Christmas Ransom - B.J. Daniels (HI #2109 - Dec 2022)

Series: Colt Brothers Investigations (Book 3)
 
Could a second chance at forever become a ransom demand?
 
Former rodeo star Davy Colt traded his competition spurs for a PI license. But even after years away, he never stopped loving hometown sweetheart Carla Richmond. A robbery and hostage situation at the Lonesome bank leaves the loan officer injured and shattered. With the escaped culprit still at large, Davy will ransom his heart to the hilt to avert a deadly Christmas for Carla and their long-overdue reunion.
 
Good book, but let me start by correcting some things from the synopsis. Davy is NOT a former rodeo star. When the book opens, he has come home to spend the holidays with his brothers before returning to the rodeo circuit. Nor has he gotten a PI license. It is correct that he never stopped loving his high school sweetheart, Carla.
 
Ten years earlier, after graduation, Davy told Carla he was going on the rodeo circuit rather than going to college with her. He wanted her to marry him and come along. But Carla didn't want to give up her dreams either and gave Davy an ultimatum: her or the rodeo. Both were broken-hearted but went their separate ways. After college, Carla returned to Lonesome to take care of her mother and took a job at the local bank. After her mother's death, Carla stayed on, choosing her career and stability.
 
Fast forward to the present day. Carla has never forgotten Davy and her feelings for him. She sometimes wonders what would have happened if she'd gone with him. When she runs into one of his brothers, she asks about Davy, which gets back to him. This motivates him to pay her a visit at the bank, hoping they may try again. Unfortunately for Davy, the meeting doesn't go well, as Carla is still entrenched in place, and he is still a rodeo cowboy. It looks like history repeats itself, as neither one seems interested in compromising. That changes when Carla is injured during a bank robbery, and Davy is determined to protect her.
 
The story's suspense is a little different than usual, as we know who the bad guys are from the beginning. The villain's motivation is clear, as well as how desperation leads to stupid decisions. The villain's psychotic girlfriend complicates matters. Carla sees something during the bank robbery that puts a target on her back, and Davy is determined to keep her safe. Carla is at a disadvantage because the FBI agents investigating the case believe it was an inside job and fixate on Carla as their prime suspect. Despite the information she provides the agents, they seem uninterested in pursuing any other line of investigation.
 
While Davy's PI brothers go to work looking into the information Carla knows, Davy and Carla set out to do some investigating of their own. The villain's girlfriend is incredibly determined to stop Carla permanently, and the number and intensity of the attacks on Carla escalate throughout the book. The final confrontation was a nail-biter that kept me glued to the pages until it was over. I admit that I would like to have seen the FBI agents with egg on their faces over their incompetence, but they seem to get off easy.
 
I liked seeing the rekindling of Carla and Davy's relationship. Davy freely admits to his brothers that he never stopped loving Carla. Unfortunately, Carla fights her feelings from the start. She feels guilty about how she treated him back in the day but is still convinced there is no future for them. Davy won my heart with his tender and determined care for her, while I wanted to shake Carla for being so stubborn. But when it was time for Davy to return to the rodeo, Carla had a decision to make. Does she go with Davy or play it safe? For Davy, is it time to quit the rodeo or stick it out a few more years? Each battles pride and heart before realizing that love is the most important thing they have.
 
The series mystery involves getting to the truth behind their father's death. They suspect a cover-up by the former sheriff but have no proof. Very little was addressed in this book. The final brother, Willie, joins the sheriff's department at the end here, putting him in a position to investigate further. 

 

Montana Storm - Josie Jade and Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Oct 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 5)
 
Kill first, ask questions later.       
 
It's the instinct former-SEAL Jude Williams must fight every time someone touches him. His six months being tortured in an enemy prison camp may be long over, but he's got scars -- all over his body and mind -- keeping that time at the forefront of his psyche.
 
So how could he even consider giving in to the desire he has for the town's coffeehouse owner?
 
Lena Mitchell has big gray eyes and a bigger smile -- she's full of life, right down to her purple and teal streaked hair.
 
There are so many reasons Jude should stay away from her. So many ways he's bad for her. But when danger shows up on Lena's door, keeping his distance is no longer an option.
 
He'll protect her from any threat.
 
But who will protect her from him?
 
Whew! Another RWR book sucked me in from the first page and didn't let go until I turned the last page. At least this time, I started the book early enough in the day that I finished it before midnight! Jude and Lena have been dancing around each other since the guys started the ranch. Everyone from the ranch to the town can see that they have it bad for each other.
 
Like the other men of the RWR, Jude has PTSD. He spent six months in an enemy prison camp being tortured and hearing his friends being tortured. One was rescued early, and the other was rescued after Jude. He feels terrible guilt over the latter's extended torture and later suicide. Jude has daily nightmares that leave him screaming and fighting ghosts, to the detriment of his bedding and walls. The violence of his dreams keeps him from pursuing Lena because he fears hurting her. That doesn't stop him from wanting what he won't allow himself to have.
 
Lena is the proud owner of the town's coffee shop, Deja Brew. She bakes all the goodies she serves herself and provides custom orders. Lena is cheerful and friendly to everyone, but Jude holds a special place in her heart. She wants him and is pretty sure he wants her too, but she doesn't know what is holding him back. In the first book of the series, Montana Sanctuary, she was kidnapped along with her friend Evelyn and has had nightmares about her experience ever since. Lena is the kind of person who makes other people feel better and hesitates to share her problems. She always thinks others have it worse, so she buries her feelings. Then her car breaks down near the kidnapping spot, and she has a panic attack. The first person she thinks of to call is Jude, and he comes running. But when she takes her courage in hand and kisses him, he shuts down and leaves. Leah is devastated by his rejection.
 
I loved watching the relationship between Leah and Jude finally take off. Jude has been so afraid of hurting Leah that he is miserable. His friends have tried to help, but he's caught up in his fears. I loved how Daniel gave him a metaphorical kick in the pants, giving Jude a different perspective. When he witnesses a special moment between a friend and his lady, Jude finally realizes he can no longer fight his feelings. I loved seeing him take a chance and go to Lena. As he explained his actions and what was behind them, the rawness of emotion was heartbreaking. I loved Lena's reaction and immediate support and understanding.
 
Once Jude decided to take a chance, he was all in. After three years of friendship and flirtation, the ease of their connection was fantastic. I loved how perceptive Jude was when it came to Lena and how he could always tell when something bothered her. Communication was a vital part of their relationship, and I loved how open and honest they were with each other.
 
