Born to Be a Cowboy

August 5, 2019
Ryan concludes the Montana Strong series (following The Cowboy Next Door) by pairing off the final Monroe brother, Finn, with his perfect match. Though Finn, a talented lawyer, works on the family ranch with his brothers and adopted family, he resides in the nearby town, which is where CPA Jessica Blair asks his help with locating her aunt. It’s completely out of character for Aunt Nola to marry out of the blue and vanish on a honeymoon without a word about her whereabouts; Jessica suspects Nola’s new husband is a con artist. When someone nefarious begins targeting Jessica, she’s quickly brought into the Monroe family embrace and household, cheerfully helping with ranch chores and cooking while Finn attempts to untangle the mystery. Series fans will welcome a reunion with the Monroe family, who lovingly support one another while enjoying elaborate (and elaborately described) meals. Finn’s reluctance to initiate a relationship with his client is a minor barrier to his and Jessica’s predictable, but enjoyable, love story. This is a pleasant conclusion to the series. Agent: Susan Ginsburg, Writers House.

November 1, 2019

Jessica Blair enters the office of local attorney Finn Monroe convinced her beloved aunt has been taken in by a smooth-talking cowboy and is looking for information on the mystery man. Finn's drawn in when Jessie shares the series of accidents--including the death of her hired private eye--surrounding her investigation of the couple. When Jessie's hotel goes up in flames, and Finn brings her back to the safety of the Monroe ranch, the close quarters test Finn's determination to do his father proud by remaining professional with a woman he's beginning to fall for. And even if he was willing to take that risk, he has to make sure they both survive while investigating what happened to Jessie's aunt. VERDICT Readers who prefer their Westerns with a dash of suspense will find this latest from Ryan (after The Cowboy Next Door) an ideal choice. The action and danger ramp up from the beginning and never let down. Includes a bonus short story by A.J. Pine.--Kellie Tilton, Univ. of Cincinnati Blue Ash

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