THE MATCHMAKER AND THE COWBOY

In this novel, a notorious flirt reconnects with his teenage crush—now all grown up.

When Callie Carmichael returns to her beloved hometown of Windsong, California, after volunteering in Africa, she finds her family’s house under construction and no one in sight. For Callie, this is more of the same: Since childhood, she’s felt like an outsider with her parents, who constantly fight and make up, and her older sister, who works full time with them in the family construction business. Callie finds out that her family is away assisting hurricane victims and she has nowhere to stay—until her best friend, Nova Owens, offers a solution. Nova’s brother, Hunter, was bitten by a black widow spider at the Owens ranch and needs supervision for a couple of weeks. His cottage has a couch with Callie’s name on it. Callie has crushed on Hunter since the two were adolescents, but as an adult, she has no idea that he feels the same. For his part, Hunter’s reputation as a commitment-phobic charmer reaches far and wide, but lately, watching his siblings marry and have children has the former playboy longing to settle down—possibly with his lovely new housemate. Can a custom-made wedding suit change everything? And what about Hunter and Callie’s rivalry to be Windsong’s very first ambassador, an official who will “keep our town’s unique and interesting attributes alive and well”? This second installment of Bielman’s Windsong series features appearances from the rest of the beloved Owens family, including everyone’s favorite mother Mary Rose, adorable 8-year-old pipsqueak Jenna, and gruff but loving Maverick, now preparing for his own nuptials to town doctor Kennedy. Hunter and Callie’s chemistry is off the charts, as evidenced by several sizzling encounters. Hunter is also extremely supportive when Callie, a wedding dress designer gaining career traction, sets up shop in Windsong. But aside from a minor scuffle near the end, the couple’s journey is relatively obstacle-free, which could work if not for the many conflicts set up—former crushes now living together; a player who can’t settle down; the couple competing for the same prestigious position in town—that end up going nowhere.

A charming small-town romance with minimal drama.