Classification: Adult Fiction
Genre: Contemporary Romance/Western
Series: Montana Men
Format: Paperback; 400 pages
Publisher: Avon (September 20, 2016)
ISBN-10: 0062435353
ISBN-13: 978-0062435354
Author's Website: http://www.jennifer-ryan.com/
Notes: I received an eARC loan from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. I am also an Avon Addict which means I love the books that Avon publishes enough to volunteer to read as many ARCs and books as they can send my way. So you'll be seeing a lot of books reviewed by me from this publisher. Please note, however, that if I don't like a book, it will be truthfully reflected by a low rating.
~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
"Take it from an old man, don't put things off. Time slips away so quickly, before you know it, it's gone."
Those were some of the lasts words of wisdom Wayne Traverse imparted to Luna Hill. He'd been encouraging her to talk to Colt Kendrick and fix thing with him. He silently predicted the two would be perfect for each other and, with what he was about to do, Luna could use a good man at her side. Over the years an unlikely friendship had developed between Wayne and Luna and they'd found they were two like minded individuals. He was always giving her fatherly advice and she'd enjoyed the time they spent together as well as his advice. It was a surprise, however, when upon his death he left the majority of his estate to Luna instead of his family, but he had his reasons. The will stipulated there was a way the family could earn back half of that estate, but they'd have to go through Luna to get it. Wayne may have known he'd open up a can of worms on Luna, but it's doubtful he realized it would quickly morph into a barrel of vipers. Luna's life was about to get complicated.
This was another great story by Jennifer Ryan. The position that Wayne puts Luna in was by no means ideal, but, interestingly enough, provided the perfect situation to test one's mettle. In this case, Colt stepped up to the plate. Talk about your accelerated courtships, this one definitely wins the prize. I was equal parts appalled and impressed by what Wayne did. His relatives showed just how low some people will stoop when they get mad about an inheritance that goes to someone they don't believe deserves it instead of them.
I felt so bad for Luna, but admit Wayne chose his successor well. Luna was more than generous when it came to dealing with Wayne's disappointed family. Wayne wanted the land he loved to go to someone who would love and tend to it as he would when he was gone. He found a kindred spirit in that regard with Luna. Thankfully for Luna when things got rough and a tab bit scary, Colt was there for her to lean on.
Overall, I gave this one 4 out of 5 roses. It had a high dose of suspense paired nicely with equally high dose of romance and embellished by a touch of mystery. I've actually begun reading 'Stone Cold Cowboy' to see if there were any sneak peeks into how this relationship began. While Luna and Colt have known each other for a while, she'd been his friend's girlfriend. It kind of brought to mind the 1981 song 'Jessie's Girl' by Rick Springfield...
'Jessie is a friend, yeah
I know he's been a good friend of mine
But lately something's changed that ain't hard to define
Jessie's got himself a girl and I want to make her mine'
On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earned a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. There was definitely some major chemistry going on between these two. FYI, it should be noted these two didn't get together until after Luna broke up with the other guy.
Order of the Montana Men Series: