Sandy M’s review of True Love at Silver Creek Ranch (Valentine Valley, Book 2) by Emma Cane
Contemporary Western Romance published by Avon 26 Dec 12

I’ve been in the mood for cowboys lately, so combine that with a new-to-me author who writes darned sexy cowboys, I ended up with a fun and very heart-warming story.

Besides our sexy hero, Adam, what I enjoy about this book is the sense of family. Adam and Brooke come from opposite poles when it comes to family life. Brooke has two brothers who tease with her as siblings are wont to do and her parents have raised their children with love, taught them how to work hard, support each other, play, and be happy. Though she’s at a crossroad when it comes to the next step in her world, she’s well-rounded in all areas of life. Adam, on the other hand, was born to too-young parents who resented him when he changed their lives so drastically, and they punished him for it in any way they could. The one shining light during his growing-up years was his grandmother. He was constantly in trouble in school, and when it looked like he was headed for jail for a very long time, he was given a second chance. Joining the service was the best thing that happened to him, and now after his discharge when a mission went to hell, he’s returned home. He’s a completely different person than anyone in Valentine Valley remembers, and he’s still grieving the loss of the good men he served with.

Brooke, though, is the one who doesn’t give Adam the benefit of the doubt when they meet up again. In high school he was arrogant enough for five people. It takes working with him on her family’s ranch to discover the new Adam, the Adam who’s keeping secrets, the Adam who fans her flame sky high without much effort on his part. Adam is also giving Brooke a second look. She’s grown into a competent, hot, and very desirable woman. But she’s his boss. They shouldn’t get involved. Brooke is afraid of what her folks and brothers will think if she’s involved with a ranch hand. However, that doesn’t stop the attraction one bit, and their first go-round at lovemaking is hot and packed with longevity.

What’s also fun in this book is the secondary characters. There’s a whole host to keep you entertained, and they don’t interfere with the main romance at all. The major players are the grandmas. Both Adam’s and Brooke’s grandmothers, along with a friend of theirs, are always in the middle of goings-on in town, causing uproars no matter what they do. Some really nice comic relief. Then there’s Brooke’s girlfriends, Monica and Emily, who was the heroine in the first book of the series and is engaged to Brooke’s brother. I always enjoy girlfriend scenes. A woman needs her BFFs. Then there’s the youngsters in town, going through the same teenage angst Adam went through, and he’s trying to pay forward the kindness that was shown to him so many years before. These are only the highlights as far as secondary characters. There’s plenty more when you’re in downtown Valentine Valley.

Both Adam and Brooke have to work through their respective issues for their relationship to grow. Brooke needs independence, but she’s afraid to leave her family with so much going on. Adam needs to work through his guilt and learn that living is exactly what he needs to do. They’re a charming couple who have come into their own and are better than before for being together. So if you’ve not done it yet, take a moment to visit Valentine Valley. I think you’ll feel right at home once you get there.

Grade: B

Summary:

Welcome to Valentine Valley, where tongues are wagging now that the town bad boy is back–and rumor has it the lean, mean ex-Marine is about to lose his heart! But like it or not, in a town like Valentine, love happens …

Adam Desantis is back–bruised, battle-weary and sexier than ever! Not that Brooke Thalberg is in the market. The beautiful cowgirl of Silver Creek Ranch needs a cowboy for hire, not a boyfriend–though the gaggle of grandmas at the Widows’ Boardinghouse thinks otherwise. But from the moment she finds herself in Adam’s arms, she’s shocked to discover she may just want more.

Adam knows it’s crazy to tangle with Brooke, especially with the memories that still haunt him, and the warm welcome her family has given him. But he finds himself in a fix, because tender-loving Brooke is so much more woman than he ever imagined. Can a soldier battling demons give her the love she clearly deserves? Just about everybody in Valentine thinks so!

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: