Whiskey Ryder's Second Chance

Cowboys of Second Chances Security #1

by Rhonda Lee Carver

A single father is looking for a nanny, but what he gets is an old flame.

Whiskey Ryder spends most of his time on the back of a horse on a mountain. Whether it’s on a search and rescue mission, or on the Ryde Hard Ranch working the land with his brothers. He’s all about being a cowboy…and a single father of a preteen who woke up one morning hating him. He’s been told it’s a normal phase for all kids, but he’s like a parenting fish out of water. He’s a millisecond away from chewing leather but his stunning first love comes back to town and, to his relief, has a way with his daughter...and his heart.

They are better together than whiskey and cola but claiming a second chance won’t be easy because someone sees her as a threat and wants her to leave town…dead or alive.

Codee Fields finds herself helping an old friend—old friend as in the cowboy who was her first love, first kiss, first everything. She’s had a couple of failed relationships, but Whiskey is “the one who got away”. Her priority is to solve the mystery of her sister’s death now that she knows the truth.

Whiskey will protect her at all costs, but will it be enough for a second chance at romance? Or will tragedy strike and everything he’s wanted disappear?

Genres: Romance, Contemporary, Westerns, Second Chance, Fiction, Romantic Suspense, Ebooks

282 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 17, 2023

About the author

Rhonda Lee Carver is a bestselling author of contemporary western and romantic suspense, but she loves to write other genres too. She's known for writing stories that keep readers laughing, crying, gripping the edge of their seats, and screaming all in one book...like riding a virtual roller coaster. Whether she's creating sexy cowboys or tough guys, or sassy, independent heroines, readers are sure to find strong, powerful, memorable characters that are relatable.

By day, she taps into her creative, fictional world but at some point she transitions back into reality where she's a volleyball-stands cheerleader, homework virtuoso (at least she thinks so), amateur nurse to skinned knees, mediocre chef with some awesome microwave skills, pet-guru (all the strays show up at her house), and a Jackie of all trades for her kids who are the loves of her life. Yoga and chocolate keep her sane. Hallmark movies require cuddling up with tissues because she can be emotional. She adds a sprinkle of her own real-life adventures in each story she spins because a little truth never hurt anyone. She wouldn't give up one thing in her crazy, chaotic, ever-amusing life, except, she might do magic tricks for the bungalow on the beach she's had her eye on (GOALS).

Writing for Rhonda is like falling in love and finding a new best friend over and over again. Her characters will find a place inside your heart too.

Be sure to stop over at BookBub to get the latest on updates and sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/rhond...

Reviews

[Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG I loved this story. A great start to a new series. A second chance romance full of twists and turns. Smoking hot cowboys and the feisty women who love them. You won't be able to put it down.

Whiskey is a former Navy SEAL. Whiskey and his brother are part of the Second Chance Search and Rescue team. They're standing on the mountain trying to talk old man Caskel down. “They had about an hour of good light left until danger became insanity up on Snowbleed. “Newt had found himself in financial trouble after his wife passed away a few years back”. After coming to an agreement, they headed down the mountain. “Have you heard who’s back in town, his brother asked?” What the hell was Codee doing back in Second Chance?

Codee is working as a nurse. Things were going well for her. She stopped at the nurse's station to pick up a package. “Tearing away the seal, she peeked inside then shook out the book—or rather, a vintage, leather-bound diary. She touched the smooth cover and her stomach dropped into her Crocs. Engraved in gold were the initials “PF”. “And now everything resurfaced with her sister’s lost diary—the one Codee had searched for in Paige’s things”.

[K- · Rating 1 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book. I just couldn’t get past Whisky’s relationship with Barbie. He was obviously in a year long relationship with Barbie (at least to her) when started sleeping with Codee. He was very rude to Barbie when she came to see him at the bar. He’s been having sex with her for a year and she had met his daughter. That sounds like a relationship.

[Stacey · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this one, but it was missing the plot. Literally and figuratively.
So, Whiskey and Codee dated in high school and college. They were engaged when Codee broke it off. Codee's sister, Paige, disappeared during her (Paige's) senior year of high school and everyone thought she'd run away. She was also dancing at a strip bar because she needed money? The sheriff (obvs bad guy from the start) didn't look into it. Like... surely the family could have done more? Like, hired a private investigator?
Anyway, Codee breaks up with Whiskey during college because "he wasn't there for her" (no idea what happened and the author does not elaborate) and mails his ring back. Then Whiskey marries Codee's best friend mere months later and they have a baby soon after. This means that Whiskey and the BF were together while he was engaged to Codee.
At NO point in the book do these two talk about it or does Whiskey tell her the truth (he's not the father). They're mad at each other and then they're making out. They bring up the past, but don't TALK about it. Then the ex-wife (former BF) drops by and tells Codee the truth ... but Codee never mentions it to Whiskey?
Then they're suddenly together and Codee (who is a NURSE) agrees to "nanny" Whiskey's teenage daughter if he helps her investigate Paige's death.
And Paige was pregnant when she disappeared. Whiskey finds remains that turn out to be Paige's, but no baby remains were found (really?). The only way we know this is that someone mails Codee Paige's diary... and Paige... girl, you had a supportive family!
So many things could be resolved if someone just TALKED to someone else.
So I found myself annoyed with almost everyone in this book.

