Dinca’s review of Ranger Daddy by Rebecca Winters
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin American Romance 2 Aug 11

Nothing about this book shouts “Yay! I am glad I bought this book!” There’s so much wrong in the story I could not concentrate on what’s good.

My husband has always told me never to let facts get in the way of a good story. But the facts about California Child Welfare law are so bad I found it distracting from the story line. I spent more time discussing it with my husband than I did reading the book. But then the story would have ended with the first conversation with her attorney when he mentions eight years of back child support. Not to mention the only reason a biological parent can give up their obligation is for adoption purposes. Until then they are on the hook for child support.

Ms. Winters also writes there are moose in Yosemite. I do not know which national park she did her research in, but it was not Yosemite. There are mule deer, aka black tailed deer, but no moose. The only thing she gets right are the names of places in the park and you can get them off a map. Last but not least, Merced airport only flies to L.A. and Las Vegas, so, on that note, why did they have to go to Reno to get married? I am really disappointed in the author’s lack of research. She could have gotten all of this information off the internet. Fresno would have been a better place to have them fly out of, with more flights and locations.

As for the story itself, I find it weak in content. The part with the interfering parents is real life and well written. However, Gabi Rafferty needs to fire her attorney and get one that has a clue about California child welfare law. If Jeff is the one person she trusts, then she should have put her trust in him and leveled with him about her situation. For a school teacher she sure acts like she’s the one with no education at all. I don’t think I would want her teaching my children.

Ranger Jeff Thompson seems to be an okay kind of hero, but nothing just grabs me and makes me say “Awww, what a guy.” I would have much preferred a man who went after what he wants instead of him just waiting for it to drop in his lap.

All in all, the characters are not very gutsy. The book just rolls on and on with even the so-called exciting parts not being very exciting.

So on one last note, since there aren’t any other good points to tell you about…as my mother always taught me, “If you don’t have anything good to say, then shush.” This is me…shushing.

Grade: D

Summary:

Can He Keep Her Safe?

Frantic to escape her dangerous ex–husband, Gabi Rafferty flees with her daughter to Yosemite—and the man she trusts more than anyone. Ranger Jeff Thompson can provide a safe haven. He’s also the man Gabi once loved. Still does. Only this isn’t the time to think about missed chances. Not with
her child’s life at risk.

Fourteen years ago, Gabi ran to Jeff for everything. Now she needs his protection, and the honor–bound ranger will do whatever it takes to keep her and her daughter safe. But he’s still carrying around unfinished business. And with her little girl growing so attached to him, Jeff knows the moment has come to trust Gabi with the truth.

Coming clean about the past is their only shot at a future. Because he can’t lose her a second time…

Read an excerpt.