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Texas Cowboys & K-9s #1
The Rancher's Forever Family
She was looking for a rescue…
But he’s the one who was saved.
Sergeant Hayden Mitchell’s mission: give every canine veteran the perfect forever home. But when it comes to Sierra, a sweet Labrador, Hayden isn’t sure Lizzie Vega fits the bill. Her PTSD and city lifestyle raise concerns, even as her vulnerability—and gorgeous eyes—draws him closer. When a storm leaves her stranded at his ranch, the hardened ex-military man wonders if Lizzie is the perfect match for Sierra…and him…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Texas Cowboys & K-9s
Book 1: The Rancher’s Forever Family
But he’s the one who was saved.
Sergeant Hayden Mitchell’s mission: give every canine veteran the perfect forever home. But when it comes to Sierra, a sweet Labrador, Hayden isn’t sure Lizzie Vega fits the bill. Her PTSD and city lifestyle raise concerns, even as her vulnerability—and gorgeous eyes—draws him closer. When a storm leaves her stranded at his ranch, the hardened ex-military man wonders if Lizzie is the perfect match for Sierra…and him…
From Harlequin Special Edition: Believe in love. Overcome obstacles. Find happiness.
Texas Cowboys & K-9s
Book 1: The Rancher’s Forever Family
206 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 27, 2021
About the author
Sasha Summers
112 books818 followersUSA Today Bestselling Author Sasha Summers writes stories that celebrate the ups and downs, loves and losses, ordinary and extraordinary occurrences of life. Sasha pens fiction in multiple genres and hopes each and every book will draw readers in and set them on an emotional and rewarding journey. When not writing, she’s reading or spending time with her family somewhere in the Texas Hill Country. With a puppy on her lap and her favorite Thor mug full of coffee, Sasha is currently working on her next novel.
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
She adores hearing from fans and invites you to visit her online.
Facebook: Sasha Summers Author, Twitter: @sashawrites, or her website: www.sashasummers.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
April 25, 2021
The Rancher’s Forever Family by Sasha Summers
Harlequin Special Edition contemporary romance.
Lizzie Vega is hoping a trained K-9 will help with her PTSD but a storm on the way to pickup Sierra has her nerves raw and jumpy. Hayden Mitchell realizes that the woman in the parking lot needs a bit of help but he really wants Sierra to find a forever home. Getting stuck at his ranch because of washed out roads will give them all time to connect and assess.
The adorable toddle steals every scene. And if not the child, then certainly the emotional support dogs Sierra and Charley.
I couldn’t imagine going through the trauma that was in Lizzie’s past but I’m glad to know that the K-9 programs are real and available to help.
The story was romantic and sweet and everything you want in a happily ever after. I look forward to reading more by this author.
Harlequin Special Edition contemporary romance.
Lizzie Vega is hoping a trained K-9 will help with her PTSD but a storm on the way to pickup Sierra has her nerves raw and jumpy. Hayden Mitchell realizes that the woman in the parking lot needs a bit of help but he really wants Sierra to find a forever home. Getting stuck at his ranch because of washed out roads will give them all time to connect and assess.
The adorable toddle steals every scene. And if not the child, then certainly the emotional support dogs Sierra and Charley.
I couldn’t imagine going through the trauma that was in Lizzie’s past but I’m glad to know that the K-9 programs are real and available to help.
The story was romantic and sweet and everything you want in a happily ever after. I look forward to reading more by this author.
August 19, 2021
I couldn't resist the adorable cover!
And it's not one of those misrepresentation, there's plenty of canine presence in the story😄.
Lizzie is hoping that the veteran, rancher and K-9 trainer her therapist recommended have a dog for her. One who will help her deal daily with the PTSD she suffer from after a tragedy. But a storm start while she's there and seeing the fear in her eyes, there's no way Hayden will let her go back in these conditions. It'll also give him more time to see if she's compatible with Sierra, the Labrador who retired from her search and recovery job after an infection made her lose her sense of smell. Hayden can't help but want to protect, it's in his DNA, but he never expected to care so much in such a short time. Lizzie didn't expect to fall in love either. Maybe with her new furry companion, but not with Hayden, nor with his eleven months baby either.
It was sweet but maybe the hero and even his baby were a little too perfect. I don't like the "suddenly at the end the heroine is cured from her fears at the end thing" either
And it's not one of those misrepresentation, there's plenty of canine presence in the story😄.
