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Cassidy Men #2
Last Chance
It was Independence Day 1894 when the widow Rachel McKenna decided, "I will not wear black tomorrow." Her husband, the sheriff of Last Chance, Montana, had been dead for a year. Now, sitting alone on the edge of the dance floor listening to the music, she was ready to start living again.
It was then that Lane Cassidy walked boldly toward her and asked, "May I have this dance?" Rachel knew the town gossips would be shocked. Lane was a legendary gunfighter and to dance with him was unthinkable, scandalous, and exactly what Rachel decided to do.
It was then that Lane Cassidy walked boldly toward her and asked, "May I have this dance?" Rachel knew the town gossips would be shocked. Lane was a legendary gunfighter and to dance with him was unthinkable, scandalous, and exactly what Rachel decided to do.
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 1995
10 people are currently reading
162 people want to read
About the author
Jill Marie Landis
76 books250 followersJILL MARIE LANDIS is the bestselling author of nearly thirty novels which have appeared on the NYT bestseller list, USA Today and other national bestseller lists. She has won numerous awards for her heartfelt characters and sweeping emotional historical romances that include SUMMER MOON and MAGNOLIA CREEK and the Irish Angels Series; HEART OF STONE, HEART OF LIES, and HEART OF GLASS. All of her Historical Romances are available in eBook format.
She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.
Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.
She is currently writing The Tiki Goddess Mysteries series which includes MAI TAI ONE ON, TWO TO MANGO, THREE TO GET LEI'D, TOO HOT FOUR HULA and HAWAII FIVE UH-OH! from Bell Bridge Books.
Toes in the sand and head in the clouds, she is living the dream in Hawaii with her husband, Steve. Jill Marie loves to spend hours at the beach reading or writing and she also loves dancing the hula.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
November 8, 2024
**MINOR SPOILERS**
This book can be read as a standalone. I had read a book previously by this author that I thought was ok and wanted to try another. I was disappointed and do not plan to read another.
The story begins with Rachel ending a one year period of mourning for a husband who was a cheater and not a good husband. She is at a dance and meets one of her former students, Lane, who asks her to dance. Ready to be done with mourning, she does so. This sets in motion an unfortunately predictable set of events. Her former in laws are offended and extremely negative about her actions and threaten to take away her child.
Rachel’s husband died young in bed with a prostitute. It was most likely a heart attack, but it seemed unlikely for a man his age. It was done to show his unfaithfulness and disrespect for Rachel and just seemed like an overused plot device.
Lane had become a gunslinger but is now a detective. He had a crush on Rachel when she was his teacher (she is 4 years older). Lane had a terrible childhood but has straightened himself out and works for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Because he is undercover, people often assume he is a lawless gunslinger. This makes things difficult for Lane and Rachel in the town.
The author writes in an emotional style and is overdramatic in spots. There was no relationship development. After seeing each other a few times, they tell each other that they love them.
Rachel’s child, Tyson, is 5. Sometimes, he acts like a 5 year old and sometimes he acts older. It varies at the author’s convenience when a point is being made. It could be when something happens when Tyson and Lane are alone or Rachel is being told or at other points.
Delphie, or Philadelphia, is Rachel’s cook/nanny/companion. She plays a minor role. I would have liked a little more back story about her.
Rachel’s deceased husband’s aunt is a stereotypical character.
The title, Last Chance, has a greater meaning. It is Lane and Rachel’s last chance to be together (truly their only chance as a relationship when they were younger was impossible). It may also refer to Lane’s job prospects.
At times, Lane and Rachel’s behavior did not seem to be applicable to the time. Rachel is very open with Lane almost immediately about her innermost feelings. One thing she confesses is that her late husband found her unsatisfying in bed. Lane does not believe this and volunteers to show her that was not the case.
At one point, Rachel is walking down the street when Lane comes out of a bar midday. He smells like he has been drinking (which he had done) and Rachel does not like it. He accuses her of being a schoolmarm which was negative thing to do but almost immediately apologizes. He makes comments in this style in a few places and I did not care for it. In this case, Rachel allows him to take her son swimming which did not feel likely after her annoyance.
