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The Men of Medicine Ridge #1
Circle of Gold
RUGGED RANCHER
Sparks flew the moment Kasie Mayfield arrived at Gil Callister's sprawling Montana ranch to temporarily care for his two adorable daughters. Yet never in her wildest dreams did the innocent young woman imagine that her formidable new boss would sweep her off her feet with his potent charm. Before long, she was in love so deeply that it made her heart ache. But how did he feel? The enigmatic rancher was so difficult to read. Still, she couldn't imagine spending her days --- or nights --- with anyone else but Gil. Could Kasie convince the hard-edged widower that a circle of gold ... belonged on her finger?
Sparks flew the moment Kasie Mayfield arrived at Gil Callister's sprawling Montana ranch to temporarily care for his two adorable daughters. Yet never in her wildest dreams did the innocent young woman imagine that her formidable new boss would sweep her off her feet with his potent charm. Before long, she was in love so deeply that it made her heart ache. But how did he feel? The enigmatic rancher was so difficult to read. Still, she couldn't imagine spending her days --- or nights --- with anyone else but Gil. Could Kasie convince the hard-edged widower that a circle of gold ... belonged on her finger?
184 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2000
223 people are currently reading
529 people want to read
About the author
Diana Palmer
1,041 books3,097 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
Diana Palmer is a pseudonym for author Susan Kyle.
(1)romance author
Susan Eloise Spaeth was born on 11 December 1946 in Cuthbert, Georgia, USA. She was the eldest daughter of Maggie Eloise Cliatt, a nurse and also journalist, and William Olin Spaeth, a college professor. Her mother was part of the women's liberation movement many years before it became fashionable. Her best friends are her mother and her sister, Dannis Spaeth (Cole), who now has two daughters, Amanda Belle Hofstetter and Maggie and lives in Utah. Susan grew up reading Zane Grey and fell in love with cowboys. Susan is a former newspaper reporter, with sixteen years experience on both daily and weekly newspapers. Since 1972, she has been married to James Kyle and have since settled down in Cornelia, Georgia, where she started to write romance novels. Susan and her husband have one son, Blayne Edward, born in 1980.
She began selling romances in 1979 as Diana Palmer. She also used the pseudonyms Diana Blayne and Katy Currie, and her married name: Susan Kyle. Now, she has over 40 million copies of her books in print, which have been translated and published around the world. She is listed in numerous publications, including Contemporary Authors by Gale Research, Inc., Twentieth Century Romance and Historical Writers by St. James Press, The Writers Directory by St. James Press, the International Who's Who of Authors and Writers by Meirose Press, Ltd., and Love's Leading Ladies by Kathryn Falk. Her awards include seven Waldenbooks national sales awards, four B. Dalton national sales awards, two Bookrak national sales awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award for series storytelling from Romantic Times, several Affaire de Coeur awards, and two regional RWA awards.
Inspired by her husband, who quit a blue-collar manufacturing job to return to school and get his diploma in computer programming, Susan herself went back to college as a day student at the age of 45. In 1995, she graduated summa cum laude from Piedmont College, Demorest, GA, with a major in history and a double minor in archaeology and Spanish. She was named to two honor societies (the Torch Club and Alpha Chi), and was named to the National Dean's List. In addition to her writing projects, she is currently working on her master's degree in history at California State University. She hopes to specialize in Native American studies. She is a member of the Native American Rights Fund, the American Museum of Natural History, the National Cattlemen's Association, the Archaeological Institute of Amenca, the Planetary Society, The Georgia Conservancy, the Georgia Sheriff's Association, and numerous conservation and charitable organizations. Her hobbies include gardening, archaeology, anthropology, iguanas, astronomy and music.
In 1998, her husband retired from his own computer business and now pursues skeet shooting medals in local, state, national and international competition. They love riding around and looking at the countryside, watching sci-fi on TV and at the movies, just talking and eating out.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 68 reviews
August 10, 2021
This was a middle of the road DP for me.
Gil has a chip on his shoulder for the first 2/3. Not sure why. I think DP was trying to show that he was interested in Kasie from first sight, but didn't understand his own feelings. But he wasn't as bad as some (by far) as some of DP's Hs. Not that he isn't an asshat to Kasie for most of the book, but he doesn't do as much OW shenanigans as some other Hs. He's not a manho!
Kasie applies for a job as a data manager at Gil's ranch. There's another lady (Pauline the OW wannabe) who is supposed to have input all the data from paper to computer, but never did a lick of work. As soon as Gil is out of sight, she's doing her nails or something.
Then there's Gil's daughters from his first wife who died, who take a liking to Kasie. The first wife isn't vilified or put on a pedestal, thank goodness. But Gil is still a little heart sick as she died only 3 years ago. I think Kasie reminds him of her a bit because she's so sweet natured.
But of course Kasie is a little dowdy and buttoned up tight. She was raised by missionaries and has suffered a lot of tragedy in her young life.