Lizzie is hoping that the veteran, rancher and K-9 trainer her therapist recommended have a dog for her. One who will help her deal daily with the PTSD she suffer from after a tragedy. But a storm start while she's there and seeing the fear in her eyes, there's no way Hayden will let her go back in these conditions. It'll also give him more time to see if she's compatible with Sierra, the Labrador who retired from her search and recovery job after an infection made her lose her sense of smell. Hayden can't help but want to protect, it's in his DNA, but he never expected to care so much in such a short time. Lizzie didn't expect to fall in love either. Maybe with her new furry companion, but not with Hayden, nor with his eleven months baby either.
It was sweet but maybe the hero and even his baby were a little too perfect. I don't like the "suddenly at the end the heroine is cured from her fears at the end thing" either
May 1, 2021
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
The Rancher’s Forever Family begins the Texas Cowboys & K-9s series with a touching, realistic, and emotional romance for Hayden and Lizzie. There are roadblocks and potholes ahead on this journey to a happy ending, yet the adventure of getting there grabbed my own emotions and never let go until the ending.
Hayden is a single father, a former military soldier who was responsible for the training of K-9 military dogs and their handlers. He’s still looking out for those very special K-9 dogs by finding the perfect home for the retired from service (for various reasons) dogs. He’s running the family ranch, raising his toddler son, Weston, and still working with the animals he loves – it’s a good life, but one that’s about to get more complicated with the arrival of Lizzie who is searching for the right dog to help her deal with PTSD.
Lizzie is such a complex yet simple character. She’d had a full, rewarding life before one event that shot her into PTSD like a rocket. And it’s completely understandable why it did. However, that portion of this story should be discovered by each reader on their own. Right now, as we begin, we know that Lizzie is subject to severe panic attacks to the point of paralyzing her in place. Her therapist believes that one of the retired dogs from the program that Hayden works with would be a good fit for Lizzie. In fact, Hayden already has one very special lady, Sierra, in mind for Lizzie – it’s up to Sierra and Lizzie to discover if they connect on a level that each can help the other. Hayden won’t give a dog into a situation that isn’t going to become a forever home as he is very protective of these retired military dogs.
Combine the unpredictable weather of Texas, the rural location of this small town and the ranch, and rain, lots and lots of rain then you have the backdrop for disaster or the beginnings of a lifetime together. When one adorable little toddler full of mischief, giggles, and snuggles who steals every single scene he’s in is added to the mix you have an emotional, fast falling romance that grips your heart. Hayden and Lizzie fall for each other quickly, with her dealings with panic attacks, being cut off, and staying at the ranch because of washed-out roads, this couple is thrust together in a way that pushes timelines to the side.
It’s a quick but believable coming together for them, an unexpected chance at love for two people who certainly weren’t looking but found each other under extremely intense circumstances. The Rancher’s Forever Family delivers a story that feels realistic, has moments of lighthearted laughter, and times of paralyzing fear. I was easily caught up in Lizzie and Hayden’s story and enjoyed my time in this world. I will definitely return when Their Rancher Protector releases in July 2021.
The Rancher’s Forever Family begins the Texas Cowboys & K-9s series with a touching, realistic, and emotional romance for Hayden and Lizzie. There are roadblocks and potholes ahead on this journey to a happy ending, yet the adventure of getting there grabbed my own emotions and never let go until the ending.
Hayden is a single father, a former military soldier who was responsible for the training of K-9 military dogs and their handlers. He’s still looking out for those very special K-9 dogs by finding the perfect home for the retired from service (for various reasons) dogs. He’s running the family ranch, raising his toddler son, Weston, and still working with the animals he loves – it’s a good life, but one that’s about to get more complicated with the arrival of Lizzie who is searching for the right dog to help her deal with PTSD.
Lizzie is such a complex yet simple character. She’d had a full, rewarding life before one event that shot her into PTSD like a rocket. And it’s completely understandable why it did. However, that portion of this story should be discovered by each reader on their own. Right now, as we begin, we know that Lizzie is subject to severe panic attacks to the point of paralyzing her in place. Her therapist believes that one of the retired dogs from the program that Hayden works with would be a good fit for Lizzie. In fact, Hayden already has one very special lady, Sierra, in mind for Lizzie – it’s up to Sierra and Lizzie to discover if they connect on a level that each can help the other. Hayden won’t give a dog into a situation that isn’t going to become a forever home as he is very protective of these retired military dogs.
