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From the wrong side of the tracks and with most of her family in jail or dead, Piper Walsh is used to everyone in town thinking the worst about her. It doesn’t seem to matter that she’s worked hard to build a good life for herself. So she isn’t surprised that when she comes into contact with Sweet Hill’s wildly irresistible, arrogant sheriff, Hale Walters, they’re instant adversaries. Piper has nothing in common with the town golden-boy-turned-lawman—and she refuses to be a notch on his bedpost.
Despite rumors, Hale avoids fooling around with the women of Sweet Hill, many of whom are hoping to get him to the altar. But staying out of Piper’s path is proving near impossible. The infuriating troublemaker clearly has no respect for his badge. As she continues to push his buttons, it becomes clear to Hale that he must either arrest Piper—or claim her as his own.
Source: advance e-galley provided in exchange for an honest review
I adore stories about couples from vastly different backgrounds coming together. There's a degree of skepticism, assumption and also curiosity that lends itself to the making of some good chemistry, which is what happens in Beautiful Lawman. Piper has had a rough life with non-existent parents meaning she and her older brother, Cruz, were left to care for themselves and their younger sister, Malia. With Cruz serving time, the responsibility has fallen on her shoulders. There are few options where Piper can make some good cash so working as a waitress at a grimy men's club is what she has to do. Hale Walters is the town's sheriff and has a sterling reputation as a disciplined man. He initially sees Piper as a victim of her circumstances who continues to make bad decisions but soon learns that there's more to her. She's not interested in correcting anyone's gossip about her. That's their problem for all she cares and she's certainly not looking for a saviour but for an opportunity like anyone else to make life better for herself and her sister. Piper's attitude challenges all of Hale's preconceived notions about what he thought he understood of her and it's not long before he realizes that she's also the first woman in a long time to ignite something within him.
The Devil's Rock Series has been thoroughly enjoyable and I think Beautiful Lawman is the best one yet. In fact, it's probably my favourite (it's a toss up between this and Fury on Fire. Speaking of that, North and Faith do make an appearance here). I enjoyed the setup that had Piper and Hale getting closer, and then there was that oh-so-sweet delayed gratification when it came to sexy times coming to fruition. The wait is worth it and the two of them are exciting and mischievous together, a combination that I approve of!
Sophie Jordan is one of my favourite authors and this series is an auto-buy for me. Beautiful Lawman is everything I want in a read - sexy, smart, good humour and an equally matched couple that's hard not to love.
~ Bel
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