Home to Texas

Fantastic action-suspense romance! This book hits all my favorite tropes! Hot cowboys? Oh, yeah ... with plenty of horsepower! Hot cop? You betcha! Military heroes? Lots and lots! HEA? Of course! Raney and Dalton's book, Rough Creek, introduced us to the Whitcomb family and their Four Star Ranch, and this second book gives us the story of the youngest Whitcomb daughter, KD, whose dream of a career in the US Army is threatened by a rescue mission that wasn't exactly according to protocol. Now barely clinging to life, KD has a lot of physical healing ahead of her while also sorting out just what happened and who was responsible. CID officer Richard Murdock is also interested in finding out exactly how things went sideways, hoping to wrap this case up so he can enjoy his month-long leave while he decides whether or not to commit to another stint with the Army. Soon it's very clear that this case is going to have a significant impact on both their careers, entwining their lives in ways neither saw coming. Their romance is given free rein just in time for them to realize that there's another threat that followed them home from Afghanistan. I loved the entire Whitcomb family and the scenes at the ranch. The horse therapy program was brilliant, including characters I fell in love with long before I knew they'd having a more permanent role on the ranch. The issues raised by the events that started this whole thing were responsibly handled, and the resolution to the threat was cathartic and vindicating. The romance is everything I could hope for. KD and Richard are so perfect together, and I really appreciated the absence of the common "miscommunication as drama" trope to keep them apart. Their relationship was refreshingly honest and fraught with its own tension due to their both being at a crossroads in their lives. There are plenty of heavy issues at play for both KD and Richard, and I was completely captivated by their perseverance and devotion to each other. I was so happy to see their HEA and I loved how it concluded with another important romance that was hinted at throughout even as it was kept on the sidelines. This is a complete standalone story, though readers will enjoy the first book just as much as this one. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

I enjoyed reading Home to Texas by Kaki Warner, book two in her Brides of Rough Creek series, a romantic suspense story. This story focuses on KD and Richard, their friendship, chemistry, and magnetic attraction as they try to figure out a new future, away from the Army while attempting to stay alive; ahead of their enemy. Lieutenant KD Whitcomb planned her career out to the last detail; going from West Point to the Pentagon. She was right on track until she is injured during a questionable situation while deployed and is forced to leave the army. Her dreams are now nightmares, she’s feeling lost and needs to finds the tough woman she once was, underneath her uniform. Directionless she heads home to the family ranch in Rough Creek, Texas. The only things helping her to survive the nightmares and sleepless nights are the support of her family and the CID officer, Richard Murdock, who investigated her incident in Afghanistan. Richard is also struggling’ ready to leave the army and start anew. He suspects there something shady about KD’s case, especially the threats coming from Afghanistan directed at both him and KD; making him want to protect KD. These two strong, independent souls share a strong, growing attraction and off the charts sizzling chemistry. Despite fears getting the better of them, Richard makes KD laugh and gives her hope while he is drawn to her vulnerability and strength. Richard will do whatever he can to protect her and help her build new dreams; especially starting a PTSD equine therapy program at her ranch. Once they overcome the threats against them and heal their wounds, KD and Richard can have the life they want, possibly better than they even dreamed. Ms. Warner wrote a wonderful, emotional, military-themed story that should not to be missed. She provided a tale rich with romance, action, danger, off the charts chemistry, magnetism, and charming characters giving KD and Richard a chance at a future together with new careers that neither expected. I highly recommend Home to Texas to other readers. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.