A ranch on the auction block. Two bidders. Only one can win.Liberty Baker’s dream to raise horses and settle in the small town of Crossroads all comes down to an auction bid. Within heartbeats, her dreams crash and burn as Mr. Bulging Pockets steps in and swipes the ranch out from under her. The fact he’s a hunky bachelor—with an icy blue stare so direct she feels it in places no woman ever … places no woman ever should—only makes things worse when he proposes that she should become his ranch hand.
She has an idea of the kind of hand he needs, and washing his dishes and picking up his dirty socks isn’t her thing. Then she remembers why she wanted the ranch in the first place…it’s a safe haven after her bitter divorce.
With a bigger cattle herd and more land, Aidan Bellamy really could use Liberty’s help. Sharing a house is just a living arrangement, right? Convincing himself will be difficult when she parades around with her toned thighs peeking out of her nightshirt and he discovers her in his Jacuzzi more than once. A self-proclaimed bachelor isn’t blind to the fact that women Liberty’s age are lookin’ for a big man to take care of them, and while he might have invited her into this deal, nobody’s sinking her hooks into him.
At least until he learns of the threats against her. No matter how hard he tries to resist, the solution’s staring him in the face.
There’s only one answer left.
It’s marry her and save her from losing it all or let her burn.
Only one look from Liberty sets him aflame. And one touch from Aidan might start a wildfire of emotions neither want to face.
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When she’s beat in an auction she never expected to be able to work with the man that bought it. She also didn’t expect to fall in love. When her ex starts trouble, he’s there to rescue her and make her realize she’s no longer alone. These two may not have realized their true feelings, but man do they love hard once they do.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A Western Romance very well written with just a few editing errors. Loved the story of Aidan and Liberty. This is the first book I’ve read from Em Petrova and am very impressed! The characters are well rounded and have a great story between them. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance of any kind.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Making the best of a bad situation
Liberty banks her future on winning the small ranch at auction, only to lose it to the delicious rancher next door who outbid her. Aidan has been trying to buy back the land that once belonged to his great-grandparents, so winning the auction is a dream come true for him. Seeing how distraught Liberty is, and needing some help with his expanded responsibilities, he offers her a job on his ranch, which she accepts because at least she’ll get to work the land, even if she can’t own it.
This is a wonderful setup that brings out the best in both characters. Aidan, the perpetual loner, has never had anyone help him on his land, so he doesn’t quite understand why it feels so right to have Liberty there. I loved how the whole arrangement forces Aidan to reevaluate his lifestyle and open his heart up to the possibility of a fuller life. Liberty doesn’t harbor any bitterness about the auction, choosing instead to just bask in the peace and serenity of her new life and enjoy what she can. Theirs is a warm, slow approach to a solid romance that was very satisfying.
The only problem for me with this book was the contrived circumstances presented that were used to force a hurried marriage between these two. Really, it could have been solved instantly by doing what any reasonable person would have done, but then we wouldn’t have the wedding before they’re ready to acknowledge their feelings for each other. To prove how unimportant the contrivance was, as soon as they’re married the entire problem is wrapped up with one legal document that could have been done just as easily without the marriage. Forget the reasons why, and the rest of their story works beautifully.
I love this author’s hot cowboys and strong women, and this book continues that tradition well. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
This is another homerun entry in this terrific series. I really liked Liberty and Aiden. Their chemistry was sizzling and boy, did they create plenty of sparks. The story captured and kept my attention as it unfolded. The banter between these two is sharp and flows freely as their relationship evolves from tension and turmoil to heat and heart. I am posting an independent, impartial review.
This was a quick, engaging read that I read in one sitting. It is the 3rd book in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone. The H’s from books 1 & 2 and their significant others are mentioned in this book yet enough explanation of their roles is given so you don’t miss much of anything. I just think you would enjoy reading the previous books.
Aidan and Liberty had a bit of a complicated beginning. I liked the way Aidan opened up to Liberty and supported her. He respected her knowledge, talents, and ideas. Liberty had every right to be bitter and angry about her divorce, but she didn’t let that keep her from allowing Aidan to get close. I liked her strength and determination. I liked both of their characters.
I liked that there wasn’t a lot of angst and drama as their friendship grew into a relationship. The only thing I missed in this book was that I would have like to read about her ex’s reaction to the plan Aidan came up with for Liberty. For me, it would have been that bit of icing on the cake to have included that information. That would have taken it from 4 to 5 stars. I also appreciated the epilogue. It was great to see Aidan and Liberty get their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed the Advanced Reader Copy of this book received via Booksprout.
This is book number 3 of the Crossroads series, but you can absolutely enjoy it as a complete stand-alone. If you’ve read the previous books in the series, you get to see the main characters in both make appearances here. If you haven’t read the other books, when you’re done with this one you’re going to want to go back and read those too.
Aidan Bellamy is a confirmed bachelor, but when he falls for Liberty, he falls hard and fast. He is a strong and self-sufficient cowboy, but is also incredibly compassionate toward her. Liberty is still trying to move on from a nasty divorce and an ex-husband who still take great joy in making her life miserable. After she loses her chance to win her dream ranch at auction, Liberty really has no back up plan. When Aiden impetuously offers her a job she just as impetuously accepts. There relationship was wonderfully entertaining, and they have scorching hot chemistry. As usual, Em Petrova writes terrific dialogue and banter that really captures the personalities of her characters.
As much as I really enjoyed the first 2 books in the series, I loved this one even more. I really was sorry when it ended because I enjoyed the characters so very much. The good news is we also get to see who the next book in the series is likely to feature, and I can’t wait to read it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. I also purchased a copy on Amazon.