Showing posts with label Wilde Horse Ranch. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Wilde Horse Ranch. Show all posts

Monday, January 17, 2022

The Baby Proposition by Kim Loraine {a review}



It seems as though I've been waiting on Maverick's story forever. Obviously that isn't the case though, as it's only been since July 2021. Thankfully I had Daisy and Hawk to distract me as I waited. 

The Baby Proposition, by Kim Loraine, is the first book in the Anything for Love series, and it is telling us all about Maverick and Clara. Clara is the local vet, and is frequently at the Wilde Horse Ranch checking up on the animals. Of course while she's there, she also gets to catch up with Maverick. These two have formed quite the friendship, and there is that pull there to have that friendship turn into something more. But Clara won't let that happen. She's determined to do things on her own.

"I can't count on other people to make my dreams come true. So, I don't look for my prince charming. He doesn't exist."

Which that's all fine and dandy. She is a fully capable person, and if she doesn't want that HEA, she doesn't have to go after it. Clara is also adamant that she wants a baby. She's gone so far as to look into donation clinics, and has done her research. She's not getting any younger, and Clara feels it is time. One night at a wedding, Clara tells Maverick that she's going to become a mom. He's surprised, obviously, but then she goes on to clarify. It is after all of this, that Maverick offers his assistance. Clara takes him up on it, but she doesn't fully explain things to him. She's not looking for a night. She's looking for a donation. What happens next is full of romcom moments that end up with these friends determined to find their happily ever after. Can they have it together though, or would they be better off just being friends?

Now, I absolutely loved Maverick and Clara's story! From The Wedding Date Proposition prequel, to the very last page of The Baby Proposition, I just loved it. I feel connected to these characters, and I want the best for them. 

From the very beginning when you could see their friendship beginning to take a turn, to the moment when Maverick made his offer, to Clara's response, and everything that happened with the baby proposition. I knew these two would fall for each other!

Let's talk about that scene with Luke though where they (Luke & Maverick) are getting ready to race through the fields. I was really enjoying their banter.

"Get off my ass. You aren't my wife. Leave me alone."

But during that race, Maverick's mind started to wander. He was thinking about everything that needed to be done. From the property here, to the property in Texas, and now that hockey team in Seattle. It's a lot, and he's feeling spread thin. What happened next though, had me gasping. My heart lurched, my hand flew to my mouth, and I was worried for a few minutes. Egads I was not expecting any of that to happen. I fully admit that I had tears welling up in my eyes. Thankfully Clara, and Doc, quickly arrived on scene and were able to do what they both needed to do for the horse, and the human. STILL THOUGH! My heart.

As the story progressed, we saw how the relationship shifted between Maverick and Clara. Yes, Maverick was going to help Clara get pregnant. But Clara was determined to keep things as relationship free as possible. That's not working. For either of them.

"I didn't even see it. I didn't see how much I needed you in my life and how I need to be in yours."

Then there was when Ben arrived in town. Ben and  Clara have known each other for years, and she was hoping he would want to move to Sunrise to help run the clinic. She needed him for when she might need to go on maternity leave. That is if she were to get pregnant. Maverick isn't thrilled about this person though, and you can feel the jealousy rolling off of him. I'm so glad that Clara called him out on it too.

"At first, the jealous caveman thing was cute, but not anymore. Why are you so mean to him?"

"I am not."

""Yes, you are. You're being ridiculous and grumpy."

When Maverick went to his buddies for guidance, I found myself chuckling often. That entire scene brought a smile to my face, and had me loving the characters even more so.. Oh those cowboys. I had a big grin on my face when Travis called him out for the reason why he was there learning the ropes. Then there was this brief conversation:

"How do I know if I'm ready?"

"It's kinda like riding a bucking bronc. You're never ready. You just hold on for dear life and hope you make it through."

As the story progressed, I found myself wondering what the dramatic moment was going to be. I knew it was going to happen, but what I had building in my brain just wasn't seeming right.  I can safely say it wasn't what I thought it was going to be, and I'm happy about that. I like it when books are not completely predictable. But the dramatic moment also had me wanting to knock our character upside the head. COME ON! 



Sorry, I couldn't resist. The entire scene had me wanted to scream this exact sentiment.

Their happily ever did come though. It may have not been as quickly as Maverick would have liked, but a happy ending happened none the less. And what an ending it was.

Oh, but can we backtrack for a moment? Let's go back to the moment that had the community coming together. That moment at Ryker Ranch gutted me. MY HEART! I was YELLING at Kim Loraine. Oh you can't do that to me! Kim, WHY?!?!? UGH. I wanted to throw my kindle across the room. 



Sweet Mama Ryker tugged at my heartstrings. That woman has been through so much, and I just want to wrap her up in a gigantic hug. (and have her adopt me.)