There's a point about 2/3 in where Pauline succeeds in tricking Gil into firing Kasie and then Gil comes to realize that he's had his head up his ass. It was sweet.
He chases Kasie down... eventually, and talks her into coming back to work. Pauline is fired.
Yet still the book goes on as they pussy foot around each other. Neither wanting to stick their neck out for love.
I think I would have given 4 stars if Gil had been the one to pull up his big boy pants first. But the ending was still cute, complete with wedding.
safety is fine;
Gil has a chip on his shoulder for the first 2/3. Not sure why. I think DP was trying to show that he was interested in Kasie from first sight, but didn't understand his own feelings. But he wasn't as bad as some (by far) as some of DP's Hs. Not that he isn't an asshat to Kasie for most of the book, but he doesn't do as much OW shenanigans as some other Hs. He's not a manho!
Kasie applies for a job as a data manager at Gil's ranch. There's another lady (Pauline the OW wannabe) who is supposed to have input all the data from paper to computer, but never did a lick of work. As soon as Gil is out of sight, she's doing her nails or something.
Then there's Gil's daughters from his first wife who died, who take a liking to Kasie. The first wife isn't vilified or put on a pedestal, thank goodness. But Gil is still a little heart sick as she died only 3 years ago. I think Kasie reminds him of her a bit because she's so sweet natured.
But of course Kasie is a little dowdy and buttoned up tight. She was raised by missionaries and has suffered a lot of tragedy in her young life.
There's a point about 2/3 in where Pauline succeeds in tricking Gil into firing Kasie and then Gil comes to realize that he's had his head up his ass. It was sweet.
He chases Kasie down... eventually, and talks her into coming back to work. Pauline is fired.
Yet still the book goes on as they pussy foot around each other. Neither wanting to stick their neck out for love.
I think I would have given 4 stars if Gil had been the one to pull up his big boy pants first. But the ending was still cute, complete with wedding.
safety is fine;
January 17, 2012
Why is it okay for men to talk about their dead first wives MINUTES after consummation on their WEDDING NIGHT with the ONCE VIRGINAL heroine?
I'm just saying...Foul! And he also tells her how he will always love the deceased wife but would die for her (the heroine). Should we, as readers, interpret that to mean that he would put his life on the line (despite his two children by Saint Deceased Wife) because he still loves SDW (Saint Deceased Wife) so much that he doesn't mind joining her?
Okay. I know that sounds harsh, but this is not the first time I've read something similar in a book. Can't these things be said PRIOR to the wedding night...or at least when you're not within MINUTES of JUST having consummated the new marriage?
Just....ew! The book dropped a whole star for me on account of that one!
I really enjoyed the kids in this book, not as much as the little beasties in Emmett, though.
I'm just saying...Foul! And he also tells her how he will always love the deceased wife but would die for her (the heroine). Should we, as readers, interpret that to mean that he would put his life on the line (despite his two children by Saint Deceased Wife) because he still loves SDW (Saint Deceased Wife) so much that he doesn't mind joining her?
Okay. I know that sounds harsh, but this is not the first time I've read something similar in a book. Can't these things be said PRIOR to the wedding night...or at least when you're not within MINUTES of JUST having consummated the new marriage?
Just....ew! The book dropped a whole star for me on account of that one!
I really enjoyed the kids in this book, not as much as the little beasties in Emmett, though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 27, 2020
This review comes with 2 disclaimers… 1. I love DP ; I spent much of my youth stealing her books out of my mom’s room, and kinda imprinted on her style while I was still young and impressionable-LOL- so I can’t/won’t ever be unbiased… I give her a TON of leeway. 2. I read this while recovering from my wisdom teeth extraction, and on hella good drugs. I add these caveats because obviously I loved it, and I noticed reviewers who I respect said it sucked… so …🤷♀🤷♂ You’ve been warned.
Circle of Gold follows grumpy, rugged rancher Gil Callister, and sheltered, wholesome computer genius (well she did just complete her secretarial training, and is very savvy with creating spreadsheets with her word processor) Kasie Mayfield. Gil is widowed, and not looking for a replacement of his beloved wife or a new mum to his two darling daughters. Kasie is just looking for a job, and not to get mixed up with an old grump with baggage. Throw in a moderately crazed wannabe Ow, and sit back and watch this one go.
Bottom Line- This was Kasie’s show, and for me, she made up for Gil and his grumpy ass. There’s a lot of push pull, but she was never mopey. Not a ton of angst, a little bit of drama. My only complaint was the vague-ness of the OW Pauline, and Gil’s relationship. The descriptions/verbiage made it seem like they were only friends, but then she called him “lover” and going away on vacay was odd… It’s not a big deal, I’m just the type of reader that wants ALL the deets when it comes to OW.
