Skip to main content

Member Reviews

Sunlight is book two in Devney Perry’s Haven River Ranch series. It is set a few years after West and Indya’s book and is the accidental pregnancy romance between his brother
Jax and the new resort manager, Sasha. It was lovely being back in the small town of Sugar Mountain for this cowboy, work place, forced proximity romance.

Jax Haven is a fun loving a playboy cowboy with a carefree attitude to life. One evening everything changes for him when he helps mediate between the owner of the grocery store and a beautiful woman, over a shopping cart. She’s new to town so he naturally flirts and things go well as they chat but she rejects his offer of dinner the moment he tells her his name and leaves. He is shocked when she is introduced as the new resort manager. She pretends they’d never met before, so he goes along with that for three months.

Sasha Vaughn feels her life is a disaster and messy due to some bad decisions she has made over the last ten years. She has moved from Sacramento to start a new job which seems the only positive thing currently in her life until she meets Jax. She tries to keep it professional but trying to avoid him doesn’t work when a series of events keeps bringing them together.

He falls first and is determined to make her fall in love with him and Montana. He is very protective of her as he realises although she’s an independent and strong woman, underneath she’s broken and struggling. He is patient, kind and caring as he works hard to get her to let him in because she has walls that refuse to crumble. The banter is fun and she’s very snarky at times as she fights the attraction. There is a strong connection and spark between them and she really likes him but he’s her boss, landlord and she’s no plans to stay in Montana.

Incidents at her rental lead her to living next door to Jax and then after the best night of their lives, two lines change everything for them. Could they have a relationship and be parents together. She seems scared of taking the risk with him and keeps shutting him out.
She’s definitely hiding something which gives their romance a bit of mystery.They’ve both had a difficult past and have personal baggage that they are trying to overcome so parts are emotional. I loved how he opened up to Sasha about his childhood but I was sad over her lack of communication. I adored his “Tell me a lie and Tell me a secret” game to get her to tell him more about herself. A sweet heartwarming tale with some spicy scenes but would she ever tell him all her lies, secrets and truths?

Was this review helpful?

I am certain that Devney Perry cannot write a bad book...

I am going to preface this by saying that I am NOT a fan of the accidental pregnancy trope and only a few authors have been able to do it right where I have enjoyed it.

With that being said I really enjoyed this workplace, forced proximity, small-town romance between Jax and Sasha. The characters give off one of my favorite tropes: grumpy/sunshine, but Jax is 100% the Golden Retriever and Sasha is a little bit of a black cat.

Sasha has some big secrets that she's hiding and has a hyper-independence due to past trauma.
Jax, bless his heart, tries his hardest to get past Sasha's icy exterior, but it is a long road for the two of them. Add a pregnancy to the mix and things just got a whole lot more complicated.

This Haven River Ranch series is just so wholesome and I loved seeing characters from Crossroads in here! Speaking of which.. I still think Crossroads is my favorite so far, but I am definitely excited to see what will be coming next!

Thank you to Devney Perry and Netgalley for the eARC and the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Was this review helpful?

I was so excited to get back to Haven River Ranch for Jax & Sasha’s story!

This is an accidental pregnancy, workplace romance, set in small town Montana with the coziest vibes and I loved it! Devney’s writing is addictive, the way she sets up series and her characters, are easily some of my favorites. I picked this one up and couldn't put it back down until finishing, I loved everything about it!

Was this review helpful?

I loved this book even more than I loved the first one. Devney is such a good writer and I’m so grateful I got a chance to read the ARC for this book.

Was this review helpful?

Reviewed for A Wanton Book Lover Blog

Never had Devney written a book at didn't like, let alone love. When I didn't think anything could top book one in the Haven River Ranch series, Crossroads, Devney outdoes herself once again. If you have read Crossroads, you have briefly been introduced to younger brother Jax Haven. Jax has both "Mommy and Daddy" issues, he doesn't know where he fits in exactly at the family ranch, and he is a notorious love em and leave them type of guy. When he meets the most beautiful woman he has ever seen, she discovers he is "kind-of" her boss, she shuts him right down. Sasha is at the Haven Ranch to be the best manager she can be (for a year) and help out someone she cares about. She doesn't have time to get sucked into Jax's charm or good looks. In-fact, she does everything in her power to avoid him. But the one night she gives into her resolve, she falls into bed with Jax, has the best night of her life, and ends-up pregnant a little over a month later. Jax and Sasha must begin to navigate their relationship as soon-to-be parents all the while fighting their attraction to each other.
This story is based at first on mutual attraction which turns into a "forced" friendship, then a real friendship, and eventually love. Jax and Sasha both had to do some maturing to do with their situation but eventually ended up falling in love with each other. There was mutual appreciation for what each was dealing with in their lives, both the past and present. Sunlight was charming, swoony, and an overall fantastic romance story.

