A Maverick's Holiday Homecoming - Brenda Harlen (HSE #3019 - Dec 2023)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lassoing Love (Book 6)
 
The only gift he ever wanted
 
Charlotte Taylor famously fled Bronco twenty years ago, leaving her high school sweetheart at the altar. Now rancher Billy Abernathy is newly divorced, raising three kids -- and not ready to trust his heart to anyone, much less the woman who broke it. Never mind the memories swirling around them like a cozy Christmas sweater, or the bonds that still exist, making them realize that there's unfinished business between them…
 
Good second chance story. Charlotte and Billy were lifelong friends and high school sweethearts twenty years earlier. When she got pregnant, they were told they would marry, and the wedding was scheduled for two days after graduation. But when Charlotte lost the baby, no one would listen when she insisted she wasn't ready to get married. Finally, with the church packed and Billy waiting at the altar, she ran. She has returned to Bronco to meet her newborn niece and spend the holidays with her family. Meeting Billy again was never in her plan.
 
Billy was heartbroken when Charlotte left him at the altar, but a few years later, he moved on. Now, he is the newly divorced father of three teenagers with no plans to get involved in another relationship. He has accepted that he shares some of the blame for his marriage's failure, but that doesn't make it hurt any less.
 
Billy and Charlotte encountered each other on the high school career day. I liked how Charlotte made a point of apologizing for the past and that both agreed the past was past. They decide to rekindle their friendship, never expecting to discover that their love for each other has never died. I enjoyed the development of their relationship as they got to know each other as adults. But with Charlotte due to return to Florida after the new year, both are reluctant to allow themselves to have deeper feelings. But the heart wants what it wants and each must decide if the chance of a future together is worth the risk. There are some obstacles - their families' attitudes, his kids' feelings, and Charlotte's job - they need to overcome.  I loved the ending, and Billy's big moment in the barn was terrific.

The Maverick's Holiday Delivery - Christy Jeffries (HSE #3013 - Nov 2023)

Series: Montana Mavericks: Lassoing Love (Book 5)
 
A Cradle for Christmas?
 
Happily single Dante Sanchez is not looking for love. When he meets seven-months-pregnant Eloise Taylor, he knows he should run, not walk, in the other direction. But the local teacher is dazzled by the fiercely independent Eloise -- maybe even enough to reconsider his dedication to bachelorhood? Between her wealthy family's disapproval and her own reluctance to commit, their relationship is a risky proposition. However, there's a baby on the way who just might need them both…
 
Terrific book. I loved Dante and Eloise, who feel real enough to be your child's teacher or a local businesswoman's association member. Eloise left Bronco shortly after she turned eighteen. The daughter of one of the Taylor patriarchs, she became frustrated with her father's attitude toward women and working, so she set off to live life the way she wanted. Now the owner of a successful marketing firm, the pregnant Eloise has returned to Bronco to raise her child. Her reappearance was dramatic, got tongues wagging, and illustrated the archaic attitudes of the older Taylors.
 
Dante is a third-grade teacher whom his students love. Handsome and charming, he is happily living a single life and isn't looking to settle down any time soon. But from the moment he spotted Eloise, he was irresistibly drawn to her.
 
I loved the first meeting between Eloise and Dante. While unexpectedly coming to her rescue, Dante was on the receiving end of a lengthy and revealing monologue as Eloise vented her frustration with her family. I loved his patience, understanding, and amusement as he listened to her vent. Neither expected the strength of the pull toward each other.
 
I enjoyed watching Dante and Eloise spend time together. Underneath their growing friendship is an attraction neither can deny. I loved watching Dante get more invested in Eloise and her upcoming baby. His surprise at his involvement was sweet, and seeing his anticipation was fun. Eloise, too, gets closer to Dante, but she has trust issues thanks to her previous relationship and resists the possibility of an actual relationship. She finds it difficult to believe that Dante's interest will last. I kept my fingers crossed that Dante could break through her fears. The ending was fantastic, and Dante's big moment was sweet.
 
I enjoyed the demonstration of the differences between the Taylor and Sanchez families. The Thanksgiving dinners were a vivid example and an eye-opening experience for Eloise. I like watching the Taylor patriarchs get pulled kicking and screaming into the 21st century.