Title | : | Love Somebody Like You (Caribou Crossing, #5) |
Author | : | |
Rating | : | |
ISBN | : | 1420135783 |
ISBN-10 | : | 9781420135787 |
Language | : | English |
Format Type | : | Mass Market Paperback |
Number of Pages | : | 384 |
Publication | : | First published September 29, 2015 |
Awards | : | RITA Award by Romance Writers of America Contemporary Romance : Long (2016) |
With its breathtaking terrain and welcoming people, the Western town of Caribou Crossing is the perfect place for a heart to heal, and for love to blossom once more…
Since the death of her husband three years ago, young widow Sally Ryland has kept to herself and focused on her struggling business, Ryland Riding. Folks assume she’s still grieving, because Sally has never shared the truth about her abusive marriage, or the trust issues that remain. But when a sexy rodeo rider from her past turns up for a visit, he’s a reminder of the feisty woman she once was—and maybe still could be…
Ben Traynor was always attracted to Sally, but he didn’t move fast enough. Now what Sally needs is patience and gentleness. With an injury keeping him from his next rodeo, Ben has the perfect excuse to stick around and help with her chores—and her healing. And as Sally finds the courage to face her demons and open her heart again, she’ll have to decide if what she has with Ben is more than safety, gratitude, and short-term passion, but a forever love…
Love Somebody Like You (Caribou Crossing, #5) Reviews
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Congratulations to the 2016 RITA Finalist
Contemporary Romance: Long
3.5 Learning How To Trust Again Stars * * * 1/2
This is a very dear story with really great intentions. To address spousal abuse and have the leading man be the one to help our survivor become the person she needed to be to be whole was a thing of beauty. I felt it was handled well and we understood all of the steps these characters went through.
The story revolved around the rodeo circuit, our main character who was an outgoing, accomplished barrel racer when she met her husband. This man presented himself as the passionate, loving, caring man any woman would want. She gave up her rodeo career, soon her family connections and devoted herself to her husband.
That was the way it was supposed to be, right...
Well, this man became a monster after the I do's were said. She found herself isolated on a ranch and alone, with no outsiders to help her see what was happening. While others thought they had the perfect marriage; she experienced the roller coaster of having all the rules she was supposed to obey change daily. Hands would hurt her; relations which at one time loving became rough and hurtful.
He changed her and when he suffered a heart attack, he left her with a ranch and land mortgaged with high payments to meet.
Three years after his death, this woman has made a life of teaching riding and boarding horses. She has her chickens and fights every month to make ends meet. She may not have the abuser living with her physically but his prescience is there...
There in how she dresses...
There in her fear of men...
There in her relentless questioning of how she got to where she is...what weakness did he see in her to know to do this to her...
He may be dead... but he still lives in her mind.
Our gal is getting the horses ready for a boarder when a horse trailer/ camper pulls up. Nervous, she meets the figure of the man and soon recognizes him as a past friend from the rodeo circuit. He was a fella a little younger than her and they use to hang out with all of the riders after the events. It seems he ran into her sister and she told him about the ranch and location. Our gal is taken aback... she has not talked to her family for years... her husband said they had cut her off...
Our cowboy is happy to see his old friend but notices all the sparkle has left her eyes...she is sunken into herself...distrustful instead of the open fun-loving gal he knew.
He explains he ran into the sister and she wanted him to say hi and how she sends her love. He also was sporting a sling for his left arm... he was injured during his last bronco ride... laying him out for awhile. As they talk, he assesses the situation. He sees she needs some help with the ranch; he could use the paddock for his horse to rest and park his trailer and truck off the drive.
They have a meeting of minds... he will stay and help a bit and heal his shoulder. She will let him as they were friends from the past. But she will keep a watchful eye ... She does not trust and will not relax.
What happens in this story is the releasing of pain...Our fella figures out something happened to this bright shining star of a gal... and little by little he helps her re enter the world. It is done tastefully with care and concern. There are passages which others who may have experienced similar situations would identify. I think it was handled well... It was a journey to read and I was impressed with how it all played out.
For those who may have suffered or who are now...Know there are those who care about you... you are worth the effort to reach out and find away. It may be the most frightening thing you ever do... but please try as you are worth it.
A gifted copy was provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley for an honest review.
