Can a single dad and a business whiz… Find the right connection? Swapping Silicon Valley for a Montana ranch isn’t Peyton Harrison’s choice. Nor is bringing along a bodyguard. But until threats subside at Peyton’s tech company, Matteo Rossi intends to watch over her while also reconnecting with his young son. Peyton’s instant bond with little Gino is making her rethink her path–and her … path–and her feelings for Matteo. Is a new dream unfolding under Montana’s endless sky?
USA TODAY Bestselling Author
more
I think I found my favorite sister, et al! Maybe it’s because I “get” Peyton – who she is, what makes up her very being, where she works and how hard it is to do what she does – that makes Montana Dreams my favorite (so far) of the Blackwell Sisters stories but I think some credit should go to Matteo and his cutie-pie son, Gino, too.
The story opens with Big E sticking his nose in, his normal modus operandi, but for most of the book, he is in the background. Peyton is struggling, with her life, her work-life, and her relationship with her sisters and dad…add in a stalker and hooboy! Life gets complicated quickly.
I loved reading Peyton’s struggles with how to navigate her life and trying to do what’s right for her family. She works hard at avoiding the relationship with her sisters but of course, it wouldn’t be a story if she didn’t hafta do that. Her growth and change was heartwarming, and sometimes heartrending, but she is a trooper thru and thru.
And Matteo…oh man! Not even factoring in a cutie of a son, I just wanted to hug this guy. He is focused on his work, his son, and his growing feelings for Peyton, and just trying to protect all that he views as his. And Gino… SUCH an adorable little one. He has some pretty big struggles of his own and my heart went out to him every time he was in a scene. And I don’t think I’ll ever think of pancakes the same way again…
And the Blackwells. Well, they are true to their characters! All for one and one for all. Loved visiting with them again, too. Really enjoyed this story! Highly recommend.
Montana Dreams by Anna J Stewart follows how Peyton ends up in Montana and why she is there?
Will Peyton find what she has been missing in Matteo and Gino?
Peyton Harrison
Peyton Harrison is the oldest of the Harrison-Blackwell sisters and is the only one that still remembers their father. Well, their birth father, Thomas Blackwell. She has learned quite a lot since having to lay low in Montana on her paternal family’s ranch in hopes that she won’t be followed. Peyton has gotten to know Lily better and how well ranch life agrees with Lily, especially her new fiance. Spending time away from work and being there for Matteo and his son Gino has made a huge difference in Peyton’s outlook.
I can’t even fault her for doing something without asking because that comes naturally to her. A big thing that I like about Peyton is that despite having to keep a secret from their family for a while, she did it out of love for said family. She also does love deeply, and she doesn’t want to get hurt. I can’t fault her for that either. I like Peyton when she allows herself to spend time away from work for family time instead of focusing on her job.
Matteo Rossi
Matteo Rossi is a complicated man that wants what is best for his charge. Even if that means having to try to get her to take time away from her job to enjoy life on the ranch, he has a son from a previous marriage who’s only six years old and has had a tough time so far with his school. Matteo clearly loves Gino from the moment he first sees him all the way to when he’s trying to help him learn so that he can be a good student. He isn’t just a family man since Matteo also works at a private security place, but he does his job well. Gino desperately needs a loving home with his dad and quite possibly Peyton as the little boy grows fond of Peyton. I like this character a lot, even if he has a big ego.
Five Stars
Montana Dreams by Anna J Stewart encompasses two genres that this author is more than capable of handling. A little bit of suspense was added to this book but not a lot that I felt the suspense takes precedent. Just enough to explain why little Miss Peyton Harrison needed a bodyguard. Everything about this story was great, and I loved how all the Blackwell brothers have greeted each of the Harrison girls with open arms and welcomed them into the Blackwell fold. Montana Dreams gets five stars and a recommendation from me. I love this Blackwell family (even Big E).
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Montana Dreams by Anna J. Stewart.
Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Montana Dreams by Anna J. Stewart is the third book in The Blackwell Sisters series and definitely worth reading if you love clean romances revolving around family and small towns.
Peyton Harrison isn’t used to giving up control to anyone, but when threats are being made at Peyton’s tech company in the Silicon Valley her bodyguard, Matteo Rossi believes that she will be safer and easier to watch in Montana at her family’s ranch.
