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Runaway Ranch #2
Rope the Moon
A Sexy, Small Town, Military standalone romance by bestselling author, Ava Hunter.
I was a good girl who played by the rules. Except when it came to Davis Montgomery.
A handsome former Marine with a rough touch and a filthy mouth. A man I loved.
But when he didn’t ask me to stay, I took it as a sign to leave my small town and chase my dream. What a mistake that turned out to be.
Now, I’m back, running from the flames of my past to find a fresh start.
But fresh doesn’t always mean easy. Not when I’m now the town outcast. Not when I can’t hide my bruises or the baby I’m carrying.
When Davis finds out what happened to me, his protective nature comes out and he does the unthinkable. He moves me onto Runaway Ranch, determined to keep me safe. He says he’ll do everything he can to get me back on my feet. But I never expected the deep feelings and scorching attraction between us to come back even stronger.
One night, the embers of our past are rekindled and I remember all the reasons why I’ve loved him for so long.
That one spark gives us back our second chance. But second chances don’t come easy, especially when the shadow from my past is lurking. And ready to take back what’s his. . .
I was a good girl who played by the rules. Except when it came to Davis Montgomery.
A handsome former Marine with a rough touch and a filthy mouth. A man I loved.
But when he didn’t ask me to stay, I took it as a sign to leave my small town and chase my dream. What a mistake that turned out to be.
Now, I’m back, running from the flames of my past to find a fresh start.
But fresh doesn’t always mean easy. Not when I’m now the town outcast. Not when I can’t hide my bruises or the baby I’m carrying.
When Davis finds out what happened to me, his protective nature comes out and he does the unthinkable. He moves me onto Runaway Ranch, determined to keep me safe. He says he’ll do everything he can to get me back on my feet. But I never expected the deep feelings and scorching attraction between us to come back even stronger.
One night, the embers of our past are rekindled and I remember all the reasons why I’ve loved him for so long.
That one spark gives us back our second chance. But second chances don’t come easy, especially when the shadow from my past is lurking. And ready to take back what’s his. . .
462 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 25, 2024
1456 people are currently reading
12356 people want to read
About the author
Ava Hunter
14 books1,389 followersAva Hunter is an Amazon top 50 bestselling author. She writes romance with heart, humor, and heat.
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
Her bestselling books include Babymoon or Bust, an accidental pregnancy rom-com, and Tame the Heart, a grumpy/sunshine cowboy romance with Yellowstone-vibes.
When she’s not at her computer with a hot cup of coffee, you’ll either find her reading the latest true crime book or traveling with her family. Otherwise, she’ll be behind her desk, plotting out or typing up her next dreamy love story.
Instagram: @authoravahunter
TikTok: @authoravahunter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,462 reviews
March 26, 2024
3.75 stars
this book was one of the rare romances that had the perfect, endearing ingredients to portray a charming small town romance engulfing a trepidating mystery plot-line.
all Dakota has ever desired was to disentangle herself from her hometown’s cords. she always aspired for more, dreamed big, planned meticulously her futur. than one summer, one person derived the trajectory of her dreams. Davis made her want to stay, made her want to live a paisible and prosper life at his side on Runaway Ranch but never concretely asked her to renounce to her promising futur. even after the months spent together where Dorka polished his invisible wounds. Davis never thought he was enough for her. six years later, she ran back home shadowed by her deplorable choices and weighted with an uncertain tomorrow but in the shambles of her life she only found Davis to lean on.
Dokata was a lovable female main character. despite facing many obstacles and life-altering moments, she never let them define her or taint how she wanted to trace her new path, her new life. the only aspect of her character that bothered me was her sister's poor treatment of her. even though she knew she had gone through hell, she still acted in a mean manner. It was not appealing to me how Dakota's character was reduced to blaming herself instead of standing up against her sister's pitiful and sadistic behavior. they managed to collimate their relationship but by that time i couldn’t stand the sister’s personage.
Davis resembled your typical, tormented hero. with a dark past and questionable actions on his palmarès. he was a personification of the morally grey character. but i loved him nonetheless, he stepped in and intoxicated Dakota with his protective aura, never intended on letting her go again. their found family bloomed the moment he started to refer to her fetus as his own baby. it was truly beautiful, precious. ❤️🩹
I'm always apprehensive about embarking on second chance romances. although I am not a fan of the year gap that divides the characters' lives, I found it to be beautifully woven into this story. their touching love story was sung harmonically by the longing, resentment, and strong complicity of their tight bond.
many thanks to Valentine PR for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
——
a single mom romance to cure a fantasy heartbreak 🫡
“you came,” she says, sighing into my chest. “you called.” I exhale.
this book was one of the rare romances that had the perfect, endearing ingredients to portray a charming small town romance engulfing a trepidating mystery plot-line.
•cowboy
•ex marine
•small town
•found family
•close proximity
•"touch her and die"
•no third act breakup
•running from an abusive ex
•pregnant with another man’s baby
“I mean it. anytime you ask, I’ll be there. five seconds, five minutes, five lifetimes. I will always come for you. no matter what.”
all Dakota has ever desired was to disentangle herself from her hometown’s cords. she always aspired for more, dreamed big, planned meticulously her futur. than one summer, one person derived the trajectory of her dreams. Davis made her want to stay, made her want to live a paisible and prosper life at his side on Runaway Ranch but never concretely asked her to renounce to her promising futur. even after the months spent together where Dorka polished his invisible wounds. Davis never thought he was enough for her. six years later, she ran back home shadowed by her deplorable choices and weighted with an uncertain tomorrow but in the shambles of her life she only found Davis to lean on.
“I lived right. I loved wrong. end of fucking story.”
Dokata was a lovable female main character. despite facing many obstacles and life-altering moments, she never let them define her or taint how she wanted to trace her new path, her new life. the only aspect of her character that bothered me was her sister's poor treatment of her. even though she knew she had gone through hell, she still acted in a mean manner. It was not appealing to me how Dakota's character was reduced to blaming herself instead of standing up against her sister's pitiful and sadistic behavior. they managed to collimate their relationship but by that time i couldn’t stand the sister’s personage.
“I’m not your hero,” […] “You’ve always been able to save yourself.” I pull her closer. “But I am your anchor. Because I will always be there when you need something to ground you.”
Davis resembled your typical, tormented hero. with a dark past and questionable actions on his palmarès. he was a personification of the morally grey character. but i loved him nonetheless, he stepped in and intoxicated Dakota with his protective aura, never intended on letting her go again. their found family bloomed the moment he started to refer to her fetus as his own baby. it was truly beautiful, precious. ❤️🩹
”she’s the center of my gravity and every second I’m apart from her, I feel like I’m falling off the face of the earth.”
I'm always apprehensive about embarking on second chance romances. although I am not a fan of the year gap that divides the characters' lives, I found it to be beautifully woven into this story. their touching love story was sung harmonically by the longing, resentment, and strong complicity of their tight bond.
“who did this, dakota?”
many thanks to Valentine PR for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review!
——
a single mom romance to cure a fantasy heartbreak 🫡
May 9, 2024
OBSESSSEEEDDDDDDDDD
This is a second chance romance where the heroine comes back to her small town, running away from an abusive ex and pregnant with his baby. She gets stranded hours outside of the town and the moment the hero hears she needs help, he comes running to help her. She had left for a bigger life as a pastry chef, but now she's taking the slow small town life as she tries to figure out what to do. The hero is there for her every step of the way and I just loved him so much. We get a lot with his brothers, which I love, and also explore the heroine's relationship with her sister. There was also some suspense in the end that I just loved, which is no surprise. This series is easily becoming one of my new favorite series and I can't wait for what's next!!!
This is a second chance romance where the heroine comes back to her small town, running away from an abusive ex and pregnant with his baby. She gets stranded hours outside of the town and the moment the hero hears she needs help, he comes running to help her. She had left for a bigger life as a pastry chef, but now she's taking the slow small town life as she tries to figure out what to do. The hero is there for her every step of the way and I just loved him so much. We get a lot with his brothers, which I love, and also explore the heroine's relationship with her sister. There was also some suspense in the end that I just loved, which is no surprise. This series is easily becoming one of my new favorite series and I can't wait for what's next!!!
