Montana Dreams

I loved the chemistry between these two! Peyton is a high-powered VP, the eldest sister of five girls, and the only one who knew that Rudy, their dad, was really their stepfather. Now that the secret has been discovered, she has to work on repairing her relationships with each of her younger sisters. This story starts with Peyton having to accept a bodyguard when someone start threatening her at her work. When the threats turn deadly, she’s forced to hide out at the Montana ranch belonging to her newly-discovered family. Matteo is happy to protect Peyton in Montana, away from the threat in California, but the last-minute addition of his son, Gino, to the trip throws a wrench into all his plans. I loved how Peyton connected with Gino, and how she instinctively knew what to do to engage him with his schoolwork. The story beautifully explores all the emotional conflict Peyton is feeling as she connects with relatives she isn’t sure she’s ready to accept. The author takes a head-on approach to the overall theme of fathers leaving and parental abandonment without becoming heavy-handed or melodramatic. I really enjoyed the chemistry that these two have, and the easy way they worked together. Their love story was sweet and believable, and I admired the way the author included Gino throughout and treated him like a real child rather than the usual perfect (yet boring) offspring. The path to their HEA took a rather unexpected turn as Peyton comes up with a solution that goes against everything Matteo was working for, resulting in some truly honest self-reflection for both that only made their reconciliation that much stronger. The corporate espionage part of the story was just enough to fuel the plot without taking unnecessary risks. My only issue is that, probably due to having different authors, this book had a bit of a problem matching up the childhood timeline with that of the earlier books, but it wasn’t enough to throw off the story. As the middle book in the series of five sisters, it perfectly balances the romance and the ongoing family drama. I’m looking forward to seeing how it all eventually unfolds. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

Peyton, the eldest of the Harrison- Blackwell sister’s, was the only sister old enough to know that Rudy was not their biological dad. Peyton’s mom felt it best the younger sisters didn’t know and asked Peyton to keep her secret. Peyton and her mom’s relationship suffered as she didn’t feel right keeping something so big from her sisters. When her mom got sick, she decided to leave it buried. Rudy was their dad in every way that mattered. When the secret is revealed before her younger sister’s wedding, walls started to crumble. Peyton’s relationships with her sisters suffered. She’d like to repair her relationship, but doesn’t know how. So she buries herself in her work becoming a powerful, successful VP. While her job is her life, she wonders if she may be missing out on something. When she’s threatened at work and forced to have a bodyguard, she goes into hiding at the famous Blackwell Ranch per Big E’s orders. Matteo needs this job so that he can file for custody of his son. His ex took him out of the country when she transferred jobs and he misses him greatly. He also notices his son is not happy, so he accepts the job. The next morning, his son (along with an escort) shows up on his doorstep. There’s no way he can do his job and watch after his son. When he goes to inform Peyton that he can’t take the job, Gino and Peyton instantly bond. They load up and head out to Blackwell Ranch. While this story can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading them in order. There are clues and characters that build onto the underlying story in each novel. I truly LOVED this story for many reasons. I enjoyed seeing the relationship blossom between Peyton and Gino. Peyton was able to “see” why Gino was having such difficulties in school. Peyton was kind, patient, and encouraging. I thought it sad that her sisters blamed her for keeping such a huge secret, when it was her mom’s secret to tell. I loved how Peyton was able to relax a little and not be so uptight. Matteo’s relationship with his son is what ALL dad’s should be! He was willing to do anything to win custody of his son because he thought it was better for Gino—not necessarily better for him. He truly cared for and loved Gino. Although his feelings for Peyton became stronger, he felt he needed to devote his love and attention to Gino. I enjoyed the action at the end and was surprised by the twist. I had the stalker totally WRONG! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.

The stories of the Harrison/Blackwell sisters keep on getting better each time. This one belongs to Executive VP Peyton Harrison/Blackwell. A go-getter, that has no desire to have romance in her life, since loving hurts too much. At least her past experience proves it. While she’s resorted to a matchmaker, she has now a stalker. Something that worries her boss enough that she hires a bodyguard for Peyton. Not any bodyguard, but rather former Marine, quiet Matteo Rossi. A man whose childhood should never be one a child should experience. He’s divorced with a six year old that lives in Japan. Gino is his life, but his ex has full custody and has not made it easy for Matteo. Shen the danger intensifies and both Peyton’s boss and her new found meddling grandfather, Big E, intervene, Peyton ends up in the Blackwell Montana ranch with Matteo, and Gino, who unexpectedly was dropped at his doorstep by an employee of the wife’s husband. As the story develops, so do the feelings Peyton has not only for Gino but also for his father. This is a story about family or lack thereof. About forgiveness, opening one’s heart and taking a risk at love. Life can be messy, but love can overcome everything. Be ready to shed some tears as this story is sure to touch your hearts. Another winner in this enchanting series. I was entrusted a copy of this book. The opinions expressed are solely my own.