Book Review: West of Forever by Corinne Michaels

This was so much fun to read. It was light and entertaining with just the right amount of sexy mixed in. I loved the characters and the world the author created. I'm already excited for the next book in the series. You can't go wrong with West of Forever!

West of Forever (Heartstone Ranch #1) by Corinne Michaels

Tristan Stone is off limits.

It doesn’t matter that the grumpy, single dad did nothing wrong. He’s a cowboy and his last name means I’m bound by blood to hate him. My family would never be okay with me having feelings for our enemy.

When he stops—in the pouring rain—because I have a flat tire, the last thing I expect is for him to help me.

I do my best to ignore the water sliding off his hat and how he fills out those jeans. My best, however, is not good enough. Each night I close my eyes and dream of a future we can never have. And after he defends me at the bar and we share a magical dance? It only gets worse.

I know I should forget about him, but when I find him alone one night, I offer up a no-strings attached relationship that we both promise to keep secret. Sidelong glances across property lines morph into clandestine meetings under the stars wrapped up in each other’s arms.

Never mind that our families will never approve or that he told me he can never love again, I crave him.

Soon our no feelings agreement is in tatters, and my heart belongs to that broken cowboy. Will he break it or will he defy them all and choose us instead?

5 out of 5 stars

West of Forever was entertaining and sexy and had me smiling the entire time! I loved Lark and Tristan, their awesome banter, the development, and pace. The dual POVs were well timed. I loved how it flowed, it had me excited while reading. It was light and fun with a great vibe that hooked me. I liked learning their families’ dynamics and the history of the feud between them. I loved all the characters introduced, especially Tristan’s enchanting and stubborn daughter. This was a feel-good story where opposites attract with low-key drama, excellent spice, and a whole lot of sweetness. I highly recommend it!

Lark and Tristan were fantastic characters. I loved her strength, even though she had some overbearing brothers to deal with. I felt for Tristan as I learned about his past and why he was scared to love again. Tristan was so charming, and I loved how he was there for Lark in a time of need. Their verbal sparring was great, not too harsh but the perfect combination of witty and sarcastic. I enjoyed it all. Their families have a long-standing rivalry, so I really liked them setting that aside as their attraction grew, then ignited. I adored them opening up to one another and the sweet and spicy journey of them falling in love.

I thought this was wonderful storytelling. I especially liked the bits of drama as things go awry on the Gatlin ranch. It’s a little who-done-it mixed in that I guessed at, but it was confirmed in the bonus scene. I liked Lark’s brothers and Tristan’s sisters for the most part, though they all have issues from the feud that gave them their moments of not being my favorites. I’m hoping there will be more stories with them. I really loved Tristan’s quirky dad and Lark’s mom as well.

I thought this was an excellent series starter and was outright fun to read. There were so many entertaining scenes throughout, but there was also a good bit of emotion mixed in as well. It was an engaging read with delightful characters, and I loved it all!

Complimentary copy received.