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sarahsbookishreads's review against another edition
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
millertl23's review against another edition
4.0
Suspenseful! Couldn't put the book down and absolutely loved how she incorporated everyday veteran struggles into fitting back into civilian life! Can't wait to read the next book!
joanna1905's review against another edition
2.0
This was a great little romantic read, it's a quick straight forward fluffy book with very minimal conflict.
I really adore the ex-military turned cowboy romance trope (I know it's so weirdly specific but also it's a weirdly popular trope), I think it just has such a great plot that has heaps of potential for amazing character development, healing, and redemption arcs.
This is a typical story in that genre, there's nothing too spectacular about it but also there's nothing bad about it either. It's very well written and though being a bit of a cliché trope, it doesn't feel like a cliché cringey read.
The one main drawback for me was that there was no big dramatic climax, I had expected there'd be a big blow out fight with her mother or something along those lines. However, it's kind of lacking in that aspect. There was a small conflict that was resolved fairly quickly before happily ever after
All in all it is a good little romantic read, perfect for when you want a light fluffy book to relax with.
I really adore the ex-military turned cowboy romance trope (I know it's so weirdly specific but also it's a weirdly popular trope), I think it just has such a great plot that has heaps of potential for amazing character development, healing, and redemption arcs.
This is a typical story in that genre, there's nothing too spectacular about it but also there's nothing bad about it either. It's very well written and though being a bit of a cliché trope, it doesn't feel like a cliché cringey read.
The one main drawback for me was that there was no big dramatic climax, I had expected there'd be a big blow out fight with her mother or something along those lines. However, it's kind of lacking in that aspect. There was a small conflict that was resolved fairly quickly before happily ever after
All in all it is a good little romantic read, perfect for when you want a light fluffy book to relax with.
abb_ey_normal's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
3.75
Content Warnings
Graphic: Panic attacks/disorders, War, and Death of parent
nellesnightstand1's review against another edition
3.0
This was hard for me to read. The premise, a rehab ranch for veteran was intriguing. The way Helm delved into Alex's issues with PTSD was real. His mental thoughts, the refrain of, I can fix me, was hard to read but very well done.
I liked how, in the beginning, Alex was strong and in control, and Becca needed his support. In the end it was Becca giving Alex support. The romance just wasn't satisfying enough for me, I guess.
I'll be reading the next one though because Gabe and Jack need there HEA's as well.
Thanks for Netgalley and thge publisher for the advanced copy for an honest review.
I liked how, in the beginning, Alex was strong and in control, and Becca needed his support. In the end it was Becca giving Alex support. The romance just wasn't satisfying enough for me, I guess.
I'll be reading the next one though because Gabe and Jack need there HEA's as well.
Thanks for Netgalley and thge publisher for the advanced copy for an honest review.
angels_gp17's review against another edition
3.0
Cowboy SEAL Homecoming is a sweet and adorable romance.
I picked this one up; because of a teaser Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup shared. It’s the first night/morning the guys are at the ranch and that morning a goat gets in the house. That scene was so funny. I had to just smile and laugh. It reminded me of farm life. I didn’t have any goats, but I sure did have several other farm animals. You can check out her review and see the teaser; here. Their was also another goat scene that made me smile as well. Goats, they are just too funny!
Becca reminded me a lot of myself. She has been sheltered her whole life; because she was a very sick child and her mother worried, so as a result she’s made animal friends on the farm. I wasn’t sheltered, but I didn’t have many friends and preferred to spend my time outside with my animals then with people. I had a great time watching Becca come out of her shell and stand up for herself and her needs and wants. I like that she wants to open an equine therapy ranch for wounded veterans and her stepbrother is all in to help, now that he is out of the service.
Alex returns home after pretty much running away from home. The ranch and town hold difficult memories for him. Coming home he is forced to face his situation and all those memories in the past. My heart went out to him. I would have liked to see more time spent on Alex getting help and dealing with his issues.
Becca and Alex are step-siblings, but they didn’t grow up together and barely have any type of a relationship, so the romance; between them didn’t raise any issues that I usually would have with this type of set up. Their romance isn’t steamy, it’s a slow and sweet build. I think anything more wouldn’t have been believable; especially with how sheltered Becca was and the issues Alex has.
I had a delightful time with a Cowboy SEAL Homecoming. It had some wonderful touching moments and showcased life’s struggles and overcoming them.
Rated: 3 Stars
I picked this one up; because of a teaser Anna @ Herding Cats & Burning Soup shared. It’s the first night/morning the guys are at the ranch and that morning a goat gets in the house. That scene was so funny. I had to just smile and laugh. It reminded me of farm life. I didn’t have any goats, but I sure did have several other farm animals. You can check out her review and see the teaser; here. Their was also another goat scene that made me smile as well. Goats, they are just too funny!