Combine the unpredictable weather of Texas, the rural location of this small town and the ranch, and rain, lots and lots of rain then you have the backdrop for disaster or the beginnings of a lifetime together. When one adorable little toddler full of mischief, giggles, and snuggles who steals every single scene he’s in is added to the mix you have an emotional, fast falling romance that grips your heart. Hayden and Lizzie fall for each other quickly, with her dealings with panic attacks, being cut off, and staying at the ranch because of washed-out roads, this couple is thrust together in a way that pushes timelines to the side.
It’s a quick but believable coming together for them, an unexpected chance at love for two people who certainly weren’t looking but found each other under extremely intense circumstances. The Rancher’s Forever Family delivers a story that feels realistic, has moments of lighthearted laughter, and times of paralyzing fear. I was easily caught up in Lizzie and Hayden’s story and enjoyed my time in this world. I will definitely return when Their Rancher Protector releases in July 2021.
July 31, 2021
One cannot go wrong with a Sasha Summers romance. This book made a perfect summer story. Lizzie is dealing with some fairly debilitating anxiety and comes to Hayden to hopefully adopt Sierra, a dog that she hopes can help her heal and get her life back. Hayden has trained Sierra and feels it is his responsibility to make sure she goes home with a reliable human being that will provide her with her forever family. He has his reserves about trusting Sierra to Lizzie’s care and a series of circumstances forces them together for an extended period of time - in this time he finds he has no reservation letting Lizzie adopt Sierra and is even hopeful she might want to become part of his life. Hayden is a lovable character, obviously with his own anxieties and relationship-worn heart. Hayden is daddy to Weston who is a beyond adorable tiny human that could win over the most hardened heart. This rag tag bunch find what they need in each other and it is beyond heartwarming!
August 5, 2021
Reviewed for Romancing the Readers Blog: http://www.romancingthereaders.com/20...
I will admit that I don't read categories anymore, or I should say I read them less than I used to. There was a time that I read them all the time. I'm glad that I gave this series a chance. I've read Sasha Summers before so I already knew I liked her and this sounded so good.
Turns out it is. I forgot how easy it is to read a category. I started The Rancher's Forever Family and ran through it.
I loved this story. It's not a new idea but it's so well done that I didn't mind. I really enjoyed the characters and had fun with them. Hayden is a hard-working daddy that loves his son and it shows. You can see how much family means to him and how the past has affected this family. As sweet as Hayden is with this son he's kind of a grumpy man. Some of that has to do with his life, other is his own making.
I felt for Lizzie and all she's been through. I don't think I could handle things as well as she has. She's dealing with what life has thrown on her as well as she can. When she goes to Hayden for help he isn't the nicest right away. It isn't long before Lizzie is stuck with Hayden and his family due to a bad storm.
You'll love how she falls for both Hayden and his cute son. She also puts fear on the back burner to protect his son. Poor Hayden at first doesn't see what a wonderful woman he has right in front of him. Happily, he wakes up in time.
If you enjoy sweet romances then you'll love this one. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
I will admit that I don't read categories anymore, or I should say I read them less than I used to. There was a time that I read them all the time. I'm glad that I gave this series a chance. I've read Sasha Summers before so I already knew I liked her and this sounded so good.
Turns out it is. I forgot how easy it is to read a category. I started The Rancher's Forever Family and ran through it.
I loved this story. It's not a new idea but it's so well done that I didn't mind. I really enjoyed the characters and had fun with them. Hayden is a hard-working daddy that loves his son and it shows. You can see how much family means to him and how the past has affected this family. As sweet as Hayden is with this son he's kind of a grumpy man. Some of that has to do with his life, other is his own making.
I felt for Lizzie and all she's been through. I don't think I could handle things as well as she has. She's dealing with what life has thrown on her as well as she can. When she goes to Hayden for help he isn't the nicest right away. It isn't long before Lizzie is stuck with Hayden and his family due to a bad storm.
You'll love how she falls for both Hayden and his cute son. She also puts fear on the back burner to protect his son. Poor Hayden at first doesn't see what a wonderful woman he has right in front of him. Happily, he wakes up in time.
If you enjoy sweet romances then you'll love this one. I'm looking forward to more in this series.
