Set in the cozy town of Callister, Idaho (population 635), Jeffrey's second contemporary western romance (after The Love of a Cowboy
) brings together two emotionally battered urban divorcés for a second chance at love. When reclusive Alex McGregor, a Los Angeles real estate agent, first spots hunky ex-cop Doug Hawkins, she goes after him—with a heavy duty car jack. Her actions seem almost justified, however, when the reader learns that Doug is trespassing on her land to have a romantic rendezvous with Alex's least favorite townie, the girlfriend of her irresponsible, untrustworthy ex-husband Charlie. After a mysterious fire destroys both cabin and Charlie, Doug tries to help Alex, but various people contrive to keep them apart, including a powerful local logger who's after both Alex and her land and an appealing forest ranger who's smitten with Alex. The protagonists' own deep trust issues also keep them from consummating their relationship until the novel is more than three-quarters of the way through. The delay is delicious, however, and so is the suspense. Jeffrey's hot-blooded heroine, hot hero, complex story line and polished writing make this a riveting read. (Apr. 6)