As this story wrapped up, I found myself curious as to what was going to happen next for Maverick and Clara. We know about the hockey team, but what exactly happened with the property in Texas? I feel like that wasn't cleared up completely. Which is okay, I'm just annoyingly curious.

Also, this has me anticipating Killian Wilde's story. From the moment he arrived on the scene in this story, I knew the setup for his story was happening. I have a feeling that one is going to be a bit of a wild ride. Or rather, he's going to Drive Me Wild

Then, of course, Kim Loraine had to set things up for the first hockey story as well. I'm so ready! Big Deck Energy is sounding amazing. It's a forbidden romance featuring the mistaken identity trope. BRING IT ON! Let's go Seattle Cyclones!

I gave The Baby Proposition 4.5 stars on Goodreads. Maybe it was the familiarity of the characters, maybe it was the tropes, maybe it was the storyline, but no matter what, this book pulled me in. (really, it was all of those things that lead to my rating.)

Thank you for taking time to read my thoughts on The Baby Proposition. If you like cowboy romances featuring the friends to lovers trope, then I hope you'll pick this one up. Now this is part of a series, but don't worry about that! All of the books can be read as standalones, so really you can jump in anywhere you please. I should also mention that this is technically the first book in the Anything for Love series, but I am also lumping it in with the Wilde Horse Ranch series as that is where it was to originally fit in. Happy reading my fellow book lovers!

Laura

Cover Design: T.E. Black Designs
Photography: Michelle Lancaster

Clara Barnes wants a baby, and I’m going to give her one.

I wanted Clara the first time I saw her, but as soon as I figured out she was the local vet and would be working on my ranch, I knew I had to let her go. I put myself in the friend-zone until the night she told me she wanted to get knocked up.

There wasn’t a chance I’d let another guy get her pregnant, even if he was an anonymous donor. Not when she had me, Maverick Wilde—grade A certified Montana cowboy—right in front of her.

The arrangement was perfect. I make my donation, she gets her baby, we go back to being friends. No strings. No messy heartbreak.

Except everything changes when we decide it’ll be a lot more fun to make a direct deposit and do things the old fashioned way. That spark between us? Now it’s a blazing fire I have no desire to extinguish.

Our baby proposition just got a lot more complicated.



Add the book to your Goodreads TBR!



Meet Kim Loraine



Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim

Thank you Kim for providing me with an advanced review copy of The Baby Proposition.

Friday, November 5, 2021

Say what now Kim Loraine?

 


Are you in the Loraine Lovers group on Facebook? If so then you've probably heard the news!

If you're not in that group, but have enjoyed the books focused around the Rykers, Wildes, and Langstons, then listen up!

Chances are you've been waiting on Maverick Wilde's story, and maybe you read the teaser for it at the end of An Irresistible Chance (like I did), well there's a little change headed our way.

Wild Proposition is getting a title change and will be introducing a whole new series. The new title of the book is The Baby Proposition.

Here is what Kim Loraine has to say:
He's still the same cowboy we love, and this is set on Wilde Horse Ranch, but things are a-changing, and this was too good of an opportunity to NOT give you a new world with swoony heroes and smart, sassy heroines to fall for.
Also, can we take a minute to appreciate this cover?
The book is updating on all platforms and if you preordered, you don't have to do anything!

 

Photographer: Michelle Lancaster
Cover design: T.E. Black Designs

 

**BLURB**(subject to change)
My best friend wants a baby, and I’m going to give her one.
I wanted Clara the first time I saw her two years ago, but as soon as I figured out we’d be working together, I knew I had to stay far away.
And the friend zone has been working just fine.
Well, mostly.
The night she tells me she’s ready to get knocked up by some random donor changes everything.
Not on my watch.
I might not be partner material -- running the family business and my new hockey team keeps me so busy I barely have time to talk to a woman, let alone fall in love. But, there’s no way I’m letting my friend pick Donor #257, or anyone besides me.
The arrangement was perfect. I make my donation, she gets her baby, we go back to being friends. No strings. No messy heartbreak.
Until I decide it’ll be a lot more fun to make a direct deposit and get her pregnant the old fashioned way. That spark between us? Now it’s a blazing fire I have no desire to extinguish.
Our baby proposition just got a lot more complicated.

_ _ _ _ _
What are your thoughts about the title change, and the announcement of a new series? Personally I have mixed feelings. On the one hand, hooray for a new series! On the other hand, couldn't there have been a ranch hand introduced (ahem: character from An Irresistible Chance) that could have kicked off the new series? As you can see I struggle a bit with change. 

