🎰💍🐎🏡💕 “A Wyoming Secret Proposal” (The Blackwells of Eagle Springs #2) (2022) 💕🏡🐎💍🎰 – Book Review
MY REVIEW
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs (Book #2)
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (August 23, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584625
ISBN-13: 978-1335584625
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“Can a secret Vegas wedding…
Survive in Wyoming?
Social media influencer Harper Hayes never wanted to marry. So how did drop-dead gorgeous cowboy Wyatt Blackwell end up as her husband in Vegas? Now Harper’s in Wyoming, trying to convince her gun-shy groom to stay married for at least a month so she can save face. But marrying a Wyoming Blackwell comes with a whole lot of complications. Especially when Harper falls for her handsome new husband…for real.”
Thank you in advance to the author, Amy Vastine, for providing a complimentary review copy. A positive review was not required nor requested, and all words are my own.
This is the second book I’ve read by the author. The first one being A Marriage of Inconvenience from her STOP THE WEDDING series. Though, I have to admit – I kind of forgot about that book. Obviously, I enjoyed it though 🤪🤣
This is her third (3rd) offering in the Blackwell family saga. The books are written by (alphabetical order) Melinda Curtis, Carol Ross, Anna J.Stewart, Amy Vastine, and Cari Lynn Webb.
The “saga” as I call it began back in 2018 with the release of THE RETURN OF THE BLACKWELL BROTHERS (TRTBB), continues in 2020 with THE BLACKWELL SISTERS SERIES (TBS), and this series (2022) – THE BLACKWELLS OF EAGLE SPRINGS (TBES).
Vastine’s book #4 from TRTBB – The Rancher’s Fake Fiancée is connected to the previous book of this new series – Anna J. Stewart’s Wyoming Promise.
In 2020, Vastine started off the TBS series with Montana Dreams.
Unlike Stewart’s story in this series – TBES, Vastine’s story DOES NOT have any characters from the previous two series in it EXCEPT for Big E – Elias Blackwell. As of note, he and his sister Denny are a HOOT together. I’m so eager to see how they reconnect.
While I haven’t been a fan from the beginning, I am now. I started my adventures with the Blackwell family with Montana Match by Ross, and Montana Wedding by Webb. I do have the first three books in the series in my ever-growing TBR stack. I had bought them, but got another set from Amy Vastine – thank you so much for the HUGE book mail package! My extras went to my mom.
Even reading two of the books from the TBS series, I was shocked that multiple authors could manage a series and connect it so well that readers wouldn’t know there were multiple authors – it flows that seamlessly.
That is no different with this round. Reading Stewart’s book and then Vastine’s – I would have NO idea. And, yes, readers will have to read Stewart’s book before this one to avoid potential spoilers as well as to get the background of the MAJOR story that is woven in.
This picks up a month after Wyoming Promise does (that ends in August, this begins in September).
Returning Characters:
👒 Corliss – one of the five Blackwell siblings living on and working The Flying Spur
🥘 Mason – Corliss’ 13/14-yar old son
🚒 Ryder – former oil rig firefighter, married to Corliss; working ranch; set to become the new fire chief in November
🐎 Olivia – Ryder’s 8-year-old daughter
🤠 Wyatt – youngest Blackwell sibling
🤠 Levi – Blackwell sibling, former rodeo star, injured
👒 Adele – widowed, mother of twin girls, Blackwell sibling
🤠 Nash – Blackwell sibling, divorced, has a son
🤠 Big E (Elias) – Denny’s older brother; lives in Montana
👒 Gran (Denny) – Matriarch of the Eagle Springs Blackwell family, owner of The Flying Spur Ranch
💵 Brock Bedford – banker that Denny “attacked” over the loan being called in
The newest additions:
📱 Harper Hayes – social media influencer, accidentally married Wyatt
🛍️ Serena – Harper’s mother; lost in Wyoming; has nothing to do there
🏢 Xavier Howard – shady real estate developer
If you love Carrie Underwood’s song Last Name (Carnival Ride,2007) – there’s a chance you’re really going to like this book. After hearing the song, I was almost certain there’d be a romance book about it.
