Monday, December 27, 2021

Review - - The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge

The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge
by Maisey Yates
Gold Valley - Book 14
Publisher: HQN
Release Date: December 28, 2021
Reviewed by PJ



When a bull-riding champion is left holding his friend’s baby, could it be time to put down roots in Gold Valley?


Midwife Mallory Chance is ready for a fresh start in Gold Valley. And when she locks eyes with a handsome cowboy across the saloon, it feels like fate. After too many years wasted on her cheating ex, good girl Mallory is ready to cut loose and prioritize herself. But when the dust settles on their hot night together, it turns out that her mysterious one-night cowboy is none other than her new landlord—and someone she’ll be seeing very regularly around Gold Valley.

Bull rider Colt Daniels has a wild reputation, but after losing his friend on the rodeo circuit, he's left it all behind. If only he could walk away from his guilt as easily…or the temptation of Mallory. He can’t offer her the future she deserves—what does a cowboy with a heart as damaged as his know about forever? Then his friend's tiny daughter ends up in Colt's care. Colt has never wanted to rely on anyone, but he needs Mallory's help taking care of the baby he's beginning to love as his own. But is it all still temporary, or is it their chance at a forever family?

PJ's Thoughts:

This final book in the Daniels family subset of Maisey Yates' Gold Valley series just may be my favorite of the entire series. I fell hard for Colt and Mallory, with them every step of the way from that first life-altering gaze across a crowded bar, to their set-the-sheets-on-fire hookup six months later, and through their heart-tugging journey to a hard-earned happily ever after. I've read their story twice. I have no doubt I'll probably revisit it again.

Yates' complex characters are the heart of her stories and one of the facets I most enjoy about her writing. In this book, she digs deep into the souls of both Mallory and Colt, characters with flaws, layers, and a multitude of emotional baggage. I love the evolution they both undergo; the growth they achieve by facing their emotional demons, learning from them, letting go of them, and finally, whole-heartedly, moving forward. I enjoyed the connections with the members of the Daniels and Chance families, the threads that weave within and around Mallory and Colt's story, and the relationships that shift, expand, and heal. And then there's Lily, the sweet baby who shows up unexpectedly and opens their hearts to unconditional love and possibilities. So many feels. When I reached the final page all I wanted to do was go back to the beginning and read it again, tears and all. So I did. This one's a keeper. 

Yates has written The True Cowboy of Sunset Ridge in a way that it can be enjoyed as a standalone, however, if you prefer to read books in order, the Daniels family titles are listed below.  

The Bad Boy of Redemption Ranch (Pansy and West)
The Hero of Hope Springs (Ryder and Sammy)
The Last Christmas Cowboy (Rose and Logan)
The Heartbreaker of Echo Pass (Iris and Griffin)
Rodeo Christmas at Evergreen Ranch (Jake and Callie)


4 comments:

  1. PJ I agree whole heartedly. This book grabbed me. Although Maisey's book often do that. Great review and Happy New Year!!

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  2. I am not sure how, but I have not read anything by this author. You have given me a review which shows that I have missed a great deal. Thank you.

    Hope everyone is well and safe and happy.

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  3. I enjoy Maisey Yates' books, but have not yet started this series. It sounds like I will have to get these books and start. I will read this one for sure. Strong men who find themselves out of their comfort zone with a baby and needing help are a favorite.

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