Circle of Gold follows grumpy, rugged rancher Gil Callister, and sheltered, wholesome computer genius (well she did just complete her secretarial training, and is very savvy with creating spreadsheets with her word processor) Kasie Mayfield. Gil is widowed, and not looking for a replacement of his beloved wife or a new mum to his two darling daughters. Kasie is just looking for a job, and not to get mixed up with an old grump with baggage. Throw in a moderately crazed wannabe Ow, and sit back and watch this one go.
Bottom Line- This was Kasie’s show, and for me, she made up for Gil and his grumpy ass. There’s a lot of push pull, but she was never mopey. Not a ton of angst, a little bit of drama. My only complaint was the vague-ness of the OW Pauline, and Gil’s relationship. The descriptions/verbiage made it seem like they were only friends, but then she called him “lover” and going away on vacay was odd… It’s not a big deal, I’m just the type of reader that wants ALL the deets when it comes to OW.
July 31, 2020
Vintage DP and this was exactly what was needed on this rainy day. The H was the typical alpha male who repressed all emotions except for anger and was rich. The h was a stronger than she looks lady who is positive and loves easily. The OW is a gold digger who just wants....everything.
The OW wants the H but not his children. The H vacillates on what he wants and with who. The h loves the children before loving the H and they return her feelings. She is not bothered by his grief over losing his wife as she has lost numerous friends and family members and knows those feelings. Her aunt is amazing!
The children are everyone's Achilles's heel. When one is injured while all are on vacation, the H blames the h, fires her and sends her packing. Later, of course, the children explain what really happened and the H has to confront his mistake and his feelings for the h. He does, they reunite and all is well.
The OW wants the H but not his children. The H vacillates on what he wants and with who. The h loves the children before loving the H and they return her feelings. She is not bothered by his grief over losing his wife as she has lost numerous friends and family members and knows those feelings. Her aunt is amazing!
The children are everyone's Achilles's heel. When one is injured while all are on vacation, the H blames the h, fires her and sends her packing. Later, of course, the children explain what really happened and the H has to confront his mistake and his feelings for the h. He does, they reunite and all is well.
February 7, 2017
I feel like there should be a separate Diana Palmer rating scale. This was a generous 2 on a normal scale. Using a DP calibrated scale would have moved it to a 4.
I keep telling myself no more DP but here I am again. With a damn DP.
What's good: it's not set in Texas and while there's mention of some crazy Texan, that's all there is. A mention. And he eventually comes to the wedding. But there aren't any crazy soldiers/mercenaries/etc that often pop up.
I didn't see what the original publication date is but I'd guess mid-90s. There's a lot of awe surrounding "the computer" and discussion of setting up a web page as if it were some mystery one had to be inducted into.
Kassie is a fine heroine. She's a capable secretary and a just as capable governess/nanny. Do people still use the term governess? They do in DP's Montana.
Gil is really an ass at times. Luckily Kassie doesn't take any of his shit. Go Kassie.
There's an OW who is suitably evil.
This being DP, Kassie is always covered up (except for her one-piece swimsuit which is still suitably demure) and sexually inexperienced.
Kassie has a dramatic background which is so implausible as to be silly but again, fairly typical DP. If Kassie had more of a "normal" traumatic childhood, I may have been able to take this to 2 1/2 stars. But then there's Gil's background - descendent of a British duke. And why not.
Bottom line: this didn't annoy me nearly as much as other DP books and I read it because the one I really wanted to read (Diamond in the Rough) comes after this.
I keep telling myself no more DP but here I am again. With a damn DP.
What's good: it's not set in Texas and while there's mention of some crazy Texan, that's all there is. A mention. And he eventually comes to the wedding. But there aren't any crazy soldiers/mercenaries/etc that often pop up.
I didn't see what the original publication date is but I'd guess mid-90s. There's a lot of awe surrounding "the computer" and discussion of setting up a web page as if it were some mystery one had to be inducted into.
Kassie is a fine heroine. She's a capable secretary and a just as capable governess/nanny. Do people still use the term governess? They do in DP's Montana.
Gil is really an ass at times. Luckily Kassie doesn't take any of his shit. Go Kassie.
There's an OW who is suitably evil.
This being DP, Kassie is always covered up (except for her one-piece swimsuit which is still suitably demure) and sexually inexperienced.
Kassie has a dramatic background which is so implausible as to be silly but again, fairly typical DP. If Kassie had more of a "normal" traumatic childhood, I may have been able to take this to 2 1/2 stars. But then there's Gil's background - descendent of a British duke. And why not.
Bottom line: this didn't annoy me nearly as much as other DP books and I read it because the one I really wanted to read (Diamond in the Rough) comes after this.
December 25, 2020
The author doesn't sell the romance, but sells the love between the h and the H's daughters. The h's background was another example of Diana Palmer piling on tragedy after tragedy.
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September 17, 2009Gil Callister/Kasie Mayfield-he was a rich rancher, widowed and had two little girl's she got the job as his secterary on the ranch and she fell in love with him right away but he wasn't looking for a wife but his girlfriend didn't like Kasie so she did everthing that she could to keep them apart but the girl's like Kasie and they begged their father to let Kasie become their Nanny which he did finally which kept them together most of the time till he couldn't fight his feeling or his desire till one day it happen and they lived HEA !!!
