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The Westmoreland Legacy #1
The Rancher Returns
A rancher comes home to a passionate hero’s welcome—from a perfect stranger!
Discover New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson’s The Westmoreland Legacy…
Returning from active duty to find his ranch being dug up by a beautiful stranger isn’t the homecoming navy SEAL Gavin Blake expected. Dr. Layla Harris is convinced there’s buried treasure on his land, and won’t be deterred from the hunt. Gavin begrudgingly lets her proceed with her project, but the only treasure this wealthy rancher wants to uncover is the professor’s secret desires! When Layla unearths family secrets—and mysterious threats—he vows to do whatever it takes to protect her. But will she be there for him when her explosive revelations rock his world to its very foundations?
From Harlequin Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite
The Westmoreland Legacy returns to the world of New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson’s popular Westmorelands series. Don’t miss a single story!
Book 1 — The Rancher Returns
Book 2 — His Secret Son
Book 3 — An Honorable Seduction
Book 4 — His to Claim
Book 5 — Duty or Desire
Discover New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson’s The Westmoreland Legacy…
Returning from active duty to find his ranch being dug up by a beautiful stranger isn’t the homecoming navy SEAL Gavin Blake expected. Dr. Layla Harris is convinced there’s buried treasure on his land, and won’t be deterred from the hunt. Gavin begrudgingly lets her proceed with her project, but the only treasure this wealthy rancher wants to uncover is the professor’s secret desires! When Layla unearths family secrets—and mysterious threats—he vows to do whatever it takes to protect her. But will she be there for him when her explosive revelations rock his world to its very foundations?
From Harlequin Luxury, scandal, desire—welcome to the lives of the American elite
The Westmoreland Legacy returns to the world of New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson’s popular Westmorelands series. Don’t miss a single story!
Book 1 — The Rancher Returns
Book 2 — His Secret Son
Book 3 — An Honorable Seduction
Book 4 — His to Claim
Book 5 — Duty or Desire
224 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 28, 2016
560 people are currently reading
470 people want to read
About the author
Brenda Jackson
899 books3,605 followersIn 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.
In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.
In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.
Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 116 reviews
October 14, 2016
Another Beautiful written book by Mrs. Jackson plus it had a sample of another author's book and it seems like it would be a great book as well...now on to the next one...Happy reading everyone and have a wonderful weekend!!!!
December 14, 2016
This is the first book in a spin-off series about friends of the Westmorelands. Gavin is one of Bane Westmoreland's SEAL friends, whom we first met in BANE. When the book opens, the team has just finished a mission and is due for some leave. Gavin is feeling frisky and looking for some one-on-one time with a woman, until he gets a call from a neighboring ranch owner. It seems that Gavin's grandmother has given some college professor permission to conduct a dig on their ranch, looking for gold from a Jesse James robbery. He's certain that this professor is running some sort of con on his grandmother and he heads for home, determined to stop it.
Layla is a young and very beautiful college professor who has been researching this particular subject for a long time. She has overcome stiff opposition from other faculty members in order to pursue this dig. She has gotten this far by concentrating on her goals and not allowing herself to be distracted. We first see her at the ranch house, talking with Gavin's grandmother about the project, and hearing that Ms. Melody suspects that her grandson won't be as enthusiastic about the project as she is.
The first encounter between Gavin and Layla is great. He is stunned by his immediate attraction to the woman with his grandmother and it takes several minutes for him to realize that she is the professor in question. He's still determined to stop her dig, but decides he wants to sleep with her first. Layla is just as attracted, but determined not to be distracted from her purpose. She is certain that she can resist his advances.
I have to say that I didn't care for Gavin's attitude at the beginning. He is so used to women falling all over him that he ignores Layla's resistance to his advances. Yes, she responds when he kisses her, but no should mean no. It was rather fun to see this guy who has resisted all entanglements so far, get turned completely inside out by a woman. I loved seeing him have to actually work to get her.
I liked Layla's independence and determination. She isn't going to let anything keep her from her goal, not matter how sexy he is. I liked seeing her stick to her goal and wait until she was ready to go any further with him. Of course, once she did, they were incendiary together.
