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jennyreads_2022's review
adventurous
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
This book was a definite change for me. The whole plot felt different. For one, the female lead was a bit morally grey. And although she did need saving, it was kind of her fault. It was still a great story with a very well thought out plot, it just didn’t seem to fit with the Hope Valley series as a whole.
West and Stella met under extremely unusual circumstances. West was helping the police take down a drug dealer and Stella was trying to grift her family out of trouble. West quickly fell for Stella and before she could blink he had her moved into his house “for her safety”. Their romance was definitely fast paced. They didn’t even have their first official date until the epilogue, but at that point they had already fallen for each other.
One of the things I loved about West was his ability to read Stella, when nobody else could. Stella was used to binding her feelings and emotions, but West saw through her walls. I also ended up loving Stella’s family. Sure they had made some mistakes, but they loved each other and only wanted the best for their family.
Although this was different, it was entertaining. I loved the cameos of the other couples, though they weren’t featured as much. The suspense was good and on par with the rest of the series. Now there’s only one man left standing, and it is the one I feel like I’ve been waiting for. Can’t wait for Hunter’s book to finish out the series.
indeanna's review
5.0
I was soo not expecting to love this book as much as I did! I wasn’t sure how Jessica Prince was going to spin the love story of a family of a con artist and a former military/security guy who’s friends with cops. But I shouldn’t have worried, Jessica Prince didn’t disappoint. She made us fall in love with West and Stella.
West was intrigued with Stella from the start. He didn’t even care that she was a pick-pocket and what her family did. He fell for her. Stella was a lost soul who just wanted a normal life. She loved her family fiercely and they loved her. She never thought she was good enough for West. But West proved to her that she was worth everything!
I am just wowed by this book. I am in awe of Jessica Prince and how she writes such great well developed characters that make you feel like they are right there with you. And how she pulls all the stories together and you still get glimpses into the love of the past books. I soo can’t wait for Hunter’s book!
West was intrigued with Stella from the start. He didn’t even care that she was a pick-pocket and what her family did. He fell for her. Stella was a lost soul who just wanted a normal life. She loved her family fiercely and they loved her. She never thought she was good enough for West. But West proved to her that she was worth everything!
I am just wowed by this book. I am in awe of Jessica Prince and how she writes such great well developed characters that make you feel like they are right there with you. And how she pulls all the stories together and you still get glimpses into the love of the past books. I soo can’t wait for Hunter’s book!
maryanne210's review
5.0
Okay here’s the deal, if Jessica Prince did a rewrite of the Webster dictionary, I’d happily one click and read it. Luckily, she would never do that to us…instead, she tries to outdo herself with every book and this was no exception! I remember meeting West way back in Eden and Lincoln’s story “Out of My League” (which has always had such a huge place in my heart) and thinking he was a sweetheart. Yes, I was right…he is a BIG sweetheart!
Here’s where Jessica Prince gets me – I wasn’t sure if I would be able to connect with Stella when I learned that she and her family were grifters. How could I connect with someone who skirts the law when we’re talking about West’s happily ever after? Literally getting into half of the first chapter and I felt guilty that I ever doubted Ms. Prince’s ability to make me love a heroine. Stella is strong, feisty, independent, loyal to a fault and just will not stop getting back up, no matter what life throws at her. Meeting West wasn’t perfect timing for her, but he is absolutely swoon worthy in his dedication to showing her that she deserves happiness.
A trip back to Hope Valley is like a warm hug, and Stella and West did NOT disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter, getting to know them individually and then watching their love story unfold. Jessica Prince has really hit her stride and she continues to write fantastic books that suck you in and make it impossible to stop reading. Sometimes to the exclusion of everything else – who needs to eat? Make sure you one click this one and clear your calendar – you can thank me later!
Here’s where Jessica Prince gets me – I wasn’t sure if I would be able to connect with Stella when I learned that she and her family were grifters. How could I connect with someone who skirts the law when we’re talking about West’s happily ever after? Literally getting into half of the first chapter and I felt guilty that I ever doubted Ms. Prince’s ability to make me love a heroine. Stella is strong, feisty, independent, loyal to a fault and just will not stop getting back up, no matter what life throws at her. Meeting West wasn’t perfect timing for her, but he is absolutely swoon worthy in his dedication to showing her that she deserves happiness.