September 9, 2023
Another reread. I always think the hero is completely brainless when it comes to the conniving secretary who wants him and will do anything to get him, even destroying (or trying to destroy) the heroine in her path to get to him. Always want to shake them and say ARE YOU BLIND, YOU FOOL!? UGHH.
August 1, 2020
This was not good.
November 11, 2024
✅ A main character with zero self respect
✅ A terrible man as the hero
✅ Someone trying to kill some innocent cattle
✅ A vengeful woman
🟰Diana Palmer recipe for book
Ps: yes I may have a problem because I hate these books but I cannot stop myself from reading them.
✅ A terrible man as the hero
✅ Someone trying to kill some innocent cattle
✅ A vengeful woman
🟰Diana Palmer recipe for book
Ps: yes I may have a problem because I hate these books but I cannot stop myself from reading them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 16, 2016
I've noticed there's a hit or miss audience with Diana Palmer's books. Most people complain that the reason they don't like her books is because they are predictable, the hero is often an @$$, the heroine is innocent, and there is often at least a ten year age difference between the two. So that about sums up the majority of the books I have read by Diana Palmer. This book is no different but that's why I like it. Although I read all sorts of romances, some with heavy plots intertwined within each book, sometimes I just need to take a step back and read something simple. This is why I read and love Diana Palmer's books. They are simple, predictable, and mind-numbing romance.
February 20, 2021
It was an okay read. The book was a little predictable but entertaining nonetheless. For the most part, I enjoyed the book. What I liked best was the immediate connection Kasie shared with Gil's daughters, Bess and Jenny.
I also loved Gil's relationship with his daughters. You can see how much he loves them and will do anything for his babies. The attraction between Gil and Kasie does good reading, and you'll enjoy the journey.
Overall, I enjoyed this story for what it was.
I also loved Gil's relationship with his daughters. You can see how much he loves them and will do anything for his babies. The attraction between Gil and Kasie does good reading, and you'll enjoy the journey.
Overall, I enjoyed this story for what it was.
April 2, 2011
I think I like Diana Palmer novels a little too much. I seem to start, and 30 minutes later, I'm done! YIKES!
February 14, 2014
Decent boss-secretary love story but I didn't like the heroine that much. I thought she was pretty irresponsible and fickle. Also zero sex scenes even after their wedding.
December 19, 2024
I always enjoy reading a Diana Palmer romance!
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June 1, 2020Categories
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Western Romance
Miniseries
The Men of Medicine Ridge
Small Town & Rural Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Romance, Western Romance
Miniseries
The Men of Medicine Ridge
January 7, 2021
I believe this book pays a little homage to one of my favorite musicals the Sound of Music! There was even singing at one point, but I digress....
Hero(Captain Vontrapp)- He is widowed and lost his wife when she was only 26 leaving behind two young girls(Gretel and Brigitta)...His wife was a good person so no bad feelings...however he is not looking to secure a new wife(that would require losing his heart again, and being disloyal to dead wife) He is interviewing-secretaries for his younger brother and takes an instant dislike(hp terms=interest)to the heroine.
He hires her right away...she is qualified, plain, and dresses like a nun so no temptation.
Heroine(Maria)- She is orphaned and has recently lost the rest of her family in a plane incident(but she doesn’t share and stays mysterious about her past). She is applying for
job as it pays more and the younger brother is a dish! She then finds out she will be a live in and expected to travel. She forms a bond with the two little girls whose nanny really isn’t interested in kids(the vontrapp children do not play, they March). The current governess is one in a long line of governesses(What’s wrong with the Children? It’s not the children it’s the governesses) Some previous governesses had their caps set to be the new Mrs. Von trapp) but the current governess took the job because she is no longer an accountant and needed something. So our heroine is very good at her secretarial job(not the tax part...see where this is going?)She also reads to the kids, plays with kids, and on a stormy night the kids come to her bedroom for comfort(think raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens) Pretty sure our heroine is wearing the same white nightgown from Sound of Music. The hero keeps warning the heroine to stay away from his girls as he is not interested in a new wife. She informs him he is too old(32 to her 22 which in DP land is not a very big gap) This may be a good time to introduce the other woman...
OW-(baroness Shraeder)- She is wealthy in her own right, and works for the hero as a part time secretary(really really part time as she tends to put extra work on heroine and the previous secretaries) She sashays around the pool and our hero seems unaware how manipulative she really is. (His heart is off limits but I believe the other piece of his anatomy would like to be let out to play)Of course our ow picks up on the vibes between the hero and the plain secretary and starts to scheme. The heroine doesn’t want problems with the ow and reiterates that she is not in the market for a geriatric husband(hero) Our Ow makes it clear that the H is hers and the girls will be shipped off to that little thing called boarding school)
Ok now back to the hero and heroine ...he decides she makes a better governess, so the governess and heroine switch jobs! (Didn’t see that coming🙄) Obviously the Ow realizes this will not do and proposes a trip to the Bahamas with the hero and kids...our hero doesn’t trust ow with the kids so he has the heroine go along(ow is steaming) While on plane the heroine is sitting 10 rows back(hero doesn’t realize our heroine’s fear of planes) Lucky for her she sits next to an attractive, younger male .....
