Slow Burn Cowboy: Copper Ridge, Book 7

Yates’s thrilling seventh Copper Ridge contemporary (after Last Chance Rebel) proves that friendship can evolve into scintillating romance. Finn Donnelly is looking forward to continuing to run the Laughing Irish Ranch in Copper Ridge, Ore., just as he did when his grandfather was alive. But his grandfather’s will gives equal portions to his brothers, and Finn is surprised to learn that they aren’t interested in having him buy them out and want to work the land alongside him. To complicate matters, Finn has become increasingly attracted to his best friend of 10 years, Lane Jensen. He realizes that the attraction is mutual when they engage in a very electric kiss, but both Lane and Finn have baggage from the past that makes it difficult for them to trust in the possibilities of an enduring relationship. Their gradual realizations about the inevitable arc of their connection are alternately comical and sensuous. It’s rare to see a long-standing friendship at the heart of a romance novel, and Yates does it justice with page-turning dialogue and a supporting cast of well-developed characters. This is a surefire winner not to be missed. (Apr.)