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The Maverick: A Single-dad, Celebrity romance (Hayden Family Book 2) Kindle Edition

4.5 out of 5 stars 2,197 ratings

From Amazon Charts bestselling author Jennifer Millikin comes the second book in a contemporary Western romance series following four siblings juggling the weight of their infamous last name with the desires of their hearts.

I know you’ve heard about me.

The middle Hayden brother, the one whose wife ran off.

I’m not the short-tempered new owner of the Hayden Cattle Company, like my big brother. I’m not the wild stallion with a mystery ax to grind, like my little brother.

I’m Warner Hayden. Single-father, second-in-command of my family’s ranching dynasty, and my steady, secure world is about to get rocked by America’s sweetheart.

I’d heard Tenley Roberts was coming to our small town to film her latest movie, I just didn't think she’d be driving a 1976 Bronco. So, no, I didn't know the identity of the beautiful stranger I helped on the side of the road, but I figured it out a few days later. And I haven't been the same since.

Tenley is unexpectedly funny, and complicated. I’m recently divorced, fearful of the way she makes my heart beat double-time, and gun-shy.

Despite all this, we’re too wrapped up in each other to care.

But then things with Tenley take an unforeseen turn, and everyone assumes I’ll take my licks the way I always have.

Not this time.

Maybe I am the nice, dependable brother.

But I’m also a Hayden, born and bred.

And this bull has horns.


*Author's Note: The Hayden Family series is standalone, but for maximum enjoyment it is recommended to be read from book one.

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Sarah Elizabeth Wallis and Brenden Davis bring Tenley and Warner to life!

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A stunning landscape cover.

3d books

Next in the Series!

Read about the mysterious and sometimes bad brother and the woman who manages to wrangle his heart.

What We Keep
Here For The Cake
The Day He Went Away
The Least Amount Of Awful (Green Haven Book One)
Our Finest Hour (Time Series Book One)
Beyond The Pale
Customer Reviews
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,150
4.4 out of 5 stars 8,443
4.5 out of 5 stars 1,032
4.4 out of 5 stars 1,073
4.4 out of 5 stars 8,303
4.4 out of 5 stars 475
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Tropes Firefighter, second chance, marriage in crisis, soul mates, broken hero. No cheating, no ow/om drama, HEA. Fake dating, one bed, no third act break-up, romantic comedy with tension and laugh out loud banter. Military, friends to lovers, grief and healing, with a dash of forbidden. Based on a true story. Boss/employee, neighbors, antagonists to lovers, single dad. Accidental/surprise pregnancy, second chance, found family, doctor, he helps her heal. Love triangle, friends to lovers, childhood friends, pact, jaw-dropping ending.

Editorial Reviews

Review

  • "I was blown away by this read. I was completely invested in the Hayden Family. I devoured page after page." - Wicked Reads
  • "This story is a sweet and sexy romance full of wonderful characters! You will fall in love with Warner and Tenley from the first moment!" - Alphas Do It Better
  • "Jennifer had me hooked right from the beginning, but who wouldn't with a hot cowboy and a film star." - Goodreads Reviewer

About the Author

Jennifer Millikin is a bestselling contemporary romance and women's fiction author. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, two children, and Liberty, her Lab who thinks she's human. Jennifer loves to cook, practice yoga, and believes chips and salsa should be a food group.

Join Jen's mailing list for exclusive chapters of her current work-in-progress and a free novella: -> jennifermillikinwrites.com TikTok -> @authorjenmillFacebook Reader Group -> facebook.com/groups/JenniferMillikinReviewTeam
Instagram -> instagram.com/jenmillwrites/
facebook.com/jennifermillikinwrites
pinterest.com/jenmillwrites
twitter: @jenmillwrites

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B091SWF23X
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ JNM LLC
  • Accessibility ‏ : ‎ Learn more
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ May 10, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.6 MB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 306 pages
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1732658790
  • Page Flip ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Book 2 of 4 ‏ : ‎ Hayden Family
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.5 out of 5 stars 2,197 ratings

About the author

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Jennifer Millikin
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Jennifer Millikin is a bestselling author of contemporary romance and women's fiction. She is the two-time recipient of the Readers Favorite Gold Star Award, and readers have called her work “emotionally riveting” and “unputdownable”. Following a viral TikTok video with over fourteen million views, Jennifer’s third novel, Our Finest Hour, has been optioned for TV/Film. She lives in the Arizona desert with her husband, children, and Liberty, her Labrador retriever. With fourteen novels published so far, she plans to continue her passion for storytelling.

