Smolder (Firefighters of Montana Book 1) by Tracy Solheim - Review

Synopsis:

Former Army Ranger, Sam Gaskill, is starting over in Glacier Creek, Montana - far away from the plains of Texas and the memories of his late wife. Taking charge as the new captain of a squad of smoke jumpers should provide him with enough adrenaline to chase away the ghosts from his past. Until a sexy, green-eyed temptress with a sassy mouth enters the picture…

Laurel Keenan, champion horsewoman, couldn’t wait to escape her hometown. But instead, an ailing mother and an unplanned pregnancy landed the impetuous dreamer right back on her father’s ranch. Laurel has managed to lead a quiet life with her young son—until she sets eyes on the tough guy with the sexy ass.

Sam already failed one woman; he won’t trust his heart with another. And Laurel is determined not to risk her heart—or her son’s—on another thrill-seeker. Can their slow burn lead to a love that lasts?

My Review: 

An exciting love story. 

Laurel Keenan, a single mom who put her dream of being an artist aside to study for a more stable career so she could raise her son without any financial worries.  She has enough to worry about with Tyson's father being a professional snowboarder training to participate at the Olympics.  She refuses to ever get involved with another man who had a dangerous profession. 

Sam Gaskill is a former soldier who lost his wife in a tragic accident.  He just wants to start his life over again in Montana where no one knows him.  He has accepted the position as the new captain of Glacier Creek’s forest service station.  He has also brought his late wife's horse Tabitha to board and train for the American Quarter Horse Championship at Whispering Breeze Ranch, Laurel's parent's ranch.

When Laurel and Sam first meet, they are instantly attracted to each other.  They soon have a quick fling, but then Laurel backs off as she is afraid of losing Sam because of his job.  Even though Laurel knows she should get Sam out of her head, she has a hard time doing so.  Sam wants more from Laurel, but she is refusing to give it to him.  What will it take for Sam to get Laurel to let go of her fears and give them a chance at love? 

This is one of those stories where you just don't want to put the book down because you just need to know what happens next.  It is filled with excitement, passion and great chemistry between the characters.