THE HERO OF HOPE SPRINGS (Gold Valley Book #10) by Maisey Yates is the emotional contemporary romance I have been waiting for in this Gold Valley series featuring two of my favorite characters. This book can be read as a standalone romance because it is a complete HEA, but all the family members continue to mature and change throughout the series.

Ryder Daniels has been the rock of his family ever since the death of his parents when he was only eighteen years old. He has kept the family ranch going and raised his younger siblings with the help of his sister, Iris. His days are dark as he deals with the grief of his siblings and the death of his dreams until he follows trail of sugar cubes, and suddenly there is sunshine in his life once again.

Samantha “Sammy” Marshall comes from a physically abusive home, and she escapes to watch the family of siblings on the ranch that is below her camper. She wants to be a part of a real family and leaves a trail of sugar cubes to see if Ryder will let her stay.

For seventeen years Ryder and Sammy have been friends and confidants, until Sammy decides her life is stagnant and she believes having a baby will change it. Ryder is not looking to be a father after raising his siblings, but he also will not let someone else have that type of connection to Sammy.

Can Ryder prove to Sammy that he truly loves her, and their relationship isn’t just from a sense of duty, and can Sammy let go of her fear of letting anyone all the way in after living through her parents’ abusive relationship?

I have been waiting for this relationship in the series and I was not disappointed. This is a very in depth and emotional look into both characters’ pasts and then the changes that becoming a couple brings. Best friends to lovers is a difficult road for both. This is a romance plot based more around internal changes and revelations and dialogue than any outside forces. The sex scenes are intimate and explicit, but not gratuitous. This is an intense and heartfelt coming together of two characters that I believe have always belonged together.

I always enjoy my return trips to Gold Valley!

Trigger warnings: physical abuse and grief.

This book had some major issues. The beginning chapters were really rough with the introduction of a cast of characters from previous books with no backstory for readers new to the series. The dual point of view changing from chapter to chapter was also very confusing and Yates's tendency towards unfinished sentences was frustrating.

The romance was a friends-to-lovers, but it wasn’t a pleasant journey full of crazy chemistry and optimism. In all honesty, it was depressing. The baggage they both carried was really heavy: his grief over losing his parents and aunt and uncle and her fear that she’s as unlovable as her sadistic, highly abusive father and cowardly, bitter mother led her to believe. Although this is supposedly a standalone, there was considerable confusion over who is who and how they all fit together. Since most of the introductions were early on, it was tempting to not finish. The only reason I kept at it is because I read several of the earlier books in the series and enjoyed them. Readers new to the series wouldn’t have that insight.

I received a complimentary ARC of this book from HQN through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

This was a nice romance and there was nothing "wrong" with the book, but it just didn't grab my attention and make me want to keep reading as much as I would have liked.

This is a cowboy romance, and this is the 10th book in the Gold Valley series. I could not put this book down, so I spend my day reading this book. I loved being back Hope Springs again, and I love getting to really know Ryder. You also get to know Sammy more. I really loved this book. All the characters are so different, but I love them all and want to keep reading about them. Both of these characters have to learn to know what love is, and I loved taking this wild ride with them. I have only read Book 9 and 10 in this series, and I am going to have to go back and read the other books in the series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (HQN Books) or author (Maisey Yates) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

The Hero of Hope Springs (Gold Valley #10). By Maisey Yates. 2020. HQN Books (ARC eBook)

In this grumpy hero and friends-to-lovers story, Ryder and Sammy have a lot to settle with each other. I’ve been wanting to delve into more books by Yates as the covers are always eye catching and the blurbs interesting. This was my second book in this series that I have read. The other being The Bad Boy of Redemption Ranch (Gold Valley #9). But I am not surprised that The Hero of Hope Springs struck out with me as I really didn’t take to Sammy in book 9. However, sometimes those characters surprise you when they get their own book. That was unfortunately not the case for me here. Sammy is suppose to be the ‘sunshine’ character but she is severely self-involved, and I felt sorry for Ryder all the way to the last page. The writing style was very repetitive with many internal monologues. And while both Ryder and Sammy are in need of introspection, it never seemed to me that Sammy had any growth. Every action was driven solely by her interest and how she siloed people into concrete roles; despite those people being more dimensional and capable of growth. It felt like a great disservice to Ryder. I’m also not feeling the remaining single sisters of Ryder, so I think I’ll try the third Gold Valley Vineyard and finish that series, as despite the shorter, rushed plots, I’m liking it a bit better. And I think I’ll try one of the Copper Ridge series.

I have not read the previous books in the series, but I had no trouble following “The Hero of Hope Springs”. I didn’t even notice the time fly as I was reading this story.

