Eileen Aberman-Wells
Wishing for a Cowboy by Victoria James, book three in her Wishing River series, is a sweet contemporary romance. Janie Adams has been the only parent her nephew, Will, has known since he was a baby; her sister being unable or unwilling to be a mom. Now fifteen years later and willing to do anything for Will, she has found the man who might be his father. Traveling across the country to find him, they arrive in the small town of Wishing River; finding the handsome cowboy she was told had abandoned his son and uncaring, sending her sister away. Upon meeting Aiden Rivers, his shocked response tells Janie that her sister just might have lied; that was definitely her MO. Seeing this boy, Aiden can’t dispute that he is his son; it was like looking in the mirror. He had no idea Janie’s sister was pregnant when she left him, let alone that she had a sister. Aiden has missed out on fifteen years of fatherhood which he intends to make up. He is fearful about being a dad, having no role model since his was abusive, crushing his life goals. Being the ever helpful, hard-working, people pleaser, Janie sticks around to help Aiden ease into parenting. She shared the tricks she learned to lure a sulky teen out of his bedroom and how to keep up with the latest teen-speak. Together, this city girl and country boy team up to make the transition to fatherhood easier for Aiden, as well as sparking a connection between them. When the past, aka Janie’s sister, catches up to them, Aiden and Janie must decide what and who is best for Will; not how it might affect their budding romance. Although, Will just might have a thing or two to say about what he wants. Ms. James wrote an enjoyable, sweet romance that should not be missed. She provided a story with off the hard-working people, magnetism, chemistry, a caring community, and charming secondary characters helping Janie, Aiden and Will find their happily ever after. I enjoyed and highly recommend Wishing for a Cowboy to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.
Yvonne Cruz
Once again, this author delivers another wonderful story in the Wishing River series. Aiden Rivers has lived all his life in this town. His childhood and youth was one no child should ever live. One that even though he is well respected and owns the local bar and a ranch, still leaves him feeling that he is not good enough. Janie Adams is only 28 years old, but for most of her nephew’s 15 years, has been the only person that has truly loved and cared for him. She even becoming his guardian at a young age while her sister was more concerned about herself and hardly contacted her son. When debts keep on rising, Janie decides that she and Will should travel to Wishing River and meet the deadbeat father. Or so she thought until she realizes that Aiden never knew of his son. As these three begin a fragile relationship, both Aiden and Janie know that Will is their priority . But what happens when feelings develop? Will Aiden and Janie finally realize they both deserve to love and be loved? What happens when someone from their past creates havoc? This engaging story was at times heartbreaking as well as heartwarming . A reminder that our experiences as a child and those that are suppose to care for us, will influence the individuals once they become adults. This was another winner in this series. I hope Dean and Hope get their story in the near future. I was entrusted a copy of this book by Entangled Amara and Netgalley. The opinions expressed are solely my own.
Viper Spaulding
Such a beautiful family love story! Janie is the only mom her nephew, Will, can rely on, and with no where else to turn she shows up to let his father know that it's time for him to shoulder some of the parenting responsibilities. Only the dad, Aiden, has no idea he ever fathered a child and is understandably furious that he's been denied fifteen years of his son's life. A simple-to-explain set up leads into an emotionally complex story that shines a light on what really constitutes a parent and, by extension, a family. I was completely swept away by this charming romance. Aiden is very obviously falling for Janie almost as fast as he came to love Will, yet the need to respect each other's roles in Will's life as well as their complicated history keeps both of them from wanting to risk it all to pursue something more. I love the secondary characters, the best friends and new friends and all the familiar Wishing River citizens, and how they support and encourage our main characters. The HEA is heartwarming and the future looks bright for this new family. I'm looking forward to reading more in this lovely series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.