The Kelley Legacy series now has three books, and the third story contains situations that are often physically threatening to its main couple and numerous crucial secrets. Gail Barrett has created a compelling story of second chances for the hero and heroine, and they just might have a future together if they can survive the myriad of deadly perils in their lives.

When Cole Kelley hears gunshots one afternoon, he thinks more trouble is arriving on the Bar Lazy K Ranch. Because of his father and a recently disclosed scandal in the senator’s life, the Kelley family is receiving threats. When it is proved there is someone creating lethal problems on his ranch, Cole vows to stop the unknown perpetrators as his Montana ranch is the most important thing in his life. There was once a time when he thought Bethany Moore would be with him when his ranching dreams came true, but pursuit of her own career had her leaving the area many years ago.

The only reason Bethany has returned to the town in Montana where she was sometimes ridiculed for being Native American is because her father broke his leg and needs her nursing skills to aid in his recovery. While the first meeting between Cole and Bethany reveals there is still bitterness between the two, each of them also realizes the desire they previously felt is still very much alive but knows they will never act on it. When her offer to help on the ranch is reluctantly accepted, these two will have to fight their constant awareness of the other while watching out for someone who wants the Kelley family to suffer much loss in various ways.

There is always nonstop suspense in a Gail Barrett book. From the very first sentence, danger looms over Cole and the physical threats continue to mount as the pages turn. Gail Barrett makes any risk cropping up seem completely probable, and the reactions of those who are involved also come across as genuinely realistic, thus adding credence to the story. I always know it will seem as though every set of circumstances could have taken place in this talented author’s work. Ms. Barrett makes me believe in her characters, too, and she gives them plenty of emotional issues to tackle before they can really be happy. A second chance story is one of my favorite themes, as I love seeing a couple deal with current predicaments as well as those which plagued them in the past. Cole and Bethany once had personal dilemmas where no final decision would have been totally pleasing to them both. Now there is danger causing even more heartbreak in their lives, and this leaves their emotions conflicted and frequently exposed whenever they come in contact with each other. There is definitely a potent attraction between Cole and Bethany, and hearing their private thoughts from time to time let me see just how confused they were during these tumultuous moments. The desire they feel is practically explosive, and the scene heats up a cold Montana night when their control breaks. Ms. Barrett describes the beautiful setting with much vividness, and the goings-on taking place on the ranch are also colorfully depicted. There are three more books in The Kelley Legacy series, and several hints in this book have me wanting to know more quickly. COWBOY UNDER SIEGE is an emotional romance filled with precarious suspense and passionate feelings.

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