REVIEW: For Keeps by Rachel Lacey

For Keeps by Rachel Lacey is the second book in the “Love to the Rescue” series and the first book I have read by Rachel Lacey. Although characters from the first book are mentioned, this book can be read as a stand-alone. For Keeps is a sweet read that contains many of the things I look for in a romance novel: a great love story, cowboys, a feisty heroine, animals, family loyalty, second chances, and forgiveness.

Merry Atwater is the main character and she is an instantly likable heroine who has a big heart and an abundant love for animals. She is a nurse who runs a Boxer Rescue out of her home. Some people are born to rescue stray animals and no one fits that description more aptly than Merry. But we quickly find out that she might need some rescuing herself. Her dog rescue is in financial trouble and she will do whatever it takes to keep it afloat. So when Merry receives an offer to take on the job of dog trainer at Camp Blue Sky for the summer, she jumps at the chance. Even though the town’s vet, T.J. Jameson, is running it.

If you like your cowboys a little on the surly side then T.J. is the perfect hero for you. But there is more to this cowboy than meets the eye and it is evident in his dealings with his nephew, Noah. T.J. runs a summer camp on his ranch where kids can ride horses, play with dogs, and socialize in a safe, friendly environment. He is hoping that the camp might help Noah, who is autistic, connect with others. T.J. also has certain ideas about how he wants his life to go and a firecracker like Merry is not part of his plan. But when these two are forced to work together, their unexpected connection is instant and a bit confusing for each of them.

What I liked most about this book are Merry and T.J. themselves. Merry is feisty and tough enough to stand up for herself and her dogs, but she doesn’t come on too strong because she’s also funny, careful, and playful. Her scenes with Noah are some of the best in the book and add a light touch to what can be potentially sensitive subject matter. Plus, Merry’s playfulness is the perfect mix to TJ’s serious outlook. It might take a little time to get past T.J.’s gruff exterior in the beginning, but he is a great character to unravel. The sexy cowboy/vet is looking for someone to share his life with, but Merry has some things in her past she has to deal with before she can even think about commitment. She is accustomed to being the rescuer and has a hard time seeing herself as someone who might need a little help.

Although the attraction between Merry and T.J. is instant, the romantic build-up is sweet and engaging. Rachel Lacey does a fine job adding all the right layers to their relationship. As you get to know Merry and T.J., and as they get to know each other, they become very real characters with relatable fears and vulnerabilities. They change and develop as the story plays out and have real connections to their families and chosen careers.

For Keeps is a simple love story with enough love, laughter, and emotion to make it an appealing read. And, as with any good book in a series, it does a good job of setting up the characters who will most likely work toward their own happy ending in the next book.

Book Info:

Published January 27th 2015 by Forever

Merry Atwater would do just about anything to save her dog rescue – even if it means working with the most stubborn man on the planet. It’s hard to avoid the sparks that fly with TJ Jameson, the ruggedly sexy cowboy in charge of the children’s camp where she’s just taken an animal therapy job. But commitment is not Merry’s style, and TJ clearly wants more than just a roll in the hay.

TJ Jameson isn’t looking for anything complicated-just a peaceful life on his family’s ranch with a wife and kids. “No-strings” Merry Atwater doesn’t fit that bill, no matter how irresistible she is. But when he sees how Merry gets through to his autistic nephew and the other kids at Camp Blue Sky, TJ’s a goner. If he doesn’t give in to the now, he might just lose his shot at forever . . .