Sandy M’s review of The Devil in the Saddle (Princes of Texas, Book 2) by Julia London
Contemporary Romance published by Berkley 29 Oct 19
I’ve hesitated reading this second book in the Princes of Texas series because the first book was just so-so for me – which surprised me because I’ve always enjoyed Julia London’s books. So I was skittish all this time. But I learned my lesson not to feel that way in the future. Hallie Prince is a breath of fresh air, and I enjoyed this book from the beginning.
I really like the first chapter of the story, where Hallie has tied a good one on, is in one of her wedding reception dresses, and determined to head to Houston to confront her cheating ex after calling off her wedding. That’s when her best friend Rafe intervenes, keeping her safe at home and making me laugh out loud at the banter and conversation that results. These two have known each other since childhood, so the fun just flows between them quite effortlessly. This first chapter is the best part of the book for me, because things do get more serious as the story develops, of course. But I’m very happy Ms. London stays true to Hallie’s character throughout, even when things get a bit out of control for them later.
Rafe has always been in love with Hallie, even when they were youngsters. However, he’s the son of the Prince’s majordomo, someone beneath Hallie’s social status. Now that she’s free of the scum fiance, things are beginning to change between them. Both have their doubts about new feelings cropping up, not wanting to ruin their friendship. Hallie, though, is the most down to earth of the Princes, and she’s willing to jump right in and see where things go. Rafe is the one who always puts the brakes on when things get hot and heavy between them. He’s got a future he’s been building in Chicago, and losing Hallie would gut him.
Rafe and Hallie are a cute couple, more in common with each other than most who are from such different worlds. That’s all due to Hallie, who can leave the socialite business behind at the drop of a hat. They do get their wires crossed more than I like, mostly because they won’t voice their feelings when the time is right. When something is finally voiced, it’s a tad late and they don’t see eye to eye for a while. That’s what keeps my grade from going any higher for the review. In the end, of course, both open up and look their future in the eye, finally getting started in the right direction at the same time.
Hallie’s mother and grandmother are a riot when they have scenes together, especially in the most craziest of places to talk to Hallie’s father. It’s good to see Luca and Ella in their happily ever after from the first book. The third book in the series, The Billionaire in Boots, is out in March. Don’t think I’ll be hesitating on that one!
Grade: B+
Summary:
A devil in her path…
No one cheats on a Prince and gets away with it. And Hallie—Texas socialite, would-be ballerina, and the only daughter of the renowned Prince family—is ready to give her two-timing fiancé a piece of her mind. But fate plants hot, sexy ranch hand and ex-Army Ranger Rafael Fontana quite literally in her way. Her childhood friend is all grown up. He’s sexy, he’s handsome, and suddenly, after all these years, Hallie is taking notice.
A princess in his heart…Rafe has been in love with Hallie since they were kids, but he was always the help—and she was glamorous and popular, seemingly off-limits to a lowly cowboy. But now he’s back at Three Rivers Ranch to help his family and Hallie is there too—and she needs his support. Soon long-buried feelings boil to the surface, and the desire between them is hot and palpable and undeniable. Rafe realizes he wants Hallie—and her adorable puppy—for keeps… he just has to convince her to give true love another shot.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
