I’ve been loving this series, but… I don’t know, something was off for me with this one. I never completely connected with either Libby (too judgy) or Holt (too much of a playboy), so this one dragged at times – and it’s quite possibly the longest in a series of books that are NOT short. I did appreciate that Snow mixed things up a bit – this might be the easiest one in the series to read as a standalone because the overarching suspense storyline has been mostly wrapped up, and the characters are a bit of a departure from her usual. Yes, there’s still an age gap and Holt is most certainly an alpha, but Libby makes one strong heroine and Holt’s full of charm. So there were things that I really enjoyed, but it definitely wasn’t my favorite.
The story follows Libby, a country girl who has taken over the family ranch. She’s struggling to pay the bills but refuses to sell, so when her troublemaking sister brings potential buyer Holt into the mix, Libby isn’t interested. Not only has she heard about his reputation (he’s left a trail of broken hearts in his wake), but he looks every bit the stuck up suit that she assumes he is. Holt knows he hasn’t been the best guy in the past (if you read the last book in the series, you’re already familiar), but he’s made some changes in his life and wants to prove he’s more than his bad reputation. Conflict turns into chemistry as these two strong personalities clash.
This one’s a little tamer than Snow’s usual (out of the bedroom, at least). There’s still some suspense but it’s been toned down significantly (I was completely okay with that), but personally I think that means the length of the book should’ve been shortened – it’s longer than the last two romance novels I read COMBINED. I did love the growth we saw in Holt from one book to the next – I could definitely see the potential for a great hero in the last book but he wasn’t quite there yet. The playboy storyline came up way too frequently though, and this loses at least half a star from me because our couple never discussed protection (isn’t this the hero where it REALLY needed to come up?). I don’t have any major complaints about the story because the vast majority of it was good, but there were little things along the way that snowballed into me losing my connection. It certainly won’t stop me from continuing with series, and I’m curious to see where it goes next. I received an ARC via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review of this steamy romance.
Kindle Edition: https://amzn.to/2L6g5lV
Haven’t started the Heroes of Heart’s Edge series yet? While each book is technically a standalone, the drama connects them all. I recently featured the series on my list of 15 Romance Series to Start Bingeing Now – you can check out that list here for details.
BLURB:
Handsome devil. Hate-worthy. Walking scandal.
I’m catching one feeling with him and it’s got teeth…
If I was a bird, I know who I’d paint white.
Holt Silverton.
The cocky dolt who swaggered up thinking he’d buy my ranch out from under me.
I know his reputation—those stormy eyes and chiseled looks ruined half this town.
Spare me the pick up lines and pretty words.
I’d rather chew nails than get roped up in anything with him.
I ain’t selling off my home, my inheritance, or my horses.
Not even if I desperately need the cash when trouble comes calling.
But there are two things I didn’t count on.
Holt’s as stubborn as a bull.
He’s also hiding a rough and tumble country boy behind that big city suit.
Everything flips upside down the day he says he’ll help save my land.
Too easy.
Because I can’t let anybody uncover the awful secret on my property.
Not even gorgeous stallions turning I-hate-you into what-are-we-doing.
He’s no white knight.
The way Holt kisses is a warning…
Nothing will ever be the same after this dark knight rocks my world.
From Wall Street Journal bestselling author Nicole Snow – a rogue of a man plays for keeps when he collides with a determined small-town firecracker. A bantery enemies to lovers thriller. Full-length standalone romance novel with all the Hell Yeah Happily Ever Afters.
Jeeves Reads Romance 
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