The Maverick Cowboy by Kate Pearce Release Date: January 31, 2017 Publisher: Zebra Book #2 in the Morgan Ranch series Number of pages: 352 Kindle Edition Source: ARC from Net Galley Contemporary Romance M/F Rating: NC-17 Read 1/15/17 to 1/16/17
Once again Kate Pearce takes a hero that is surly and can easily be disdained and turned him into the loveable man we want our heroes to be. It’s not that I didn’t like Blue in The Reluctant Cowboy or at the beginning of this book, but he sure teetered on a thin line. His black and white views and stubborn streak could have easily overpowered the other, softer aspects of his personality. Thankfully his caring heart did get through and Jenna helped him to see things with a bit of grey.
I can’t let Jenna get away unscathed though. I deeply understood many of her insecurities. Her feeling that there was always someone more interesting and/or attractive than her around is a feeling I think too many women deal with in real life. She had good reason due to her past, which very slowly comes out in bits and pieces. But there comes a point that she is more wishy-washy than lacking in confidence. Plus, she is called out on it a bit so I like that.
The first real intimate encounter between Jenna and Blue was great. I loved the spontaneity and uncertainty of the moment. It was wonderful! That’s the thing with these two…even when things get super serious they can get through to each other and ease the tension with a few words.
I loved the interaction between Jenna and Maria, a surprise character we meet in this book. Jenna helps us to understand Maria and Maria helps us to understand Jenna. Both help Blue to see things more clearly. It’s a very touching story.
There is still the story line of Blue’s mom continuing on from the first book. It’s not resolved but they’ve gotten a bit more information. A lot of feelings are being dealt with and we even get to meet one of the twins, Ry. I think I’m more intrigued to learn about Ry than I was to learn about Blue. He’s a man of very few words but seems to see everything that is going on around him on a pretty deep level. All of these things: the mom/sister mystery, learning more about the other brothers, the relationships on the ranch and in town all make me impatient for the next book to come out.
One final note that really has nothing to do with the story but helped to endear the author to me more. Blue is a Marine and is called a soldier by another character. He takes the time to explain, without condensation, that he’s actually a sailor. To this previous Navy wife and current Army mom, I like seeing this misconception explained properly.
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