REVIEW: That Night in Texas by Joss Wood

That Night in Texas by Joss Wood  is a sexy reunion romance for a couple whose one night stand resulted in the birth of a beautiful, precocious daughter.

When Vivi Donner spent a passionate night with a stranger, no names were exchanged so when she ended up pregnant she had no way to share the news. As a chef in a popular Houston restaurant, it’s only when he comes in as a patron that she learns who he is – Camden McNeal, a now successful venture capitalist. Still, she doesn’t reveal the news to him, believing he’ll think she’s just after his money with a convenient story.

That all changes when a life altering event, a flood in the city, results in her near death – and the man she’d put as her emergency contact to make sure her daughter wouldn’t end up alone is called to her aid. The truth spills out and Camden finds himself once again with the woman he’s never been able to forget and the daughter Clem he never expected. Though their reunion happened under fraught circumstances, Cam is determined to be there for his new daughter, and to forge a relationship of some kind with Vivi. He doesn’t believe he’s husband material, and Vivi is so used to being independent that she has trouble accepting Cam’s offers of help. Can they find a way to create a new future together?

This story has an intense start with the flooding in Houston and Vivi ending up in the hospital and her reckoning with Cam about Clem. Cam is understandably shocked by Vivi’s reappearance in his life and the news he has a daughter. I was a little annoyed by Cam’s lustful thoughts upon first seeing Vivi again, which seemed inappropriate for the timing since she was battered and bruised and had just experienced a traumatic event.

Nonetheless Cam shows his care and concern for Vivi and Clem quickly, taking them into his home and trying to find ways to help Vivi get back on her feet and to help restore the restaurant she works at which has also been severely damaged by flooding. Vivi’s independent streak is forged from having been kicked out of her religious mother’s home at an early age and making her way to Houston and then becoming a single mom. Her stubbornness frustrates Cam who has the money to make her life easier but Vivi doesn’t want to rely on him for anything in the future other than being part of Clem’s life if he chooses.

Cam has had his own rough upbringing, raised by a father who taught him all aspects of petty crime. He spent time in juvenile detention that turned his fortunes around and made him make some positive changes in his life. He pulled himself together and became a legitimate and successful businessman with the help of a mentor, Ryder. He hasn’t forgotten his roots, and these prevent him from wanting to pursue a lasting relationship. But that doesn’t stop Cam from being attracted to Vivi and they quickly reignite their passion for each other, sharing some steamy scenes. They will have to make compromises to get a well deserved happy ending.

I enjoyed all the characters in this story, including the toddler Clem who is an active little girl. Seeing Cam forge a relationship with her is sweet. There are a couple of other subplots that are going to be an ongoing part of this multi-authored series. First, there’s been a murder on the grounds of a construction site linked to the Texas Cattleman’s Club and there are a few scenes from the point of view of the murderer, but no resolution to the crime. Secondly, there is an older couple romance between Ryder, Cam’s mentor and Angela, Ryder’s nemesis’s daughter. I’m looking forward to reading more of their story, and others in the series!

Book Info:

Publication: May 7, 2019 | Harlequin Desire | Texas Cattleman’s Club: Houston #3

That night… Why did you leave?”

Her child’s father is back…and wants answers. Nearly dying in the aftermath of a storm is shock enough for Vivi Donner. Waking to find her sexy one-night stand–and the father of her secret child–standing by her hospital bed? Heart-stopping. Now Camden McNeal is determined to know his daughter and the woman he never forgot. Will their explosive passion last more than one night this time?