Becca reminded me a lot of myself. She has been sheltered her whole life; because she was a very sick child and her mother worried, so as a result she’s made animal friends on the farm. I wasn’t sheltered, but I didn’t have many friends and preferred to spend my time outside with my animals then with people. I had a great time watching Becca come out of her shell and stand up for herself and her needs and wants. I like that she wants to open an equine therapy ranch for wounded veterans and her stepbrother is all in to help, now that he is out of the service.
Alex returns home after pretty much running away from home. The ranch and town hold difficult memories for him. Coming home he is forced to face his situation and all those memories in the past. My heart went out to him. I would have liked to see more time spent on Alex getting help and dealing with his issues.
Becca and Alex are step-siblings, but they didn’t grow up together and barely have any type of a relationship, so the romance; between them didn’t raise any issues that I usually would have with this type of set up. Their romance isn’t steamy, it’s a slow and sweet build. I think anything more wouldn’t have been believable; especially with how sheltered Becca was and the issues Alex has.
I had a delightful time with a Cowboy SEAL Homecoming. It had some wonderful touching moments and showcased life’s struggles and overcoming them.
Rated: 3 Stars
blodeuedd's review against another edition
3.0
At first these two had such a problem that they were step siblings, and before you go all euwwww hear me out. They did NOT grow up together. She came into his dad's life when Alex had gone to the military. He did not even know her last name and they had spoken a few times. I was all you are not related! Why are you guys even finding an issue with this? But hey, maybe that was just an excuse, because these two have issues.
Ok, so Becca does not have issues in that way. She has just been very sheltered by her mum and she has never really done anything. But she loves the ranch and she now owns half of it (Burt! Srsly! What if they had hated each other?! Battles when it comes to that can be so hard.) She is finding her way and I liked how she did that.
Alex, oh man, he has issues. He is the leader. The strong one. The one that tells himself he is ok. Nothing wrong here. Nothing at all. He came out of the war with not a single problem except for that bad knee. Like seeing death and destruction is something that does not affect you. I started to feel more and more for him.
They meet, they fancy other (and go all wtf?!), she learns how to stand up for herself. He learns how to let go. But it sure is now dance on roses, well if it is all the thorns are there and it hurts a lot. These cowboy seals are not coming home all happy and untroubled.
I enjoyed it
Narrator
Romy
I liked her voices and they made me smile. She was pleasant listening too and did a good job with narrating this story.
Ok, so Becca does not have issues in that way. She has just been very sheltered by her mum and she has never really done anything. But she loves the ranch and she now owns half of it (Burt! Srsly! What if they had hated each other?! Battles when it comes to that can be so hard.) She is finding her way and I liked how she did that.
Alex, oh man, he has issues. He is the leader. The strong one. The one that tells himself he is ok. Nothing wrong here. Nothing at all. He came out of the war with not a single problem except for that bad knee. Like seeing death and destruction is something that does not affect you. I started to feel more and more for him.
They meet, they fancy other (and go all wtf?!), she learns how to stand up for herself. He learns how to let go. But it sure is now dance on roses, well if it is all the thorns are there and it hurts a lot. These cowboy seals are not coming home all happy and untroubled.
I enjoyed it
Narrator
Romy
I liked her voices and they made me smile. She was pleasant listening too and did a good job with narrating this story.
nellesnightstand's review against another edition
3.0
This was hard for me to read. The premise, a rehab ranch for veteran was intriguing. The way Helm delved into Alex's issues with PTSD was real. His mental thoughts, the refrain of, I can fix me, was hard to read but very well done.
I liked how, in the beginning, Alex was strong and in control, and Becca needed his support. In the end it was Becca giving Alex support. The romance just wasn't satisfying enough for me, I guess.
I'll be reading the next one though because Gabe and Jack need there HEA's as well.
Thanks for Netgalley and thge publisher for the advanced copy for an honest review.
I liked how, in the beginning, Alex was strong and in control, and Becca needed his support. In the end it was Becca giving Alex support. The romance just wasn't satisfying enough for me, I guess.
I'll be reading the next one though because Gabe and Jack need there HEA's as well.
Thanks for Netgalley and thge publisher for the advanced copy for an honest review.
scoutmomskf's review against another edition
5.0
Fantastic, emotional start to a new series. Alex is a former SEAL, retired from the service because of his injuries. He joined the Navy right out of high school, and in the sixteen years since then has rarely been home. With the recent death of his father, Alex and his step-sister, Becca, have inherited the ranch. With the loss of their careers, Alex and his two friends, Jack and Gabe, have come to the ranch to heal and to make it a place for other wounded vets to heal. Each of them needs a new focus for their lives and a way to deal with the unexpected changes. This is Alex's story.
