Volatile is an excellent title for this book about Gordon, a former Marine who has lost his way after mustering out due to some horrific events and losing both of his best friends to the war in Iraq. Dealing with memory loss as well as loneliness and having no clue what to do with his life are only some of the issues he deals with. Meeting Mario, Dakota and Wally’s foreman, is not what Gordon expected but turns out to be exactly what he needs. This is yet another amazing story about finding a home and love, as well as a new purpose in life. A perfect fit for the rest of the series.

Gordon is a marine through and through. He is honorable, honest, and will take the side of those who cannot defend themselves without blinking. But he has also survived some terrible events, and, while he will not admit this, he needs help. Coming to Wyoming and ending up at Dakota and Wally’s ranch turns out to be exactly what he needs – but it takes him a while to realize this. He regrets falling for the ecoterrorists’ spiel once he sees how well Wally takes care of the big cats that were supposedly mistreated and ends up making amends by helping out. But once the Navy finds him, demanding an explanation, and the ecoterrorists don’t stop their attacks, events are set I motion that will make Gordon realize what his real problem is and how to solve it.

Mario is Dakota and Wally’s foreman, and he is livid when he finds out Gordon tried to set free the big cats that Wally is nursing back to health before he finds good homes for them in zoos. But Mario has a big heart, and as soon as he figures out how down and out Gordon is. A slow romance later, Mario finally deals with the ex-lover from a painful breakup and becomes Gordon’s biggest supporter. They begin to deal with the situation together, and that is where the power of their love becomes obvious to both of them.

Mario and Gordon are both men with principles. It takes them a while to open up to each other, but once they have dealt with their pasts, it’s obvious they belong together. Mario’s patience and support were amazing, and Gordon almost broke my heart beating himself up for something that was not his fault. I could see where he was coming from though, and that made this an excellent story as far as I am concerned.

If you like deeply touching stories about men who have to learn how to deal with their past before finding love and moving on, if you like some action and a touch of mystery with your romance, and if you’re looking for a read that is as heartbreaking as it is emotionally fulfilling, then you will probably like this novel as much as I did. It’s an amazing addition to this series and simply a winner!


NOTE: This book was provided by Dreamspinner Press for the purpose of a review on Rainbow Book Reviews. ( )