Rating: 4.25 stars
Buy Link: Amazon | iBooks | Amazon UK
Length: Novel
Sterling Jordan is an uber-wealthy former rodeo darling who runs a lucrative ranch in Aspen, Colorado. His older sister, Sierra, pretty much ran away from their family as soon as she could, breaking her loving family’s heart. Sterling’s kept some tabs on her through a private investigator over the years, and is startled to learn that Sierra had a baby a few months ago, and gave the child up for adoption rather than bring the baby boy to their family. He’s determined to gain control of Xavier, his nephew, by any means necessary–until Xavier’s totally sexy adoptive father pulls Sterling out of a ditch and helps him weather a bad storm and a mild head injury.
Benji Collier and Sierra served in the military together and maintained a friendship when they both left the service. Sierra called Benji to offer him the baby when she learned she was pregnant. As a single gay man, Benji wasn’t exactly in the right position to adopt, but Sierra made it easy. Benji was settled with a good nursing job and a sweet house on a little hobby farm outside Durango. He had dreamed of fatherhood and couldn’t let this chance pass him by. Benji adores little Xavier, but it’s hard being a single dad. Helping a stranger caught in an ice storm isn’t a bad deal though, especially when Sterling helps him care for his small brood of animals.
Over the few days they spend together, Sterling becomes enamored with Benji, and also realizes that Xavier’s in a good place. Sterling’s hungry for details about Sierra, and Benji’s an unknowing font of information. Sterling feels guilty about his attraction to Benji, especially since he’s hiding his true identity, but he wants to woo Benji into a deeper connection before he reveals his relationship to Xavier and Sierra. Unfortunately, as a rather wealthy and well-known rodeo man, it’s not long before the real world intrudes. Benji’s pretty devastated thinking Sterling was only getting close so he could steal his baby boy away.
I liked how Sterling worked to earn Benji’s respect after the big reveal and broken trust happened. These are both good guys, and they deserve a loving relationship. Sterling would like nothing more than to date Benji and maybe see if their sizzling attraction continues to intrigue him. Meanwhile, Benji’s super hurt that Sterling infiltrated his home with bad intentions, and even more suspicious about the Jordan family and their empire, since Sierra made such a great effort to hide herself away from them. It takes time and patience for both men to get connected again, helped by Benji and Xavier decamping to Sterling’s secure compound when the press gets involved. The whole press thing felt a little silly to me, but I could (maybe) see that Sterling has just enough celebrity to warrant a bit of stalking. That said, I loved the way the Jordans all got together to keep Xavier and Benji safe from scrutiny.
Expect a sweet newborn with foul diapers, a passel of pups who think they’re nursemaids, a happy grandpappy, and a couple of ranchers who build a love that gains steam from beginning to end. Typical of this author, the dialogue and pacing are quick and deeply colloquial. This western reads like it’s set in a western state, with people who keep animals that need regular care and tending on the page, not just mentioned once in the story. I’m hopeful we’ll revisit these folks again–maybe with a little romance between Sterling’s assistant and his best friend/security manager. I’d surely read on if more books come.
