I received a complimentary copy of this book from Entangled Publishing via NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was a wonderful read. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this story of Ryder and Peyton. Ryder left home for Alaska at 19 as he and his father had a contentious relationship. Ryder wanted to prove that he was worthy of his father's love and his inheritance of Sky Ranch. He doesn't tell Peyton, his girlfriend, or his mother that he is leaving. Unfortunately several days after he leaves, Peyton discovers that she is pregnant. Ryder makes it impossible to locate him in the intervening years. Coming home after 10 years, Ryder discovers that he is a father. The road to Ryder and Petyon's HEA is full of heart-break, tears and strife.

I adored having a dual POV here. Seeing Ryder's thoughts really helped connect me, the reader, to him. The emotions that he goes through really made the story one that kept me glued to my e-reader. I was on an emotional roller-coaster ride with this one. I truly felt one with the characters.

This is a story that I would highly recommend to anyone. Be prepared for possible tears here.

I enjoyed this romance. The plot is well written with strong characters and just the right amount of tension. This book is a good quick read. Fans of romance novels will love it.

Peyton Brooks is sitting in the local bar with her friends for the first time in years when in walks Ryder Mark’s. He has been gone for ten years leaving after a fight with his father and wait for it not knowing that his girlfriend was pregnant. Living in Alaska all this time all he did was send his mother a letter saying he was good and alive. With no return address or markings they had no idea where he was. Peyton and his mother even hired a private investigator to look for him twice and each time came up with nothing. Now seeing the one man she had thought she would never see again, Ryder cannot figure out why she and others are upset with him. When he finds out that his parents are away for a few days he is upset with that as well. Then comes the clincher he finds out that he is a father of a ten year old and he acts like a jerk and begins to demand things from Peyton, but she holds her ground as the mother and the parent. Ryder has a long way to go and I am reminded that he did not come home because he found out that he was a father. No, he came home for the other part of the story to show his father that he is a success. He and his partner are the ones from the last book who bought the property to help the family. Overall a good story, I liked Mel the daughter and Peyton, and the grandmother, Ryder seemed liked he forgot that he left ten years ago without a good bye to anyone but wanted a parade when he came home and I felt had a poor me attitude. I still liked the book though and very much worth the read.

This book had second chances in more ways then one. It's definitely a book that makes your heart happy sigh when you finish. Ryder has returned after ten years and he is in the surprise of his life to see what he unintentionally left behind. You can tell how much Peyton and Ryder still have feelings for one another, but Ryder has a lot of work in front of him to prove to Peyton and Mel he has staying power. The characters had me flipping the pages because I got sucked right into their story. I wanted them to get their HEA so bad. The epilogue was the cherry on top of a great book.

It's been years since Ryder Marks laid eyes on Peyton Brooks, but she's still as beautiful as he remembers. However, when he learns of the secret she's been keeping for years, will Ryder be able to forgive Peyton or will the pair lose their second chance at happy ever after?

Having absolutely loved the first book of this series, I couldn't wait to read this story and I've got to say that this second book of Ms. Hoopes Fly Creek series was just as captivating as the first. Really, the main characters were fantastic and had me hooked from the very beginning, as Ryder hurt Peyton badly when he left. Will she be able to forgive him? However, it was from the moment the hero and heroine come face-to-face for the first time where things really take off because there's still plenty of chemistry between the pair. Will Ryder be able to make things right between them?

As for the dialogue, it was compelling and I loved every moment these two conversed, as the heroine tries to do her best to keep her secret hidden from the hero until she's ready to reveal it. Will she get her way or will the hero discover the truth? Furthermore, I loved the growing relationship between Ryder and his daughter, as Ryder seems more like a friend than her dad. I also like how hard the hero has worked to get to where he is in his life and that his father's words no longer have the power to hurt him like they once did. Since Ryder is successful and hard-working, which is proven by the business he's built from the ground up with a friend.

While the heroine, she's resilient, courageous and I liked that she was willing to give Ryder a chance to get to know his daughter, even though there are moments when she goes all 'Mama Bear' on him for being a friend to their little girl instead of being responsible when it comes to the little girl's safety. I also liked the tight bond she shared with her daughter and that she would do anything for her. Then again, she's lucky to have always had a great support system in Ryder's parents and her grandmother.

