Dear Reader,

Montana has provided the setting for some of my favorite stories. In the late 1980s I wrote Tender Trap and Aftermath featuring Denver and Colton McLean—two brothers returning to their family ranch after years away, confronting the secrets left behind. I’m thrilled that they’re now available in one volume, with a striking new cover and title, Backlash . . . I was lucky enough to get an arc of this book and enjoyed it Tessa was 19 and in love. On a horseback ride she gave her all to handsome Denver McLean only to have him desert her without a word after a fire leaved him with scars, his parents dead and suspicion hanging over Tessa's father.. Now Denver is back after seven years. His outward scars from are healed, but inside . . . What returns is a cold, embittered stranger. I am a hopeless romantic because I loved how Tessa saw Denver as the boy she remembered. I also enjoyed that the book had a resolution and that it has a nice tight conclusion with a few twists. Then you have Aftermath which deals with Colton and Cassie and this one I had a harder time wrapping my head around. Not because the relationship wasn’t believable but because Colton was such a hard character for me to enjoy in the first book. After a gun shot wound, he comes back home and Cassie is back in his life and he is not sure that it is something he wants or can handle. While I do not want to give away the story the crafty back story helps the reader understand there past. I have read many Lisa Jackson books and gifted more then my share. This one I just had a hard time connecting with. All and all a 3 star read. ( )

In this release bu Lisa Jackson, Backlash is a re-release of previous novels, Tender Trap and Aftermath. In the first book, Denver McLean returns home because his uncle died and left his ranch to him and his brother Colton. Denver is not happy with this because his history is tragic. Seven years previously there was a fire and his parents died, and he was seriously injured. Meanwhile, his old flame, Tessa Kramer, wants to buy the ranch. Thing is, Colton is nowhere to be found, so Denver cannot sell the ranch.

Denver has business in LA and he really wants to get back to it. However, he is drawn to Tessa and that changes his perspective. While making his decision there are problems with the property, especially when a prize stallion disappears. Also, some horses become ill. So, something definitely is going on that might hinder the success of the ranch.

In the second story in this omnibus, Colton returns to the ranch when he is seriously injured. Things are not easy for Colton. For one reason there is Cassie Aldridge. Several years previously, they had a brief fling, and it so happens that Cassie still loves Colton. As far as Colton is concerned, he still desires Cassie, but he isn't ready to have a relationship. There are definitely problems. For starters, a horse named Black Magic is missing. In addition to that, Colton's family is feuding with Cassie's family. So a relationship would be very difficult. Nonetheless, the heart wants what the heart wants when it comes to Colton and Cassie.

As I read this book, I admit that it was a read that I couldn't engage in. I felt that it dragged quite a bit. Quite naturally, I was rooting for the couples to find love. As far as mystery and intrigue were concerned, it was a bit lacking. But, I adore Lisa Jackson, so I worked hard at reading this book and I am eager to read her next release, Paranoid.

Many thanks to Zebra and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion. ( )

Two full length books for the price of one. Two brothers left town amid betrayal & dishonesty. Two women were left behind broken & destroyed. Now they all have a second chance. Will they allow old grudges & new turmoil to keep them apart or will they find a way to forgive & move on?

These books are heavier on romance than on the mystery but it really enjoyed them. They are both second chance romance stories. The characters are well developed & three dimensional. The women were destroyed when they were left behind but they grew up to become strong successful women. The men were strong, sexy & arrogant but the women made them fight for the relationships. The supporting characters added depth, dimension & color to the stories. These were very enjoyable stories. ( )