The development of their relationship seemed to be built a lot on their physical needs for each other, but they slowly began to get to know each other outside the bedroom. I liked seeing Gavin share his feelings about his mother's desertion of him and his father, as it gave insight into his attitude toward women and commitment. Layla shared memories of her grandfather, who fostered her interest in Jesse James, and her problems with her parents who hadn't supported her career choice. Their feelings for each other grew and deepened, but neither spoke of those feelings.
Gavin was still skeptical about her claim, but figured letting her continue the dig would keep her around for a couple weeks. Things got a little weird though, when some strange things took place. He may not really believe in the treasure, but he wasn't going to let someone else mess things up for her. When a fire destroyed her equipment, and a vindictive student caused the university to cancel the dig, Gavin stepped in. I loved seeing his protective streak come out, and how his team came out to help find out who wanted the dig stopped and why. Who it was, and his reasons, were an interesting twist in the story.
When it was all over, both Gavin and Layla had to decide what they wanted to do about their relationship. Gavin makes assumptions about her, and it isn't until his grandmother gets involved that he actually talks to her about his feelings. Layla had made assumptions of her own based on his actions. I really liked seeing how a little communication made a world of difference. The epilogue was a good ending.
Layla is a young and very beautiful college professor who has been researching this particular subject for a long time. She has overcome stiff opposition from other faculty members in order to pursue this dig. She has gotten this far by concentrating on her goals and not allowing herself to be distracted. We first see her at the ranch house, talking with Gavin's grandmother about the project, and hearing that Ms. Melody suspects that her grandson won't be as enthusiastic about the project as she is.
The first encounter between Gavin and Layla is great. He is stunned by his immediate attraction to the woman with his grandmother and it takes several minutes for him to realize that she is the professor in question. He's still determined to stop her dig, but decides he wants to sleep with her first. Layla is just as attracted, but determined not to be distracted from her purpose. She is certain that she can resist his advances.
I have to say that I didn't care for Gavin's attitude at the beginning. He is so used to women falling all over him that he ignores Layla's resistance to his advances. Yes, she responds when he kisses her, but no should mean no. It was rather fun to see this guy who has resisted all entanglements so far, get turned completely inside out by a woman. I loved seeing him have to actually work to get her.
I liked Layla's independence and determination. She isn't going to let anything keep her from her goal, not matter how sexy he is. I liked seeing her stick to her goal and wait until she was ready to go any further with him. Of course, once she did, they were incendiary together.
The development of their relationship seemed to be built a lot on their physical needs for each other, but they slowly began to get to know each other outside the bedroom. I liked seeing Gavin share his feelings about his mother's desertion of him and his father, as it gave insight into his attitude toward women and commitment. Layla shared memories of her grandfather, who fostered her interest in Jesse James, and her problems with her parents who hadn't supported her career choice. Their feelings for each other grew and deepened, but neither spoke of those feelings.
Gavin was still skeptical about her claim, but figured letting her continue the dig would keep her around for a couple weeks. Things got a little weird though, when some strange things took place. He may not really believe in the treasure, but he wasn't going to let someone else mess things up for her. When a fire destroyed her equipment, and a vindictive student caused the university to cancel the dig, Gavin stepped in. I loved seeing his protective streak come out, and how his team came out to help find out who wanted the dig stopped and why. Who it was, and his reasons, were an interesting twist in the story.
When it was all over, both Gavin and Layla had to decide what they wanted to do about their relationship. Gavin makes assumptions about her, and it isn't until his grandmother gets involved that he actually talks to her about his feelings. Layla had made assumptions of her own based on his actions. I really liked seeing how a little communication made a world of difference. The epilogue was a good ending.
October 13, 2016
SPICY romance with a little mystery...I was once again CAUGHT UP in the whirlwind attraction between Viper and Layla...and heartbroken by the surrounding mystery of Jamie Blake. Looking forward to seeing the next Seal man FALL in QUICK and HARD in a Westmoreland/Friends series.
March 14, 2021
2 Stars.
Basically, I couldn't stand Gavin. He's a completely, narcissistic, arrogant, self centered, sex on the brain jackass. There was an attempt at redemption but he'd burned his bridge with me. Sad.
Basically, I couldn't stand Gavin. He's a completely, narcissistic, arrogant, self centered, sex on the brain jackass. There was an attempt at redemption but he'd burned his bridge with me. Sad.
