Love's not part of the deal.
But neither are threats against their lives…
In return for getting the family he's always wanted, cowboy Jerod Steen will save a single mom's failing ranch. That's why he agrees to a marriage of convenience with Lily Kidwell. Neither is looking for love, but when someone begins to terrorize Lily, danger draws her and her brand-new husband closer. Now they must survive to save their ranch -- and their family.
Good mix of romance and suspense. Jerrod is one of the original twelve "lost boys" who came to work at Holiday Ranch when they were troubled teens. Over the last several years, most of them have found love and started their own families. At the beginning of the book, Jerrod feels pretty down in the dumps. He, too, wants a wife and family, but finding a woman to love hasn't worked out. He's just about given up when he gets a wild idea. After overhearing Lily's troubles at the bank, Jerrod considers offering her a marriage of convenience. He'll catch up with the mortgage payments and help make the ranch profitable if she will marry him and eventually have his baby.
Lily is a single mother who gave up on love. She loved her son's father, but he took off after learning she was pregnant, taking her savings with him. Since then, Lily has struggled to keep her ranch afloat, working as a teacher to earn some of what she needs. She wants to keep her ranch going and have something to leave her son, but she's reached the end of her rope. The bank threatens foreclosure, and she's out of options. That is until Jerrod shows up on her doorstep with the most outlandish idea. Lily is stunned by the request, but after considering it, she accepts his proposal.
I loved Jerrod. He is kind, honorable, and fair. He understands that this is an unusual situation and is happy to let Lily set the pace for their relationship. He knows her son, Caleb, from his work at the community center and has infinite patience with the boy's attitude. I liked Lily, too, but had a few problems with her. Thanks to her past, she has some trust issues, and early in their marriage is quick to jump to conclusions about Jerrod's faithfulness. Though hurt by her accusations, Jerrod shows her the truth through his actions. As Lily and Jerrod settle into their marriage, an attraction begins to build between them, as do unexpected emotions. Life-threatening danger finally opens their eyes and hearts, and their own happily ever after.
The suspense of the story was intense. Someone is not happy about Lily's marriage to Jerrod. It starts with annoying and creepy events, like a bloodied bride doll left on the porch and a lie about Jerrod's faithfulness. Those quickly intensify to physical attempts on Lily's life. There are several possible suspects and a shocking final confrontation. I was on the edge of my seat until it was all over, hoping that Jerrod would find Lily in time.
I enjoyed seeing characters from earlier books. Dillon and Cassie have prominent roles in this book. I especially loved how Cassie offered to help Jerrod give Lily a real wedding. Several of the other ranch hands also made appearances. Mac is the lone bachelor left of the original twelve, and I can't wait for his book.
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