The Wedding Crasher and the Cowboy

Bielman (Kissing the Maid of Honor) tugs at the heartstrings with this enjoyable tale of a second chance at love. Maverick Owens’s beloved partner, Nicole, died of ALS three years ago—and with her, their dream of opening a veterinary practice in Maverick’s rural hometown of Windsong, Calif. After Kennedy Martin’s old friend—and onetime boyfriend—Reed calls her in a drunken panic from his bachelor party, she decides to crash his wedding, which is taking place at Maverick’s family ranch. Maverick and Kennedy were college rivals. They haven’t seen each other in seven years and they’re shocked to reunite now, but the chemistry that always characterized their feud quickly reignites. In the week leading up to Reed’s wedding, Kennedy and Maverick fall hard and fast for each other. But their future is jeopardized when Kennedy faces a tragedy, misinterprets a letter Maverick wrote to Nicole, and receives a coveted job offer in Boston. How Bielman manages to bring them from this crisis to their happily-ever-after is both somewhat surprising and emotionally fulfilling. Meanwhile, Kennedy’s sidekick, Andrew, steals many scenes with his zany humor. This smart, heartfelt small-town romance will have readers eager for a return trip to Windsong. (Nov.)