[Jan L · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a nice story with characters I couldn't quite like. It was very predictable, also. I knew the killer immediately from just a mention of him. Started off with tension that was still a little humorous but also added to the predictability of the killer.

[Kelly Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow! What a great start to a new series! I immediately fell in love with the entire Ryder family and Codee. The book opened up with action and ended with action. The pace of the story, in my opinion, was perfect. Whether you like romance or mystery, this book will appeal to you.

The town in which the story is based, Second Chance, is one where it is small enough that everyone knows you or knows someone who does. We see that the Ryders are well liked and cemented within the town like many towns in small town USA. Stories like this are my be kryptonite.

Whiskey Ryder has his hands full with business, ranch duties and a tween daughter, Thea, who has been raised by the Ryder men for the most part. One wonders if he is paying for his raising.
Codee Fields is not only a child of Second Chance but a pediatric nurse and Whiskey's ex. Maybe Whiskey has more than he can handle. (Don't worry - no spoilers). Codee has came back to get some answers and plans of finding those answers regardless if it bothers one particular cowboy. Codee wishes she was unaffected by one particular man but she knows she isn't the same person who left all those years ago.

I loved Whiskey and Codee's story. We see a glimpse of the supporting characters and hope to see them in the future.

[H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love second chance romance and this book definitely delivers on that. Whiskey is a former Seal and Codee is a nurse. Codee returns to town to investigate her sister's death. People had believed she just left town, but then her body is discovered and Codee wants to know what happened and who did it. Whiskey is there to stand by her and help her unravel the mystery. I loved the slow burn growth of their second chance. As they work together and Codee bonds with Whiskey's daughter, it's clear to see that not only are they still very attracted to another but that they clearly are still in love. Whiskey doesn't fight his feelings for too long, while Codee seems to struggle with it more. Once the mystery comes to its climax point I honestly had mixed feelings. The reveal was great and exciting. However once that happens the story very quickly ends and wraps up. I felt there needed to be at least another chapter before the epilogue where Whiskey and Codee really speak to and show each other the depth of their love so that there is a more smooth transition into the epilogue. Other than this I really enjoyed the story and highly recommend it.

[N.N. Heaven · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time for another Timely Teddy review. Another older couple romance you won’t want to miss. Before I worked here, I always thought that was awks (awkward) but I confess it's bussin' (really good).

This author really wrote a book that was awesome. The flow was smooth, and this was a hard to put down.

The love story won't let down fans of this genre. It is smokin’ hot too, so good for January reading.

The mystery was done high key (out in the open)! That part just takes you and doesn't let go. The writing of that part was killer and thanks to the author for such a wild story to read!

Start to finish, a cool read. I recommend this to all my friends and now I rec it to everyone.

If you are a fan of this author, buy this book. If you like western romance, buy this book. A great book for readers dying for a romance.

Disclaimer: I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

5 stars and wow!

Reviewed by: Teddy

This review first appeared: https://www.nnlightsbookheaven.com/po...

[Sara Keenan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Here is what looks to be another great series from Rhonda Lee Carver. Whiskey Ryder’s Second Chance is the first book in the series Cowboys of Second Chances Security. Whiskey Ryder is a single father who works on his ranch and part of the security team with his brothers. Whiskey realizes his preteen needs a female in her life, and someone to keep eyes on her when he’s out working. Codee Fields is back in her hometown determined to figure out what happened with her sister. She runs into her old flame Whiskey and together they can help each other out, while realizing their past is not so much in the past. What a gripping story that keeps you on the edge from start to finish! Rhonda Lee Carver does a great job of keeping you second guessing characters and their part in the story. Must Read!!

[Kerry Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Whiskey's ex comes back to town he realises he still has strong feelings for her, in fact he always has only they don't start off on the right foot since she left him and he married her ex best friend. And Codee is only back in town to find out what actually happened to her sister seventeen years ago.
A perfect blend of cowboy romance and a crime mystery to be solved which I wasn't expecting so a bonus.
I enjoyed the flawless developed characters and loved how they spared off each other with all the tension, brilliant reading.
And I seriously enjoyed there was a crime to uncover.
Whiskey is such a cinnamon roll guy that you can't help but want Codee to stop being so darn stubborn and his kid is adorable and feisty.
If you love a cowboy romance with all the feels this book is definitely worth the read.
Shall read more of this author's books for sure
Kerry Kennedy Author

[Christine Lacombe · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my favorite tropes to read is a second chance romance. I’m also a big fan of Rhonda’s books. The stories she writes are a delight to read.