OM(Max Detweiler)...ok true blue sound of music fans know that Max was never an Om...but Max was fun loving and so is our OM...so just give me this liberty....while sitting next to heroine on the plane the ex Marine calms her down and gets her mind off of flying by breaking out into song...getting the whole back of the plane involved like some flash mob singing along...they exchange information and go their separate ways
Ok so there are lots of feels going on...heroine is sharing suite with hero (they have moments)while ow is in a different room(against her wishes) Things come to a head when the ow sets up the heroine to look irresponsible while being with the om...one of the girls gets”accidentally”hurt at the pool while ow is on duty and the hero fires our heroine on the spot believing the ow’s sordid account of what happened...(the little girl sets daddy straight later)...the heroine runs back to her aunts house who raised her...oh and the aunt is a nun(Mother superior)(all windows open when doors close type of nun) Meanwhile the hero is cooling his heels while the ow is sent on her way with some help from the little girls who have no problems getting rid of unwanted ow’s with snakes, frogs(maybe even a whole jar of spiders) The hero goes to get the heroine (mother superior fills in some gaps for him about heroine’s life)and brings her back. With unsolicited help from his little brother(think movie Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart)He realizes it’s ok to love again...So they have their HEA with a promise there will be future children because she has brought light and laughter back to his world.....The hills are truly alive....
Hero(Captain Vontrapp)- He is widowed and lost his wife when she was only 26 leaving behind two young girls(Gretel and Brigitta)...His wife was a good person so no bad feelings...however he is not looking to secure a new wife(that would require losing his heart again, and being disloyal to dead wife) He is interviewing-secretaries for his younger brother and takes an instant dislike(hp terms=interest)to the heroine.
He hires her right away...she is qualified, plain, and dresses like a nun so no temptation.
Heroine(Maria)- She is orphaned and has recently lost the rest of her family in a plane incident(but she doesn’t share and stays mysterious about her past). She is applying for
job as it pays more and the younger brother is a dish! She then finds out she will be a live in and expected to travel. She forms a bond with the two little girls whose nanny really isn’t interested in kids(the vontrapp children do not play, they March). The current governess is one in a long line of governesses(What’s wrong with the Children? It’s not the children it’s the governesses) Some previous governesses had their caps set to be the new Mrs. Von trapp) but the current governess took the job because she is no longer an accountant and needed something. So our heroine is very good at her secretarial job(not the tax part...see where this is going?)She also reads to the kids, plays with kids, and on a stormy night the kids come to her bedroom for comfort(think raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens) Pretty sure our heroine is wearing the same white nightgown from Sound of Music. The hero keeps warning the heroine to stay away from his girls as he is not interested in a new wife. She informs him he is too old(32 to her 22 which in DP land is not a very big gap) This may be a good time to introduce the other woman...
OW-(baroness Shraeder)- She is wealthy in her own right, and works for the hero as a part time secretary(really really part time as she tends to put extra work on heroine and the previous secretaries) She sashays around the pool and our hero seems unaware how manipulative she really is. (His heart is off limits but I believe the other piece of his anatomy would like to be let out to play)Of course our ow picks up on the vibes between the hero and the plain secretary and starts to scheme. The heroine doesn’t want problems with the ow and reiterates that she is not in the market for a geriatric husband(hero) Our Ow makes it clear that the H is hers and the girls will be shipped off to that little thing called boarding school)
Ok now back to the hero and heroine ...he decides she makes a better governess, so the governess and heroine switch jobs! (Didn’t see that coming🙄) Obviously the Ow realizes this will not do and proposes a trip to the Bahamas with the hero and kids...our hero doesn’t trust ow with the kids so he has the heroine go along(ow is steaming) While on plane the heroine is sitting 10 rows back(hero doesn’t realize our heroine’s fear of planes) Lucky for her she sits next to an attractive, younger male .....
OM(Max Detweiler)...ok true blue sound of music fans know that Max was never an Om...but Max was fun loving and so is our OM...so just give me this liberty....while sitting next to heroine on the plane the ex Marine calms her down and gets her mind off of flying by breaking out into song...getting the whole back of the plane involved like some flash mob singing along...they exchange information and go their separate ways
Ok so there are lots of feels going on...heroine is sharing suite with hero (they have moments)while ow is in a different room(against her wishes) Things come to a head when the ow sets up the heroine to look irresponsible while being with the om...one of the girls gets”accidentally”hurt at the pool while ow is on duty and the hero fires our heroine on the spot believing the ow’s sordid account of what happened...(the little girl sets daddy straight later)...the heroine runs back to her aunts house who raised her...oh and the aunt is a nun(Mother superior)(all windows open when doors close type of nun) Meanwhile the hero is cooling his heels while the ow is sent on her way with some help from the little girls who have no problems getting rid of unwanted ow’s with snakes, frogs(maybe even a whole jar of spiders) The hero goes to get the heroine (mother superior fills in some gaps for him about heroine’s life)and brings her back. With unsolicited help from his little brother(think movie Sabrina with Audrey Hepburn and Humphrey Bogart)He realizes it’s ok to love again...So they have their HEA with a promise there will be future children because she has brought light and laughter back to his world.....The hills are truly alive....
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2021
3 ⭐⭐⭐ - OK decent reads.
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Gilbert, the eldest at thirty-two, had been widowed three years ago. He had two young daughters, Bess, who was five, and Jenny, who was four.
John had never married. He was a rodeo champion and did most of the traveling that accompanied showing the ranch’s prize winning pedigree black Angus bulls.
She had a rather ordinary oval face and a small, rounded chin, and she wore contact lenses. She wasn’t at all pretty. She had a nice figure, but she was shy and didn’t make the most of it.
He averted his eyes. “You have some odd character references,” he said after a minute, frowning at them. “A Catholic priest, a nun, a Texas Ranger and a self-made millionaire with alleged mob ties.”
He seethed. “In case you didn’t get the message the first time, Kasie, I am not in the market for a wife or a mother for my daughters.”
‘I’m only twenty-two, Mr. Callister,” she added. “And I don’t have any interest in a man almost old enough to be my father, with a ready-made family to boot!”
Gil’s secretary, Pauline Raines, conveniently sprained her thumb and couldn’t type.
She didn’t like Pauline any more than Gil’s daughters did. The woman was lazy and seductive, and always hanging on Gil like a tie.
Pauline spent her time by the pool when Gil wasn’t watching.
“My wife was like that.” He smiled. “She said that lies were a waste of time, since they got found out anyway.” His eyes were far away.
“We were in grammar school together. We always knew that we’d marry one day.”
The problem was, every single task he undertook was accompanied by a ton of paperwork. And his part-time secretary, Pauline Raines, was the most disorganized human being Kasie had ever encountered.
“Pauline hurt her thumb,” she said miserably. “I get to do her work, too, except that she never put any of the records into the computer. It’s got to be done. I don’t see how your brother ever found anything in here!”
“Pauline brought it to me and said you wanted it converted to disk,” she replied flatly.
“I thought I’d made it perfectly clear that I didn’t want you around them.”
“Stop right there, while you still have a job,” he interrupted, and his eyes made threats. “Nobody tells me how to raise my kids. Especially not some frumpy little backwoods secretary!”
He hadn’t had tenderness in his life since Darlene’s untimely death.
“It’s all right. I’ll really try hard to stay away from the girls. Once Pauline learns how to input the computer files, you won’t even have to see me.”
He was still grieving, in a way, for Darlene, whom he’d loved since grammar school.
Kasie wondered how he’d managed not to notice the work Pauline didn’t do.
If Pauline started expecting Kasie to do her job for her, she was in for a surprise.
Kasie wished that she was beautiful like Pauline. She looked the very image of an efficient secretary. Kasie had great typing speed, dictation skills and organizational expertise, but she was only ordinary-looking.
John had some secret woman in his past, and now he didn’t get serious about anyone.
She tried to picture Gil married to Pauline and it wounded her. Pauline was shallow and selfish.
She felt him stiffen, hesitate, catch his breath. Then his mouth became rough and demanding, and he dragged her across his legs, folding her close while he kissed her until her mouth was swollen and tender.
“I don’t need this job, didn’t anyone tell you?” the older woman asked. “I’m wealthy. I only do it to be near Gil. It gives us more time together, while we’re seeing how compatible we are. Which reminds me, don’t think you’re onto a cushy job looking after those children,” she added haughtily. “Gil and I are going to be looking for a boarding school very soon.”
“Pauline called me on the cell phone a few minutes ago. She said you’re making it impossible for her to do her job,” he replied finally.
He held up a hand. “I know Pauline,” he told her. “I’ve known her most of my life. She doesn’t tell lies.”
“Pauline wants to go down to Nassau for a few days with the girls. I want you to come with us,” he said abruptly.
“And stop letting me kiss you,” he added with faint arrogance. “I’ve already made it clear that there’s no future in it. I won’t marry again, not even to provide the girls with a grown-up playmate.”
Why had he kissed her again? she wondered dazedly.
“That’s Kasie’s job,” Gil said, and put a long arm around Pauline just to see the reaction it got from Kasie.
Kasie averted her eyes. Odd, how much it hurt to see Pauline snuggle close to Gil as if she were part of him.
