Read as part of [b:Cowboy Up|8734919|Cowboy Up|Rob Knight|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1328347699l/8734919._SY75_.jpg|1110433] Anthology. ( )

This is a great story about the friendship (maybe more?) between city-boy Jack and cowboy Pacer. They start out as enemies who hate each other's guts, just because of the superficial difference, and possibly because Jack inherited the ranch Pacer was supposed to be buying after twenty years of putting all his energy into working the land and creating a home. But really, what I suspect set them off was a mix between Pacer thinking a city-slicker could never ranch and his anger that he wasn't going to get what he'd been promised, just because Jack's uncle Billy died in an accident before he could change the will. Of course, Jack sensed the animosity and figured Pacer had been trying to swindle Billy out of what was his.

The anger between them is palpable. They go at each other's throats, desperation on both sides. Jack has no idea to run a ranch, he is an accountant and good with money. All he sees is a "money drain" and lots of insecurity. He isn’t used to the weather or a cattle virus threatening his income. Pacer fears jack will ruin the ranch because he has no idea how to deal with "real life". He is also heartbroken over his home being taken away. Those first few months they do nothing but hurt each other, and they have to hit rock bottom before they'll admit working together might be better. After all, the will tied Jack into owning the ranch for five years before he can sell it, so what other choice does he have?

The friendship that blossoms between Jack and Pacer grows by slow degrees, is deep, and even though it was never clear to me whether they become more than business partners, there is definitely a deep love and respect between them by the end. A fascinating study of "enemies to friends, this short story felt a lot longer to me than its actual pages indicated. If you like opposites meeting, clashing , and figuring out a way to live with each other, if you like cowboys and their struggle for survival in a harsh environment and an even harsher economy, and if you're looking for a read with deep emotions but no sexual encounters, then you will probably like this short story.


NOTE: This book was provided by Amber Allure for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews.
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