Cowboy Blues - Delores Fossen (HQN - May 2018)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 5.5)

He promised he’d stay away…but he can’t resist keeping her close

Setting rules and following them to the letter is part of cowboy Nick Haskins’s code. It keeps life uncomplicated, and his heart intact. The love he had for his high school sweetheart is ashes in the wind, but he’s not counting on her twin, Lindsay Gavin, to show up on his ranch -- or in his dreams.

Lindsay’s got a code of her own: hands off her sister’s guy. But now that Nick is free to share his bunkhouse and his bed, she can’t help but take what he’s offering. There’s no harm in satisfying years worth of curiosity. There’s no shame in indulging in the sexiest fun of her life. Only, when Nick and Lindsay let desire set fire to the rules, will they both end up getting burned?

Short, sweet, and steamy story. Nick is a horse trainer on the Granger ranch and is stunned to find himself sharing the bunkhouse with the newest trainer - his high school girlfriend's twin sister. He has a rule about siblings of exes - don't mess with them. Except he'd broken that rule six months earlier with a beer-fueled kiss that he hasn't been able to forget. But he's determined to stick to his rules and keep his hands off Lindsay.

Lindsay has had feelings for Nick for years, even when he belonged to Carol Ann. She can't deny the attraction and doesn't want to. What she'd like is to see where it goes. But first, she has to get past both his and Carol Ann's objections.

I had fun watching Nick fight his feelings. It was a losing battle and he knew it. The only question was how long could he last. I loved watching the pot finally boil over, and the heat between them was intense. But Nick still needed to reconcile his rules and his feelings. The story finished with a conversation between Nick, Lindsay, and Carol Ann that had an unexpected twist to it.

Just Like a Cowboy - Delores Fossen (HQN - May 2017)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 2.5)

A bad-boy bull rider comes back to Wrangler's Creek to claim his ranch…and win back the woman who still owns his heart

Inheriting his uncle's ranch is a dream come true for Wynn Beck -- until he discovers that half the property belongs to his ex-wife. Carlene has been running the place for years and claims she doesn't want Wynn anywhere near it. But Wynn senses she, too, feels the intense pull that reminds him how well they fit together…in every way.

Their scalding-hot marriage fizzled when Carlene realized Wynn was more interested in winning a rodeo buckle than putting down roots. Now she intends to protect her home -- and her still-fragile heart -- by buying Wynn out. Too bad the man's as stubborn as the bulls he rides. And that her cooled desire can quickly heat right back up with the right cowboy…

Short but intense second chance story. Carlene and Wynn had been married for five years when Wynn's desire to become a bull rider took him on the road. Meanwhile, Carlene's roots were buried deep in Wrangler's Creek. Since their divorce three years ago, she has been running his Uncle Joe's ranch and had plans for what she wants to do with it. That is until Wynn shows up with the news that Joe has given the ranch to him.

Wynn has retired from bull riding and has big plans for his uncle's ranch. He knows that Carlene is there and has instructions that she is to be kept on. That's fine with him, as he has a lot of regrets about their past and would like to do something about it.

The sparks flew from the moment Wynn reappeared. Carlene wasn't happy about it; she still remembered what happened to her the last time she saw him as he drove away. Unfortunately, her resistance to him is nearly nonexistent. There is also her anger at the situation with the ranch to deal with. It quickly became clear to both Carlene and Wynn that Joe is matchmaking. 

I liked seeing Wynn and Carlene try to deal both with sharing the ranch and their rekindled attraction. Finding a way to coexist on the ranch was much easier. Dealing with their emotions was much more complicated. I loved the way that they sat down and talked things out. I ached for Carlene and what she had gone through, and for Wynn and the guilt he felt because of it. The story ended with an unexpected twist that solved a lot of their problems, along with a very personal celebration.

Lone Star Cowboy - Delores Fossen (HQN - Nov 2016)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book .5)

Money can't fix this dilemma - but love might No falling for the ex... 

Jake Monroe became the most eligible rancher in Wrangler's Creek, Texas, at the drop of an inheritance. With land, horses and a fortune to protect, he can't let gold diggers into his pockets. But he can let people believe he and his ex are back together while she's in town working on the ranch. Trouble is, faking a relationship with Lily Rose Granger isn't nearly as hard as pretending their desire isn't real. No sleeping with the boss...

Playing pretend isn't supposed to be so complicated, but Lily Rose won't give up. She's determined to prove to everyone that she's the best horse trainer around - and prove to herself that she's moved on from Jake. All she has to do is stay out of the cowboy's bed...or trust that this time around he's worth every risk.

Though I read this out of order (I've finished the Wrangler's Creek series except for a couple of the novellas), it was a nice opening to the series. Though Lily and Jake make few appearances in the future books, this did introduce a few familiar characters.

Lily's dream is to have her own horse training ranch. In the process, she has worked for several people, one of whom was her ex-boyfriend Ian. She broke things off with him when she caught him cheating on her; then he fired her. Now she's working for Jake, the ex from her teenage years and the one she's never forgotten. The problem is, she still wants him. Complicating matters is that Ian is still a pain in the butt.

Jake has finally made his dream come true thanks to a significant inheritance from his grandfather. Unfortunately, that has made him the target of ambitious women all over town. He's really tired of fending them off when he has better things to do with his time. Things come to a head when he finds a naked woman in his room and retreats to the barn for safety.

Jake and Lily still have intense sparks flying between them, but Jake is adamant about not getting involved with someone who works for him. But desperate times call for desperate measures, and he agrees to Lily's suggestion that they pretend to be back together. Playing that game is also playing with fire, and resisting gets harder every day. But Lily has also kept a secret from Jake and others, one that is about to create some complications. I ached for Lily and her fears of what it would do to her relationships with Jake.

The ending was pretty good. I liked the support Lily got from Lawson and enjoyed the sibling interactions. I loved seeing Lily's response to Ian. Once Jake got over his initial reaction, he came through nicely for Lily. I enjoyed how the author brought in Logan McCord from the previous series and the plans that he and Jake have for Ian. I also liked how Jake and Lily cleared the air between them and admitted their feelings.

The Last Rodeo - Delores Fossen (HQN - July 2018)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 6)

The most important two words for this Wrangler’s Creek rodeo cowboy? I do...

Lucian Granger isn’t winning any Mr. Cowboy Congeniality awards. Known in his small Texas town as “Lucifer” thanks to his surly nature and knack for scaring people away from getting too close, the handsome rancher has no trouble ignoring the gossip. But when he’s in danger of losing the land he’s put his blood, sweat and tears into maintaining, Lucian sets out to prove he’s a changed man -- by claiming he’s about to settle down with his invaluable assistant, Karlee O’Malley.

Their pending nuptials may be just for show, but from the moment they kiss, the proverbial fireworks start going off in his head -- and in his heart. Before long, the man who’s usually as emotional as a brick wall is tired of pretending and wants to share a real future with Karlee. With his world suddenly turned upside down, Lucian will risk losing the business and the ranch if it means holding on to the one woman worth becoming a better man for.

Good conclusion to the Wrangler's Creek series. Lucian, aka Lucifer, is the last of the unmarried Grangers. No one is surprised by this because Lucian can be a real SOB, in and out of the business world. He's well known for his short relationships - thirty-four days is the record. Women take second place to work and he has no intention of changing that. That is until his life begins to implode.

Karlee is Lucian's assistant and has been for ten years. She keeps his life and business organized, often knowing what he needs before he does. She has also been in love with him for years, though he is quite oblivious to it. Karlee has finally realized that nothing will come of it and has decided to move on with her life, giving Lucian her notice and getting ready to start her own business.

I liked both Lucian and Karlee. Though Lucian has been something of an ass in the previous books, it was always because he thinks he's doing what is best for the family. Lucian took over the business, the ranch, and caring for the family at the age of eighteen when his father deserted them. It was his hard work that turned it around from the debt-ridden mess that Jerry left to a multi-million dollar success. Karlee has done the same for her family, ever since her mother ran off with Lucian's father. She took over care of the home and her younger brothers while her father sank into an alcoholic mess. She had to step up even more when he killed himself when she was seventeen.

Lucian's hard-nosed business ways have put him at odds with the town. That becomes a huge problem when Jerry comes back to town and takes back control of the family business. Jerry's actions put the financial future of the businesses and the family in jeopardy, all because of his own bad decisions. Lucian needs help to stop his father from destroying everything he's worked for, and that means he needs to change his reputation. Regina comes up with the idea of Lucian showing that he's a new man by becoming engaged to Karlee, whom everyone likes.