Join Jen's mailing list for exclusive chapters of her current work-in-progress and a free novella: -> https://www.jennifermillikinwrites.com

Facebook Reader Group -> https://www.facebook.com/groups/jennifermillikinreadergroup

Instagram -> https://www.instagram.com/jenmillwrites/

facebook.com/jennifermillikinwrites

pinterest.com/jenmillwrites

Customer reviews

4.5 out of 5 stars
2,197 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoy this romance novel's well-paced story and strong banter between characters. They appreciate the character development and find it to be a great installment in the series.

20 customers mention "Story length"20 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the story length of the book, with one customer describing it as a well-written, perfectly paced narrative that is heartwarming and relatable.

"...Love their story." Read more

"...It was so funny. The story was very heartwarming and I loved the way that he realized it was time to move on after signing the divorce papers...." Read more

"...Romantic. Character growth. Look forward to book 3!" Read more

"...It was so well written and the thing I loved the most? When our main characters are worried about what each other was thinking, they just asked...." Read more

8 customers mention "Character development"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book.

"...was such an enjoyable book, not a lot of tension or angst, really likable characters and a great setting…" Read more

"...The characters are likable, the pacing moves along nicely, and the story is devoid of stupid misunderstandings between the H/h that characterize so..." Read more

"...Romantic. Character growth. Look forward to book 3!" Read more

"...Good story. Loved every character in the books. There’s humor too! Not too much spice which I’m glad about." Read more

5 customers mention "Humor"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the humor in the book, with one mentioning the strong banter between characters and another appreciating the side conversations between female characters gossiping.

"I loved the side conversations between the two ladies gossiping. It was so funny...." Read more

"...Good story. Loved every character in the books. There’s humor too! Not too much spice which I’m glad about." Read more

"...From the moment they meet, they have a strong banter going on, and when they meet again it continues even tho Warner is just a bit ......" Read more

"...The Hayden family rallies around them with love, sage advice and humor. I am enjoying the Hayden family series." Read more

3 customers mention "Series"3 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this installment in the series, with one mentioning it's the second book in the series.

"Wow wow wow!! This book was everything! This was an amazing addition to the series, can’t wait to read the next one!!" Read more

"...A standalone read and second book in the series. This one about Warner and his struggles raising his two children and a secret he tries to protect...." Read more

