Sandy M’s review of Rough Creek (Brides of Rough Creek, Book 1) by Kaki Warner
Contemporary Western Romance published by Berkley 7 Jul 20

I always hold my breath when a favorite author of a specific romance subgenre tries her hand in a different way. Kaki Warner has been churning out wonderful historical western romances for a number of years now, and I’ve loved every one of them. So when I discovered she’s written her first contemporary western romance? Well, that breath I was holding released on a happy sigh fairly quickly.

Dalton Cardwell has just been released from prison, serving time for a crime he didn’t commit. But he felt it was a duty to do the time because he was a contributor to the tragedy that changed so many lives. He heads home to Rough Creek, only to find life isn’t going to be on an even keel just yet – his parents have sold their ranch to move to a better location to help their younger son, all of which Dalton understands, especially because he loves his brother. So he’s now free to pursue what he loves best and just so happens a local ranch is looking for a horse trainer.

Raney Whitcomb manages her family’s ranch and is currently expanding their operations. So you can imagine she’s not happy when she learns her mother has hired an ex-con! A handsome, winsome ex-con, but that’s beside the point. She does her best to get rid of Dalton, but she’s shut down on that front and has to decide to work with what she’s got. What might that be, you ask? A hell of a horse trainer who’s on track to take one of her yearlings to the top. Okay, maybe she was wrong. Maybe. If nothing else, Raney is quite stubborn.

I fell in love with Dalton as soon as he stepped outside the prison gates. That love continued to grow as I got to know him, realizing he’s not in the least bitter, has a happy-go-lucky attitude, likes to play and joke, and is determined to win Raney over if it’s the last thing he does. I did take me a bit longer to warm up to Raney, but  once she begins to learn more about Dalton and his family, the circumstances of his incarceration, and opens herself up to the idea of love, she does turn out to be a fun but complicated heroine. I always like when it’s the hero who’s first to acknowledge attraction/feelings/love, and Dalton is a first-class act when it comes to Raney.

The Whitcomb family, as well as the Cardwells, are close-knit and I enjoyed the interactions when they’re all together. It will be fun getting to know each Whitcomb sister as the series goes on. I also enjoyed the horse training and rodeo scenes with Dalton, all showcasing Ms. Warner’s knowledge in those areas. The twist at the end is heart-wrenching, but if you don’t love Dalton by that time, well, like Raney, finally you’ll know he’s one stand-up guy and your heartstrings will zing for sure.

Thank goodness I don’t have to hold my breath anymore when it comes to Kaki Warner’s contemporary romances. She’s as much a class act as her new hero.

Grade: A

Summary:

After serving eighteen months in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Dalton Cardwell is looking for a fresh start. What better place than Whitcomb Four Star Ranch? He doesn’t regret the decisions of his past–he’d choose the same roads again. But now all Dalton wants is to keep his head down and focus on the horses–and on Raney Whitcomb.

Raney is outraged when she learns her mother hired an ex-con. Raney has worked hard for the ranch, sacrificing her personal life for the dream of building on her family’s legacy. But as Dalton breaks down every misconception and even wins the good opinion of her sisters, Raney is forced to rethink her stance–and finally free herself to explore the heart-pounding tension that simmers between them.

No excerpt available.