Review: The Rancher Returns by Brenda Jackson
The Rancher Returns by Brenda Jackson Published by Harlequin on October 1st 2016
Genres: African American, Contemporary, Fiction, Military, Romance, Western
Pages: 192
Format: eBook
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Discover New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson's The Westmoreland Legacy—a navy SEAL returns to his ranch…and finds irresistible desire! Returning from active duty to find his ranch being dug up by a beautiful stranger isn't the homecoming navy SEAL Gavin Blake expected. Layla Harris is convinced there's buried treasure on his land. But the only treasure this wealthy rancher wants to uncover is the professor's secret desires! When Layla unearths family secrets—and mysterious threats—he vows to do whatever it takes to protect her. Even as her revelations change everything…
The Rancher Returns in Brenda Jackson’s latest novel in the Westmoreland legacy.
After the latest Westmoreland novel, Bane, was released, I didn’t think we would visit this family again. In a roundabout way we have and looks like we’ll being seeing some of our favorite characters again soon. I was happy to see that this book was about one of Bane’s best friends, Navy SEAL Gavin Blake.
There’s an instant attraction between these two when they first meet. Layla is only focused on her job, and that’s uncovering the treasure she is sure is buried on Gavin’s land. Gavin, on the other hand, is sure that there isn’t a thing to be found and that despite her seemingly good intentions, she’s using his grandmother and lying about this supposed treasure.
Gavin won’t let Layla get away that easily. Aside from being fine as all hell, he’s bold, a bit arrogant and determined. Layla is definitely interested in him but she tries to keep him at bay. She is determined to keep it as professional as possible. Gavin refuses to let that happen and while he may not be convinced there’s treasure on his land, he is certain that Layla wants him. One kiss started off a chain of events and these two took their relationship to the next level and realized that passion wasn’t all that they shared.
These two had an easygoing relationship once they both gave in to their feelings. They were playful, sexy, and seemed to provide each other with balance. This foundation proved to be beneficial when Gavin is rocked by some pretty devastating news in the midst of Layla trying to uncover the treasure. He reached out for her in his time of need and she was there to provide support.
Gavin did turn the heat up a little too high, too early. There were a few times where I thought he could have brought it down a notch and give Layla a bit of space. Having single-minded focus is Gavin’s nature though so I guess I shouldn’t have been too surprised.
I usually like a little bit more push and pull between my two characters before they decide on their future, and that didn’t happen here. It may have been a little too sugary-sweet for me but longtime Westmoreland fans will like it all the same.
While Layla was looking for treasure hidden on Gavin’s land, the real treasure she found was the man himself; Gavin Blake.
Natalya is the author of All The Things I Never Said, a soul-stirring collection of short stories, prose and love letters for the soulful wanderers, the brokenhearted and the hopeless romantics.
You can follow her rantings and occasional sparks of brilliance on Twitter @NatalyaMuncuff.
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