The author writes her characters so well! I was completely invested in Sammy and Ryder. Ryder is the perfect male character portrayed for this cowboy romance. Good looks and a good heart.He knows what he wants and he goes after it. He always wants to protect those around him, which make you like him from the first page. In fact, he is the stable character in the story who you can clearly predict how he would react in an upcoming situation.

However, Sammy was more interesting as she is the volatile one in the relationship. She goes through so many emotions over the story, and you really don’t know how she is going to react. Both of them share an amazing chemistry. But Sammy does things that you don’t expect, that suddenly twist the story. Ryder and Sammy sizzle in the pages with their romance. The author sure knows how to steam the pages without making it sound trashy. The romance was classy, hot and written very well.

A few scenes felt repetitious though. The characters reflect on their tragic past frequently, which felt repetitious. Also, I felt the author rushed the story in certain scenes. I am not giving spoilers, but there are a lot of things that happen in the second half, which felt rushed. I would have enjoyed the story had the author added further details on some scenes.

But on the whole, this was such a nice romance book to read, and I might pick up the first few to see how it started.

I enjoyed this latest book in the Gold Valley series. This is Ryder and Sammy's story. Ryder grew up fast at 18 when his parents died and he had to raise his siblings on his own. Sammy wanted to escape from her abusive parents and gravitated towards nearby neighbor Ryder's family. Knowing each other since they were teens, Ryder and Sammy have always been there for each other. Sparks fly when they finally realize how much they mean to each other. Sweet friends to lovers romance with a western touch. Recommended.

This was a pretty good book. I’ve read a number of this author’s books and they don’t disappoint. I really liked both main characters as well as the plot. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

I was a wee bit disappointed to learn this was the 10th book in a series. That said I found it to be an enjoyable read.

the characters were good. I enjoyed the story and I would like to read more by this author and more in this series. Maybe start from the beginning this time.

I’ve read Maisey Yates before and I absolutely adored the story. I read the Copper Ridge series and I quickly became obsessed with all of the characters and I was so glad that it lasted over 10 books. I received an opportunity to read her newest book, The Hero of Hope Springs, and I knew I couldn’t pass it up. I never read any part of the Gold Valley series, but I didn’t have any trouble following along!

I really like Maisey Yates’ writing because as much as it does have sultry and sexy vibes, it doesn’t take the front of the story like it does in some romance novels. The angst, the friendships, the drama, the comedy, the full-on relationship between the characters make each and every one of her stories. The characters are always well developed and they make this stories as well-written as they are.

May I just say…this friends-to-lovers trope is perfection. I loved Sammy and Ryder! Their characters are great, and the fact that they were friends from the start, makes it all that more believable and real in my eyes. The brooding character of Ryder and the happy-go-lucky character of Sammy made these two a very unusual mash-up, but I think they really showed chemistry and connected well.

Overall, the story of love and acceptance is what takes first place in this book. The complexity of the characters and showing them make their own serious life choices makes this story really come to life. The Gold Valley series is definitely something I want to read now so I can get to know everyone! However, if you don’t choose to, it appears as though you can read these as a standalone. I’d really recommend this book to cowboy-loving romance readers!

i enjoyed reading this book, the plot was good and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters. i look forward to more from the author.

I enjoyed this book. Did think that at times there was more explination than what was needed.

Ryder and Sam had been best friends for 17 years. The both have had rough patches that have left them scared. Sam decides she wants a baby and Ryder is going to help her find a suitable father, or is he. This book was very enjoyable.

Thank you netgalley and harlequin for allowing me to read this title for an honest review.

It’s time too return to Gold Valley and the Daniel family. It’s Ryder’s turn to try his hand at love. The very stoic Ryder has no intention to fall in love.

Ryder Daniels was left to give up his dreams to raise his family after his parents/aunt and uncle/ Logan’s moms deaths. Always Mr. Dependable until his most desired wanted his help finding a daddy for her baby.

Samantha-Sammy’s a sweet mystery that had me enjoying her with every layer uncovered. After her parents non love for her and the monster her father was. Samantha found hope at Hope Springs.

With their history Ryder and Sammy’s lives become tangled when the hopes and desires come into play. They both come to the table with levels of hurt and emotional pain. Can the continue to be what the other wants when the heart becomes involved? Or will things become to difficult?

The supporting characters are delightful. The family banter between them was all heart felt. I enjoy watching them all grow as individuals and as a family. I can’t wait to read more of the Daniel’s family.

I recommend The Hero of Hope Springs and the Gold Valley Series to anyone who enjoys a close knit family, who is always weighing in on each others lives as each member finds their own happily ever after. Maisey Yates delivers on fantastic character building, her descriptions of the place and settings of Gold Valley are amazing.

Rated 5 Stilettos by Deb!

Welcome to my review of The Hero of Hope Springs
My thoughts
Rating: 4
Would I recommend it? Yes
Would I read more of this series? Yes, because I', some what reading it out of order , so far I've read this one, book 7 and book 8 and I have yet to read books 11 and 9 .
Would I read more by this author? Yes
First I want to thank the publisher as well as NetGalley for letting me once again read a book from this series. Love how it takes place in a small town of Hope Springs and how Ryder was all abut family and doing the right thing even if that meant abandon his dream plans, and I loved how Sammy always seemed to be a free sprite but what loved most about this one was how so much more the feels you get because in this one the author writes a beautifully emotional story that make you care for each and every character even the ones that you didn't really like.

Great story! While it's not always my favorite concept, I liked how the author handled the friends to something more. I really liked the countryside setting. I will read more from this author!

There's something about seeing the Harlequin logo that has me one-clicking, ready to indulge in a great romance. And this author definitely brought me that. This story really got to me. Yates is great!

An emotional and touching love story of two friends in a crossroads of life, struggling with their past tragedies, with the losses they have faced and with the passion they feel for each other.
It is easy to adore and admire Ryder Daniels, the head of a family, who put everything else aside as a young man, to take care of the family when needed. He is loyal, kind, considerate, stubborn, strong, and generous, he would do anything to protect his family. His best friend of 17 years, the light of his life, the sun on his sky, Sammy Marshall, thought him how to smile again, and now she is showing him how to feel again...
While Ryder was so easy to love and admire, Sammy took some effort to understand. The place of trauma Sammy comes from, where she grew up in, the physical, mental, and emotional abuse she had faced, it is unimaginable and thus hard to grasp. As the story unfolds and the damage to Sammy's soul is unveiled, it is heartwrenching to feel an ouch of the immeasurable pain she has had to carry with her most of her life.
This story went directly to my feels. At first, it was all fun and banter and cute and ardent. And then it got real and raw, there were heartache and agony, and the angst was high even when everything seemed so lovely and tender and sweet cause there were still major pieces of the puzzle missing.
This beautiful story of love and life, friendship, and family, finding your true north and daring to take the journey towards it was an intense, fervent, spirited tale that took me for a wild ride and pulled all the feels to the surface. A book hangover? Oh yes, in the best possible way. I think part of Sammy and Ryder will live in my heart from now on...
~ Five Spoons!

I had high hopes for The Hero of Hope Springs, but I don’t think I was in the right mood for this book. I have mixed feelings about Maisey Yates series, some I loved, some I DNF. I had a hard time engaging with the plot and Ultimately DNF this one at 32%

I am having such a blast with my book reviews this summer. I have had a great time reading books that sweep me away into another place and time. Just what I needed in this time of Covid-19.




ABOUT THE BOOK:

For as long as brooding cowboy Ryder Daniels has known Sammy Marshall, she has been his sunshine. Her free spirit and bright smile saved him after the devastating loss of his parents and gave him the strength to care for his orphaned family. Only Ryder knows how vulnerable Sammy is, so he’s kept his attraction for his best friend under wraps for years. But what Sammy’s asking, for now, might be a step too far…

Something has been missing from Sammy’s life, and she thinks she knows what it is. Deciding she wants a baby is easy; realizing she wants her best friend to be the father is…complicated. Especially when a new heat between them sparks to life! When Sammy discovers she’s pregnant, Ryder makes it clear he wants it all. But having suffered the fallout of her parents’ disastrous relationship, Sammy is wary of letting Ryder too close. This cowboy will have to prove he’s proposing out of more than just honor…

MY TAKE:

I had a bit of trouble staying with the book. I was only able to read short snippets at a time because I found the storyline a bit repetitive. The characters were far too much into their own heads... sometimes that is an issue, but in a book, we look to our main characters to figure things out. I know that in real life that isn't truth but as a whole, I like to get things wrapped up in a neat package and if possible, tied up with a bow.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:



New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

The Hero of Hope Springs was an entertaining light-hearted romance where two friends find that home is where the heart is. Sammy has always wanted a loving family and she found that by living with Ryder and his younger siblings. When her biological clock starts ticking, she makes an announcement that she wants a baby but not the relationship that goes along with this. So, when she decides that Ryder should be the father, sparks fly and they both got more than they bargained for. Now, Ryder wants it all with Sammy but she is afraid that their relationship will end up just like her parents.

Gold Valley is one of my favorite series and I understood exactly what Sammy was going through. She didn’t have the best childhood but she wanted someone that she could love unconditionally such as a child. By Ryder being the father, she got the best of both worlds because she knew he would take care of her and she couldn’t imagine her life without him. Ryder was such a great guy and even though he thought he was done raising children, he was absolutely amazing with Sammy and exactly what she needed. Great romance and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.