Wrangler’s Creek’s most eligible bad boy has just become its most eligible single dad
Dylan Granger could always count on his rebellious-cowboy charm to get his way -- until the day his wife, Jordan, left him and joined the military. The realization that during a wild night he got her cousin pregnant is shocking enough. But the news that Jordan has come home to Texas to help raise the baby is the last thing he expects.
Raising a baby with Dylan in Wrangler’s Creek is a life Jordan might’ve had years ago, but she doesn’t want regrets. She wants what’s best for the child -- and to find out if there’s something deeper between her and her ex than blazing-hot chemistry. Getting closer means letting down her guard to Dylan again, but will he be able to accept the emotional scars on her heart?
This is a second chance story with as many ups and downs, twists and turns as a premium rollercoaster. Dylan and Jordan had been married for a brief time fourteen years earlier. It didn't work out, and Jordan left to join the military, and Dylan stayed to work the ranch. Since that time, Dylan has cut a swath through the female population but never spending long with anyone. The book opens with him waking under circumstances he doesn't remember and finding out about a taking a very public vow of celibacy. About that time, a social worker arrived, bringing a toddler to him that she says is his son. His mother is in jail and has given him custody - a mother who is also his ex-wife's cousin.
Meanwhile, Jordan is on her way back to the US after a harrowing experience on duty. She suffers from nightmares and flashbacks and has been transferred to San Antonio where she can get some help. She is stunned to get a message from Adele about Corbin because Adele had never told her about the boy. She heads to Wrangler's Creek to confront Dylan because she feels he's not capable of being what Corbin needs.
I really liked both Dylan and Jordan. In previous books, Dylan has been the charming playboy, always ready for some shenanigans. When faced with possible fatherhood, after the initial stunned disbelief, he steps up to the job. I loved his immediate connection with little Corbin, and his determination to prove everybody wrong. Jordan is trying to get her life back on an even keel after what she'd been through. She is strong and loving but also has some insecurities.
I liked the development of Dylan and Jordan's relationship. After fourteen years, they are surprised to discover that the attraction between them is just as strong as ever. Both try to resist it because the issues that tore them apart before are still there. Dylan is rooted in Wrangler's Creek, and Jordan is still a wanderer, but they will work together to give Corbin what he needs. Unfortunately for them, the attraction between them flares hot every time they are together and continues to grow. I liked watching them grow closer as they supported each other through the mayhem caused by Adele. As they did, it became clear that each of them had matured and changed in the years since their divorce. Events continued to push them toward each other, but Jordan's fears especially keep her from believing that they can have a future together. Dylan's solution was unique and an interesting way of approaching the issue. I'm looking forward to the next book to see if there are any changes.
The issue of Corbin's paternity and custody is the central theme of the book. Dylan settles right in to fatherhood, but there are others who may have an equal claim. The ups and downs are highly emotional, and I ached for Dylan as it all happened. It was interesting to see Dylan's mom, who wasn't a very good mother to her own kids, get so deeply involved in this situation. Jordan also feels that she should have custody, but her work situation works against her. I liked seeing the three of them become a team in caring for Corbin. Some interesting dynamics were going on, but they made it work. There were several unexpected twists before someone finally made the right choice.
The secondary characters added plenty of drama on their own. Various ex-girlfriends of Dylan's did their best to cement relationships, get into his bed, or just stir the pot. The local judge, who has an ax to grind on behalf of his daughters, makes threats regarding the custody battle, and also eggs on Regina. Then there is Jordan's fellow officer, Theo. He was involved in Jordan's rescue and seems intent on making sure that she doesn't forget her ordeal or his part in it, all under the guise of being concerned about her. He also wants to take their relationship to the next level, while Jordan seems more interested in stepping back. There were some pretty funny scenes where she really lets him have it, especially when he's pulled some rather questionable stunts. I still think he was actually involved in the press fiasco at the rodeo. Last but not least is Dylan's brother Lucian. He is a grumpy, cynical, pain in the neck who seems to think it is his right to interfere in anything regarding his family. He definitely oversteps his bounds several times, gets confronted, then continues to do as he wants. His assistant Kaylee is Jordan's best friend and keeps Lucian's life and business running smoothly. She is also in love with him. He has no clue, and I am looking forward to the next book and seeing her bring him to his knees.
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