Series: Cowboys of Creedence

BOOK REVIEW: Wish Upon a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #4) by Jennie Marts

November 25, 2019 / Jen / 4 Comments

Wish Upon a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #4)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
Hot on the ice and tall in the saddle...

Rancher and hockey coach Logan Rivers' attempts to hire a housekeeper are hindered by women more interested in marriage than meal-planning. So when snarky Harper Evans arrives with zero romantic interest in him, he couldn't be happier. But as he gets to know her, he finds himself hungering for more than her cooking.

Down-on-her-luck single mom Harper Evans came to Colorado with one goal: to find her son and bring him home. Temporary work for a local rancher seems perfect, but to keep the job she has to deny her feelings for the hot cowboy who's heating up her kitchen.

Logan's secret learning disability has caused a financial mistake that could cost him everything. With the holidays approaching and a storm closing in, he and Harper have to save his ranch and fight for her son. But can Harper trust the cowboy who is offering her both a home―and his heart?

Review:

Wish Upon a Cowboy was sweet, sexy and filled with small town charm, friendships and second chances. With holiday moments sprinkled throughout this story, my Christmas loving self was bursting with joy! Especially in the latter half, I loved it so much. With tons of heart, I found myself smiling long after I finished that last page. So if you love Christmas miracles and happy endings for all, definitely add this one to your tbr!

She needed a star right now— needed something to guide her, to lead her to her deepest desire. She felt more lost than she’d ever been.
She stared into the lights of the tree and prayed for guidance and wisdom and for something to give her hope to hold on to.

Harper Evans was someone I instantly liked. She was a kind hearted woman, yet her past cast a shadow on how she saw herself. She made a mistake, went to jail and had to spend a few months away from her son. She was desperate to get back on her feet and have her son in her life, so she traveled to the cute little town of Creedence, Colorado. Within those first few pages we got to see how big Harper’s heart was and how she was always trying to help others. I was so happy when she ended up getting a job working for Logan Rivers. It looked like her luck was finally starting to turn around.

She set something off inside him, something that made him want to flirt with her, to win her over with his charm and coax that sexy smile onto her face.

I was already infatuated with Logan Rivers from Caught Up in a Cowboy. And while this book can easily be read as a standalone, I definitely recommend picking up the rest of the books in the Cowboys of Creedence Series. So Logan was sexy, strong and determined. He worked on his family’s ranch and the hot cowboy even had me laughing out loud at his cheesy humor. With just firing his house keeper and his ranch hand, Logan was in desperate need of some help. Especially since his dad was out of town for an extended time. The ranch was all on him. Harper seemed like the perfect solution, she was effective, did an amazing job and helped take a load of stress off of Logan right away.

He lowered his tone as he looked into her eyes. “I think we make a good team.”
“We do,” she whispered, then looked away as if his words embarrassed her.

Logan and Harper were instantly attracted to each other. Yet she needed to focus on her job, so she could get her son back. Harper definitely didn’t have time for romance in her life. And Logan made a huge mistake when it came to his family’s ranch, so he needed to focus on his job. And with Harper leaving in a few weeks or so, he shouldn’t get attached. While they both tried to ignore what was between them, it was impossible to do. Especially when it felt effortless for them to form a friendship and anytime they were near each other, sparks were flying.

What was she doing? Her sole purpose for being here was to get Floyd and get out of Dodge, not to get involved with a smart-mouthed cowboy, no matter how hot that cowboy was or how delicious his mouth tasted.

Wish Upon a Cowboy had so much heart in the pages. It was also a story about a mom and her son’s love. Of friendships being formed. Getting second chances. And a community pulling together while Christmas was in the air. And with adorable side characters like Nacho the mama cat, Star the wonder cow and Otis who I won’t say what he was lol, oh my goodness, this book was absolutely adorable! It was topped off with a meddlesome grandma, peppermint schnapps and a winter storm!