August 16, 2020
This was my first Brenda Jackson Novel and I really enjoyed it. I'm going to try and do this without spoilers.
What I liked about the book:
-We actually got to see a relationship grow and develop. No insta-love
-There was a conflict or plot that actually made sense. It was not an afterthought or contrived. It was a genuine plot that kept me guessing. I kind of called the protagonist from the beginning but the reasoning behind the action was shocking (and very good!!)
-Loved the brotherhood of the SEAL team
-The way that Gavin claimed Layla once he was sure of his feelings
-I genuinely liked both characters. I would love to read more about them as their relationship grows.
What I didn't like:
-Gavin's insecurity. He was this big tough cowboy and SEAL yet he was afraid to tell Layla how he felt about her because he didn't know how she felt about him. Complete BS. Be a man. If you can complete SEAL missions surely you can tell a woman how you feel about her.
What I liked about the book:
-We actually got to see a relationship grow and develop. No insta-love
-There was a conflict or plot that actually made sense. It was not an afterthought or contrived. It was a genuine plot that kept me guessing. I kind of called the protagonist from the beginning but the reasoning behind the action was shocking (and very good!!)
-Loved the brotherhood of the SEAL team
-The way that Gavin claimed Layla once he was sure of his feelings
-I genuinely liked both characters. I would love to read more about them as their relationship grows.
What I didn't like:
-Gavin's insecurity. He was this big tough cowboy and SEAL yet he was afraid to tell Layla how he felt about her because he didn't know how she felt about him. Complete BS. Be a man. If you can complete SEAL missions surely you can tell a woman how you feel about her.
October 23, 2016
Navy SEAL Gavin Blake returns home to find his grandmother has allowed a young professor to dig on the ranch property. Layla Harris has done her research and is sure there is buried treasure on the land. Gavin is sure there is not but feels that maybe she was the treasure and resolves to uncover her secrets. As it turns out, Layla may have stumbled upon secrets that someone will do anything to keep them just that - secret. As the danger escalates, Gavin realizes that he cannot allow anything to happen to her.
Brenda Jackson knows just how to put together an incredible romance. Take one hot SEAL (Gavin), add one hot professor (Layla), put in some danger and include the bond he has with his fellow SEALs and you have the prefect recipe for a romance that will touch you heart and soul. Romance at its best, The Rancher Returns is what love should be about.
Brenda Jackson knows just how to put together an incredible romance. Take one hot SEAL (Gavin), add one hot professor (Layla), put in some danger and include the bond he has with his fellow SEALs and you have the prefect recipe for a romance that will touch you heart and soul. Romance at its best, The Rancher Returns is what love should be about.
September 17, 2017
Lu en français
Où comment retrouver les Westmoreland dans cette série spin-off consacrée aux compagnons d'arme de Bane, le héros qui a clôturé la série originale.
Inutile de préciser à quel point j'ai adoré. En même temps, c'est Brenda Jackson.
Où comment retrouver les Westmoreland dans cette série spin-off consacrée aux compagnons d'arme de Bane, le héros qui a clôturé la série originale.
Inutile de préciser à quel point j'ai adoré. En même temps, c'est Brenda Jackson.
April 23, 2023
5 stars
September 12, 2016
Gavin is everything you would expect a creation of Brenda Jackson's imagination to be. Overpowering, controlling, easy on the eyes but havoc to the heart. His attraction to Layla, was sure to set the roof on fire. Mysterious happenings and surprising twists kept me glued to The Rancher Returns for days on end. I really don't believe Ms. Jackson will ever miss with her style of writing and her sultry characters. Gavin with his bedroom eyes and alpha ways is a character that gets under the skin. Layla has more of a subdued personality that creeps us on you and draws a reader in bit by bit. I fell for this author when I read my first Westmoreland story and grow fonder with every read.
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
Copyright of Night Owl Reviews
May 4, 2018
Did not like the main characters. Gavin was an arrogant asshole who thought it ok to continually harass Layla even after she said no. Then she was all wishy washy and sending him mixed signals with her 'No but I really mean yes' attitude. Just borderline sexual harassment that sounded like it could have gotten out of hand and turned into something far worse. I don't care for plot lines like these even if it wasn't the main one.
