I'd give this one a 3.5, but since Goodreads doesn't allow half-stars, I'll bump it up to a 4.
An endangered heroine hiding from gangsters who threaten her life and a hunky cowboy looking for love, Cassie's Cowboy Crave has all the makings of a classic romance.
Shane is a lonely Montana cowboy, still reeling from a breakup. Cassie is a positive-thinking young woman thrust into danger after serving on a jury. When the two are forced together for her protection, the sparks fly.
As a whole, I enjoyed this book. I liked both main characters from the start, and the dynamics with Shane's family were excellent, but there were some areas in the story that left me wanting more.
What I liked:
1. Shane's family was awesome. The sibling rivalry/closeness jumped from the page. Mom and Dad are happily married, supportive parents, and the descriptions of the ranch makes me want to live there. It was no wonder Cassie fell in love with the place.
2. The relationship between the hero and heroine was quick, but felt natural. They were instantly attracted, and despite hesitancy from both, they could not deny the pull each felt.
3. The writing kept me guessing, but not in the traditional way. There were scenes with Shane and Cassie that went in directions I never expected. When I thought they'd be mad at each other, they'd turn it into a game. When I thought they'd be standoffish, they'd be playful. I liked the way the author surprised me.
What I disliked:
1. The "suspense" aspect of the story was almost non-existent. While the purpose of Cassie's stay with Shane was because she was in danger, there was little reminder of it. It really felt she was on a romantic retreat as opposed to witness protection. I liked the interaction of the two characters, but the danger was an afterthought.
2. The final 1/3 of the book felt rushed. Without giving away spoilers, the danger didn't come from the source expected, and so much happened that was glossed over. After waiting the whole book for Shane and Cassie to admit their feelings, not enough time was spent on it.
3. There are three big things I look forward to in every romance I read: the first kiss, the first "I love you," and the first time the couple makes love. In this book, the first kiss, while quick, was well done. This was not an explicit book, so I understand their first time was behind closed doors, and that was fine. But we never got the I love you. They each thought it, and the fact they told each other was referenced in text, but we never got the dialogue. I was waiting and waiting...big disappointment.
Negatives aside, this was an enjoyable story and I'm glad I read it.