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Shiloh Ridge Ranch in Three Rivers #1
The Mechanics of Mistletoe
Bear Glover can be a grizzly or a teddy, and he's always thought he'd be just fine working his generational family ranch and going back to the ancient homestead alone. Then he meets and hires mechanic Samantha Benton. She's a genius with a wrench on Bear's tractors...and his heart. Can he tame his wild side and get the girl, or will he be left broken-hearted this Christmas season?
306 pages, Hardcover
Published August 24, 2022
4421 people are currently reading
4046 people want to read
About the author
Liz Isaacson
341 books1,169 followers★ USA TODAY BESTSELLER, AMAZON BESTSELLING AUTHOR, and KINDLE ALL STAR! ★
Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.
Liz Isaacson writes inspirational cowboy romances. Her Three Rivers Ranch Romance series has multiple #1 bestsellers in half a dozen categories. She loves all things to do with contemporary cowboys, and will write romance in Texas, Montana, Vermont, Wyoming, and anywhere else she can find horses and mountains. Find out more at lizisaacson.com. Join her fandom by texting COWBOY to 801-618-2114 for exclusive sales and freebies.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
December 1, 2023
DNF… Too much praying to the lord for me! Very GOD mentioned. I don’t mind occasionally but this was too much for me considering the town had been blow away by tornados 🙄 Also not as described in the advert.
October 9, 2020
Bear has had to be in charge since his dad passed and sometimes the grizzly comes out and he doesn't like it but it gets the job done and then there's Sammy; no matter what he can't manage to find the right words to ask her out but he finally does and he flops. Sammy has had to be the strong one in her family and I feel like Sammy because in my family in expected to be the strong one too and you would think I would feel more like Bear because I lost my dad at a young age and had to step up but its Sammy's struggles that kept me reading this book. I like Sammy feel we have to be strong all the time and cannot ask for help and like Sammy its hard to relinquish that feeling but if I could find an amazing man like Bear an f get him to propose to me and allow me to relax Sammy did I would elated. This is why I love to read Liz Isaacson's book's because she expresses how we all feel at times and makes us feel goof about ourselves. Wonderful book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 9, 2020
ARC for honest review with no compensation 4.5 stars
The Mechanic of Mistletoe is book 1 in the new series Shiloh Ranch in Three Rivers by Liz Isaacson about the Glover family.
First up is Bear Glover whether is his a grizzly or a teddy bear depending on his mood and Sammy Benton a woman mechanic genius with a sunny disposition. Totally opposites but the chemistry is off the charts. Both has felt the attraction but...never do anything about. Until the area is devastated by tornadoes. Sammy feels the weight of the world on her shoulders but Bear is determined to take as much as possible away from her.
Will these two let God and fate show them the way to finding happiness and love together or will the grizzly “Bear” come out and destroy it all? Time will tell....
The Mechanic of Mistletoe is book 1 in the new series Shiloh Ranch in Three Rivers by Liz Isaacson about the Glover family.
First up is Bear Glover whether is his a grizzly or a teddy bear depending on his mood and Sammy Benton a woman mechanic genius with a sunny disposition. Totally opposites but the chemistry is off the charts. Both has felt the attraction but...never do anything about. Until the area is devastated by tornadoes. Sammy feels the weight of the world on her shoulders but Bear is determined to take as much as possible away from her.
Will these two let God and fate show them the way to finding happiness and love together or will the grizzly “Bear” come out and destroy it all? Time will tell....
October 26, 2020
This is book one of the Christmas at Shiloh Ridge Ranch series and tells the story of Bear Glover and Sammy Benton. She can do amazing things with tools and is a successful and hardworking mechanic. She often gets called out to the ranch to help fix farming equipment and has caught Bear’s eye for years. She has her own business but also other responsibilities as well, caring for her nephew Lincoln, after the death of her sister and her husband some years before, as well as her elderly parents. She feels she has to do everything for them and not allow anyone to help her, not allow anyone to see her fail. Bear is the oldest of the Glover clan and has run their family ranch for years. He thinks he can live a single life and just work on the ranch and then send his nights alone, but he has crushed on Sammy for years and finally pushes himself to ask her out. Not that the first date goes well on either of their sides, with them both being really nervous! Bear may seem like a grizzly bear from his size and appearance, but underneath, he is just a big teddy bear. He likes to help people and wants to do the right thing for others.