Pauline said she’d been very adamant about sending the girls away to school, but that was hard to believe, watching her with them. She was tender with them, as Darlene had been.
She dressed like a repressed woman, but she never resisted anything physical that he did to her. He began to wonder if she was playing up to him with marriage in mind—or at least some financially beneficial liaison. He knew that she wasn’t wealthy. He was.
“You might as well, where I’m concerned,” he said pleasantly. “You’re easy on the eyes, Kasie, but in the dark, looks don’t matter much.”
He slid his hands into his pockets and studied her arrogantly from head to toe. “You’d need to be prettier,” he continued, “and with larger...assets,” he said with a deliberate study of her pert breasts. “I’m particular about my lovers these days. It takes a special woman.”
She wasn’t a loose woman. But it was a deliberate insult, and she wondered what she’d done to make him want to hurt her.
“And it doesn’t,” he agreed. “The fringe benefits don’t include the boss.” “Some fringe benefit,” she scoffed, regaining her composure. “A conceited, overbearing, arrogant rancher who thinks he’s on every woman’s Christmas list!”
Despite Pauline’s alluring gown and her spirited conversation, he had been morose all evening. Pauline had noticed, and knew the reason. She was, she told herself, going to get rid of the competition.
He wasn’t at all handsome, but his face was masculine and he had a mouth that she loved kissing.
“I said, you aren’t marrying John,” he repeated harshly. “You’re an employee here, and that’s all. I am not going to let my brother become your meal ticket!”
She actually gasped. “Of all the unfounded, unreasonable, outrageous things in the world to say to a woman, that really takes the cake!” she raged.
As the ceremony progressed, a tall, blond man in the front pew watched with narrowed, wistful eyes as his godchild married the eldest of the Callister heirs. Not bad, K.C. Kantor thought, for a girl who’d barely survived a military uprising even before she was born.
June 11, 2023
Kasie is hired by Gil as a secretary for his family's ranch. Gil's children love Kasie though she is warned not to get involved with them as they are not her responsibility. Eventually Gil gets that it would be better to trade jobs between Kasie and his children's nanny. Kasie is aware that Gil does not like her. When his daughter is hurt, Gil fires Kasie, then learns the truth. What is the truth? Does Gil rehire Kasie?
I enjoyed this story. It is a sweet western billionaire romance. It is also a lot tamer than today's romances. Kasie is an ingenue while Gil is experienced (not that experienced though.) Kasie has gone through a lot of tragedy in her 22 years. Not sure if I would have been able to survive all she did. Gil lost the love of his life. He has to learn to communicate and not to believe what he is immediately told. He also needs to learn to be less judgmental. Kasie is very forgiving. I liked the story. It was a story of its time--2000. The evil woman wanting the man for his wealth and looks while the ingenue wants the best for him. The man is mostly clueless to what is going on around him except for his libido. This story is good. I loved Kasie and the kids as well as Gil's brother. Gil needed a swift kick in the behind which his brother gave him.
I like Diana Palmer's works and always look forward to reading her.
I enjoyed this story. It is a sweet western billionaire romance. It is also a lot tamer than today's romances. Kasie is an ingenue while Gil is experienced (not that experienced though.) Kasie has gone through a lot of tragedy in her 22 years. Not sure if I would have been able to survive all she did. Gil lost the love of his life. He has to learn to communicate and not to believe what he is immediately told. He also needs to learn to be less judgmental. Kasie is very forgiving. I liked the story. It was a story of its time--2000. The evil woman wanting the man for his wealth and looks while the ingenue wants the best for him. The man is mostly clueless to what is going on around him except for his libido. This story is good. I loved Kasie and the kids as well as Gil's brother. Gil needed a swift kick in the behind which his brother gave him.
I like Diana Palmer's works and always look forward to reading her.
February 19, 2022
Un cuore sincero di Diana Palmer
Beh …è Diana Palmer.
Talmente prevedibile da risultare addirittura rassicurante.
Il suo schema fisso al quale raramente si sfugge, I suoi protagonisti maschili sostanzialmente tutti uguali, dall’estenuante “ti odio ma ti amo” , le lei tutte vergini e remissive, dai semplicissimi espedienti letterari che rasentano quasi la stupidità.
Dovrei argomentare sulla caratterizzazione ma a parte i nomi, Gil e Kasie , poco cambia rispetto al solito.
Eppure… perché malgrado tutto alla fine c’è sempre quell’emozione che vale la pena? Insomma credo che la Palmer abbia il famoso fattore X ;mi farebbe emozionare anche se scrivesse le pagine gialle.
Quindi anche alla fine questo non è sicuramente uno dei suoi migliori romanzi, le ⭐️⭐️⭐️le strappa comunque.
September 10, 2021
Kasie Mayfield is thrilled when she gets the job as John Callister's assistant. Only it's his crusty brother, Gil that she ends up dealing with most often. While his attitude puts her on edge, she's simply enchanted by his young daughter's. Gil doesn't like the way Kasie makes him feel, the more she gets under his skin, the more antagonistic he gets. He doesn't want to want her the way he does...until his attitude chases her away.