I ached for Lena when she started having problems at her business. For someone who cares so much about the people around her, having her baked goods suddenly go wrong was devastating for her. The first incident with the cookies could be chalked up to an accident, but the episode with the pies said something else was going on. The answer was not what I expected, and I felt Jude's fear for Lena when he figured it out. The situation with Lena at the bakery was terrifying, and I was on the edge of my seat until she was safe. The final confrontation was fantastic. The epilogue was a great wrap-up for this book, and I loved seeing the changes in Lena and Jude.
 
I love the close friendships among the men of the RWR. Because of their shared experiences, they know when to get involved and when to back off. There is some hilarious teasing back and forth, especially when Jude and Lena finally get together. The women's friendships are also tight. Lena and Evelyn are especially close due to their shared trauma. It's fun to see the ladies get together and share the joys of their relationships but also get support when things don't go so well. I can't wait to read Daniel's and Liam's stories. 

 

Murder Gone Cold - B.J. Daniels (HI #2061 - Apr 2022)

Series: Colt Brothers Investigations (Book 1)

Could his unsolved murder case reveal all of her family's past secrets?
 
When James Colt decides to solve his late father's final murder case, he has no idea of the danger he's unleashing. And Lorelei Wilkins can't believe that her high school crush is implicating her stepmother! Now James and Lorelei are embroiled in unraveling a cover-up involving some of Lonesome, Montana's finest citizens…including a killer determined to keep the truth hidden.
 
Good mystery, along with a second chance romance. The four Colt brothers are all rodeo cowboys. When James is injured during his latest bronc ride, he returns home to Lonesome, Montana, to heal, only to find that the trailer he and his brothers use as a home base has burned down. Needing a place to sleep, James goes to his dad's old PI office and beds down in the sleeping area there. While sitting at his father's desk, lost in memories, he sees the still-open file folder of the last case his dad had worked on - the unsolved hit-and-run death of a seven-year-old boy. With nothing else to do while he's healing, James decides to look into the matter himself.
 
The next day he encounters Lori, who runs the sandwich store next to the office. He remembers the girl who was so different from him in high school and that he couldn't help flirting with her despite it. Lori remembers him, too - the bad boy her stepmother warned her about, but she crushed on anyway. She still has a bit of a grudge that he never seemed to notice her back then, which comes out amusingly when he first visits the sandwich shop. She tells herself she's more interested in buying his building than in him, but she can't deny the attraction she still feels for him.
 
I liked both James and Lori. Though he intends to return to the rodeo circuit after he heals, James realizes that his days there are numbered. Living in his father's old office brings back memories of his childhood and teen years helping his dad with his cases which is why he decides to pick up Del's last case. Initially intending it to be a way to honor his dad, it wasn't long until the case intrigued him on its own. I liked how it got him thinking about his future, leading him to apply for a PI license of his own. I enjoyed seeing James get into the spirit of the job and his growth from just winging it to thinking like an investigator.
 
Lori works hard at running her shop and looks to its future when James returns to Lonesome. She has a great relationship with her stepmother, Karen, the only family she has left. I liked the family loyalty she displayed and the need to get to the truth.
 
The suspense of the story sucked me in from the start. James's curiosity about Del's last case leads to the desire to solve it to honor his dad. James has no real experience as a PI, so his initial actions are haphazard. It is evident from the beginning that some people are unhappy about how James is stirring up memories from so long ago. When Lori's stepmother becomes a person of interest in his quest, Lori joins him in his search for the truth. The more information they uncover, the more confusing the situation gets. I ached for Lori as some evidence pointed toward Karen's involvement, though there was also room for doubt. The intensity increases when one of the people James wants to question is murdered. Several twists place multiple people on James's suspect list, and the challenge is figuring out which one is the culprit. Just when they thought the mystery was solved, a final puzzle piece changes everything. The final confrontation was a nail-biter with Lori in extreme danger.
 
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between James and Lori. Their high school crushes became an undeniable mutual attraction as adults, though initially, neither was in a hurry to admit it. Lori planned to stay away from James but changed her mind when he focused on her stepmother during his investigation. As they spent time together, that attraction exploded into several passionate kisses. It wasn't long before James pictured a future with Lori. I liked watching them get to know each other as they worked together on the investigation. Lori tries to resist her growing feelings because she knows James intends to return to the rodeo circuit. James realizes what is most important to him when Lori is injured during the final confrontation. I loved his big moment at the end; his nervousness and vulnerability were evident. I loved Lori's surprise and joy as he revealed his plans and her admission of her feelings for him. The last chapter was sweet.
 
There is a secondary mystery in the book: James's suspicion that his father's death was not an accident. A couple of conversations with others confirm that suspicion. When James's brothers return to Lonesome to support him at the end of the book, he shares those feelings with them. None of them are surprised, as each had had doubts about Del's death. The mystery is not solved in this book, and I suspect it will build throughout the series before it is resolved. I liked James's surprise and happiness when his brother Tommy announced his intent to leave the rodeo circuit and join James in the PI business. I'm looking forward to seeing the progress of the newly formed Colt Brothers Investigations.

Out of the Blue - B.J. Daniels (HQN - Jan 2022)

Series: Buckhorn, Montana (Book 4)

Second-chance cowboy…or first-time love story?
 
Buckhorn, Montana, tavern owner Dave Tanner never expected to see the girl of his dreams ever again—until she walks into his bar one night. Over the moon at seeing her, he’s convinced this is a second chance to win her affection. But Melissa Herbert, Dave’s best friend and best employee, suspects his high school sweetheart might have ulterior motives for the accidental run-in. But if Melissa’s right, exposing the truth to Dave might just destroy their friendship…and break her heart…
 
A good, quick read. Dave is the tavern owner in Buckhorn, Montana, and does some construction work on the side during the off-season. He's made a good life for himself in Buckhorn. The last person he expects to see walk into his bar is his high-school girlfriend, Tanya.
 
Tanya was driving to Las Vegas when her car broke down in Buckhorn. She grew up wealthy and spoiled, and her attitude towards the "wide spot in the road" is evident until she runs into Dave. Suddenly she's all sweetness and light - or is that sweetness and lies?
 
Melissa is a good friend of Dave's, as well as both his employer and employee. He is working on renovating a building she owns, and she works for him at the bar. Over the last few months, they've gotten into the habit of having lunch together. On this day, when she walks in, Dave doesn't even notice her. She leaves the lunches she brought with Ralph and Wilbur, two bar regulars, and departs.
 