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Tales to Tide You Over
Love Somebody Like You is a wonderful story about a woman who had been trapped in a mentally and physically abusive marriage that only ended because her husband died suddenly. This book begins three years later as Sally is struggling with figuring out what to do now. The story was not at all what I expected from a romance simply because it gives a real glimpse into the mental wounds from abuse and its insidious nature. This isn’t a brush-over treatment but rather a deep look at the impact of abuse and how it can undermine a person’s confidence in their ability to make decisions, and recognize who is safe and who is not. The story isn’t about the abuse so much as the long-term effects of such, but it’s also about healing and relearning who you are as Ben helps Sally start to heal.
The story is slow paced, but it doesn’t feel that way because Sally’s dealing with some seriously heavy stuff. At the same time, you can see her core personality through all the wonderful things she’s doing at her riding stables. Ben fell for her years before when they’d both been on the rodeo circuit and she wasn’t married, but Sally had considered him too young back then. When she married, she’d vanished from the rodeo scene and everyone she’d known, including her family.
A chance encounter with Sally’s sister after Ben is injured during a rodeo leads him to check on her as he heads back home to rest and heal. All the feelings he’d had so many years before are just as strong as they’d ever been, but he can tell something is off. The Sally before him is nothing like the one he’d known, and not in the good ways maturity brings. She’s competent, driven, and caring, but she’s also skittish, untrusting, and vulnerable.
Where many would have taken her withdrawing as a sign to move on, Ben is concerned as a friend as much as he wants to be something more. He stands by her, helps as much as he can with one shoulder out of commission, and mostly restores her faith in the male half of the race all the while curbing his renewed attraction. He figures out the root of the issue, but not who, especially since everyone believes she had a perfect marriage.
This story has layer upon layer with her past only one of the struggles they face between her worries for her reputation and his plans to get back on the rodeo circuit as soon as he is well enough. Not only does it deal with real questions about abuse, but it also explores the balance of needs in a relationship, what’s important, and how to care for someone in pain without pushing.
The ending gets a little silly in comparison to the heavy weight of the beginning, but on the other hand, it makes sense, and it allows for some cute circumstances, too. It’s a good way to ease out of the darkness, leaving the lessons to linger but not the shadows.
There is explicit sex, but not as much as in most contemporary romances, in part because it occurs first as a healing journey or rather as a critical part of it.
I was surprised at the serious content, but the handling of that as well as touching on working with disabling injuries and several other important social issues impressed me. I found the characters complex and engaging. It might not have made me cry, though there were times that might have warranted it, the story kept me reading, and I definitely felt for the struggles they faced now along with what Sally had suffered before.
There are so many ways this novel could have glossed over the crises or minimized the impact, and I’ve read books that did just that. Instead, the treatment was both educating and delicate so there was no softening of what her husband had done or its impact on Sally, but at the same time, she wasn’t left to drown in that fact. For someone who went out of her way to help those in need, it was satisfying to see how she reconnected with Ben, and how he let her set the pace and had the patience to let her heal rather than worsening her fears.
It’s a good book with a lot to teach wrapped around an engaging, and oddly uplifting, story.
P.S. I received this book from the publisher through NetGalley in return for an honest review. -
Books about spousal abuse are tough to review, as nobody wants to say anything negative about a book that deals with such an important subject, but unfortunately for LOVE SOMEBODY LIKE YOU, there was little else going for it other than shedding light on this issue.
Life hasn't exactly been easy for Sally Ryland, owner of Ryland Riding. Barely scraping by after the death of her cruel and abusive husband 3 years ago, the only thing Sally is certain of these days is that she'll never trust another man. When her old friend, rodeo cowboy Ben Traynor, shows up with a broken arm and a smile, Sally's first instinct is to make him go. But Ben senses something has happened to make Sally scared of men, and he wants nothing more than to help her heal. He has no clue that it was her seemingly adoring husband who broke her, but he's determined to break through her walls...and if he gets closer to her, well then all the better! It'll take slow hands and soft words to prove to Sally that what she went through wasn't her fault, but Ben's going back on the rodeo circuit soon. Will all of his progress be for nothing after he leaves town?
I have varying feelings on LOVE SOMEBODY LIKE YOU. This story is about a woman who was deeply physically and mentally abused for years, who was cut off from friends, family and even neighbors in a possessive, obsessive attempt to control her. She has no clue how to interact with people, including her own assistant. Along comes Ben, who slowly (VERY VERY SLOWLY) pushes her out of her comfort zone and gets her to interact with people.
