Good book with two strong-willed personalities. Hayley is a sheriff's deputy who also attends law school. She knew she wanted to be a lawyer from an early age, but her wealthy parents disapproved. Her father wanted her to study business and then run the PR department for the family company, and her mother wanted her to marry and have babies. After a blow-up with her dad, Hayley swore she would do things her way and without daddy's money. She also helps friends with legal advice, being careful she doesn't cross any lines. Her latest efforts include helping an older gentleman resist the pressure of a real estate developer who wants his lakeside land.

Jackson is a billionaire developer who got where he is by going after what he wants. He has plans for a big, mixed-use development at the lake, but he needs that parcel of land. During yet another visit to the property's owner, Jackson runs into Hayley, the person propping up the stubborn property owner.

I loved the first meeting between Hayley and Jackson. The sparks between them practically set the pages on fire. Hayley has difficulty keeping her mind on why she's there but wrenches her mind back where it belongs. Her pride won't let her show that he shakes her up. Jackson is just as drawn to Hayley but hides his attraction by teasing her. He also estimates that he's thirteen years older than she is, which he considers too large an age gap for what he has in mind.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching the relationship develop between Hayley and Jackson. Neither of them wants a relationship. Jackson saw what his mother's departure did to his father and refused to put himself at risk of that kind of pain. He limits himself to women who have no expectations of anything more. Hayley has been burned by men interested in her money or family connections. She's also had issues with men who think she's too independent, forthright, and "unfeminine."

I laughed at how they admitted they want each other, but Jackson balks at the age difference, and Hayley plans to convince him she knows her mind. They agree to help each other out for the Cattleman's Club Gala by being each other's date, with plans for some after-party shenanigans. Those plans get derailed when Hayley mixes business with pleasure, pushing one of Jackson's hot buttons while his reaction stomps on one of hers. But mutual apologies lead to those shenanigans, and the connection they experience freaks them both out.

Over the next few weeks, Hayley and Jackson find it impossible to stay away from each other. Though both fight their feelings, they suspect it's a losing battle. There are some sweet scenes between them, plenty of hot ones, and more than a few where they battle for control. I loved Jackson's respect for Hayley's determination and independence, even when that same independence ran up against his desires. Things look promising between them as they start coming to terms with their feelings until a misunderstanding drives them apart.

I ached for Jackson because he didn't deserve Hayley's anger. As readers, we see the truth of his plans for the lake property. Hayley jumps to conclusions and says some awful things to Jackson. Both are miserable after a few days apart. I loved Jackson's epiphany while visiting his friend Cammi and baby Pumpkin from An Heir of His Own and what he decided to do about it. Meanwhile, Hayley has an unexpected and eye-opening visit from her parents. I especially loved the conversation between Hayley and her dad, especially this comment from him: "So, what comes next? Are you going to visit with Jackson and ask him for an explanation or do I need to visit with him and remind him that I own a shotgun, a shovel, and sixteen backyards where I can bury his dismembered body parts?" I loved the ending, the honest exchange of feelings with no games or manipulation (though I did enjoy Hayley's attempt at slipping in driving his car and Jackson's response). I look forward to seeing them as secondary characters in later books.

There is some progress in identifying baby Pumpkin from the first book. Hayley and the reporter, Sierra, have been helping each other with the investigation. They bring different abilities to the process, and they work well together. We have an identity for the hospitalized Jane Doe, and the baby and his mother. Questions remain unanswered about who the father is. We also see the return of Rafe Wentworth, Cammi's estranged brother, and get a little bit of his back story. I can't wait to read the rest of the series and see how everything turns out. ( )