Was this review helpful?

I absolutely loved this story! The scene where Jax and Sasha meet for the first time was so fun, I was kicking my feet. Unfortunately, Sasha didn’t realize who Jax was at the time and once she does, she decides to stay away from him…for a while at least 😉

My heart broke for Sasha over and over again in this book, which made the ending that much sweeter. Listen, a reformed playboy is a top tier trope - we all love when the man who says he will never settle down falls hard for the girl. And this had a side of accidental pregnancy and a dash of a very reluctant FMC. The way that Jax treats Sasha (and his little Josephine 🥹) throughout the book makes me want to wrap him in a warm hug and I’m so glad that hard working, ever sacrificing Sasha found someone who will take care of her, since she’s always busy taking care of everyone else.

A man who shows his woman how valued and loved she is when she has a hard time believing she deserves it…that’s a book boyfriend for life.

This story will make you swoon, sweat and probably tear up a little. The end is SO so good and I can’t wait to be back at Haven River Ranch again soon!

Was this review helpful?

The two series Devney Perry has open right now are one-click reads for me, and I'm loving both of them. Sunlight was another great addition to the Haven River Ranch series.

📕 𝗕𝗼𝗼𝗸 𝗜𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻: Sunlight by Devney Perry

📙 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Haven River Ranch character series. Book 2.

📗 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗲𝘁𝗮𝗶𝗹𝘀: E-book ARC on Kindle. 🆓️ on KU to read & listen.

📘 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗿𝗲: Small town romance

📔 𝗧𝗿𝗼𝗽𝗲𝘀: Cowboy, black cat FMC, forced proximity, accidental pregnancy.

📖 𝗦𝘆𝗻𝗼𝗽𝘀𝗶𝘀: Sasha needs a steady income, so even though she's not Montana's biggest fan, she moves to Haven River Ranch to take over running its hotel business. Jax is the fun loving co-owner who is attracted to her from the start, but the stakes are too high for her to succumb to his flirting. Except one night, when she finally lets go and it changes both of their lives.

🌟 𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄: Sometimes, I am almost a little upset that I have gotten ARCs of this series, because the free KU read & listen function is one of my absolute favorites. But alas, *sigh* I still read this and loved the ride.

If you like (mostly) opposites attract, when that soft guy tears down the walls of that hard woman, this is a great one. Jax and Sasha were like oil and water, and sometimes I need that little smile in my heart that I feel when I read a man who simply won't give up on what he wants. Sasha was a relatable read, if I am being honest.

Crossroads, the first book in this series, was a complete angst fest. This one was a bit more toned down, but had its emotional moments as well. I teared up a couple times, just at how sweet and understanding Jax was, and his patience. I've been a hit or miss with some of Devney Perry's past books, but lately it's all been hits.

𝗥𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴: 4/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐

𝗦𝗽𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗟𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹: 3/5 🌶🌶🌶

𝑰 𝒓𝒆𝒄𝒆𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒅 𝒂𝒏 𝑨𝑹𝑪 𝒐𝒇 𝒕𝒉𝒊𝒔 𝒃𝒐𝒐𝒌 𝒊𝒏 𝒆𝒙𝒄𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒈𝒆 𝒇𝒐𝒓 𝒂𝒏 𝒉𝒐𝒏𝒆𝒔𝒕 𝒓𝒆𝒗𝒊𝒆𝒘.

Was this review helpful?

Sunlight by Devney Perry
Rating: 4 stars
Steam: 2 chilis
Pub date: 10/15

Thank you so much to Devney Perry and Valentine PR for my advanced copy! I absolutely love anything that Perry writes, and this new series is no different! Sunlight is book two in the Haven River Ranch series.

The story starts off with Sasha getting into a funny tug-of-war over a grocery cart, only to have Jax Haven, a handsome ranch owner, step in. Sparks fly instantly, but things get complicated when she realizes he’s technically her boss.

I loved being back at Haven River Ranch, and it was a delight to see what everyone had been doing over the last few years.

I loved Sasha and Jax right away. Sasha is down-to-earth, funny, and relatable, and her inner dialogue had me smiling throughout the book. Jax is the perfect love interest—he’s caring, a bit of a worrier, and totally swoon-worthy in his cowboy hat. Their chemistry is undeniable, and watching them try (and fail) to keep things professional makes for a fun, slow-burn romance.

When Sasha finds out she’s pregnant, Perry does a great job showing the emotional ups and downs of the situation, making it feel real and heartfelt. The “tell me a lie/tell me a secret” moments throughout the book are especially touching and tugged at my heartstrings. The mystery of Sasha’s past was intriguing and kept my interest throughout the story, and Perry handled that complicated family situation perfectly.

