Blog Tour, Review & Giveaway: Return to Homecoming Ranch by Julia London

Title: Return to Homecoming Ranch (Pine River Trilogy, Book 2) Author: Julia London Genre: Women's fiction Release date: July 22, 2014

 

Curly-haired Libby Tyler never stops smiling…until her beloved boyfriend suddenly forces her out of their home and away from his adoring kids. When she learns he dumped her for his flighty ex-wife, Libby’s sadness turns to fury—and she very publicly smashes his truck with a golf club, earning herself a trip to a mental health center for some “rest.”

Handsome, hazel-eyed deputy Sam Winters has been sober for two years. Afraid of backsliding, he lives in the mountains and keeps his distance from people. Yet he never forgot Libby, his former colleague at the sheriff’s office whose charm and cheerfulness always warmed his days.

Now Libby’s back, ignoring the townspeople’s whispers (and her ex’s restraining order) while desperately trying to make Homecoming Ranch a successful event destination. She keeps causing trouble for Sam, but he finds her smile more beautiful than ever…and his touch gives her thrills she’s never felt. Could these two lost souls mend each other’s broken hearts?

 Once again we have Leo telling us the story, this time its about Libby (and Sam). I just want to know how Leo knows some of the things he does.

Libby had her world turned upside down over the summer, her boyfriend broke up with her then told her that she needed to stay far away from him and the kids. Kids that she had been like a mother to for couple of years, had grown to love like her own, kids that she was with 24/7 except when they were in school. That is a lot for anyone to handle, and the stress of Homecoming Ranch added on top of that would make anyone loose their shit, sorry. And yeah, Libby lost it, everyone in town was calling her crazy.
Enter Sam. Sam is the local sheriff officer, handsome & quiet. Well, Libby apparently can't abide with the restraining order from her ex, and Sam is too lenient with her. Ask me, and he should have put her butt in jail for a night. It might have woken her up a little sooner.
But low and behold, Libby did wake up and figure things out on her own-after getting in trouble more than once and Sam saving her tail.
Sam, he should have either spoke up sooner about his feelings for Libby or completely left crazy chit alone. But he is super kind-hearted, not to mention soft-hearted.
Madeline, she didn't pay much of a role in this book but when she was mentioned she was annoying.
And boom a surprise visit from Emma at the end!
Great book, great story and very well written- as usual from Ms. London!
I hope we get at least one more book- I'd love to hear about Emma, and of course I need to know what happens to Leo!

Outside, she could hear the voices rise to a crescendo at the opening kick off. She lifted her head, breathed out once more. Dr. Huber was right—deep breathing did help. Libby pitched forward onto her hands and knees, then pushed herself up, down dog style, to standing. She looked at herself in the mirror. There was no sign that she was on the verge of exploding with disappointment and frustration. She sighed, tucked in a stray curl or two, smoothed her top, and with one last deep breath, reached for the bathroom door, unlocking it and pulling it open.

She let out a little squeal of surprise to see Sam standing there, leaning against the wall opposite the door. “What are you doing here?” she demanded.

“Everything okay?”

“Yes. Why?” she asked defensively.

Sam cocked a brow.

“I’m fine,” she said adamantly.

“Okay,” he said, and pushed away from the wall.

“But wait—I need to know something. Do you think I would do something to torpedo Leo’s fundraising just because Gwen is involved?” she blurted, because it suddenly seemed of the utmost importance that Sam not think that, of all people.

“No,” he said firmly. “Don’t let it get to you, Libby. You know how it is out in the world today—people are more cautious than they used to be.”

“So basically, what you’re saying, is all of Pine River is worried that I will be the one to pick up a gun and start firing.”

He smiled sympathetically. “I wouldn’t say all.”

Libby blinked.

“I’m teasing you.”

“Yeah,” she said. “You should look into stand-up comedy.”

“Maybe I will,” he said, and moved forward. Only inches separated them now. “Are you ready to come watch some football?”

Libby sighed, and before she knew what she was doing, she dropped her forehead to Sam’s shoulder. “I don’t think I can.”

“Sure you can,” he murmured.

They stood awkwardly a moment—Libby leaning into Sam, her face in his shirt, her arms at her side. Sam standing stiff and still. But then Libby felt him lift one hand. He put it on the small of her back.

“Don’t cry,” he said.

She snorted. “I’m not crying. I’m too mad to cry.”

Another hand came up and landed on her back. He gave her a strange, but friendly little pat, as if he didn’t know what to do with her precisely.

Libby lifted her head. In that close hallway, Sam’s eyes looked dark. “Sam—”

“No,” he said quickly, cutting her off. “I meant what I said, Libby. No more hand-holding.”

“I know. I heard you the first five times you said it.” His eyes were the color of turbulent, churning seas.

“Great,” he said as his gaze drifted to her mouth. “Then you understand that your problem is not mine.”

“Good!” she said, studying his bottom lip, full and wet. A shiver of memory raced down her spine. “You’re too bossy, anyway.”

“God, don’t talk anymore,” he said, and lowered his head, his mouth hungrily finding hers.

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Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than a two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular Secrets of Hadley Green historical romance series, as well as the new Cabot Sisters historical series. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch and Return to Homecoming Ranch.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a four time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction.