Sophie is a city girl visiting Montana to try and finalize plans for a golf course she designed to be built on a reservation. Out of her element she is not used to nature or animals. Exploring one day in the woods she is yanked up onto a horse by Jake Lodge so she won't get trampled. He and his brothers Quinn & Colton and sister Dawn are out riding for pictures Dawn is shooting for a project. Already opposed to the gold course idea but still friendly, they introduce Sophie to tribe members and their extended family. Jake is attracted to Sophie and hasn't dated since his wife died and he has a daughter. The whole town seems to butt into everyone's business and the main business is matching Jake & Sophie together. Jake is all for it and badgers Sophie into dating him. She's reluctant because he is the tribe's lawyer and sees some conflicts. Tempers and passion soar as they ease into a relationship along with a vote from tribal council on whether the golf course goes in or not. Great chemistry, close family ties, & humor make this book a treat Looking forward to the next in the series ( )

4.5....really enjoyed this one. ( )

Against the Wall
4 Stars

While scouting the area for her golf course design, landscape architect Sophie Smith is saved from a stampeding horse by its exceedingly sexy rider, who literally sweeps her off her feet. Unfortunately, said rider is none other than Jake Lodge, the lawyer for the Kooksia tribe opposing the construction of Sophie's project. On opposite sides of the issue, will Sophie and Jake put aside their differences and give in to the temptation of their intense attraction?

Given the basic premise of Sophie and Jake's relationship, there is surprisingly little angst in their romance. Zanetti thankfully avoids the pitfalls of the silly misunderstanding trope as both Sophie and Jake communicate directly with one another rather than allowing anger to fester and grow.

Jake is typical of Zanetti's dominant and overbearing alpha heroes while Sophie is spirited and independent. Nevertheless, they complement one another, especially considering Jake's nurturing personality and Sophie's desire for family and a place to belong.

With regard to the setting, there is a wonderful sense of community in the town of Maverick. It is unclear how realistic the portrayal of the Native American elements are, but Zanetti does a good job of creating a sense of history and tradition.

All in all, an engaging romance with appealing characters and I look forward to reading the rest of the series focusing on Jake's siblings. ( )

Against the Wall by Rebecca Zanetti

Montana Mavericks book 1. Contemporary romance with erotic elements.
Sophie is swept off feet, literally, by a cowboy on a horse as they race by. Sophie is entranced with the sexy cowboy but soon learns he’s a lawyer directly opposed to the project she working on. They shouldn’t become involved but the attraction is overpowering.

A sexy, hot relationship that moves fast and impetuously. He is demanding and she is intoxicated by pheromones.
It was steamy and entrancing. His preference for sex outside where the chances of their getting caught were seemingly high added to the tension and erotism. ( )

Just coming off of reading the author's latest book Forgotten Sins I went into this book with high expectations. Maybe that tainted my feelings reading this book but it just didnt have that powerful punch as Forgotten Sins did. Not to say that the story in Against the wall wasnt a good story. I love stories about Indian tribes and when the hero is a hot hunky Cowboy AND Tribal lawyer - WHEW - great combination.

These two had serious chemistry from their first meeting before they knew they were on opposite sides of getting a golf course approved for building on reservation land. Once they realized this there were sparks flying for multiple reasons. ( )