Soon she finds her feelings for Matteo and his son Gino are different than anything she has ever felt before, maybe even enough to change her lifelong dreams.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Oh my goodness, y’all – this book hit me in the feels. I chuckled, I swooned, and I teared up a few times too.
Montana Dreams focuses on Harrison/Blackwell sister Peyton – a workaholic and the oldest sister of the group. She’s also the only one who wasn’t totally floored by the revelation that their biological father was Thomas Blackwell, not Rudy Harrison. As such, there are a lot of emotional layers to be worked through with her sisters as well as in her own heart. But that only be done if she learns to look up from her laptop & her phone and engage life again.
Enter Matteo and his adorable little boy Gino (who will melt your heart and break it a little too).
Matteo is Peyton’s hotty-hot bodyguard, and I loved having this dash of suspense in the story. Excuses for love interests to stay up close and personal with each other in potentially tense situations are always a win in my book! But there’s so much more to Matteo than ‘just’ being a swoony bodyguard. He’s also a daddy who loves his little boy fiercely and would do anything to make sure Gino knows he’s loved and wanted. Gino’s big, earnest heart and sensitive spirit make sure he steals the show more than once, and his absolute love for Peyton will warm even the Grinch’s cold heart.
Bottom Line: Watching both Peyton, Matteo and Gino each come alive in Montana was my favorite part of this novel – well, besides the plenty-of-sparks romance of course. Because #priorities haha. The characters were all multi-layered and richly developed, both main and secondary characters, and I continue to enjoy the overarching subplot of trying to find out what happened to Thomas Blackwell. This is my favorite of the series so far (though I’ve enjoyed them all), and I can’t wait to read the last two!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)
Peyton, the eldest of the Harrison-Blackwell sister’s, was the only sister old enough to know that Rudy was not their biological dad. Peyton’s mom felt it best the younger sisters didn’t know and asked Peyton to keep her secret. Peyton and her mom’s relationship suffered as she didn’t feel right keeping something so big from her sisters. When her mom got sick, she decided to leave it buried. Rudy was their dad in every way that mattered. When the secret is revealed before her younger sister’s wedding, walls started to crumble. Peyton’s relationships with her sisters suffered. She’d like to repair her relationship, but doesn’t know how. So she buries herself in her work becoming a powerful, successful VP. While her job is her life, she wonders if she may be missing out on something. When she’s threatened at work and forced to have a bodyguard, she goes into hiding at the famous Blackwell Ranch per Big E’s orders.
Matteo needs this job so that he can file for custody of his son. His ex took him out of the country when she transferred jobs and he misses him greatly. He also notices his son is not happy, so he accepts the job. The next morning, his son (along with an escort) shows up on his doorstep. There’s no way he can do his job and watch after his son. When he goes to inform Peyton that he can’t take the job, Gino and Peyton instantly bond. They load up and head out to Blackwell Ranch.
While this story can be read as a stand-alone, I would recommend reading them in order. There are clues and characters that build onto the underlying story in each novel. I truly LOVED this story for many reasons. I enjoyed seeing the relationship blossom between Peyton and Gino. Peyton was able to “see” why Gino was having such difficulties in school. Peyton was kind, patient, and encouraging. I thought it sad that her sisters blamed her for keeping such a huge secret, when it was her mom’s secret to tell. I loved how Peyton was able to relax a little and not be so uptight. Matteo’s relationship with his son is what ALL dad’s should be! He was willing to do anything to win custody of his son because he thought it was better for Gino—not necessarily better for him. He truly cared for and loved Gino. Although his feelings for Peyton became stronger, he felt he needed to devote his love and attention to Gino. I enjoyed the action at the end and was surprised by the twist. I had the stalker totally WRONG! I read a gifted copy and all opinions stated are my own.
The third book in The Blackwell Sisters series.
Peyton is dedicated to her work. She finds herself with a bodyguard because of things going at work. Mateo I said great but when she’s on some date he sticks out.
Peyton learns she has a grandfather she’s never knew about, and low and no behold he’s at the restaurant she’s at.
Mateo knows Peyton isn’t way out of his league. He’s got a son Gino, but it’s hard time when he’s not in the country.
Peyton I should fond of Gino and may have overstepped where Gino is concerned. But it’s all from her heart.
So good. Must read.
