Vacation Crush - Yahrah St. John (HD #2893 - Sept 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 5)
 
She's been crushing on him forever.
Now she has her chance.
 
After confessing her unrequited feelings for rancher Jonathan Lattimore in an accidental livestream, Natalie Hastings makes a hasty retreat from the gossips of Royal, Texas. But when the object of her affection checks in to her resort, there's nowhere to hide. Turns out, Jonathan is ready to reciprocate her feelings…at least for the week. With the fire still burning even after they return home, can Natalie make Jonathan see her as more than a vacation fling?
 
Good book. Everyone in the TCC heard Natalie's confession of her feelings for Jonathan when her online chat with her best friend accidentally went live at the club's Fourth of July bash. Since then, she's been avoiding him and everyone else as best she can. Finally, she decides to leave town for a while and let the gossip die down. She checks into a Galveston resort and looks forward to a week of peace.
 
Jonathan has been aware of Natalie's crush for years, but with a bad marriage and divorce under his belt, he has no intention of ever marrying again. He blames himself for the failure of his marriage, so he keeps his liaisons superficial and spends all of his time working on the family ranch. When his worried parents force him to take a vacation, Jonathan finds himself checking into the same resort where Natalie is staying.
 
I enjoyed seeing the relationship develop between Natalie and Jonathan. Natalie is a curvy woman who was bullied as a child because of her weight and still has self-esteem issues. When Jonathan looks at her, he sees a sexy woman he'd like to spend time with. Neither can deny the fiery attraction they feel. After one night together, Jonathan proposes a week-long fling to end when they return to Royal. Natalie agrees because she will take what she can get but suspects that her heart will pay the price.
 
Natalie was right. The more time they spent together, the deeper her feelings for Jonathan grew. Throughout the week, he made it clear that marriage would never be an option, but she couldn't help hoping he'd change his mind. Some scenes between them fueled that hope. Even though Jonathan often feels things with Natalie that he's never felt before, he suppresses those feelings, sure they wouldn't last. He stubbornly sticks to his "no marriage" mantra until Natalie finally believes him.
 
On their return to Royal, they attempt to return to their previous lives, but both are miserable. Resuming their affair in secret seems to be the only cure. Once again, Natalie risks her heart, but she can't stay away from the man she loves. Jonathan may be cracking under the onslaught of his feelings, but his fears continue to hold him back. When Jonathan's ex-wife confronts Natalie, it brings her fears to a head, and she pulls back. I loved seeing Jonathan finally see the light with the help of his brother Jayden. I loved his emotional reunion with Natalie, and his big moment at the end was a neat tribute to their beginning.

On Opposite Sides - Cat Shield (HD #2881 - July 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 3)
 
Their families may be feuding
so they're keeping their enemy very, very close…
 
From the moment he sees her, Nolan Thurston wants to know Chelsea Grandin. He tells himself it's just to gain valuable intel in his family's battle for oil rights. But he knows there's more, and soon his obsession with her threatens to derail his plans…
 
To save her family's ranch, Chelsea is tempted to snare Nolan in a seduction scheme of her own. But when attraction takes over, will her family loyalties fall by the wayside?
 
Good enemies-to-lovers book. Chelsea's family is embroiled in a battle with the Thurstons over the oil rights on the Grandin's land. But when Nolan spots Chelsea from across the street, her name is the last thing on his mind. When the two meet, there is no denying the sparks that fly between them. Despite their feuding families, they go out on a date together. Each of them tells their families that the idea is to pump the other for information that can help in the battle.
 
Chelsea is tired of being underestimated by her father and grandfather. She has devoted her life to the family ranch, but her father intends to leave the running the ranch to her only brother, Vic, because he is a man. It doesn't matter that Chelsea knows more about what goes into it than Vic does. Chelsea's male family members are prime examples of the patriarchal mindset, and it is increasingly evident that Vic can do no wrong. Chelsea believes that if she can acquire information that will save the ranch, her family will have to admit her worth.
 
Nolan left Royal when he was eighteen because he felt unappreciated. Instead, he found his calling doing location searches for production companies. Nolan returned to Royal to support his brother, Heath, and attempt to make amends for leaving to follow his dreams. Nolan doesn't understand Heath's reasons for pushing so hard about the oil rights, though Heath tries to explain.
 
I enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Chelsea and Nolan. Because each had entered the relationship with ulterior motives, neither believed anything could come of it. This allowed them to be themselves instead of trying to be what the other person wanted. It wasn't long before they ditched the spying plan and enjoyed being together. I loved seeing them get to know each other, especially how Nolan brought out Chelsea's adventurous side. As their attraction intensified and grew into deeper feelings, both struggled to reconcile those feelings with their duty to their families. I rooted for them to find a way to do what was right for them.
 
I almost despaired of that happening when family interference caused a rift between them. Fortunately, they realized the truth of their feelings before it was too late. There was a very emotional scene at the end as they found a way to live their lives apart from their families' conflict. I hope to see more of them in future books, and I can't wait to see how the conflict ends. 

Staking a Claim - Janice Maynard (HD #2869 - May 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 1)
 
It's a Lone Star matchmaking twin swap!
 
As a favor to his identical twin, Joshua Banks agrees to pose as his brother. The switch is supposed to last for just one “date” with Layla Grandin, their childhood friend. But dinner soon leads to much, much more. Trust is everything to Layla -- she's been burned before and secrets are destroying her ranching family. If Joshua stands any chance of staking a claim on relationship-wary Layla, the Texan has to confess so much more than his true identity. And risk losing more than he ever imagined…
 
Excellent book. I've been reading this series out of order, so I was happy to finally read the first book. It opens with the funeral of Layla's grandfather, a man she adored despite his old-fashioned views. During the reception, Layla is approached by her father and one of his friends, who manipulate her into accepting a date with one of the man's sons. It is especially embarrassing because Layla used to have a massive crush on Jordan. Layla hung out frequently with Jordan and his twin brother, Joshua, when they were kids, but they'd grown apart as adults. She reluctantly accepts the date.
 
Segue to Jordan, who was also manipulated into the date. He's not happy about it because he already had plans for that night. So he asks his brother, Joshua, to take his place. Josh has recently returned to the ranch after leaving his job in Dallas and divorcing his wife. He agrees but feels guilty about the deception.
 
I loved that scene of Josh arriving to pick up Layla and pretending to be Jordan. Layla hasn't spent time with Jordan in at least four years, so she is initially confused about her first reaction to him. Josh is uncomfortable pretending to be Jordan, and his awkward responses to Layla's conversation muddle things further. It doesn't take long for Layla to realize that she is with Josh, not Jordan, and wonder why the deception. She doesn't call him out on it right away but plays along. Once Josh relaxes a little, he and Layla get along great. Also immediately apparent is the intense attraction both feel, though they don't act on it. Going against "the plan," Josh makes another date with Layla, determined to come clean and be himself.
 
That second date was terrific. I loved seeing Josh stumble a bit over his confession, then be surprised that Layla had already figured it out. With that out of the way, they were free to explore what was between them. With both coming off failed relationships, neither expresses any interest in anything more than enjoying each other's company. But neither can they stop thinking about each other and wanting to be together. I loved seeing Josh's support of Layla as she dealt with her grandmother's illness and the other family turmoil. It isn't long before both realize they want more than a friends-with-benefits relationship. 

However, both Josh and Layla have insecurities that throw up obstacles to the future. Josh has been waffling about what he wants to do now that he's back in Royal. Josh makes the mistake of keeping his plans secret until he feels everything is perfect. Layla's trust issues cause her to react badly to something she hears. I ached for Josh in the ensuing confrontation and wanted to shake Layla for not asking for the truth. It takes some time, but I loved seeing him confront Layla about what she said and why. Once the lines of communication are open, it doesn't take long for each to see their mistakes. I loved seeing them come together and realize that they belong together. The epilogue was great too. 

During Layla's grandfather's funeral reception, the family is served with papers claiming that the oil rights to their land and that of the Lattimores had been given to a woman and her daughter. This is the first time anyone from either family is aware of such a  promise, and no one wants to believe it. Oil drilling on their land would destroy what they have, and both families are determined to prove the claim false. We briefly meet the claimants, who do not make a good impression. Some secrets are revealed, but the truth of the claim is under investigation. It will be interesting to see how the pieces come together as the series continues.

Rivalry at Play - Nadine Gonzalez (HD #2887 - Aug 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 4)
 
He was once the competition, but now that they're all grown up, who will come out on top?
“It's your move. Go ahead and finish me.”
 
Attorney Alexandra Lattimore doesn't play games, but entrepreneur Jackson Strom brings out her competitive side. Her former high school rival is all grown up -- oozing class, challenging her and tempting her in equal measure. But she's back home to deal with family business, not to revisit the past or get tangled up in messy emotions. Is a casual fling the best strategy? Maybe… Succumbing to Jackson's physical appeal is one thing; revealing her secrets is another. But she knows he won't be satisfied until he's made her his queen…
 
Good second chance romance. Attorney Alexa took a leave of absence from her Miami job to help her family back in Texas. While there, she encounters her high school nemesis, Jackson. They were competitive all through school, with Alexa frequently coming out on top, earning her the nickname "Alexandra the First." She never knew that he'd had a crush on her all through school, and his competition was a way to get her attention. Jackson is now a successful and confident man who still has a thing for Alexa.
 