Overall, Ms. Hoopes has delivered another fantastic read for this series in this book where the chemistry between this couple was intense; the romance on the sweet side and had me loving this couple so much as they find their way back to each other; and the ending had me cheering for this couple's happy ever after because family issues are resolved and Ryder wants Peyton in his life and I loved how he went about asking her a very important question. However, it was the epilogue that wrapped this story up brilliantly because of the heroine's surprise. I would recommend The Cowboy's Homecoming Surprise by Jennifer Hoopes, if you enjoy second chance romances, sweet contemporary romances, or books by authors Elsie Davis, LE Rico, Sonya Weiss and JoAnn Sky.

It's Peyton's time to find her happy ending! I have to say that I wasn't completely happy on the romance department. I wanted to see Peyton and Ryder spend some time together and happy. They go back and forth in this book which was something I was expecting from a second chance romance. They let the past get between them and they couldn't move forward. At least Ryder got to spent some time with his daughter even if most of the time it ended in some kind of disaster that led to Peyton screaming at Ryder.

Ryder was a douche for leaving without a word, but he was young and he had his reasons. I spend most of the book feeling sorry for him. I also hated how Ryder was letting his insecurities take over him. Sometimes I felt like he was still the same 19-year-old boy who abruptly left the town. His father was almost abusive and I wanted to see him suffer. At least Ryder had his daughter and his friend Alex. I liked that dude a lot and I hope we will see more of him. Dan was also an interesting character and I hope he will also get a book. And let's not forget about Levi. I basically expecting 3 more books in the series.

The epilogue was a great ending for Peyton and Ryder's story and the best part of the story since all the hatred and bitterness were left in the past.

4.5 Stars

Jennifer Hoopes takes readers back to Fly Creek, Wyoming with The Cowboy’s Homecoming Surprise. While this is the second book in the series, it is a standalone read. The Cowboy’s Homecoming Surprise is a second chance romance ten years in the making. If you read the first book, Her Cowboy’s Promise, then you already know the heroine Peyton Brooks.

Peyton is a force of nature. Her drive and determination has served her well. Those traits helped her tremendously when her boyfriend unexpectedly up and left town and she found herself single and pregnant at nineteen. With the help of her grandmother and her ex’s parents, she worked, went to college, and took care of her daughter. For the first time in ten years she finds herself alone, as her daughter Melanie is spending the week at a stay away camp. With nothing better to do on a Friday night, Peyton and her best friend Emily plan a night out at the Wooden Nickel. The two are actually enjoying themselves until a quiet, seismic ripple descends over the crowd and Peyton’s idea of Lucifer walks in.

It’s been ten years since Ryder Marks has been back home to Fly Creek. A lot of things have remained the same, like his feelings and attraction to Peyton, and the animosity between him and his father. But some things have definitely changed, namely a new addition to the Marks family that he knew nothing about. After having a blow up with his father, nineteen-year-old Ryder left his girlfriend, his parents, and the only home he ever knew. In his mind, he wasn’t good enough. He set off for parts unknown, with the goal of returning only once he had proven himself. While he became a success well before returning, the years simply got away from him. With a new business acquisition, he feels now is the time to return. During his time away, he sent letters letting his mother know that he was okay, but never did he reveal where he was or what he was doing. Ryder is about to find out the homecoming he dreamed of was simply that, just a dream.

Usually, I tend to crush on heroes in books. But Ryder made it very hard to do so at times. My feelings for him ran hot and cold. Ryder is a complicated man with a huge chip on his shoulder. I would have definitely liked to have seen a flashback scene, letting me know what truly drove Ryder to sneak out of town in the middle of the night. I think that would have made me like him without question. But at the same time, I think there is something to be said for the way Jennifer had readers as well as the other characters put the puzzle pieces of Ryder together. While there was times I yelled at Ryder for what I viewed to be his pouty behavior, my heart also broke for him in regards to him finding out about his daughter and trying to navigate a relationship with her.

I loved Peyton in this story. Never once did she stand in the way of Ryder being a father. In fact, she welcomed it. Oh, there were definitely times where her protectiveness kicked in and arguments ensued, but I found that to be only natural. Where she could have came off bitter and bad mouth the man who didn’t stick around, she never did.

