Review & Excerpt – Sunset Ledge by Darlene Deluca
Synopsis
Can a seasoned traveler from the city thaw the numb heart of a reclusive Texas widower?
Jack Armstrong lives like a recluse on his Texas ranch. In the difficult years after his wife’s death, he goes through the motions of life and wants to be left alone.
Caroline Tate, a widowed ecology professor, arrives at the ranch for a much-needed break and to take nature photos for her sabbatical project. But relaxing is a challenge when she finds herself at odds with the curmudgeonly cowboy who owns the place.
Jack generally steers clear of the guests, but this time, it’s not so easy. Vivacious Caroline doesn’t fade into the background. This city gal comes with pearls around her neck, a big red flower on her floppy hat, and way too many questions. Her self-assured, adventurous spirit gets under Jack’s skin, and she soon stirs feelings long dormant inside him.
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Excerpt
Jack spotted the car first. But as the road curved around the creek, he saw the woman. He watched as she set up a tripod then pulled a bag from her car. No equipment, huh?
She tossed off the hat she’d worn the day they’d met and moved up to the camera, hair blowing around her.
He signaled Charlie, his trusted Appaloosa, to move forward. As far as Jack could tell, she was taking pictures of rocks. He didn’t much care what she was doing, but he wanted her to know he saw her and all the stuff she had strewn about.
As they approached, she turned, shading her eyes with her hand.
Jack tipped his hat. “Afternoon, ma’am. I understood you weren’t bringing equipment.”
“Good afternoon, Jack. It’s Caroline. Do you mean the tripod?”
What else would he mean? He nodded toward her set-up.
“I understood you didn’t want a crew of people and video equipment. All I have is a single tripod for a single camera used by a single person. It helps steady my hand.” She held up a hand and added with a light laugh, “I prefer my pictures to be in focus.” She gestured toward the rock. “These little guys move so fast.”
Jack squinted. “What guys?”
“I’ve got three or four lizards running around here.”
“Ah.” Jack adjusted on the horse, feeling a bit foolish. Probably best to move on and leave her to it.
“I got a great shot of a rattler a while ago.”
Alarm pulsed through him. “You did? A rattlesnake here on the ranch?”
“Yes. It was amazing, but a little…rattling. Pun intended.”
She let out that soft chuckle again.
“I admit it gave me a scare for a minute, but after a short standoff, we gave each other our space and went our separate ways. Want to see?”
She fiddled with the camera a moment, and Jack was compelled to swing down from the horse. He did want to see.
When she held it toward him, he peered into the back of her camera, and found the cold-blooded face of a rattlesnake staring at him at close range. His heart bounced. He turned his gaze back to the woman beside him—and wondered if the ranch had adequate insurance to keep her on the property.
She’d captured one hell of a shot. The snake, obviously alerted to her presence, sat tensed, partially hidden beneath a rock, but its rattle erect and sending the telltale warning to the intruder.
“What do you think?” Caroline asked.
Jack shook his head. He couldn’t say what he really thought in the presence of a lady. He blew out his breath. “Caroline, we try to keep our guests out of harm’s way on the ranch and would appreciate it if you’d help us out in that regard by not doing something foolish. How close were you?”
The hand she placed on his arm sent unexpected—and unwelcome—jolts of heat through Jack.
“Don’t worry. It’s a long lens. I wasn’t as close as it might seem. Also, if it gives you any comfort, I carry a snake kit in my backpack.”
Disbelief rolled through Jack. That sounded like a line of bull to him. He stared hard. He’d better make sure they had a fresh supply of the kits just in case. It’d been a while since he’d seen a rattlesnake around.
“Remember?” Caroline prompted. “I’m a biologist. I’ve taught college-level biology and ecology for twenty-five years. Technically, I’m ‘Dr.’ Tate.”
She added a saucy smile that crinkled around her warm eyes.
Caught off guard, Jack cleared his throat. “No, I don’t think you mentioned that.” The information explained the hint of arrogance in her attitude. Well, fine. No need for him to worry about her then. “Very good. I should let you get back to your picture taking.”
He put his left foot into the stirrup and swung his right leg over Charlie’s back.
“Hey, Jack.”
He would’ve moved along had she not called to him. Instead, he turned back. She didn’t seem to have any trouble with his first name. In fact, it rolled from her lips as if they were old friends. He squirmed in the saddle. “Yes?”
She dusted her hands against her jeans before meeting his eyes. “I understand you’re all alone in the big house. Would you have dinner with me tonight? I’d love to learn more about the ranch.”
A hot flush crept to Jack’s collar. She had to be kidding. Who had she been talking to? And why would he want to have dinner with her? Sweat rolled down the back of his neck. Because he could use the company? And she was an attractive, interesting woman?
She glanced at her watch. “I’m ready to wrap up here. It’s been a full day, for sure. Want to say around six-thirty?”
He hadn’t said yes.
Review
I enjoyed this contemporary romance for several reasons. It is set in Texas, the characters are older, there is a curmudgeon cowboy, and it is a second chance at love for Jack and Caroline.
Both of the main characters are widowed, with their spouses dying in tragic ways. Caroline has moved on with her life to some degree, but Jack is definitely holding on to the past. But can his interest in Caroline change that?
I enjoyed the slow buildup of their relationship. It wasn’t rushed or didn’t feel rushed. They took their time getting to know one another, but that doesn’t mean everything is smooth sailing. They have their bumps in the road like most couples. There are times when they do not communicate, and miscommunication causes other problems. I liked that Caroline has her own life. She isn’t looking for a man to fill a hole in her life or make her complete; she is accomplished in her own right.
There is a great moment near the end where Jack has to make a stand for what he wants. I won’t spoil it, but it was a sweet gesture, and it might be what wins Caroline over.
I also enjoy seeing the ranch and the area through Caroline’s camera lens. I could envision the images she captured from the descriptions. I can imagine the book she wants to create with these images surrounding nature.
I enjoyed this book, and we give it 5 paws up.
About the Author
Darlene Deluca writes contemporary romance and women’s fiction that explores relationships – what brings people together or keeps them apart.
Her intent is to bring to life interesting characters that readers can relate to in real-life situations that combine a little fun, plenty of drama (with perhaps a tear or two), and big helpings of friendship, love, and self-discovery, and will leave readers either cheering or sighing with a satisfied smile as they turn the final page.
The Kansas City author enjoys getting lost in a good story with a glass of tea, a bit of dark chocolate, and a warm, sunny beach.
