Series:
Twilight Texas (Book 14)
He's sexy, single, and he can bake!
Roan Sullivan is the answer to Jazzy Walker's prayers.
The doting single dad is also fresh off his win on a popular cooking show and a
whiz at campfire cooking, so who better to help her win this year's annual
cookie bake-off? With his help, Jazzy is sure she can finally take first prize
right out the grasping hands of Andi Browning, the gal who stole her fiancé
right from under her nose.
A widower with a four-year-old daughter, Roan tells
himself there's a million reasons not to help Jazzy. She's too kind, too
optimistic, and could do so much better than hitching up with a curmudgeon like
him. But every time she draws near, he can't help but wonder if he could open
his heart and love again.
As the holidays come closer, the magic of Twilight starts
to weave its spell…and soon it's not just the competition that's heating up,
it's the hot sizzle between Roan and Jazzy.
Fun return to Twilight, Texas. Here we have pediatric
nurse extraordinaire Jazzy Walker. The twenty-three-year-old nurse is well
known for her cheery personality and positive attitude. The cheeriness has
taken a little bit of a hit lately, as her boyfriend was stolen by her nemesis,
Andi Browning. Jazzy would like nothing more than to finally beat Andi at
something, so she enters this year's cookie bake-off. The problem? Jazzy can't
bake to save her life, and this year's competition also involves baking over a
campfire. Her only hope is talking the father of one of her patients into
helping her.
Roan is the single father of a four-year-old little girl.
He lost his wife two years earlier and gave up the competitive cooking that they
did together. Instead, he devotes himself to his daughter, Trinity, and his
ranch. His first reaction to Jazzy's request is a resounding "NO!"
but it isn't long before he gives in to her pleas. Roan doesn't understand why
he is so drawn to Jazzy. She's too young, nice, and optimistic for a grouchy
old guy like him (he's thirty-three). But there is something about her that
makes him wonder about the possibilities.
I liked watching the relationship develop between Roan
and Jazzy. Roan is hesitant because of the age difference and his reluctance to
risk his heart again. Jazzy makes no secret of her attraction to Roan and
willingness for a rebound relationship. Jazzy is on a three-week vacation from
work, so she has plenty of time for campfire cooking lessons from Roan. I loved
Roan's patience as he helped Jazzy overcome her confidence issues when competing
with Andi. The more time they spend together, the harder it is for Roan to
resist Jazzy. However, his fears have him waffling about how he treats her -
first kissing her silly, then pulling away.
Though Jazzy initially proposes the rebound relationship,
it isn't long before she realizes she wants more. She tries to bury her
feelings, believing Roan is still in love with his late wife. This is harder to
do as she and Roan give in to their attraction, and she starts dreaming of a
future together. One of the things I liked about seeing Jazzy and Roan together
was how she brought some light back into his life. But when the competition is
over, Roan lets his fears come between them. I ached for Jazzy and wanted to
shake some sense into Roan. I was happy when he saw the light, but Jazzy should
have made him work harder to get back into her life.
The cookie competition and rivalry between Jazzy and Andi
were critical to the story. Andi was very unlikeable, and the more I learned about
their history, the less I liked her. Andi's constant bullying of Jazzy was one
of the motivations for Roan's decision to help Jazzy. I liked Jazzy's growing
confidence and how Roan's support helped Jazzy let go of her hard feelings. I
had fun watching Jazzy improve her skills while still being her somewhat klutzy
self. I laughed at the happy accident that gave her the recipe she needed for
the contest. The contest itself was a nail-biter. Several twists affected the
outcome. Andi's actions didn't surprise me at all.
I enjoyed the secondary characters of Trinity and
Charlie. Roan's daughter was adorable, and I understood his protectiveness
after what he'd been through. Her love for her daddy was evident, and I liked
how she made Jazzy part of their circle. Jazzy's best friend, Charlie, was
great. He knows Jazzy very well and does his best to rein her in when she needs
it. He is there when Jazzy needs him, whether it's dealing with Andi or
heart-related issues. I also liked seeing characters from earlier books,
including Jazzy's dad and stepmom.
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