For those who don’t know, the premise of the song is that the singer had a little too much to drink in Vegas, did some crazy things, woke up in a hotel room married, and doesn’t even know her last name (the name of the man she married), and there’s an “Elvis” impersonator as well.
That’s pretty much what happens here. Harper is at the casino for some kind of social media thing. She sees Wyatt and there are some instant sparks. Obviously, if you’ve heard the song – you know what happens.
Yet, unlike the song – instead of grabbing what she can and leaving the hotel room, Harper Hayes has done something even worse – she live-streamed the wedding on social media and her followers (in the millions) are obviously so in love with what happened, despite them being married by an Elvis impersonator. The sweet cover is definitely Instagram worthy, almost like an “aww” type of Hallmark movie feel.
Wyatt is heading to Eagle Springs to work The Flying Spur to save it since the bank loan has been called in – and, obviously, there is something shady there. That’s one thing that they hit off on – Harper knows the town because her mom and stepdad live there.
When Wyatt leaves Las Vegas, neither he nor Harper realize they’re married. It is her friends who ask about it.
In order to save her online reputation as an honest and open influencer, she has to go to Eagle Springs to “save face” for the moment.
That is one of thing realities that Vastine sneaks in – the pitfalls of social media, even more so when one is paid for their content. Being honest could hurt Harper, despite making a mistake. Then again, despite priding herself on her honesty – Harper has to lie for a teensy bit so as not to lose the aesthetic of what she does.
Wyatt, not knowing he is married arrives home. While he tends to wander, he doesn’t want to see his grandmother and siblings lose the only home they’ve known. I can definitely relate to that one. In short, was almost homeless at the end of June (still working on a permanent solution).
It is on a trip to get ice cream when Wyatt sees Harper there. Obviously, she has a plan to save her reputation, and his as well. Wyatt reluctantly goes for it. That is until he sees her stepdad – and what a shock that is.
Wyatt is desperate for an annulment after seeing Harper’s stepdad. However, given Harper’s sweetness and her insistence – Wyatt continues to agree.
Of course, that means Harper finding things for them to do to build up her picture stash for posting. One is a wine and painting event – and, it leads to Harper getting tipsy. There are places like that here – one is Pinot and Palette. Even Wyatt, who is beginning to enjoy her company, has an idea or two. And, as they continue to “hang out” – they begin to have feelings for each other.
But, her stepdad has his plans and motives. As well as someone else. And, Harper is led to believe that the town is going to see some positive changes.
This of course leads to some trust issues as well as secrets being revealed, along with the true motives for The Flying Spur.
Despite being torn between her mother’s happiness and Wyatt’s family – Harper wants no part of what is to come. Of course, Wyatt then learns about her “involvement” which threatens not only their chance at friendship and a real marriage, but his family’s future.
Vastine keeps the readers reading until the very end and beyond.
Like the first book, and like The Blackwell Sisters series, this has an opening end. Big E is determined to dig into Xavier’s background. Leaving me waiting until next month for the next book.
And, I have to admit, it is rare for a romance to have that overwhelming “CAN’T PUT IT DOWN FOR TOO LONG” feeling. For me, it is usually suspense novels that are that “demanding”. This just kept getting better and better. And, obviously I’ll be reading the next books in the series to see what is coming next for the ranch and the other three single siblings.
Vastine’s writing didn’t lag at all. There was no point where I thought she was slogging along. It didn’t feel like it was being rushed either. Perfect reading and plot pace.
Like Stewart’s book – Vastine has the same unpredictability and humor. I loved the remark about Neopolitan ice cream – trying to be popular. I never looked at it that way – but, being chocolate, vanilla, and strawberry – it could be that off-one that tries to be everyone’s friend and/or favorite but isn’t liked for some reason.
