Counting on the Cowboy (Riverrun Ranch) – ARC Review

Counting on the Cowboy
by Karen Foley
Release Date:  May 14, 2020
Publisher: Tule Publishing
Book #2 in the Riverrun Ranch series
Number of pages:  159
Kindle
Source:  ARC from publisher
Contemporary Romance M/F
Rating: NC-17
Read 5/8/20 to 5/9/20

 

Luke Claiborne is back in Last Stand, Texas, after a combat injury ends his career as a military K9 handler. Without his working dog by his side, he’s lost his purpose – until he meets a sexy wildlife rehabber who seems determined to save every animal in town. When she puts her own life at risk in the process, it’s clear to Luke that she’s the one who needs rescuing. Before long, his new mission is to show her how perfect they could be together.

Jorie Russell has loved Luke since she was an awkward teenager, but she knows he’s out of her league. She grew up on the wrong side of town, and has spent her whole life trying to prove she’s not like her reckless, irresponsible mother. Luke might act tough, but she can see he is suffering and she’s determined to help him heal. But then a shadow from her past threatens their future.

Can she finally get the happily-ever-after she’s always longed for?

I love when my reading goes 2 for 2.  This is only the second book I’ve read by this author and I’ve loved them both.  That’s a huge win in my mind. 

In the first book of this series, Swipe Right for a Cowboy, we don’t meet Luke.  He’s the brother that can’t make it home for his sister’s wedding.  Man, did we miss out.  Luke has his issues, for sure.  But he’s also so kind and patient and empathetic.  He may not think he’s those things, but his actions speak louder than words.

Jorie has a kind of sweet innocence about her that endeared her to me right away.  She’s a strong woman; a fighter.  I still found myself wanting to see her being taken care of.  Everyone deserves to have someone to lean on, especially Jorie.

While there is a great chemistry between Jorie and Luke, there is also a sort of tenderness that melted my heart. I was rooting for them both and hoping they wouldn’t push each other away because of their own insecurities and fears.  Or, worse, their hard-headedness.  Of course, as this is a true romance, we definitely get an HEA for them.

I don’t know how I’ve missed out on this author for so long, but she won me over very quickly.  Now, to find the time to read some of her previous works!

4.5 stars

**I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and given freely**