The Reluctant Suitor (The Studs of Clear Creek County) by Stacy-Deanne – Review by Tara Johnson Barnes

The Reluctant Suitor: BWWM Historical Western by Stacy-Deanne

The Reluctant Suitor is Book Five in The Studs of Clear Creek County series. It is a historical western romance that centers around the characters of Billie Jean and Fisher. Billie Jean is a strong willed, intelligent, college educated black woman who believes in standing up for the rights of her people. While visiting her family in Clear Creek County she meets Fisher who saves her from being thrown from her runaway horse. Fisher is instantly attracted to Billie Jean but any attraction that she may have for him is quickly suppressed because they are living in a time where interracial relationships are still considered taboo and are frowned upon.

When Billie Jean learns that the blacks are working under horrible conditions at the Locke Farm, she decides to do something about it. She prepares for a fight to make changes and finds herself faced with Locke’s Property Supervisor. Fisher has worked hard to become supervisor and is proud of his achievements. He is happy to have finally gained the admiration of his high society parents and is reluctant to do anything to ruin everything he has achieved. However, Fisher is unable to deny the attraction he has towards Billie Jean and how he feels about her. He wants a future with her but with Billie Jean pitted in a battle against the Locke’s any chance at a relationship with her might be impossible. Tensions rise, attraction grows, chemistry develops, and Billie Jean finds herself reluctantly falling for Fisher. Can Fisher and Billie Jean ever have a chance at a future together?

This book was wonderfully written and discussed the topics of interracial relationships, inequality, age gaps, and forbidden romance, in a sensitive manner. The characters are well developed and engaging. Billie Jean is a strong, independent, smart, feisty, and determined woman. She was determined to make a difference in the world as she fought against injustice and inequality. Fisher is smart, strong, determined, and hardworking. He has worked hard to gain the support of his parents and is proud of everything he has achieved. Billie Jean and Fisher are attracted to one another but face a lot of obstacles that seem determined to keep them apart. This book has action, suspense, chemistry, passion, forbidden romance, angst, drama, enemies to lovers, forbidden romance, and unexpected love.

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