"Another great installment in this series...." Read more

The Maverick Review
5 out of 5 stars
The Maverick Review
From Lala’s Book Reviews This is the second book in the Hayden Family Series following the middle brother Warner as his divorce with his wife and the mother of his children are finalized. Tenley is heading out to Sierra Grande where she’s going to be the lead in a small town cowboy romance love story, and on the drive to the town, her car breaks down leaving her in the blaring sun that Arizona has to offer. As Tenley is calculating how in the world she’s going to get help in the middle of nowhere, Warner comes driving through takes a look at her car and drives her into town. Warner doesn’t know that the woman that he helped is a famous actress and doesn’t expect to see her in the following days sitting in his parents living room looking for someone to teach her how to ride a horse for the movie. He’s reluctant to take on the task because not only did Tenley not tell him her real name but if we’re being honest, he’s scared to admit that he’s attracted to her especially when there’s so much going on in his life with his now ex-wife and balancing the role as a father. The last thing that Tenley wants right now is a relationship of any kind especially when her boyfriend was caught cheating on her right before she left to film the movie. Plus she doesn’t particularly want to start something only to leave when the film wraps up. When people find out where Tenley is staying in town and breaks into her room while she’s gone, she ends up staying on the ranch in Wyatt’s little house, so she’s off the grid so to speak and is safe. As Tenley and Warner spend more time together not only as next door neighbors but as a coach and student, Warner realizes that he may have judged Tenley to soon and finds himself falling fast, but he also has to think about his kids with any future relationship he wants to pursue. Things go from casual to dating, and the paparazzi picks up on this story in no time. As their time comes to an end, Tenley has to decide if her heart is able to take whatever Warner is willing to give whether that’s a long distance relationship or a short chapter in her life story, and Warner has to decide is this woman who has started to earn the trust of his family and children is the thing that his life has been missing! I love this story not only because we’re back on the Hayden ranch, but because both Warner and Tenley have such a deep and emotional past that plays a huge part in how they treat everyday life and the blooming relationship! I highly suggest that you pick up this fast paced cowboy romance book!
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on April 12, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    This was such an enjoyable book, not a lot of tension or angst, really likable characters and a great setting…
  • Reviewed in the United States on November 18, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    4⭐️ Warner is a newly single (officially) dad who is tasked with helping Tenley, the famous actress, learn about cowboy life for her upcoming movie. They grow close as they both navigate past relationships that do not turn out so well and where they go from here, if anywhere.
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 1, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Enjoyed the story of the down to earth very successful female actor who is working on a modern western to help her parents who are bankrolling it with every dime of their money. This is because retired successful long term soap opera couple have run into a big debt due to the father's secret gambling addiction. The actress wants real ranch experience and due to the Local Mayor one of the sons of the largest working ranch in the state; is going to train her. They end up! falling in love but he is recently divorced father who is raising two kids but was separated for two yrs from his ex.
    You will have to read it to find out more and what happens.
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Who doesn't desire a strong, smart man who is in love with you. She is just what he needed and he was just what she has been waiting for. Love their story.
    One person found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 29, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Although thoroughly predictable, The Maverick is a pleasant afternoon read. The characters are likable, the pacing moves along nicely, and the story is devoid of stupid misunderstandings between the H/h that characterize so many contemporary romances.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on March 19, 2024
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    I loved the side conversations between the two ladies gossiping. It was so funny. The story was very heartwarming and I loved the way that he realized it was time to move on after signing the divorce papers. He was honest in that he felt very devoted to his ex-wife and the thought of moving on was difficult. I liked that he spoke to his ex-wife about their marriage and when it was actually over. Tenley’s patience with him was very nice and giving him time to figure it out. She knew what she wanted and didn’t want to be in a relationship that didn’t give her the same. I was kind of disappointed that it took him to think she was pregnant to know he wanted something more serious with her. I wish he would have figured it out on his own, but it was a great ending nonetheless. Thank you for such an emotionally packed story.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 13, 2021
    Format: Kindle
    I really don’t know how to feel about “ The Maverick: The Haden Family Series” by Jennifer Millikan. I liked the social and the women’s issues that the story presented. The author did a fine job with dealing with the stigmas people wrestle with when it comes to women’s social issues. I also liked the celebrity angle that the author grapples with and the exhilaration of ranch life. I also was fond of the Hayden family. The characters were melted into traditional solid beliefs that were actually practiced without the preaching.
    The protagonist is Warner Hayden, the next oldest and dependable Hayden brother and a single dad who is struggling with his estranged wife. Out of the blue, enters Tenley Roberts; a well known actress in Grand Sierra to film a movie. Tenley has problems too—- a cheating heart throb ex-boyfriend and parents on the verge of financial ruin if this movie that Tenley is filming isn’t an instant hot.

    What I didn’t like? The commentary by the town’s old lady gossips. In my opinion, this was supposed to be comic relief that wasn’t really funny. I also didn’t like the author’s indecisiveness on rather Tenley was being harassed or threatened by fans. The author should have revealed who the thief was and how Wyatt Hayden resolved the issue. Finally, I thought the story was missing something. Oh, I know what—— no steam or sizzle. The author should hone her romance scenes. It was told to the reader instead of showed. I was not feeling the intimacy.
    However, I would read another book from this author to see if it was just this book or is this the author’s true writing style. I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily reviewed it.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on February 3, 2025
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Warner has been living a quiet life as a single dad until the lovely actress Tenley comes to town. Romantic. Character growth. Look forward to book 3!

Top reviews from other countries

  • Amanda Harasiuk
    5.0 out of 5 stars OH YES!!
    Reviewed in Canada on March 4, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book gives you a nice little romance with a little spice. Keeps you wanting a little more. Can not wait to read the rest of the series!
  • Anna P.
    4.0 out of 5 stars Yeehaw!
    Reviewed in India on April 22, 2023
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    It’s only the second book in the series, but I love the Hayden family. They’re all so messy and complicated and yet, when it comes to the people they care about the most, nothing is going to stop them from be there for them. That makes them fantastic in all the best ways. Warner and Tenley have a sizzling meet-cute and then a rough start to their working relationship, but all of that just amps up and builds into something so fun and stressful all at the same time. I love small towns with cowboys, especially when one of them falls in love with an actress. There’s some tension and a little bit of suspense, lots of family chaos and banter and most of all, a single dad who just wants to love his leading lady.
  • Hayley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 3, 2021
    Format: KindleVerified Purchase
    Love this series! Can’t wait to find out about Wyatt, my favourite was Wes and dakotas story but this is also good.

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