Series: Cowboys of Stampede Texas (Book 3)
SUDDENLY A SINGLE DAD
Reid Hardell never imagined he’d become a single dad or
that he’d ever return to his family’s ranch in Stampede, Texas. But for his
newfound daughter’s sake, Reid is coming home, hoping his estranged brothers
can help him master fatherhood. Life in Stampede has an unexpected perk --
reconnecting with gorgeous Scarlett Johnson. Until
Reid discovers she’s the new social worker on his custody case.
In working with Reid and his daughter, Scarlett finds a
connection she thought was impossible. She wants more than anything to be part
of their family, but a relationship could jeopardize their case and her job.
How can she turn away from having everything she’s ever wanted -- even if it’s
the right thing to do?
Good book. Reid is the last of the Hardell boys to come
home to Stampede. He had left at eighteen to join the military and escape from
the abuse of his father. He had no intention of coming back, though he had his own way of supporting his family. Everything
changed when he discovered that he had a twelve-year-old daughter. Now he hopes
that they can help him learn to be a father.
Scarlett followed her cousins to Stampede after a
romantic relationship failed and also affected her job. She's found a new job
and has unexpectedly discovered that she likes the pace of small-town life after all.
I loved the first meeting between Scarlett and Reid and
how it echoed a previous interaction between them. Scarlett had had quite the
crush on Reid, in spite of him being one of those "wild Hardell boys"
and it seems some of those feelings are still there. Reid was also affected by
their encounter and looked forward to seeing more of her, which was highly
likely since her cousins are married to his brothers.
The development of their relationship was not an easy
one. Reid and Scarlett connected right away, finding each other very easy to
talk to. Scarlett also bonded with Reid's
daughter, Jessie, and wanted to help him with his relationship with her. But that all comes to a crashing halt when Scarlett is
assigned to be Jessie's caseworker. She can do whatever necessary to
help Jessie, but a relationship with Reid is now out of the question.
Unfortunately, staying away from each other is harder than they expect.
I really liked both
Reid and Scarlett. Scarlett loves helping kids of all types with any kind of problem. She's still hurting from what
happened with her ex, but she puts that aside to help Reid with Jessie. I loved
her patience with his insecurities, and her determination to see them succeed.
She also has a terrific relationship with her cousins and her great aunt. I
ached so much for Reid. The things that drove him away from home have continued
to affect him. He harbors some resentment toward his brothers but also knows that he's made mistakes of his own. I loved
his determination to be a good father to Jessie and understood his fear of not
being what she needs or wants.
I loved seeing all the characters behave with maturity
and respect for each other (okay - except for Emmett and Amelia). There are some misunderstandings and secrets that come
out regarding the Hardell family that go a long way toward repairing the
relationships among the brothers and with their grandfather. The problems that
arise because of Reid and Scarlett's relationship are also dealt with realistically and without too much drama. I
especially liked the way that the family pulled together to help both Reid and
Scarlett achieve their dreams. The big moment between Reid and Scarlett, with
Jessie's help, was very sweet.
Throughout the series,
I have thoroughly enjoyed the contentious relationship between Emmett and
Amelia. It's been fun to watch the very unusual courtship between the two
oldsters. There are a couple of eyebrow-raising scenes that were quite
unexpected, but also highly amusing. I loved Amelia's actions at the end and Emmett's reaction.
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