SUNSET LEDGE by Darlene DeLuca
Fiction, Contemporary Romance, Second Chances,
4****
Blurb: Jack Armstrong lives like a recluse on his Texas ranch. In the difficult years after his wife’s death, he goes through the motions of life and wants to be left alone. Caroline Tate, a widowed ecology professor, arrives at the ranch for a much-needed break and to take nature photos for her sabbatical project. But relaxing is a challenge when she finds herself at odds with the curmudgeonly cowboy who owns the place. Jack generally steers clear of the guests, but this time, it’s not so easy. Vivacious Caroline doesn’t fade into the background. This city gal comes with pearls around her neck, a big red flower on her floppy hat, and way too many questions. Her self-assured, adventurous spirit gets under Jack’s skin, and she soon stirs feelings long dormant inside him.
Thoughts: I really enjoyed this story. It’s different from your usual romances in that both main characters are older (60s), widow/widower, with families. Caroline is a college professor on sabbatical who is looking for “what’s next” in her life – but she wasn’t planning on a relationship. Jack is a stoic, no-nonsense rancher who is set in his ways. Somehow, the two of them manage to figure out that they might be able to work together.
I liked Caroline’s nature. She’s a mixture of stubbornness and independence that rankles Jack. But she’s also good with animals and nature. Jack is almost a stereotypical old rancher. He’s a gentleman who wants nothing to do with softer emotions. I would have liked to have seen maybe a scene with the townspeople changing and the nature preserve go through – but those are minor things. But the description of the scenery is really well done—especially since Caroline is a photographer, so we get to see things through her eyes – like facing down a rattlesnake!
Recommended.
Disclaimer: Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
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