Lonestar Homecoming

Gracie Lister has always run away from problems. She's about to marry Border Patrol agent Cid Ortega but not for love. She feels he can provide a good home for her daughter Hope. When she finds out that he has some dealings with the Cartel she demands he get out. He agrees and the wedding is on. While waiting in her wedding gown two FBI agents show up at her door looking for Cid. When gunshots are fired she flees out the back door with Hope, five dollars in her purse and a ticket for the train (which she is able to get on) heading for Bluebird to hopefully get a job and hideout.

Enter Michael Wayne. He's a soldier returning home to Bluebird after his wife died to assume the role of single father to two children he hasn't really been around. He will be working with the Border Patrol where he hopes to find out who killed his brother. But the killer is now after him. While waiting at the train station for a ride to Bluebird he notices Gracie and Hope. He sees how good she is with her daughter and over hears her tell her daughter she doesn't have any money left to eat. When Gracie collapses Michael comes to hear rescue. He offers her work as his nanny on a trial basis. She reluctantly agrees feeling like she has no choice. Sparks fly between them but neither want to admit there is something there. When she fears Cid will find her and Michael fears the he may be killed they both agree to a marriage of convenience to protect the children. Will that truly protect the children? What happens if your marriage of convenience turns out to be love? Who is the real bad guys and will they figure it out before it's too late?

I really enjoyed this story. I love the whole "marriage of convenience" storyline. Both Michael and Gracie were wonderful but flawed people who are both very protective of those they love. I thoroughly enjoyed seeing Rick, Allie, Jack and Shannon from the previous stories. I also learned something about Synesthesia. I highly recommend this story to those who love a book you can't put down, characters who stay in your mind and a mystery you don't figure out 'til the end. You could read this as a stand alone but it's a much fuller story if you read Lonestar Sanctuary and Lonestar Secrets first. Great book. Great series.