Not My Kind of Hero

A former HGTV reality star falls for her grumpy tenant in this refreshing Western rom-com from Grant (The Worst Wedding Date). When recently divorced Maisey Spencer moves with her 16-year-old daughter, Juniper, to the Hell’s Bells, Wyo., ranch she inherited from her uncle, both women are in for some culture shock. Flint Jackson, the ranch manager and local high school teacher, is skeptical of Maisey’s ability to revamp the ranch, having watched her and her ex-husband’s home improvement show—but he’s surprised to discover that her ineptness had all been for the cameras. Not only is she good with any tool thrown her way, but she’s a deeply dedicated mother and a strong, independent woman—all qualities that set Flint’s heart aflutter. But with Juniper in his class and deeply opposed to her mom and her teacher getting involved, there are some serious roadblocks to a romance. All three characters are complex and wounded: Flint has abandonment issues and Maisey and Juniper are still healing from Maisey’s ex’s lies, infidelity, and disinterest in parenthood. Watching them slowly heal together is as heartwarming as the townsfolks are welcoming. Forgiveness and acceptance are at the heart of this humorous late coming-of-age romance, which argues valiantly that happy endings don’t require perfection, just love. Agent: Jessica Alvarez, Bookends. (Aug.)