What I do know, is that I'll read the book no matter what, and I'll continue reading all the cowboy/ranch romances that Kim Loraine releases. (along with any other contemporaries)

Also, there was a line that I totally skipped! HOCKEY? SAY WHAT NOW? OH MY NEED!

Monday, July 26, 2021

Wild Mistake {a review}



Are you a fan of cowboy romances? Have you read Wild Ride? Did you fall for the Wildes? If so, it’s time for Luke’s story, and Wild Mistake tells us everything. So let’s head to Montana, and the Wilde’s horse ranch. But first, we are taking a two week vacation to Hawaii! After all, Luke did win that trip while he was in Vegas with Sutton! 


Luke has sworn to never give his heart to another woman. That break-up ruined him a bit, and now being here at her wedding just stings. It is at the wedding that Luke reconnects with Mackenzie Langston. She’s been gone for a while, and she happens to be the sister of his best friend. Not only that but the Langston’s are like family to Luke. They taught him what a family could be like. Luke quickly learns that Mack needs a break, and since he needs a break too this trip is the perfect escape. So Luke convinces Mack to leave with him for two weeks. When Luke and Mack arrive at their hotel room they quickly realize that there is only one bed in the suite. This shouldn’t be an issue. They are both adults. They are both single. Neither is looking for anything. So clearly nothing is going to happen. Right? Luke is nervous about this though. Nash would kick his butt if Luke did anything with Mack. The last thing Luke wants is to ruin his friendship with any of the Langstons, and he definitely does not want to hurt Mackenzie. His best friend would never forgive him if he did. But a shared bed, a honeymoon type vacation, and a gorgeous setting just might spark a relationship. Or at least one that can last for two weeks.


I love the Wilde Horse Ranch series. I loved the Ryker Ranch series. And if there is a Langston series (which it sounds like there could be), I am sure I’ll love that one too. Wild Mistake had me hooked from the beginning. Luke and Mack are amazing together. The chemistry is off the charts, and the steam, oooh eee, yeah it’s quite steamy. I loved how everything played out. From the beginning of their relationship, to the memories they made in Hawaii, to the big dramatic moment, to the I love yous, to the happily ever after, it was all so good. Kim Loraine just keeps writing these books that have me falling for the characters and the setting. I cannot wait to see what happens next with the Wildes. After all, we did have a bit of a bomb dropped on us with a couple situations. So yeah, I’m curious.


You need to read Wild Mistake. Trust me on that. You’ll be ever so glad you did. Especially if you enjoy cowboy romances, the best friend’s sibling trope, forced proximity, and/or shared bed romances. Highly recommend the book, and the series.


Thank you for reading my thoughts,
Laura





It seemed like a good idea at the time.
A two-week Hawaiian vacation with a beautiful woman. What could go wrong?


Well, when that woman is my best friend's little sister, the answer is--everything.


Mackenzie Langston has been in my life since we were kids, and until now I didn't see past her family and our friendship.

So when she tells me she's sworn off men for the next year after a bad breakup, I jump at the chance to have some company on the vacation I'd booked for me and my cheating ex.

But Mack's all grown up and we're both on the rebound.


In a romantic suite with just one bed, the weather isn't the only thing that gets hot.

Turns out, what I thought was a good idea might end up one big mistake.

Especially when my heart's on the line.



Download today for only $2.99!
Amazon | Apple Books | Nook | Kobo | Google Play

Listen to the audiobook today!


Add to your Goodreads TBR!





Meet Kim Loraine



Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim




Thank you to Kim Loraine, and Grey's Promotions for providing me with an advanced copy of Wild Mistake.

Friday, June 11, 2021

Wild Mistake {cover reveal}

 

Kim Loraine has revealed the cover for
Wild Mistake, Wilde Horse Ranch 2!

Releasing July 26, 2021


It seemed like a good idea at the time.
A two-week Hawaiian vacation with a beautiful woman. What could go wrong?

Well, when that woman is my best friend's little sister, the answer is—everything.

Mackenzie Langston has been in my life since we were kids, and until now I didn't see past her family and our friendship. So when she tells me she's sworn off men for the next year after a bad breakup, I jump at the chance to have some company on the vacation I'd booked for me and my cheating ex. But Mack's all grown up and we're both on the rebound.

In a romantic suite with just one bed, the weather isn't the only thing that gets hot.

Turns out, what I thought was a good idea might end up one big mistake. Especially when my heart's on the line.


 
Pre-order your copy today!

Google Play is coming soon

Add to your Goodreads HERE !



Meet Kim


Kim Loraine was raised a Navy brat but spent most of her life growing up in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. A proper Washingtonian, she's addicted to coffee, doesn't let a little rain ruin her day, and thinks the sun is a gift from God. When not chasing her three little minions around, Kim spends her time writing, reading, and binge watching Doctor Who.

Connect with Kim