Inspired by Mindy

Stargazer Springs Ranch #4

by Remi Carrington

My landlord is the hot Cowboy Chef. But I don’t care what he’s cooking up because I’m not interested.

Mindy
Jeffrey Carpenter might make other women swoon with a wink and a smile, but not me. I set boundaries from our very first meeting. He’s nicer than I expected, but heartaches after forty hurt worse, and I’m not going to risk opening my heart to a man with his reputation.

Renting his guest house makes things interesting and not just because I have a view of his pool where he swims almost every morning. Even in December.

When I try to prove how uninterested I am, I end up putting my foot in my mouth.
I’m pretty sure he hates me now.

Jeffrey
Shaking my bad boy image hasn’t been easy, but a man has to grow up sometime. And while I’ve earned many of the snide comments ladies have lobbed at me, insults about my cooking are undeserved.

Mindy can have her opinions, but they won’t change the way I do things.

Avoiding each other when possible, we settle in as frenemies, and all is well until we’re trapped together. Then things really get complicated.

Now more than my reputation as a chef is on the line.

_____
Inspired by Mindy is a sweet, small-town romcom with lots of heart and a little sizzle.

Genres: Westerns, Romance, Enemies To Lovers, Contemporary, Fiction, Clean Romance, Contemporary Romance

268 pages, Paperback

First published February 7, 2022

About the author

Remi Carrington is the figment of Pamela Humphrey's imagination. She loves romance & chocolate, enjoys disappearing into a delicious book, and considers people-watching a sport. She was born in the pages of the novel Just You and then grew into an alter ego.

She writes sweet romance set in Texas. Her new series, Bluebonnets & Billionaires, will launch in Jan 2019. Her books are part of the Phrey Press imprint.

Reviews

[Kathy Jo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Y'all. I have been dying for this book to be released! Had it not been a work night, I would've started it the moment it hit my Kindle and stayed up all night reading it. But alas, I had to be responsible and get some sleep. 😂

Jeffrey has intrigued me from the moment he was introduced in the series. I knew there was more to him than meets the eye. I also knew that it would have to be someone pretty amazing to capture his heart.

Enter Mindy. Y'all. The moment these two met, I knew Jeffrey was going to have to work for his HEA... and I was not disappointed! Mindy not only challenged him, but she inspired him and made him want to not only do better, but be better.

I loved watching these two go from "enemies", to friends, to something more. Their path to HEA was beautiful and I couldn't keep that goofy grin off my face. These two are amazing! And definitely one of my favorite couples in this series. They're absolutely perfect for each other.

While I loved seeing and catching up with old friends, I loved meeting new ones! Stephanie is seriously the best! I cannot wait to get my hands on hers and Blake's story! 😍

As stated in other reviews of Ms. Carrington's books, the bonus epilogues are my absolute favorite! I think it should be a thing for all authors.. 😉 But I digress. Out of all the bonus epilogues in this series, I think this one is my absolute favorite! I've been dying for this to happen! 💗

If you guys haven't read any of Ms. Carrington's books, then you are seriously missing out! I can always count on her to make me bust out laughing, let out all the little dreamy sighs, and wanting to spend the day reading rather than adulting. Her books are the perfect breaks from reality.

As for my casting... *dreamy sigh*. I absolutely adore these two! What do you think?

[Tricia Anson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Chef was redeemed! And it was done well, because I did not like him in the previous books (it was supposed to be that way), but I ended up loving Jeffrey and Mindy together. This was such a fun and sweet story of overcoming reputations and trusting people to love you well.
Some things I loved:
-getting snowed in together
-a bull named Chuck
-adorable letter writing
-a kitty named Sir Lancelot (that reminds me of my very own escape artist)
-the infamous ladder
-more of the HILARIOUS Tandy (IYKYK)
And a HEA of the best kind

This is the fourth book in the Stargazer Springs Ranch series which also ties in with the Never Say Never series, so it is filled with so many characters that you already know and love. It can be read as a stand alone, but don’t miss out on getting to know everyone from this great ranch and small town!

I received an advance copy of this book, all opinions are my own.

[Bernadette Cinkoske · Rating 5 out of 5]

Inspired by Mindy is a sweet, heartwarming, slow burn, romantic comedy. I love the Stargazer Springs Ranch world Ms. Carrington has created. It contains the best characters. Once I started reading, I just had to finish the book. I loved watching Mindy and Jeffrey fall in love. It was especially sweet once he started cooking things that would be delicious and not set off her food allergies. This well written story is one of the best romantic comedies I have read in the past two years.

[Mim · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect, sweet story

This might be one of my favourites from Remi Carrington. Light, easy read, sweet and beautiful love story. It was also wonderful seeing characters from earlier stories and how they’ve grown - but strongly recommend reading the earlier stories first, as well as Book 6 of Never Say Never series.

