Waiting on a Cowboy

Ryan launches the McGrath series, a spin-off of her Wild Rose Ranch series, with this rocky, melodramatic work of romantic suspense. Rancher Tate McGrath is still reeling from the events surrounding his brother Drake’s whirlwind romance in Tough Talking Cowboy, and his preoccupation has created a rift in his friendship with Liz Scott. Liz has harbored feelings for Tate since they were kids and is tired of being taken for granted. As Tate works to mend their relationship, he realizes that he returns her feelings. But Liz and Tate’s budding romance is repeatedly threatened by Liz’s abusive ex-boyfriend, Clint Mayhew, who refuses to accept that Liz broke up with him and grows increasingly unhinged and violent as he tries to force his way back into her life. Clint’s over-the-top, often sickening behavior and the fear he causes in Liz and Tate eclipse the relatively bland romance, and the dull characters do little to bolster the unbalanced plot. Only Ryan’s die-hard fans should bother with this one. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary. (Aug.)