Cowboy Firefighter Heat

February 1, 2020
Returning to the Texas town where she and her sister bought a historic music hall, a singer learns she now co-owns the venue with her old flame. Coming off a cruise-ship gig, Fern Bryant is ready to settle back into the small Texas town where she and her sister moved after they bought a historic dance hall from a cousin. She's excited to raise the profile of the hall by bringing in bigger acts as well as local talent. However, when she gets back, she discovers Craig Thorne in her cabin. Craig is the area rancher, volunteer firefighter, and musician who captured her heart when she moved to town, though things fell apart when she ducked her feelings and took the cruise job. Turns out her sister sold her share in the dance hall to Craig without telling Fern, so now they're partners. At first determined to keep Craig at arm's length, she's back in his arms soon enough and refinds her footing in the community, which is chock full of interesting characters, including two town matriarchs who convince Fern and Craig to co-chair the annual Wild West Days festival. As things look up for Fern and Craig, an obsessive fan of Fern's emerges to threaten their happiness. The latest title in Redford's Smokin' Hot Cowboys series revisits Wildcat Bluff County and its quirky community; fans will especially enjoy Fernando the Wonder Bull's heroic efforts. While Fern and Craig's reconciliation is sizzling, the conflict sputters out pretty early, replaced by the shadowy villain's menacing actions. At times, some of the characters' responses feel unrealistic (for example, Fern never confronts her sister for selling her share of the dance hall to Craig without saying anything), but it's generally an entertaining, sexy read. Cowboy romance fans will find a lot to love, including the buildup to the next book. A lively contemporary romance with touches of suspense.

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February 28, 2020

Country singer Fern Bryant is back in Wildcat Bluff County after fulfilling her dream of performing on cruise ships. Her travels have cemented her feeling that she belongs in north Texas more than any other place in the world. Fern still has feelings for Craig Thorne, the cowboy singer and volunteer firefighter whose heart she broke when she left to follow her career. Craig is all too eager to renew their relationship on and off the stage, but can Fern let herself get tangled up in a romance that mixes business with pleasure? Redford (Cowboy Firefighter Christmas Kiss) manages to stuff multiple plots, including stalking, a community celebration, and a fire into this second-chance romance. References to characters from the earlier title in the series can make readers feel as if they are jumping into the middle of the story. VERDICT Recommended for fans of the long-running series and readers of romances with a strong Western influence.--Nicole Suarez, Frankfort P.L., IL

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