Even if the accidental pregnancy trope isn’t usually your thing, Sunlight is worth the read. It’s a feel-good, emotional romance with great characters and plenty of heart. Perfect for fans of sweet love stories with a bit of drama!

Read if you like:
*accidental pregnancy
*cowboy romance
*forced proximity
*small town
*complicated family dynamics
*dual POV
*open door spice

Was this review helpful?

4.5/5 ⭐️

After reading Crossroads I was so excited to see Jax’s story! The little glimpses were not enough for me.

Overall I loved this storyline! Jax is a lover at heart and total golden retriever. I’m so happy that he weaseled his way into Sasha’s heart. Both of their back stories were heartbreaking to hear especially with losing parents and then a step parent not loving you. I was hesitant by the accidental pregnancy in this book but I think it was necessary. They were both struggling internally with different things and having this baby healed that in some ways. I’m always amazed with how Devney writes such captivating characters. Perfect mini series!

Was this review helpful?

Sunlight by Devney Perry takes readers back to Montana's Haven River Ranch, where Indya Keller, who had vacationed at the ranch throughout her life, then purchased the rundown ranch from Curtis Haven without West or Jax's knowledge in her first book, Crossroads. Indya is now a mother of twins, Kade and Kohen, about five years old, and she is expecting again. This time, Indya is looking for a manager to run the lodge during her maternity leave. Sasha Vaughn comes from California and is the new manager at the lodge; she lives in a shabby apartment with neighbors who party, fight, and make up very loudly. Sasha's first introduction to Jax Haven is at the local supermarket, where she is trying to leave the premises with the cart, but the owner stops her. The chemistry is off the charts as Jax walks her home with the cart and returns it to the store. Jax thought it was going well until she turned him down for dinner.

The Haven family expands and accepts others into the folds, and secrets finally reveal themselves. I adore the small-town romance that Devney Perry writes.

Was this review helpful?

Such a great read. I loved seeing Jax’s story and learning all about Sasha. I love a Devney book and this one did not disappoint.

If you love a good cowboy romance with workplace romance vibes, this one’s it!!

Was this review helpful?

One of my favorite parts of being introduced to prospective love interests is their first meeting, and Sasha and Jax have a meet cure that leaves an undeniable impression. New to town and without transportation, Sasha is accused of attempting to steal a grocery cart from the local market (she was just borrowing it!), and in swoops Jax Haven to save the day with his good looks and effortless charm. *cue major swooning* The two strangers have an easy rapport along with an instant chemistry, but an unexpected connection between them puts a quick end to their would-be romance. But little does Jax know that the woman who piqued his interest is the new manager at Haven River Ranch, bringing them together in close quarters, thus putting Sasha on guard, and wary of potential scandal with her new employer…   
  
Months of growing tension working alongside each other has created a dynamic between Jax and Sasha that’s equal parts attraction and antagonism, and it all comes to a head when one night of unparalleled passion results in unexpected consequences. With a baby on the way, the two have to put aside their differences to figure out their future, and whether or not that includes a potential romance between them.   
  
Primarily a character-driven narrative, what makes Sunlight such a captivating, swoon-worthy read is the slow-building relationship between two such contrasting personalities. Jax is upfront, wearing his emotions on his sleeves, while Sasha is locked up tight, mysterious and guarded (even from readers), and reluctant to lower her defenses. The process of them opening up to each other, and chipping away at their emotional barriers is long and painstaking, and filled with obstacles, but their romance is so sweet and heartfelt (and steamy, let’s be honest) that you can’t help but root for them as a couple.   

At its heart, Sunlight is a story about love and connection, whether romantic or familial. It’s about two individuals going through life, knowing there’s something essential that’s missing, and recognizing in each other the potential to fill in that missing puzzle piece, even if it means embarking on a new and unexpected journey. Sunlight is another must-read romance from Devney Perry, that’s impossible to put down once you get started, and I can’t recommend it enough!

Was this review helpful?

Such a wonderful book in the series! I love Devney’s writing, always has a great pace, plot lines to that capture your heart and characters we can all relate to. I will keep recommending this series to everyone who will listen!

Was this review helpful?

Sunlight is focused on Jax Haven and Sasha Vaughn. After a meet-cute when Jax helps Sasha with her groceries, she blows him off when he offers to take her to dinner, leaving him confused. The next morning he learns that she is the new manager of the resort.

I am such a fan of Sasha and Jax's romance! Sasha initially hates the extreme weather in Montana until Jax starts to show her beautiful places and how to survive a Montana winter and summer. She moves into a small house Jax renovated after her crappy apartment in town had a lot of maintenance problems, including obnoxious neighbors.

Jax and Sasha are strongly attracted to each other and over time Sasha gives into her feelings for Jax the more time she spends with him.

Was this review helpful?

