Jamie Gaines is part owner and social director of the singles retreat at the Misbegotten Gaines Ranch. She is unhappy about training a new cook after the previous cook is fired for fraternizing. Sure, Charity broke the rules, but as the only other female worker, Jamie wants her friend back. Jamie formulates a plan with Charity to get her job back and the new chef fired.
Kyle Harris is a recent divorcé grateful at finding a job before his savings run out. Kyle knows fraternizing could get him fired but between Jamie’s good looks and bold advances, he crosses the line in no time. Kyle regrets breaking his boss’s trust but Jamie is no casual encounter. He hasn’t known Jamie very long, but he’s falling for her. Sadly, Kyle discovers Jamie’s deception and leaves. He doesn’t know that Jamie had a change of heart. Jamie pursues him because she did seduce him for all the wrong reasons, but now she wants him to stay for all the right ones.
Misbegotten Gaines is a contemporary, interracial romance featuring a ranch family. The Gaines family is part Native American which explains Jamie’s exotic green eyes and dark hair. Kyle is a white male hired to work on the farm as caterer. The many facets of this story will keep readers entertained. On one hand, there’s the building awareness and attraction between Kyle and Jamie and on the other hand is Jamie’s plot to get rid of him and get her friend, Charity, back on the ranch. Another interesting twist is Kyle’s ex-wife’s appearance on the ranch and her presence creating more problems for Kyle. Now Jamie has secrets she cannot reveal to Kyle and likewise, he is holding out a very big secret of his own. This is the first novel I have read by the author,but I enjoy the contemporary style and the informal language. The multi-layers of the plot further enhance a great story and the author also manages to keep it all flowing, tying up each subplot with a satisfying conclusion.
Kyle is an interesting character because he seems like the epitome of a good man, yet we are first introduced to him knowing he is being deceptive. However, as the story reveals more about his personality, it is possible to forgive him for lying to the Gaines family. He really comes off as the victim in the end as it seems he had no chance of getting the job if he came clean.
I like Jamie’s character although I detect a bit of immaturity. Jamie has a big heart and wants to protect her friends but it is clear early on that she is being manipulated. It takes some time and her falling deeper and deeper into trouble for her to realize she is being used. I also like Jamie’s older brother, Brady. He seems to be the most level headed of the bunch and he keeps them all under control as best he can. I would be interested in learning whether there is a story out there for Brady.
Overall, I enjoyed this story because the characters were well developed and very likeable. The plot is intriguing and with its many twists and turns it is impossible to become bored. The intricacies are handled with skill and care, ensuring that readers will not get lost but can easily follow an engaging very cohesive story.
Filed Under: Books, Recommended Reads
Tagged: cowboys, erotic romance, interracial romance, top pick, western
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