Like most of Diana Palmer's stories, this is a sweet, sometimes predictable love story with some very likable characters and enjoyable dialogue. When I want warm, sweet romance sure to give me warm feelings I usually turn to a Diana Palmer novel. I always know what I'm getting.
Like most of Diana Palmer's stories, this is a sweet, sometimes predictable love story with some very likable characters and enjoyable dialogue. When I want warm, sweet romance sure to give me warm feelings I usually turn to a Diana Palmer novel. I always know what I'm getting.
October 10, 2021
Sparks flew the moment Kasie Mayfield arrived at Gil Callister's sprawling Montana ranch to temporarily care for his two adorable daughters. Yet never in her wildest dreams did the innocent young woman imagine that her formidable new boss would sweep her off her feet with his potent charm. Before long, she was in love so deeply that it made her heart ache. But how did he feel? The enigmatic rancher was so difficult to read. Still, she couldn't imagine spending her days --- or nights --- with anyone else but Gil. Could Kasie convince the hard-edged widower that a circle of gold ... belonged on her finger?
December 9, 2021
I purchased Circle of Gold (The Men of Medicine Ridge ~ Book 1) from the Kindle Audiobook Program.
Kasie Mayfield is hired as a personal assistant to John Callister by his brother Gil and goes to work on their Montana ranch. Things soon change and she takes over the care of Gil's two young daughters and she finds Gil frustrating, hard to understand and she is still crazy about him as he resists her.
Conflict continues with the help of Gil's part-time assistant, his stubborn attitude, a giant misunderstanding and a threat from a fired ranch hand. I like how Kasie and Gil find a way to settle differences and how much the two beautiful little girls influenced0 the story line.
Kasie Mayfield is hired as a personal assistant to John Callister by his brother Gil and goes to work on their Montana ranch. Things soon change and she takes over the care of Gil's two young daughters and she finds Gil frustrating, hard to understand and she is still crazy about him as he resists her.
Conflict continues with the help of Gil's part-time assistant, his stubborn attitude, a giant misunderstanding and a threat from a fired ranch hand. I like how Kasie and Gil find a way to settle differences and how much the two beautiful little girls influenced0 the story line.
March 5, 2019
Gil and Kasie
This was a ok read for me, major misunderstandings apart from the fact that Go I refused to accept his feelings for Kasei. Gil is a rich rancher, widow and father of 2 little girls. There isn't really any major spark between them. I caught myself skipping pages hoping to get to the exciting parts....but they never came. Forgettable.
This was a ok read for me, major misunderstandings apart from the fact that Go I refused to accept his feelings for Kasei. Gil is a rich rancher, widow and father of 2 little girls. There isn't really any major spark between them. I caught myself skipping pages hoping to get to the exciting parts....but they never came. Forgettable.
August 26, 2021
I thought it was a pretty good story. Just had a hard time with the author continuing to show you that the couple falling in love in this story were not particularly attracted to each other physically. Didn't see why that had to be mention so many time. But...other than that...it was a good read.
November 6, 2021
This is my first Diana Palmer and giving it a solid 3 stars. I found the book a fast read and enjoyed it. I didn't ever think I'd like a romance book that didn't have and sex scenes in it, but here I am 😁
January 4, 2022
Era un po’ che non leggevo un libro della signora Palmer e devo dire che le cose non cambiano, sempre le stesse situazioni e quesì le stesse frasi. Ma ogni tanto mi piace prendere in mano un suo racconto…
January 26, 2024
Standard Diana Palmer, meaning a lovely h, a mean H , and a bitch OW. It wasn't off the charts, but was good fun hence the rating. N.B. I rate books on how much I enjoy them rather than how *good* they actually are ;)
July 18, 2024
This was a sweet story. Mostly because of the little girls. Daughters of the hero. The story between the H and h was okay. There was a typical ow and hateful words from the H. But the real love story is between the daughters and their future mother!
September 3, 2024
1.75⭐️’s
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝓲𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓼. 𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮, 𝓚𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓮.”
Tropes:
💛 Age Gap
💛 Single Day
💛 Close Proximity
💛 Workplace Romance
⚠️Please check for triggers before proceeding to read⚠️
“𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓵𝓪𝓾𝓰𝓱. 𝓨𝓸𝓾 𝓶𝓪𝓭𝓮 𝓶𝓮 𝓫𝓮𝓵𝓲𝓮𝓿𝓮 𝓲𝓷 𝓶𝓲𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓵𝓮𝓼. 𝓓𝓸𝓷’𝓽 𝓵𝓮𝓪𝓿𝓮 𝓶𝓮, 𝓚𝓪𝓼𝓲𝓮.”
Tropes:
💛 Age Gap
💛 Single Day
💛 Close Proximity
💛 Workplace Romance
⚠️Please check for triggers before proceeding to read⚠️
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