Peyton and Ryder are definitely two people deserving of a second chance and Jennifer did a really good job of giving it to them. You immediately see how much these two still care about each other, even though they haven’t seen or had any communication in ten years. You see that they regret the time apart. I loved that Jennifer didn’t make this an easy reunion. At times, things got messy, but that made the story real. I’m a sucker for the grand gesture in romances and this one was really sweet. But the ending of the story was worth all the ups and down my heart had to endure.

Rating: 4.5/5

This is a very different second chance, contemporary romance. Peyton Brooks was left alone and pregnant when Ryder Mark disappeared from her life ten years ago. Now she’s a single Mum with a delightful, stubborn, feisty and bright daughter that Ryder knows nothing about…..so imagine his shock when he returns home and discovers that he’s a father!

This is a very moving story about reconnecting with family and friends, discovering about family secrets, proving your worth to yourself and others and working with others to gain a future to look forward to. Just why he left and what he has been doing for the last ten years Peyton, his family and friends don't know. The story is full of angst, turmoil and love and is an emotive read. Reconnecting, endeavouring to catch up on the missing decade and discovering what went wrong in the past make this a page turner that I thoroughly enjoyed. I’ll certainly be looking out for more by this author in future!

I requested and was lucky enough to be given a copy of this novel, via NetGalley, with no obligation. This is my honest review of the book after choosing to read it.

This is a second chance story... and the reasons for the angst is the woman never told the cowboy she had his child. Now, her reason is due to a brother situation....and so when the cowboy finds out.... he decides the time is now for him to get to know his child. Lots of family drama.

This is an awesome story. Part second chance/part redemption it's a story of characters with real problems getting things worked out. Loved this story.

What I liked:
The writing style
Part of a series: Fly Creek
Standalone
HEA
Epilogue

I look forward to reading the other books in this series.

Awesome read! Great characters and a storyline that will make you cry, laugh, fume, and cheer. One thing for sure though, this book will definitely leave you smiling.

After years of working hard in Alaska, Ryder Marks returns home to prove to everyone, especially his father, that he has what it takes to succeed. Problem is when he left not only did he leave his parents behind but he also left Peyton Brooks and broke her heart in the process. He's also surprised to learn that when he left Peyton was pregnant and he now has a daughter he knew nothing about. Now he has to face the biggest challenge of his life. Win Peyton back and convince her he's home to stay.

I think everyone will enjoy this one as much as I did. I highly recommend it.

The Cowboy’s Homecoming Surprise is my first book by this author. I was first attracted to this book because of the cover (the purple background is great behind the couple) and then I liked the description of the book.
This is the story of Ryder and Peyton…. Ryder left Peyton without a word one day when they were 19. A few days later, Peyton finds out she’s pregnant with no way to reach Ryder.
10 years later, she has finished college and works on his family’s farm. Ryder does not know any of this since he hasn’t been back in all those years and he has only kept in touch with his mother by sending letters occasionally with no return address. Imagine his shock when he finds out he is a father!
This story has wonderful and had everything I look for in a love story. Definitely a second chance romance.

The second book in the Fly Creek series had a lot of potentially, but far too much bitterness, pride and betrayal to allow the primary couple to develop and strengthen their relationship. I suppose this was always going to be an issue when there is no apparent reason for keeping such a life changing secret from someone you supposedly love.

Unfortunately, I found I didn’t have a lot of sympathy for the aggrieved party either, as he brought on many of his problems himself and lacked a certain amount of remorse. A complicated story that left me no really caring if it all worked out or not.

Ryder Mark has returned home to Fly Creek after 10years and is in for a big surprise. He didn’t know he had left his then girlfriend pregnant, and is the father of a 10 year old girl. His reasons for leaving 10 years back are still valid. Will he be able to find middle ground and make the best of the second chance given to him.
The cowboys homecoming surprise is a heartwarming at the same time a heartbreaking read. Ryder and Peyton have a lot of issues to overcome before they find their HEA, and had me rooting for them throughout. This is my first book from the author and I would love to read more.

This is an enjoyable story about a second-chance at love and family bonds. It’s my first book by this author and I really liked it.
Peyton and Ryder are believable, complex characters and I really appreciated the slow pace of their new beginning and the rekindling of their romance.
Nonetheless, what I loved most was the great depiction of Ryder’s feelings and emotions as he takes in he’s a father, the deep sorrow over the missed decade with Melanie and the way he assumes his new role. I think it’s a great take on the secret child trope, a difficult subject that usually is handled quite lightly in romance novels but which Jennifer Hoopes treats with sensitivity and depth.

