Series:
Powder River (Book 1)
Grudges run deep between two ranch families. And so do
secrets…
There's no avoiding anyone in Powder River's small
community -- not even a bitter rival. For years, Cooper McKenna has been thrown
together with Tilly Stafford, competing against her at summer rodeos. With all
the bad blood between their families, he never imagined they'd be forced to
work together. Then Tilly's younger sister is shot, and Cooper comes under
suspicion.
Determined to get answers, they reluctantly team up,
animosity turning to something far more heated -- and no less dangerous.
Because someone is watching, with a lot to hide and every reason to kill again…
Terrific start to the new series. In Powder River, two
prominent ranching families have been feuding for many years - the McKenna and
Stafford families. As the book goes on, the author reveals the reasons for the
feud piece by piece as they relate to the story's action. The two main
characters, Cooper McKenna and Tilly Stafford, have been fierce competitors in
local rodeos for many years. But current events turn them into partners, and soon
the sparks of animosity turn into sparks of a far more dangerous type.
As the book opens, Cooper is returning to the family
ranch after two years away. He'd left to escape the memories of being accused
of killing his girlfriend. But he's missed his home and is ready to rejoin the
family. Shortly after driving onto the ranch property, a rider bursts onto the
road in front of him. Barely stopping in time to keep from colliding, Cooper is
stunned to discover the rider lying on the road in front of him is Oakley
Stafford, Tilly's younger sister, and that she's been shot. Unfortunately, due
to the ongoing feud, Cooper is immediately suspected of shooting her himself.
When Tilly finds out about Oakley, she's worried and
furious. Her first reaction is that a McKenna shot her sister, but she also wonders
what Oakley was doing on McKenna land. After meeting with Cooper and hearing
what he observed, she is determined to find out who shot her sister. Nothing
will dissuade her, so Cooper offers to work with her. He is just as invested in
finding out the truth behind what happened.
A lot is going on in this book, and the action and
suspense kept me hooked from beginning to end. Oakley is in a coma so that no
one can get her side of the story. The shooting increases the tension between
the two families. Both sides have oldest sons who are hotheaded and secretive,
raising questions about what they are involved in. A methane gas company, CH4,
is pushing ranchers to allow methane wells on their ranches - some are
interested, others are vehemently against it. Holden brings a 12-year-old
orphan to the ranch to raise after her mother's death, raising questions about
the girl's connection to him. There are secrets involving Holden and Charlotte,
including questions about the fates of Charlotte's two husbands.
To top it all off, working together to identify the
shooter brings Cooper and Tilly closer than they ever expected to be. It isn't
long before they realize that the antagonism they felt when they were younger
covered a simmering attraction. The more time they spend together, the harder
it becomes to deny the growing attraction and feelings between them. With the
bad blood between their families, a successful relationship will take some
effort. I liked their honest discussions about their feelings and the
difficulties they face. Interestingly, there appeared to be more disapproval on
one side than the other. I especially enjoyed Tilly's unexpected dinner at the
McKenna ranch. Complicating matters, Tilly has had a few dates with Stuart, the
town sheriff, and Cooper's best friend. Stuart's jealousy creates more tension and
raises a few questions in my mind about one of his former girlfriends.
The story's suspense is good and kept me guessing who the
shooter was. As Cooper and Tilly proceed with their investigation, it becomes
clear that someone is determined to stop them. I was glued to the pages as they
came closer to the who and the why. The shooter came as a complete surprise to
me. The final confrontation was an intense chase with an unexpected ending. Justice
is a thread left hanging, and it will be interesting to see if it is pursued in
later books.
I am intensely curious about Holly Jo, the orphan brought
to the ranch by Holden. In the beginning, she isn't a likable child, and Holden
has his work cut out for him to adjust her attitude. Interestingly, Cooper is
the one who connects with her. I liked his combination of understanding and
firmness as he dealt with her. I want to know the backstory of how Holden
became her guardian.
Though the mystery of the shooter was solved by the end
of this book, other things still need to be addressed. I can't wait for the
next book.
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