A lot of things added up to losing a few stars. I debated between 2 and 3.
This book can be read as a standalone. I had read a book previously by this author that I thought was ok and wanted to try another. I was disappointed and do not plan to read another.
The story begins with Rachel ending a one year period of mourning for a husband who was a cheater and not a good husband. She is at a dance and meets one of her former students, Lane, who asks her to dance. Ready to be done with mourning, she does so. This sets in motion an unfortunately predictable set of events. Her former in laws are offended and extremely negative about her actions and threaten to take away her child.
Rachel’s husband died young in bed with a prostitute. It was most likely a heart attack, but it seemed unlikely for a man his age. It was done to show his unfaithfulness and disrespect for Rachel and just seemed like an overused plot device.
Lane had become a gunslinger but is now a detective. He had a crush on Rachel when she was his teacher (she is 4 years older). Lane had a terrible childhood but has straightened himself out and works for the Pinkerton Detective Agency. Because he is undercover, people often assume he is a lawless gunslinger. This makes things difficult for Lane and Rachel in the town.
The author writes in an emotional style and is overdramatic in spots. There was no relationship development. After seeing each other a few times, they tell each other that they love them.
Rachel’s child, Tyson, is 5. Sometimes, he acts like a 5 year old and sometimes he acts older. It varies at the author’s convenience when a point is being made. It could be when something happens when Tyson and Lane are alone or Rachel is being told or at other points.
Delphie, or Philadelphia, is Rachel’s cook/nanny/companion. She plays a minor role. I would have liked a little more back story about her.
Rachel’s deceased husband’s aunt is a stereotypical character.
The title, Last Chance, has a greater meaning. It is Lane and Rachel’s last chance to be together (truly their only chance as a relationship when they were younger was impossible). It may also refer to Lane’s job prospects.
At times, Lane and Rachel’s behavior did not seem to be applicable to the time. Rachel is very open with Lane almost immediately about her innermost feelings. One thing she confesses is that her late husband found her unsatisfying in bed. Lane does not believe this and volunteers to show her that was not the case.
At one point, Rachel is walking down the street when Lane comes out of a bar midday. He smells like he has been drinking (which he had done) and Rachel does not like it. He accuses her of being a schoolmarm which was negative thing to do but almost immediately apologizes. He makes comments in this style in a few places and I did not care for it. In this case, Rachel allows him to take her son swimming which did not feel likely after her annoyance.
A lot of things added up to losing a few stars. I debated between 2 and 3.
March 29, 2020
WOW
What a great series. Both books in this series are great. I would recommend reading them in order which will help you better understand Lane. Hated to see this series end. Highly recommend.
What a great series. Both books in this series are great. I would recommend reading them in order which will help you better understand Lane. Hated to see this series end. Highly recommend.
October 8, 2023
A mediocre read. I read about 50 pages a week ago and wasn't really engaged with the main characters. I finally decided to read the last 20 pages, and I didn't miss much by skipping most of the book.
October 10, 2023
Another good story from Jill Marie Landis!
November 26, 2023
Such a sweet and romantic tale of love between a teacher and her former student❤️ I only wish there was an epilogue between these two at the end.
September 2, 2024
Excellent book!!!!!!!!!!!!
June 15, 2019
The Cassidy Family novels should be read in order; it’s easy to say this with some authority. Since I read this one first, there were some gaps in my understanding of some of the finer points of this engaging book.
This is the story of the troubled nephew, Lane Cassidy, who left town 10 years in anger and has just returned. One of the early people he sees is his former teacher, Rachel McKenna. Lane has followed in his uncle’s footsteps by becoming a famous gunslinger. He doesn’t explain why he’s back but the sparks immediately fly between Lane and Rachel.
