Publication Date: May 7th, 2016
Series: Colorado High Country, 1
Genre: Contemporary Romance
Lexi Jewell left Scarlet Springs twelve years ago, vowing never to return to the eccentric Colorado mountain town where she grew up. Now, here she is—over thirty, out of a job and with little choice but to move back in with her father. Lexi knows it’s just a matter of time before she runs into Austin Taylor, her first boyfriend and her first heartbreak. She’s determined to show him she’s over him—until he steps out of a pickup truck and back into her life, looking sexy as hell in his mountain ranger uniform.
As far as Austin is concerned, Lexi can turn her snazzy little convertible around and drive back to Chicago. After all, she ripped his teenage heart apart and turned her back on the town he loves. But from the moment he sees her again, he can’t get her out of his mind. Even her smile messes with his head.
When an evening of conversation turns into something else, Lexi and Austin agree to be friends again—with benefits. But as Lexi starts making plans to return to the big city, Austin realizes he’ll lose her a second time unless he can show her that what she’s searching for has been right here all along.
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Pat's Review:
This is the first book in a new series written by Ms. Clare. Well known and honored for her historical romance and romantic suspense (The I-Team Series) this is a contemporary romance that is set in the little mountain town of Scarlet Springs, Colorado. It centers around a group of men and women in Search and Rescue, Firefighters and Forest Rangers ; their adventures, their families and their lovers.
Austin Taylor grew up in Scarlet Springs and other than his time in college he has never left. He is a forest ranger and volunteers for the search and rescue team. He loves climbing and pushing himself physically as much as he can. Twelve years ago his teenage heart was shattered. He was a kid......no big deal. He's moved past it and is enjoying his life with his puppy Mac and his work, friends and family. That is until, suddenly, he sees Lexi Jewell, the source of his heartbreak, standing in front of him. He immediately decides he won't let her under his skin, this time. But after seeing her a few times, and sharing a very hot kiss, he realizes the old feelings are stirring, and she seems to feel the same.
Lexi Jewell is escaping Chicago, a wonderful job at a CPA firm gone bad and her life as she knows it, to return to Scarlet Springs, help her Dad with his B&B and decide her next step. She knew she would run into Austin, she just didn't think it would be as she was heading into town! Lexi's Dad is drinking heavily, acting crazy, and her step mom has left him. He is in danger of losing the Inn. First step of many, is to get him to stop drinking.
Lexi gets involved with the S & R team after she is asked to look over their financials. A previous employee appears to have been stealing. She enjoys the work, the camaraderie of the team, and the new friendship she is forming with Austin. After a hot night in the local pub with Austin they are rethinking their relationship, maybe "friends with benefits?" The benefits are very nice. Lexi still insists she will be returning to Chicago, but finds herself making excuses to stay in Scarlet Springs and with Austin. Lexi is spending a lot of time with the team, the day to day rescues and sometimes life threatening climbs they do make her realize how dangerous their work is, bringing her closer to Austin and not just as friends. Little does she know some of the danger is surrounding her too.
Ms. Clare's descriptions of the mountains, the climbing and rescue efforts will leave you holding your breath. Very sexy scenes, humor and even a little suspense will keep you turning pages. I couldn't put this book down. I'm looking forward to reading more about Scarlett Springs and its everyday hero's.
5 STARS!
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Pat received an e-ARC of this book from the author.
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Thanks for the review, Pat! This one is definitely going on my list. :)
Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on May 26th for a chance to WIN an ecopy of your own!
Remember, since this is a Royal Pick, come back on May 26th for a chance to WIN an ecopy of your own!
Enjoy!
Until Next Time,
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