Becca is also dealing with major changes in her life. Her stepfather was the only father she had known, and his loss has left her reeling. She barely knows Alex, as he had already left home for the navy by the time her mother married Burt. Thanks to a life-threatening illness as a child, her life has been very sheltered. Her mother homeschooled her and kept her away from most social events, afraid that she would become sick again. This has left her socially awkward and very nervous around strangers. She is also determined to do something about it, and with a lot of effort has finally established some independence. The men's plans for the ranch dovetail nicely with her desire to start an equine therapy program.
The contrasts between Alex and Becca are pretty significant. Alex is a leader, a planner (overly so), and keeps his emotions under strict control. He is haunted by the events that caused his injuries and the death of a friend, but insists that he is "fine." He is certain that with enough hard work and time, the nightmares will fade. Becca is quiet but determined to become more outgoing. She wants to live her life to the fullest, and because she was sick for so long, lives each day as it comes. She has goals, but she doesn't do much planning because she knows that those plans can change in an instant.
I enjoyed the development of Alex and Becca's relationship. Because they are technically step-siblings, their initial attraction to each other freaks them both out - especially Alex. Becca gets over it much faster because she realizes that they spent no time together growing up as siblings. Alex is protective of Becca from the start, and it's fun to see him pretend it's brotherly, while Jack and Gabe insist it's anything but. Becca is quiet, but she is no pushover, and I loved how she stood up to Alex from the start when it came to the therapy side of the ranch. I liked that they became friends first, bonding and sharing their grief over Burt's death, and working together on getting the ranch set up. All during that time, the sparks between them continued to build. I liked the way that Alex wanted to take things slowly and loved the whole date scene. Becca was in a bit more of a hurry, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her take charge of her wants and needs. Once they took that final step, the feelings between them grew quickly. But it was not all unicorns and rainbows. Alex's PTSD symptoms get worse instead of better the more he tries to deny them. His refusal to admit he needs help, or even to share what is happening with Becca, drives a wedge between them. I loved the way that Becca refused to allow him to shut her out if they were going to have a relationship. I ached for them both as Becca made it clear that something had to give. The intervention by Jack and Gabe was heart-wrenching as they tried desperately to get through to Alex. I was moved to tears by the reconciliation of Becca and Alex and the emotion of his big moment at the end.
I loved Alex's friends and partners, Jack and Gabe. The bond among the three men is tight, thanks to everything they have been through together. I loved how they have no problem reminding Alex that he is no longer responsible for them. Both Gabe and Jack also have issues stemming from the same attack that injured Alex, and each deals with them differently. I also liked how they were loyal to each other, always having each other's' backs. There were a couple of times that created issues with Becca, but they were understandable and easily dealt with. I had fun watching both Jack and Gabe adjust to ranch life. The development of the friendship between them and Becca was pretty sweet. They were all awkward at the beginning, but it didn't take long for them to grow to like and respect each other. I loved the scene at the bar when Jack and Gabe so clearly saw the sparks between Becca and Alex. I loved their part in bringing Alex and Becca back together.
Becca's mom was a character I had a little more trouble with. I understood why she had been so protective when Becca was younger. But her attitude now, when Becca has been well for so long, was too much. I really hated her attitude toward the guys, especially Alex. The dinner scene was awful, and I ached for Becca and the stress she was under. I was definitely rooting for her as she gained confidence, and I loved seeing her finally confront her mom.
Though the book was emotional and frequently gut-wrenching, there were also some lighter moments to break it up. I laughed out loud during the scenes with the goat. Jack and Gabe were especially hysterical as they dealt with the roof-climbing animal. Having to get help from a rooster named Rasputin made it even better.
I've already read Jack's book (Cowboy SEAL Redemption), which got me hooked on this series. I can't wait to read Gabe's story, as it will pair him with the therapist, Monica. It should be a fantastic read.
Becca is also dealing with major changes in her life. Her stepfather was the only father she had known, and his loss has left her reeling. She barely knows Alex, as he had already left home for the navy by the time her mother married Burt. Thanks to a life-threatening illness as a child, her life has been very sheltered. Her mother homeschooled her and kept her away from most social events, afraid that she would become sick again. This has left her socially awkward and very nervous around strangers. She is also determined to do something about it, and with a lot of effort has finally established some independence. The men's plans for the ranch dovetail nicely with her desire to start an equine therapy program.
The contrasts between Alex and Becca are pretty significant. Alex is a leader, a planner (overly so), and keeps his emotions under strict control. He is haunted by the events that caused his injuries and the death of a friend, but insists that he is "fine." He is certain that with enough hard work and time, the nightmares will fade. Becca is quiet but determined to become more outgoing. She wants to live her life to the fullest, and because she was sick for so long, lives each day as it comes. She has goals, but she doesn't do much planning because she knows that those plans can change in an instant.
