Jordan and Dylan love each other. However, there are times in life when love may not be enough. One drunken night changed the course of three lives and ended up breaking two hearts. Now one precious bundle is bringing that heartache full circle and making way for a second chance. Lone Star Blues is the convoluted love story of Jordan and Dylan. A perfect love shatters with an act that neither saw coming and both have trouble getting past. Will the consequences of that night help them mend fences and make them whole again? Forgiveness is hard even on a good day, yet Ms. Fossen makes it look so easy despite the complicated scenario. I guess love can overcome anything. A tale of sacrifice and second chances. ( )

This is a second chance story with as many ups and downs, twists and turns as a premium rollercoaster. Dylan and Jordan had been married for a brief time fourteen years earlier. It didn't work out, and Jordan left to join the military, and Dylan stayed to work the ranch. Since that time, Dylan has cut a swath through the female population but never spending long with anyone. The book opens with him waking under circumstances he doesn't remember and finding out about a taking a very public vow of celibacy. About that time, a social worker arrived, bringing a toddler to him that she says is his son. His mother is in jail and has given him custody - a mother who is also his ex-wife's cousin.

Meanwhile, Jordan is on her way back to the US after a harrowing experience on duty. She suffers from nightmares and flashbacks and has been transferred to San Antonio where she can get some help. She is stunned to get a message from Adele about Corbin because Adele had never told her about the boy. She heads to Wrangler's Creek to confront Dylan because she feels he's not capable of being what Corbin needs.
I really liked both Dylan and Jordan. In previous books, Dylan has been the charming playboy, always ready for some shenanigans. When faced with possible fatherhood, after the initial stunned disbelief, he steps up to the job. I loved his immediate connection with little Corbin, and his determination to prove everybody wrong. Jordan is trying to get her life back on an even keel after what she'd been through. She is strong and loving but also has some insecurities.

I liked the development of Dylan and Jordan's relationship. After fourteen years, they are surprised to discover that the attraction between them is just as strong as ever. Both try to resist it because the issues that tore them apart before are still there. Dylan is rooted in Wrangler's Creek, and Jordan is still a wanderer, but they will work together to give Corbin what he needs. Unfortunately for them, the attraction between them flares hot every time they are together and continues to grow. I liked watching them grow closer as they supported each other through the mayhem caused by Adele. As they did, it became clear that each of them had matured and changed in the years since their divorce. Events continued to push them toward each other, but Jordan's fears especially keep her from believing that they can have a future together. Dylan's solution was unique and an interesting way of approaching the issue. I'm looking forward to the next book to see if there are any changes.

The issue of Corbin's paternity and custody is the central theme of the book. Dylan settles right in to fatherhood, but there are others who may have an equal claim. The ups and downs are highly emotional, and I ached for Dylan as it all happened. It was interesting to see Dylan's mom, who wasn't a very good mother to her own kids, get so deeply involved in this situation. Jordan also feels that she should have custody, but her work situation works against her. I liked seeing the three of them become a team in caring for Corbin. Some interesting dynamics were going on, but they made it work. There were several unexpected twists before someone finally made the right choice.

The secondary characters added plenty of drama on their own. Various ex-girlfriends of Dylan's did their best to cement relationships, get into his bed, or just stir the pot. The local judge, who has an ax to grind on behalf of his daughters, makes threats regarding the custody battle, and also eggs on Regina. Then there is Jordan's fellow officer, Theo. He was involved in Jordan's rescue and seems intent on making sure that she doesn't forget her ordeal or his part in it, all under the guise of being concerned about her. He also wants to take their relationship to the next level, while Jordan seems more interested in stepping back. There were some pretty funny scenes where she really lets him have it, especially when he's pulled some rather questionable stunts. I still think he was actually involved in the press fiasco at the rodeo. Last but not least is Dylan's brother Lucian. He is a grumpy, cynical, pain in the neck who seems to think it is his right to interfere in anything regarding his family. He definitely oversteps his bounds several times, gets confronted, then continues to do as he wants. His assistant Kaylee is Jordan's best friend and keeps Lucian's life and business running smoothly. She is also in love with him. He has no clue, and I am looking forward to the next book and seeing her bring him to his knees. ( )

Lone Star Blues by Delores Fossen
Wrangler’s Creek Series

Dylan Granger and Jordan Rivera were once husband and wife but it seems it was a short marriage nobody thought would work, and they were right. Jordan headed to the military and Dylan, with a broken heart, worked on the family ranch while dallying with many women. The premise for this book is that a child may bring the couple together again after fourteen years apart.

Dylan, thrust into fatherhood suddenly, takes on the challenge and is more mature and responsible than expected. Jordan, just returned from overseas, is dealing with PTSD that is not addressed as much as in other veteran novels that showcase this problem. Dylan and Jordan had chemistry before and it is still there when they meet again.

The main question, beyond whether or not there will be a HEA for Jordan and Dylan, is who the baby daddy REALLY is. Is it Dylan or could it be Theo – the man that Jordan has dated or then again…could it be someone else entirely?

There were parts of the book I really enjoyed and some where people from previous books I have not read made an appearance that were not essential to me but probably nice for those following the series. There is a set-up for a future book in the series and the HEA/HFN that Jordan and Dylan get at the end.

This was an easy pleasant sometimes silly read with an unusual bingo game, small town antics, a wedding and more. And…there was a nice friends to lovers Wrangler’s Creek short story at the end to enjoy, too.

I would like to thank NetGalley and Harlequin Books for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars ( )