🍁🍂💗 "Montana Match (The Blackwell Sisters #4) 💗🍂🍁 - Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: The Blackwell Sisters (Book #4)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (November 10, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335889930
ISBN-13: 978-1335889935
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“Thanksgiving in Montana
Is about family—and love!
Thanksgiving is the perfect time for Fiona Harrison to turn her life around. And she is sure finding a suitable husband will please her newfound family in Montana. When a dating app sends her every dud in town, handsome bartender Simon Clarke offers to be her matchmaker. If only Simon fit her criteria… Learning the truth about the twinkle-eyed charmer could change everything—but for better or worse?”
Thank you in advance to the author, Carol Ross, for providing a review copy through Prism Book Tours. A positive review was not required in any way, nor was it requested. All words are my own.
As we’re heading into the Thanksgiving (well, at the time I got the book), and into the Christmas season – how beautiful is this cover? How cozy is it?
This is book #4 of #TheBlackwellSisters by multiple authors in the Harlequin Heartwarming line. This book is Fiona, the baby sister’s story. While it can “likely” (slim “likely” there) be read as a standalone, it would probably be better read with the first three books in the series. And, the book after this? #MontanaWedding (#5) is definitely required reading after this one. Readers who’ve read the previous three will definitely want to read this book to see how the “saga” progresses.
Those who enjoy clean reads without the religious, Christian, or faith themes will definitely enjoy this read. There is no sex mentioned and foul language is hinted at; ie: by using “a few cuss words were said” or symbols in place of.
Unlike most of the Heartwarming line, this book had moderate chapter lengths and not the LONG 20+ pages ones I was used to. Despite a book’s length, I have found that shorter chapters makes it a quick read for some reason. And, I definitely wanted to keep reading this one! Ross’ pacing in this didn’t slug along or speed up too fast. And, I was too busy reading to make notes. But, I am glad I did, otherwise I’d have to re-read this!
The characters – and there are a lot of them, are unique and yet a huge part of the story – not only the Blackwell brothers (cousins); and the Harrison (really Blackwell) sisters.
It does get overwhelming with all the family.
Right off what grabbed me was the analytic, friendly, and talkative bartender – Simon. Honestly, he was the hero of this novel. And, I loved him right off. It didn’t hurt that he reminded me of my “ideal” guy – black, somewhat curly hair; blue eyes; tall; analytical; talkative; likes to have fun … oh, I could go on!
Anyway ...
Ross did a great background on Simon, and his choice of main career was even more fascinating – a Hollywood prop guy who owns his own business!
Fiona took a bit getting used to, but I understood what she was trying to do – break her old habits of low end jobs and dating bartenders. Sadly, Simon is perfect … except he is in the forbidden group. She is also too much of a helper and people pleaser, much to her detriment – even with her own father and newly discovered grandfather.
In what could be a cutesy Hallmark type movie, this plot is adorable and somewhat comical. It takes a stab at online and dating apps in which something that is supposed to work with analyzing and preparing those “perfect” matches – it completely backfires.
All Fiona can find are “duds” and sadly Simon knows this, for some reason. But, after learning what she “wants” (not what she really needs), Simon is determined to look out for her. Despite the fact the two are absolutely perfect together!
Her dating life seems to mirror her life at home – no job prospects, a pig accident, and trying to feel accepted by her new family after her mother’s unexpected death. In addition her father is pressuring her to grow up and get a better paying job and find someone “suitable” to marry. She’s definitely feels the pressure after a “pig accident”. This is perhaps one of the most hilarious parts of the book and it turns out to be a blessing in some ways.
What ends up happening, is definitely what Fiona doesn’t want – old habits. After declining a job at a “animal pest control” place, Fiona jumps right in at the saloon where … yes, Simon works. And, it is while she is working that he really notices her. But, Simon is there temporarily helping his cousin Ned after Ned’s wife has an accident.
And, inadvertently Simon’s best friend, Luke, is accidentally drawn into the whole romance. This is another hilarious part that reminds me of a TV show scene.
I really loved the reference to Rupert Holmes’ “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)” on page 217. This is from Holmes’ 1979 album “Partners in Crime”. There are some other good hits, but this is by far, his greatest one. So, seeing it mentioned in a contemporary romance is priceless!
The text banter between Simon and Luke is as adorable as the banter between Fiona and Simon.
The romance between Fiona and Simon is a slow build up. Ross doesn’t rush it, but shows the mutual attraction between the two, despite him being the wrong man for several reasons. What is unique is the two don’t start “fake” dating until chapter 14 which is about 2/3 into the book.
But, keeping the fake romance going isn’t the only thing on Simon’s mind; his wayward brother is also an issue. It gets worse when Mica shows up in Falcon Creek. Despite the seriousness of it, Simon got me laughing when he mentioned dumping his brother in a cow pasture.
The ruse falls apart when Fiona learns the truth about Simon’s “real” job. And, while I understood her problem, I do think she over-reacted to it. They were both dishonest with each other about their intentions for the relationship as it was.
But, this gives Simon time to head home to deal with what needs to be dealt with and Fiona the time to discover herself.
One thing Ross does, and does it discretely but with an impact – tackles the subject of enabling an addict. Simon feels he hasn’t done enough for his brother – their sister Colette feels he’s definitely done more than he should. Even Fiona can see the enabling. And, that enabling lands Mica in the middle of a legal issue. It was definitely refreshing to read dual perspectives on such a hot topic in a romance book. Ross managed to not only work it in, but to use it to propel Simon into making a different decision regarding Fiona.
Of course, as with the Harlequin novels, they mostly end with a happily ever-after (HEA).
The dialogue between Simon and Fiona is honest, funny, serious, and heart-warming. Ross truly crafts a quick, fun romance that leaves an impression.
This is not the first book I’ve read by Carol Ross, and it likely won’t be the last. I previously read Second Chance for the Single Dad. And, while I enjoyed that book, this was an even better read! Fans of the author, genre, and even this series really shouldn’t pass this book up!
RATING:
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
4 ⭐⭐⭐⭐/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html)
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carol Ross lives in the Pacific Northwest with her husband and two dogs. She is a graduate of Washington State University. When not writing, or thinking about writing, she enjoys reading, running, hiking, skiing, traveling and making plans for the next adventure to subject her fun-loving family to. Carol can be contacted at https://carolrossauthor.com/ and via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/carolrossauthor, Twitter, @_CarolRoss, and Instagram @carolross_
Other books in the Series:
Series: The Blackwell Sisters (Book #1)
Author: Melinda Curtis
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (August 4, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335889817
ISBN-13: 978-1335889812
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“A bride on the run
And a cowboy to show her the way home…
Lily Harrison’s wedding day isn’t quite what she imagined. Not only does her fiancé not love her, she’s just discovered she’s a Blackwell—a member of Montana’s well-known ranching family. Now Lily’s ditched her own wedding for a road trip with handsome cowboy Conner Hannah. But will Lily find her answers in Montana…or lose the cowboy she’s already begun falling for?”
Series: The Blackwell Sisters (Book #2)
Author: Amy Vastine
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (September 8, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 133588985X
ISBN-13: 978-1335889850
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“Caught between friendship
and falling in love…
Amanda Harrison’s life is changing way too fast. Discovering that she’s really one of the Montana Blackwells was hard enough. Now Blake Collins—her best friend and the guy Amanda’s secretly in love with—is engaged to someone else. But Montana cowboy country has a way of claiming its own. And being a Blackwell means Amanda must learn how to fight for herself…and for the love she deserves.”
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming (October 13, 2020)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1335889892
ISBN-13: 978-1335889898
⬅️ Click Picture for Purchase Information
“Can a single dad and a business whiz…
Find the right connection?
Swapping Silicon Valley for a Montana ranch isn’t Peyton Harrison’s choice. Nor is bringing along a bodyguard. But until threats subside at Peyton’s tech company, Matteo Rossi intends to watch over her while also reconnecting with his young son. Peyton’s instant bond with little Gino is making her rethink her path—and her feelings for Matteo. Is a new dream unfolding under Montana’s endless sky?”
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