When you dive into this story, be prepared for twists to flip what you expect around.
Jolene lives up to her mother's example and reputation by being a very strong and determined woman. She knows she's ready to find a husband and build a family on a foundation of love (just as she's seen in her parents' lives) and she sets out to accomplish that. Despite the lengths she needs to go to and no matter how determined she is, she still is young and has a vulnerability to her that shines through. I loved getting to meet Molly and see Jolene's friendship with her grow.
Mike is unique in how widely his personality varied from confidence with dealing with threats and outlaws to his mix of insecurity in handling Jolene and his yearning for her. He's at a loss to know how to balance the quickly growing feelings he has for his girl, win her love, and yet respect the close friendship he has with her father. He's also young and despite being a US Marshall, still has a soft innocence to him that grew from a heart-breaking past.
This story was heavier on their relationship with hints of outside drama till closer to the end when the excitement built up a little more and carried the story through to a sweet finish. I really liked watching Mike and Jolene dance around each other and then celebrated with them when they finally worked through their uncertainties to earn their hea. Some parts of their story made me pause and wonder - but knowing that they fit each other well and would make it through their doubts and struggles kept me going.
I'm looking forward to the last of the trilogy to see how all the loose ends are tied up and the next couple gets their hea. The hints for Molly and Josh have me intrigued and wanting more!
