This is a story about a boy from the wrong side of the tracks, literally. The story starts with the death of then girlfriend, Abby, who is tragically killed while in the trusted care of Joss. Joss has a criminal history, so he is sentenced to 18 months at Briscoe Ranch; ranch labor instead of a prison cell. Joss's home life has always been less than ideal, so he carries all those pains in his walls of protection. He arrives at the sprawling Texas ranch with amazement. He has never seen anything as beautiful and clean. Cal Briscoe is the owner, and now warden in charge. Joss digs into his new responsibilities at the ranch. A cast of characters are introduced. Ren Briscoe, daughter, is home for the summer. She is young, and likes the looks of him, immediately. She is frustrated that he does not reciprocate her interest. Ren has her own issues she has to deal with from her broken family. There are horses, gators, runs up a mountain, creepy work hands, pool parties, bar parties and moonshine sips. The story unfolds and secrets are discovered. I can say, I didn't see that coming, when certain things are revealed.
I imagine Ren has been spoiled, and her young age did leave me annoyed at times by her immaturity. Both Joss and Ren have had their share of heartbreak! Braxton, Joss's older brother, is a solid character who I enjoyed! Kristi Pelton knows the works of the law & how the systems work; legal genre fans will enjoy this story.
~loc 290 "You ok? "No." "Joss?" "When will it stop hurting, Brax?" "It'll hurt 'til it doesn't, man. That's all I know."
~loc 1631 "You deserve to be loved," she whispered.
Shout out to KU & the sorority girls! ;-)
4.5 Stars