I love their first meeting at the TCC charity barbecue. Alexa was manipulated into attending by her mother and would have preferred to skip it. Instead, she's hiding in a cabana by the pool when Jackson finds her. He'd seen her arrive and was determined to make her notice him this time. I loved their banter about their past as he challenged her to a chess game and later to experience the barbecue cook-off. Alexa notices that her high school rival has become a handsome and charming man but isn't interested in starting a relationship with anyone. Meanwhile, Jackson refuses to give up on getting closer to her.
 
I liked Alexa, but she frustrated me at times. She is intelligent, independent, and loyal to those she loves. But she is so hung up on being the best at everything that she misses out on life. That need to excel also hides the insecurity she experiences because she feels that she is the odd one out in her family. As the book goes on, we see how she puts up a front, even with them, as she hides the issue she has at her job. When she meets Jackson again, she doesn't expect her instant attraction to him. Though she tries to resist, citing her intention to return to Miami and disinterest in starting a relationship, Alexa can't help rising to his challenges to step outside her comfort zone. I liked watching Alexa blossom under Jackson's attention, learning how to relax and have fun. But part of her can't help but hold back her troubles, refusing to look anything but a winner. I wanted to shake her for not confiding in him whenever he tried to find out what was bothering her. When the truth came out, Alexa had to decide what was more important - her pride or her feelings for Jackson.
 
I loved Jackson. He is intelligent, successful, and determined. He remembers his competition with Alexa fondly because he had her attention. Though he thought he was over his crush, he realized he still had feelings for her as soon as he met her again. I loved his determination not to miss his chance with her this time. It was fun seeing how he knew what buttons to push to get her to follow his plans. He also paid close attention to what she said, which enabled him to pull off the sweet surprises at the cabin. The "prom night" was especially moving. Jackson could tell that something was bothering her and was frustrated by his inability to get her to trust him. I felt his pain when he discovered it and understood his hurt and anger. His need to do something was evident, and I loved what he did, even though he didn't get the reaction he wanted from Alexa. I liked that he didn't give up on her or their relationship. His big moment at the end was terrific as he faced her, and they finally talked things out.
 
There is a little progress on the series storyline of the claim on her family's ranch and that of their friends. Alexa's grandfather, Augustus, has memory problems, making getting details from him challenging. Information is uncovered about an oil survey, but Augustus claims to have no memory of it. I'm looking forward to the rest of the series and getting to the bottom of the mystery. 

Boyfriend Lessons - Sophia Singh Sasson (HD #2875 - June 2022)

Series: Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book 2)

Her cardinal rule for learning the ropes of romance  
Don't fall for the teacher!
 
Shy Lone Star heiress Caitlyn Lattimore is eager to ditch her wallflower status. So when her best friend playfully suggests she practice dating, Caitlyn goes one further. She asks friend of a friend Dev Mallik to give her boyfriend lessons. The spark between them soon turns fun into fire. But is Caitlyn setting herself up for heartbreak? Because Dev's exacting parents want just the right woman for their son -- and they aren't so sure she's the one…
 
Good book. The story opens with Caitlyn and her best friend Alice talking about Caitlyn's lack of a dating life. Caitlyn is shy and awkward around men she doesn't know, and it's gotten worse since she broke up with her ex a year earlier. When Alice suggests Caitlyn practice dating, she has her brother Russ in mind. But when Russ brings his friend Dev to dinner at Alice's, Caitlyn immediately feels comfortable with him.
 
When Caitlyn asks him for "boyfriend lessons," he's taken aback but intrigued. He is in Royal for a few weeks looking for a site for the restaurant he wants to build. He's drawn to Caitlyn, and if he can help her out while getting to know her better, it's a win-win situation.
 
I liked seeing the relationship develop between Caitlyn and Dev. Dev usually limits himself to casual encounters, but Caitlyn quickly gets under his skin. They spend time together scouting locations and discover that it is easy to talk to each other about anything. The more time they spend together, the closer they get and the stronger their attraction grows. But what happens when Dev has to go back to New York?
 
Both Caitlyn and Dev are very close to their families. Caitlyn's plans for her future center around Royal. Complicating matters, there is family trouble that Caitlyn feels she needs to be there to help with. Dev's family has very traditional Indian customs. I was happy I read the author's note before the book, or I would have wondered what was going on with Dev. Why on earth would a thirty-year-old man still be living with his parents and allowing them to accept applications to be his wife? I could feel Dev's struggle as his feelings for Caitlyn grew, yet she didn't match his parents' requirement that he marry an Indian woman.
 
While Dev grew more confident that Caitlyn was the one for him, she worried they were moving too fast. Her breakup with her ex left Caitlyn unable to trust herself and her feelings. When Dev's father shows up at an awkward time, the differences between her and Dev seem insurmountable. Crises with their families pull them apart and force them to take a hard look at their priorities. I liked that Dev didn't give up, and they found a way to make things work.
 
A little bit deals with the inheritance issue, which is the series's overarching subject.