A COLORADO CLAIM – Joanne Rock
Return to Catamount, Book 3
Harlequin Desire #2889
ISBN: 978-1-335-58128-0
August 2022

Contemporary Series Romance 

Catamount, Colorado – Present Day 

The only reason Lark Barclay is back in Catamount is that the trial for the control of her late grandmother’s estate is about to start. She would rather be anywhere else than here as her ex-husband, former hockey player turned rancher Gibson Vaughn owns property adjacent to the Barclay land. Arriving in Catamount, Lark learns that her sister Jessamyn is pregnant and planning to wed the baby’s father in a few weeks. She wants Lark there and to be one of the bridesmaids alongside their other sister, Fleur, who is also happily involved with a local rancher. Seeing everyone so happy in love is painful for Lark because of what happened to her own marriage to Gibson. Unfortunately, it is impossible for her to avoid her ex. 

Gibson regrets that his marriage to Lark failed. He truly loved her, but he spread himself thin accommodating people—except for his wife. As their marriage fell apart, he was dealing with his mother’s declining mental health due to the onset of dementia. Gibson has finally retired from hockey, though his agent keeps calling him about offers from teams. His mother, along with her caregiver, will be moving in soon. Meanwhile, Lark is back in town, and he can’t stop himself from seeing her again. He will be testifying in the trial and hopes to talk to her. Can Lark and Gibson work things out for a second chance at love? 

The Return to Catamount series has focused on the three sisters’ plans for the ranch they inherited from their grandmother. Unfortunately, their father, the woman’s only child, is challenging the will. He doesn’t care what happens to the ranch, but what the sale of it would bring him. Fleur found her love in ROCKY MOUNTAIN RIVALS and Jessamyn connected with her now fiancé in ONE COLORADO NIGHT, both books that are out now. Lark has been in the background, the one sister who has resisted coming to Colorado. But now she’s back and she must face the past, which also includes her failed marriage to Gibson. The conclusion of the trial is easily taken care of during A COLORADO CLAIM, allowing Lark and Gibson’s tale to be the focus. 

While the reason for their breakup is mentioned, readers wonder if anything has changed. Lark hates the notoriety of being married to a famous person and the press are having a field day with her being back in Gibson’s life. He suggests to her that they pretend to not only appear friendly but as if they’re working on a reconciliation. Nothing for the press to see if there isn’t any hostility. Will Lark agree? Can she resist the attraction she still feels for Gibson? 

If you love a reunited lovers romance, then A COLORADO CLAIM is the perfect read for you. There’s plenty of emotion and sensuality to keep you glued to the pages. 

Patti Fischer