Her breath came out in a harsh gasp. “I’m nothing. You deserve more than someone like me.”
**“I don’t deserve you. But I want you. With every part of my soul.”**

Wish Upon a Cowboy was a beautiful story about forgiveness, happiness and finding love. It was impossible not to have some happy tears towards the end of this book. Plus I loved that we got to see some of our favorites from the previous books. So if you love Hallmark Christmas movies because they’re smile inducing, give you all the feels and have the best endings ever, you definitely have to check this book out. I’m so thankful that Logan got his own story and the fact that it was during the holidays made it absolutely perfect!

Maybe he believed in miracles after all.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

If you’d love to go back and catch up with the other hockey playing cowboys in this series, here ya go!

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Caught Up in a Cowboy #1 Reviews: Jen	You Had Me at Cowboy #2 Reviews: Jen	It Started With a Cowboy #3 Reviews: Jen
Wish Upon a Cowboy #4 Reviews: Jen

BOOK REVIEW: It Started with a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #3) by Jennie Marts

April 17, 2019 / Jen / 6 Comments

It Started with a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #3)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
What will this cowboy risk for love?

Colt James is back home on the family ranch, and he's done taking risks. A car accident ruined his shot at a professional hockey career and messed up his love life, and he's not taking a chance on anything that seems too good to be true. Especially not on Chloe Bishop, his nephew's irresistibly charming teacher and the one woman he can't stop thinking about.

Chloe Bishop liked her life the way it was—orderly, structured and safe. Life goes from managed to messy when Colt talks her into helping him coach a hockey team of rowdy eight-year-olds. Being this close to the cowboy she's crushing on is dangerous territory. But when a real enemy threatens Chloe, Colt will do anything to protect her. Even if it means risking himself—and his heart.

Review:

It Started With a Cowboy was smile inducing, absolutely adorable and oh so hot. If you aren’t familiar with Jennie Marts, she writes romance stories that pull at your heart and make you feel like you’re watching a new favorite movie. The story always flows so smoothly and even the side characters are well thought out. And while I have fallen in love with this series, about brothers who are hockey playing cowboys, I have a confession. This easily became my favorite Jennie Marts book!

“What is your type?” He leaned in, just the slightest, the fishing line drawing him closer.
She gazed up at him, her eyes wide. Her lips parted as she inhaled another soft breath, and he imagined how her mouth would taste, how her body would feel if he pulled her against him and crushed her lips with his.

This can definitely be read as a standalone, but if you haven’t read Caught Up in a Cowboy or You Had Me at Cowboy, I recommend you do. Each book is about one of the brothers, and you fall more in love with this family as the series progresses. This time around we got to hear from the youngest brother, Colt James. He not only helps out at his family’s ranch, but also around town too. And in the last book, we saw him flirting with Chloe Bishop, who is his nephew’s teacher.

Something about Chloe Bishop was poking the edges of his heart, as if looking for a soft place to sneak in. And he could feel those rough edges giving in— not breaking, but bending a little each time she offered him a bashful smile.

Ladies, you have to meet Colt James. He was swoon worthy, sexy, charming and I just wanted to steal him out of this book. I loved his friendly, easy-going nature but his past made him cautious. Colt lost the chance to be in the NHL and the girl he loved because of a bad decision. It hurt my heart to see how he viewed himself because of his past actions. Especially since he was one of the good guys. Colt always helped others out and his actions showed how sweet, thoughtful and kind-hearted he was. He deserved someone who would see how wonderful he was and I kept hope that Chloe would be that woman.

He’d picked her up like she weighed nothing , and she’d wanted to cuddle against him, wanted to bury her face in his neck and inhale the scent of his aftershave. Heck, she’d wanted to lick him and claim him as hers.

Chloe Bishop was a sweetheart who lived a quiet life that was filled with teaching, her cat and knitting while binge watching Netflix. She went above and beyond with her students and you could tell she had a heart of gold. But just like Colt, her past made her doubt her worth. I wanted to reach into this story and give her the hugest hug ever and tell her she was enough and deserved love. Especially when she thought Colt was helping her out, just because he was nice, and that was how he treated everyone.

“But I don’t know anything about the rules or how to play. I don’t even know how to score.”
A playful grin covered his face. “I can teach you how to score.”