Whiskey and Codee’s story kept me spellbound. When Whiskey found the remains on the mountain, I just knew who it was going to be. I loved getting a look at their backstory. And I loved watching them reconnect to get their second chance.

Thea, Whiskey’s daughter, was a wonderful addition to the storyline and I was so glad she connected with Codee. Also Whiskey’s brothers are a hoot and I can’t wait to read more about them.

This book kept me riveted to my seat, trying to solve the who-done-it. This is an exhilarating story and I loved it.

[Tianna Croy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed, second chance romance. There are hot cowboys so what more could you need to know. When someone sends Codee her missing sisters diary she knows something bad has happened to Paige. Especially the fact that Paige has been missing for many years. She leaves her city job to go back home and look for clues. Of course running into Whiskey Ryder her hot ex. As they join forces to figure out what happened to Paige they find the case has more dead ends than a maze. She uncovers many secrets that lead to danger but in the end true love saves her.

Second chance security, second chance at love

[Kari Hansen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Between his family and his ranch Whiskey thought he was content with his life until his first love returns to town. She is exactly who he needs to help with his daughter but what she wants in return is something he never expected.

Codee needs answers and she knows the only way to get them is to return to her hometown. She knew that uncovering the truth would be difficult, but she never expected how far some people would be willing to go to keep the past hidden.

This is a romantic and suspenseful story about two people who have always belonged together until circumstances tore them apart and they now find themselves fighting for their lives and each other.

[Hanna · Rating 1 out of 5]

This is another very sad example of a talented amateur destroying her potential as a writer by not bothering to get professional guidance for her craft. She writes dynamic scenes, but they are not held together in a meaningful way. The reader has to guess what is going on and why.

A lot of stuff is just plain stupid: for example, why does a man who owns half the town live with a preteen child over a noisy bar even though it is his bar--a fact implied by the fact he has an office there, but not clearly mentioned.

Scenes are overwritten, the way a 7th grader who has just learned about adjectives and metaphors writes.

I could go on, but this book does not deserve more of my time.

[Jayne Wheatley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this story.
It had it all, lost love rekindled, hope, heartbreak, romance, suspense and so much more.
The mystery as to what happened to Codees sister was intriguing tho I’m too good at guessing plots so wasn’t surprised,. I'm so pleased Whiskey and Codee got a second chance tho it seemed Whiskey thought Dee had cheated when they were kids which was left unclear. I loved the bravery of Dee, she was a tough cookie who wanted answers and touches it out till she got them.
I loved Whiskeys family and would have loved a bit more of them as we didn’t get to know them enough I'm looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Moira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second chance with your first love

A new author for me and I enjoyed the first book in her Cowboys of Second Chances Security series. There's a bit of mystery along with romance. Thea hires her former fiance, Whiskey to figure out the cause of her sister Paige's death years before. Her body was recently found in a shallow grave in the mountains.

The information about Paige was shared through a diary sent to The a anonymously. At the time of her death, she was 5 months pregnant by a married man. As clues unfold, Thea is in grave danger from the killer. Can Whiskey get to her on time to save her? You'll have to read this book to find out. Now on to book 2!

[Rhonda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series and a great start for it! Rhonda Lee Carver gives us another wonderful story. Codee and Whiskey have a history. When she comes back to town to figure out why her sister disappeared years ago, they run into each other again. But this small town holds secrets that some don't want brought into the light! Can Whiskey and Codee settle their differences and figure out what happened to Paige or will Codee become the next victim? I loved the twist and turns in this story. It kept me on the edge of my seat because I had to know what was going on. Very eager to get the next book!

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey Ryder is one of the cowboys of the Ryde Hard Ranch, family security business and runs a local bar as well. Whiskey is a single father who finds himself face to face with a woman he's never been able to get over. When Codee Fields comes back to town to investigate the case of her missing sister she must face her feelings about her former love, Whiskey because they must work together to gather information on her missing sister. From cover to cover Whiskey and Codee's story kept me rivoted to my seat!

[Conna N Condon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cowboy, deputy sheriff and former Navy SEAL Whiskey Ryder is raising his newly surly preteen alone when his first love returns to their small Montana hometown. Codee has returned because the remains of her long lost sister have finally been found; right after she has received her sister’s diary. Deputy and former lover combo working out what happened to her sister while she helps him with raising a preteen. This gets very convoluted with a questionable sheriff in the mix. It is a good mix of second chance love and murder mystery.

