Lost and Lassoed

Sage offers a spicy, western take on the enemies-to-lovers trope in her third Rebel Blue Ranch contemporary (after Swift and Saddled). Lovable grump Gus Ryder has always considered Meadowlark, Wyo., town troublemaker Theodora “Teddy” Anderson to be a bad influence on his sister and her best friend, Emmy, which does nothing to quell his reluctant attraction to Teddy. The pair shared a single kiss seven years before the start of the novel, after which Gus insisted they pretend nothing happened, and they’ve been at each other’s throats ever since. Their feud is legendary throughout Meadowlark, which is why no one but Emmy thinks it’s a good idea for Teddy, who’s recently out of a job, to take a gig as a babysitter for single father Gus’s precocious six-year-old. They’re both desperate, however, so they reluctantly agree. Teddy’s presence around the house reignites old passion, and her love scenes with Gus singe the pages. Supporting characters—including cameos from the couples featured in previous installments—add to the cozy small-town charm. Series fans will be pleased. Agent: Jessica Watterson, Djikstra Agency. (Nov.)