The story itself went at a snail's pace as Sally's progress could be measured in centimeters instead of inches. And I have zero doubt that abused women have (justifiable) serious issues with themselves and others, but for this fiction book, Sally's issues just. didn't. end. I liked her progress from scared mouse to slightly normal woman, I appreciated Ben's patience and willingness to help her heal, but MAN, this story just drags on and on and on.
Added to the dull factor is that the chemistry was barely a spark and the sex was only slightly sensual, so there wasn't even anything exciting to look forward to there. While technically well written, this overdone and dry novel just didn't do anything for me, though I'm sure that fans of the Caribou Crossing Series will love it.
Bottom Line: For lovers of sensual, sweet stories, this may be a real winner for you, but if you like any sort of excitement and passion in your romance reads, you may want to skip this one. - See more at:
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Another good one in this series. Really brings attention to domestic violence. Ben was a dream come true although while it's wonderful that he "saved" her, I would have appreciated Sally getting some counseling. In real life, we all don't get a cowboy that saves us. I would have liked to see Sally connect with Brooke (and other women) who'd been through it too.
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Enjoyed this book a lot more then I thought I would - super, super well written and a surprisingly sweet and heartfelt story.
I especially loved Sally's backstory and Ben was honestly too good for this world. Lovely ending too :) -
This heartwarming tale will steal your attention from the first page, and hold it intently until the last! Highly recommend!
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In every Caribou Crossing story, the romantic couple always has true-to-life personalities. They also must face incidents where a good deal of soul-searching that will greatly impact their futures must be done. In the sixth book of the series, the couple has different personal goals, and the heroine thinks she has too much baggage to ever become involved with anyone again. But often the heart has other ideas, as it can sense the depths of someone’s affection even when the words cannot be spoken. Susan Fox has a knack for creating particularly likable characters and putting them in circumstances where emotions are intensely expressed with believably. LOVE SOMEBODY LIKE YOU is an unforgettable book about falling in love.
When Sally Ryland got married, she had hoped to have several children and grow old with the charismatic man that she wed. What she got was a marriage filled with heartache and abuse, but mercifully her cruel husband has been dead for three years. She now runs Ryland Riding by herself, where she gives lessons and boards horses. Most of the time Sally lives from month to month, but at least she has managed to keep the business going so far. Hoping the person driving up is a new client, she guardedly greets a man who comes to the ranch one day.
However, this cowboy is not a stranger. He is Ben Traynor, a bronc rider who Sally knows from her days as a barrel racer before she married. Though her husband taught her a man’s nature may not always be what it seems and made her distrustful of men, she remembers only good things about her unexpected visitor. When Ben offers his assistance for several weeks because a rodeo accident is keeping him off the circuit until it heals, she wants to say no yet needs the help too much. As Ben comes to realize the reason for Sally’s attitude toward men, he wants to be the one to whom she turns for anything and for her to once again be the happy woman that he previously knew.
Getting married should lead to a person’s life being better but sometimes it only brings grief, especially when one partner turns out to have hidden traits. Sally found out the hard way that her husband was a man with a very unpleasant side, and he made it extremely difficult for her to seek outside aid. The story Susan Fox has written for her latest Caribou Crossing story is one which takes place too often in real life, and her handling of domestic violence is treated with plenty of sensitivity. As the story unfolds, Sally gives the reader glimpses of her life as the wife of a controlling husband. Ms. Fox empathetically reveals these details, and it is easy to see why the emotional torment associated with the heroine’s mistreatment still lingers years later.
From the moment Ben is met, I feel in love with the tempting cowboy and his always considerate disposition. Though he may not have the right words to convey his feelings in every situation, I found his struggles only made him more endearing. The way in which he is quick to understand Sally has some problems showed he is insightful, and his willingness to take things slow with her proved he is also very thoughtful. Scenes of intimacy between these two are communicated with such tenderness that I could not help but become choked up.
In a book by Susan Fox, numerous descriptions let the reader know exactly what is happening and how it looks at all times. The scenic British Columbia locale is depicted with vivid facts, and working with horses plus being a rodeo star is also shown with plenty of colorful images. While quite a few characters from prior books in the Caribou Crossing series are featured, this novel certainly stands alone yet does make you want to catch up on any missed stories. LOVE SOMEBODY LIKE YOU is captivatingly heartwarming.
