Series: Wranglers of Wyoming, #2
Traits & Tropes: forced proximity; suspense; cowboy hero
Genre/Setting: Contemporary; Wyoming, USA
Publication Date: 12.15.20
Heat Level: 2/5
Rating: 3/5
Kirby Regan has developed a bit of an adventurous spirit since selling nearly everything she owned to move back to her native Wyoming from hectic Washington, D.C. She hopes to buy her late uncle’s ranch from her cousin, but until then she must keep her current job which means hiking into the high country to count mustang herds. A fast-moving snowstorm makes for more than Kirby bargained for, especially when her boss calls to warn her that an escaped convict is believed to be in the area as well. When she stumbles upon a cave, Kirby thinks it the perfect place to wait out the storm, only it’s already being used by a devastatingly attractive cowboy.
Veterinarian and cowboy Casey Merrick enjoys his freedom and hasn’t ever really envisioned himself in a serious relationship. But when a beautiful stranger shows up to share his cave, Casey can’t deny the attraction that flares between them. Before they can figure out what to do about their connection, however, Casey must protect Kirby from the elements and the killer who seems to have learned too much about her.
This book is a bit outside my typical wheelhouse, but I’m enjoying branching out. I was very charmed by this story and the entire Merrick family, though they were quite overbearing at times. Casey was a lovely, sensitive hero and I think he deserved more from Kirby. [Potential mild spoilers ahead.] This was low on steam for me with a lot of fade to black, but I was okay with that only because Casey was so sweet and endearing. Kirby’s dialogue felt very stiff and like it didn’t match up with her thoughts or her attraction to Casey. She sometimes made me wonder if she loved him or just his family as their attraction sometimes felt a bit one-sided. Kirby became a problem for me toward the latter half of the book because she kept harping on about being a burden and just came off sounding like a tiresome martyr. After the traumatic experience she and Casey had together and all the realizations she came to, I expected her to be open and honest with Casey at last. Instead she tried to run away again, and it was Casey who had to be mature and put himself out there yet again. Even after all that, Kirby never actually told Casey she loved him. Although she made her feelings plain enough, I felt like I needed the words even though Casey didn’t seem to mind. Even towards the end when Casey was pouring his heart out to her, Kirby still tried pushing him away. To me, that just didn’t fit the story’s progression up to that point and it was a bit off-putting. Overall, however, I enjoyed this story. There was a bit of a slow down towards the middle, but I loved the Merrick family’s dynamic, Casey was an excellent hero, and I was charmed enough to want to continue the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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