Summary
THE HAWK’S SHADOW * Diana Palmer
Gil needs to prove himself in his new role as sheriff’s investigator. That means working alongside a hotshot expert from the state crime lab who’s come to Colorado to help untangle a long-ago mystery. But if they stop butting heads, they might discover a surprising connection . . .
RESCUE: RANCHER STYLE * Rebecca Zanetti
Leaving the Marines and returning to Redemption as heir to the family ranch—and guardian to three wayward teenagers—Greg is in way over his head. But he’s learned some deadly lessons since leaving his first love behind. And when she’s in danger, nothing will stop him from saving her.
A COWBOY KIND OF ROMANCE * Delores Fossen
After eight years in the Air Force, Brenna’s hanging up her uniform and returning home to Loveland, Texas. News of her parents’ separation has shaken her faith in love, even if the whole town is eager to matchmake between Brenna and her high-school flame. But never underestimate a cowboy’s powers of persuasion . . .
Review
**The Hawk’s shadow by Diana Palmer
Probably my least favorite story in this collection.
At first, I was very intrigued. Nemara was an interesting character, and the way she worked with Gil kept me entertained for a while. But then, I guessed the culprit way before professional investigators apparently, and it was wrapped up pretty quickly at the end.
Add to that a little woo-woo that I didn’t care for, and a very prude romance, and I couldn’t wait for the story to end.
Also, multiple changes in the point of view in each chapter confused me. I felt this story was rushed.
**Rescue: rancher style by Rebecca Zanetti
This was my favorite story. I thought the second chance between Tara and Greg wasn’t badly written, although the fake marriage appeared out of nowhere.
The way Greg adapted to his new life–guardian of three grieving teenagers and with an old love as a wife–was quite interesting. The struggles felt real. I wanted to slap the girl, but her rebellious attitude is what puts her in trouble, and gives a little more action to the story.
I didn’t enjoy much the ending though, as it was pretty similar to the ending of another story by the author in the same world. But I loved seeing the Cattle Club again, and I can’t wait to see more of them.
**A cowboy kind of romance by Delores Fossen
I wasn’t fan of the premise–the matchmaking gave me second hand embarassment–but Brenna and Theo were a nice couple.
It was a lightning fast second chance though, and I felt they didn’t have enough time to fall in love again. Actually, the author is quite clear at the beginning, writing about their lust, but sometime during the story, it becomes love and I couldn’t see it.
Some of the side plots–Brenna’s parents’ relationship, the love campaign, Theo’s accident and recovery–deserved to be more developped. Like this story was only a detailed summary of a longer, better one.
As it was, it wasn’t bad at all though, and it was probably the sexiest.
**Conclusion
Quality wasn’t consistent, and there wasn’t much of a common thread between the stories. I mean, Gil wasn’t even a cowboy, while the second and third stories had similar elements–like a character back from the army, and the second chance part. That kind of collection is still a nice way to discover new authors.
Quickie
- Series: collection of interconnected stories (linked to other books by the authors)
- Hashtags: #cowboy romance #second chance #workplace romance #small town romance #fake marriage
- Triggers: past death, mention of human trafficking
- Main couples: Nemara Landreth & Gil Barnes / Tara Webber & Greg Simpson / Brenna O’Sullivan & Theo Cameron
- Hotness: from 1/5 to 3/5
- Romance: 4/5
- + quality and sexyness were highly variable between the stories
- – I feel like second chance is just another way to write instalove
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