I enjoyed this intriguing romance. I bought this at our local library book sale and I voluntarily chose to review this book. This is not for the under 18 readers but there is lot of action to pull you in and keep you turning the pages. Lots of clues to show who the bad guy is. I so wanted him gone at the end. Need to read to find out. ( )

An exciting book, loosely tied to the Cahill family in Gilt Edge, Montana. Colt is an army helicopter pilot home on leave to settle his father's estate. Not interested in following in his father's footsteps as a rancher, he plans to sell the ranch and return to his unit. Those plans take a back seat when a woman from his past shows up at his door.

Lola was in Montana to get her parents' remains from the cult they had joined. The cult leader refused to hand them over and insisted that Lola had been promised to him by her parents. One escape attempt sent her into Colt's arms before she was taken again. After she was recaptured, Lola discovered she was pregnant with Colt's baby, but she was too closely guarded to escape. After the baby's birth, she was able to make her escape only by leaving Grace behind. Determined to rescue her daughter, she went to Colt for help.

The story opened with a bang, as Lola flees through the woods to get away. It was easy to feel her fear and desperation during that flight. Colt's surprise at finding her at his door in the middle of the night was obvious, but nothing compared to the news that he was a father. I liked the fact that he believed her story and was determined to help her, taking her first to the doctor, then to Sheriff Flint Cahill.

I have to say that I was extremely disappointed in Flint. After hearing her story, and accompanying Colt and Lola to the cult compound, I thought he was far too easily swayed to the cult leader's point of view. With as much publicity as cults have gotten in recent years, any lawman worth his salt should have been far more skeptical. I was a bit disappointed in Colt also, as Jonas's words created some doubt in his mind, but that doubt was quickly erased, and his determination rekindled.

I was glued to the pages as I watched Colt and Lola plan and carry out their rescue of Grace. With frequent glimpses of Jonas's point of view, it was obvious to me that he wasn't going to give up easily, though Colt and Lola thought they were safe. The final confrontation was intense. I liked how Lola actively participated in saving herself and Grace. You definitely don't mess with Mama Bear and her little one!

I liked the development of the relationship between Colt and Lola. There was a deeper connection than just physical attraction between them in their first encounter, and neither had forgotten the other. I liked Lola's instinctive trust of Colt, and her happiness at the way Colt took to being a father. It doesn't take her long to fall for him, but her independence refuses to allow her to accept anything given out of obligation. There were a few times when I felt like she carried that independence a bit too far, but eventually she realized that accepting help didn't make her weak or dependent. I liked Lola's support of Colt as he battled his feelings over Julia's betrayal.

Colt is a little warier of his feelings for Lola, having been burned by his fiancée's betrayal, but he can't deny that he has them. There was a terrific scene between Colt and his ex, which helped him clarify his feelings for Lola. His big moment with Lola was sweet, and I loved the bit about the ring. I wasn't too surprised by his decision regarding his future plans, and loved his decision about some of the ranch lands. ( )