From the start, Tanya obviously has ulterior motives for cuddling up to Dave. The things she does take advantage of his trust and memories of their past together. She's not as subtle as she believes, though, and Ralph and Wilbur, as well as Melissa, are soon wise to her game. However, none of them want to hurt Dave by telling him what is happening. Things go from bad to worse when Tanya, jealous of Dave's friendship with Melissa, takes stunning actions to get Melissa out of her way. I liked Melissa and how much she cared about Dave, willing to step back if he loved another. She was also protective of him and wanted to save him from being hurt.
 
The ending had me glued to the pages as Tanya takes desperate measures to get what she wants. In a surprising twist, Dave is not as gullible as she expected. I loved the ending and seeing Dave get the happiness he deserves.

In the Ring with the Maverick - Kathy Douglass (HSE #2924 - Aug 2022)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 2)

Anything he can do
She can do better
 
Rodeo riders Jack Burris and Audrey Hawkins are both at the top of their game -- except when it comes to love. Competing against each other in the Bronco Summer Family Rodeo, they are so determined to win they've put blinders on, tamping down their mutual attraction. In this battle of the sexes, the real victory may lie in surrender, but who will get off their high horse first?
 
Good enemies to lovers story. Audrey is the third generation of a rodeo family. She's proud of what she and her sisters can do and frustrated at the lack of respect given to women in rodeo. The Hawkins sisters came to Bronco for the Bronco Family Rodeo.
 
Jack is also part of a rodeo family. He and his three brothers all compete. Jack doesn't think women belong in rodeo, that it is too dangerous for them. He has a woman friend who was paralyzed in a rodeo accident. Jack grew up in Bronco, and he and his brothers are in town to compete also.
 
The rodeo promoters have latched on to the two families as the faces of the rodeo. During a photo shoot, the sparks between Jack and Audrey are intense and evident to everyone around them. Their chemistry comes out in the photos, too. The promoters suggest a Battle of the Sexes exhibition between the two families. Audrey sees it as a great way to show what the women can do, while Jack thinks it's a bad idea.
 
I liked watching the relationship develop between Jack and Audrey. The chemistry between them is explosive, as are their opposing views of women in rodeo.  Seeing them poke at each other while trying to make their points was fun; neither one was willing to give an inch. Both found that despite their antagonism, getting each other out of their minds was impossible. Jack tried telling Audrey that he needed to concentrate on preparing for the rodeo and that they needed to keep things professional rather than personal. That didn't last long, so they decided to see where things would go between them.
 
The promoters also started pushing a blossoming romance between Jack and Audrey while they tried to keep anything between them private. The more time they spent together, the more their feelings for each other grew. Both try to resist because maintaining relationships on the rodeo circuit is complicated. They also must reconcile their differing opinions on women in rodeo. I liked seeing Jack's prejudices change the more he gets to know Audrey and see how good she is. Things look promising until Audrey overhears a discussion between Jack and his brother Geoff. Jack made a boneheaded comment, leaving Audrey devastated and furious.
 
It was exciting to see the competition between the two teams during the rodeo. They were evenly matched, and I liked seeing how each event turned out. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the outcome of the rodeo competition, as it seemed as though the announcer had his desired result and wouldn't settle for anything different. All Jack wants is the chance to make things right with Audrey, but he doesn't get the chance. I ached for both and their unhappiness. I laughed when Jack got obscure advice from Winona Cobb. But when he finally figured it out, he found a fantastic way to demonstrate his feelings to Audrey. The ending was terrific, and I loved Jack's bib moment.
 
I loved Jack's brothers and the close relationship they had. They tease and argue but are there for each other in times of trouble. Audrey's sisters were great too. One urged Audrey to be cautious with her relationship with Jack, while the other two were all for it. But all of them supported her when she needed it. There was also a secondary relationship between Jack's brother Mike and Audrey's sister Corinne. It will be interesting to see if anything comes of it. 

Montana Mystery - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - July 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 4)

Some nightmares you don’t wake up from.
 
Noah Scott spent two months in an enemy prison camp but made it out alive—unlike most of his SEAL team. He’s one of the lucky ones but doesn’t always feel that way with his scarred body and daily fight against PTSD.
 
Working with the animals at the Resting Warrior Ranch helps. So what if he trains service dogs, fosters a couple of kittens, and has an alpaca as one of his best friends?
 
He’ll take whatever holds back the darkness.
 
When beautiful Kate Tillbeck arrives at the Resting Warrior Ranch neck-deep in danger, Noah knows he can’t stand by silently. Especially when the threat centers around a dog fighting ring—and some of the pups he trained may be involved.
 
But to save the animals he loves and the woman he can’t get out of his mind, Noah will have to embrace the darkness he’s pushed down for years.
 
And hope he doesn’t lose himself in the process.
 
Another fantastic Resting Warriors Ranch book that hooked me from the first page and kept me turning the pages long into the night. 
 
Kate is an independent woman who owns a successful business. She has a younger brother, Brandon, who returned from his time in the military suffering from PTSD. She's done her best to help him, but he resists her efforts. As the story opens, she receives a call from the hospital that Brandon is there, badly beaten and covered in dog bites. While looking through Brandon's clothing to find a clue about who did this to him, she finds a piece of paper with Noah's name and number. She is certain that Noah is responsible for Brandon's condition, so she rushes off to confront him.
 
Noah and his SEAL buddies started the RWR as a place for them to heal from their wartime experiences. They've expanded the ranch and opened it up to help others who need healing. Noah, who spent two months as a captive, finds the most peace while working with the animals on the ranch. They train everything from dogs to horses to alpacas to be service animals. For him, the darkness of his memories is never far away. Noah is stunned when Kate arrives and accuses him of being behind Brandon's injuries. He remembers Brandon, who came to the ranch but stayed only a few days before leaving. Though he has no idea what Brandon was involved in, he promises Kate he will look into it.
 
I liked watching the relationship between Noah and Kate develop. The sparks of attraction were there from the moment they met, despite the confrontational attitude. Noah couldn't imagine NOT helping her, but his initial investigation turned up nothing other than a possible link to dogfighting. Kate was embarrassed by her accusations, so when Noah came to fill her in, she thanked him but let him off the hook rather abruptly. But when she returned to her apartment that night, she found it had been broken into and trashed. She also narrowly missed being caught by the perpetrators. The first person she thought of was Noah, so she packed a bag and drove to the ranch. Noah's protective instincts were aroused, and he promised to help and keep her safe.
 
As they worked together to get to the bottom of what happened to Brandon, their attraction grew stronger. Noah tries to keep Kate at an emotional distance, reluctant to expose her to his issues. Thanks to her experiences with Brandon, Kate isn't scared off by exposure to Noah's episodes. I loved how she stuck by him, giving him warmth and support when needed. The scenes after the fight he took on and later the "family" dinner showed her strength and understanding. Their chemistry is fantastic, but Noah stubbornly resists admitting his growing feelings for Kate. I loved how the other guys saw the truth long before he acknowledged it and teased him about it. Kate knows how she feels but refuses to push Noah into something he isn't ready for. It isn't until he nearly loses her that Noah can admit his feelings. The emotional ending had me crying and laughing as they looked to their future together.
 
The suspense of the story was terrific. I could feel Kate's fear during the apartment break-in and her anger as she learned what led to Brandon's injuries. The men of the RWR's anger as they discovered what was happening near their ranch and their determination to stop it was evident in their actions. Noah's fear for her as Kate purposely put herself in danger led him into a situation that had me glued to the pages as it played out. I could feel the frustration as their efforts to stop the bad guys were constantly thwarted. The tension was incredible as I waited for the bad guys to resurface. When they did, Kate's life was in extreme danger. I loved seeing her keep her head and hold on to her faith that Noah would save her. I was on the edge of my seat, watching Noah and the others race to find her. The final confrontation was heart-poundingly intense with an excellent resolution. A couple of threads are left hanging, so I suspect they will turn up in a later book.
 
I loved seeing more of the couples from the previous books, as well as the unmatched men. With every book, we learn more about each of these incredible characters. I love the camaraderie, as well as the support these men give each other. With shared experiences, they know when someone needs sympathy or a kick in the pants. But as much as I love the RWR guys, in this book, my favorite secondary characters were the kittens, Garfield and Salem (loved the names!). They were adorable, and I loved how sweet Noah was with them - tough SEAL with a marshmallow heart!
 
I can't wait to see what's next for these incredible warriors.

Summer Nights with the Maverick - Christine Rimmer (HSE #2917 - July 2022)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Brothers and Broncos (Book 1)

He's a hero in spurs
But just for tonight
 
Ever since rancher Weston Abernathy rescued waitress Everlee Roberts at Doug’s bar, he can’t get her off his mind. But the spirited single mom has no interest in a casual relationship, and Wes isn’t seeking commitment. As the temperature rises, Evy feels the heat, too, tempting her to throw her hat in the ring regardless of what it might cost her heart…
 
Terrific start to the new series. I was sucked into the story immediately and stayed up way too late finishing it. I laughed in some places, cried in others, and closed the book with the satisfaction I always feel when I read this author's books. I loved Wes and Evy and their romance, but little Lola stole my heart.
 
Wes has been drawn to Evy since he first saw her a year ago. After being shot down in his first few attempts to ask her out, he backs off but can't get her off his mind. He'd like to get to know her better, but she resists until the night he saves her from a rock thrown through the bar window. He finally talks her into an outing by including Lola on the date.
 
Evy is the single mother of four-year-old Lola. They live with her dad, and Evy works nights at Doug's Bar while saving to start her own business. Her college boyfriend dumped her when he found out she was pregnant and had no interest in being a father. She noticed Wes's interest but didn't need the distraction. But something changed the night he saved her from a serious injury.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship between Wes and Evy develop. Wes had been burned in love a decade earlier and has sworn off commitment ever since. Evy has no interest in getting involved with another rich guy with commitment issues. But when he saves her from the thrown rock, there's no denying the sparks between them. When Wes wears her down, and she finally agrees to go out with him, she suspects she will regret it.
 
I loved watching the two of them together. They agree to keep things casual, but it quickly becomes evident that casual didn't last long. Right from the start, Wes is sucked into Evy's life. Lola enchants him, and I love watching her wrap him around her little fingers, such as when he adopts the puppy, Archie. The more time Evy and Wes spend together, the closer they become, and their attraction grows stronger. Evy admits to herself that she's falling for Wes and hopes he feels the same way.
 
Meanwhile, Wes's brothers and friends warn him that he risks hurting Evy if he isn't serious about her. He reminds them and himself that they agreed it was casual. I wanted to shake Wes several times because he was clearly lying to himself about his feelings. When Evy tells him how she feels, Wes freaks out and withdraws, leaving Evy with a broken heart and Lola missing her buddy. I wanted to shake Wes for being so stubborn that he refused to see the truth. I loved seeing Wes's friend Maddox's advice, and Wes's conversation with Evy's dad was fantastic. I cheered when Wes finally faced the truth. I was also happy to see that Evy made him work a little to get back in her good graces, while Wes's scene with Lola was sweet.
 
There is some mystery attached to the empty chair at Doug's Bar. The rock thrown through the window had a cryptic note attached, and at the end of the book, we see the cowboy who threw it. I suspect we'll see more of him throughout the series and discover his connection with the empty chair.

Montana Desire - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamitte Jane Pub - Apr 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 3)

No one is guaranteed tomorrow.
 
Grant Carter knows that fact intimately. The shrapnel sitting on his spine from an IED is a daily reminder.
 
But the constant pain won’t stop him from working at the Resting Warrior Ranch, training service and emotional support animals to help people with PTSD—something else he’s intimately familiar with.
 
He’ll fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.
 
When his neighbor, shy veterinarian Cori Jackson, is humiliated by her ex-boyfriend for things she’d like to experiment with in bed, Grant is more than happy to show her real men aren’t threatened by an adventurous spirit.
 
The more time he spends with her, the more he realizes the literal girl-next-door is the one for him. And when Cori finds herself in the middle of a dangerous conspiracy surrounding the animals she treats, Grant will make sure she makes it out alive.
 
He's a fighter. Was one in the Navy SEALs and still is one today. And he’ll fight for Cori.
 
Even if it costs him everything.
 
This is the third book in the Resting Warrior Ranch series, and like the others, I could not put it down once I started reading. Each book can be read as a standalone, but the experience is richer if you read them in order. This is the story of Grant Carter, one of the former SEALs who own and run the ranch, and Cori Jackson, the local veterinarian. Grant has taken a fair amount of teasing from his friends because of his interest in Cori, but he sticks to friendship because she has a boyfriend. That all changes when he witnesses the end of their relationship and steps up to protect her from Joel's threats.
 
Cori loves her work as a vet, partly because animals are so much easier to deal with than people. She's not getting rich off her work, but she's doing okay. Once she gets access to her trust fund on her birthday, it will get easier. Then she gets a disturbing and infuriating email from her parents. They have never approved of her vocation. Jacksons - ALL of them - are surgeons, and they will do anything to bring her back into the fold. This includes blackmail - changing the rules of the trust so that she gets nothing until she completes medical school. Cori has a lot to think about and receives no support from Joel, who agrees with her parents. The icing on the cake is when he balks at some suggestions she makes, accusing her of terrible things. While Cori is thankful that Grant's presence prevented violence, she's also embarrassed.
 