I liked the development of the relationship between Lucian and Karlee. They have been friends for a long time. Lucian has also felt the sparks of attraction for Karlee but has kept them well buried, not wanting to screw up an excellent working relationship and friendship. He has also been oblivious to Karlee's feelings for him. But the fake engagement has opened the door and now he doesn't know how to cope. I loved seeing how he can't keep Karlee out of his mind, which freaks him out quite a bit. He's kept himself away from any long-term relationships because of one failed one when he was younger - a relationship that still has a hold on him. Karlee has tried to protect her heart, but the "engagement" activities remind her of all the things that she wants to be real. One of the things that she wants is the chance to experience what all his other women have enjoyed - time in Lucian's bed. But just when things look like it could happen, Lucian's ex comes back to town. Lucian's emotions are in a turmoil as nothing feels the way he thought it would. I loved seeing Karlee stand up for herself and tell Lucian that he has to figure out his feelings first, then he could find her. Even with that obstacle, the connection between Lucian and Karlee is unmistakable. I loved how well each of them understood the other. I loved Lucian's protectiveness when it came to her new business and his understanding about her father. It took time for him to sort through his feelings, especially with everything else that was going on. I loved his big moment at the end, as he opened himself up in a scene that was both emotional and funny.

A large part of the story is the family drama that takes place with Jerry's return. He has wrenched back control of the family business for reasons of his own, which takes some time for Lucian to uncover. In the meantime, Jerry's ongoing feud with his ex-wife (Regina) creates some ridiculously funny moments (the taping off of the house into his and hers is hysterically described). There are also some very emotional scenes, as Karlee's mom returns, knowing that it was the affair between her and Jerry that caused so much trouble. I ached for Lucian as he watched everything he had worked so hard for fall apart under his father. An abundance of twists and turns makes the business troubles a convoluted problem to solve. I loved the solution that Lucian came up with, as once again, he is the one the family relies on when there's trouble.

The secondary characters were great, too. Jerry was the biggest presence. Mostly, he was the one I loved to hate for what he did, but there were a couple of times I felt a little sorry for him. Regina was a trip with her snarky comments to Jerry and his fiancée Candy. Candy was a bit of a surprise. She definitely gave off the clueless bimbo vibes for a good part of the story but showed herself to be a little more savvy than expected at the end. Karlee's mom, Glenda's return was unexpectedly complex. I liked her acceptance of the harm she did to her kids, and that she didn't try to give any excuses for it. Her other reasons for returning were quite a surprise. One of my favorite characters was the family cook, Abe. I was intrigued by his mysterious paper bag deliveries to Lucian and truly moved when Lucian told Karlee about them.

Cowboy Heartbreaker - Delores Fossen (HQN - Mar 2018)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 4.5)

This bad-boy cowboy doesn’t know what to do with a good girl—but after one night together, he sure isn’t ready to let go…

Commiserating over a mutual friend leaving town, best pals since childhood Ryder Crowley and Allie Devlin wind up drowning their sorrows in booze—and each other. For Allie, Wrangler’s Creek’s resident good girl, it’s a secret fantasy come true. She’s been aiming to finally change her straitlaced reputation and knows a night with Ryder will do the trick. She just didn’t count on wanting so much more…

Bad-boy ranch hand Ryder is no stranger to one-night stands, but this is different. This is Allie. She’s not the kind of girl you love and leave, and that’s all he knows. But when Allie tempts him with a naughty, no-strings-attached weekend, Ryder can’t resist, soon realizing Allie might have his heart more tied up than he ever thought possible.

Quick and fun story. Ryder and Allie have been best friends for years, along with Ryder's sister Bree and their friend Curt (aka the CRAB posse). Now Curt has married and will be leaving the area, breaking up their gang of friends. In their efforts to drown their sorrows over this, Ryder and Allie wake to find themselves naked and hungover in the hayloft of the ranch where they both work.

Allie has had feelings for Ryder for a long time but has kept them to herself until now. I loved the way she took the bull by the horns and made her move on him. Ryder's shock was obvious, but it didn't keep him from participating fully in the hottest kiss he'd had in a while. I also loved the way she nipped his backtrack in the bud with "If you want to cross any more lines, you know where to find me." 

