Susan F. (scoutmomskf) - , reviewed on 5/2/2023 + 2617 more book reviews

Terrific enemies to lovers story. Morgan and Ryan have known each other for years and can't be in the same room without finding something to argue about. But underneath their antagonism is a simmering attraction neither wants to admit. Then the night of the TCC Halloween ball (Cinderella Masquerade), each overheard a conversation about the sparks between them and decided that one night together would get it out of their systems.

This book starts a month later with Morgan's discovery that she is pregnant with Ryan's baby. She is shocked and overwhelmed by the changes facing her, but she knows she wants the baby. She also knows she must tell Ryan, which won't be easy. Despite their agreement that they were one and done, she hasn't been able to stop thinking about their night together, so she has avoided him. Fate being what it is, Ryan chooses to stop by Morgan's store that day to ask her why she's been dodging him. Like Morgan, Ryan hasn't been able to forget that night either.

Ryan immediately notices something is wrong because she won't look at him. He is persistent and finally gets her to confess that she's pregnant. Ryan's first reaction is that they get married. This goes over like a lead balloon, as Morgan has no interest in marrying anyone. Even though her siblings have all found love, Morgan believes that so-called love fizzles out more often than not. While Ryan proposes marriage, love doesn't enter into it. He was burned years ago and has closed off his heart. He wants a family to pass his ranch on to but prefers a more practical relationship. Morgan is adamant that she will not marry him, while Ryan is determined that she will. He challenges her to move into his home for a month, and if she can walk away at the end of the month, he'll let her go.

I loved watching the relationship between Morgan and Ryan develop. Morgan knows she's risking heartbreak by moving in with Ryan, but she does it anyway, determined to show him she is right. Ryan is equally committed to showing her how good they can be together. Neither can deny their attraction, but Ryan plans to resist the pull. He wants to convince Morgan without using their attraction to overwhelm her objections. For a man who has put love behind him, Ryan has an amazingly romantic nature. I loved his effort in caring for Morgan, making her feel at home in his house, and showing her what they could have together.

I enjoyed seeing Morgan do her best to wreck Ryan's control over his attraction. She wants to enjoy every minute if they're only going to have a month together. Once she succeeds, she realizes that she's made things harder for herself. Between the intimacy and his attention, her heart is in serious jeopardy. She finds herself wanting more than he's willing to give. Can she show him that love will make both their dreams come true? It takes nearly losing her for Ryan to realize she's had his heart all along. I loved his big moment at the end and seeing him open his heart.

The series arc involving Heath Thurston's claim against the Grandin and Lattimore ranches advances significantly in this book. The final report from the private investigator is in, but Heath refuses to take the information lying down. His book is next, and I'm looking forward to seeing what happens.

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