June 26, 2020
Just based on the storyline, plot, and characters this should have been a 5 star read. Yet, something about it felt a little anticlimactic. I blame my funky reading mood and may re-read this later and have a different reaction (I will update if I do). Overall, the writing is good and the book was good as well. Just didnt "scratch that itch" good, if you get what I'm saying.
October 22, 2016
Wow
This was so my cg more than I expected. The wealthy rancher returns and captures his bride. It was so good to get a little glimpse at the westmorelands. But more importantly I can't wait to see who catches the eyes of the rest of Banes team.
This was so my cg more than I expected. The wealthy rancher returns and captures his bride. It was so good to get a little glimpse at the westmorelands. But more importantly I can't wait to see who catches the eyes of the rest of Banes team.
October 24, 2016
Could be better
I was so looking forward to this book and was disappointed .There was just to much descriptive reading.What was also bad I had to skip paragraphs just so I could finish it.The plot was pretty good but this book should have been a novella. Short and sweet.
I was so looking forward to this book and was disappointed .There was just to much descriptive reading.What was also bad I had to skip paragraphs just so I could finish it.The plot was pretty good but this book should have been a novella. Short and sweet.
November 20, 2018
A typical Harlequin, not memorable, but enjoyable enough. Part of the long-running Westmorland series, but I'm not too inclined to read the rest. I want more plot and character development. Maybe I'm too old, but reading page after page of the heroine fighting her lust got a little boring.
May 19, 2017
I love, love, love me some author Brenda Jackson stories. She really draws you in and causes you to pray for the type of man she writes in her books.
This is book one of the spinoff series called "The Westmoreland Legacy." Gavin "Viper" Blake is a Navy Seal, his teammates Bane Westmoreland, Mac, Coop and Flipper are all home on leave until January. Gavin's first priority is getting with a woman since he had been without one for 6 months, that's what's on his agenda but once he reaches home at the ranch, his Gramma Mel has given permission to a professor to dig on the land because they believe the outlaw Jesse James has buried treasure there. Gavin is none too pleased about it and doesn't want this professor or anyone else on his land digging nowhere.
Professor Layla Harris is excited, she finally got the funding to do the dig but with much hassle because first she is a woman and she is young. But now that she has her team in place, the equipment ordered and met the owner's grandmother she feels confident that all will go well but in walks Gavin, he makes her mouth water and her heart feels as if it's about to beat out of her chest. Layla also notices that Gavin is not the least bit thrilled about her being there, let alone digging on his property.
Layla knows that she has to convince Gavin of her findings because if not she doesn't know when or if the University will ever give her another chance like this again. Gavin on the other hands has plans alright and it's for Layla, he is intrigued and mesmerized by her and Gavin wants her, they don't call him the Viper for nothing on his team and Layla unbeknownst to her has become his prey. Gavin, on the other hand, is going to find out that Layla is about to turn the tables on him and he is about to become her prey.
This was a great story with an amazing twist that I definitely did not see coming. As always author Brenda Jackson will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing and will always leave you immensely happy that you read her stories.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!
This is book one of the spinoff series called "The Westmoreland Legacy." Gavin "Viper" Blake is a Navy Seal, his teammates Bane Westmoreland, Mac, Coop and Flipper are all home on leave until January. Gavin's first priority is getting with a woman since he had been without one for 6 months, that's what's on his agenda but once he reaches home at the ranch, his Gramma Mel has given permission to a professor to dig on the land because they believe the outlaw Jesse James has buried treasure there. Gavin is none too pleased about it and doesn't want this professor or anyone else on his land digging nowhere.
Professor Layla Harris is excited, she finally got the funding to do the dig but with much hassle because first she is a woman and she is young. But now that she has her team in place, the equipment ordered and met the owner's grandmother she feels confident that all will go well but in walks Gavin, he makes her mouth water and her heart feels as if it's about to beat out of her chest. Layla also notices that Gavin is not the least bit thrilled about her being there, let alone digging on his property.
Layla knows that she has to convince Gavin of her findings because if not she doesn't know when or if the University will ever give her another chance like this again. Gavin on the other hands has plans alright and it's for Layla, he is intrigued and mesmerized by her and Gavin wants her, they don't call him the Viper for nothing on his team and Layla unbeknownst to her has become his prey. Gavin, on the other hand, is going to find out that Layla is about to turn the tables on him and he is about to become her prey.