It was great to see how Ryder was unable to get Allie off his mind, no matter how he tried. I loved the scene in the barn as their newly admitted attraction bursts into flame once again. Ryder still fights hard against it, and Allie throws down the challenge of meeting her after work at her place. After a delayed arrival caused by Bree, Ryder finally showed up, still fighting the inevitable.

I loved Allie's way of showing him that just being friends wasn't possible any longer, and Ryder's realization that she was right. Nature took its course in ways that were better than either expected. The morning after was pretty funny, involving an unexpected visitor and cans of cheese spread. I liked how it helped both Ryder and Allie admit their feelings.

Lone Star Blues - Delores Fossen (HQN - Apr 2018)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 5)

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.

One Good Cowboy - Delores Fossen (HQN - Feb 2017)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 1.5)

The most honorable cowboy in Wrangler's Creek is about to get an offer he can't refuse…

Carson Rowley expects Granger Ranch office manager Evie Martin to do any number of things when he breaks the news that her “on again, off again” boyfriend has eloped with a stripper. Cry, maybe. Curse, probably. Kiss him senseless? Nope…didn't predict that. Now that Evie's offering what he secretly craves, there's only one question: Just how bad should a good cowboy be?

Evie's nowhere near as heartbroken over her unreliable ex as everyone in Wrangler's Creek expects. Especially once it's clear that her long-simmering crush on Carson is mutual. Carson's not the casual type, and inviting him into her bed means inviting him into her heart. But once he's there, she may never want him to leave…

Short, face paced and fun story. The story opens with the aftermath of a bachelor party, with good guy Carson passed out on the bar with a pair of red panties laying on him. Not what Evie expected to find when she stopped by her father's bar on the way to work. Even less did she expect to hear that her sort-of boyfriend had run off to Vegas with a stripper. Carson was cautious giving her the news, as he wasn't sure how she would take it. He certainly didn't expect her to smile, then haul off and kiss him.

Evie is sick and tired of everyone pushing her at Bennie. Their mothers had been doing it since they were kids, and nothing Evie says will convince them she isn't interested. She also hates the way everyone treats her with kid gloves just because she'd had cancer. She's well now and determined to live her life the way she wants to. And what she wants is Carson.

I completely understood Evie's frustration with the fact that nobody listens to what she says. I loved how she took action and made her interest in Carson known to him - and anyone else who would listen. Carson was stunned, but wary, as he thought maybe it was just reaction to what had happened. It was fun to see Evie's attempts at convincing him, and his final acceptance of the truth. The dinner that wasn't was terrific, and the heat between them was intense. The scene afterward, as Bennie, Gigi, and the two mothers converge on Evie's house had me laughing out loud. Bennie was a bit of an idiot, but I think Gigi will be the making of him. Seeing Carson and Evie try to get through to their mothers was hilarious as they finally saw the truth.

Cowboy Dreaming - Delores Fossen (HQN - Dec 2017)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 3.5)

How to lead a Texas cowboy into temptation…

Despite his parents’ pressure to be a doctor, ranch hand Josh Whitlock has everything under control. That is, until Hope Applewood—his boss—trades in her dusty jeans for a sexy little red dress. Now Josh’s self-control has gone up in smoke…taking his common sense with it. That must be why he’s agreed to fake a relationship so they can prove something to both their families.

Sure, there’s always been a bit of a simmer between them. Now the simmer is up to full boil as their new “relationship” sets the tongues of Wrangler’s Creek wagging. Even as their little scam works its magic, Josh knows he’s just opened Pandora’s box—filled with feelings he’s been hiding since meeting Hope. But when a cowboy makes a deal, he always sees it through…

Quick little read as friends and partners discover that there's much more between them. Both Josh and Hope are happy with their work on the ranch, in spite of their parents' unrelenting nagging that there's something better that they should be doing. In Josh's case, they wanted him to be a doctor, even though he has no interest or calling for it. Hope's parents would prefer that she join them in their business and marry someone in their social class. Each of them has become pretty good at avoiding their parents for sanity's sake.

That is, until the day of the Granger's holiday party. Hope has to go because she's meeting a business contact there, which means she also has to dress up. Seeing her in the little red dress blows Josh's mind, and helping her zip it up fuels the heat he's always felt for her. The steam between the two of them boils over in a hot-blooded kiss.

