Review: Timing by Mary Calmes

Title: Timing (Timing: Book One)

Author: Mary Calmes

Length: 204 Pages

Category: Contemporary

At a Glance: Alpha cowboy romance at its finest.

Reviewed By: Angel

Blurb: Stefan Joss just can’t win. Not only does he have to go to Texas in the middle of summer to be the man of honor in his best friend Charlotte’s wedding, but he’s expected to negotiate a million-dollar business deal at the same time. Worst of all, he’s thrown for a loop when he arrives to see the one man Charlotte promised wouldn’t be there: her brother, Rand Holloway.

Stefan and Rand have been mortal enemies since the day they met, so Stefan is shocked when a temporary cease-fire sees the usual hostility replaced by instant chemistry. Though leery of the unexpected feelings, Stefan is swayed by a sincere revelation from Rand, and he decides to give Rand a chance.

But their budding romance is threatened when Stefan’s business deal goes wrong: the owner of the last ranch he needs to secure for the company is murdered. Stefan’s in for the surprise of his life as he finds himself in danger as well.

Review: I have read and enjoyed Mary Calmes’s work before, and Timing was no different. I really love a western/cowboy romance, and that this one was set in Texas, my home state, made it all the more delicious. Not having read the first edition, I don’t know if anything was added or removed from this second edition, but I enjoyed the mystery, the romance and the wrap up of this book.

The relationship between Stef and Charlotte was my most favorite thing, I think. It reminded me of one of my own friendships, and I could relate to the craziness of best friends grounding one another. The banter between the two of them was funny, sweet and loving at the same time, in a sibling sort of way. I love how Stef was always there for her and that her beau wasn’t overly jealous of the relationship.

I have a special place in my heart for curmudgeons, and Rand just fit the bill for me. I loved his snark, and while I didn’t think he was much of an asshole, as described in the book, he was rather abrupt. Definitely the alpha male in this story. I had a slight consent issue with the first sexual interaction that Rand and Stef had, but it was a gut reaction as the relationship was very antagonistic and then, suddenly, they were jumping into bed together. The men worked it out between them well enough, and I like how they ended up together.

I’ll definitely be looking forward to see more of Rand and Stef, and hope the rest of the cast on the Red Diamond Ranch make a return appearance.

You can buy Timing here:
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