Hometown Cowboy, Rocky Mountain Riders, Book 1
Written By: Sara Richardson
Narrated By: Laurie Winkel
Publisher: Hachette Book Group USA
Date: January 2018
Duration: 9 hours 22 minutes
Genre: Romance, Small Town Romance
My Rating: 4.5 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.5; Narration 4.5.
NEVER FALL IN LOVE WITH A COWBOY
Jessa Mae Love is done with relationships. No matter how tempting he might be, she cannot--will not--fall for a man like Lance Cortez. The outrageously handsome cowboy is practically a living legend in Colorado, as famous for riding bulls as he is for breaking hearts. What would a big-time rodeo star like him see in a small-town veterinarian who wears glasses, rescues animals, and cries when watching rom-coms? Turns out, plenty.
Raising bulls, riding the circuit, and looking after his ailing father--Lance never stands still for long. Yet Jessa catches his attention, and the more she tries to resist him, the more he wants her. When she agrees to move to the ranch to keep an eye on Lance's dad, Jessa tells him they have to keep it professional: no flirting, no sweet talk, and definitely no kissing. But with Jessa now living under his roof, that's easier said than done . . .
Review:
Jessa Mae may be a diehard romantic, but she has decided she is done with relationships since her latest boyfriend just dumped her by text. Jessa is a veterinarian who returned to town after her father died unexpectedly. Now she is struggling to maintain the animal rescue shelter she sees as her father’s legacy. One of her best volunteers at the shelter is her father’s best friend, Luis Cortez. Luis has three sons and is quick to suggest that Jessa should look to one of them as a new beau. Jessa doesn’t think these are likely candidates. The eldest, Lance, followed his father into the bull riding rodeo ring and has had plenty of time on the road. The middle son, Lucas, doesn’t get talked about much after ending up in prison late in his teen years. Finally, the youngest, Levi, left town after high school and has his own reputation with the women.
Luis is in his late 60s and was with Jessa’s father when he died from a heart attack as they were hiking the mountains on the Cortez ranch. It isn’t surprising that Luis and Jessa have a close relationship and Jessa tends to join him when he goes hiking as she doesn’t want him to be alone. Lately, Jessa is observing some signs of illness that cause her concern. Lance asks Jessa to move into the main house to help watch over Luis while Lance concentrates on his training for the upcoming World Rodeo Championships. Jessa is reluctant to spend time near Lance fearing she will become enamored of him. She knows he isn’t HEA material.
Lance has never planned to settle down with a wife and family. His mother walked away when he was young, and he has a tainted view of women. Yet, he sees something special in Jessa. Every time she tries to stay away from him, he wants her closer. And the day comes when their explosive chemistry gets the better of them. But then tensions among Lance and his brothers cause distance between Lance and Jessa. Then he learns that she has kept a secret and his bitter anger sends her packing. Is there any chance these two can recognize how much they need, and want, each other?
I quickly liked these two different characters: gentle, romantic Jessa, and rough, independent Lance. Their flirtation may be reluctant, but it eventually sizzles. Sara Richardson does a nice job developing the characters and the past events that explain the conflicts and tensions and the struggles they have to overcome if they want to come together. The plot includes illness issues and an interesting look at the tenacity required for bull riding. There is a bit of language but it goes by quickly. I recommend this fun, engaging story to romance readers who enjoy a mix of sweet and sexy.
Audio Notes: Laurie Winkel does a very nice job with the narration. She supplies good energy to the story making it an easy, enjoyable listen.
Source: 8/9/18 Two for One Credit Audiobooks.com. This qualifies for 2020TBR, 2020Audiobook and 2020Alphabet goals.