When three tornadoes hit the town before Christmas, Sammy tries to continue to do everything herself, but the schools have been closed and she can’t juggle work, repairs to her parent’s house and looking after Lincoln, whilst doing her job as well. Lincoln is only eight and her parents are in a fit state to be able to look after him and have problems of their own with the state the tornadoes have left their home in! When Bear comes in to offer to look after Lincoln for her, by taking him out to the ranch and keeping him busy whilst having some fun at the same time. He even starts to organise help to fix her parents roof and get them all back into their own houses, with the help of others he knows in the community. But Sammy’s problem is that she feels she should be doing it all, otherwise she will look weak and that isn’t something she is happy with. Lots of people in town need help clearing up after the damage of the tornadoes and Sammy needs to work out that she isn’t weak, just because she accepts another person’s help once in a while.
A community pulling together after tragedy, a single woman taking on the responsibility of her nephew after he was orphaned, caring for elderly relatives, running businesses and the romance of two people getting to know each other better, who have an attraction to each other and one who just needs to let her shields drop a little! A small town romance, with highs and lows, but lots of humour with a disaster of a first date, and love for a young boy who lost everything from both Bear and Sammy. A protective and compassionate teddy bear of a cowboy would be top of my list of the type of man to take a first and even a second chance with. A holiday season with love on the books if only one side of the equation can let loose just a little. Another cracking good story from this author and further adventures in love from Three Rivers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
When three tornadoes hit the town before Christmas, Sammy tries to continue to do everything herself, but the schools have been closed and she can’t juggle work, repairs to her parent’s house and looking after Lincoln, whilst doing her job as well. Lincoln is only eight and her parents are in a fit state to be able to look after him and have problems of their own with the state the tornadoes have left their home in! When Bear comes in to offer to look after Lincoln for her, by taking him out to the ranch and keeping him busy whilst having some fun at the same time. He even starts to organise help to fix her parents roof and get them all back into their own houses, with the help of others he knows in the community. But Sammy’s problem is that she feels she should be doing it all, otherwise she will look weak and that isn’t something she is happy with. Lots of people in town need help clearing up after the damage of the tornadoes and Sammy needs to work out that she isn’t weak, just because she accepts another person’s help once in a while.
A community pulling together after tragedy, a single woman taking on the responsibility of her nephew after he was orphaned, caring for elderly relatives, running businesses and the romance of two people getting to know each other better, who have an attraction to each other and one who just needs to let her shields drop a little! A small town romance, with highs and lows, but lots of humour with a disaster of a first date, and love for a young boy who lost everything from both Bear and Sammy. A protective and compassionate teddy bear of a cowboy would be top of my list of the type of man to take a first and even a second chance with. A holiday season with love on the books if only one side of the equation can let loose just a little. Another cracking good story from this author and further adventures in love from Three Rivers. I received an ARC copy of this book from BookSprout and I have freely given my own opinion of the book above.
September 12, 2020
Love this book. Loved how Sammy brings Bear out his permanent grizzly state to being a teddy bear instead most of the time. He sometimes goes back to the grizzly bear but Sammy quickly brings him out of it again. I love how Sammy is has taken over raising her nephew and helps her parents all the time and doing everything by herself, but is learning how to accept help from others especially Bear. Bear is learning that he can't swoop in and try to save the day all the time but there are times when it is OK but other times he needs to ask if there is something he can do.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
I received a free copy and am voluntarily leaving my review.
September 12, 2020
Well done characters from two different but equally close families.
The two main characters are both in charge and in control of their businesses and families. Well, one's faking it and one's barely making it...
Ok, they're both stubborn, really into each other, and have no idea what to do about it.
Along with some prayer and some friendly advice, they're on their way to figuring out "together."
The two main characters are both in charge and in control of their businesses and families. Well, one's faking it and one's barely making it...
Ok, they're both stubborn, really into each other, and have no idea what to do about it.
Along with some prayer and some friendly advice, they're on their way to figuring out "together."
October 27, 2020
A Delightful Romance… Holiday or Not!
I loved these two characters! They're both so strong and more than a bit stubborn. She especially thinks that accepting help shows weakness; she can't quite bring herself to understand that supporting one another is not a weakness but is a strength that buoys both. These two just kept getting in their own way! The hero, Bear, is an especially complex character, having to be so strong for his family for so long and being so tough on the outside, but he has a tender heart and a way with the heroine's adopted son that was so heartwarming. And I loved that he initially struggled just talking with her beyond the needs of the work she did for him on his ranch. The heroine was much put upon, but she bore up her responsibilities to her family with love and a good heart to the best of her abilities. Such strong characters who deserve love and the person that matches their good hearts. You just wanted them to each get it together on a personal level and then just get together as a couple. A wonderful romantic read, whether you read it at Christmas or any other time.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I loved these two characters! They're both so strong and more than a bit stubborn. She especially thinks that accepting help shows weakness; she can't quite bring herself to understand that supporting one another is not a weakness but is a strength that buoys both. These two just kept getting in their own way! The hero, Bear, is an especially complex character, having to be so strong for his family for so long and being so tough on the outside, but he has a tender heart and a way with the heroine's adopted son that was so heartwarming. And I loved that he initially struggled just talking with her beyond the needs of the work she did for him on his ranch. The heroine was much put upon, but she bore up her responsibilities to her family with love and a good heart to the best of her abilities. Such strong characters who deserve love and the person that matches their good hearts. You just wanted them to each get it together on a personal level and then just get together as a couple. A wonderful romantic read, whether you read it at Christmas or any other time.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
October 7, 2020
This is a sweet, slow-burn romance between two people who have just about given up on finding love. Bear and Sammy are both strong-willed, family oriented people who have been so caught up with their businesses and family matters that they have forgotten to how to date and talk with someone who interests them. Sammy is a mechanic with her own shop and she is also raising her young orphaned nephew. For the past five years, her attention has been on young Lincoln, her elderly grieving parents and her business. Bear is part owner of a large ranch outside of town where many of his family members also live and work. His family is tight knit, loud, nosy and loving, but he is also lonely and hoping he can finally find the nerve to ask the pretty brunette mechanic that he had crushed on for the past three years out on a date.
His fist attempt at asking her out is awkward for both of them, but his second attempt ends in a date that proves to be very awkward and disappointing for both of them. Sammy has had her own crush on Bear, but insecurities make conversation stilted between them. After a series of tornadoes hit their community, Bear reaches out to help Sammy and her family. Suddenly they have common interests to talk about and the conversations are no loner painfully abrupt. With schools unable to reopen, Bear offers to keep her nephew busy on the ranch during the day and Sammy eventually agrees to his suggestion. Daily contact, a few dates, and an abundance of text messages help to forge a connection between them and lead to passionate stolen kisses. They even have a discussion about what their future could look like together....marriage, living on the ranch, and perhaps more kids. Then a crisis ends up putting distance between them as they argue over control and boundaries. Will they find their way back to each other?
I loved the strong vibrant characters in this book and their captivating story. Both Bear and Sammy are fiercely independent, used to looking after others before themselves, somewhat awkward in social situations and unsure of themselves when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. They are in fact perfect for each other, but it takes nearly losing each other before they realize that compromise, communication and trust are just as important as love in any relationship. I can’t wait to read Ranger’s story next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
His fist attempt at asking her out is awkward for both of them, but his second attempt ends in a date that proves to be very awkward and disappointing for both of them. Sammy has had her own crush on Bear, but insecurities make conversation stilted between them. After a series of tornadoes hit their community, Bear reaches out to help Sammy and her family. Suddenly they have common interests to talk about and the conversations are no loner painfully abrupt. With schools unable to reopen, Bear offers to keep her nephew busy on the ranch during the day and Sammy eventually agrees to his suggestion. Daily contact, a few dates, and an abundance of text messages help to forge a connection between them and lead to passionate stolen kisses. They even have a discussion about what their future could look like together....marriage, living on the ranch, and perhaps more kids. Then a crisis ends up putting distance between them as they argue over control and boundaries. Will they find their way back to each other?
