Description:
In Molly O’Keefe’s captivating new contemporary romance, a woman with a past and a man without a future struggle to find a place where they belong.
A girl from the wrong side of the tracks, Tara Jean Sweet knows that opportunity will never knock; she’ll have to seize it. Elderly Texas rancher Lyle Baker has a dying request: He will give Tara Jean a stake in his leather business in exchange for a little family subterfuge. All Tara Jean has to do is play the part of a gold-digging fiancée to lure Lyle’s estranged children home. The mission is soon accomplished.
Now Lyle’s gone—and his ridiculously handsome son, Luc, an ice hockey superstar sidelined by injuries, is the new owner of Crooked Creek ranch. He’s also Tara Jean’s boss. But being so close to sinfully sweet Tara Jean does crazy things to Luc’s priorities, like make him want to pry her deepest secrets from those irresistible lips. But when Tara Jean’s past demands a dirty showdown, will Luc stay and fight?
ARC Review
In the first installment of the Crooked Creek books we are introduced to Luc Baker, an injured hockey player that is at risk of having his career taken from him with one more concussion, and Tara Jean Sweet, a girl with a troubled past that is running from her demons.
Coming back to Crooked Creek Ranch was the last thing that Luc ever wanted to do, but when he finds out that his father is getting married to “Bimbo Barbie”, and that he’s taking his sisters inheritance, he doesn’t have much of a choice but to try and step in to protect his sister’s well being.
The last thing he expected was to fall for his father’s fiance.
Not only is this a great story, but the characters are extremely well written. I went into this book not really expecting to like Tara Jean but the further I got the more I loved her.
She might not have a very good opinion of herself but she has a special skill of knowing what other people need and giving it to them. When Luc finally decides that his career is ending and throws himself a temper tantrum, instead of trying to stop him and calm him down Tara just pulls out her nail file, sits back, and waits for him to lose steam. My favorite line in the whole book is when Luc is having a pity party and Tara’s response to it is “Poor Luc, he’s got a headache.”
These two characters are written so well for each other that you can’t help but love how the story developes between the two of them. I can’t wait to get my hands on the next one and see what’s going to be happening at Crooked Creek next!
10 comments
Skip to comment form ↓
Maria D.
June 20, 2012 at 2:01 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Good review! I have this book in my tbr
Rhayne
June 20, 2012 at 2:01 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Lee, I loved your review and agree completely! This is a very cute, funny read. I loved it.
Rhayne, Guilty Pleasures
Jess
June 20, 2012 at 2:29 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Sounds like a good book to spend with on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Kc Lu
June 20, 2012 at 3:47 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
GREAT REVIEW!! This is going on my TBR!!
Jane
June 20, 2012 at 5:01 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
I’ve read and enjoyed this book. I had a hard time warming up to Luc’s sister Tori and since she’s the heroine in the next book I hope we see a more sympathetic side.
MaryC
June 20, 2012 at 7:20 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Love the line, “Poor Luc, he’s got a headache.” Thanks for the great review – can’t wait to read Can’t Buy Me Love!
Landry Breaux
June 20, 2012 at 9:36 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
OHHH, this looks so good! It sounds like something I will really enjoy reading!
Jessie Llewellyn
June 20, 2012 at 9:51 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thank you for the review. I love romance stories with athletes. Looking forward to reading this book.
Timitra
June 20, 2012 at 11:34 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Ooooh sexy cover…story sounds really good too!
Mel Bourn
June 21, 2012 at 4:31 pm (UTC -5) Link to this comment
Thanks for the review. I love stories with athletes. The cover is amazing!!
Mel