Sweet Texas Fire

Gage Cooper left home with something to prove. By the time he comes back, it’s too late to make amends as his father has passed away. But the biggest surprise is that Gage’s inheritance isn’t what he thought - his father left the family cabin to an environmental analyst that Gage has been butting heads with for months. Charlotte Wilkinson is surprised when she gets an unexpected inheritance, but quickly warms to the idea of having a home in a small town so she can escape the city. Gage has other ideas and wants her to sell it to him, but she digs in her heels. This is one fight she’s sure Gage Cooper won’t win.

Gage and Charlotte’s chemistry is abundantly evident as sparks fly between them. The author does a wonderful job of giving readers a glimpse into the oil versus ecological arguments and is very believable and balanced in her approach. At times, the emotional depth is sacrificed for myriad plot points that include a fake marriage, uncovering a secret past, betrayals and lies, and immigration issues. It might have been better to really focus on one or two plot points to let the reader truly experience them instead of glossing over it all so quickly. Gage’s brothers provide a fascinating secondary cast and Charlotte has just enough strength and vulnerability to make her an engaging heroine. Readers will be rooting for this couple as they work through their Texas-sized problems toward their happily-ever-after.

Kate Campbell