I loved seeing the two of them commiserate over their parental troubles. Hope tries to get Josh to go with her to the party as her date to head her parents off. He declines, since he doesn't want to deal with his own parents at the party - until they show up there at the ranch. Their attitude pushes him right into Hope's arms and he and Hope pretend that they are together. This continues as they attend the party together and fend off the matchmaking attempts of both set of parents, while setting off the local gossips.

It was fun to see them deal with the feelings that had been stirred up. Josh seemed a bit reluctant to believe that it was anything more than lust at first. In a pretty funny comparison to silencing the alarm on fast food French fries, they try to see if giving in will make it go away or make it stronger. I laughed as their afterglow was interrupted and how they handled it. I loved seeing them admit what is between them and look to their future together.  

Texas-Sized Trouble – Delores Fossen (HQN – Jan 2018)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 4)

A local girl comes home to face the cowboy from her past—and finally claim her future…

Lawson Granger loved Eve Cooper once, but her dreams were grander than anything his Texas-cowboy destiny could provide. Letting her walk out of his life and into television stardom was a mistake he made eighteen years ago. Now everything’s changed. Eve is back—pregnant and desperate for someplace to hide. And their desire is just as stubborn as they are.

Escaping to the comforts of home is Eve’s one shot at giving her baby a safe life. Earning Lawson’s trust is her one chance at making amends for the past. But the long-buried secrets and unintentional damage she fled from aren’t far behind. When the truth finds her, she stands to lose the man she loves and the only place she’s ever called home…this time forever.

Good second chance story. Lawson and Eve had been high school sweethearts until they were driven apart by the death of a friend and Eve’s departure for Hollywood. He hasn’t seen her in eighteen years. Then he finds out that Eve has moved back to Wrangler’s Creek.

Eve has been having a bad year. She’s pregnant from a one night stand with her former costar. Her adopted daughter isn’t speaking to her. She just wants a place where she can get her life back on track, and when she’s offered the house in Wrangler’s Creek, she jumps at it.

The book started with a bang and just kept going. Lawson was confronted by local fortune-teller and resident nutcase, Vita, and informed that he had a bunch of curses on him. He blows her off, but soon has reason to regret it, as he’s told about Eve’s presence on the ranch. He comes face to face with her just in time to deliver her baby, in a vastly amusing scene. It’s also quite clear that the sparks between them aren’t dead. Lawson copes by leaving town for as long as he can get away with it. Eve was grateful for his help, but she’s glad he’s gone. It gives her a chance to figure out what she is going to say to him.

I liked both Lawson and Eve. Lawson is a good man. He loves his family, even though they frequently irritate him. He works hard on the ranch. He’s very careful not to lead women on during those occasions when he cuts loose. He is also racked with guilt over the death of his friend Brett, and blames himself for what happened.  Having Eve around is a double-edged sword – she reminds him of that loss, but he’s also still attracted to her.

Eve has worked hard to be a good mother to Tessie, keeping her out of the Hollywood spotlight. But Eve has also kept a huge secret from her – a secret that caused a big rift with Tessie when it was discovered. Eve also feels guilty about Brett’s death, feeling that she could have done something to prevent it. Eve is a good person who made the choices that she believed were best at the time, but they are now creating more problems for her. But no matter what happens, she faces up to the consequences.

I liked the rekindling of Lawson and Eve’s relationship. Delivering her baby adds a layer of intimacy to their new reality. Lawson also discovers that he is unexpectedly protective of both Eve and little Aidan, a situation that is very disturbing to him at the beginning. He wants to keep his distance to protect his heart, but he just can’t do it. Eve is equally drawn to the man that Lawson has become, but the secrets she is keeping make that attraction hard to accept. It was fun to see how they fought their feelings, especially when everyone else could see that they belonged together. I especially enjoyed the identical housewarming gifts that Dylan gave to both Lawson and Eve.

