. Ms. Thompson does a fine job giving Drake a second chance and a happy ending. ~ Amanda, Guilty Pleasures
Description:
Sometimes a cowboy needs a second chance.
Some mistakes can’t be undone. After making the absolute worst decision of his life, horse veterinarian Drake Brewster will do whatever it takes to make amends with his best friend. And it starts with a summer at the Last Chance Ranch. But not everyone is thrilled about it — especially bartender and psych student Tracy Gibbons.
Tracy sees the world in shades of right and wrong, and what Drake did was Very Definitely Wrong. Worse yet, her promise to babysit a horse sanctuary means relying on Drake. And that’s where Tracy finds herself in a serious dilemma. He’s the one person she can’t trust, but she wants Drake something fierce … and the feeling is fiercely mutual! But if she climbs into the saddle, will she be ready for the ride?
Review copy provided for an honest review
Riding Hard by Vicki Lewis Thompson is a light, entertaining read on second chances and forgiving your mistakes. Drake Brewster did a doozy of a mistake. Not only did he loose his best friend but he slept with his best friend’s fiancé. He hit rock bottom when he realized that he had no idea who he was any longer and felt very lost. He knew things had to change and be a better person and friend. Drake shows up in Shoshone, Wyoming to seek forgiveness from his friend Regan and do some soul-searching.
Tracy didn’t want to feel the attraction to Drake but she just couldn’t help herself. With her past history she knew a man like Drake was exactly the kind of man her mamma warned her to stay clear. She’s played it safe and her lukewarm love life is testimony to that so-so attention. She wanted more and she had a hunch that Drake could start a passionate fire inside her with all the sparks she feels when he’s around. A circumstance in her house-sitting job gets her in close proximity to Drake when she asks him to look after a pregnant mare. Taking control for once she makes her move and sparks definitely fly! Have to give Ms. Thompson credit because she can bring the heat with her sex scenes. I liked Tracy for her boldness and honesty. She went after what she wanted and got back well deserved attention and eventually love.
It is always good to revisit the Last Chance ranch and all the people that live there. There is always something going on and when one of their own is hurting they tend to circle the wagons and defend him or her to the hilt. Drake wasn’t welcomed but he stuck it out. I have to figure the guy was really hurting if he wanted to stick around a place where he had just one friend. When Tracy becomes his friend and lover things take a turn for the better and Drake figures things out. I’m all for a person learning from his mistakes and trying to become a better person. Ms. Thompson does a fine job giving Drake a second chance and a happy ending.
3.5 Stars
Thanks Amanda