This was a great story with an amazing twist that I definitely did not see coming. As always author Brenda Jackson will keep you on the edge of your seat guessing and will always leave you immensely happy that you read her stories.
Well Until My Next Review...Ciao Bellas!
January 7, 2025
**The Rancher Returns (The Westmoreland Legacy #1)**
by Brenda Jackson
Narrated by Sean Crisden.
**Audio Review:**
Navy SEAL Gavin Blake, also known as Viper, returns from active duty to find the surprising sight of a beautiful stranger, Layla Harris, excavating his ranch. Layla is convinced that there is buried treasure hidden on his land, but Gavin is more interested in uncovering the professor’s secret desires. As Layla digs up deep family secrets and faces mysterious threats, Gavin is determined to protect her, even as her revelations alter everything he thought he knew.
If you appreciate a strong, Alpha male character, you’re going to love this book. While Gavin’s attitude at the beginning might come off as arrogant—he's used to women fawning over him—his journey evolves throughout the story.
While I initially struggled to connect with Layla, largely due to the narrator's portrayal of her voice, her character ultimately grows on you. This book is the first in an engaging series, providing a tantalizing glimpse of other Navy SEALs who will feature in the upcoming instalments.
by Brenda Jackson
Narrated by Sean Crisden.
**Audio Review:**
Navy SEAL Gavin Blake, also known as Viper, returns from active duty to find the surprising sight of a beautiful stranger, Layla Harris, excavating his ranch. Layla is convinced that there is buried treasure hidden on his land, but Gavin is more interested in uncovering the professor’s secret desires. As Layla digs up deep family secrets and faces mysterious threats, Gavin is determined to protect her, even as her revelations alter everything he thought he knew.
If you appreciate a strong, Alpha male character, you’re going to love this book. While Gavin’s attitude at the beginning might come off as arrogant—he's used to women fawning over him—his journey evolves throughout the story.
While I initially struggled to connect with Layla, largely due to the narrator's portrayal of her voice, her character ultimately grows on you. This book is the first in an engaging series, providing a tantalizing glimpse of other Navy SEALs who will feature in the upcoming instalments.
February 24, 2022
Gavin Blake and Layla Harris are at odds with each other. She thinks she has proven through her research, that Jesse James buried gold on his ranch and has gotten her university and his grandmother to agree to a dig financed by the university.
Blake isn't pleased that his grandmother gave her permission without discussing it with him first even though she had the right to do so. He and his SEAL team have leave time so he goes home to find out what's going on. As soon as he and Layla meet there is an attraction, one that neither of them was prepared for.
I enjoyed reading the tussles between these two. His character was too sure of himself and she was determined to keep their relationship about business. There was too much kissing and him forcing himself on her for my taste.
The last 50 pages of the story are the best part but its rushed while it should have been flowing through the plot from the beginning.
Blake isn't pleased that his grandmother gave her permission without discussing it with him first even though she had the right to do so. He and his SEAL team have leave time so he goes home to find out what's going on. As soon as he and Layla meet there is an attraction, one that neither of them was prepared for.
I enjoyed reading the tussles between these two. His character was too sure of himself and she was determined to keep their relationship about business. There was too much kissing and him forcing himself on her for my taste.
The last 50 pages of the story are the best part but its rushed while it should have been flowing through the plot from the beginning.
January 11, 2020
Gavin, code name Viper, is back home on his ranch from active duty as a SEAL where he was met with the news that his grandmother has allowed Dr. Layla Harris to excavate part of their ranch because her research shows that part of the outlaw, Jesse James, loot is buried on their land.
From the moment the two of them met, sparks fly. Their sexual chemistry is undeniable. He wants her in his bed and she doesn't mix business with pleasure. Someone is trying to sabotage the dig and he must protect her at all costs. But he cannot protect her from his wayward body and heart.
I loved Viper. He's a dirty talking alpha and is not afraid to go after what he wants. And he has set his sights on Layla. He's also blunt and says whatever is on his mind.
The story has a mystery to solve and this makes it more interesting. I enjoyed reading it.
From the moment the two of them met, sparks fly. Their sexual chemistry is undeniable. He wants her in his bed and she doesn't mix business with pleasure. Someone is trying to sabotage the dig and he must protect her at all costs. But he cannot protect her from his wayward body and heart.