January 10, 2025
Я читала, і мені якусь іншу книжку воно нагадувало, прям дуже. Тут є троп військовий та не його дитина, це одні з топ моїх улюблених. І як завжди колишній мудак та аб'юзер, вона змогла від нього втекти назад на ранчо, але він пішов за нею, і намагався вбити її друзів та родину. Я вже очікувала, коли ж бляха його вб'ють, вбили, але він викрав Дакоту та Феллон і їх поранив. Мені сподобалось як Девіс прийняв не його дитину, він піклувався про них. Собака Кіна на початку не дуже привітно відреагувала на Дакоту, але коли у їхньому будинку стріляли, вона захистила її. Феллон, сестра Дакоти, поначалу підбішувала, коли та казала, що Дакота покинула їх, бо хотіла кращого життя в місті, і взагалі у неї життя краще, хоча правду все-таки вона ж не знає. Але потім було цікаво спостерігати як вони відновлюють свій сестринський зв'язок.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2025
Hooked from the start. I literally could not stop reading!!
I seriously don’t think I’ve loved a group of brothers as much as I do in this series. I love them all. This story was so unique and emotional. My heart broke for Dakota and what she went through, but Davis was everything and more towards her 🤍
This series is a really good small town romance series but with a lot of emotion and hard topics, which I really enjoy because it feels so real and raw.
Chapter 19 had be so emotional!!! “That’s your baby” “Hi there.” 😭😭😭
Now, did I find the ending slightly predictable? Yes. But I was still on my edge of my seat basically sweating in the last 10% so idc.
Ps- I legit need Fallon’s story immediately, I love her so much! (With Wyatt course)
“Bravery is being scared and doing it anyway.”
“If looks could kill, Dakota’s fiery glare would incinerate me on the spot.”
“Five seconds, five minutes, five lifetimes. I will always come for you. No matter what.”
✨second chance
✨small town
✨pregnant (not his baby)
✨who did this to you?
✨military mmc
✨she’s on the run
✨suspense
🌶️🌶️🌶️
I seriously don’t think I’ve loved a group of brothers as much as I do in this series. I love them all. This story was so unique and emotional. My heart broke for Dakota and what she went through, but Davis was everything and more towards her 🤍
This series is a really good small town romance series but with a lot of emotion and hard topics, which I really enjoy because it feels so real and raw.
Chapter 19 had be so emotional!!! “That’s your baby” “Hi there.” 😭😭😭
Now, did I find the ending slightly predictable? Yes. But I was still on my edge of my seat basically sweating in the last 10% so idc.
Ps- I legit need Fallon’s story immediately, I love her so much! (With Wyatt course)
“Bravery is being scared and doing it anyway.”
“If looks could kill, Dakota’s fiery glare would incinerate me on the spot.”
“Five seconds, five minutes, five lifetimes. I will always come for you. No matter what.”
✨second chance
✨small town
✨pregnant (not his baby)
✨who did this to you?
✨military mmc
✨she’s on the run
✨suspense
🌶️🌶️🌶️
Read
April 18, 2024Available now!
Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3TZO0kF
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/RopetheMoon
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/48vEBpC
About Rope the Moon:
💕Small town
💕Cowboy
💕Heroine in hiding
💕She’s pregnant, but it isn’t his
💕Scarred military hero
💕30s MMCs
💕Dual POV/1st person
💕No third act breakup
💕Suspense
Download today or read for FREE with #kindleunlimited
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3TZO0kF
Amazon Worldwide: https://mybook.to/RopetheMoon
Goodreads: https://bit.ly/48vEBpC
About Rope the Moon:
💕Small town
💕Cowboy
💕Heroine in hiding
💕She’s pregnant, but it isn’t his
💕Scarred military hero
💕30s MMCs
💕Dual POV/1st person
💕No third act breakup
💕Suspense
March 17, 2024
I’m speechless. This was AMAZING!!
A grumpy marine who falls for the woman who’s on the run and pregnant with another man’s baby. Even if you don’t like accidental pregnancy or pregnancy in books this book is a MUST read!!
Davis Montgomery steps up and becomes the man Dakota needs👏🏻👏🏻 he literally takes her in and treats her like a queen while loving her baby like his own!!
He even gets a pregnancy app so he can track how big the baby is every week?!! 🥹🤭
Both Dakota and Davis have history and it’s been years since they saw each other but when they get back together it’s the sweetest! Davis has never forgotten Dakota! I’m genuinely obsessed with them. Their communication, the spice, the banter, the nicknames, the swoon 10/10!! One of my top reads of the year!
And no third act breakup?? Always a win for me.
And the plot twist?? Did not see those coming!
I cannot wait for the rest of this series! Ava Hunter is an automatic author for me 🫶🏼🩷
Thanks Valentine PR for an ARC🫶🏼
A grumpy marine who falls for the woman who’s on the run and pregnant with another man’s baby. Even if you don’t like accidental pregnancy or pregnancy in books this book is a MUST read!!
Davis Montgomery steps up and becomes the man Dakota needs👏🏻👏🏻 he literally takes her in and treats her like a queen while loving her baby like his own!!
He even gets a pregnancy app so he can track how big the baby is every week?!! 🥹🤭
Both Dakota and Davis have history and it’s been years since they saw each other but when they get back together it’s the sweetest! Davis has never forgotten Dakota! I’m genuinely obsessed with them. Their communication, the spice, the banter, the nicknames, the swoon 10/10!! One of my top reads of the year!
And no third act breakup?? Always a win for me.
And the plot twist?? Did not see those coming!
I cannot wait for the rest of this series! Ava Hunter is an automatic author for me 🫶🏼🩷
Thanks Valentine PR for an ARC🫶🏼
May 17, 2024
🌟Brief Summary:
MY 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS ARE FOR HIS CELIBACY DURING SEPARATION AND SINGLE MOM TROPE!
Honestly I’m not sure what I want to rate this.
I should have LOVED this.
And there are things I LOVED and things that made me want to PULL MY HAIR OUT. And the hair pulling things unfortunately ruined my enjoyment of this book.
Let’s make this easy w a basic list of likes and dislikes and you can choose for yourself.
❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
💯Single mom trope
💯Hero CELIBATE is 6yr separation
💯h NOT celibate - but only had one
relationship inbetween and only cause the H was to much a pussy to go after his girl!
💯How the H claims her baby as his! NOW I LOVED THIS BUT THE REST OF HIS ACTIONS LESSENED THE IMPACT OF THIS AMAZING SWOONY ACTION. 😭
💯Once they finally get together they have lots of sweet swoon moment.
💯The small town vibes
💯Family drama and unity
💯❤️Researching baby stuff and buying baby stuff!!
💯OMD- her ex wants her back and is crazy so it adds a bit of danger to this sweet romance book.
💯Pretty much just the last 30% of the book worked for me.
Things I Did 💔 Not Like or HATED
😡The H kept her a SECRET forever! Their fall in love fling over the summer and then for 6 YEARS and then again when she comes back! PUSSY!
😡How the H basically USED the h to heal his broken soul when he first came back from deployment. And he still kept her a dirty little secret from EVERYONE.
😡How the H let her go and NEVER was honest about his feelings for her. NEVER THOUGHT TO GO AFTER HER EVER EVEN WHEN SHE SETTLED. I get it let her travel and live her dreams but 6 years is a long time to love a girl and never go after her. PUSSY!
😡HOW WHEN SHE CAME BACK HE DIDN’T PERSUE HER. He pushed her away and kept her at arms length. Even after they have sex he says it’s temporary! Like really dude you loved her for 6 years and she is back and needs you and you pussy out!?
I mean you have been celibate there is no other woman for you and your in your mid 30s! MAN UP DUDE! PUSSY!
‼️😡The fact that she THROWS herself at him and begs him continually and ALWAYS makes the first move. He rejected her multiple times then told her only once only sex. She has no self respect! And he is a douche bag pussy beta bitch.
‼️He loved her!!!!!! They had ZERO REASONS KEEPING THEM APART! it made no sense and made me hate him and her.
His “reasons” made zero sense for a 36yr old man! Just no. PUSSY!
😡It takes this douche till 70% of the book and a month of sleeping with her to step up and confesses that he wants her and what he has always felt for her and that he loves her! Seriously! Really!? 6 years you waisted asshole. PUSSY!
‼️AND it takes a per chance moment for him to do it to. He didn’t mean to claim her and her baby! Not on purpose 🙄🙄PUSSY!
😡How he let her think for 6-7years that she was just sex to him!!!! PUSSY!
😡Her sister…. What a fucking head case. Good luck with her book. She has to be the most annoying character ever.
🤮The moment we find out who her sister was sleeping with🤮🤮 so gross and just gross.
💭 POV:
First person duel
😡/😍 Angst level:
medium and annoying as all hell kind of angst
I liked the angst with the ex though!
❤️🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes
🌓 Push/Pull:
Yes major push away from H to h for 70% of the book
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
OMD- her abusive ex is after her and she is hiding.
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
None-
💯She has 1 boyfriend for 2 yrs during their separation (as she should since pussy bitch never told her how he felt ) she is pregnant and hiding from him.
🥳❤️He was celibate for the 6 years separation and no info before that.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
6 years see info above for deets
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Stalking
Abusive partner
Pregnancy
Kidnapping
Attempted murder
PUSSY ASS BITCH H
🥂HEA:
HfN
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
MY 3 ⭐️⭐️⭐️STARS ARE FOR HIS CELIBACY DURING SEPARATION AND SINGLE MOM TROPE!
Honestly I’m not sure what I want to rate this.
I should have LOVED this.
And there are things I LOVED and things that made me want to PULL MY HAIR OUT. And the hair pulling things unfortunately ruined my enjoyment of this book.
Let’s make this easy w a basic list of likes and dislikes and you can choose for yourself.
❣️Things I Liked/Loved❣️
💯Single mom trope
💯Hero CELIBATE is 6yr separation
💯h NOT celibate - but only had one
relationship inbetween and only cause the H was to much a pussy to go after his girl!
💯How the H claims her baby as his! NOW I LOVED THIS BUT THE REST OF HIS ACTIONS LESSENED THE IMPACT OF THIS AMAZING SWOONY ACTION. 😭
💯Once they finally get together they have lots of sweet swoon moment.
💯The small town vibes
💯Family drama and unity
💯❤️Researching baby stuff and buying baby stuff!!
💯OMD- her ex wants her back and is crazy so it adds a bit of danger to this sweet romance book.
💯Pretty much just the last 30% of the book worked for me.
Things I Did 💔 Not Like or HATED
😡The H kept her a SECRET forever! Their fall in love fling over the summer and then for 6 YEARS and then again when she comes back! PUSSY!
😡How the H basically USED the h to heal his broken soul when he first came back from deployment. And he still kept her a dirty little secret from EVERYONE.
😡How the H let her go and NEVER was honest about his feelings for her. NEVER THOUGHT TO GO AFTER HER EVER EVEN WHEN SHE SETTLED. I get it let her travel and live her dreams but 6 years is a long time to love a girl and never go after her. PUSSY!
😡HOW WHEN SHE CAME BACK HE DIDN’T PERSUE HER. He pushed her away and kept her at arms length. Even after they have sex he says it’s temporary! Like really dude you loved her for 6 years and she is back and needs you and you pussy out!?
I mean you have been celibate there is no other woman for you and your in your mid 30s! MAN UP DUDE! PUSSY!
‼️😡The fact that she THROWS herself at him and begs him continually and ALWAYS makes the first move. He rejected her multiple times then told her only once only sex. She has no self respect! And he is a douche bag pussy beta bitch.
‼️He loved her!!!!!! They had ZERO REASONS KEEPING THEM APART! it made no sense and made me hate him and her.
His “reasons” made zero sense for a 36yr old man! Just no. PUSSY!
😡It takes this douche till 70% of the book and a month of sleeping with her to step up and confesses that he wants her and what he has always felt for her and that he loves her! Seriously! Really!? 6 years you waisted asshole. PUSSY!
‼️AND it takes a per chance moment for him to do it to. He didn’t mean to claim her and her baby! Not on purpose 🙄🙄PUSSY!
😡How he let her think for 6-7years that she was just sex to him!!!! PUSSY!
😡Her sister…. What a fucking head case. Good luck with her book. She has to be the most annoying character ever.
🤮The moment we find out who her sister was sleeping with🤮🤮 so gross and just gross.
💭 POV:
First person duel
😡/😍 Angst level:
medium and annoying as all hell kind of angst
I liked the angst with the ex though!
❤️🔥 Sexy times & Descriptive sex:
Yes
🌓 Push/Pull:
Yes major push away from H to h for 70% of the book
☠️ OW/OM Drama:
OMD- her abusive ex is after her and she is hiding.
🤮 OW/OM Sex / Fluid or DNA Exchange:
None
🤬 Cheating:
None
👰🏼♀️ Virgins:
None-
💯She has 1 boyfriend for 2 yrs during their separation (as she should since pussy bitch never told her how he felt ) she is pregnant and hiding from him.
🥳❤️He was celibate for the 6 years separation and no info before that.
⛈️Separation/ 3rd Act Breakup:
6 years see info above for deets
Safety⚠️Triggers🗡️:
Stalking
Abusive partner
Pregnancy
Kidnapping
Attempted murder
PUSSY ASS BITCH H
🥂HEA:
HfN
❌My opinion is just that… MY OPINION.
I know we all get passionate about our favorite reads and characters but we should respect each opinions a thoughts. ~Thank you
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 3, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️
''And everything falls away''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Domestic abuse
- Unexpected pregnancy
- PTSD
- Violence
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Stalking
- Side character with cancer
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I had massive issues with this book but I felt like it could be rectified as the story progressed until a decisions was made that completely ruined it all for me as it seemed SO unnecessary and too much?
Let's first dive into the beginning and middle before I spoil the reason I thought this was a disappointment.
I loved the first book; it was such a great story, and I enjoyed every aspect of it but this one fell short.
Davis and Dakota had a fling in secret 6 years ago when Davis and his brothers first moved to the town. They kept it to themselves and when the day came that Dakota was going to leave the town to go off and start her dream as a world-known baker and open her own bakery, Davis let her go not wanting to stand in the way of her dreams, so they broke up.
Spend the next 4 years just talking via text (not often but enough to keep in touch) until 2 years ago they stopped speaking and that is because Dakota starts a relationship who is abusive and controlling. So, she cuts off all contact with Davis (blocking him) and never tells anyone about what she is struggling with.
I understand her hesitation but the one thing that bugged me is up to her new relationship so for 4 years, she never went back home. She never saw her sister or visited her hometown. It felt like such an odd thing to do.
Fast forward to the present and Dakota is driving off to get away from her ex as she is pregnant and needs help to stay safe. She goes back to her hometown and Davis being still madly in love with her (we find out he has been celibate for the last 6 years) is set on being her bodyguard and protecting her in any way she needs.
Her sister Fallon who we already met briefly in the first book is mixed up with Wyatt (Davis's younger brother), but they had a massive falling out and they are both dealing with that, while Fallon wants to leave town but is stuck since their father is dealing with cancer and the chemo treatments. DAKOTA KNEW NOTHING about any of this, which again shows how far off she left this life.
Fallon starts dating a new guy named Danny and this comes back later in the book. To me this seemed like a way to push the Wyatt plot along for when their book was released but nope.
NOT AT ALL.
We find out at the end of this book (right when Dakota's ex is going to show up because you just know it as he has been MIA for the entire story but making little known incidents happen) that DANNY is actually the ABUSIVE EX Aiden.
Fallon talked about Danny and how good the sex has been and all their dates only to be revealed she has been sleeping with her sisters ex. It was UNNECESSARY to the highest degree. We did not need this at all, Fallon already had so much to her story so to add her entanglement with someone like Aiden is such a low blow. It's an unnecessary drama and now we have to deal with Aiden in another story. Aiden also made it know how good the sex was in detail.....ew.
Davis was the only shining light (along with Charlie, Ruby and Wyatt). Not Ford as his attitude bugged me since we already dealt with it in the first book.
Davis revealing and announcing that the child she was carrying would be his and his alone was swoon worthy and honestly everything he did for her was.
We get a nice epilogue where they are married and have a few more children, while she opened up her bakery again in the town.
At the end of all of this, I am just sad that this did not pan out the way I wanted it. Some choices were really unfortunate and made things too complicated when it did not need to be.
''And everything falls away''
Safety warnings:
- No cheating
- No OW/OM drama
- Domestic abuse
- Unexpected pregnancy
- PTSD
- Violence
- Anxiety/Panic Attacks
- Stalking
- Side character with cancer
- HEA
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
SPOILERS BELOW ⬇️
I had massive issues with this book but I felt like it could be rectified as the story progressed until a decisions was made that completely ruined it all for me as it seemed SO unnecessary and too much?
Let's first dive into the beginning and middle before I spoil the reason I thought this was a disappointment.
I loved the first book; it was such a great story, and I enjoyed every aspect of it but this one fell short.
Davis and Dakota had a fling in secret 6 years ago when Davis and his brothers first moved to the town. They kept it to themselves and when the day came that Dakota was going to leave the town to go off and start her dream as a world-known baker and open her own bakery, Davis let her go not wanting to stand in the way of her dreams, so they broke up.
Spend the next 4 years just talking via text (not often but enough to keep in touch) until 2 years ago they stopped speaking and that is because Dakota starts a relationship who is abusive and controlling. So, she cuts off all contact with Davis (blocking him) and never tells anyone about what she is struggling with.
I understand her hesitation but the one thing that bugged me is up to her new relationship so for 4 years, she never went back home. She never saw her sister or visited her hometown. It felt like such an odd thing to do.
Fast forward to the present and Dakota is driving off to get away from her ex as she is pregnant and needs help to stay safe. She goes back to her hometown and Davis being still madly in love with her (we find out he has been celibate for the last 6 years) is set on being her bodyguard and protecting her in any way she needs.
Her sister Fallon who we already met briefly in the first book is mixed up with Wyatt (Davis's younger brother), but they had a massive falling out and they are both dealing with that, while Fallon wants to leave town but is stuck since their father is dealing with cancer and the chemo treatments. DAKOTA KNEW NOTHING about any of this, which again shows how far off she left this life.
Fallon starts dating a new guy named Danny and this comes back later in the book. To me this seemed like a way to push the Wyatt plot along for when their book was released but nope.
NOT AT ALL.
We find out at the end of this book (right when Dakota's ex is going to show up because you just know it as he has been MIA for the entire story but making little known incidents happen) that DANNY is actually the ABUSIVE EX Aiden.
Fallon talked about Danny and how good the sex has been and all their dates only to be revealed she has been sleeping with her sisters ex. It was UNNECESSARY to the highest degree. We did not need this at all, Fallon already had so much to her story so to add her entanglement with someone like Aiden is such a low blow. It's an unnecessary drama and now we have to deal with Aiden in another story. Aiden also made it know how good the sex was in detail.....ew.
Davis was the only shining light (along with Charlie, Ruby and Wyatt). Not Ford as his attitude bugged me since we already dealt with it in the first book.
Davis revealing and announcing that the child she was carrying would be his and his alone was swoon worthy and honestly everything he did for her was.
We get a nice epilogue where they are married and have a few more children, while she opened up her bakery again in the town.
At the end of all of this, I am just sad that this did not pan out the way I wanted it. Some choices were really unfortunate and made things too complicated when it did not need to be.
dnf
April 1, 2024DNF 26%. Maybe 2nd chance romance is just too much of an uphill battle for me, but I also think I've read slightly better variations of this storyline before. The writing style is enjoyable and it started off muy caliente, plus I love that the growly and protective H runs a dog rescue. But I'm struggling to connect with the h. I also didn't know there'd be a beloved parent battling cancer. Frankly seems unrealistic that the h wouldn't have seen anyone in her family for 6 years while she's been traveling all over the world as a celebrated chef (with the money to do so). She seems to love them all so much, and never stopped thinking about the H. Why wouldn't she have stopped by in all of her travels even once, just for a day? She's been swallowed up in a horrible, abusive relationship for the last 2 years--but what happened for the 4 years before that, why zero visits? It's a big premise of the angst surrounding running home for her own safety, so it keeps tripping me up. Others might enjoy this more though!
June 12, 2025
2.5 stars
This book has everything I love. A male lead pining from day one, a small town setting, and the bodyguard trope. And yet, I found myself so goddamn bored. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood for a book like this, but I think there are some objective issues as well. Because the main characters are in love from page one, there's no romantic development. And the pacing is bad. Everything feels so slow and repetitive. Also I'm sorry, but I hated the nicknames. I don't know, I really wanted to love this. It just didn't click.
This book has everything I love. A male lead pining from day one, a small town setting, and the bodyguard trope. And yet, I found myself so goddamn bored. Maybe I was just in the wrong mood for a book like this, but I think there are some objective issues as well. Because the main characters are in love from page one, there's no romantic development. And the pacing is bad. Everything feels so slow and repetitive. Also I'm sorry, but I hated the nicknames. I don't know, I really wanted to love this. It just didn't click.
Read
April 14, 20244.5/5⭐️
2/5🌶️
Oh my.. Don’t get me wrong, I REALLY liked book one, but I LOVED this one. I’ve been reading a lot of dark romance lately & this was such a good palette cleanser. The bodyguard trope is so underrated honestly. The tension between Koty & Davis was SO GOOD. Their story was so perfect.
Thank you to Ava & her team for the ARC.
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Cowboy Romance
- Bodyguard
- Ex Military
- She’s Pregnant (but it’s not his)
- Second Chance
- Romantic Suspense
2/5🌶️
Oh my.. Don’t get me wrong, I REALLY liked book one, but I LOVED this one. I’ve been reading a lot of dark romance lately & this was such a good palette cleanser. The bodyguard trope is so underrated honestly. The tension between Koty & Davis was SO GOOD. Their story was so perfect.
Thank you to Ava & her team for the ARC.
Tropes:
- Small Town
- Cowboy Romance
- Bodyguard
- Ex Military
- She’s Pregnant (but it’s not his)
- Second Chance
- Romantic Suspense
June 6, 2025
3.5 stars rounded up
This story pulled me in from the start. I was invested in the storyline from the jump. It was a little extreme and unrealistic a couple of times but after all, it is a book, right?
This story pulled me in from the start. I was invested in the storyline from the jump. It was a little extreme and unrealistic a couple of times but after all, it is a book, right?
April 22, 2024
3.5⭐️😭💚🫶🏻
March 19, 2024
GAHHHH This book!!! Read this book if you are interested in:
- A brooding hot cowboy/ex marine
- Found family that includes 3 other hot cowboys
- A wild literal bucking bronco sister who has some CRAZY chemistry with one of said hot cowboys
- A reignited flame with the one that got away
- Our FMC rising from the ashes to reclaim her life and allll the obstacles being thrown her way
- And of course spicy times in the pantry
Davis has been on a mission that is the ranch for the past 6 years since he let her go. HER being Dakota. HIS Dakota. The only woman he will ever be able to see a future with. The woman who he set free so she could be who she wanted to be while sacrificing his heart since it has never been the same. The same Dakota who is now in trouble and needs his help. The same Dakota that he snuck around with that summer and no one can understand what they were to each other. But that was then and this is now. She is back with a twist. She is pregnant with her abusers baby. Does that change how Davis feels about her? Absolutely not. But he has to keep reminding himself that he has a duty to protect her. She doesn't need someone pawing all over her, but then why does she keep teasing him and seem disappointed when he doesn't cave to his feelings? Could she possibly feel for him what he does for her? He realizes he is done hiding what he wants. He is going to put it all on the line for her and hopes that she will end up staying.
Dakota felt like she had it all. She had her bakery. She traveled the world. She had a man who treated her right...until he didn't. Now she is on the run and ends up back in her small town in the arms of the one man she has not been able to stop thinking about for 6 years. The man who let her go and didn't feel for her how she felt about him. The man who is all grown up now and looks better than ever! Of course he is seeing her at her lowest but what does he do? He makes her feel special. He tells her she isn't alone. He makes her hope for something that might not be there between them, but then it happens. The reconnection. The realization that her feelings never went away but have somehow gotten stronger. She is willing to stay and make something of this small town but will he be ok with all that entails now that it's not just her in the picture??
I haven't had the pleasure of reading anything else by Ava yet, but let me tell you that I went and bought Tame the Heart AND borrowed a book from her Nashville series through Kindle Unlimited. I loved everything about this book. The pace was great- there was some angst that didn't last too long. I liked the insecurities that both characters portrayed about themselves, their future, their relationship. It just all felt so realistic given the circumstances. I liked how they each made other better and how much they helped each other with their family struggles they were going through. There was redemption and strength in both of these characters. They were so honest and real with each other which just solidified that they were meant to be.
I also have to say that I LOVED the other characters. I keep going back and forth on which couple I am hoping is next. I think it is going to be Wyatt and Fallon and DAMN I can't wait. The tension between them is palpable. They are air and water with the fine line between love and hate. I would love to see their history and how their relationship has blossomed. And then I am on pins and needles with who will bring Ford to his knees! Will it be the mysterious Savannah? Or someone new? I don't know, but I can't wait!
I want to thank Ava and her team for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope that you all enjoy this as much as I did :)
- A brooding hot cowboy/ex marine
- Found family that includes 3 other hot cowboys
- A wild literal bucking bronco sister who has some CRAZY chemistry with one of said hot cowboys
- A reignited flame with the one that got away
- Our FMC rising from the ashes to reclaim her life and allll the obstacles being thrown her way
- And of course spicy times in the pantry
Davis has been on a mission that is the ranch for the past 6 years since he let her go. HER being Dakota. HIS Dakota. The only woman he will ever be able to see a future with. The woman who he set free so she could be who she wanted to be while sacrificing his heart since it has never been the same. The same Dakota who is now in trouble and needs his help. The same Dakota that he snuck around with that summer and no one can understand what they were to each other. But that was then and this is now. She is back with a twist. She is pregnant with her abusers baby. Does that change how Davis feels about her? Absolutely not. But he has to keep reminding himself that he has a duty to protect her. She doesn't need someone pawing all over her, but then why does she keep teasing him and seem disappointed when he doesn't cave to his feelings? Could she possibly feel for him what he does for her? He realizes he is done hiding what he wants. He is going to put it all on the line for her and hopes that she will end up staying.
Dakota felt like she had it all. She had her bakery. She traveled the world. She had a man who treated her right...until he didn't. Now she is on the run and ends up back in her small town in the arms of the one man she has not been able to stop thinking about for 6 years. The man who let her go and didn't feel for her how she felt about him. The man who is all grown up now and looks better than ever! Of course he is seeing her at her lowest but what does he do? He makes her feel special. He tells her she isn't alone. He makes her hope for something that might not be there between them, but then it happens. The reconnection. The realization that her feelings never went away but have somehow gotten stronger. She is willing to stay and make something of this small town but will he be ok with all that entails now that it's not just her in the picture??
I haven't had the pleasure of reading anything else by Ava yet, but let me tell you that I went and bought Tame the Heart AND borrowed a book from her Nashville series through Kindle Unlimited. I loved everything about this book. The pace was great- there was some angst that didn't last too long. I liked the insecurities that both characters portrayed about themselves, their future, their relationship. It just all felt so realistic given the circumstances. I liked how they each made other better and how much they helped each other with their family struggles they were going through. There was redemption and strength in both of these characters. They were so honest and real with each other which just solidified that they were meant to be.
I also have to say that I LOVED the other characters. I keep going back and forth on which couple I am hoping is next. I think it is going to be Wyatt and Fallon and DAMN I can't wait. The tension between them is palpable. They are air and water with the fine line between love and hate. I would love to see their history and how their relationship has blossomed. And then I am on pins and needles with who will bring Ford to his knees! Will it be the mysterious Savannah? Or someone new? I don't know, but I can't wait!
I want to thank Ava and her team for giving me an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review! I hope that you all enjoy this as much as I did :)
March 30, 2024
4.5 stars! Rope the Moon is part of the Runaway Ranch series but I read it as a standalone and it was fine. This is a small town, romantic suspense, second chance, “I’m pregnant but it’s not his” romance, with allllll the protective and “who did this” energy!
“I mean it. Anytime you ask, I’ll be there. Five seconds, five minutes, five lifetimes. I will always come for you. No matter what.”
Hotshot + Cupcake! The prologue starts off with seeing Davis and Dakota in the past, they were secretly hooking up for six months. She’s about to leave their small town and he doesn’t want to hold her back so he lets her go. We then cut to SIX YEARS later and Dakota is on the run trying to make her way back to the small town of Resurrection to escape an abusive relationship. She’s also pregnant and wants all the protection and safety for her and her baby. When she calls her dad for help, he sends Davis to pick her up!
Davis is a former Marine who now works for the Montana SAR (search and rescue) K9 unit! He also works with his brothers on Runaway Ranch and that is where he brings Dakota to stay while she’s in hiding. The “who did this” energy was so strong in this one! As soon as Davis sees Dakota with a bruised cheekbone, busted lip, and black eye, he wants to know who he needs to k!ll!
This one started off strong and really grabbed my attention immediately! I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and a protective hero. The first half was definitely my favorite and I liked seeing how protective Davis is and how much he wants to have Dakota and her baby in his life. The way he claims the baby as his own, ugh so sweet. I also really liked all the moments with his SAR dog Keena! I’m glad I gave this author another try because this book was so good! I liked how much both of their families were in this book, you can tell they’ll all get books in the series too.
CW: domestic abuse, violence, PTSD related to military service, anxiety and panic attacks
“I mean it. Anytime you ask, I’ll be there. Five seconds, five minutes, five lifetimes. I will always come for you. No matter what.”
Hotshot + Cupcake! The prologue starts off with seeing Davis and Dakota in the past, they were secretly hooking up for six months. She’s about to leave their small town and he doesn’t want to hold her back so he lets her go. We then cut to SIX YEARS later and Dakota is on the run trying to make her way back to the small town of Resurrection to escape an abusive relationship. She’s also pregnant and wants all the protection and safety for her and her baby. When she calls her dad for help, he sends Davis to pick her up!
Davis is a former Marine who now works for the Montana SAR (search and rescue) K9 unit! He also works with his brothers on Runaway Ranch and that is where he brings Dakota to stay while she’s in hiding. The “who did this” energy was so strong in this one! As soon as Davis sees Dakota with a bruised cheekbone, busted lip, and black eye, he wants to know who he needs to k!ll!
This one started off strong and really grabbed my attention immediately! I’m a sucker for a second chance romance and a protective hero. The first half was definitely my favorite and I liked seeing how protective Davis is and how much he wants to have Dakota and her baby in his life. The way he claims the baby as his own, ugh so sweet. I also really liked all the moments with his SAR dog Keena! I’m glad I gave this author another try because this book was so good! I liked how much both of their families were in this book, you can tell they’ll all get books in the series too.
CW: domestic abuse, violence, PTSD related to military service, anxiety and panic attacks
March 22, 2024
this book has me truly speechless. this was everything i’ve been wanting in a romance book all rolled into one. the emotions i felt through this book were such a rollercoaster. i love davis and dakota with entire HEART i don’t even know where to begin with them. they’re love and emotional connection had me absolutely swooning and the spice was EVERYTHING! i def need to go back and read the first book in the series because I am obsessed with Ava’s writing and I can’t get enough!!
December 4, 2024
“Why wasn’t there anyone else?” “Because I couldn’t have you.”
Utterly everything, I’m normally not a fan of second chance romances but this one was set up so spectacularly. Full of drama, angst, love, romance, smut, and pounds of care and respect, this book is wonderful. Tough grouchy marine falls to pieces for the daydreaming baker.
Utterly everything, I’m normally not a fan of second chance romances but this one was set up so spectacularly. Full of drama, angst, love, romance, smut, and pounds of care and respect, this book is wonderful. Tough grouchy marine falls to pieces for the daydreaming baker.
March 28, 2024
4☆
Loved the first one of this series, and this second one was also sooo good.
The pregancy trope and second-chance and not tropes that I am usually drawn to, but the author was able to keep me interested in the story and I liked how everything played out.
Dakota has a rough start when she was no other choice and run to her hometown, after escaping her ex and being pregnant! She hasn't seen her father in a while, neither her sister, but slowly things start to work out again between them. It made me really happy to see Dakota and Fallon, her sister, become sister again and supporting each other, even if they don't always support each others decisions, but that is the sisterly love.
Dakota also finds Davis again, the cowboy that has been in her heart for the last six years, since she left town in order to pursue her dreams as a baker.
Davis is a bit of a morally grey character, an ex-marine who is a K9 trainer, and that alwasy puts his family first, even if in his best interet he can be a bit bossy. He hasn't forgotten about Dakota, but tries to put her savety first and just consider her a job. But, as you can imagine, that doesn't happen and their loves blossoms again.
I liked how the relationship started again, they just couldn't keep their hands of each other, and being pregnant, Dakota as her hormones on FIRE! The spice is really good, and they have great chemistry.
Regarding the pregnancy, Davis having big dad vibes and buying this of the baby (even tho it isn't his), and just wanted to be part of Dakota's day and help her in everything she needs. They go to appoiments together, and he even installs an app to keep track of her baby.
Some scenes felt, sometimes, a bit off characters, like , but the rest I really enjoyed this story.
Thank your to Valentine PR for the ARC of this book <3
some quotes:
Loved the first one of this series, and this second one was also sooo good.
The pregancy trope and second-chance and not tropes that I am usually drawn to, but the author was able to keep me interested in the story and I liked how everything played out.
Dakota has a rough start when she was no other choice and run to her hometown, after escaping her ex and being pregnant! She hasn't seen her father in a while, neither her sister, but slowly things start to work out again between them. It made me really happy to see Dakota and Fallon, her sister, become sister again and supporting each other, even if they don't always support each others decisions, but that is the sisterly love.
Dakota also finds Davis again, the cowboy that has been in her heart for the last six years, since she left town in order to pursue her dreams as a baker.
Davis is a bit of a morally grey character, an ex-marine who is a K9 trainer, and that alwasy puts his family first, even if in his best interet he can be a bit bossy. He hasn't forgotten about Dakota, but tries to put her savety first and just consider her a job. But, as you can imagine, that doesn't happen and their loves blossoms again.
I liked how the relationship started again, they just couldn't keep their hands of each other, and being pregnant, Dakota as her hormones on FIRE! The spice is really good, and they have great chemistry.
Regarding the pregnancy, Davis having big dad vibes and buying this of the baby (even tho it isn't his), and just wanted to be part of Dakota's day and help her in everything she needs. They go to appoiments together, and he even installs an app to keep track of her baby.
Some scenes felt, sometimes, a bit off characters, like , but the rest I really enjoyed this story.
Thank your to Valentine PR for the ARC of this book <3
some quotes:
"I'm not your hero. You've always been able to save yourself. But I am your anchor. Becayse I will always be there when you need something to ground you."
"We're picking back up right where we left off. I'm not wasting another minute without you." And just like that, my heart's on the moon.
"I've built a life before, and it all burned dowm. But instead of being afraid, I'm up for the challenge. To do it all over again and hope mayve I get this life right. I am someone new now and that is okay."
"I'll always come for you. Five secons, five minutes, five lifetimes."
March 10, 2025
«Я завжди прийду за тобою, – шепочу я, припадаючи губами до її губ. Я вдихаю її. – П'ять секунд, п'ять хвилин, п'ять життів»
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 8, 2024
Man, guys. This might be one of my favorite cowboy romance series I've ever read - it just keeps getting better and better.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Rope the Moon by Ava Hunter
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Runaway Ranch character series. Book 2
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-Book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Contemporary romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Small town, cowboy, romantic suspense, veteran, found family, second chance, no third-act breakup.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Davis and Dakota had one memorable summer before she left him at his ranch so she could pursue her dreams. Six years later, she's calling for help, having escaped her abuser. She's pregnant and broken, and he's ready to do whatever he can to protect her.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I love romance novels that defy the subgenre or trope, and the Runaway Ranch series so far has been surprising and absolutely wonderful. I've given both the first and second book.
This series is all cowboy, small town romance. But there's this underlying grit to it, a tad of darkness, that has be obsessed. David and Dakota's story was just as good as the first book, which is saying a lot because I RAVED about the first book.
Davis is brooding and bossy, the ring leader of his band of brothers, and his Marine background is just an added layer. Dakota is a survivor, and her attachment to Davis is so swoony to read. In the synopsis I mentioned that she is pregnant from her abuser, and man, the way Ava Hunter wrote that portion is so heart-wrenching and real. I know some people hate the pregnancy trope, but it's impossible to not love the way Davis falls in love with this unborn baby. It's just so perfect.
I honestly am feral for this series, and the way she's teasing the other brothers' stories is just leaving me salivating for more. I absolutely can not wait.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Rope the Moon by Ava Hunter
📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Runaway Ranch character series. Book 2
📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-Book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU
📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Contemporary romance
📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Small town, cowboy, romantic suspense, veteran, found family, second chance, no third-act breakup.
📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Davis and Dakota had one memorable summer before she left him at his ranch so she could pursue her dreams. Six years later, she's calling for help, having escaped her abuser. She's pregnant and broken, and he's ready to do whatever he can to protect her.
🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: I love romance novels that defy the subgenre or trope, and the Runaway Ranch series so far has been surprising and absolutely wonderful. I've given both the first and second book.
This series is all cowboy, small town romance. But there's this underlying grit to it, a tad of darkness, that has be obsessed. David and Dakota's story was just as good as the first book, which is saying a lot because I RAVED about the first book.
Davis is brooding and bossy, the ring leader of his band of brothers, and his Marine background is just an added layer. Dakota is a survivor, and her attachment to Davis is so swoony to read. In the synopsis I mentioned that she is pregnant from her abuser, and man, the way Ava Hunter wrote that portion is so heart-wrenching and real. I know some people hate the pregnancy trope, but it's impossible to not love the way Davis falls in love with this unborn baby. It's just so perfect.
I honestly am feral for this series, and the way she's teasing the other brothers' stories is just leaving me salivating for more. I absolutely can not wait.
𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶🌶🌶
𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.
January 21, 2025
The only thing I liked was when the H took care of the h and her unborn baby.
The plot twist was good too (I didn't see that coming).
What I didn’t like:
- I couldn't stand the h and I don’t like “the girl in distress”, if i got money for every time she cried I'd be rich.
- I’m sick of all “the push and pull from the H” for half the book and the h was the one who pursued the relationship (she was desperate and so needy 🤦🏻♀️).
- If there was a full flashback (not some crumbs) of their first meeting and how they fell in love so I could buy their love story.
- They were horny all the time 🙄.
______
Safety:
Before the beginning of the book the MCs had a fling in secret for 6 months and then were separated for 6 years.
(They both still love each other but the H didn’t want to stop the h from pursuing her dreams by staying with him, so he didn’t tell her about his feelings and let her go. While the h thought he had no feelings for her so she moved on with the first man she met).
The H was celibate during separation, while the h was with OM for two years and he got her pregnant.
OM: the h’s ex (the baby’s father) cause trouble.
No OWD
HEA
The plot twist was good too (I didn't see that coming).
What I didn’t like:
- I couldn't stand the h and I don’t like “the girl in distress”, if i got money for every time she cried I'd be rich.
- I’m sick of all “the push and pull from the H” for half the book and the h was the one who pursued the relationship (she was desperate and so needy 🤦🏻♀️).
- If there was a full flashback (not some crumbs) of their first meeting and how they fell in love so I could buy their love story.
- They were horny all the time 🙄.
______
Safety:
Before the beginning of the book the MCs had a fling in secret for 6 months and then were separated for 6 years.
(They both still love each other but the H didn’t want to stop the h from pursuing her dreams by staying with him, so he didn’t tell her about his feelings and let her go. While the h thought he had no feelings for her so she moved on with the first man she met).
The H was celibate during separation, while the h was with OM for two years and he got her pregnant.
OM: the h’s ex (the baby’s father) cause trouble.
No OWD
HEA
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2024
Another incredible read by Ava! I was so excited for her next book and when I seen it was Davis's I squealed🤗 Dakota is strong willed so seeing her down on herself broke my my heart but watching her come into her own and gain her spark was amazing! I love how Davis just wanted to take care of her. I was on my toes on this book waiting for the ball to job and when I did I was SHOOK. I can't wait to see what she has in store next!
Thank you Ava for the arc, all thoughts are my own.
Thank you Ava for the arc, all thoughts are my own.
March 20, 2025
Тропи:
- ковбой 🤠
- маленьке містечко
- другий шанс
- вагітна не його дитиною
- саспенс
4,5⭐️
Дакота - дівчина, яка тікає від абьюзивного колишнього, вагітна його дитиною. Вона хоробра, але налякана. Зламана, але ціла.
Девіс 🥵🫦 неймовірно турботливий, захисний, ставить свою сімʼю і Дакоту на перше місце. Він її якір, завжди був поруч.
Захоплююся ним🥹 йому було боляче, що це не його дитинка. Але він ніколи не ображався на Дакоту, не гнівався, завжди підтримував її. Полюбив дитину і назвав його своїм 🥹
Саспенс 😍 я це люблю 🥰
Сюжетний поворот у кінці був для мене дуже неочікуваним 😳
Дуже хочу прочитати про Фелон 🥹💘 вболіваю за цю дівчинку
І чекаю на книгу про Форда 🥹
Всім читати, хто любить саспенс, ковбоїв і маленькі містечка 😍
- ковбой 🤠
- маленьке містечко
- другий шанс
- вагітна не його дитиною
- саспенс
4,5⭐️
Дакота - дівчина, яка тікає від абьюзивного колишнього, вагітна його дитиною. Вона хоробра, але налякана. Зламана, але ціла.
Девіс 🥵🫦 неймовірно турботливий, захисний, ставить свою сімʼю і Дакоту на перше місце. Він її якір, завжди був поруч.
Захоплююся ним🥹 йому було боляче, що це не його дитинка. Але він ніколи не ображався на Дакоту, не гнівався, завжди підтримував її. Полюбив дитину і назвав його своїм 🥹
Саспенс 😍 я це люблю 🥰
Сюжетний поворот у кінці був для мене дуже неочікуваним 😳
Дуже хочу прочитати про Фелон 🥹💘 вболіваю за цю дівчинку
І чекаю на книгу про Форда 🥹
Всім читати, хто любить саспенс, ковбоїв і маленькі містечка 😍
September 13, 2024
4.5! i never thought i’d be so stressed reading a cowboy romance.
June 4, 2024
➼ 3.5 stars
➼ this was cute and fun to read but i feel like the first book just had more development to it. dont get me wrong i love a good second chance but it may be bc of the tropes that im not the biggest fan. one thing i am picky about within this book and the first one is i simply do not like the "dramatic" plot that's at the end but nonetheless the brotherly dynamic of this book makes me rethink running away to a small town in montana and living the simple life.
➼ i love dakota and davis. outside of the whole pregnant/omd in this book, the romance was sweet. the buildup was good bc they kinda get together real quick and i wish we got a little more development out of that but i love the maturity of them getting it out and admitting their feelings in a mature manner and how they never stopped loving each other <33
➼ overall, i do love the small town essence of runaway ranch. i love the characters and the found family aspect of it but fr im ready for fallonwylatt's book!!!
“To the girls who need second chances, small town kisses, and starting over, I got you.”
➼ this was cute and fun to read but i feel like the first book just had more development to it. dont get me wrong i love a good second chance but it may be bc of the tropes that im not the biggest fan. one thing i am picky about within this book and the first one is i simply do not like the "dramatic" plot that's at the end but nonetheless the brotherly dynamic of this book makes me rethink running away to a small town in montana and living the simple life.
“But I am your anchor. Because I will always be there when you need something to ground you.”
➼ i love dakota and davis. outside of the whole pregnant/omd in this book, the romance was sweet. the buildup was good bc they kinda get together real quick and i wish we got a little more development out of that but i love the maturity of them getting it out and admitting their feelings in a mature manner and how they never stopped loving each other <33
“You came,” she says, sighing into my chest. “You called.” I exhale”.
➼ overall, i do love the small town essence of runaway ranch. i love the characters and the found family aspect of it but fr im ready for fallonwylatt's book!!!
March 18, 2024
⭐️5/5
🌶️3.75/5
OMG OMG OMG OMG, Davis and Dakota's story was truly something else!! I DIDN’T EXPECT THIS STORYLINE! NOP! NOT AT ALL! Ava Hunter's writing is pure magic (u are a phenomenon)!!!! Both characters were fantastic, and I adored watching them stand by each other through thick and thin. The were so protective, powerful LITERALLY SUCH A DYNAMIC DUO🥹!!!!
Their shared history adds so much depth to their relationship, and the chemistry between them ughhhhhh!!!!!! Dakota's personal growth throughout the book was AMAZING and Davis (MY MANNNNNN HE WAS AMAZING AS WELL), I mean he protects, he attacks but most importantly HE LOVES HIS CUPCAKE 🧁
Ava keeps you guessing until the very end (ISTG I WAS FEELING SO NERVOUS UNTIL THE END!!!!), and the plot twist- OH MY-
Also CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS? SIGN ME UP I WANT THEM ALL ( THE FACT THAT WE ARE ALL SO INVESTED IN ALL THESE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS…-) ANWS AVA THANK YOU FOR CREATING DAVIS + HIS BROTHERS🥵🥵🥵
Finally, this book must be in your shelf so hurry and pre-order it! It’s a must read for romance fans craving a heartfelt and thrilling story.
A HUGE Thank you for this arc🥹💜 I’m gonna miss my Montgomery boysssss, Ava (I don’t wanna give u any pressure BUT PLEASE… HURRY AND WRITE THE NEXT BOOK!!!!)
Release Day: 28 March
Preorder: https://a.co/d/gaHSbUj
🌶️3.75/5
OMG OMG OMG OMG, Davis and Dakota's story was truly something else!! I DIDN’T EXPECT THIS STORYLINE! NOP! NOT AT ALL! Ava Hunter's writing is pure magic (u are a phenomenon)!!!! Both characters were fantastic, and I adored watching them stand by each other through thick and thin. The were so protective, powerful LITERALLY SUCH A DYNAMIC DUO🥹!!!!
Their shared history adds so much depth to their relationship, and the chemistry between them ughhhhhh!!!!!! Dakota's personal growth throughout the book was AMAZING and Davis (MY MANNNNNN HE WAS AMAZING AS WELL), I mean he protects, he attacks but most importantly HE LOVES HIS CUPCAKE 🧁
Ava keeps you guessing until the very end (ISTG I WAS FEELING SO NERVOUS UNTIL THE END!!!!), and the plot twist- OH MY-
Also CAN WE TALK ABOUT THE MONTGOMERY BROTHERS? SIGN ME UP I WANT THEM ALL ( THE FACT THAT WE ARE ALL SO INVESTED IN ALL THESE FICTIONAL CHARACTERS…-) ANWS AVA THANK YOU FOR CREATING DAVIS + HIS BROTHERS🥵🥵🥵
Finally, this book must be in your shelf so hurry and pre-order it! It’s a must read for romance fans craving a heartfelt and thrilling story.
A HUGE Thank you for this arc🥹💜 I’m gonna miss my Montgomery boysssss, Ava (I don’t wanna give u any pressure BUT PLEASE… HURRY AND WRITE THE NEXT BOOK!!!!)
Release Day: 28 March
Preorder: https://a.co/d/gaHSbUj
March 27, 2024
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
🌶🌶
🧁 Found family
🧁 Touch her and ☠️
🧁 Small town
🧁 Close proximity
This is the first book by Ava Hunter that I've read, and I'll definitely read more.
First off, I gotta say how much I loved this grumpy ex marine.
When Davis and Dakota crossed paths again, she was going through the roughest patch of her life. Escaping an abusive relationship and carrying that jerk's baby. But even after years apart, Davis couldn't shake her from his mind, and I loved that right after the initial shock of seeing her, he was all in for building a family with her.
And let's talk about that "you came" "you called" moment in the book – I just knew I was hooked from then on.
Dakota's a character who, despite what she's been through, finds her strength, and I think she starts to bloom again around Davis.
I was so happy when Dakota and Fallon reconnected, and speaking of Fallon, I can't wait to learn more about her and Wyatt.
And I gotta say, I didn't see that plot twist at the end coming.
Thank you so much, Valentine PR, for sending me this ARC.
🌶🌶
🧁 Found family
🧁 Touch her and ☠️
🧁 Small town
🧁 Close proximity
This is the first book by Ava Hunter that I've read, and I'll definitely read more.
First off, I gotta say how much I loved this grumpy ex marine.
When Davis and Dakota crossed paths again, she was going through the roughest patch of her life. Escaping an abusive relationship and carrying that jerk's baby. But even after years apart, Davis couldn't shake her from his mind, and I loved that right after the initial shock of seeing her, he was all in for building a family with her.
And let's talk about that "you came" "you called" moment in the book – I just knew I was hooked from then on.
Dakota's a character who, despite what she's been through, finds her strength, and I think she starts to bloom again around Davis.
I was so happy when Dakota and Fallon reconnected, and speaking of Fallon, I can't wait to learn more about her and Wyatt.
And I gotta say, I didn't see that plot twist at the end coming.
Thank you so much, Valentine PR, for sending me this ARC.
April 1, 2024
˚☽˚.⋆ To the girls who need second chances, small town kisses, and starting over, I got you.
°˖➴ 3.5 stars
This was so cute and I loved it, but I definitely prefer the first book. I really enjoyed the romance and the characters, and the atmosphere of this small town remains impeccable, but the plot wasn't as engaging as in the previous book.
˚☽˚.⋆ “My mom always told me dreams are like the moon. Because they are high and bright and brilliant. And sometimes, no matter how hard you try to touch a dream, to bring it down to you, you can’t. Sometimes they’re stuck. And that’s why we needed to rope them. So we could get those dreams come hell or high water.”
╰┈➤ Dakota left her small town years ago to make her way in the world. She followed her dreams and was very successful, but it all came crashing down because of her ex-boyfriend. After a very traumatic experience, Dakota flees her abusive relationship and returns home, to the one place she knows she'll be safe. There she reconnects with Davis, a former Marine with whom she had an affair before leaving town. Alone and with a baby growing inside her, Dakota desperately needs a fresh start.
˚☽˚.⋆ A wrinkled brow means Dakota’s beautiful brain is working. So fucking smart. Always a recipe running through there, a kind word for someone, a witty remark. Keeps me on my fucking toes. I’ve always loved that about her. Her big dreams. Her beautiful brain. A reminder that Dakota McGraw is made for great things. Better things than me.
I loved Dakota. She struggled to find herself for a while, she was so vulnerable and sad at first, but little by little she got stronger and found the will to live again and make a beautiful life for herself 🫶🏻 And Davis was the perfect man to be by her side. He respected her space, but did everything he could to help her and keep her safe. This morally grey cowboy has a heart of gold and it was so sweet to see how quickly he accepted Dakota's baby as his own 😭
[I'm a fan of the pregnancy trope (I know, unpopular opinion, sue me) and I love it when the MMC is not the father 🤭]
˚☽˚.⋆ “No matter where you are. I’ll be there. I’ll find you. Even in your dreams.” Her eyes soften. “Even on the moon, Hotshot?” I cup her face and lower my brow to hers. “Forever on the moon.”
The romance was sweet and spicy. I'm a fan of second chance romances and this was done so well. It doesn't take long for them to get together and they admit their feelings early on, about 70% into the book, which is very unusual when it comes to romances, but I liked that. They had history, they never stopped loving each other and it was nice to see them admit their feelings instead of living in denial 😌 Dakota and Davis are so good together! But I have to warn you, the smut scenes are very cringe 🫣 It's just my opinion, but personally I wasn't a fan. The dirty talk was not it, it was such a turn-off 😀
The plot reminded me of one of those Hallmark movies, it was so predictable lol That's not a negative thing, in a way it was comforting because I knew what to expect, but I was hoping it would be as exciting as the plot in the first book.
I still love the brothers' dynamic and I love how much all the characters are involved in the story. It's so wholesome. And I loved the sisterly bond between Dakota and Fallon 🥹
˚☽˚.⋆ “You are my best and first friend, Dakota,” she says, looking straight into the sun like she’s willing it to blind her so she doesn’t cry. “You are my absolute heroine. My big sister. My Calamity Jane. And I’m proud as hell of you for burning your entire life down and coming back.” Fallon smiles. A brilliant, beautiful smile that lights up her face. “Our mom couldn’t mom…but you will. You’re gonna have a kid and be the best mother that’s ever fucking lived.”
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series, especially because it's about Fallon and Wyatt. The little crumbs we have of them have got me so excited for their book 😮💨
˚☽˚.⋆ Now I know what love is. The golden light of Runaway Ranch. A flour dusted apron on Sunday morning and Davis Montgomery’s hand in mine. It’s bliss. The greatest love story I could have ever dreamed up.
March 29, 2024
“I mean it. Anytime you ask, I’ll be there. Five seconds, five minutes, five lifetimes. I will always come for you. No matter what.”
back in my small town, cowboy era it seems and i don’t hate it
💗 small town
💗 pregnant & not his baby
💗 cowboy/marine x baker
💗 second chance
💗 no third act
tbh this is all i ask of my second chance romances so it gets 4 stars automatically. Davis and Dakota had a year long romance 6 years ago that ended when Davis let her go pursue her culinary career with baking. Dakota was very successful during her time away from their small town until she meets another man and everything changes and she eventually has to return home.
Dakota is pregnant and on the run from her ex. they’d been together two years and during the last year he turned abusive and controlling her whole life. when she finds an out she takes it and runs for not only her life but her baby’s as well. she calls her dad for help but thanks to some health issues he has to ask Davis to go and get her…
“”You came,” she says, sighing into my chest.
“You called.” I exhale, tension leaving my body as I wrap my arms around her.”
PLSSSS i love this 🥺🥺😭
the suspense part of this book goes rather smoothly tbh until the very end when her ex finally shows back up.
it’s been 6 years but Davis never forgot or got over Dakota. he’s never been with anyone else. at first the thought of her being pregnant with another man’s baby is painful but then he decides he’s taking back what is his and this baby is apart of her so it’s also his now. when someone asks who the baby’s dad is Davis steps right up and claims them both without even asking Dakota 😅 as far as he’s concerned they’re both his and only his.
”“I can’t move slow anymore. Not with you. We’ll get you a nursery. Get you everything our son needs.” Our son.”
i loved how protective and possessive he was. 🥵 he’s very touch her & die and he MEANS IT
““Koty’s in trouble.”
“Trouble?” Fuck.
If Dakota’s in trouble, it means I’ll kill someone.”
back in my small town, cowboy era it seems and i don’t hate it
💗 small town
💗 pregnant & not his baby
💗 cowboy/marine x baker
💗 second chance
💗 no third act
tbh this is all i ask of my second chance romances so it gets 4 stars automatically. Davis and Dakota had a year long romance 6 years ago that ended when Davis let her go pursue her culinary career with baking. Dakota was very successful during her time away from their small town until she meets another man and everything changes and she eventually has to return home.
Dakota is pregnant and on the run from her ex. they’d been together two years and during the last year he turned abusive and controlling her whole life. when she finds an out she takes it and runs for not only her life but her baby’s as well. she calls her dad for help but thanks to some health issues he has to ask Davis to go and get her…
“”You came,” she says, sighing into my chest.
“You called.” I exhale, tension leaving my body as I wrap my arms around her.”
PLSSSS i love this 🥺🥺😭
the suspense part of this book goes rather smoothly tbh until the very end when her ex finally shows back up.
it’s been 6 years but Davis never forgot or got over Dakota. he’s never been with anyone else. at first the thought of her being pregnant with another man’s baby is painful but then he decides he’s taking back what is his and this baby is apart of her so it’s also his now. when someone asks who the baby’s dad is Davis steps right up and claims them both without even asking Dakota 😅 as far as he’s concerned they’re both his and only his.
”“I can’t move slow anymore. Not with you. We’ll get you a nursery. Get you everything our son needs.” Our son.”
i loved how protective and possessive he was. 🥵 he’s very touch her & die and he MEANS IT
““Koty’s in trouble.”
“Trouble?” Fuck.
If Dakota’s in trouble, it means I’ll kill someone.”
March 24, 2024
I love Ava’s writing and I was so excited to continue this series after reading ‘Tame the Heart’ which I enjoyed so much! I am not a second chance gal but I loved this one and it is easily one of my top second chance reads, ever.
What to expect:
🤠 small town
🤠 second chance
🤠 ex military, morally grey cowboy
🤠 heroine in hiding
🤠 she’s pregnant, but it’s not his
5 ⭐️ / 2.5 🌶️
Dakota left her home town to chase her dreams of being a baker. She achieved those dreams, opening a bakery but leaving behind the man she loved. Six years later, her marine answered her call for help when her life literally burns to the ground. She returns to her hometown, broken and pregnant with another man’s baby. Dakota had been through so much, but I admired her tenacity, the way she picked herself up and I loved how her strength was amplified by Davis’ love and support.
And Davis Montgomery is now the gold standard? The ex-Marine turned morally grey cowboy is a closet softie; he’s utterly obsessed with Dakota and we love to see it. The man downloaded a baby pregnancy app and purchased Dakota’s Amazon Wishlist! Davis is the definition of “you came, you called” and god i loved it. He stepped up from the get go and was there for Dakota for whatever she needed. The love and connection between these two was so strong and it was beautifully obvious that the relationship they had prior was the true thing. And also, KEENA. That is all.
Also special mention to the TWIST in this. Like I was shocked, but looking back Ava left the very best breadcrumbs and it was executed in the very best way. It added the best element of suspense to this book!
I really enjoyed this book, it had me engaged the whole time and I am looking forward to the next one in this series. I love these Montgomery brothers so much!
What to expect:
🤠 small town
🤠 second chance
🤠 ex military, morally grey cowboy
🤠 heroine in hiding
🤠 she’s pregnant, but it’s not his
5 ⭐️ / 2.5 🌶️
Dakota left her home town to chase her dreams of being a baker. She achieved those dreams, opening a bakery but leaving behind the man she loved. Six years later, her marine answered her call for help when her life literally burns to the ground. She returns to her hometown, broken and pregnant with another man’s baby. Dakota had been through so much, but I admired her tenacity, the way she picked herself up and I loved how her strength was amplified by Davis’ love and support.
And Davis Montgomery is now the gold standard? The ex-Marine turned morally grey cowboy is a closet softie; he’s utterly obsessed with Dakota and we love to see it. The man downloaded a baby pregnancy app and purchased Dakota’s Amazon Wishlist! Davis is the definition of “you came, you called” and god i loved it. He stepped up from the get go and was there for Dakota for whatever she needed. The love and connection between these two was so strong and it was beautifully obvious that the relationship they had prior was the true thing. And also, KEENA. That is all.
Also special mention to the TWIST in this. Like I was shocked, but looking back Ava left the very best breadcrumbs and it was executed in the very best way. It added the best element of suspense to this book!
I really enjoyed this book, it had me engaged the whole time and I am looking forward to the next one in this series. I love these Montgomery brothers so much!
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