I loved watching the relationship develop between Cori and Grant. He is such a gentleman and has a huge protective streak. He's ready to pursue Cori, but he is also sensitive to what she has been through with Joel. He made a terrific start that first night with his offer to watch over her. He plans to take things slowly, but Cori has other ideas. She quickly realizes that what she had with Joel doesn't come close to the way Grant makes her feel. I loved seeing the care and respect that Grant shows Cori and its effect on her. The attraction between them is explosive and brings them even closer together.
 
Both Cori and Grant have obstacles to the future they long to have with each other. Not only does Grant have PTSD, but he also has serious physical issues that hold him back. A piece of shrapnel from an IED is lodged near his spine, frequently causing excruciating pain. There's no guarantee that it won't drastically change his life but being with her also motivates him to look at options. Being with Grant gives Cori the courage to stick up for what she wants until a horrifying discovery forces a heartbreaking choice and puts her in life-threatening danger.
 
The suspense of the story kept me as enthralled as the romance did. Cori stumbles on a mysterious illness affecting some of the horses belonging to a client. Her suspicions are aroused when the owner shows no concern. Cori's investigation uncovers a dangerous conspiracy, and an unexpected betrayal puts her at the mercy of desperate men. I was glued to the pages as I watched Cori fight for her life and Grant and the rest of the RWR race to save her. There were unexpected consequences to the rescue, and I held my breath with the others as I waited to see the outcome.
 
I loved the ending, from Cori's conversation with her sister and parents to Grant's surprise for her at the cabin where it all started. I can't wait to see more of them in future books of the series.
 
One of my favorite things about this series is the importance of friendship. The men of RWR, besides being former SEAL teammates, have deep ties of friendship. They understand the challenges each faces and are equally willing to provide support or a butt-kicking, whichever the situation requires. I laughed out loud at some of the teasing, while some other conversations brought me to tears. I also loved the relationships among the various women. I laughed at some of the antics pulled by Lena, especially when it came to Cori's relationship with Grant. The pre-wedding activities before Grace and Harlan's wedding were hilarious. I can't wait to see who's up next.

Her SEAL Bodyguard - Cindy Dees (HRS #2181 - May 2022)

Series: Runaway Ranch (Book 3)

She is supposed to be in hiding
But his eyes are on her…
 
With her life in danger, operative Gia Rykhof plans to lie low in a small town. A different name, a slight disguise and her years of training should keep her safe. But she’s attracted the attention of Marcus Tate. The muscular stranger claims to be a Navy SEAL. But can Gia trust that Marcus isn't the man sent to kill her?
 
Terrific book that sucked me in from the first page and kept me hooked to the end. The story opens as Gia provides surveillance support to a special operations team on the ground in the Middle East. As the op concludes, she witnesses some suspicious behavior, but before she can report it to the team, her secure location is breached, her computer stolen, and her life threatened.
 
When next we see her, she is hiding in a small Montana town while her boss tries to figure out what is happening after she barely escaped two attempts on her life. She works as a manicurist at the local salon and takes fly-fishing lessons. Her enthusiasm exceeds her skill, and she hooks another fisherman instead of a fish. Marcus, her "giant trout," turns out to be a Navy SEAL, staying with a friend and recuperating from an injury. Marcus is intrigued and attracted to the unusually fit woman, even more so when he senses a hint of fear and wariness. With his protective instincts aroused, he follows her and notices that he's not the only one doing so. Her evasion skills pique his curiosity, as do her non-answers to his attempts to get to know her.
 
Gia is initially leery of Marcus, unsure if he is one of the men trying to kill her. I liked seeing how she figured out he was okay and her tentative trust when she needed help. In the face of Marcus's probing questions, she struggles to keep secret her identity as a member of the Medusas, an all-woman, top-secret special operations unit. When they decide to look for the man following her, it's all she can do to keep quiet during Marcus's somewhat condescending instructions. I laughed out loud as she more than kept up with him.
 
The action and suspense heat up as Gia and Marcus, along with his friends, come together to lay a trap for her pursuer. There were some tense moments as things didn't go entirely to plan. I ached for the person they caught and the reasons for his presence. The intensity ramped up as Gia, and the others realized they needed help to carry out the next step. Some lighter moments relieved the tension as Marcus's SEAL friends were introduced to Gia's Medusa teammates and learned their capabilities the hard way. The team they built was fantastic. The final confrontation was intense, though the outcome was never in doubt. There were a couple of threads left hanging that I hope will be addressed in the next book.
 
I loved watching the development of the relationship between Gia and Marcus. I loved some of the scenes between them, as Gia gives as good as she gets in their interactions. Marcus isn't used to women who push back, and he loves it.  The sparks between them were instant and intense, but both tried to resist them. They are aware of the dangers of being emotionally involved with someone you work with and the distractions it can cause. Despite their initial unwillingness to take that step, the results are explosive when they do. With their determination to continue their careers, I wondered how they would make it work. I hope to see them in future books.
 
Though this is the third book in the Runaway Ranch series and related to the two Medusa series, it worked fine as a standalone. It did, however, make me want to read those books as soon as I get a chance. 

 

The Navy SEAL's E-Mail Order Bride - Cora Seton (Cora Seton - May 2014)

Series: Heroes of Chance Creek (Book 1)

Mason Hall, Navy SEAL, knows all about difficult assignments, but his current mission is one for the record books. Not only must he find a wife and get her pregnant or forfeit the ranch his family has prized for generations, he must also convince his three brothers to marry, too before the year is up. Who knew one city girl and three wayward brothers could put up such a fight?
 
Regan Anderson can't wait any longer to meet Mr. Right, so she's taken matters into her own hands. She's quit her job, given up her nice apartment and undergone all the preliminary appointments to prepare for artificial insemination. Still, becoming a single mother is daunting, so when she spots Mason's Wife Wanted ad on the Internet one night, she's ready for a few laughs. She's sure the ad must be fake, but when Mason answers back, she soon finds herself wanting more than a long-distance relationship.
 
If Mason can just keep her talking until he makes it home from Afghanistan, he's sure he can convince Regan he's her man. But when he whisks her off for a trial run in Chance Creek, they're in for an unpleasant surprise. The ranch is in ruins, the house has been stripped, and they're going to have to work day and night to beat Mason's deadline to win it back.
 
Can two strangers pull together against all odds? Or is this mission doomed to fail?
 
Fun start to this series about four brothers, each in a different branch of the military, and their attempt to regain possession of the family ranch. In a convoluted inheritance process, when Mason's father died, the control of the ranch went to their Uncle Zeke. He has passed away, and his son doesn't want it, so their Aunt Heloise offers it back to the brothers. But she has particular requirements for them to meet. All four brothers must marry within a year, with one of them having a baby on the way at the end of that year. They must fix up the ranch and have one hundred cow/calf pairs on it simultaneously.
 
Mason is none-too-happy about the requirements, but he'll do whatever he must to get the ranch back in the family, and he'll drag his brothers kicking and screaming along with him. As the oldest and the first to be leaving the military, Mason takes the lead by placing four "Practical Wife Wanted" ads online - one for each brother. He starts going through the responses while he waits to leave Afghanistan, separating the ones that sound promising until he gets to one that tickles his fancy.
 
Regan Anderson is tired of waiting for The One. She decides to become a single mother through artificial insemination. She quits her job as a bank loan officer to start a new career as a consultant and moves to a smaller apartment to save money. When she arrives home after her last day on the job, she pours some wine and, feeling bored and lonely, browses the web. When she comes to the "Practical Wife Wanted" ad, she's just tipsy enough to respond to it. I loved her Austen-esque, over-the-top email to Mason.
 
I loved the communications between Mason and Regan while he was still overseas. She was surprised to hear back from him and made sure he knew she hadn't been serious in her response. But Mason is determined that Regan is exactly who he wants and refuses to give up on convincing her. I liked how they went from emails to chats to Skype. I loved their exchange of questions and answers and how much they had in common. It didn't take long for Regan to start thinking that maybe this would be possible after all. Mason sealed the deal when he showed up on her doorstep, ready to add his in-person attempts to the mix. He suggests that Regan accompany him to the ranch for a month and see it for herself.
 
This is where things get tricky. The ranch is in much worse shape than Mason expected. Uncle Zeke let things go near the end and sold anything that wasn't nailed down. Further complicating matters, Zeke also died owing money to many people. These people now look to Mason for repayment. I wanted to shake Mason and tell him Zeke's debts weren't his problem, but Mason's sense of honor won't let him do that. Mason's frustration leaps off the page, but he's determined to succeed. I loved that Regan was with him each step of the way and seeing her go from city girl to ranch woman. It isn't easy, and the problems are realistically portrayed. There are some heart-wrenching scenes as Mason deals with his memories of the ranch and its current condition. There are also heartwarming scenes, such as the neighbors who come to help, not collect, and the help Regan gets in recovering some of the things so important to Mason.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Mason and Regan develop. Working and living together 24/7 gives them a lot of time to get to know each other. Mason's honor and commitment continue to inspire Regan, and her feelings for him grow stronger. There are times when his single-minded focus makes her feel unseen, but he usually pulls himself out of those situations quickly. Mason's love for Regan grows stronger as he sees her throw herself into restoring the ranch. However, there comes the point where Mason starts to lose faith in his ability to make it happen. I loved seeing Regan bring him back from the brink and laughed out loud at how she did it. She also steps in with his brothers and makes her own pitch for their cooperation.
 
I loved the ending and seeing the progress made when Mason and Regan get married. It was great to see all three of his brothers arrive for the wedding, knowing that Austin was now there to stay. I can't wait to read his story and see how his wife hunt goes.

At the Crossroads - B.J. Daniels (HQN - Nov 2021)

Series: Buckhorn Montana (Book 3)

They're running for their lives…and something even more precious…
 
Once, Alexis Brand and Culhane Travis were partners, both on and off the job. Now the former deputy turned bounty hunter is on her former lover's trail after he's charged with killing the ex-wife Alexis didn't even know he had. Burying the feelings that still tie her to him, Alexis tracks down Culhane easily enough. But deadly trouble has followed him to this small Montana town, forcing them to flee from the law together and Alexis to guard secrets she hoped she'd never have to reveal.
 
Culhane's desperate attempt to find out who's framing him is the reason he's returned to Buckhorn, Montana. Instead, he's unwittingly dragged the woman he loves into danger. Alexis offers Culhane forty-eight hours to clear his name before turning him in -- plenty of time to realize he never wants to be without her again. But will it be long enough to get the answers they need…before their enemies close in?
 
Terrific book. The suspense and action started immediately and rarely let up throughout the book. Culhane and Alexis were sheriff's deputies until six months earlier. When a new sheriff took over, he fired both of them. They made no secret of their suspicions about his honesty. Alexis went on to start a business as a bounty hunter. Culhane filed a wrongful termination suit against the sheriff and actively worked to find evidence against the sheriff. At the same time, Culhane and Alexis were romantically involved and have continued seeing each other whenever possible.
 
This brings us to the start of this book. Culhane and Alexis spent the previous night together, but he was gone when she awoke. Culhane had awakened earlier to the news that he was wanted for questioning in his wife's murder. As far as he knew, their marriage was annulled years ago, and he suspects a recent visit to her apartment was a setup. He knows one person who might have some answers and heads to the café in Buckhorn to talk to Leo, the cook. He leaves without waking Alexis and suspects she'll be hot on his heels. He's right, and after hearing the news, she's ready to take him in. But three newcomers to the café change their plans drastically.
 
A lot is going on in that café on that quiet Sunday morning, and we get to see it all. The tension is palpable as the three bank robbers have their demands and hair-trigger tempers. As the intensity builds, there may be a connection between why the robbers are there and Culhane's quest. I was on the edge of my seat as bullets flew, and an innocent woman was kidnapped. Culhane has a bit of a white knight complex and insists on attempting a rescue, with Alexis refusing to be left behind.
 
The rest of the book is a roller coaster of action as Culhane and Alexis look for his not-quite-ex-wife, Jana. He needs to find her alive to prove his innocence. In the meantime, his former employer is equally determined to stop Culhane. The further into the book, the more we learn how crooked the sheriff is and the lengths he'll go to protect himself. There are some not-so-surprising connections among various players and at least one that surprised me. But when Alexis ends up at the sheriff's mercy, Culhane knows it's time to make an end to it. I liked how he handled it and loved seeing how it went down. I thought he and Alexis were in the clear, but I should have known better. There was one loose end unaccounted for, and an unexpected twist put Alexis back in the crosshairs. Culhane's instincts and Alexis's cool head brought that to a satisfying ending.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship between Culhane and Alexis evolve. Culhane has made his anti-marriage, anti-kids opinion very clear. His treatment by his father after his mother's death, followed by his so-called marriage with Jana, left him determined to remain single. Unfortunately, Alexis needs more from him, and she knows she's unlikely to get it. I loved watching the two together. Culhane has a smart mouth on him, a rapid-fire wit, and a protective streak. He gets a great deal of enjoyment out of pushing Alexis's buttons. Alexis is intelligent, independent, and fearless, a perfect match for Culhane. She also has no trouble pushing back against his blarney. 

