REVIEW: Midnight Wrangler by Cat Johnson

In Midnight Wrangler (Midnight Cowboys #2) by Cat Johnson, Rohn Lerner and Bonnie Martin were a couple twenty-five years ago. But when Bonnie’s father learned her secret, he did something a parent should never do their child, and she had no choice other than to leave her hometown. Now though, with the death of her father, she’s returned to Oklahoma to settle her father’s estate. She hasn’t forgotten Rohn, and running into him is the last thing she expected. Yet, it might just be the best thing to happen to her in a long time.

”Everything else seems to have changed, but not you. You still look just like you did back in high school.”
“Do I?” He laughed. “Then that brings to light one more change right there – that you need glasses.” Rohn grinned as she rolled her eyes at his teasing.
For the first time during the encounter, the smile she flashed him seemed genuine and not forced. “I don’t need glasses. It’s true.”

I am a huge fan of Ms. Johnson’s books, and this stand-alone, fast-paced story containing the second chance romance trope was very entertaining, as it switches between the past and the present, giving readers an understanding of their growing relationship twenty-five years ago and now. Although I wasn’t immediately hooked by the end of the first chapter, I did really start to enjoy this story the moment Rohn and Bonnie meet again.

Tyler was suggesting a one-night stand. Rohn’s face heated. “I don’t want to talk about this with you.”
The young cowboy shrugged. “Suit yourself. All I can do is bring the horse to the chute. It’s your choice whether you wanna climb on and ride.” The rodeo analogy made Rohn cringe. Things could only get worse.

Various parts of the dialogue had me laughing, especially when Rohn was conversing with his ranch hands. Tyler, one of the secondary characters was really good, and I enjoyed his advice to the hero because he wants his boss to find happiness again, as it’s been a few years since Rohn’s wife died. There were also moments that had me smiling; moments where Bonnie and Rohn take a walk down memory lane – so to speak. With Rohn bearing gifts that he remembers Bonnie liked when they were young, and the pair visiting their special spot. Yet, the dialogue was also intense as Bonnie is hiding a secret that could tear them apart.

”Yup. And if you tell me how cute you think he is, I might have to never talk to you again.”
“Oh, he is cute, but I think I prefer men with a few more years of experience under their belt.”
He raised a brow. “Oh, do you now? Good to know. And FYI, I got a whole lot of years under my belt.” Rohn winked and she had to laugh.
“I’ll remember that.”

I loved both characters. Bonnie is haunted by her past, and being back in her hometown isn’t easy, especially with the secret she’s kept for the past twenty-five years. If it wasn’t for her mother, Bonnie might not have turned out as strong and independent as she did; two traits that shine throughout this story, as she works hard to settle her father’s estate. While Rohn, I felt sorry for him. He’s lonely and misses having a woman to share his life with. However, there were moments where I absolutely loved him. He’s charming and determined to prove to Bonnie that everyone deserves a second chance at love.

In the end, Ms. Johnson has delivered a delightful second chance romance story. Where the couple’s intimacy was nicely-detailed and did justice to their intense chemistry, which still seemed strong after twenty-five years apart. I also enjoyed the way this author wrapped up the story because Bonnie needed to share her secret, if she and Rohn were to ever have a future together. I would recommend Midnight Wrangler by Cat Johnson, if you enjoy the second chance romance trope.

Book Info:

Publication: November 24th, 2015 | Kensington Books (Zebra) | Midnight Cowboys #2

One Lonely Widower…

Rohn Lerner is a successful Oklahoma rancher. He’s old enough to know what he likes, and still young enough to enjoy it. But losing his wife five years ago wore him thin. He’s not ready to date, but he needs someone to share a meal with as badly as someone to warm his bed.

One Woman with a Secret…

Bonnie Martin fled her Oklahoma home years ago, leaving behind her abusive father, and Rohn, the lost love she never forgot. Now she’s back to settle her father’s estate, but she has no idea that she’s about to bump into Rohn or that they’ll fall for each other all over again.

One Night That Changes Everything…