What does a family secret, a promise to a mother from long ago and reconfirmed at mom deathbed, close family becoming estranged, high executive tech ceo have to do with ran other? Add in a “crazy and conniving” grandfather a dad who loves his girls and a missing son and father and you have just the beginning of this book. Peyton is the oldest sister of 5 and the only one old enough to be forced into keeping secrets. She is in danger so in walks Mateo. Her grandfather Big E walks in and the shenanigans start and a trip to Montana ensues. This is a great story with twists and turns and love of family and man and women. Please get a copy and enjoy.
I was given an advanced copy for an honest review.
I floved Payton, she gives of this all in control and doesn’t need anyone vibe, but thanks to Big E and a work threat she is off to the Blackwell Ranch to meet and stay with the relatives she doesn’t want to know. Then there is Matteo (sigh) deliciously good looking, funny and trying to do everything to keep his son Gino safe and with him. Both Payton and Matteo are flawed and I loved seeing them slowly see what happiness and family is all about as well as learning that what they expect and what they get are two different things. There are times I wanted to hug Payton as well as shake her and let her know its ok to feel and open up to other and how she treats Gino is so sweet. But will the threat to Payton be too much and can Matteo get the girl and his son has you turning the page needing to see what will happen to everyone!!!
Peyton and her mother kept a secret from her sisters. They didn’t know that they were Blackwells and their biological father had deserted them. Now her sisters have learned the truth, it has destroyed their closeness. Now Peyton has a stalker. To keep her safe she’s going to the Blackwell Ranch in Montana. Matteo Rossi, her bodyguard, will accompany her along with his six year old son. I admired Peyton for making peace with one of her sisters and meeting her new relations, but what I really made me happy was the growing love she feels for both Gino and his father. Peyton is a strong woman with a warm and loving heart. Her stalker added drama and a n unexpected twist. Anna J Stuart wrote a feel good story that lifted my spirits which is just what I needed.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
4.5 stars – Montana Dreams by Anna J. Stewart is the third installment in the Blackwell Sisters series and it focuses on Peyton Harrison (Blackwell). Peyton is the workaholic sister who prefers her world neat and orderly. But a complication arises when her life is suddenly in jeopardy. And if being assigned a bodyguard, albeit a very attractive one, weren’t enough, Peyton’s life is about to change in an even more substantial way. Her boss insists that she take a short leave from her city job for her own protection, as well as her colleagues’; and she won’t take no for an answer. But how will Peyton do that? Where will she go? Someone knows exactly where Peyton will go, and she’s not happy about it one bit.
I love it when Big E makes an appearance in these books!! He just seems to pop up out of nowhere, and his presence as a character is so believable that it feels as though he’s a true, living person. Anna Stewart’s description of the Montana Ranch caused me to put the book down and ruminate on the beauty I could visualize in my mind’s eye. She brought the characters and landscape to life. Reading about the horses and the details she provided made it seem as though someone with real horse experience wrote those pages, or a good amount of research was involved in writing them. I relished reading about the time that was spent between Matteo the bodyguard and his son, Gino. Gino’s youthful speech was spot-on, and his father’s obvious pride in, and adoration of his son was endearing. Add to that a mystery that kept the pages turning, and of course a happily-ever-after, and you have all the elements that make for a tender, heartwarming read. Loved it.
Montana Dreams is a fun addition to the Blackwell Sisters series. This series definitely makes the most sense when all of the books are read in order, however, Montana Dreams could probably still be enjoyed even if you haven’t read the other books.
I liked these two main characters. Matteo’s love for his son, Gino, was a palpable thing throughout this novel. He and Peyton did a great job of trying to help Gino and show him the right kind of attention and love, as opposed to the way he was treated when he was living with his mother.
It was great to see Peyton really come alive in Montana, away from the pressures of her high-powered job. It was eye opening to see the way she began to live and enjoy life and to recognize that there was a loneliness she had grown accustomed to.
Montana Dreams was very enjoyable to read and I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
I am thoroughly enjoying The Blackwell Sisters Series! Montana Dreams was such an engaging read, and l loved the mystery in this installment! This is a well-written, well-paced story with great character development. I loved Matteo! I loved that we got to know Matteo’s son, and that it touched on his dyslexia. I loved revisiting characters from past books, and that Peyton was able to work out her past with Lily.
