Susan F. (scoutmomskf) -
Good conclusion to the series. Though it is the fourth book, there is enough backstory woven in that it works well as a stand-alone. Ryder is the new senior FBI agent in Midnight Pass, tasked with stopping the drug runners using Midnight Pass ranchlands to move their drugs. He focuses on Reynolds Station, the most likely location of that route. Ryder wants to use their land to set up a trap and needs their agreement. The first person he encounters on his quest is Arden Reynolds.
Arden is the youngest of the Reynolds siblings and the only girl. In addition to helping on the ranch, she owns a yoga studio in town. She learned early how to hold her own against testosterone-driven arguments with three older brothers. After a romantic relationship goes bad, Arden is wary of good-looking, charming men. She also resists giving her heart to anyone/anything, preferring to avoid the chance of heartbreak.
Arden and Ryder met one day when she confronted him about tying his dog up in front of a store while he was inside. The encounter ended amicably, with Arden falling hard for Ryder's dog, Murphy, but wary of Ryder. Neither one can stop thinking about the other.
I loved the family meeting where Ryder presented his case to the Reynolds family. He's honest about his needs and his desire to ensure their safety. I could feel his frustration when they refused to let him do his thing without their involvement simply. There is a lot of interesting back-and-forth negotiation over the next few days before both sides are satisfied. I especially enjoyed the time that Arden and Ryder spent together. Though Arden tries to keep him at arm's length, Ryder finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her. Though he tries to talk himself out of it, he quickly realizes that he is falling for her. There are a few clashes as Arden doesn't always appreciate his insight into what makes her tick. She also can't deny that he makes her feel safe amid the danger that stalks the ranch. But it takes nearly losing her life for Arden to let go of the past and embrace a future with Ryder.
The suspense was good though it started slowly. Ryder has his plans for a trap to catch the smugglers, but it takes a backseat when a ranch hand is murdered. A disturbing encounter while Ryder and Arden are on a date gives him the feeling that something is off. That feeling intensifies when a friend of Arden's expresses concerns about her current boyfriend, and Arden shares them with Ryder. I liked seeing Ryder team up with his predecessor to determine the truth. I was on the edge of my seat as the bad guy kidnapped Arden. Her calmness in the face of danger was fantastic, and I loved seeing her fight back. I could feel Ryder's fear when he realized she was missing and his determination to find her. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with rescue coming from an unexpected source. My only disappointment was that there were a couple of threads left hanging. Perhaps there will be a second series dealing with those.
I loved the family dynamics with the Reynolds clan. The men are the rough and tough rancher stock, with one having also been in Special Forces. They are protective of their ladies and their land. Their wives have all been through traumatic events before finding their happy endings. Those events gave them all a core of strength that comes in handy when dealing with the current trouble. I also enjoyed seeing them side with Arden and work to get their men to see that action now will make the future safer. The epilogue was great.
#netgalley
Arden is the youngest of the Reynolds siblings and the only girl. In addition to helping on the ranch, she owns a yoga studio in town. She learned early how to hold her own against testosterone-driven arguments with three older brothers. After a romantic relationship goes bad, Arden is wary of good-looking, charming men. She also resists giving her heart to anyone/anything, preferring to avoid the chance of heartbreak.
Arden and Ryder met one day when she confronted him about tying his dog up in front of a store while he was inside. The encounter ended amicably, with Arden falling hard for Ryder's dog, Murphy, but wary of Ryder. Neither one can stop thinking about the other.
I loved the family meeting where Ryder presented his case to the Reynolds family. He's honest about his needs and his desire to ensure their safety. I could feel his frustration when they refused to let him do his thing without their involvement simply. There is a lot of interesting back-and-forth negotiation over the next few days before both sides are satisfied. I especially enjoyed the time that Arden and Ryder spent together. Though Arden tries to keep him at arm's length, Ryder finds himself unexpectedly drawn to her. Though he tries to talk himself out of it, he quickly realizes that he is falling for her. There are a few clashes as Arden doesn't always appreciate his insight into what makes her tick. She also can't deny that he makes her feel safe amid the danger that stalks the ranch. But it takes nearly losing her life for Arden to let go of the past and embrace a future with Ryder.
The suspense was good though it started slowly. Ryder has his plans for a trap to catch the smugglers, but it takes a backseat when a ranch hand is murdered. A disturbing encounter while Ryder and Arden are on a date gives him the feeling that something is off. That feeling intensifies when a friend of Arden's expresses concerns about her current boyfriend, and Arden shares them with Ryder. I liked seeing Ryder team up with his predecessor to determine the truth. I was on the edge of my seat as the bad guy kidnapped Arden. Her calmness in the face of danger was fantastic, and I loved seeing her fight back. I could feel Ryder's fear when he realized she was missing and his determination to find her. The final confrontation was a nail-biter, with rescue coming from an unexpected source. My only disappointment was that there were a couple of threads left hanging. Perhaps there will be a second series dealing with those.
I loved the family dynamics with the Reynolds clan. The men are the rough and tough rancher stock, with one having also been in Special Forces. They are protective of their ladies and their land. Their wives have all been through traumatic events before finding their happy endings. Those events gave them all a core of strength that comes in handy when dealing with the current trouble. I also enjoyed seeing them side with Arden and work to get their men to see that action now will make the future safer. The epilogue was great.
#netgalley
