3.5 stars

This is a different kind of read for Mary Connealy fans, but not to worry, there’s still some of that signature Connealy humor (and plenty of tough cowboys).

Loving the Texas Negotiator sets up the action (and animosity between the hero and heroine) right away. The tension and passion Beth and Tate put into arguing and disliking each other translates into attraction as they spend time together on a task force to find a serial killer.

The police investigation was my favorite part of this book with all its twists and turns (and crimes) plus readers get to see Beth in action as a hostage negotiator a time or two.

Beth herself is a no-nonsense, take no prisoners type of character—one who tends to bulldoze her way in and through people, but this is explained throughout the course of the book. Of course, it’s going to take a strong man to turn her head and Tate is the perfect fit (if they don’t get killed or kill each other first).

This is a contemporary read (a deviation from Connealy’s beloved cowboy historicals) and sometimes the story leans a little too much toward mainstream contemporary with some fairly blatant sexual innuendo. Perhaps the book crosses a line, but I appreciate that the author gave her characters real personalities with relevant temptations.

Disclosure statement:
I receive complimentary books from publishers, publicists, and/or authors, including NetGalley. I am not required to write positive reviews. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255. ( )