Because they worked together for so long as deputies, their teamwork here is smooth and barely requires discussion. As the danger to them grows stronger, Culhane discovers that his previously deep-seated convictions about relationships are undergoing unexpected changes. I loved his surprise at his growing feelings and his realization that convincing Alexis of his change of heart won't be easy. I loved his big moment at the end, aided and abetted by his late father's lawyer. The last chapter was terrific, and I loved seeing the changes they experienced. 

 

The Durango Affair - Brenda Jackson (SD #1727 - May 2006)

Series: Westmorelands (Book 8)

"I'M HAVING YOUR BABY."
 
Savannah Claiborne's simple statement set off an avalanche in Montana ranger Durango Westmoreland's carefully ordered life. Suddenly, an unforgettable night of passion with the hazel-eyed beauty had turned into a lifetime of obligation for the confirmed bachelor.
 
But Westmoreland men always honored their responsibilities, and leaving Savannah to raise his baby on her own was not an option. So he proposed and she accepted...with one condition: Theirs would be an in-name-only marriage.
 
Durango agreed. For now.
 
Good book. Durango Westmoreland and Savannah Claiborne met at the wedding of his cousin Chase to her sister Jessica. Their attraction was instant and intense, and they snuck away from the reception to enjoy it. Two months later, Savannah shows up at his Montana ranch to let him know she's pregnant.
 
Durango was stunned at the news and reacted like a complete jerk. Years earlier, he'd fallen for a city woman who had used and manipulated him, destroying his trust in women. With that at the back of his mind, his suspicious and dismissive comments made his opinion clear. Savannah was hurt and furious. She came to tell him in person because it was the right thing to do, but she didn't need him. I loved seeing her push back and walk away.
 
But it isn't over. Durango quickly realizes that the baby is his, he acted like a jerk, and as a Westmoreland, he has to step up and take responsibility.  He immediately goes after Savannah and catches up with her at the airport, where she's just learned all flights are canceled because of an impending blizzard. Durango offers the use of his guest room and says it will give them a chance to talk.
 
Durango wants to be involved in Savannah's pregnancy and their baby's life. He proposes that they marry now and plan to divorce when the baby is six months old. Savannah is wary. She doesn't believe in love and marriage thanks to her father and doesn't see the need to marry Durango. He eventually wins her over when he agrees that it will be a marriage in name only. This made me laugh because it's clear that he wants her back in his bed.
 
The sparks of attraction between Durango and Savannah are just as intense as before. Durango accepts it and plans to use the attraction to get her back in his bed while she's living there. Savannah also feels the sparks but believes that she can resist them. It was fun to watch her try to fight the battle against Durango's campaign of sexy kisses. Eventually, they give in to the power of the attraction, both believing that it's just for fun while they are together. With their time together and getting to know each other, the attraction deepens into stronger feelings. Both fight hard against admitting those feelings until forced to do so in conversations with others. I loved those conversations - Durango and Jared, and Savannah and Jessica - who brought the voice of experience to the situation.
 
Thanks to a document Savannah received in the mail, there's a bit of a hiccup in the prospect of a future together. Believing Durango doesn't share her feelings sends her fleeing into the teeth of a blizzard. I loved Durango's big moment and the emotional confession of his feelings. The epilogue was fantastic. I loved the big family get-together and Durango's meeting with the other Westmoreland men. I especially enjoyed the tagline, "Which one of you will be next?"

Montana Danger - Josie Jade, Janie Crouch (Calamittie Jane Pub - Mar 2022)

Series: Resting Warrior Ranch (Book 2)

Some mistakes haunt you forever.
 
Harlan Young knows that from personal experience. Walking away from Grace Townsend, even with the best intentions and no other choice, still haunts him to this day.
 
So when he had the chance to return to Montana, and be part of something as special as the Resting Warrior Ranch, he took it. Here he can help train service and emotional support animals for former soldiers with PTSD.
 
And maybe, just maybe, convince Grace to give him a second chance.
 
He never expected that second chance to be in the form of a fake marriage in order to save the land she loves so much. But he’ll do it, as well as help fight the danger closing in on her. She thinks she’s alone, but she’s wrong.
 
She knew him as a boy, but now he's a man. And real men don’t run.
 
Fantastic second chance story and incredible suspense. I started reading last night and kept going until I was finished - way too late AGAIN! I simply could not stop reading. We met Harlan and Grace in Montana Sanctuary, and even then, it was obvious there was something between them; there were so many sparks flying. In this book, we discover why Grace is so rude to Harlan and why he takes it without protest.
 
Harlan and Grace knew each other in high school and had plans to elope after graduation, getting Grace away from her abusive father. Then one day, Harlan was gone without a word, leaving Grace alone, devastated, and angry. Ten years later, Harlan returned to Montana with his SEAL buddies to start the Resting Warrior Ranch and found Grace married to another man. When her husband dies in an accident, Harlan hopes for a second chance.
 
Grace is struggling to hang on to her ranch. The documents she needs to prove her right to it are missing, and the state is threatening to take the land. Her creepy neighbor pressures her to sell him the ranch and gets belligerent when she refuses. As the deadline draws near, Grace doesn't know what to do.
 
Harlan can tell something is eating at Grace and won't give up until he finds out what it is. Despite their animosity, when there is a break-in at her house, Harlan is the first one she calls. Harlan's protective instincts are further aroused when he finds out an archaic law may keep Grace from hanging on to her ranch. So, he offers to marry her to give her the time she needs to find her paperwork.
 
I loved watching the rekindling of the relationship between Harlan and Grace. Harlan never stopped loving her despite how he walked away. Grace spent many years nursing her anger toward Harlan and convincing herself that she hated him. But there was no denying the way he made her feel. I felt like it wasn't too much of a struggle for her to accept his help. It also gave them a chance to put the past to rest. The story of why Harlan left the way he did broke my heart for both of them. It also opened the opportunity to start again, and I loved seeing them get to know each other as adults. They grew closer as they worked together to discover why her neighbor was so determined to gain control of her ranch.
 