I loved the strong vibrant characters in this book and their captivating story. Both Bear and Sammy are fiercely independent, used to looking after others before themselves, somewhat awkward in social situations and unsure of themselves when it comes to relationships with the opposite sex. They are in fact perfect for each other, but it takes nearly losing each other before they realize that compromise, communication and trust are just as important as love in any relationship. I can’t wait to read Ranger’s story next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 4, 2020
A good story about patience & love. Bear is an old fashioned gentleman. He doesn’t actively think about helping people out but if he sees something that needs done, he takes care of it. Sam is used to doing for herself. As a matter of fact, she prefers it. She thinks accepting help means she’s weak. They are attracted to each other but their personalities cause conflicts. Can they manage to mesh their styles or will their differences break them apart?
October 17, 2020
This is a different type of love story. Two independent, stubborn people try to figure out what they feel for each other. The lady is used to getting things done herself and wants no help from anyone. She worries she will look weak. The gentleman is use to getting things done when he sees it needs to be done. The characters are wonder and you can relate to them.
I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a gift in exchange for an honest review.
September 3, 2020
Wonderful story with great, well written characters. Sammy and Bear are very nervous with each other until the tornado. Bear wants to do everything to help Sammy, but Sammy is very independent and feels she must handle everything by herself. I highly recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.
October 7, 2020
Bear Glover is either a grizzly or a teddy, intimidating or protective. But he’s feeling lonely, and he had had his eye on Samantha Benton for a while now, and wants to try to do something about that. Sammy is a mechanic who keeps the farm equipment in good order. They have a first date and it doesn’t go well. Bear is uncomfortable and doesn't call her. But he would love a second chance with her to make it right.
Sammy has always felt like she needs to be strong. She provides care for her nephew, Linc, and her parents. So she is not used to a strong, capable man who wants to take care of her. When tornadoes strike, Sammy doesn’t know how to occupy Linc’s time. But Bear know exactly what to do on a ranch where he will learn a great deal, and he offers to take Linc to Shiloh Ridge Ranch. He also helps her parents after the tornado damage. But in helping, he makes Sammy feel she is not in control, and that makes her feel weak. Will she see that there is nothing wrong in depending on someone else? Will she be able to appreciate Bear or will her insecurities drive him away?
Sammy has always felt like she needs to be strong. She provides care for her nephew, Linc, and her parents. So she is not used to a strong, capable man who wants to take care of her. When tornadoes strike, Sammy doesn’t know how to occupy Linc’s time. But Bear know exactly what to do on a ranch where he will learn a great deal, and he offers to take Linc to Shiloh Ridge Ranch. He also helps her parents after the tornado damage. But in helping, he makes Sammy feel she is not in control, and that makes her feel weak. Will she see that there is nothing wrong in depending on someone else? Will she be able to appreciate Bear or will her insecurities drive him away?
September 26, 2020
Romance, clean, contemporary; mild Christian faith elements
Lovely, heartfelt, hardworking, honest characters made this a perfect escape read for me! Bear and Sammy's lovely, sweet honest attraction for each other, complicated by their misunderstandings and hardships. Bear's gruff exterior that comes across as he is frustrated, but underneath, just wanting to help and support those he loves, made for a good contrast to Sammy's independence, as she struggles to run her shop and take care of her nephew and elderly parents. Their moments, the times their apart as they struggle to figure out their hearts, were so well drawn. You see their hearts, their thoughts, and their feelings and attraction for each other. Strong, capable characters, and of course the gorgeous setting in Shiloh Ridge, can't wait to read the stories of the other brothers in this family, and there were glimpses in this novel of them! Perfectly paced and well drawn characters, always a fan of LI.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Lovely, heartfelt, hardworking, honest characters made this a perfect escape read for me! Bear and Sammy's lovely, sweet honest attraction for each other, complicated by their misunderstandings and hardships. Bear's gruff exterior that comes across as he is frustrated, but underneath, just wanting to help and support those he loves, made for a good contrast to Sammy's independence, as she struggles to run her shop and take care of her nephew and elderly parents. Their moments, the times their apart as they struggle to figure out their hearts, were so well drawn. You see their hearts, their thoughts, and their feelings and attraction for each other. Strong, capable characters, and of course the gorgeous setting in Shiloh Ridge, can't wait to read the stories of the other brothers in this family, and there were glimpses in this novel of them! Perfectly paced and well drawn characters, always a fan of LI.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
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April 28, 2021The Mechanics of Mistletoe is out now! Get your copy today - free in KU!
December 14, 2023
No plot, no Christmas, heavy religion
December 10, 2021
Samantha "Sammy" Benton is a master mechanic owning her own shop and is raising her nephew after his parents were killed in a car accident. Bear Glover is one of Glover family who own Shiloh Ridge Ranch along with his brother and a cousin. Bear could be a sweet warmhearted guy or a grizzly depending on his mood and what's happening at the ranch. Sammie often repairs their multiple vehicles used on the farm, and Bear is interested in her as more than a friend. But can the Bear overcome his shyness to ask Sammie out and perhaps develop a relationship, or will his can do attitude and need to control sink any possible relationship?
This book is a clean, old fashioned Christmas romance that is enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the relationships between all the Glover brothers as well as the rest of the family who all lived and worked on the ranch. Even though they were quite wealthy, they were down-to-earth, faith-filled people who worked hard, played harder, and loved life. The way the relationship between Bear and Sammie developed and the work they both put in to understand the personalities and needs of one another was a good role model for any young couple who are courting. Great read.
This book is a clean, old fashioned Christmas romance that is enjoyable from start to finish. I loved the relationships between all the Glover brothers as well as the rest of the family who all lived and worked on the ranch. Even though they were quite wealthy, they were down-to-earth, faith-filled people who worked hard, played harder, and loved life. The way the relationship between Bear and Sammie developed and the work they both put in to understand the personalities and needs of one another was a good role model for any young couple who are courting. Great read.
January 3, 2021
I love the whole family of Glover's. They're close-knit, which adds a lot of dimension to the story. This first book spends some time letting the reader get an inside view of what's to come with the future siblings and cousins too. I enjoyed the look at more than just Bear and Sammy because there were a few times Sammy really irritated me with her stubborn independence and I was glad when she finally realized Bear was just trying to help, not take over. Borrowed on KU and was not required to leave a review.
January 19, 2024
It’s seven brides for seven brothers cowboy style!
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Why does it have to be a series? Can’t it just be a 2,000 page book?! I don’t wanna stop and have to get the next book! I just wanna read more!!! I bookmarked the page where it listed the brothers and cousins and good friends so I could keep track of everyone. It was super helpful. I love seeing how love changes people for the better. This book is soooo good!!!
I LOVE THIS BOOK! Why does it have to be a series? Can’t it just be a 2,000 page book?! I don’t wanna stop and have to get the next book! I just wanna read more!!! I bookmarked the page where it listed the brothers and cousins and good friends so I could keep track of everyone. It was super helpful. I love seeing how love changes people for the better. This book is soooo good!!!
July 13, 2023
I liked this book. Bear was so grumpy at times, I loved it and he was enchanted with her, it was mesmerizing to watch. Sammy had a lot in her plate and she didn't want to let anyone in. I felt bad for Bear in that, he didn't deserve it. I liked how at the end she was the one that messed up so she was the one that had to make things right. They made a good couple and I really liked them
November 15, 2020
Great read
This was a really good read. The Glover family is so tight knit and nosey beyond belief that you can't help but have a giggle whilst reading. Bear is a bring strong grizzly of a guy but he is totally flustered when he wants the female mechanic in town.
This was a really good read. The Glover family is so tight knit and nosey beyond belief that you can't help but have a giggle whilst reading. Bear is a bring strong grizzly of a guy but he is totally flustered when he wants the female mechanic in town.
November 25, 2021
Wasn’t impressed
I was not impressed with this book. It took me forever to get into it. It bounced around a lot. When you fall for the girl but she is stubborn and keeps pushing you away. What do you do? You push back
I was not impressed with this book. It took me forever to get into it. It bounced around a lot. When you fall for the girl but she is stubborn and keeps pushing you away. What do you do? You push back
November 30, 2022
Three words to describe this book: cute, religion, grief.
I’m not a big fan of religion and all that stuff, but I didn’t mind it, cause I didn’t feel like I was actually reading a Christian book lol but do take into consideration that!
I’m not a big fan of religion and all that stuff, but I didn’t mind it, cause I didn’t feel like I was actually reading a Christian book lol but do take into consideration that!
January 8, 2025
I absolutely adore Bear & Sammy's sweet , grumpy, heartbreaking, caring, loving ,swoony happily ever after!!
October 19, 2020
I am so excited for this series! Bear is a great character. The feel of this book is similar to the Seven Sons series, which are my favorite books of Liz Isaacson’s. I can’t say enough good things about this book and the way she sets up the next books in the series. It can be a stand alone story, but it is even better if you have read her other books set in Three Rivers. I love this town and getting to know more of the characters that live there. 💗💗💗
October 14, 2020
Great storyline and character development made this book a hot and enjoyable read! Extremely entertaining, captivating and interesting sexy read. I could not put it down. Wonderfully written with strong, intriguing characters. I want to read more from this author.
September 13, 2020
Absolutely loved this beautiful love story.
Bear has crushed on Sammy for a long time but is very unsure of himself. Then he plucks up the courage to ask her out.
Sammy is a mechanic and also a single mother to Lincoln whose parents were killed and Sammy has custody of him.
Can’t wait to read about the rest of the family.
Bear has crushed on Sammy for a long time but is very unsure of himself. Then he plucks up the courage to ask her out.
Sammy is a mechanic and also a single mother to Lincoln whose parents were killed and Sammy has custody of him.
Can’t wait to read about the rest of the family.
March 20, 2021
Oh how I struggled with this book. I have had it on my to-read list for awhile now, I was excited to read it based off the description and the reviews. My word, was this book a massive let-down.
Right in the very beginning, I suspected I wasn't going to like this book. The author's ignorance regarding tornadoes was mind blowing, she lost all credibility with me because of it. I feel as if the author has no idea what a tornado outbreak is like, what she described happens during hurricanes! There is no hours long advance warning for a tornado. People do not board up their homes and have the leisurely time to gather up everybody and get them to a shelter before a tornado. Seriously, either do some research (heck hit up The Weather Channel for an accurate portrayal!) or don't write about things that you know nothing about.
DEEP SIGH
Then we get to Bear. I really wanted to like him, however, the author made it impossible. He's a kind man and so loving. The author wrote him as if he's a 13 year old facing his first crush. He is 45. FORTY-FIVE and has the emotional maturity level of a pre-teen when it comes to women. His awkwardness wasn't charming, it was off-putting. He's such an alpha male in every aspect of his life that this part felt wrong.
Next we get to Sammy. Yeah, pass. I just didn't like her. Not. At. All. First off, how many times does the author have to let us know that she smells? She works hard as a mechanic and the author sure lets us know that she stinks. Between the body odor, the smell of oil and fuel, and the author mentioning several times that she didn't have time to shower and just slapped on perfume to try to hide the smell, it was nasty. Also, Sammy is one of those "I'm an independent woman...hear me ROAR!" types. The kind that will gladly cut off their own noses just to prove that they don't need anyone. EVERYBODY needs others, it's called being mature enough to know that sometimes you need help. I have no patience for characters like this.
Bear and Sammy's relationship was odd. He told a text group that they were dating. She announced that she was his girlfriend. They didn't discuss this with each other before either event happened. They still hadn't even kissed, just hand holding. Again, childish. They also don't communicate. The majority of their relationship is spent in silence in their own heads.
I like clean, Christian romances but this took it to a really bad place. I found it impossible to believe that a 45 year old man would be so innocent and naïve. Oh and then there was the whole drama about him being 13 years older than her...GASPS! THE HORROR! (No, not really. It's not that big of a deal people once everybody has reached adulthood).
I wound up skipping through the book after the 40% mark and read the last couple of chapters. They were well-written and sweet, so I upped my rating to 2-stars.
Seeing how the cousin, Ranger, is every bit as awkward and immature around women as Bear is/was, I doubt I'll be reading any further in this series.