[Gladys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Whiskey and Codee's story, and it left me super excited to read much more of this series. The blend of rich emotions, enticing drama, heart, mystery and some very tantalizing twists pull you in quickly and easily and has you all in right until that last page is turned. If you're looking for a book that can deliver all those wonderful feels and the thrills, this book is exactly what you're looking for. This is my unbiased, unsolicited review.

[Emily · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Whiskey Ryder's Second Chance" (Cowboys of Second Chances Security Book 1) by Rhonda Lee Carver was a terrific read. I loved Whiskey and Codee's story. This story was packed with romance, passion, small-town life, family, friends, twists, second chances, hot cowboys, and more. This was a great start to this new series. I'm excited to see what happens next in this series. Highly recommend it to all fans of romance, cowboys, second chances, and series.

[Ellen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Whiskey and Codee were high school sweethearts and once engaged. Unfortunately they never made it to the altar due to lies, secrets and miscommunication! Now years later, Codee's back in town trying to solve her sister's mysterious disappearance from years ago after someone sends her, her sister's journal! She seeks Whiskey's help, but can they keep old feelings and hurt aside so they can solve her sister's disappearance?! Great start to a new series!

[Vickie Raynor · Rating 5 out of 5]

Electricity started right off the bat between Codee and Whiskey, and so did the suspense. From the first page, I was hooked. I love to read this author, and she never disappoints. This new series is looking to be her best yet, if the first in the series is any indication. I loved this amazing cowboy romance and suspense. Then there is a rebellious teenager who was a great addition. Book gifted to me.

[Terra Oenning · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holy smokes this book is absolutely fantastic ! It's filled with suspense and action packed and chemistry and romance and heartbreak and second chances and so many twist and turns that you don't see coming. Whiskey Ryder is a divorced father of Thea who is a the teenager and they butt heads. when skeleton remains are found up on the mountain will they find out who it is? Codee Fields moved away after her sister Paige disappeared and the sheriff chalked it up to her leaving town. Now she's back and needs his help but can they get along and stop bringing up the past and dredging up the heart and pain long enough to find out what happened to her sister Paige?let me just say that I was truly surprised by some twist and turns that I never saw coming . This book is about second chances at love and friendship and finding out the truth and letting loved ones finally rest In peace and making sure that a killer is held accountable and justice served. This book really is an emotional story and I'm still reeling from book hangover from it.

[Elaine Swinney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC Copy of this book, and I voluntarily chose to review it. This is the awesome beginning to a new series. This is a well written story with really great characters. I am a big Rhonda Lee Carver fan, and this book is a winner. I would encourage everyone to get this one it is worth your time. I know I will get a great story when I see Ms Carvers name on a book.

[Beverly Blank · Rating 5 out of 5]

This new series starter is another great story from Rhonda Lee Carver. A second chance story for Whiskey and Codee. A mystery surrounding the death of Codee’s sister brings them back together. There’s a bit of suspense, emotional interaction, family, smiles, laughter, and love. It’s a page turner. I found it hard to put down once started. Highly recommend.

[Katherine Horvath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Second Chance!

Whiskey Ryder's Second Chance: WOW! Never a dull moment in the town of Second Chance! Codee hadn't been home in a long time but she had been given another chance at finding out what happened to her sister. She never stopped loving the one man that made her heart beat loudly. I really enjoyed it.

[Pauline Frost · Rating 5 out of 5]

A well written perfectly paced story pulling you in from the start. I believe this is a good start to the series and you can't go wrong when reading about cowboys. This one was how Whiskey and Codee worked together to uncover the disappearance of her sister, Paige. It uncovers a lot more in the little town of Second Chance.

[Lorie - Bookaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very suspenseful and romantic

I really liked this book, anything that keeps you interested and into the story line.

At first I thought Newt was behind Paige's murder, but then it was clear Jackson wasn't what everyone thought he was. He had everyone fooled.

If you like drama, suspense, intrigue but most of all, second chances at love, this book is for you. Happy reading!

[Katheryn Bargas · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic!!

Wow! What a ride! Whiskey and Codee had me cheering them on all throughout the story and I'm so happy I wasn't disappointed!
Next please! Suspense, romance, Hot Cowboys/ Military Veteran; Gorgeous, Smart, Sassy Heroin! A great mystery and love story too!
I can't wait to read the rest of the series!

[Merle · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Ryder Brothers have started a search and rescue service in their home town. Rescuing an old rancher who is suicidal, the two rescuers find a woman's body. It belongs to the younger sister of Whiskey's first love, and it's complicated. The villain is not too hard to spot, but it's a nice start to the series and there are quite a few brothers.