Bodyguard Rancher - Kacy Cross (HRS #2308 - Jan 2025)

Series: Secrets of Hidden Creek Ranch (Book 2)
 
It's his job to protect her
Will she let him?
 
A former Navy SEAL, Heath McKay knows how to stay cool in life-and-death situations. Keeping Charli Lang safe while archaeologists dig up the treasure buried on her ranch should be easy. But Charli might prove to be more than he can handle. She doesn't want a bodyguard, even one posing as an undercover rancher, and she's as captivating as she is contrary. Wagering that he can change her mind within three weeks seems like the perfect way to keep her close -- until their romantic sparring starts to feel like the real thing….
 
In the previous book (Undercover Cowboy Protector), stolen artifacts were found on ranch property. Now, the place is crawling with archaeologists and their staff, interfering with the sisters' plans for the ranch. Although an attempt to steal the items failed in the first book, and the culprit was captured, security is still tight for the sisters.
 
Heath is the bodyguard assigned to watch over Charli. A former SEAL, he was known as "The Enforcer" on his team. Unfortunately for him, Charli doesn't want a bodyguard and delights in giving him the slip. That ends when she attempts to fight off a handsy archaeologist and Heath steps in, and then Heath discovers an unknown someone watching the activities on the ranch. The situation becomes more complicated when a gold jaguar figure is found.
 
The tension between Charli and Heath leaps off the page. The sparks of attraction between them are unexpected and unwelcome. Charli recently left a bad relationship, and Heath is in love with another woman. However, Heath bets Charli that he can change her mind about men's trustworthiness in three weeks, while she maintains that he can't.
 
I enjoyed watching their relationship develop. Whenever Charli is near him, she scrambles Heath's mind, which he finds incredibly frustrating when trying to keep her safe. The more time they spend together, the closer they grow. I liked how they shared their past relationship problems and loved the reactions to the so-called issues. Neither one wants to admit to their growing feelings for each other, preferring to call it "practice" for Heath to regain his old girlfriend. But when the ex-girlfriend, Margot, shows up, Charli's old insecurities flare up, and she pulls away. Meanwhile, Heath must decide if he still loves Margot or if his heart has discovered a better home. I loved Heath's "aha" moment; his bet pay-off scene at the end was fantastic.
 
The suspense of the story kept me turning the pages. The discovery of a second jaguar figure ramped up the danger as it became evident that someone wanted them. When someone succeeded in stealing the statues, Heath immediately set out to find them. It didn't take long for him to figure out the culprit. The final confrontation was intense, but I did not doubt how it would turn out.
 
I liked the epilogue and look forward to Veronica's story.