Received copy from author for a Single Titles review -
First reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
When Sally married her husband, the man she loved she had every right to expect a happily ever after ending. Every woman does.
What she got was far different. The rules that had to be obeyed or punishment would follow, only the rules constantly changed so there was always his punishment. The lies told in order to keep her isolated and under his control. The help she never got from a family that she was lead to believe had abandoned her. The physical pain. The mental anguish. The emotional death of dreams and life as she knew it changed Sally from a loving, outgoing, happy woman into a skittish, frightened shell of her former self. Her hell ended when his life was taken by natural causes, although she would have preferred if he had suffered a lot more. But even that thought would be quickly squelched out of fear that never left her, even after his death.
Even three years after his death – he still ruled over her. She would still follow his “rules”. She would stay isolated and alone. She knew better than to ever trust anyone again. That path only lead to madness and pain. Better to keep to herself.
When Ben returned to Caribou Crossing to heal from an injury, he looked up Sally to reconnect with an old friend, the woman who got away, and to pass on a message from her family. What he found was a woman who had little resemblance to the feisty, outgoing woman he had loved but hadn’t shared his intentions with. He had his suspicions and his affection for Sally to guide him as he got himself a place to stay with her as he healed in exchange for helping out around the ranch. With Ben’s love and a whole lot of patience Sally begins to bloom once again. But can she trust the feelings she has? She trusted once and look where that got her. Could she take that chance again with a different ending?
Domestic abuse is such a horrendous thing to live with and through. Yet thousands of women, and yes, men live with their lives threatened every single day. It’s not an easy subject to write about. Love Somebody Like You addresses this situation in a gentle and realistic fashion. There are no instant fixes. The lies that have become reality live in the mind long after the abuser is removed from a life. It’s not easy, simple or quick. But healing can happen.
Susan Fox has given us a painful story with threads of hope woven throughout. As time moves on those threads start to form a new pattern, a new life, a new reality where a woman heals and a man loves her through it all and beyond.
I would urge you to read Love Somebody Like You. If you have a happy, safe relationship then count your blessings. If this story reminds you of yourself, know that there is help and unfortunately often it will be up to you to be brave enough to reach out and find it. But it can be done. No one deserves to be harmed, in any manner. That is not love.
National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233 or TTY 1-800-787-3224. The website is
www.thehotline.org — know that no internet connection to this website can ever be completely cleared from your computer – it might be safer to use one of the phone numbers from a safe phone.
Yes, this is a review of a fictional story. But for many there is no fiction involved in their reality. This is why the above information is included.
*I received an e-ARC of Love Somebody Like You from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. That does not change what I think of this novel.* -
This is a beautifully written story, that touched my heart.
The difficult subject of spousal abuse, domestic violence is dealt with respect and dignity to the victim. The mental and physical manipulation her husband did to her, is shown clearly, the steps he took to isolate them is evident in the memories and flashbacks.
With help and support from Ben, Sally finds her voice, the process of true healing starts, and she finds her place in the community. It doesn't happen overnight, the mending from the past takes time, the steps for that are clear, requiring more than just help and love from friends and family, but also some professional counseling.
Ben's patience, care, and help to Sally is priceless. Together they built on to the business Sally has tried to handle on her own for so long. They make a good team, working side by side gives them equal setting in the relationship, and Sally's business start to thrive.
Through the heartbreak and pain, that Sally had gone through, something beautiful and radiate grow, blossom, and flourish with Ben.
The relationship they built together is an equal, healthy, and loving. They adore, care, and help each other, like true partners should. The process of healing that Sally goes through in the story is inspiring and heartening. The rough life of a rancher, and uncertainty of the rodeo lifestyle is tangible. But the story is not just about the darker sides of the life, there are moments of pure beauty, softly uplifting. Because life is not only about fear of survival or mucking the stalls, sometimes it is watching the sunset together, dancing in the kitchen, or picking wildflowers on the pasture, cause love and being truly alive wins...
~ Five Spoons -
Received a copy of the title in exchange for an honest review.
