April 16, 2012
Characters try to determine their self-worth and question what it really means to love in O’Keefe’s weighty contemporary romance. Tara Jean Sweet is hired to pose as the fiancé of wealthy, elderly Lyle Baker in order to lure his son, hockey star Luc, and daughter, impoverished single mom Victoria, back to the Crooked Creek Ranch while Lyle is still alive. The plan works, but Lyle soon dies, and his will stipulates that Luc remain on the Texas ranch for several months; if Luc refuses, Victoria loses the inheritance she desperately needs. Luc thinks Tara Jean is a gold digger, while she considers him a spoiled celebrity. But as they spend time together, an attraction sparks between them, and they each realize there’s more to the other than meets the eye. O’Keefe gives her characters plenty of realistic issues to deal with, including the possible end of Luc’s hockey career. However, the characters’ seesawing emotions, dark pasts, and hurtful attitudes toward themselves and others make them hard to root for at times. Agent: Pam Hopkins, Hopkins Literary Associates.
Starred review from June 1, 2012
RITA Award winner O'Keefe wrangles her way through the perils of a dysfunctional-with-a-capital-D family living outside on Crooked Creek ranch in this gritty yet amazingly touching start of a new series. Scam artist Tara Jean agrees to pose as dynasty head Lyle Baker's fiancee to get his children to return home before Lyle dies. Toronto hockey legend Luc and his stepsister, Victoria, reluctantly go to the bedside, both contemptuous of the flashy, buxom blonde they nickname Bimbo Barbie. Though told that he has a career-ending head injury, Luc doesn't need Lyle's ranch or money, but Victoria, the wife of a crook who recently committed suicide, and her son, Jacob, are counting on the inheritance. Ranch hand Eli, whose family once owned the land, and Dennis, who introduced Tara to the art of con, round out the alluring cast. When Lyle dies, and his money and land are up for grabs, all of them must search their hearts to discover what truly matters. O'Keefe adds significantly to her reputation as an author worth watching with this emotionally charged romance.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2012, American Library Association.)