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Conard County: The Next Generation #32
Undercover in Conard County
The New York Times–bestselling author returns to Conard County with a supercharged romance set in the stunning—and deadly—Wyoming wilderness.
When hunters threaten local Wyoming wildlife, investigator Kel Westin vows to catch the perpetrators. But as he’s sent to work undercover with game warden Desi Jenks, Kel finds himself caught off guard by his need to protect her, too. Something tells him both he and Desi are kept awake at night by pasts that won’t let go. Desi trusts no one. That includes the sexy former Army ranger living in her bunkhouse, posing as a poacher to bait the ring. As a dangerous group gathers in the mountains, she must put her life in Kel’s hands, a move that will change their fragile, growing bond forever . . .
When hunters threaten local Wyoming wildlife, investigator Kel Westin vows to catch the perpetrators. But as he’s sent to work undercover with game warden Desi Jenks, Kel finds himself caught off guard by his need to protect her, too. Something tells him both he and Desi are kept awake at night by pasts that won’t let go. Desi trusts no one. That includes the sexy former Army ranger living in her bunkhouse, posing as a poacher to bait the ring. As a dangerous group gathers in the mountains, she must put her life in Kel’s hands, a move that will change their fragile, growing bond forever . . .
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 15, 2016
About the author
Rachel Lee
379 books144 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name. See this thread for more information.
Rachel Lee is a New York Times best-selling author and the winner of Six Romantic Times magazine Reviewers' Choice Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a five-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award. She has penned a wide variety of novels in several genres including fantasy, romantic suspense, and romantic comedy. She resides in Tampa, Florida.
Rachel Lee is a New York Times best-selling author and the winner of Six Romantic Times magazine Reviewers' Choice Awards, including the Lifetime Achievement Award, and is a five-time finalist for the Romance Writers of America's RITA® Award. She has penned a wide variety of novels in several genres including fantasy, romantic suspense, and romantic comedy. She resides in Tampa, Florida.
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
November 12, 2017
Good book. Desi is the senior game warden in the Conard County area. There has been a growing problem with poachers and trophy hunters, with the latest being the death of a bighorn sheep. After months of reporting incidents, Desi receives help from an undercover investigator. Kel has been sent to pose as a hunting guide to draw out members of the poachers ring operating in the area. Neither expects the instant attraction that flares between them.
I liked both Desi and Kel. Desi is a woman who has worked hard to earn her place. She is liked and respected by those she works with and the people around her. This is evident in the interactions we see, including some interesting encounters with hunters. But she is also haunted by things in her past that prevent her from trusting people or allowing them to get too close. Kel is a former army ranger who works with the investigative unit. He is smart and intuitive, and as determined as Desi to stop the poachers. His past has also made him a bit of a loner, reluctant to let anyone close.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. It started out strictly business, with them working together to figure out the poaching situation. Both Desi and Kel try to keep their attraction under control while still getting to know each other. As part of his cover, Kel had been instructed to make it look like he is cozying up to the warden, but the cover story he comes up with brings up some bad memories for Desi. I ached for her because she knew she wasn't fair to him, but she couldn't help it. I also hurt for Kel, because he already liked her and didn't know what had happened. I loved that he had the patience and sensitivity to wait until she was able to talk to him. Desi also can understand some of what Kel suffers during a hunting emergency. I loved seeing how their growing feelings helped them both heal from their pasts and how danger enabled them to see what they meant to each other. Their confessions at the end were pretty sweet.
The suspense of the story was more mental than action for most of the book. Kel believes that his mission is pretty straightforward - pose as an illegal outfitter and try to flush out the poachers. But the more time that he and Desi spend together trying to track down clues, the more they become suspicious that things are not what they seem. Some glimpses of the bad guys' viewpoints prove that their suspicions are correct, but Desi and Kel are working blind. It is obvious to them that they no longer know who they can trust, which adds to the danger they are in. The final confrontation was an exciting bit of action. I especially loved Desi's cool head and nerves of steel. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the resolution, as some things were left hanging, but it was probably more realistic than having everything wrapped up neatly.
I liked both Desi and Kel. Desi is a woman who has worked hard to earn her place. She is liked and respected by those she works with and the people around her. This is evident in the interactions we see, including some interesting encounters with hunters. But she is also haunted by things in her past that prevent her from trusting people or allowing them to get too close. Kel is a former army ranger who works with the investigative unit. He is smart and intuitive, and as determined as Desi to stop the poachers. His past has also made him a bit of a loner, reluctant to let anyone close.
I enjoyed the development of their relationship. It started out strictly business, with them working together to figure out the poaching situation. Both Desi and Kel try to keep their attraction under control while still getting to know each other. As part of his cover, Kel had been instructed to make it look like he is cozying up to the warden, but the cover story he comes up with brings up some bad memories for Desi. I ached for her because she knew she wasn't fair to him, but she couldn't help it. I also hurt for Kel, because he already liked her and didn't know what had happened. I loved that he had the patience and sensitivity to wait until she was able to talk to him. Desi also can understand some of what Kel suffers during a hunting emergency. I loved seeing how their growing feelings helped them both heal from their pasts and how danger enabled them to see what they meant to each other. Their confessions at the end were pretty sweet.
The suspense of the story was more mental than action for most of the book. Kel believes that his mission is pretty straightforward - pose as an illegal outfitter and try to flush out the poachers. But the more time that he and Desi spend together trying to track down clues, the more they become suspicious that things are not what they seem. Some glimpses of the bad guys' viewpoints prove that their suspicions are correct, but Desi and Kel are working blind. It is obvious to them that they no longer know who they can trust, which adds to the danger they are in. The final confrontation was an exciting bit of action. I especially loved Desi's cool head and nerves of steel. I wasn't entirely satisfied with the resolution, as some things were left hanging, but it was probably more realistic than having everything wrapped up neatly.
February 14, 2017
Likable characters and a decent story. It just ended more abruptly than I like. I would have liked some epilogue where they hash out how the relationship is going to work going forward. After all, his job is in another city or state.
February 10, 2018
Lol - one day I'll read all the books one after another and in order starting with #1!!!!
Great book! He was a patient man and waited as she begun to heal with this strangers presence.
Great book! He was a patient man and waited as she begun to heal with this strangers presence.
June 18, 2023
GREAT STORY
I loved this story but then I realized I enjoyed reading all books by Rachel Lee she writes great stories.
I loved this story but then I realized I enjoyed reading all books by Rachel Lee she writes great stories.
January 21, 2017
A slow burner but a good story. I'm not a fan of the cover art but that didn't affect my opinion of the book. Desi and Kel are good characters and I liked the progression of their relationship but I found it hard to relate to them.
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January 2, 2017Miniseries: Conard County: The Next Generation
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews