book 5 in the Whiskey Bend series and we met characters from previous books in this story like we have come to expect from Shirleen Davies. If you haven’t read any of this series this is a good book to jump into Whiskey Bend as although this is a second chance romance the characters flow really well and the plot has a gradual build with a twist in the tail before the end.
I was given this book for an honest review.
I was given this book for an honest review.
September 27, 2022
Really Great Series
I absolutely love this series and all of Shirleen Davies books. I loved Zane and Sarah's story. He was dedicated to a deceased fiance and she is dedicated to work and school. Sometimes love is a surprise and finds a way when it's least expected. It was great to see these two find their HEA. A captivating read that I read straight through.
I absolutely love this series and all of Shirleen Davies books. I loved Zane and Sarah's story. He was dedicated to a deceased fiance and she is dedicated to work and school. Sometimes love is a surprise and finds a way when it's least expected. It was great to see these two find their HEA. A captivating read that I read straight through.
September 27, 2022
Another great addition to the Macklins of Whiskey Bend Series. Zane spent ten years remembering a lost love; enter Sarah who was too busy with school and work; and, then the complications begin. It’s a wonderful storyline that has twists, tragedies and unexpected romance. I especially enjoy the family, friends and little ones that make family.
September 28, 2022
Zane and Sarah's story
I am always at a loss on how to review one of Shirleen Davie's books. Her stories are multifaceted. Her characters are believable.
I think this is one of her best stories. But I may say that after reading one of her books. My personal belief is you'll never go wrong reading a Shirleen Davies book.
I am always at a loss on how to review one of Shirleen Davie's books. Her stories are multifaceted. Her characters are believable.
I think this is one of her best stories. But I may say that after reading one of her books. My personal belief is you'll never go wrong reading a Shirleen Davies book.
October 1, 2022
Zane
This was an interesting story about Zane. He had lost his sweetheart 10 years ago. He had not found anyone who interested him. Along came Sarah. She was hardworking lady, working a full time job at the nursing home, and going to classes to become .a teacher at night. They were introduced, and felt a connection enjoy their story
This was an interesting story about Zane. He had lost his sweetheart 10 years ago. He had not found anyone who interested him. Along came Sarah. She was hardworking lady, working a full time job at the nursing home, and going to classes to become .a teacher at night. They were introduced, and felt a connection enjoy their story
October 10, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book about Sarah and Zane. It's a good book and a good series. This book is about a party girl whose changed her ways and a cowboy that looking to buy a ranch and settle down. The book is straight forward with excitement.
I enjoy the author's writing style and all of her romances.
I enjoy the author's writing style and all of her romances.
September 10, 2022
this is a good story Zane works for his friends on the ranch and Sarah works at the nursing home and is going to college . this is a story about second chances and learning to trust i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
October 9, 2022
A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. Zane has dealt with pain and loss but a twist is revealed that he deals with. Sarah has a lot on her plate dealing with everyday details. Plenty of people to help both as family and friends are always there for each other.
October 12, 2022
This might be the best of the series. I was unsure when it started, but the twists and turns are amazing. Zane's backstory is so sad, I wasn't sure where his story would/could go. This is a great story filled with amazing characters and a great plot. Topping this one is going to be hard.
October 21, 2022
Exciting and powerful
If you like suspense with excitement, mystery and love this is the right book for you to read now. I finished this in one afternoon because I didn't want to put it down. A great job of writing.
If you like suspense with excitement, mystery and love this is the right book for you to read now. I finished this in one afternoon because I didn't want to put it down. A great job of writing.
October 28, 2022
Zane
This story of a young man who had thought his fiancé had died ten years earlier met another young lady and fell in love only to have his fiancé return from the dead under an assumed name. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
This story of a young man who had thought his fiancé had died ten years earlier met another young lady and fell in love only to have his fiancé return from the dead under an assumed name. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
September 27, 2022
Excellent book to read. The storyline was interesting and I never stopped until I finished the book.
September 27, 2022
Zane lost his fiancée in a car accident 10 years earlier. Ever since he is reluctant to get involved with any woman until he notices a different side to Sarah and decides it is time he moved on. With work and teacher training classes Sarah hasn't really got time for a relationship. But when Zane shows an interest, she can't resist him. However, complications arise with other women taking an interest in Zane as well as his past catching up with him threatening any future Zane and Sarah might have. Read an ARC for an honest review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews