Holly’s review of One Dance with the Cowboy by Donna Alward
“Care to take those boots for a spin, Miss O’Keefe?”
Jen O’Keefe will agree to just one dance with coolheaded cowboy Drew Laramie. But only for old times’ sake. She can’t risk losing her heart to him again.
Drew left Larch Valley, promising Jen he’d return. When he didn’t, she moved on…. Now the childhood sweetheart Jen had stopped waiting for is back!
I really enjoyed this story. I’m kind of a sucker for the “lovers reunited” plot anyway, but Alward did a good job of bringing these two back together.
Drew and Jen were high school sweethearts. Jen thought for sure they’d end up married and living happily ever after, but Drew had other ideas. He wanted to make a career for himself and get out of Larch Valley, which meant leaving Jen behind. But now he’s grown up and moved back home and can’t deny Jen still heats him up.
Jen was crushed when Drew broke up with her all those years ago. She knows she can’t deal with that kind of heartbreak again, so she’s determined to avoid him at all costs. Unfortunately, she’s an adult with responsibilities, so when Drew needs to hire to cater an event for him, she can’t say no. She can’t deny the chemistry between them, but she isn’t willing to give up her heart. Of course, she may not have a choice…
I’ve read Alward in the past and have yet to be disappointed. Jen and Drew were both strong characters.I did wonder at the way Jen was constantly rushing after Drew, despite swearing she wouldn’t get sucked in by him again. It was obvious she still had feelings for him. Drew wasn’t as easy to figure out. He was attracted to Jen, but I’m not sure he had leftover feelings for her. It seemed to me that his feelings were newly developed as he got to know the grown-up version of his high school sweetheart.
I did feel like the end was a bit abrupt. Throughout Jen is the one who constantly puts herself out there. I would have liked to see Drew go to her and grovel a bit more. Otherwise it was good.
If you’re looking for a light, heart-warming read, I’d say this it.
3.75 out of 5
This book is available from Harlequin Romance. You can buy it here or here in e-format.
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