Staking His Claim [Mass Market Paperback]

 

 

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I don't know when I've enjoyed a book more. Karen Templeton's story of two star-crossed lovers has a humorous and unique twist that I found a delight to read. Cal Logan is a sexy cowboy who seared Dawn Gardner's heart some years ago. And Dawn is a sassy, strong, knows-what-she-wants kind of heroine. I'd love to have her for a best friend, and Cal is my kind of fantasy! This book made me laugh, kept me guessing, and kept me turning the pages. Darn it, it kept me from working on my own deadline! :-) I've added Karen Templeton to my "automatic buy" list and would highly recommend this book to anyone.

Dawn Gardner and Cal Logan were childhood friends and confidantes until their graduation from high school, which took Dawn to New York City for "greener pastures". Dawn comes home to visit periodically, and her most recent visit puts her in Cal's arms...and bed. When Dawn returns to New York City, it isn't long before she realizes that Cal gave her more of himself than one night's worth of incredible passion. She returns to Haven to inform Cal of his impending fatherhood, letting him know in no uncertain terms she plans to remain single, stay in New York City, but hopes he'll be a part of their baby's life. Never having known her own father, Dawn wants Cal to take an active role in the child's upbringing -- just on her own terms, and from a distance.

Cal Logan is flabbergasted when Dawn Gardner breezes back into town and tells him he's going to be a father. He's furious when she insists that New York City is where she belongs, but still expects Cal to be an involved father. Cal's been in love with Dawn ever since he can remember, and is convinced the two of them belong together. Can he accept Dawn's decision, or will he fight to keep her in Haven, where he believes she truly belongs?

Dawn Gardner is the epitome of a stubborn, lonely, confused woman with serious issues from her past. Cal Logan is just the man to shower her with counter attacks of kindness, conversation, and subtle persuasion -- he knows Dawn's attracted to him sexually, but can he make her fall in love with him? Cal decides to find out, and uses whatever means are necessary. When Dawn unexpectedly loses her job in NYC, and comes back to Haven, Cal is faced with several perfect opportunities for staking his claim on Dawn and their unborn child. He uses every weapon in his arsenol, including sensual persuasion...to put it mildly.

Karen Templeton writes real people, not characters. I could easily imagine myself standing in the shadows of Haven, listening, watching, and wanting to join in with everyone and everything. Sometimes I wanted to smack Dawn and tell her, "Can't you see he's madly in love with you??", but as the story unfolded, I understood her reluctance to commit to any relationship, not just one with Cal. Cal is a wonderful combination of an Alpha/Beta hero. Tough and frustrated one minute; compassionate, loving, and understanding the next (but FAR from wimpy!), he's the "total package hero", in my opinion.

STAKING HIS CLAIM is the third installment in Karen's THE MEN OF MAYES COUNTY series following Cal's older brothers' stories. Ryan (SAVING DR. RYAN), and Hank (FATHERS AND OTHER STRANGERS) return, with their respective families, adding to the humor and emotion of the story. How Karen keeps track of everyone without any obvious hitches, or mix-ups, is a mystery to me! A few plot surprises, twists, and turns will also keep readers turning pages.

Luckily for Karen Templeton's faithful fans, she has more books planned for the men and women of Mayes County. I, personally, can't wait to read more about the residents, their antics, and whatever romantic situations pop up!

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