Series:
Devil's Bluffs (Book 1)
“Yeah, cowboy, we've got a deal.”
And a very real fake engagement!
Being named Texas's Sexiest Bachelor is the opposite of
fun for divorced rancher Colter Ward. So when old friend Adeline Harlow shows
up determined to land an exclusive interview, they strike a deal to form a fake
relationship. The one flaw? Everyone believes they're headed for
happily-ever-after! But with Adeline returning to New York and Colter's family
needing him in Devil's Bluffs, where will they end up?
Terrific book. Colter has been having a tough year. He's
still reeling from his divorce, his father's health is rapidly declining, and since
he was named Texas's Sexiest Bachelor, the women won't leave him alone. He
can't even drink a beer at his friend's bar without constantly being propositioned.
As the book opens, he's unsuccessfully trying to drink in peace. Just as he's
chased one woman away, another appears at his elbow.
Adeline has returned to her hometown to write a follow-up
story on Colter. Years ago, she was his little brother's babysitter and had a massive
crush on Colter. She hopes to use that connection to get the story that will
guarantee the promotion she wants at work. She's also happy to get out of New
York for a while, away from the memories of her broken engagement.
The first meeting between Colter and Adeline had me
laughing out loud. Colter's frustration is evident as he deals with the woman
coming on to him, only to be accosted by yet another woman. But this one is different. Her reaction to
Colter's nonavailability statement was hilarious, and his response to who she
was set the tone for their relationship. I loved their conversation about her determination
to get the interview with him and Colter's flash of inspiration on how to help
them both. It didn't take much to convince Adeline to pose as his fake
girlfriend in exchange for the interview, but neither expected the surge of
attraction as they sealed the deal with a kiss.
I loved watching their relationship develop. Thanks to
the Olympic-level gossip chain in the small town, Colter and Adeline find
themselves spending more time together than expected. Their friendship grows as
they find they have a lot in common, and their attraction grows along with it. I
liked the scenes where they opened up about their pasts, fears, and plans for
the future. But the more time they spend together, the harder it is to remember
that the relationship isn't real and that Adeline will be headed back to New
York.
Just as Colter and Adeline begin to realize the truth of
their feelings and consider possibilities, tragedy strikes. Colter's fears and
guilt come rushing back to the surface, and he pushes Adeline away. I wanted to
shake Colter for his jerky behavior and felt that he deserved the misery he
felt. Both have some serious thinking to do about what they want and some past
issues to confront before they can move ahead. I loved the ending and the result of those actions.
It was great to see that both Colter and Adeline were willing to make changes,
and I loved how they worked out the perfect solution.
I loved Adeline's twist in her follow-up article on
Texas's Sexiest Bachelor. I didn't see that coming and laughed out loud at the
results. The final chapter is a terrific lead-in to the next book, and I can't
wait to read it.
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