[Laramee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this over 40s sweet romance. I love how Remi connects all of her characters from previous books into the current one. Can't wait to see what comes next!

I received an ARC from the author and all opinions are my own.

[Sara Blackard · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Chef cooked up some tasty romance! This book was so much fun, which doesn't surprise me since it's a Remi Carrington. Between a longhorn bull, a Houdini cat, Pescatarian straight-laced heroine, and flirtatious meat-loving hero, things are bound to heat up.

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

So glad to see the Cowboy Chef (Jeffery) get his own story. Absolutely loved it. Jeffery and Mindy are an adorable couple. They have a long, slow journey to get their HEA. I loved the letter writing. It is also great to reconnect with the other characters from Stargazer Springs Ranch. This story is well written and held my interest from the beginning and throughout.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is book 4 in Carrington's Stargazer Springs Ranch series. This is Mindy and Jeffrey's story. I loved these two and Carrington delights in this well written romance that perfectly blends sweet romance with humor!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shannon Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a fun story! Filled with all the wonderful and crazy characters that this series has featured in the previous books, however it still works great as a stand alone story too.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[LaRae Galloway · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an entertaining book! I am still smiling just thinking about it! I chuckled out loud several times, I got teary eyed and my heart melted with all the greatness in this book! Loved it!!

[Rae · Rating 5 out of 5]

We first met the cowboy chef in the Stargazer ranch series and now he has his own HEA (or does he? You'll have to read the book to find out!). Remi's books are filled with romance and humour - this book is no exception.

Characters who have baggage are interesting and both of our heroes come into this story with their own sets. The author has weaved this into the story and allowed them to both grow and develop over the course of the story.

This book is definitely worth a read and it is also worth reading the previous books that are set in this fictional universe. It is a standalone book but I really enjoy the texture that reading the other books provides. I got this book in exchange for a free review but I can honestly recommend this book.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Jeffrey and Mindy. It's a slow burn romance with a humorous and emotional story line. The author does a great job pulling you into the story and kept me reading right to the end. It moves fluidly with descriptive scenes and is a terrific read. Loved it!

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and freely given.

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is a good, and enjoyable sweet small town romantic comedy read. The story has a good story line. The characters are good, and they have good chemistry.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindy has started a new job at Stargazer Springs ranch, as an event planner, she gets up in a tree to sort out the lights and Jeffery, the Cowboy Chef, takes the ladder away, not on purpose, he's moving it!
Then Mindy finds that she needs to be nearer to the ranch, it's taking her too long to get to work, of course, the only available place is a small cottage on Jeffery's ranch!
But she doesn't like him, or at least, she's trying her best not to like him, and he's trying to change his reputation.

A great read about more mature adults.

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindy and Jeffrey both have pasts that they want to change. Instant chemistry between these two and resistance is futile no matter how hard they try. They appear to strongly dislike each other but..... I liked how once they actually talked their first impressions were adjusted. A few misunderstandings and assumptions added to the story and kept me reading. Characters from previous books appeared which I loved especially Ava and Mad Dog. He was a great friend to Jeffrey and loved how the girls brought Mindy into their group. Sweet sweet ending.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this series! This is book is a wonderful read. It hooks you on the first page and doesn't let go. Jeffery and Mindy's story was a fun, yet emotional read. Wonderful addition to the series.
I received a complimentary copy and was not required to write a review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Mandi Blake · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this slow burn romance! These characters had chemistry from the beginning, and I loved their progression. There were moments that were funny and others that were emotional, and the writing was gripping. I've loved each book in this series, and this one was a wonderful addition.

[Texas · Rating 4 out of 5]

More Than a Pair of Jeans, #1 - Lovely. Funny. Cute. I had so much fun reading this sweet romance. Wonderful characters and interesting story lines. Written by a lovely Texan and set in Texas, complete with horses, cattle and goats. Cannot forget about the mice and kittens. Plenty of social media, too. Has a preview of the story. 5*

More Than a Pretty Face, #2 - I just love this series. This story has such cute and sweet characters with plenty of humor. No silly mind games, just people trying to make a life with the person that they love while taking care of their friends. Living well, working hard and loving with all their hearts and souls. 5*

Stargazer Springs Ranch series:
Wrangled by Lilith, #1 - I love this sweet, funny story, even when the last page came too soon. Everyone was good people whom I met before with the Stargazer Cowboy series. The dialog between Beau and Lily had me hurting from all the belly laughs. Ava added her share to the mix. Good story lines. Texans will especially enjoy this book, location and dialog. 5*