I just want to start this by saying Devney Perry knows how to write a fantastic cowboy romance.

I was so elated to return back to Haven River Ranch, I wish I could join their little slice of heaven. I was even more excited to read Jax’s story, the little snippets that were taken from Crossroads had me super intrigued to know more about the swoon worthy cowboy. Sasha, the FMC, was such a convoluted character, Perry touched upon some tricky subject but handled them with so much grace. Sasha’s character development is something other authors should aspire to achieve - it was perfectly executed.

The pregnancy trope, mm, not my favourite but I will give Perry this, she wrote it well, handled the unexpected situation delicately and in a realistic manner.

If you’re after a cowboy to swoon over, a woman to relate too & a book that will be unable to put down. This is your book!

Sunlight will be released October 15 & available on Kindle Unlimited ! Lastly, thank you to Valentine PR and of course Devney Perry for the ARC!

Was this review helpful?

⭐⭐⭐.5/5

What to expect:
🐎 Cowboy/ranch romance
🤫 Secrets
🐣 Accidental pregnancy
🏘️ Forced proximity

Sacha and Jax's meet cute may have ended up as more if it wasn't for Sacha coming to town to help Haven River Ranch as manager and sort of becoming Jax's employee.

After months of not talking to each other, one drunken night ends up in an unexpected pregnancy and they are forced to cohabit.

But the two of them hold on to many secrets they could ruin them before they have even started...

__________

I loved Jax and Sacha's relationship once they started to agree on letting the other in. It was definitely a slow burn because they are strong headed and because of their lack of communication.

Though they do manage to communicate through the secrets and lies game and it is the cutest thing 💕

They both have fears and secrets that don't help them open up and I wanted to shout at them a lot in the first half of the story but I loved the way things ended and am now very excited for two other characters to hopefully get their own story 🤞🏻

Was this review helpful?

“𝘩𝘦 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴𝘦𝘥 𝘮𝘦 𝘭𝘪𝘬𝘦 𝘩𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘴𝘦𝘵𝘵𝘭𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘪𝘯 𝘵𝘰 𝘬𝘪𝘴𝘴 𝘮𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘰𝘧 𝘮𝘺 𝘭𝘪𝘧𝘦”

i was so excited to be back at haven river ranch with these characters because I absolutely LOVED crossroads and this one has definitely become a favourite too but I’m not surprised since I always devour anything Devney writes.

I just adored Jax and Sasha, I loved how they met and all the tension and their banter. Being back in this world was everything.

“𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘭𝘪𝘦”
“𝗶 𝗵𝗮𝘁𝗲 𝗺𝗼𝗻𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗮”
“𝘯𝘰𝘸 𝘵𝘦𝘭𝘭 𝘮𝘦 𝘢 𝘴𝘦𝘤𝘳𝘦𝘵”
“𝗶 𝗹𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂”

thank you to @valentine_pr_ for the e-arc copy of this book!

✨small town
✨cowboy
✨workplace
✨accidental pregnancy
✨forced proximity

Was this review helpful?

Devney Perry is the queen of small town. This is the second book in a series and I’d recommend reading them in order to fully enjoy the book.

Was this review helpful?

another amazing read from devney!! i adored crossroads and was so excited for sunlight especially when i found out it was an accidental pregnancy romance. seeing a fierce and independent sasha open up and trust jax was so beautifully written. i loved everything about this book!!

here are a few of my favorite things:
🐎 breakfast for dinner
🌞 one of my new favorite meetcutes
🐎 tell me a lie; tell me a secret
🌞 i love jax’s friendship with emery
🐎 loved learning more about jax and his relationship with his dad & lily
🌞 jax & west being the best brother duo
🐎 “my josephine” goodbye i melted away — jax’s whole reaction to the pregnancy couldn’t have been better
🌞 when sasha moves into jax’s cabin
🐎 i love how independent and self sufficient sasha is but also loved seeing her open up and start to trust jax
🌞 jax & his dads horse ride together was so special
sasha & jax fit so perfectly together
🐎 i loved all the open & honest conversation even when things got scary
🌞 the nursery scene🥹
🐎 their perfect little family! it was giving all the found family vibes
🌞 learning about sasha’s past and the meaning behind all the letters
🐎 the epilogue made me weepy i just love them

this is one of my fave devney series & i wish we were getting more books from haven river ranch because i just adored both jax & sasha and west & indya so much🫶🏼

Was this review helpful?

honestly, devney can do no wrong.

jax haven is a new favorite. the way he is so patient and loving and understanding with sasha. the way he is such a loyal friend to those around him. the way this man just cares.

i love this book so much. it was exactly what i needed. a heroine with a mysterious past. a cowboy that can rock a baseball hat or a cowboy hat and is so down bad for the fmc.

is it too soon for a reread?

Was this review helpful?