Life ended up pushing Colt and Chloe together right from the start. And when Chloe agreed to help Colt coach a hockey team of 8 year olds, they were around each other even more. Yet Chloe could be so awkward, since she didn’t have a lot of experience with guys. But that didn’t matter because Chloe and Colt could be so funny together. The banter between them felt effortless, even if Chloe had to work at it. But then those funny and sweet moments would shift and I’d find myself smiling for an entirely different reason or sighing out loud. Like when they baked cupcakes, who knew that could become so hot! *fans face*

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, as heat and want surged through her veins. It had been so long since a man had touched her lips, and the soft pressure of his thumb against her chin felt more delicious than a thousand tastes of chocolate.

While this is a love story, it also has a strong family feel. I absolutely adored the James family and their dinners or get togethers had me laughing so hard. Plus I heart Aunt Sassy, that woman is so much fun! So yes, I absolutely loved this book. It Started with a Cowboy is perfect for those who love swoon worthy romance that will make you smile and laugh. And even if cowboys aren’t your thing, this is the best book to dip your toes into their world. I can’t recommend it enough!

“What if I fall?” she whispered.
“It’s okay to fall.” He gazed down at her, his expression sincere, and it felt like he was talking about something else, something deeper.

PS I’m totally going to beg on my knees, can Logan please get a story? I know he’s not a James brother, but he’s close enough. I’d love to watch him get his HEA. Please? Pretty please?

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by the publisher. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Caught Up in a Cowboy #1 Reviews: Jen	You Had Me at Cowboy #2 Reviews: Jen	It Started With a Cowboy #3 Reviews: Jen
Wish Upon a Cowboy #4 Reviews: Jen

BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2) by Jennie Marts

November 21, 2018 / Jen / 2 Comments

You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This cowboy is falling hard

Mason James is the responsible one who stayed behind to run the ranch while his brother, Rock, took off to play professional hockey. Women have used him before to get to his brother--and Mason intends never to get burned again. But after he meets quirky Tessa Kane at his brother's wedding, Mason discovers he's ready to take a chance on love.

Tessa Kane is a reporter on the verge of losing a job she desperately needs--unless she's clever enough to snag a story on the famous Rockford James. But when she falls for her subject's brother, she's caught between a rock and a hard-muscled cowboy. What will happen when Mason finds out who she really is?

Review:

You Had Me at Cowboy was such a sweet, heartwarming story. It was filled with strong families, sexy cowboys, adorable pets and I loved how friendship, trust, love and second chances were strong themes. And while this could be read as a standalone, I highly recommend starting with Caught Up in a Cowboy. That’s where you first meet the James family, who are now preparing for a wedding.

No stopping whatever this crazy thing was that was happening between him and this woman he’d just met. Although it didn’t feel like they’d just met. It felt like he’d known her forever.

Tessa Kane was having the worst day ever. In those first few pages, when she arrived at the pre-wedding activities as someone’s date, I was already cringing and laughing out loud. And just when things started to turn even worse, in walked Mason James. Not only did he come to her rescue, Tessa eventually realized that Mason was the ticket to keeping her job. She was supposed to get an exclusive interview with the famous NHL groom, Rock. And Mason was Rock’s brother.

He wanted to touch her, to taste her, to adore her.
She was his fantasy.

I loved that Tessa and Mason clicked right away. Their friendship and chemistry were smile inducing and so much fun! I kept finding myself laughing at their antics and then sighing over their sweeter and sexier moments together. What was happening between them felt so magical, as if it was meant to be. But Tessa was just here for the story, so she could save her job which would help save her Grandma’s house. But even she couldn’t deny what was going on between them. It all felt so true in her heart.

He knew the right thing to do, the chivalrous thing. Finding his voice, he leaned toward her ear. “I’ll give you some privacy and see if I can find you some dry clothes.”
She whispered one word, but he heard it as clearly as if she’d shouted.
“Stay.”

You have to meet Mason James! I was obsessed and easily found myself enraptured by that cowboy. Mason was seductive, hilarious, thoughtful, compassionate and caring. Yet he was definitely guarded. Women had used him in the past to get to his famous brother. So my heart hurt for him and I understood why he didn’t have a date to his brother’s wedding. That was until he crashed into Tessa and later asked her to be his date for all of the wedding activities. Mason thought he finally found a woman that wanted only him. And I was so nervous, because I was waiting for everything to explode.