I was hooked from page one, and read this in one sitting. I loved Montana Dreams and didn’t want it to come to an end. This is a fantastic series!
I am so in love with this series it’s not even funny.
Each book makes my heart grow bigger and bigger, and I fell HARD for Matteo and Peyton in this novel. I love a good single dad romance, and this one had everything I could ask for, including a touch of suspense to keep me on the edge of my seat while I practically devoured this story.
I empathized with Peyton from the very beginning (totally adored starting her story with the childhood memory, by the way) and felt honored to be able to watch her come to terms with her decisions and her own heartache. I wanted to reach through the pages to give her a hug, especially when she starts really connecting with Gino. And speaking of Gino (and wanting to give hugs), he was absolutely and ridiculously precious.
This is the perfect feel-good novel: family, forgiveness, fresh air and sweetness all rolled up into one amazing love story. Read it today; thank me later.
A heartwarming story with some mystery. It will keep you hooked from the beginning. It has characters you will love and a great storyline. It’s entertaining read. A great addition to the series.
4 1/2 STARS!
A dose of downhome sweetness! With book three in The Blackwell Sisters series Anna J. Stewart returns to delight fans with an opposites attract story with the next Harrison-Blackwell sibling. I loved Matteo and his mini me Gino!
Peyton is a tad disconnected and cold, but loosens up quickly as she begins to relax and enjoy Matteo and Gino as she gets to know this new bundle of family members. I ended up liking them together a lot.
Matteo is hunky! He’s kind, protective and such a sweetheart. Seeing him with Gino is enough to melt your heart.
I recommend this book as well as the entire series to anyone who enjoys a little drama with your sweet romance as a family reconnects with members they didn’t know they had. Looking forward to more in the series!
Montana Dreams is a sweet, heartwarming romance. I am loving these Blackwell Sisters! Peyton is entirely focused on her career until threats are made, a bodyguard is hired and the y are sent to Montana to keep her safe. Will Peyton be able to unplug and learn to enjoy the beautiful country and her extended family? I thoroughly enjoyed Peyton’s journey.
Book 3 in the Blackwell Sister series. I enjoyed reading Peyton and Mateo’s story. Peyton is the oldest sister in the series and has lived with a secret about herself and her sisters since she was little. Secrets that can make or break a person. She is a strong woman and needs a strong person to protect her. When her life is threatened Mateo vows to keep her safe. It’s not exactly what she has in mind…a Ranch. She’s a city girl and loves the hussle and bustle that brings. Can she relax and take advantage of her time on the ranch? Read and find out.
Thanks Anna J Stewart for an awesome read.
I love this series so far and this book did not disappoint either. I love the Blackwell brothers and I love how nothing ever shocks them with their grandfather Big E so when Peyton is forced to go to Montana nothing that happens really shocks them. I think what was different with this story was with Peyton she remembers her biological father where her other sisters do not. I liked Matteo who has a big heart and who’s past was not always that great but he seem to rise above and would do anything for those he loved. He is stubborn as a mule and sometimes you did want to just smack some sense into him but he was not the only hero in this story. The author through a little mystery into this story and if made you kind of keep guessing who was the “one’ I think the really hero in this story was Gino he may be small but he was hard not to love and hard not to really enjoy. Over all this story is a good clean read which is suitable for all readers. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Loving this series. Peyton is getting some threats and so her boss hires Matteo to watch over her. She is a workaholic and really should take some time to relax, but isn’t inclined to do that. Matteo is missing his young son who has been with his mother in Japan for a couple of years. Just as Matteo is ready to whisk Peyton to Montana in order to protect her, his son shows up at his doorstep. Peyton is only too happy to have his son go with them. As Matteo realizes that his ex was not very good for his son, he grows closer to Peyton and so does his son. Peyton wants to mend things with her sisters, meet her new family and get to know Matteo and his son better. Can Matteo keep her safe?
“Montana Dreams” (The Blackwell Sisters Book 3) by Anna J. Stewart is a terrific read. I loved Peyton and Matteo’s story. This is another wonderful addition to this series. This story is full of romance, family, small-town life, entertaining characters, twists, and more. I loved spending more time with the Blackwell family and can’t wait to see what happens next. Highly recommend to all fans of clean romance, family, and series.