A trip back to Hope Valley is like a warm hug, and Stella and West did NOT disappoint. I thoroughly enjoyed their banter, getting to know them individually and then watching their love story unfold. Jessica Prince has really hit her stride and she continues to write fantastic books that suck you in and make it impossible to stop reading. Sometimes to the exclusion of everything else – who needs to eat? Make sure you one click this one and clear your calendar – you can thank me later!
romancebookloverinseattle's review
4.0
This was not only a sweet romance, but an incredibly fun story to read. Stella comes from a family of con artists and when she meets West she is on a job, grifting from someone and West runs interference to keep her from running one on the wrong person. In many ways the two of them couldn't have been more different, but they were both incredibly taken and intrigued by the other with that first meeting.
Jessica Prince has written a sweet romance here, but it also has angst and some really touching moments. Stella has a rough time grappling with who she is and understanding her self worth, and West's tenacious pursuit of her, and his willingness to step in and help keep her safe is exactly what she needs. If you love the other books in the Hope Valley series, you'll love this one and even if this is your first, it would be a fun place to start.
Jessica Prince has written a sweet romance here, but it also has angst and some really touching moments. Stella has a rough time grappling with who she is and understanding her self worth, and West's tenacious pursuit of her, and his willingness to step in and help keep her safe is exactly what she needs. If you love the other books in the Hope Valley series, you'll love this one and even if this is your first, it would be a fun place to start.
ldooten's review
5.0
This was a really great read! The writing flowed well from start to finish, and I loved West and Stella together. I was starting to annoyed at the beginning of the story when everyone was trying to tiptoe around the elephant in the room, but West called them out on it, and I was so freakin' happy when he did! It was starting to get on my nerves that no one said anything that they were all put in danger over the idiot decision of one person. Once that was out of the way, I was able to fully enjoy the story. West fits in with all the other guys from AO, and he definitely embodies the term "alpha". Stella was a strong heroine for the most part, but the stomping her foot like a toddler was a little much sometimes. The ending was awesome, and Stella and Serenity were hilarious! I can't WAIT for more stories in this series. One of my all time favorite series!
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book.
cslattery's review
5.0
So good
Loved this book. I’ve been dying for West’s story. It was amazing. I love Hope Valley!! Now I can’t wait for Hunters book.
Loved this book. I’ve been dying for West’s story. It was amazing. I love Hope Valley!! Now I can’t wait for Hunters book.
reading_with_2_book_lovers's review
4.0
This was a fab story. West and Stella just gave me all the feels. Highly recommended
erina1510's review
5.0
Another quick read of Jessica’s because I couldn’t put it down. Even better was we got to return to Hope Valley and see all the guys. Stella is a woman with loyalty to her family that runs super deep. So Stella is willing to go beyond her norm for the sake of helping her dad out of trouble. Weston just happens to be at the right place, at the right time, and rescues Stella from trouble she didn’t know she was getting in to. West becomes the hero, multiple times, to her and her family. Both of these characters had some pretty funny moments and could definitely tell their relationship would have a lot of laughs, along with steam!
bookishlifeofgem's review
5.0
I loved going back to hope valley and catching up with all my favourites.
Stella and West were so great together, I love that it started with friendship and built from there. Always makes the love story so much sweeter.
This story has everything I love about a Jessica Prince story, love, suspense, laughter and great friendships and some drama of course.
Another great addition to the hope valley series and now I can’t wait for Hunter’s book!
Stella and West were so great together, I love that it started with friendship and built from there. Always makes the love story so much sweeter.
This story has everything I love about a Jessica Prince story, love, suspense, laughter and great friendships and some drama of course.
Another great addition to the hope valley series and now I can’t wait for Hunter’s book!
emilyhei's review
5.0
Stella Ryan may not want to do the things she does for her family, but her family is everything to her. Needing to help fix the problem her Dad ran into, she goes outside her comfort zone and ends up catching the eye of West Scott. Little does Stella know that West is a investigator for Alpha Omega and although she brushes him off, he is still very much interested in her. When he sees Stella a second time, the night goes in a completely different direction and West decides he is going to be the one to protect her. Feelings arise and Stella begins to have feelings for West, but believes he wont be able to accept her family, but West is out to prove to Stella she couldn't be more wrong.
So let me start by saying that I generally avoid books with con artist-grifters. No particular reason why but I have not read one that I have liked the character. This book changed that for me, I really liked Stella and her family. I thought the way the author handled the family dynamic really brought insight to the characters. Another terrific read by this author and West is one of the most alpha males in the series thus far.
So let me start by saying that I generally avoid books with con artist-grifters. No particular reason why but I have not read one that I have liked the character. This book changed that for me, I really liked Stella and her family. I thought the way the author handled the family dynamic really brought insight to the characters. Another terrific read by this author and West is one of the most alpha males in the series thus far.