The story's suspense was complex and kept me glued to the pages as I puzzled out the clues along with Harlan and Grace. Her neighbor, Wayne Gleason, appeared to be pulling every dirty trick in the book to force Grace to sell. The harder he pushed, the more curious Grace and Harlan were about what was driving him. As they closed in on the truth, the intensity of the attacks increased. I did not expect what they found, as my mind was leaning in another direction, and I loved the surprise of it. I liked the plans that Harlan and Grace made to trap Wayne, but they didn't realize that there was another player. I wanted to yell at Grace when she decided to go off on her own. My heart beat double-time when it went wrong, and I felt Harlan's fear when he realized what had happened. Wayne's evil was palpable as he carried out his plan, and things looked really bad when he put the second part in motion. I wasn't sure how Harlan and Grace would get out of trouble, but one can never count out his brothers-in-arms. The capper was Harlan catching up to Wayne, which made me very happy. I loved the ending and seeing Grace and Harlan's love stronger than ever.
 
I loved seeing more of Lucas and Evelyn from Montana Sanctuary and that they are moving forward from the trauma of that book. I especially loved the realism of the lingering effects of what happened. I also liked getting to know a little more about the other Warriors. The bonds of their brotherhood are strong, and I like how they watch out for each other. I can't wait for the next book in the series.

Montana Secret Santa - Debra Salonen (Tule Publishing - Dec 2016)

Series: Love at the Chocolate Shop (Book 3)

Ad exec Krista Martin, while feeling more Grinch than elf, still jumps at the chance to co-chair Marietta’s Secret Santa Society. Why not? Especially since brilliant, attractive, and innovative tech wunderkind Jonah Andrews has agreed to help. He’s well connected and Krista’s hoping for some advice on rebooting her career. Jonah knows Krista has a not-so-hidden agenda, but sparring with her over cocoa at their Secret Santa meetings is the most fun he’s had since returning to his old hometown. Krista may come across as all business, but Jonah’s positive he’s glimpsed a little girl inside her who wants to believe in Santa… and in love.
 
Sweet story that I thoroughly enjoyed. Krista and Jonah are interesting characters and I loved the small-town setting of Marietta. Small-town stories are fun because of the "everybody knows your business" vibe versus the main characters' desires to maintain some semblance of privacy in their relationship.
 
Krista moved to Marietta from NYC eighteen months earlier to join her friend Amanda's ad agency. She works long and hard to make their business successful, driven by the need to prove herself to her family. It's an odd juxtaposition because she also maintains as much distance as possible to avoid their drama. The Martins are big in the entertainment industry and drama around them is inevitable. The book opens as Krista prepares to talk to Amanda about the latter's lack of focus in their work. That goes out the window when the recently married Amanda reveals she's pregnant and having complications. With a need to cut back on outside activities, Amanda convinces Krista to take over her position on the Marietta Secret Santa Society.
 
Jonah returned to his hometown of Marietta to house-and-dog-sit for his parents while they help his newly widowed sister. He recently sold his high-tech Silicon Valley business for a lot of money and is now at loose ends as he tries to decide what is next for him. With a non-compete clause in the sales contract, Jonah figured it was safer to remove himself from the temptations of his lab. Before they leave, they tell Jonah that he's expected to take their place with the Society while they are gone. Jonah is a self-declared introvert who claims to have no people skills and feels unsuited for the job.
 
Krista and Jonah meet when one of the dogs he's walking tangles herself up in Krista's legs and knocks her over, and Jonah tries to break her fall with his body. The attraction between them is immediate and Jonah is happy to use the Secret Santa meetings to get to know Krista better. The older committee members think that Krista, with her marketing skills, and Jonah, with his proven business savvy, are the perfect people to fix the Society's financial woes.
 
I loved seeing the relationship between Krista and Jonah develop. Both have been burned by previous relationships gone bad, with partners more interested in what they could get than what they could give. Krista and Jonah start out intending to ignore the sparks and concentrate on being friends and partners. I loved how well they worked together, each one's strengths making a good balance of creativity and practicality. The more time they spent together, the stronger their attraction grew and so did their connection. But Krista is rooted in Marietta and Jonah will return to California when his parents return, so neither can see a future for them.
 
There are some sweet scenes between Jonah and Krista, from hot chocolate at the chocolate shop to time spent with the dogs or wandering the holiday-ready streets of Marietta. I also loved Jonah's support of Krista when the stresses of her family's upcoming visit got to her. There's a bump in the road to them finding their happy ever after and I had to laugh when Krista took action to overcome it. The ending was terrific and left me wanting to make more visits to the chocolate shop. 

Dreaming of a Christmas Cowboy - Brenda Harlen (HSE #2875 - Dec 2021)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Real Cowboys of Bronco Heights (Book 6)

Penning happy endings for everyone
…except herself!
 
In the Christmas play she wrote and will soon star in, Susanna Henry gets the guy. In real life, however, all-grown-up Susanna is no closer to hooking up with hardworking rancher Dean Abernathy than she was at seventeen. When a sudden snowstorm strands them together overnight in a deserted theater, though, will Susanna finally get the chance to show her longtime crush they can rewrite their story?
 
Good friends to lovers story. Susanna and Dean have been friends for a long time. Unfortunately for Susanna, she has also been in love with him since she was seventeen. Dean, however, is oblivious to her feelings and sees her more like a little sister. That all begins to change the night of the town tree-lighting.
 
Seeing Susanna with her co-star in the Christmas play she wrote, Dean suddenly realizes she's no longer the high school senior he comforted when her boyfriend dumped her. I laughed at his reactions to other men paying attention to her, including his brothers. He tries hard to convince himself that he's just looking out for her, not that he's interested in her. That gets harder as he sees the interest she draws, and his brothers rub it in. Dean's refusal to see her as a grown woman frustrates Susanna. Instead of her crush on him going away as she got older, her feelings grew stronger thanks to her job as office manager for Abernathy Meats, where she sees him every day.
 
Dean's efforts to keep Susanna in the friend zone take a hit the night a blizzard hits Bronco. Susanna was the last to leave the theater after rehearsal, and when she had car trouble, she returned to the theater to wait out the storm. When Dean shows up to rescue her, he ends up stranded also. The forced proximity to each other heightens their awareness, and they use an age-old technique to stay warm. While Susanna sees this as a possible breakthrough, Dean's reaction shows regret and an intent to pretend it didn't happen.
 
I ached for Susanna, whose love for Dean was augmented by their night together. His return to friends only hurt and made her question her hopefulness. I wanted to shake Dean because of his stubborn refusal to accept his feelings. I loved how his brothers did what they could to show him the truth in a fun scene that used everything but a baseball bat to beat him with the truth. I understood Susanna's need to put distance between them if she would find a way to move on without him. Dean's "aha" moment was pretty funny, as he realized that he would need to do something special to make up for his idiocy. I loved where he went for advice. He was sweetly awkward when he finally had his big moment, making it even more emotional. I laughed out loud at his family's reactions. The epilogue was terrific, with a fun little twist involving a puppy.