Sandy M’s review of The Rebel Rancher (Cadence Creek Cowboys, Book 2) by Donna Alward
Contemporary Romance published by Harlequin Romance 5 Jun 12
This is my first Donna Alward book, and I find the heartwarming story here quite charming. Her characters burrow under your skin quickly, and you find yourself sinking deeper into the sofa to live and love with them.
Ty has come home, at the behest of his brother, after their father’s stroke. Having never really gotten along with his dad, he’s determined to make inroads with him this time, especially when it comes to the ranch and the ideas he has in mind to move into the future. But for all the way things have changed, he’s still up against the same roadblocks as in years past. The reason he took off back then is still in place, and he begins to doubt if it was the right thing to return.
Though she’s Virgil Diamond’s physical therapist, Clara has come to love the family who makes her feel comfortable and at home when she’s with them. She’s escaped an abusive marriage and has made huge strides going forward with her life, but it’s still very difficult to let anyone touch her, get near, invade her space. Except when it comes to Tyson Diamond. Clara finds herself wanting more with the man, including trust, but if she pushes too hard too fast, she’s not sure she can truly forget the past.
Both of these characters have so much healing to do. Clara needs to do it on her own, have the independence that was taken from her. Ty needs to show his family the man he is, what’s underneath the stoic facade he’s always got in place, and needs his father’s love most of all. Ty and Clara see each other so clearly, but they’re afraid to act on their feelings, frightened of being hurt again. I love the tenderness and patience in Ty when he’s with Clara. He knows her fear and pain are still very much a part of her, and even when he tells himself he should stay away, his gentleness is so heartfelt.
Other than Clara, Ty’s biggest stumbling block at home is his father. Virgil has always shown disinterest. impatience, and annoyance when dealing with Tyson, so this time Ty is determined to sit down and really talk with his dad. Of course, things are always easier said than done and the same old arguments rear their ugly heads again. Clara is a different type of stumbling block for Ty, one he actually enjoys interacting with. He never thought he could love someone, but his woman is close to making him eat his words.
Clara is surprised at how quickly she begins to trust Ty. His compassionate nature is just what she needs to further heal, and it helps her see the man he doesn’t want the world to know. The more gentle consideration he shows her, the more of everything she wants from him. But Clara knows that can’t be. Once Virgil is back on his feet, her job with the Diamond family is done and she’ll move on. Keeping her distance is the best for both of them.
If you’re looking for a quick, feel-good read, look no further. And you get cowboys in the bargain. No way you can go wrong with this latest from Donna Alward.
Grade: B
Summary:
Unlocking the rebel’s heart
With his break-your-heart smile, Ty Diamond is trouble that Clara Ferguson shouldn’t touch with a ten-foot pole. The black sheep of the Diamond family, rodeo star and rebel, he’s got a reputation that should have Clara running scared – not straight into his arms!
Ty knows he needs to take it easy with Clara – her past has left her with a bruised heart and determined never to rely on a man again. But Ty isn’t all he seems – and his gentle side shakes Clara’s resolute independence to breaking point…
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
