Being with her had felt so right. It was as if everything in his life had settled into its proper place, giving him peace.
Kathy Douglass
How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart
Format:
ebook
Publisher’s Synopsis:
Chief of police Trent Knight had it all until an accident took his wife and he was left alone to raise two beautiful girls. Now the person he always blamed for his loss is back in town, and all bets are off. But soon his anger toward Carmen Shields gives way to a very different emotion — awareness of Carmen as a woman. On one hand, it feels like a betrayal of his late wife’s memory. On the other, it could be his second chance at life — and Carmen’s shot at redemption. Maybe she can go home again — with the help of a certain lawman.
Point of view:
3rd person. Alternating between Trent & Carmen’s perspectives.
Rellim’s Thoughts:
This is my first book by Kathy Douglass, but definitely won’t be my last. Equal parts “small town sweet” and “angsty drama” romance – I was so immersed in the story and Douglass’ writing that I finished this in one day.
Age gap & single dad are some of my favorite tropes. I also enjoy stories that make me feel all the emotions and this one definitely does. Carmen (25) is returning to her hometown for the first time in seven years. She was shunned at 18, but now hopes to find redemption and forgiveness. Trent (38) is angry to see the girl he holds responsible for his wife’s death back in town.
There were a lot of tears for me reading this – my heart aching for hurt and heartbroken people. Trent and Carmen are both dealing with profound grief and starting to fall for each other added another level of angst. Trent’s daughters, Alyssa and Robyn, were an integral part of the story and it was sweet to see Carmen fall in love with them as well.
The ending felt a bit abrupt for me as my personal preference is a bit more to solidify an HEA. That said, leaving a reader wanting more isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It was a terrific read and I’m looking forward to the next book, The Waitress’s Secret and to devouring the rest of Douglass’s backlist.
Content Warnings (possible spoilers):
death of a spouse & parent, Carmen was disowned at 18, previous homelessness
About the author:
You can connect with Kathy Douglass here:
My Favorite Quotes
From the time Robyn turned three and realized her friends had daddies and mommies, she’d been on a mission to find herself a mommy. – How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart by @kathydouglass7 #SmallTown #Romance #AgeGap
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It wouldn’t be right to let a woman believe there was room in his heart for someone else when there wasn’t. – How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart by @kathydouglass7 #SmallTown #Romance #AgeGap
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There’s nothing for me here. When I leave Sweet Briar tomorrow, it’ll be forever. – How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart by @kathydouglass7 #SmallTown #Romance #AgeGap
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He was charming and funny and seemed so into her that she forgot his heart belonged to another woman. – How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart by @kathydouglass7 #SmallTown #Romance #AgeGap
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Being with her had felt so right. It was as if everything in his life had settled into its proper place, giving him peace. – How to Steal the Lawman’s Heart by @kathydouglass7 #SmallTown #Romance #AgeGap
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Rellim Reads 