As much as she wanted to tell him the truth, to come clean about who she was and why she was really there, she wasn’t ready to let him go. Wasn’t ready to let this go.

Tessa found herself in a tough situation, and while I didn’t agree with some of the choices she made, I more than got it. How could I not like her when Tessa was kind, funny, quirky, compassionate and had the hugest heart ever. I loved how she jumped right in to help others, and that was just one of the countless reasons why she fit in so easily with Mason’s family. And then when I saw her interaction with Dewey, a dog, oh my heart. She was so sweet to him and little Dewey added so much heart to this story. But best of all, I loved how Tessa made Mason feel. It warmed me all the way to the tip of my toes. So, I just kept my fingers crossed because the truth was bound to come out. And I hoped it would all work out for the best!

Somewhere in the last few days, he had become all hers. And no matter what happened next, whether she stayed in his life to see where this led, or if she went back home after the wedding, Tessa Kane had ruined him for any other woman.

You Had Me at Cowboy was the perfect mix of sexy and sweet. I loved that we got to be in both Tessa and Mason’s heads. And I loved that we got to spend time with all of our favorites from Caught Up in a Cowboy! Rock, Quinn, Vivienne and so many others graced the pages and it was absolutely perfect! Now I’m left excited for the next book. It’s about the youngest brother in the James family. I fell in love with the moments between him and the girl he seemed interested in…it was all so adorable with a little bit of awkward thrown in. So I can’t wait to read their story next!

PS Mimi, Tessa’s grandmother, was hilarious. We didn’t see much of her, but when we did, she had me rolling with laughter. Ohh Aunt Sass too. There’s an ice sculpture scene between Aunt Sass and Mason that made me laugh so hard I cried!

PPS I know that I rarely give my opinion on covers, but the covers in this series are HOT. Having them on my Kindle isn’t enough, I also need them on my bookshelf *fans face*.

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Caught Up in a Cowboy #1 Reviews: Jen	You Had Me at Cowboy #2 Reviews: Jen	It Started With a Cowboy #3 Reviews: Jen
Wish Upon a Cowboy #4 Reviews: Jen

Giveaway:

✮ Enter to win a copy of Caught Up In A Cowboy, that I’m personally giving away, on our Instagram and Twitter.

✮ Also, enter the tour giveaway below!

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About Jennie Marts:

Jennie Marts is the USA Today bestselling author of award-winning books filled with love, laughter, and always a happily ever after. She is living her own happily ever after with her husband, two dogs, and a parakeet that loves to tweet to the oldies, in the mountains of Colorado.

BOOK REVIEW – Caught Up in a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #1) by Jennie Marts

May 1, 2018 / Jen / 4 Comments

Caught Up in a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #1)
by Jennie Marts
Purchase on: Amazon, iBooks
Add to: Goodreads

Synopsis:
This cowboy plays to win

Rockford James was raised as a tried and true cowboy in a town crazy about ice hockey. Rock is as hot on the ice as he is on a horse, and the NHL snapped him up. Now, injuries have temporarily benched him. Body and pride wounded, he returns to his hometown ranch to find that a lot has changed. The one thing that hasn't? His feelings for high school sweetheart and girl-next-door Quinn Rivers.

Quinn had no choice but to get over Rock after he left. Teenaged and heartbroken, she had a rebound one night stand that ended in single motherhood. Now that Rock's back―and clamoring for a second chance―Quinn will do anything to avoid getting caught up in this oh-so-tempting cowboy...

Review:

Caught Up in a Cowboy was such a fun, heartwarming story! I loved how quickly we jumped in and I found myself completely captivated by Quinn and Rock. Their back story, their family, and their run ins all had my full attention. And with moments of sexiness, heartache, and laughter all tied together, it made for such a charming book!

It didn’t matter how many sparkles of heat shot through her or how ridiculously muscled his arms were or how his offer of peace between them filled her heart with a secret longing of hope, the cold, hard truth was that he wasn’t back. Not really. He was back only for now.