Follow me on:
https://www.facebook.com/RomancingThe...
https://twitter.com/Romancingreader
June 23, 2021
Fall in love with Sasha Summers’ books
The Rancher’s Forever Family is my new favorite book from Sasha Summers (and I love all her books!). Ms. Summers pours her heart into every story, taking the reader along for the ride of a lifetime. Her character-driven stories are deep, meaningful, and heartfelt.
I can’t wait for the next in this series about love, family, and adorable service dogs!
The Rancher’s Forever Family is my new favorite book from Sasha Summers (and I love all her books!). Ms. Summers pours her heart into every story, taking the reader along for the ride of a lifetime. Her character-driven stories are deep, meaningful, and heartfelt.
I can’t wait for the next in this series about love, family, and adorable service dogs!
July 18, 2021
One of those fall in love in 3 days or so. Lizzie Vega is looking for a emotional support dog, after experiencing almost dying in a hurricane. But Sgt. Hayden Mitchell, who trains support dogs, isn't so sure she's a right fit. And then, a multiple day thunderstorm hits Hayden's Texas ranch, stranding Lizzie. And giving her a chance to overcome her fear of storms. A toddler in the mix always helps, too.
November 5, 2022
The Ranchers Forever Family
A thoroughly enjoyable story with very likeable characters. I think of it as a quick read but found myself savoring the story of people with real problems and worries they had a problem with solving. Sasha Summers always gives us stories to think about.
A thoroughly enjoyable story with very likeable characters. I think of it as a quick read but found myself savoring the story of people with real problems and worries they had a problem with solving. Sasha Summers always gives us stories to think about.
Read
April 1, 2021Categories
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Texas Cowboys & K-9s (Book #1)
Romance, Contemporary Romance
Miniseries
Texas Cowboys & K-9s (Book #1)
April 6, 2021
Ok book. Great if you are looking for a quick read.
November 6, 2023
About what I'd expect from a Harlequin romance. It served it's purpose for me: pass time on an airplane flight with escapism.
September 3, 2021
Good start to the new series. Hayden is a former military dog trainer who now works to find homes for retired military dogs. As a dog-human matchmaker, he finds the right forever home for his canine charges. When Hayden receives a call from a friend about a candidate for one of his dogs, he thinks he has the right dog, but he isn't quite sure when he meets Lizzie. Hayden also runs the family ranch, and with the help of his mother, cares for his toddler son, Weston.
Lizzie teaches art at the college level and also works with seniors and children. She recently experienced an event that left her with debilitating PTSD. Faced with losing her job if she can't overcome her panic attacks, Lizzie agrees with her therapist that a support dog may help.
The first meeting between Hayden and Lizzie got off to a rough start. Lizzie ran into a violent thunderstorm on her way to pick up Sierra, which left her a shaking mess. Hayden sees that Lizzie needs help but worries that she isn't right for Sierra. Hayden reacts rather gruffly to Lizzie, and her fears and insecurities send her running. However, another series of severe storms traps Lizzie on Hayden's ranch. That's not such a bad thing, as it gives Hayden and Sierra a chance to get to know her.
I liked Lizzie's arrival on the ranch. Despite still suffering from her panic attack, she steps in to help Hayden while his mother recovers from being ill. Lizzie also falls under little Weston's spell, and the interactions between the two are sweet. The frequent storms strand Lizzie on the ranch for several days, where she undergoes some big changes. One of the biggest changes was the growing bond between her and Sierra. From the moment the two met, it seemed that Sierra knew exactly what Lizzie needed. It warmed my heart to see Sierra snuggle up to Lizzie during her toughest moments.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Lizzie and Hayden. It got off to a rough start with Lizzie's panic attack making Hayden wonder if he can help her at all, and Lizzie was sure that he'd turn her down as Sierra's partner. However, despite his concern, Hayden sees Lizzie's struggle and decides to use her time at the ranch to see if she and Sierra suit each other. Neither expects the attraction that flares between them, and both try to ignore it. Lizzie will only be there a few days until the roads clear and she heads home. Hayden remembers his ex-wife accusing him of having a white knight complex, where he's involved with a woman who needs help, then loses interest when the problem is fixed. He fears that is what he feels and doesn't want to hurt Lizzie by getting involved with her.
