When Meredith makes the decision to leave her husband she leaves quick. No plans, no job experience. With her purse and the clothes she has on she lands in Texas hoping to connect with her sister (Helena)for a place to stay and a job. In comes Jack and Blue Stone Ranch. Jacks prepared to do Helen a favor but isn’t happy about it. He figures the “princess” won’t last long anyways and the “battle” begins.

Enemies to lovers is usually my favorite but it took my a good minute to get on board with the potential of Meredith & Jack. I’m a fan of the grump hero but right off the bat Jack is judgy and doesn’t show any kindness. No, he doesn’t have to give her a job. She isn’t entitled to anything but he can and the way he talks to her, someone he doesn’t know, rubbed me the wrong way in this scenario. Of course, I was waiting for his behavior to come crashing on his head eventually warmed up to the idea.

At no point did I feel like Meredith acted like a “princess” She went seeking supporting knowing she had little experience but that she would work hard to get on her own two feet. She just needed someone to let her. She wasn’t expecting anyone else to care for her or for it to be easy. I was so mad because Jack and Helen were pretty awful to her not knowing her story and making assumptions. I totally understand it’s human nature to make assumptions but their opinions and encouragement to return to her previous life were harmful and pissed me off.

“I’m helpin’ you because I know he can’t yet, but when you get to be my age, you learn that a wounded bird eventually needs a peaceful nest.”

Edith, Jacks grandma, is hands down my favorite character in this book! She’s no-nonsense, tell is like it is, empathetic and kind. She called Jack in his bullshit and was a schemer