Right from the start, Quinn and Rock met back up. It was hilarious, yet at the same time there was a lot of other emotions mixed in too. You see, Rock broke Quinn’s heart 9 years ago. They were High School sweethearts who planned to spend their future together. But when Rock pursued his hockey career, he left Quinn in the dust. And with Quinn feeling bitter and upset, she had a one night stand which left her pregnant and alone. As years passed, Quinn and Rock ran into each other but it was always a tense and brief hello. But not anymore. Rock suffered an injury while playing for the NHL and he’s back home on an extended break.

A thick chunk of regret settled in his gut, and he knew letting her go had been the biggest mistake of his life.

Through a fun turn of events, Rock found himself back in Quinn’s life. And the chemistry between the two of them was definitely still there. You could feel it every time they were near each other. Even if Quinn still held her anger in a death grip, ha! And while I loved watching the tension between them build, I also loved how easily their friendship restarted. It was filled with honesty, teasing and it all felt so simple and heartfelt. Ohhh and I loved, loved, loved how quickly Rock and Max bonded. Max is Quinn’s eight year old son and he was seriously the most adorable child ever. He made me laugh and smile so much. I loved how much heart he brought to the story! And while I watched them all interact, I started to imagine what they would be like. As a real family.

He picked up a loose strand of her hair and twisted it between his fingers. “You were the best part of my life, and for the past eight years, I feel like a piece of me has been missing. And that piece is you. I want you back in my life, Q.”

So while Quinn and Rock grew closer, I got Quinn’s uncertainty. She’d been left and heartbroken by him in the past. And everyone knew that once Rock was healed, he was heading back to the NHL. Quinn tried her hardest to protect her heart, but Rock was persistent…. I loved that about him! Just you wait and see all that he does, sigh. But Rock definitely had some growing up to do and I loved how much he progressed as the story unfolded. He gained so much wisdom and insight being back home and I was so proud of him. It left me with a lot of faith, and I could easily see Quinn and Rock getting their happily ever after. Well that was until a different variable stepped in……the suspense was a lot of fun! I can’t say anything more, other than I was impressed with how it all played out!

He gingerly set the necklace down and raised his hand to cup her cheek. “You still have it, you know. No matter where I’ve been, or what stupid decisions I’ve made, my heart has always belonged to you.”

Caught Up in a Cowboy was such an adorable story! There were a few cheesy moments in the beginning, but it was definitely warranted. All I can say is birthday party and pirates…..it made me laugh and smile. And if you’re a fan of families playing an integral part in stories, you’re in for a treat. I absolutely loved both of their families and I’m keeping my fingers crossed that their brothers will get their own stories down the road. So if you love second chance romance, with family thrown in the mix, definitely check out Caught Up in a Cowboy! It was such a cute story and I’m looking forward to the future books in this series!

*I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book, provided by SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca. All thoughts and opinions are my own.*

Reading Order & Links: Amazon (click on covers), iBooks (click on titles) & Book Depository (click on book #) *Each book can be read as a standalone, but best enjoyed in order.*
Caught Up in a Cowboy #1 Reviews: Jen	You Had Me at Cowboy #2 Reviews: Jen	It Started With a Cowboy #3 Reviews: Jen
Wish Upon a Cowboy #4 Reviews: Jen

Jen	Chelsea
Arielle	Cassie

Jen	Chelsea
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BOOK REVIEW: Wish Upon a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #4) by Jennie Marts

Synopsis:

She needed a star right now— needed something to guide her, to lead her to her deepest desire. She felt more lost than she’d ever been. She stared into the lights of the tree and prayed for guidance and wisdom and for something to give her hope to hold on to.

She set something off inside him, something that made him want to flirt with her, to win her over with his charm and coax that sexy smile onto her face.

He lowered his tone as he looked into her eyes. “I think we make a good team.” “We do,” she whispered, then looked away as if his words embarrassed her.

What was she doing? Her sole purpose for being here was to get Floyd and get out of Dodge, not to get involved with a smart-mouthed cowboy, no matter how hot that cowboy was or how delicious his mouth tasted.

