Second Chance Rancher (Rocky Mountain Twins Book 2) (2024)

Good second chance story. Laurel and Kase had been high school sweethearts, until Kase went away to college. Then he decided that if he was going to make his dream of becoming a big-city lawyer come true, he was going to have to focus on his studies. So he broke things off with Laurel, breaking her heart. He went on to achieve his dream, but it also came with problems. Now he's come home to Hidden Springs, but he isn't alone.

It took Laurel a long time to risk her heart again, only to have it tromped on once more. This time, the man she chose turned out to be much worse. Not only did he leave her at the altar, he also embezzled money from the ranch. Laurel feels responsible, and is determined to pay back every bit of the money, even though her father and his business partner don't want her to. So she concentrates on training her horses, working her part-time job, and avoiding getting involved with another man.

It was obvious from the moment they met again that the sparks between them were still alive. Laurel tries to avoid Kase, not wanting to be hurt again, but finds herself ambushed at every turn by one very determined little girl. Kase has come home to help out his father on the ranch (the same one he couldn't wait to escape from) and to give his daughter a different life after the death of her drug addicted mother. He also wants to get away from his in-laws, who are fighting him for custody of Addy. Kase freely admits that he regrets his actions from before and would really like the chance to try again.

I loved the fact that Kase could acknowledge his own past stupidity. He was a bit hesitant about trying to get involved again because of Laurel's obvious reluctance. But with the way that little Addy took to her, Kase was willing to ask for Laurel's help with his daughter. His obvious love for Addy was really sweet, and I loved his determination to do whatever he had to in order to retain custody. This was especially important the more I learned about his in-laws.

I admit to getting a little frustrated with Laurel at times. I admired her desire to make amends for what had happened with the money, but her stubbornness was getting in the way of her moving on. I loved seeing Addy work her way past Laurel's walls, which then opened the door for Kase to follow her in. But she still isn't sure that she can trust Kase to stay in Hidden Springs and not leave, taking her heart once again. She tries pushing him away when she thinks she's gotten too close, but this time he's determined to do it right. I loved his big moment at the end, as he overcame all her fears.

The story of the custody battle was good, but the reason behind it wasn't really a surprise. With his in-laws' attitudes, and the way they had raised their daughter, Kase's determination was completely understandable. I also understood his worry, since they were "model citizens" and friends with the judge. I loved that it was Laurel that figured out the motivation and brought it to Kase's attention.

3 stars

I was engaged while reading Second Chance Rancher, but now, just two days later, I'm having a hard time remembering all of the details. Addy, hero's little girl, charmed and irritated in equal measure.

I think I would have held more a grudge against the guy who dumped me for the big city, but since Kase and Laurel were just teens at the time, I guess I have to cut him some slack. The second chance at love trope is one of my favorites, and that's probably the major reason I enjoyed this story. It's only in retrospect, as I struggle to write this review, that I realize nothing really stuck in my memory. So, if you have a few hours to burn, you could do worse than picking up this book. Just don't expect anything memorable.

Feel-good romance about Kase Rawlins reuniting with Laurel Quinn, his high school sweetheart. They're brought back into each others' lives when Laurel's horse escapes and impregnates Kase's horse! He ditched her ten years ago to pursue his ambition to become a lawyer. He's back in town now with 4-year-old daughter Addy to try and provide a stable home environment, because his dead ex-wife's parents are suing for custody!

Laurel is hesitant to have her heart broken by Kase again, and is also still reeling from her ex-fiance taking off just before they were due to be married, with a ton of her family's money. Whew! There's a lot of soap opera here, folks! However, little Addy is determined to make Laurel her new mother, and the two instantly bond.

At first, this was heading for four stars! But then it started getting repetitive. Yes Kase, we know you're determined not to blow this second chance. Yes, Laurel, we know you're wary of trusting again and determined to pay back your brother-in-law and your father, even though they've told you repeatedly that it's not your fault. And Addy, though very sweet-natured, became so cutesy and precocious that my teeth started to hurt!

By the end, I eventually had to drop a star because Laurel's "woe-is-me" martyrdom act was doing my head in! Sheesh, Laurel, get over yourself. Seriously! If people, especially family, don't think you owe them anything, constantly bringing the topic up and insisting you do is actually quite disrespectful. I think the book's trying to show she's noble or some s**t, but she's already shown that through her other actions, so it was a bit too much! And her tendency to jump on the assumption train was wearying. One brief mention of a job offer for Kase and she's immediately assuming he's taking off for Denver again. Even though he's been through a big custody case ensuring he never has to go back to Denver. Use your freaking head, Laurel!

You've bagged yourself a hot, rich cowboy. If you don't want Kase, I'll take him!

1.5*. Haven't got much to say for this one except skip it if you've got lots on the read pile. There's nothing new here, same old story line. They were teens when they broke up so the angst level isn't high either. I took to skimming some bits after a while.

I'm not sure why, but there was just something about the writing of the book that seemed off. Maybe the author was in a hurry to put it together or something else along those lines. I didn't feel this book was up to snuff for Ms. Thayer. Sometimes the writing was too simplistic.
I won't give up yet on reading her books. Maybe this one was just a one-off thing. (Crossing my fingers.)

I enjoyed this book. I will have to get the first book in this series to see how Brooke and Trent's story became to be. I loved the characters and the little girl was something else. She is a spitfire for sure, she brought so much happiness and laughter to the book. I can't wait to see what happens in the rest of the series.

Nice Read

An amazing read,full of mystery,suspense and thrills.Let's not forget the adventure.Just when you think nothing else can happen ,something does.I enjoyed this one.

So I only read this cos I visited the library and got it bucause nothing is Lee took my fancy to be honest it's pretty much generic love story and a bit sickly sweet to my liking.

Awesome story!!!!

Single dad Kase to Addy, a cute little 4 year old. Laurel, former lover and neighbor to Kase find struggles and, law suit and love everlasting

Second chance

Interesting the way the characters develop in their personalities and work challenges. The twists and turns kept me reading throughout the afternoon.

amazing book.