Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 13)
He's her only refuge.
In these rugged mountains, Cassie thought she'd finally found the
small-town welcome she's been looking for her whole life. But after she
stops some school bullies, suddenly the rest of this close-knit
community isn't acting so friendly. The threats begin, and this
schoolteacher has nowhere to turn for help -- until a rugged, mysterious
rancher steps in.
Lincoln Blair has been drawn to Cassie from day one. That's why he's
avoiding the too-tempting new teacher -- he knows from experience that
outsiders get bored and leave. Still, he just can't help wanting to
protect Cassie when trouble starts. As her danger grows, Linc realizes
it's his heart he's forgotten to safeguard….
Very good book dealing with the tough subject of bullying. Cassie is a new teacher and is really enjoying life in the small town. But she finds things are a little less friendly after she stops some bullies. The school principal assigns her and Lincoln to work out a program for dealing with the subject. Suddenly there is an attraction between the two that is hard to deny. But both have issues from their pasts that have them misinterpreting things. I really liked both Lincoln and Cassie. Cassie had been bullied herself and had no intention of stepping back and ignoring the problem. She knew the long lasting effects that bullying can have and didn't want anyone else to suffer them. She was surprised to be working with Lincoln who she thought didn't like her at all since he pretty much ignored her. She is surprised to find out that he is attracted to her, but doesn't expect it to last since her relationships never do. I loved the way that she was so enthusiastic about the area and especially his ranch. It was obvious that she really felt that she belonged. She was confused by Lincoln's frequent hot and cold changes, but was finally able to show him that she wasn't going anywhere. Lincoln had tried to keep his distance from Cassie. He had been attracted to her from the beginning, but didn't trust that, as an outsider, she would stick it out. He had been hurt by another woman who cut and ran and didn't want to go through that again. He kept trying to stay away but found himself coming back to her every time. When the attacks on her got dangerous he stepped in to protect her, and ended up being just in time in that final attack. I loved watching him introduce her to life on his ranch. I also liked the way he tried so hard to make her see how beautiful she is to him. When they finally stopped talking past each other things finally came together for them. I hope to see more of them in future books.
Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 12)
"In five minutes, you'll be dead."
The pregnant widow and her stern words saved Ryder Kelstrom from a
tornado. The least he could do was help the woman rebuild after the
deadly storm. It felt good working with his hands again, forgetting
about all he'd lost...and maybe finding the will to love again.
Marti Chastain had nothing left except the baby she carried. But she had
a wealth of compassion for Ryder's torment and guilt. As these two lost
souls found love and redemption in each other's arms, a secret enemy
stalked Ryder. And killing Ryder's new woman would make revenge
complete.
Very good book. It started off with some good intensity, with Marti stopping Ryder and taking him home with her to get away from a huge tornado. When the danger had passed and he saw the damage, he decided to stay and make the repairs for her. He had owned a construction company, and knew what needed to be done. It also gave him a chance to work with his hands while he tried to deal with the loss of his wife. Marti was also dealing with loss. Her husband had died a few months earlier, leaving her pregnant and alone. She didn't really miss him, as he had been emotionally abusive, but it still left her with issues to deal with. As Ryder worked on her house repairs, he also found himself taking care of her. He was very attracted to her, but his past left him feeling that he was responsible for his wife's death, so he was reluctant to act on the attraction. He also had made a promise to go see his wife's brother to tell him about what had been going on with her. Marti also felt the attraction, something strong that she had never felt before. Her husband's abuse had left her feeling that she was worthless, and the kindnesses that Ryder showed her made her care for him even more. I really loved the way that the two of them wanted to do things for each other, while not expecting anything for themselves. When Ryder's enemy showed up, I loved the way that Ryder did what he had to to protect Marti, and the way that Marti came to his rescue. A very satisfying ending to the story.
Series: Conard County: The Next Generation (Book 11)
Like her journalism career, Liza Enders's sunny outlook has dimmed. A
layoff, her move back home and a new low-paying teaching job have her
thinking life couldn't be more unfair...or lonely. But when a sexy
stranger turns up at the faculty tea, a spark of intrigue -- and
chemistry -- reawakens Liza's investigative instincts...
Special agent Max McKenny is not who he claims to be. While he testifies
in a homegrown terrorism trial, it's safer that way. The last thing he
needs is a nosy ex-reporter blowing his cover. But one look into Liza's
inquisitive green eyes and Max can't help but wonder how much he's
willing to risk just to hold her...or how he's going to protect her from
a diabolical threat.
Very good book. Liza's reporter's curiosity has her doing research on Max and trying to find out more about him. Because of her layoff, she is teaching instead of reporting and her investigative instincts have been on vacation. But now she is searching and the more she finds out the more curious she is. When Max finds out what she is doing, he needs to find a way to stop her. Unfortunately for him, he is very attracted to her which makes it hard for him to keep his mind on the job. When her searching draws the attention of the people he's going to testify against, it puts them both in danger. Liza has been trying to realign her sense of self, knowing that finding a new reporting job is unlikely. Her feelings about Max have her questioning her own abilities. Meanwhile, Max has been trying to unearth his own self identity after being undercover for so long. I really liked the way they finally opened up to each other, and began to trust again.