I guess Emily is new to town.

Yikes, she'd rather have a splinter than deal with him.

At least his mom seems nice.

She's a bad drunk.

Well, at least he is in touch with reality. He didn't exactly leave a forwarding address.

She should have taken a picture of that moment!

Are you crazy, man?

She really needs to stop blaming him for their daughter's ideas.

Has his father always been this paranoid?

I'm glad everything worked out. Dan should find love next.

The problem with the secret-baby plot for romance books is that the author has to come up with a reason why the woman didn’t let the man know that he was going to become a father without making her seem like a vindictive villainess. Usually, the decision is made by the author to concoct some reason why she couldn’t find him - maybe they had an anonymous hook-up somewhere and she didn’t know enough information to find him. But in this book, we have teen sweethearts in a small town. The father, Ryder, left town suddenly without telling anyone, including his girlfriend, Peyton, that he was leaving or why. His reason was that his once-loving father had turned on him and kept deriding him. So he decided to leave without telling anyone and stay away for ten years without letting his mother or former girlfriend what he was doing or where he was.

Now he’s back, a successful business man who had built some sort of lumber business and now is investing in his family’s lake/dude ranch. And he’s amazed to find out that he left behind a pregnant girlfriend who had an adorable little girl. His parents have helped her bring up the daughter he never knew. So now he’s even more insecure and self-hating as he realizes all he missed out on because he was too proud and unsure of himself to tell his girlfriend why he was leaving and where he was going or if he’d be back.

Ryder spends most of the book hating himself and desiring to be back with Peyton. She spends most of the book hating herself for being attracted to him while occasionally breaking down and sleeping with him - but the sexual relationship is treated like sex in a 1950s movie. I might have missed that it had happened because the chapter just ended if we hadn’t seen Peyton feeling remorse about having slept with him when I hadn’t realized that she had until afterwards.

I just couldn’t feel too sorry for Ryder. He brought this pain on himself. Now the only remaining question was whether he could grow past his mistakes and insecurities. Since it’s a romance novel, we know he will, but I didn’t end up caring all that much either way.

I was given a free ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

Jennifer Hoopes definitely has a talent for taking a reader on a roller coaster of emotions. This book was very good. It grabbed my attention. I enjoyed the central plot, but also the sub plots. The characters were well developed. The story kept me enthralled until the very end! I will be reading more books by Jennifer.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I loved this book. I don't know how she does it, but from the very first page Jennifer sucks me right into the story and doesn't let go. I read it in one sitting, I couldn't put it down.
Ryder leaves the ranch 10 years ago, leaving behind his one love Peyton. 19 years old and after that one last row with his father, he can't take anymore so without a word to anyone, not even Peyton he disappears. It's a year before anyone hears from him and he writes his mom a letter letting her know he's alive and living in Alaska. No address, no anything. Just the basics.
What Ryder didn't know was that when he left Peyton, he left her with a part of himself. Those ten years have passed, and Ryder has returned to town. The last thing Peyton expects and a good thing her daughter is off at wilderness camp that week. Peyton has been taken in by Ryders family, she works at the Ranch, they love having Mel her daughter around and it's good for Ryders parents to have them both close by. Despite Ryder. When Ryder finds out he's a father, he's a ball of emotion. He's runs the whole gamut. The anger, the sadness, the bull about no one contacting him (really Ryder??) After his parents hired private investigators to try and find him... wrong. Ryder is a great study in character and Jennifer did a fantastic job with insight, his own self talk and how he dealt with both Peyton, Mel and ultimately his father. Ryder's come home not because he missed anyone, he's come home to show his father he's a success. His company he formed with his best friend has purchased the land around the lake at the ranch to build cabins to attract more visitors and insuring the success of the ranch. Now he's got a real purpose, to secure Mel's future.
Ryder makes mistakes, Peyton makes a few but she's got game that girl. Mel is perfect and I really liked Ryders Mom Shelby. Powerful woman, few words but when she says them she speaks her mind.
This is another fantastic story from Jennifer, I loved the first one and this one even more. This book has the perfect balance of tension between the story and characters. Add it to your list. It's a great read.

**advanced copy from NetGalley and Entangled for an honest review. All thought and opinions are my own.**