I loved Viper. He's a dirty talking alpha and is not afraid to go after what he wants. And he has set his sights on Layla. He's also blunt and says whatever is on his mind.
The story has a mystery to solve and this makes it more interesting. I enjoyed reading it.
July 9, 2020
4 stars
The Rancher Returns
Returning from active duty to find his ranch being dug up by a beautiful stranger isn’t the homecoming navy SEAL Gavin Blake expected. Layla Harris is convinced there’s buried treasure on his land. But the only treasure this wealthy rancher wants to uncover is the professor’s secret desires!
Story: 4/5 stars.
Heat level: 3/5 stars.
POV: third person.
Heroine: Layla Harris
Hero: Gavin Blake, (Viper)
Secondary characters:
Melody Blake, Gavin’s grandmother
Mr. Lott, Gavin’s neighbor
Caldwell Andrews, Gavin’s foreman
Brisbane Westmoreland (Bane), Gavin’s teammate. Married to Crystal.
Laramie Cooper (Coop), Gavin’s teammate. Married to Bristol.
Thurston McRoy (Mac), Gavin’s teammate. Married to Teri.
David Holloway (Flipper), Gavin’s teammate
The Rancher Returns
Returning from active duty to find his ranch being dug up by a beautiful stranger isn’t the homecoming navy SEAL Gavin Blake expected. Layla Harris is convinced there’s buried treasure on his land. But the only treasure this wealthy rancher wants to uncover is the professor’s secret desires!
Story: 4/5 stars.
Heat level: 3/5 stars.
POV: third person.
Heroine: Layla Harris
Hero: Gavin Blake, (Viper)
Secondary characters:
Melody Blake, Gavin’s grandmother
Mr. Lott, Gavin’s neighbor
Caldwell Andrews, Gavin’s foreman
Brisbane Westmoreland (Bane), Gavin’s teammate. Married to Crystal.
Laramie Cooper (Coop), Gavin’s teammate. Married to Bristol.
Thurston McRoy (Mac), Gavin’s teammate. Married to Teri.
David Holloway (Flipper), Gavin’s teammate
June 14, 2023
The Rancher Returns. This book was a good side bar to the Westmoreland family books. Gavin "Viper" Blake is a Navy SEAL, and friends with Bane Westmoreland, was coming home from a mission. His neighbor had alerted him to issues going on at his ranch. Viper was anxious to see why his grandmother gave someone permission to dig on his ranch. When he met Dr. Layla Harris he was infatuated with her and couldn't control his urges, but he was determined to not let her dig on his ranch. Layla was able to convince Viper to let her dig to discover the hidden treasure of Jesse James that she was positive was on his land. While preparing to dig, Layla gets hit with someone trying to sabotage the dig. Viper and his Navy friends uncover the person, but discovered some old secrets that will shock Viper and his grandmother about Viper's mom. A great Read!
July 20, 2017
This was a good short story that continues with the friends and extended contacts of the Westmoreland family. In this book, Gavin and Layla experience an instant connection and have to work together to solve a mystery surrounding Layla's archaeological dig on Gavin's land, all while Layla deals with Gavin's relentless pursuit. I really enjoyed this book and the quick connection of between the characters was entertaining. I would recommend reading if you enjoy Navy Seals, cowboys, and smart female leads.
September 7, 2021
Not really a fan with how sex obsessed that hero was, I get that he wanted to go to Mississippi (for a hookup with a bartender) originally before meeting heroine and then changed his mind after kissing heroine. However just after the halfway point of book he planned to have a booty call with someone because he couldn't stand to wait for heroine and only didn't because she appeared at exactly right moment. Then he recalls having had threesomes back in college and it just grosses me out and I just didn't really care for him. As for heroine she was ok but kind of forgettable. Np.
June 19, 2022
Incredible
What a wonderful story! I'm surprised and stunned at the twists that "Gavin's and Layla's" characters connected. The reveal of Gavin's mother was an unsuspected revelation. That dance that the two main characters behaved kept my interest. Happiness for "grandma Mel and Caldwell" too. The author is one of my favorites.
If this is the course the the remainder of the, "The Westmoreland Legacy" series proceeds, I'm in for a treat. Anticipating reading "The Westmoreland" series too.