Ben and Sally were once good friends, both on the rodeo circuit with him bucking broncs and her turning barrels, but once married to Pete, Sally's life, and friendships, were put on the back burner. Besides dictating who Sally could talk to, Pete was physically and emotionally abusive, as well -- but that wasn't something that was spoken of.
Now Pete's gone and Sally is alone -- and she's learning to enjoy the independence. I enjoyed watching her fight for what she wanted -- she was close to losing everything but she refused to go down without a fight. When old friend Ben ends up on her doorstep, nursing an injury that the docs say will keep him out of the rodeo for 6 weeks (but he and Sally agree at around 4), it makes sense to have him come on board and help out -- he's that kind of friend, after all.
Even though he's gone, Sally still allows Pete to control her -- it's in her hair, her outfits, her fears... Living with that kind of terror isn't easy to just wipe out, and watching Ben help her move on was sweet. Ben was so sweet on Sally, but knew better than to take their friendship a step further -- he was well aware where his life was and he knew better than taking Sally along for the ride. But love has a way of sneaking up on people, especially when you have a bond such as the one Sally and Ben have.
An altogether sweet and enlightening read. Definitely for the romance reader who likes those sweet ones, and watching broken characters find a way to mend. -
Susan Fox really knows how to get to the heart of what happens to someone who goes through Domestic Violence in this book. Even if it was only for a short time for Sally, even 5 years after the death of her abuser, she is still gun shy and closed off because her husband made her that way. Watch as an old rodeo circuit friend of hers, Ben, comes back into her life while he's recovering from a bronc riding accident. See what happens as he slowly breaks down her defenses and protects her like only a good friend can do. The question remains though, will he ever be more to her? Will she ever be more to him? Their like for one another is evident, based on the descriptions that the author uses that makes you feel like you are that character, even if it is one of the opposite sex. This is a well written book, very descriptive and definitely contemporary, romantic, and full of joy as Sally rediscovers herself. Now that i have read this beautiful romance, I need to go back and read the first 4 books in the series. I highly recommend it if they're anything like what this book was. A book that I will re-read after I've read the first five.
RECEIVED THIS BOOK AS A GIFT FOR A FAIR/HONEST REVIEW and REVIEWER FOR Bloggin' With M.Brennan. -
Susan Fox has created a beautiful setting in her latest book Love Somebody Like You in the town of Caribou Crossing, British Columbia. Sally Rylander used to be a barrel racing star when she was younger, and her outlook on life was one of strength and hope until she married Pete. Pete showed his love for Sally by systematically tearing her down and using her as his punching bag for any minor infraction of his “rules”, and even after his death Sally cannot seem to find her way back to the woman she once was. Sally has been working hard to keep the riding business afloat since Pete died and is beginning to lose hope until a friend from the past shows up on her doorstep. Ben Traynor is a rodeo cowboy who had harbored feelings for Sally since he was young, and when he finds himself hurt from a rodeo accident he finds his way to Sally where he recuperates and helps her with the ranch. As Ben begins to heal his body, his constant encouragement and support helps Sally to heal her spirit. Ms. Fox has done a superb job in presenting the often hidden aspect of domestic violence, and by doing so she has created likable characters that relay the vison of anything is possible if a person is willing to trust and have faith. I look forward to reading more of Ms. Fox’s novels. I was given this book to read by the author in exchange for fair and honest review.
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Sally Ryland owned Ryland Riding Stables and ranch. Her and her former husband, Todd, started the ranch and then Todd died from a heart attack. That was three years ago and she still couldn't get over the abuse she withstood at the hands of her husband. He was very controlling and he cut her off from family, and friends. Now she kept to herself and her ranch and students. Ben Traynor was an old friend and he was a bronc rider. he had gotten hurt in his last rodeo and he fractured his shoulder now he was off until it healed, which he hoped would be fast. He stopped to see Sally with a note from her sister. She had not heard from her family in years and now she knew it was Todd who cut her off. She was so glad to see Ben but she was afraid to be alone with any man. She was glad to hear about her sister and she wanted to talk to him more. He offered to help her out at the ranch while he healed if he could stable his horse and park his rig there. Sally didn't know if she wanted him too, but she left him and Ben started to build their friendship. He knew someone had hurt her and he wanted her to trust him. This book does contain sex so it isn't for everyone. The story is terrific and you will enjoy Love Somebody Like You.