Another reviewer didn’t like that a teacher would take up with her former student; I look at it differently. Ten years have passed since he was a student in her school and Lane has become his own person. He seems much more assured than his teacher at this point. There are only 4 years of difference between their ages.
During his absence, Rachel married an older man, Sheriff McKenna. He found considerable fault with his wife and shared his dissatisfaction widely. Ultimately, McKenna died in the arms of a local saloon prostitute. Rachel was left with a son, two controlling parents-in-law and a boatload of shame and grief. Lane, with his air of danger, must have felt like a breath of fresh air to someone who was so manipulated by circumstances and others.
I really enjoyed this series; however, the ending seemed to drag on too long. The author maneuvered her characters into one grand, last scene -- which I thought was excessive. This wonderful story didn’t need it. 4.5 stars
Cassidy Family
1. After All (1995)
2. Last Chance (1995)
This is the story of the troubled nephew, Lane Cassidy, who left town 10 years in anger and has just returned. One of the early people he sees is his former teacher, Rachel McKenna. Lane has followed in his uncle’s footsteps by becoming a famous gunslinger. He doesn’t explain why he’s back but the sparks immediately fly between Lane and Rachel.
Another reviewer didn’t like that a teacher would take up with her former student; I look at it differently. Ten years have passed since he was a student in her school and Lane has become his own person. He seems much more assured than his teacher at this point. There are only 4 years of difference between their ages.
During his absence, Rachel married an older man, Sheriff McKenna. He found considerable fault with his wife and shared his dissatisfaction widely. Ultimately, McKenna died in the arms of a local saloon prostitute. Rachel was left with a son, two controlling parents-in-law and a boatload of shame and grief. Lane, with his air of danger, must have felt like a breath of fresh air to someone who was so manipulated by circumstances and others.
I really enjoyed this series; however, the ending seemed to drag on too long. The author maneuvered her characters into one grand, last scene -- which I thought was excessive. This wonderful story didn’t need it. 4.5 stars
Cassidy Family
1. After All (1995)
2. Last Chance (1995)
July 22, 2016
Last Chance by Jill Marie Landis
An easy read. I liked it.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
One night, one kiss would change their lives forever...
It was Independence Day, 1894, when the widow Rachel McKenna decided, "I will not wear black tomorrow." Her husband, the sheriff of Last Chance, Montana, had been dead for a year. And now, sitting near the dance floor, listening to the music, she was ready to start living again...
It was then and there that Lane Cassidy walked boldly toward her and asked, "May I have this dance?" Rachel knew town gossips would be shocked. Lane was a legendary gunfighter. To dance with him was unthinkable, scandalous. And it was exactly what Rachel decided to do...
An easy read. I liked it.
The description of the book I am listing below is from the back jacket of the book. I'm adding it because I believe the one on the Goodreads page does not depict this story.
One night, one kiss would change their lives forever...
It was Independence Day, 1894, when the widow Rachel McKenna decided, "I will not wear black tomorrow." Her husband, the sheriff of Last Chance, Montana, had been dead for a year. And now, sitting near the dance floor, listening to the music, she was ready to start living again...
It was then and there that Lane Cassidy walked boldly toward her and asked, "May I have this dance?" Rachel knew town gossips would be shocked. Lane was a legendary gunfighter. To dance with him was unthinkable, scandalous. And it was exactly what Rachel decided to do...
May 23, 2012
This was an amazing book! It was the first one I've read by the author and I will certainly mark her down and one of my favorites. Right from the first page, I knew it was well written and going to be one I couldn't put down, and I was right. You will quickly be captivated by the story, which is a great one, never faltering, as will you fall in love with Lane, and Rachel. Don't miss out, and pick up a copy and begin the wonderful journey
June 15, 2010
The continuing story from "After All" is Lane Cassidy and Rachel's story.
January 13, 2013
Love love love this book one of my favorites I have read multiple times since buying it in 2004! Even named my son after one the characters! Wish there was more to the story though!
July 18, 2014
I couldn't get into the characters.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews