I have really enjoyed the Sierra Legacy Series, the plots and characters are original and fresh, the author does not choose the easy way out but deals with the gritty and often rough choices and lessons the characters has to learn to find their way to their destiny.
We met Kit Hayes in the previous story when the love of her life, Arch, fell in love with another woman and left Kit with a broken heart. Just to note to the new readers of the series, Arch is not the bad guy Kit and her friends paint a picture of, just like Kit didn't turn out to be the kind of person the last book hinted about.
Kit's personality does come off as raw and abrasive at first, and it took me some time to see her under the shield she hides. Because there is a kind hearted and caring person under all the tough and at times rude exterior.
Tyler Ellis did the smart thing and left the rodeo world while still on the top and with his health intact. I really liked Tyler, what you see is what you get. He is charming, take charge, caring, and kind. He is humble with his weaknesses, he admits his problems and seeks help and support when needed. He went after his dreams, even though he knew nothing about the business or what it entails. He was not afraid to fail, he had guts more than most. His willing to make compromises and his priorities are admirable.
The timeframe in the story is perfect, it takes months to built up the easy relationship between Kit and Tyler, especially since Kit is still so hang up on Arch and the old feelings. I liked the connection between them, the obvious love and affection Tyler had for Kit, and always have had, was adorable.
The story has a smooth flow in it, it wraps around your mind as you read so that the rest of the world seize to exist until 'the end'. I got emotionally invested in the story from happy and elated to frustration and disbelief. Like I said, the author does not choose the easy or predictable way when plotting and without giving anything away, the ending, or Kit, took me by surprise, that I am still digesting.
An entertaining tale about friends, family, forgiveness, and acceptance, going after your dreams and not settling for less.
~ Three Spoons with a teaspoon on the side

One of my personal biggest pet peeves in my romance books is when there is another love interest inserted in H/h backstory. That is what happened here which ruined the story for me. Kit & Tyler were high school friends and while he had wanted more, Kit instead fell deeply in love with another who ended up dumping her and years later, she was still mourning him. It’s well written and I liked Tyler a lot but I couldn’t get past the feeling that Tyler was her 2nd choice/rebound guy so it ruined the whole story for me and I struggled to finish.

A sweet story about following your dreams and not settling for being made to feel less than you are! I really enjoyed Kit’s story. If you’ve been following along with the series, you will recognize her as the ex-girlfriend of Arch Hoffman from all those years ago who was still pining for him when he returned to town and fell for Mandy in the last book. I enjoyed getting to know the other side to her than what we saw in that book … and watching her find what she’d been looking for all along. I wanted the ending to go a little differently, but it was a beautifully written book and I really enjoyed it!

Rodeo star Tyler Ellis has hung up his saddle and returned home to Benson, CA much to the surprise of the town! He’s decided to strike out in his own venture and buy a local bar and transform it into his vision. Only problem is, his old friend Kit works there … and likes it like it is … and had her own ideas in mind for the place one day!

Kit Hayes remembers her childhood friend well, but figures he’s an uppity jerk now that he’s a big star. She reluctantly agrees to help him with the changes he wants to make at the bar, but only because he’s offering great money and she needs it to take her big adventure! What she doesn’t expect is to find that same sweet guy she used to know beneath the surface and watch him work hard right alongside her to achieve his dreams. When it’s all said and done, she’s afraid what she is coming to feel for him will stop her from following her heart!

** spoiler alert ** I really enjoyed this one! It's my first time reading this author, and I really enjoyed it. There was enough backstory given, so I had no problems jumping into the series without having read the first 3 books.

Tyler was a lovely hero. There was nothing rakish about him. He loved Kit, and did was not a jerk in any way. He gave her space and was not pushy. Kit's transition from being the closed-off tough girl to being more open was really nice to read. The supporting characters at the Dusty Saddle were great, and I just loved it.

My only issue of the book was the somewhat implausibility of the ending. I get that Tyler had buckets of money, and I completely respect the fact that Kit wanted to see the world and Tyler supported her in that. For me, it just seemed a little too easily wrapped up. I love the Harlequin Superromance line because I don't have to suspend my disbelief. All the plot lines seem like they could happen to real people, with real people's problems. Things started to slightly go off the rails when she started working in Belize (I used to work in immigration, so perhaps I'm being a bit pedantic here). How can she legally do that? Is this all under the table? Where's the work visa? It's great that Tyler wanted to support her, but her friends back in Benson were great! Why would you want to give that up? It seems like a pretty cool gig, running the Dusty Saddle! Starting an empire of Western-themed bars to cater to American tourists who do not like the local cuisine does not.

That all being said, I really, truly enjoyed this book up until the ending. I mean, I get it. I'm happy they're happy, but their happy ending was not one I would have gone with.

Kit Hayes' life is in the toilet...after waiting years for the love of her life, Arch Hoffman to get out of jail and start their life together.....not only does he have success as an artist elsewhere...but he rudely dumps her for someone else......a sweet woman named Mandy Allen.
Stuck in Benson, taking care of her father, she is saving to buy the bar she manages....only to find the owner has already sold it...to the childhood friend that her father had always preferred over her.
Tyler Ellis may be a rodeo star...but he has problems and heartaches of his own, and begs her to stay and help him learn the bar business and achieve his plans for the property. Misunderstandings, hurt feelings and the inexplicable draw they have to each other finally culminates in their happy-ever-after....but it doesn't come easy.
Well written with lots of great personal interaction.