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This is the first Caribou Crossing book I have read, which I really enjoyed.
This is a story related to domestic violence or spousal abuse. A story of pain, understanding, healing, love, compassion, hope, faith, and finding your way. Sally and Ben knew each other for a long time, and after being injured, he goes to Caribou Crossing and looks her up, making his stay longer than he anticipated.
My Heat ached for Sally and all that she had been through, especially how isolated she lived her life because of her late husband. Ben was exactly what she need it to start healing her broken soul. The small town setting was perfect for this story, as well for the rest of the characters.
I love the fact that Sally and Ben's relationship developed in a very believable way, where he stay to help Sally with her riding school while he recovers from his injury, which turns to be a way for her to learn how to trust someone again.
Overall, this is a great romance genre, with likable and nice characters, and beautiful settings.
It was well written, and the story line was amazing. I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a beautiful romance genre.
I received an ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. -
Spousal abuse and trust issues
Sally Ryland has been a widow for three years and she's just starting to trust people again. Her deceased husband was an abusive SOB and she's not sorry he's dead.
She owns and runs Ryland Riding in the small town of Caribou Crossing, British Columbia, drawing on her past experience as a barrel racer.
Ben Traynor, competing in team roping as well as saddle bronc, knew Sally when she was competing and visits her at Ryland Riding after getting hurt during a rodeo.
During his recovery time, sparks fly between the two and Sally and Ben need to make decisions about their futures.
I loved both of these characters, both of them looking to the future and trying to overcome the past.
I also liked the community and people of Caribou Crossing. I just wish there had been more about them in this story.
The author presents the awfulness of spousal abuse in a clear light, not whitewashing the issues at all. The parts about the abuse and its aftereffects seemed very true to life. It was hard to read at times because of that.
NOTE: I received this book from Kensington Books through Net Galley in exchange for my honest review. -
I was given this book in exchange for an honest review. I had no idea what I was getting into when I started this book. It is a book about spousal abuse... physical and emotional abuse. I thought Ms. Fox did a great job of describing the effects that it had on the main character and also the very slow process of recovery.
Sally has run her equine facility (riding lessons and boarding) since her abusive husband died. She has become fairly isolated over the years. Then Ben, an old friend from her rodeo days, shows up. It takes him awhile to figure out what has caused the changes in her,but he is very patient and slowly starts to bring her back to life.Sally begins to believe in herself, but still has plenty of flashbacks and still has moments of terror. Ben is physically healing from a rodeo injury and is going to leave when healed. It's for the best. Sally doesn't want another man in her life...or does she?
The performance by Katie Udall was very good. I truly enjoyed this audio book and wanted to keep listening. -
Again I find a good series right in the middle of it. I am glad I got to find this book to find my heartstrings again. I love horses. I will watch every rodeo and bull riding I can find. Ben rides saddle broncs and partners with Dusty in team roping. Ben is hurt after he rides a bronc. He meets up with Sally and hangs at her ranch to rehab. Sally is terrified of men after her husband Pete dies. Major Spoiler! He does all he can to help her out. They were friends on the circuit until she married and disappeared. Spoiler. They work Sally's stable and they feel for each other but won't express it. She gets more business. He gets healthy enough to start roping again. Spoilers. I really felt runover for Sally. I liked Ben as someone who wants to help people. I liked this book. The rodeo deals were spot on. I hope this tugs you into the story like it did me. Please choose to read this story. You won't regret it! I have this book for an honest review for NetGalley.
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Emotional read about a woman who still suffers the effects her abusive marriage. Even though Sally's husband has been dead for three years, she is still afraid of doing something he felt was wrong. Dressing a certain way, being friendly, drinking - these are all things that she still avoids. She's given up on her dream of having a family since she doesn't want anything to do with men. Ben is a sweetheart and is patient with Sally as she slowly finds her way back to the woman she once was. He gives her hope that she might one day have her dream of a family. It was wonderful to see Sally change as their relationship moved forward. Domestic abuse is a hard topic to talk about and I think the author did a wonderful job of incorporating into the story.
4.5 stars
I received an ARC via NetGalley for the purpose of an honest review. I was not compensated for this review, all conclusions are my own. -
This story grabbed me in the beginning and resonated with me in a big way. As a survivor of domestic abuse, there were things that Sally thought and felt that I completely related to--things most authors miss when they're writing about domestic abuse.
