The Devil in the Saddle

Starred review from September 9, 2019
Friends get more than just benefits in London’s second Princes of Texas contemporary (after The Charmer in Chaps), which tackles dynamics of class, wealth, and power while developing a gripping friends-to-lovers romance. The Prince family, owners of the Three Rivers Ranch in Texas, have fallen on hardish times after the death of patriarch Charlie, who gambled away much of their money, and they can barely afford to employ majordomo Martin Fontana. Hallie Prince, Charlie’s daughter, still lives like she’s rich, but that hasn’t stopped her from befriending Rafe Fontana, Martin’s oldest son. Rafe has been “quietly, privately, and desperately” in love with Hallie all his life, but he fears that acting inappropriately could cost his father his job. When Hallie catches her fiancé cheating, she turns to Rafe for support, and, as usual, he’s there for her. But when chemistry develops between them and she challenges him to admit how he feels, he holds back, knowing they can’t escape the difficulties that their professional relationship presents to their personal entanglement. London beautifully captures the essence of the couple’s friendship and the depth of their emotions, making the lovemaking that much more intense. Hallie’s grandma, Dolly, is just as charming and funny as ever, and the Prince family’s financial problems bring more comic relief than pathos. Readers will have a grand ol’ time revisiting Three Rivers.

October 1, 2019
In Book 2 of the Princes of Texas series (The Charmer in Chaps, 2019), a rancher's daughter escapes to Aspen after a breakup, but she can't stop thinking about the boy next door. Hallie Prince left her cheating fiance shortly before their wedding, and now she doesn't know what to do with her life. She once had dreams of becoming a prima ballerina, but she quit dancing when her teachers told her she lacked the talent. She confides in her childhood friend Rafe Fontana, who worked for her family at Three Rivers Ranch before leaving to join the Army. They kiss, briefly sparking romance, but he's already made plans to start a business in Chicago, and she's busy destroying her wedding decor on Instagram to get revenge on her ex. Rafe is also skeptical of Hallie's mother, who has always treated him and his family like the hired help--an awkward backstory for the couple to overcome. Aside from that, the ranch itself doesn't get much use. Rafe ultimately joins Hallie on a trip to Aspen, forcing the two of them to consider whether their futures will include each other. Hallie and Rafe have a good rapport, with easy banter and strong chemistry, but their relationship is very slow to get off the ground. With more single siblings at home, the Prince family has a lot of drama to explore for the rest of the series, particularly through the matriarch, Cordelia, whose husband's death forces her to recognize how much she depends on the Fontanas and to reconsider her relationship with her children. There's plenty of sweetness but not a lot of saddle in this friends-to-lovers Western.

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October 25, 2019

Rafe Fontana has successfully been keeping a friendly distance between himself and Hallie Prince--until the night she literally stumbles into his arms. He could blame the encounter on Mr. Creedy's cows, though if he was honest, he'd have to admit that he would do anything to stay in her orbit, including offering to train her to run or driving her new puppy to Aspen. Hallie was devastated by her cheating ex-fiancé and is feeling smothered by her family's concern and opinions on how she should live her life. Along the way on her journey, she finds Rafe ignites her passions, but showing him that he's the perfect man for her will take a bit of work. VERDICT London's second "Princes of Texas" series installment (after The Charmer in Chaps) will delight readers who enjoy a soft-hearted soldier, a spirited heroine, and relatable, entertaining family dynamics.--Morgan Lockard, Campbell Cty. P.L., KY

Copyright 2019 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

September 15, 2019
Who knew there was a time limit for moping? Hallie Prince certainly doesn't until her family tells her to get over her cheating fianc� and get on with her life. However, in order to stop being the poster child for bitter brides who caught their bridegroom entertaining one of the bridesmaids, Hallie has to figure out what she wants to do with her life. Fortunately, she does have the support of her childhood friend, Rafe Fontana, who has come back to Three Rivers Ranch to spend some time with his family. But how does Rafe tell Hallie he really wants to be something more than her best friend? London deftly dishes up another irresistible mix of zingy humor, engaging characters (including a funny and feisty heroine and a smoking hot hero with a heart-of-gold), and sexy romance in the second not-to-be-missed addition to her A Princes of Texas series, following The Charmer in Chaps (2019), making this an excellent suggestion for fans of Susan Elizabeth Phillip's brilliant contemporary romances.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2019, American Library Association.)