Right in the very beginning, I suspected I wasn't going to like this book. The author's ignorance regarding tornadoes was mind blowing, she lost all credibility with me because of it. I feel as if the author has no idea what a tornado outbreak is like, what she described happens during hurricanes! There is no hours long advance warning for a tornado. People do not board up their homes and have the leisurely time to gather up everybody and get them to a shelter before a tornado. Seriously, either do some research (heck hit up The Weather Channel for an accurate portrayal!) or don't write about things that you know nothing about.
DEEP SIGH
Then we get to Bear. I really wanted to like him, however, the author made it impossible. He's a kind man and so loving. The author wrote him as if he's a 13 year old facing his first crush. He is 45. FORTY-FIVE and has the emotional maturity level of a pre-teen when it comes to women. His awkwardness wasn't charming, it was off-putting. He's such an alpha male in every aspect of his life that this part felt wrong.
Next we get to Sammy. Yeah, pass. I just didn't like her. Not. At. All. First off, how many times does the author have to let us know that she smells? She works hard as a mechanic and the author sure lets us know that she stinks. Between the body odor, the smell of oil and fuel, and the author mentioning several times that she didn't have time to shower and just slapped on perfume to try to hide the smell, it was nasty. Also, Sammy is one of those "I'm an independent woman...hear me ROAR!" types. The kind that will gladly cut off their own noses just to prove that they don't need anyone. EVERYBODY needs others, it's called being mature enough to know that sometimes you need help. I have no patience for characters like this.
Bear and Sammy's relationship was odd. He told a text group that they were dating. She announced that she was his girlfriend. They didn't discuss this with each other before either event happened. They still hadn't even kissed, just hand holding. Again, childish. They also don't communicate. The majority of their relationship is spent in silence in their own heads.
I like clean, Christian romances but this took it to a really bad place. I found it impossible to believe that a 45 year old man would be so innocent and naïve. Oh and then there was the whole drama about him being 13 years older than her...GASPS! THE HORROR! (No, not really. It's not that big of a deal people once everybody has reached adulthood).
I wound up skipping through the book after the 40% mark and read the last couple of chapters. They were well-written and sweet, so I upped my rating to 2-stars.
Seeing how the cousin, Ranger, is every bit as awkward and immature around women as Bear is/was, I doubt I'll be reading any further in this series.
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December 23, 2022I enjoyed the Glover family. Bear is a great guy - he prays, he works with his family and community to make the world a better place.
Sammy is a mechanic who's raising her nephew. I'd written a romance with a mechanic heroine, so I wanted to see how Sammy was portrayed. It surprised me when she fell apart - she runs a business in a male-dominated field and her employees are male, so I expected her to be stronger.
The romance seemed uneven. Sammy and Bear had an awkward date, then suddenly Bear announces to the world she's his girlfriend and she goes along with it.
Sammy is a mechanic who's raising her nephew. I'd written a romance with a mechanic heroine, so I wanted to see how Sammy was portrayed. It surprised me when she fell apart - she runs a business in a male-dominated field and her employees are male, so I expected her to be stronger.
The romance seemed uneven. Sammy and Bear had an awkward date, then suddenly Bear announces to the world she's his girlfriend and she goes along with it.
October 7, 2020
This is a nice, sweet, Christian story and the first book in the new Shiloh Ridge Ranch in Three Rivers series, I liked Bear's big family and how close-knit they are. I also really liked Bear and how sweet and caring he really is. His nickname was Bear and a lot of the time he was a grizzly bear but around Samantha he was a big old teddy bear.
I enjoyed their awkward first date and I was glad the tornado brought them back for a second chance. He and Sammy seemed like a good fit. I also liked how Sammy was raising her nephew and just called him her son since he had been with her since he was three and now he is eight.
This is a wonderful story to lead off this new series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
I enjoyed their awkward first date and I was glad the tornado brought them back for a second chance. He and Sammy seemed like a good fit. I also liked how Sammy was raising her nephew and just called him her son since he had been with her since he was three and now he is eight.
This is a wonderful story to lead off this new series. I received an advance copy of this book and I willingly chose to write an honest review.
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