Enchanted by Joji, #2 - I love the books Remi writes. Well-written, romantic, funny, and nice characters you wish were real. Actually, you'll find people like them all over Texas. This second chance romance for a couple of 40-somethings is another fun read in this series. It is without the typical drama found in other books where she's a nut job and he has no backbone. Both work through their pasts to reach their future without the stupid formula problems, drama and actions. A feel good story. 5*

Helped by Ava, #3 - Ava is so strong in all the other books, yet, here was a bit of a headcase with her lack of self-confidence. But all worked out in this sweet, funny marriage-to-dating romance. That lil youngin Mason shared some good advice. The Mrs. Kravitz church member met her Samantha, mean ole biddy. 4*

Inspired by Mindy, #4 - You're never too old to change. Sweet. Romantic. They are both headcases, they get better once the ball gets rolling and they're working towards the same goal. The route they take is old fashioned and I love it. It is one of the best ways to learn about the other. Sir had his act together. 4*
Stargazer Springs Ranch series end.

Never Say Never Series:
Three Things I'd Never Do!, #1 - I read Enchanted by Joji when I discovered this series featured characters that would later appear in the Stargazer Springs Ranch series. Skid to a halt and shifted to reading this sweet, funny romance. I love all the characters, the interesting story lines, and the fact the author does not do the typical stupid formula, nut jobs and immature, stupid drama and decisions. It is easy to slip into one of Remi's well written books and not come back to reality until the last page. So have the next book on hand. Spoiler: The last bathroom scene is original and just as great as the first bathroom scene. Sweet and clean, nothing nasty. 5*

One Guy I'd Never Date, #2 - They have been in love for twenty years but did not know it. Big Brother keeps his Little Sister and his Best Friend apart while he did not follow that rule with her friend and co-worker. Carrot is a bit silly and Zach is not perfect. He puts beans in chili but he did have Moon Pies and RCs (RahC and chocolate or banana Moon Pies, best dessert mix back in the 60s). Waldo is a hoot. 4*

Two Words I'd Never Say Again, #3 - This is so much fun to read. There is a lot of humor, along with one of my favorite characters, Joji. Joji teamed up with Nacha's mom is a continuous hoot. Mix in the rest of the cast and it is just a sweet second chance romance story. 5*

One Choice I'd Never Make, #4 - I love Lilith and Joji, and now I love Cami. This was so much fun to read. No head games, just someone who knew she was good enough; no lack of self-confidence for Cami. Harper is so romantic and has a good head on his shoulders. Man, it is difficult not to go into book report mode. Fun. Romance. Wonder support characters, just like a large family or old-fashioned neighborhood where everyone had your back. 5*

Three Rules I’d Never Break!, #5 - All the guys in these three related series are great. This is a cute romance complete with a dog, a goat and a '71 Datsun. 5*

Two Risks I’d Never Take Again!, #6 - Sweet. Funny. Relaxing little romance with the same fun gang and a new story line. There are several chapters giving updates on the whole gang two years later. 5*

One Whopper of a Love Story, #7 - A fun tale about a mermaid and 21 frogs and the guy who rescued her. Layla is a fun person and Nico is another of the perfect guys. 5*
Never Say Never Series ends.

Kissing Holly - A simply cute, sweet romance between two people who knew each other in school. He was dating her older sister in high school. They are perfect for each other with their large caring hearts, their sense of humor and their holiday names. There is a lot of joking about their names. Plenty of humor. Plenty of love. Plenty of feel good and happiness. 5*

[Christe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, sweet of all the sweets. Personally, Mindy and Jeffrey's story is my favorite of them all. Jeffrey is a nice gentleman sweet on the eye and a chef added to that, he did a whole 180 on himself to be the better version of himself and really was inspired by Mindy. It is so enjoyable when a man is ready to be a better person for the woman he is vying for. Mindy definitely did not have it easy with the fact she is dealing with a chronic disease and she had to protect herself because people do understand what it is like to have a chronic illness and to have to change your way of living or your habit to fit your health. I could not put this book down, I had to finish it at once. It was nice that Jeffrey went above and beyond to prove to Mindy that he was a changed man, and Mindy had to come to terms and fight her own insecurities to meet him halfway. the other part of their story that tugged my heartstrings is the fact that they wrote letters to express what they were feeling. No matter what may happen, they found a way that works for them to express their love. they have their own love language. How beautiful.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book so much. Mindy and Jeffery are great characters, well-written and highly entertaining. It was fun to watch them grow and develop, both individually and as a couple, although the couple part was a long time coming, which was also part of the fun. The were each so likable, having pasts that carried heavy emotions and needed to be worked through, your couldn’t help but want them to work through their issues to get to their HEA, while not wanting the story to end too soon. I loved how Mindy found friends and connections along the way, that she badly wanted and needed. The way Ms Carrington built and developed the plot was masterful, having enough give and take to keep things interesting, with several twists that made the story intriguing. This whole series of characters with some life experience is just delightful.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. This is my freely given, honest review.

[Melinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first read by this author and it did not disappoint. I’ll be going back to the beginning to read the whole series. It’s a sweet romance that has no sex scenes for anyone wanting a clean romance. The characters were amazing in this, including Chuck the bull and Sir Lancelot the cat. Other animals were Beauty and Beast, both horses and Simon and Garfunkel, llamas of course. The way Jeffrey met Mindy with the ladder was awesome, especially when the ladder appears later in the book again. Another amazing thing in this book is the dietary allergies Mindy has and how Jeffrey aka the cowboy chef meets her needs and constantly cooks for her. Great representation as I too have dietary allergies and issues.

My only disappointments were that I would of liked more information on the venue where Mindy worked. I couldn’t picture it at all. And the ending. I’d of loved to have the epilogue in either of the H/hs POV instead of Stephanie’s.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review. Jeffrey and Mindy get their story in this book of the Stargazer Springs Ranch series. Mindy has enough on her plate to deal with without adding him to it. They have an attraction that is hard to deny though. Jeffrey has found something, or someone, worth changing things up for. She has doubts about any relationship. These two get their chance thanks to Mother Nature. They both have their own baggage that they deal with. Their story has conflict, passion, understanding, humor, acceptance and love. I liked both of the characters and how they tied into the series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cupid’s Double-sided Arrowhead -
It was pistols at dawn for a while from the moment Mindy and Jeffrey met, but what they didn’t realise was that it was the fore play of their journey to a forever happiness. The taunting and teasing between these two like watching a tennis match at Wimbledon, but the sparks between them was hotter than the hottest summer day in Arizona. The story took me on a journey filled with interesting characters and a plot worthy of being written into a movie.

I really enjoyed reading this book and I will be happy to read it again, but most importantly, it is a book worth recommending for your reading pleasure.

I received an advanced copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara DeNamur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of finding love later in life, after age 40. When Jeffery, the Cowboy Chef, and Mindy meet, it is instant dislike. There is a strong attraction between them, but they are each determined to ignore that fact. Then, a bull named Chuck and a cat called Sir unknowingly bring these two together. Jeff and Mindy rescue each other at different times. It takes a huge ice storm by Mother Nature to melt their hearts on this intriguing journey from dislike to civility to love! There are lots of fun moments with familiar characters. You will be cheering along with Mindy and Jeff’s friends, especially at the epilogue. Remi Carrington has written another fun Rom/Com.

[Ellen Hogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mindy is hired to work at the venue. Her first meeting with Jeffrey was very memorable. They try to avoid each other, but Mindy rents Jeffrey's guest house. Mindy and Jeffrey are such a sweet couple. I loved how they corresponded with letters to learn about each other. Tandy is quite a character. Love this series of books by Remi Carrington, I think this one is my favorite so far. Sweet, clean romance, a delight to read.

I was given this advanced copy for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kate · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet romance from the Cowboy Chef. Remi Carrington knows how to blend romance with real life situations. Her characters have virtues and flaws, and problems to overcome and solve. This story is no different. Misused Mindy and repentant Jeffrey find their way around obstacles, some of their own making, to develop a sweet relationship. Cute conversation and lots more quotable quotes. Jeffrey makes the best plans and says the sweetest words. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author and am pleased and happy to leave a review.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading Inspired by Mindy. There are lots of humorous situations, starting from Mindy's and Jeffrey's meeting. The romance is sweet. Jeffrey goes above and beyond to woo Mindy. Of course, Mindy definitely does the same for Jeffrey concerning Charlie. They do get their HEA. I recommend this book by Remi Carrington to any reader looking for an enjoyable romantic comedy. I received a complimentary copy and am sharing my opinion of this well-written book.

[Bonny Rambarran · Rating 5 out of 5]

A man who USED to be a player - and a woman who believes he still is
She needs a place to stay because it is just too long a drive every day, And so she rents a small cabin from him. And watches him swim . . . and garden — and wants to believe he is no longer a player. And he cooks for her - how amazing it that? THIS IS A SUPERB LOVE STORY — LOVED IT. I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All thoughts and comments are my own.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the fourth story in the "Stargazer Springs Ranch" series. I think it can be read as a stand alone read but does have connected characters. This is fun and sweet story about Jeffrey and Mindy. A cowboy and chef he did a lot to be a better version of himself for her. This is a good story. I love the characters and their story develops nicely.

[L H · Rating 4 out of 5]

It starts with friction and ends with so much more. Jeffrey and Mindy were both good characters individually and it was not hard to root for them both to develop positive feelings for one another in addition to their attraction and wind up together.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.