Her breath came out in a harsh gasp. “I’m nothing. You deserve more than someone like me.” “I don’t deserve you. But I want you. With every part of my soul.”

Maybe he believed in miracles after all.

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BOOK REVIEW: It Started with a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #3) by Jennie Marts

Synopsis:

Review:

Something about Chloe Bishop was poking the edges of his heart, as if looking for a soft place to sneak in. And he could feel those rough edges giving in— not breaking, but bending a little each time she offered him a bashful smile.

He’d picked her up like she weighed nothing , and she’d wanted to cuddle against him, wanted to bury her face in his neck and inhale the scent of his aftershave. Heck, she’d wanted to lick him and claim him as hers.

“But I don’t know anything about the rules or how to play. I don’t even know how to score.” A playful grin covered his face. “I can teach you how to score.”

She couldn’t breathe, couldn’t move, as heat and want surged through her veins. It had been so long since a man had touched her lips, and the soft pressure of his thumb against her chin felt more delicious than a thousand tastes of chocolate.

“What if I fall?” she whispered. “It’s okay to fall.” He gazed down at her, his expression sincere, and it felt like he was talking about something else, something deeper.

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BOOK REVIEW & GIVEAWAY: You Had Me at Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #2) by Jennie Marts

Synopsis:

Review:

No stopping whatever this crazy thing was that was happening between him and this woman he’d just met. Although it didn’t feel like they’d just met. It felt like he’d known her forever.

He wanted to touch her, to taste her, to adore her. She was his fantasy.

He knew the right thing to do, the chivalrous thing. Finding his voice, he leaned toward her ear. “I’ll give you some privacy and see if I can find you some dry clothes.” She whispered one word, but he heard it as clearly as if she’d shouted. “Stay.”

As much as she wanted to tell him the truth, to come clean about who she was and why she was really there, she wasn’t ready to let him go. Wasn’t ready to let this go.

Somewhere in the last few days, he had become all hers. And no matter what happened next, whether she stayed in his life to see where this led, or if she went back home after the wedding, Tessa Kane had ruined him for any other woman.

Giveaway:

About Jennie Marts:

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BOOK REVIEW – Caught Up in a Cowboy (Cowboys of Creedence #1) by Jennie Marts

Synopsis:

Review:

It didn’t matter how many sparkles of heat shot through her or how ridiculously muscled his arms were or how his offer of peace between them filled her heart with a secret longing of hope, the cold, hard truth was that he wasn’t back. Not really. He was back only for now.

A thick chunk of regret settled in his gut, and he knew letting her go had been the biggest mistake of his life.

He picked up a loose strand of her hair and twisted it between his fingers. “You were the best part of my life, and for the past eight years, I feel like a piece of me has been missing. And that piece is you. I want you back in my life, Q.”

He gingerly set the necklace down and raised his hand to cup her cheek. “You still have it, you know. No matter where I’ve been, or what stupid decisions I’ve made, my heart has always belonged to you.”

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She needed a star right now— needed something to guide her, to lead her to her deepest desire. She felt more lost than she’d ever been.
She stared into the lights of the tree and prayed for guidance and wisdom and for something to give her hope to hold on to.

He lowered his tone as he looked into her eyes. “I think we make a good team.”
“We do,” she whispered, then looked away as if his words embarrassed her.

Her breath came out in a harsh gasp. “I’m nothing. You deserve more than someone like me.”
**“I don’t deserve you. But I want you. With every part of my soul.”**

“But I don’t know anything about the rules or how to play. I don’t even know how to score.”
A playful grin covered his face. “I can teach you how to score.”

“What if I fall?” she whispered.
“It’s okay to fall.” He gazed down at her, his expression sincere, and it felt like he was talking about something else, something deeper.

He wanted to touch her, to taste her, to adore her.
She was his fantasy.

He knew the right thing to do, the chivalrous thing. Finding his voice, he leaned toward her ear. “I’ll give you some privacy and see if I can find you some dry clothes.”
She whispered one word, but he heard it as clearly as if she’d shouted.
“Stay.”