Taking Chance by Laura Harner
Book #3: Willow Springs Ranch Series
Source: Purchase
My Rating: 4/5 stars
My Review:

Chance Carter has to face the facts, his dearly held beliefs and actions just don’t mesh with the straight-laced, by the book Border Patrol office he is currently assigned to. In an effort to do the right thing, Chance has found himself in a bit of hot water which means a short suspension from duty. Between the suspension and the leave time, Chance opts for some time out of town and an extended visit with his good friend, Holden Titus and the Willow Springs Ranch.

Thinking he has the small yet comfortable casita all to himself, Chance walks in after a long and tiring drive to find he has a roommate. Bryan Mitchell is about as down on his luck as a man can be. After literally being caught with his pants down, he listened to the advice of his crappy lawyer and took a deal with the Navy that saw him kicked out, without a home, and without a job. Clearly, Brian did not in any way benefit from this deal and it is just pure luck he was found by Ty from the Willow Springs Ranch. With the promise of honest, hard work, a steady income, a place to sleep, and plenty of food, Bryan eagerly agrees to life at the WSR. While he didn’t exactly count on having a hot roommate, beggars can’t be choosers . . . .

Both Bryan and Chance are thrown into a situation neither is really prepared for. Bryan is trying to get back on his feet and Chance is looking for a little down time. Neither is looking for a relationship or drama. Unfortunately, circumstances around the WSR lead them into drama, danger, and a forced acknowledgment of their attraction to one another. Trouble is brewing around the WSR and Cass calls on Bryan (he has medical training!) and Chance to check out the area and see if they can help with the situation. What none of the men know is that the situation is far more devious and dangerous than they previously suspected and all their lives are going to be threatened. Additionally, amid all the drama and danger, Bryan’s ex comes a calling which not only infuriates Bryan but threatens his budding relationship with Chance.

The Bottom Line: Harner really ups the ante with Taking Chance! In the two previous reads, sure there has been some drama but it hasn’t been anything as dramatic and dangerous as what’s served up in this read. There is real danger in this read which works well with both the long-term plot line for the WSR series and for the particular characters in this read. With their skills and background, Bryan and Chance are both qualified to spearhead the mission assigned to them by Cass. The heightened emotions caused by the inherent danger cause Bryan and Chance to gravitate more quickly toward one another which inevitably leads to some fantastic naughty bits and a truly lovely HEA. In all, I am enjoying this series and its emphasis on real human emotion mixed with realistic issues and events. The naughty bits are a happy bonus and the continued presence of characters from the previous reads keeps me coming back for more. ( )

I can't put my finger on it, but I just couldn't get into this one. I don't remember much about the first book [b:Ty Hard|12180309|Ty Hard (Willow Springs Ranch, #1)|Laura Harner|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1356240703s/12180309.jpg|17152059] in the series, but do remember not liking it very much. I do know that the two MCs did nothing for me.

Bummer... This series looks great on paper!

Can't recommend. ( )