Vastine balanced reality and humor. She gently approaches the subject of areas being improved too much and locals priced out of the market. She didn’t take a hardcore stance, but wove it in naturally.
As usual – no book is 100% perfect overall. There is the issue of how Wyatt and Harper were playing blackjack that was a bit off. The cards to the players are dealt face up (no holding), only one of the dealer’s cards is face up. I don’t know about all casinos, but most that I’ve been to only allow players playing one-handed with hand movements to indicate hit or stay. There’s a video of how to play on YouTube from Caesar’s Entertainment.
It is true you cannot record video at the tables. Selfies and pictures are allowed depending on casino policy, most prohibit pictures in gaming areas (tables). There is no law or Nevada Gaming Board regulation against it though.
Other than that minor hiccup, it didn’t impact the overall tone or theme of the story.
I am so fascinated with the Blackwell family that I am in the process of procuring The Return of the Blackwell Brothers as well. I just have to wait for eBay sellers to ship them.
Fans of the Blackwell family (and the authors) won’t want to miss this book or the new series. And, honestly, I’d be surprised that if after 15 books, this isn’t turned into a Hallmark or some kind of series. It definitely has that vibe and feel to it.
Heartwarming books are always a clean read – no intimate scenes, language is family friendly. There are no Christian or faith themes overtly present. There is a mention of Denny “cussing” the kids out – but there are no bad words used at all or inferred. The only other concern is the mention of substance abuse. This deals with Nash and him being “sober”.
RATING:
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Goodreads
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Bookbub
5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ /5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Personal Rating (see rating explanation in this blog: https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2020/01/rating-system-2020-changes.html;update https://readingexcursions.blogspot.com/2022/07/what-goes-into-my-reviews-2022-edition.html)
PREVIOUS BOOK IN THE SERIES:
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs (Book #1)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (July 26, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584587
ISBN-13: 978-1335584588
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“A reunion with a twist…
May save the day!
After a near-fatal day on the job, firefighter Ryder Talbot's finally back in Eagle Springs, Wyoming, and ready for a new start with his daughter. Seeing Corliss Blackwell again stirs up old feelings he tried to leave behind. Now that Corliss needs his help to close a deal on a loan that will save her gran’s ranch, can he finally prove they’re worth taking a chance on?”
UPCOMING BOOKS IN THE SERIES:
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (October 27, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584668
ISBN-13: 978-1335584663
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“Will a Wyoming cowboy…
Rescue her heart?
Famous equestrian Summer Davies travels to Wyoming to escape a scandal…and rescue Levi Blackwell’s rodeo. When she arrives early, the only place to stay is with the ornery—and gorgeous—cowboy. Their commitment to making the rodeo a success, and Summer’s affection for his young daughter, draws them together. When he learns about her past, will he still want her help? Or will he end up chasing her away?”
Series: The Blackwells of Eagle Springs (Book #4)
Paperback: 384 pages
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (October 25, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584706
ISBN-13: 978-1335584700
⬅️ Click Photo for Purchase Information
“She keeps finding trouble…
He keeps finding her
Adele Blackwell Kane can’t seem to not get arrested. In fact, the pretty widowed mom of twin girls might be Sheriff Grady McMillan’s favorite not-quite-a-criminal. But keeping Adele out of trouble is hard work—especially when Grady wants out of Wyoming for good. When Adele decides to rescue the town from developers, Grady wonders if his quirky felon might be stealing his heart, too…”
Publisher: Harlequin Heartwarming Larger Print (November 29, 2022)
Language: English
ISBN: 1335584749
ISBN-13: 978-1335584748
Click Photo for Purchase Information ➡️
“A love that never died…
Could be rekindled this Christmas
Helen Blackwell never stopped loving horse trainer Nash…even when she divorced him. When the stoic cowboy bets the ranch on her winning a cutting horse competition—and she’s terrified to ride—she wonders if there’s any hope for them. Renewing the love between them may take more than a moment under the mistletoe. But working together could heal past hurts and give their five-year-old son his Christmas wish!”
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