On that note, i was eager to keep reading...
Until I hit about the middle of the book, when everything just ground to a halt. Between introducing characters from previous (and perhaps future) books and shedding light on the issue of domestic abuse and explaining it to those who haven't lived through it, the story of Sally and Ben got completely lost for me. I put the book down for months and didn't pick it up again, and when I did pick it up again, I struggled to get to the end.
I was disappointed because in the beginning it seemed to have so much potential. I really do wish the author had been able to maintain that through the whole book. -
This is a story of pain, understanding, healing, loving, and finding your way back to living. Sally is a widow who married an abuser and was cut off from everyone including her family and the community they lived in. When her husband died suddenly she was so emotionally damaged she didn't realize what he had done. Ben is a rodeo cowboy who has been injured and after running into Sally's sister decided to drop in on Sally on his way back to his parents. All good intentions to just stop and say hello turn into a couple weeks. Ben stays to help Sally with her riding school while he recovers from his injury and helps her learn to trust again.
This is a very lovely story of learning to trust again and learning to love again.
**Received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review** -
I received an ARC copy through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
This was a heart felt story about Sally Pantages Ryland finding her second chance at love after deciding she couldn't trust men or her judgment of men. She was physically and emotionally beat up until an old friend showed her the way to trust again. Ben Traynor a bronc rider and partner of a roping team liked Sally from her rodeo time but she thought him to cocky and wouldn't go out with him then. As they both have challenges to figure out their next moves they become friends again.
Susan Fox has given us loveable, flawed characters with multiple layers. A quick moving story and you could relate to all the characters. -
This contemporary romance has just been nominated for a RITA award from RWA. Set in an imaginary small western town in British Columbia, the story focuses on a former rodeo barrel rider who suffered an abusive marriage, and although her husband has died, has been come reclusive and frightened of men. When an old friend from her rodeo days shows up, her first instinct is to turn him away. But Ben has always had a tender for Sally, and wants to know how she changed from the vibrant rodeo star he knew to the drab, fearful woman she is now. As he helps her with her riding school, he teaches her that some men can be kind and loving. If you love gentle, wise heroes with cowboy good looks, and you don't mind reading about abused women, this book is for you.
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Set in the countryside of British Columbia, the story of Sally Ryland's transformation from an abused wife and widow, to a once again self-assured, independent woman is a treat to experience. That Sally finds herself again with the help of her old friend Ben just makes it that much more delicious. The sugar is in details- the setting, horse ranch life, Sally's flashbacks and vocation are presented in clarifying color, and rounds the story out completely. I thoroughly enjoyed Love Somebody Like You, and will reach for the other books in this series as well!
* I received an arc for an honest review* -
This is a story of pain, the process of healing, pure love and believing in love again.
Sally is being a widow for the last 3 years after her husband dies suddenly of a heart attack. He was very abusive and she is still afraid to trust anyboy. He isolated her from her family and friends.
Ben is a rodeo cowboy and he has suffered an injury. She meets Sally's sister and decides to pay her a quick visit which turns into weeks.
Ben stays and tries to help Sally with her riding school while he recovers from his injury. He also wants to maker her believe again.
Lovely story about healing and having second chances in life. -
I received this book free for review. I haven’t read the previous books in this series so I don’t know it the characters carry over from previous books but I felt very close to all the characters in this story. We get just enough background to care about them but not so much that I feel like I’m reading a lot of smaller stories. I finished this book in about four sittings and I thought that was perfect. I was able to enjoy the story in long chunk without getting bored and was able to think about the characters and there situations in-between sittings.
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I won this delightful book in a recent Goodreads giveaway and have thoroughly enjoyed the slow burning love story between Ben the handsome injured rodeo rider and the emotionally broken Sally. The story deals with the trauma of domestic abuse that Sally suffered at the hands of her husband and the relationship that slowly develops as she lets herself trust and fall in love again is told with great charm. Caribou Crossing sounds a wonderful place full of characters that I want to read much more about and I look foward to reading much more in this series.
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I loved that it took time for a relationship to develop between Sally and Ben. My Heat ached for Sally and all that she had been through. The small town setting was perfect for this story. This made the fact that even after the length of time Sally had been part of the community but had never interacted with anyone, the townspeople welcomed her with open arms.