Series:
Texas Cattleman's Club: Ranchers and Rivals (Book
7)
One dance. One kiss.
One unexpected twist.
After a stunning makeover, Dr. Zanai James barely
recognizes herself. The reserved, no-nonsense therapist even dared to kiss
rancher Jayden Lattimore in the middle of the dance floor. Though a mask had
hidden her identity, Jayden tracks down his mysterious Cinderella, claiming he
can't forget her. But Zanai isn't sure about the motives of a dashing man like
Jayden, who's never looked twice at her before. With their meddling families
causing all kinds of trouble, will Zanai finally go after what she really
wants?
Good Cinderella story. Zanai is a respected psychologist
who works with neurodivergent kids from the poorer part of Royal, Texas. She
has always been introverted, preferring her books to people, and since her
family's moved to Royal from Brooklyn when she was a teen, she's never felt like
she fits in. She has one very good friend, Morgan, who sees her for the beautiful,
intelligent, and compassionate woman she is. As the book opens, we see Morgan
talking Zanai into going to the masquerade ball.
Like Cinderella, Zanai can't believe the difference a
makeover has made in her looks and attitude. With her face hidden behind a
mask, Zanai is free of her inhibitions, making it easier to dance and flirt
with rancher/playboy Jayden Lattimore. Jayden is intrigued by the woman he
calls the Red Queen, and when she disappears shortly after their dance, he is
determined to find her.
Jayden is a man with a reputation as a player. Lately,
he's become bored with the society women who all seem the same and the social
events where he sees the same people repeatedly. He wants more, even if he
isn't sure what that is. After the ball, he becomes obsessed with finding the
woman who captivated him from the moment he saw her.
It was surprisingly easy for Jayden to find her, thanks
to some luck. I could feel Zanai's shock at his determination to spend time
with her. Between the people who don't bother to get to know her and the
emotional abuse heaped on her by her father, Zanai has no belief in her appeal.
Though she and Jayden have been acquainted for years, it takes the ball for
them to actually see each other. After seeing Zanai at the ball, and then as
her usual self, Jayden is determined to make her see that the Red Queen is part
of who she is.
I enjoyed the time they spent together. Watching Jayden
give Zanai the kind of attention she's never experienced was so sweet. I loved
seeing him constantly show her that she's a beautiful, intelligent, and caring
person. He is surprised at his growing feelings for her because she's so
different from the women he's dated. Zanai is just as drawn to Jayden but wary
of giving in to her feelings. It's difficult to believe that he won't get tired
of her, just like everyone else in her life. The chemistry between them intensifies
as they get to know each other. I love the protectiveness that becomes apparent
when Jayden has a run-in with Zanai's father and his heartwarming actions when
he tells Zanai about it. I loved how that belief in her changed Zanai's entire
outlook and gave her the strength to take charge of her future. The ending was excellent,
and I look forward to seeing more of them in future books.
There was a short mention of the ongoing oil rights
dispute plaguing the Lattimore and Grandin families. The only new information
raises more questions that need answers.
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