I enjoyed the development of Alex and Becca's relationship. Because they are technically step-siblings, their initial attraction to each other freaks them both out - especially Alex. Becca gets over it much faster because she realizes that they spent no time together growing up as siblings. Alex is protective of Becca from the start, and it's fun to see him pretend it's brotherly, while Jack and Gabe insist it's anything but. Becca is quiet, but she is no pushover, and I loved how she stood up to Alex from the start when it came to the therapy side of the ranch. I liked that they became friends first, bonding and sharing their grief over Burt's death, and working together on getting the ranch set up. All during that time, the sparks between them continued to build. I liked the way that Alex wanted to take things slowly and loved the whole date scene. Becca was in a bit more of a hurry, and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing her take charge of her wants and needs. Once they took that final step, the feelings between them grew quickly. But it was not all unicorns and rainbows. Alex's PTSD symptoms get worse instead of better the more he tries to deny them. His refusal to admit he needs help, or even to share what is happening with Becca, drives a wedge between them. I loved the way that Becca refused to allow him to shut her out if they were going to have a relationship. I ached for them both as Becca made it clear that something had to give. The intervention by Jack and Gabe was heart-wrenching as they tried desperately to get through to Alex. I was moved to tears by the reconciliation of Becca and Alex and the emotion of his big moment at the end.
I loved Alex's friends and partners, Jack and Gabe. The bond among the three men is tight, thanks to everything they have been through together. I loved how they have no problem reminding Alex that he is no longer responsible for them. Both Gabe and Jack also have issues stemming from the same attack that injured Alex, and each deals with them differently. I also liked how they were loyal to each other, always having each other's' backs. There were a couple of times that created issues with Becca, but they were understandable and easily dealt with. I had fun watching both Jack and Gabe adjust to ranch life. The development of the friendship between them and Becca was pretty sweet. They were all awkward at the beginning, but it didn't take long for them to grow to like and respect each other. I loved the scene at the bar when Jack and Gabe so clearly saw the sparks between Becca and Alex. I loved their part in bringing Alex and Becca back together.
Becca's mom was a character I had a little more trouble with. I understood why she had been so protective when Becca was younger. But her attitude now, when Becca has been well for so long, was too much. I really hated her attitude toward the guys, especially Alex. The dinner scene was awful, and I ached for Becca and the stress she was under. I was definitely rooting for her as she gained confidence, and I loved seeing her finally confront her mom.
Though the book was emotional and frequently gut-wrenching, there were also some lighter moments to break it up. I laughed out loud during the scenes with the goat. Jack and Gabe were especially hysterical as they dealt with the roof-climbing animal. Having to get help from a rooster named Rasputin made it even better.
I've already read Jack's book (Cowboy SEAL Redemption), which got me hooked on this series. I can't wait to read Gabe's story, as it will pair him with the therapist, Monica. It should be a fantastic read.
anabelsbrother's review
3.0
Cowboy SEAL Homecoming didn't wow me as much as I'd hoped, but I still enjoyed the story.
The main characters, Alex and Becca were once step-siblings. Alex's father had married Becca's mother, and Alex was ten years older than Becca and he was away in the military for the length of his dad's second marriage, so they weren't raised together. They reunited after Alex's dad died and left the family ranch to both his son and Becca, and after Alex was discharged from the military.
What I love about this story is how Alex and Becca tentatively built a relationship with each other. They were mostly strangers, and suddenly they were living under one roof. There was friction sometimes, especially surrounding Alex's apparent PTSD, and I love how they solved it like adults by talking it out. I also love the buildup--Alex tried hard to not act on his attraction to Becca, but you know how it is when you have too much zing with another person. They were so cute together, and I love the scenes where Alex took Becca on dates.
Overall, I wish this story had wowed me more so that I could rate it higher, but I'm still going to stick with this series to see Alex's friends get their HEAs.
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.
The main characters, Alex and Becca were once step-siblings. Alex's father had married Becca's mother, and Alex was ten years older than Becca and he was away in the military for the length of his dad's second marriage, so they weren't raised together. They reunited after Alex's dad died and left the family ranch to both his son and Becca, and after Alex was discharged from the military.
What I love about this story is how Alex and Becca tentatively built a relationship with each other. They were mostly strangers, and suddenly they were living under one roof. There was friction sometimes, especially surrounding Alex's apparent PTSD, and I love how they solved it like adults by talking it out. I also love the buildup--Alex tried hard to not act on his attraction to Becca, but you know how it is when you have too much zing with another person. They were so cute together, and I love the scenes where Alex took Becca on dates.
Overall, I wish this story had wowed me more so that I could rate it higher, but I'm still going to stick with this series to see Alex's friends get their HEAs.
E-ARC is received thanks to the publisher via Netgalley.