I loved seeing Lawson get more involved in Eve’s life. It took him a while to realize how strong his feelings for her were. Those feelings took quite a hit when he discovered the secret she had been keeping. I understood his anger, and I also liked when he accepted that she had done what she thought was best. I did get a bit frustrated with Eve as she kept putting off the talk she had to have with Lawson, afraid that it would ruin their healing relationship. But whatever else was going on, I loved that they worked together to weather the crisis involving Tessie. Eve still had some obstacles to face, thanks to her former costar. Thankfully, with Lawson’s support, she finally saw that she and Lawson belonged together. I liked Lawson’s big moment at the end, even though it didn’t go quite the way he planned.

The secondary characters were terrific. Vita’s involvement with Lawson’s “curses” was pretty funny, especially the scene with the chicken. Cassidy was a terrific friend and had no problem telling Eve when she was being an idiot, but also backing her up anyway. Kellan was the character who was the biggest influence on the story. His total involvement in his own wants and activities, regardless of anyone else, made him especially irritating. I loved seeing Eve push back, getting blunter as the book went on. I loved seeing her finally get her point across. There was a terrific scene at the end, with Lawson, Tessie, and one of the show fans, that was especially heartwarming.

Branded as Trouble – Delores Fossen (HQN – July 2017)

Series: Wrangler's Creek (Book 3)

Every town needs a bad boy, and Wrangler's Creek's has been gone far too long

Getting his high school girlfriend pregnant was just one square in Roman Granger's checkered past, but it changed him forever. When his son's mother skipped town after the birth, Roman decided to do the same, baby Tate in tow, hoping for a fresh start.

Now Roman fears his teenage son is following in his wayward footsteps, so he returns home to Wrangler's Creek, aiming to set him straight. It's there he encounters Tate's aunt, Mila Banchini, the good-girl opposite of Roman who's had a crush on him since childhood. The old spark between them undeniably never died, though Roman worries it'll only lead to heartache. But if falling for Mila is such a bad idea, why does everything about holding her feel so right?

Good book. Roman is the third of the Grangers and the one who is actually the owner of the ranch, even though he wants nothing to do with it. Instead, he concentrates on his own rodeo business and takes care of his son. Things aren’t going smoothly on that front, and Roman came home from a business trip to find that Tate was in trouble at school.  The only thing to do is pack up and finish out the school year in Wrangler’s Creek, the very last place he wants to go.

Tate’s aunt Mila has stayed in Wrangler’s Creek, where she is the good girl to Roman’s bad boy. She’s had it bad for Roman for years and no other man has been able to compete. Though she knows there’s no chance of a future, maybe she can finally fulfill one of her dreams.

I liked both Roman and Mila. Roman is a good man who has been burned one too many times, causing him to do what he must to protect his heart. There was his first love, Valerie, who deserted him and Tate and still can hurt them both with her selfish behavior. Then there’s the contentious relationship he has with his mother. In this book, we finally learn what is behind it, and the betrayal he felt by her actions was completely understandable. Roman protects himself by avoiding any commitment – “three and done” is his motto and way of preventing any woman from getting ideas. However, he does have a deep love for his family, and I enjoyed seeing him spend more time with them. I also loved his determination to be a better father to Tate than his was to him. I ached for his feelings of helplessness as he tried to help Tate through his issues.

Mila is another one who has a love of family. She has a close relationship with Tate and is sympathetic to his problems with his mother. She has spent her whole life dealing with her mother, who is quite the piece of work. Mila is stunned by a secret that Vita reveals and which causes Mila to question things she thought she knew about herself. I liked the way that she faced it and made plans to deal with it, without turning it into a majorly dramatic situation.

I liked the development of the relationship between Roman and Mila. The sparks are there and intense, and Mila is ready to take advantage of them. Roman is a good man who believes that he can’t give her what she needs but finds it increasingly hard to resist her.  I liked seeing Mila wear him down, though he certainly fought hard. Roman was definitely not happy to find himself thinking about Mila and about spending more time with her, even after their agreed upon encounters were over.  I liked the way that Mila gets past Roman’s walls and helps him make peace with his past, just as Roman supports Mila in her search for her father. But Roman’s fears are still there, holding him back. The proverbial smack upside the head came from an unexpected source, and I loved how it happened. Roman’s big moment at the end was pretty sweet, with a side of sexy.

There was also a sweet side story with Tate and a girl from school. I liked the way that Arwen wanted to help him, having been through something similar herself. I felt bad for her with her home situation and loved the way that Roman and Mila stood up for her.