What a wonderful story! I'm surprised and stunned at the twists that "Gavin's and Layla's" characters connected. The reveal of Gavin's mother was an unsuspected revelation. That dance that the two main characters behaved kept my interest. Happiness for "grandma Mel and Caldwell" too. The author is one of my favorites.
If this is the course the the remainder of the, "The Westmoreland Legacy" series proceeds, I'm in for a treat. Anticipating reading "The Westmoreland" series too.
April 23, 2024
very interesting
As Viper (a Navy Seal) this man was exactly what the word means. He strikes and gets the target. I was so interested in this book that I was thinking about the who’s, what’s and why’s in my sleep. Who would want to stop the dig that Layla and students were arranging? What was so important that they didn’t anything found? And why??? Gramma Mel was amazing. She was that grandma that every kid longed for. The answers to the 3W’s is unbelievable and the ending of the book is awesome.
Happy Reading‼️
As Viper (a Navy Seal) this man was exactly what the word means. He strikes and gets the target. I was so interested in this book that I was thinking about the who’s, what’s and why’s in my sleep. Who would want to stop the dig that Layla and students were arranging? What was so important that they didn’t anything found? And why??? Gramma Mel was amazing. She was that grandma that every kid longed for. The answers to the 3W’s is unbelievable and the ending of the book is awesome.
Happy Reading‼️
April 23, 2022
I listened to the audiobook. It started off kind of weird and even a little irritating especially Gavin and his cocky flirting, but then the revelation of what was buried, and who was behind it was a big shocker and plot twist which brought the book back to life. I recommend listening to or reading Bane prior to this book because there is were Gavin “Viper” was first introduced and in this book Bane and the rest of their SEAL crew make appearances again.
March 23, 2023
I skimmed most of the book because I was curious about what they’d find on the dog and the mystery of it but I was not a fan of this book. I don’t like the way Gavin was written at all. Very sex crazed and cocky. Borderline harassing Layla every chance he got. I understand that she wanted him as well and maybe I’m crazy but when a woman says no that should be the end of that. I finished it but I don’t think I’ll be reading any more of this series.
April 12, 2024
👏👏👏👏👏⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I glad your books are now available on Amazon I’m been reading your books on paperbacks since the 2000’s I have to catch back up with all the families and friends thank you for all of your work I look forward to catching up I’m glad Gavin got the closure he needed I thought Clayton was behind everything never would’ve thought old man Lott did it out of jealousy just sad
I glad your books are now available on Amazon I’m been reading your books on paperbacks since the 2000’s I have to catch back up with all the families and friends thank you for all of your work I look forward to catching up I’m glad Gavin got the closure he needed I thought Clayton was behind everything never would’ve thought old man Lott did it out of jealousy just sad
May 11, 2024
This was a little romance with a little bit of a Scooby Doo mystery mixed in! It was really cute. I thought that Layla was right to stand up to Gavin who was used to women falling at his feet. I'm glad she at least put up a little bit of a fight even though she knew it was hopeless.
The mystery was good and I enjoyed the Seal team. Seeing the Westmorelands again didn't hurt. Brenda Jackson is always a solid choice for me when I want a romance without too much angst.
The mystery was good and I enjoyed the Seal team. Seeing the Westmorelands again didn't hurt. Brenda Jackson is always a solid choice for me when I want a romance without too much angst.
September 13, 2020
Gavin sounds absolutely childish, dismissive of women, and self-important. What woman finds a physical attraction to a man who has not deigned to read her PHD-level report justifying her rationale for digging on his land? This is a man who jumps to conclusions and puts his sexual desire over Layla’s rights to anything. Wonderful woman, awful man. Nauseated. Can’t finish.
October 20, 2016
Ms. Brenda Jackson knocked this one out of the park. A whole lot of romance, tossed in a few secrets and a sprinkle of mystery. An in-depth look into the life of a Navy Seal.
Is this an awesome story? Yes
Was it worth the wait? Yes
Were there shock factors? Yes
Am I looking forward to Coop, Flipper, and Mac story? Yes
#cillasbookmaniacs
Is this an awesome story? Yes
Was it worth the wait? Yes
Were there shock factors? Yes
Am I looking forward to Coop, Flipper, and Mac story? Yes
#cillasbookmaniacs
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