Veena’s review of Sunset (Crossroads, Book 1) by Sharon Sala
Contemporary Romance published by Sourcebooks Casablanca 03 Jun 25
Ms. Sala launches a brand-new series set in a small town in Texas. Sonny Bluejacket, once a famous bull rider, gets bucked off a bull and barely survives. Having used up all his money in his recovery, he lives with his brother, working with horses to make a living, until an old friend leaves him his ranch in Crossroads, Texas.
From his first meal at the Yellow Rose Cafe where Sonny meets Maggie, his life has taken a new turn. Here in Texas people still remember the famous bull rider. Here he also meets his destiny in the form of a horse like no other that seems to have been bred for Sonny. As Sonny gets down to the business of taking control of his ranch and finding all the stuff that has been left to him, Maggie helps him tremendously and, more importantly, she has become the significant other in his life.
Sonny and Maggie have a fair bit of excitement. Maggie, it turns out, has been keeping secrets and is a world-class painter, whom Sonny will help put on the map through a friend of his. On the bad side, Sonny’s father is determined to get a piece of Sonny’s inheritance, no matter that he has to kidnap or kill for it. The author keeps the story moving in a slow roll, as is her wont in these rural romances.
I truly enjoy the world pictures of these slices of American life that Ms. Sala brings to us, but sometimes I get impatient, and I want the story to move faster – though in this one she offers a fair amount of excitement through Sonny’s visions.
Grade: B
Summary:
World-champion bull rider Sonny Bluejacket was bucked off a bull and critically injured. He died twice on the operating table and then survived. Now retired from the rodeo circuit, Sonny is living with his brother and family in Oklahoma when he inherits a horse ranch outside of a little town in West Texas called Crossroads. The first person he meets upon arrival is an intriguing waitress named Magnolia “Maggie” Brennen, who works in a café called The Yellow Rose. Their attraction is instant. But it isn’t until much later that Sonny discovers Maggie’s secret talent for painting, and a whole new opportunity for Maggie opens up as a result of Sonny’s supportive urging.
Their relationship grows as Sonny wades through taking over the inherited ranch, horses, truck and property. He’s finally finding his place within the surrounding community, only to be accosted by his no-good father who comes looking for a handout, or to destroy everything, including Maggie. But Sonny isn’t about to let that happen.
