Books & Spoons Review: COLTON COWBOY PROTECTOR by Beth Cornelison

Rancher and single dad Jack Colton must face an assassin in the thrilling first book of The Coltons of Oklahoma…

A beautiful stranger appears at the Colton ranch during a party, and Jack is none too pleased. With ties to his ex-wife, Tracy McCain claims to be on a mission to bond with his son. But this intriguing widow also has a target on her back. As the Colton family brings Tracy under its broad wing, a relentless assassin puts everyone in jeopardy. Jack's protective instincts go into overdrive…and only fuel his secret attraction to Tracy. Living closely together under Jack's roof, the heat between them starts to sizzle. In fact, the only thing stronger than Jack's heady desire for Tracy is his will to keep her safe…so that one day they can become a family.

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The Colton siblings have a close bond, that stand against everything. They are willing to stand up for each other as needed, have each others back, and always ready to some fun banter with each other.
When Tracy arrives at the ranch, Jack feels the instant attraction towards her. But the trust and acceptance of her presence at the ranch comes much slower. As the threats to Tracy's life start, Jack's protective instincts kicks in. The more Jack and Tracy get to know each other, the hotter the attraction burns. I liked how the relationship is built up, and even though passion runs hot, the heat level is kept rather low, the love scenes behind the closed doors, mostly.
The repeated attacks towards Tracy's life brings up the tension and danger at the ranch. It is carefully twined through the story, and intensity of the jeopardy at hand, the life and death situations bring Tracy and Jack even closer together. Tracy's willingness to protect Jack's son opening up the doors for trust between them.
I enjoyed the story, the characters are interesting, the ranch life full of satisfying hard work. There were some questions left in my mind, but this being the book one in the new series, I am sure there will be answers in the future installments. Fierce and intense start to the series
~ Four Spoons with a teaspoon on the side