Despite his fears, Hayden is a sweet and caring man. His joy in being Weston's father is evident and heartwarming. As he has a front-row seat to Lizzie's struggles, he can't deny his need to help her. I loved seeing him give her free rein in the kitchen where she cooked to cope. I liked seeing them get to know each other. Each of them has a caring, nurturing heart, and I loved seeing them focus that caring on each other. The strength of their feelings took both by surprise, and Hayden freaked out a bit when Lizzie confessed her love. I wanted to shake him when he pushed her away. I loved the advice he got that helped open his eyes. His big moment at the end was fantastic.
The main secondary characters were Hayden's mom, Jan, and his son, Weston. We didn't see much of Jan because of her illness, but her parts were significant. I laughed out loud at the first meeting between her and Lizzie. It was awkward, especially for Lizzie, but certainly seemed to improve Jan's mood. I also loved the kick in the seat she tried to give both Lizzie and Hayden with her talk about the newspaper ad. Little Weston was a considerable part of the story with how quickly he took to Lizzie. A big part of Hayden's feelings for Lizzie came from watching her with Weston. He wasn't perfect, though, and his Houdini act could have ended very badly for both him and Lizzie.
This book grabbed my interest from the start and kept me hooked right through the end. I can't wait to read the following two stories about Hayden's brothers.
Lizzie teaches art at the college level and also works with seniors and children. She recently experienced an event that left her with debilitating PTSD. Faced with losing her job if she can't overcome her panic attacks, Lizzie agrees with her therapist that a support dog may help.
The first meeting between Hayden and Lizzie got off to a rough start. Lizzie ran into a violent thunderstorm on her way to pick up Sierra, which left her a shaking mess. Hayden sees that Lizzie needs help but worries that she isn't right for Sierra. Hayden reacts rather gruffly to Lizzie, and her fears and insecurities send her running. However, another series of severe storms traps Lizzie on Hayden's ranch. That's not such a bad thing, as it gives Hayden and Sierra a chance to get to know her.
I liked Lizzie's arrival on the ranch. Despite still suffering from her panic attack, she steps in to help Hayden while his mother recovers from being ill. Lizzie also falls under little Weston's spell, and the interactions between the two are sweet. The frequent storms strand Lizzie on the ranch for several days, where she undergoes some big changes. One of the biggest changes was the growing bond between her and Sierra. From the moment the two met, it seemed that Sierra knew exactly what Lizzie needed. It warmed my heart to see Sierra snuggle up to Lizzie during her toughest moments.
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Lizzie and Hayden. It got off to a rough start with Lizzie's panic attack making Hayden wonder if he can help her at all, and Lizzie was sure that he'd turn her down as Sierra's partner. However, despite his concern, Hayden sees Lizzie's struggle and decides to use her time at the ranch to see if she and Sierra suit each other. Neither expects the attraction that flares between them, and both try to ignore it. Lizzie will only be there a few days until the roads clear and she heads home. Hayden remembers his ex-wife accusing him of having a white knight complex, where he's involved with a woman who needs help, then loses interest when the problem is fixed. He fears that is what he feels and doesn't want to hurt Lizzie by getting involved with her.
Despite his fears, Hayden is a sweet and caring man. His joy in being Weston's father is evident and heartwarming. As he has a front-row seat to Lizzie's struggles, he can't deny his need to help her. I loved seeing him give her free rein in the kitchen where she cooked to cope. I liked seeing them get to know each other. Each of them has a caring, nurturing heart, and I loved seeing them focus that caring on each other. The strength of their feelings took both by surprise, and Hayden freaked out a bit when Lizzie confessed her love. I wanted to shake him when he pushed her away. I loved the advice he got that helped open his eyes. His big moment at the end was fantastic.
The main secondary characters were Hayden's mom, Jan, and his son, Weston. We didn't see much of Jan because of her illness, but her parts were significant. I laughed out loud at the first meeting between her and Lizzie. It was awkward, especially for Lizzie, but certainly seemed to improve Jan's mood. I also loved the kick in the seat she tried to give both Lizzie and Hayden with her talk about the newspaper ad. Little Weston was a considerable part of the story with how quickly he took to Lizzie. A big part of Hayden's feelings for Lizzie came from watching her with Weston. He wasn't perfect, though, and his Houdini act could have ended very badly for both him and Lizzie.
This book grabbed my interest from the start and kept me hooked right through the end. I can't wait to read the following two stories about Hayden's brothers.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews