Ah, the feud lives on -- Greyhawks versus Flynns. Life is good. Well, at least for the readers of this ongoing series by Joan Johnston. The first Bitter Creek novel of the King's Brats series was SINFUL, and it was absolutely sinfully delicious. I couldn't wait for the next installment, and I am happy to report it was worth the wait. SHAMELESS picks up the story that deals with the years-old feud between two mighty neighboring families: the Greyhawks and the Flynns.

I often think about whether or not to mention previous books in a series, but in the case of the Kings Brats I truly feel it would be a shame to miss any. Start with SINFUL, and then immediately proceed to SHAMELESS. Each story can absolutely stand on its own (in case you were wondering), but it would be like accepting a single scoop instead of a double.

SHAMELESS deals with the mistakes of youth, and in these families there were plenty of lessons to be learned. Joan Johnston quickly reminds us of past indiscretions, but as the story unfolds she makes sure we learn the repercussion of each and every misstep.

Matt Greyhawk returns home to Wyoming after a twenty year absence. He doesn't go home empty handed. Matt leaves his Australian ranch with his daughter Pippa and son Nathan in tow to the last place he ever thought he'd see again. Matt left home a young man determined to take on the greatest responsibility of his life -- raising his infant daughter. Now he has to make a personal sacrifice -- this time to keep his unwed and pregnant Pippa safe from harsh unfair criticism. Pippa is a victim of youth and bad judgement.

Coming home was not without problems for Matt and his children. His relationship with his father isn't gaining ground with his return, and there is also the matter of Kings' other children being less than welcoming. Pippa can't find her place in this new country and home. She is aware that they are unwelcome and she winds up in a place that feels safe -- a temporary respite. But the man who welcomes Pippa is one of the Flynn brothers. Devon Flynn shares many interests with Pippa. Both are animal lovers and caretakers. Pippa wonders if Devon sees her as one of his creatures that need saving.

Staying with Devon offers solace for Pippa but strains their tentative friendship. Pippa is guarded about her past, and without being honest with Devon, she fears losing her one friend in Wyoming. And yet her reluctance to be totally honest will surely cause the end of this friendship.

SHAMELESS is an interesting title since there doesn't seem to be anyone who fits that description. Joan Johnston doesn't dwell on being ashamed but focuses on possibilities. So SHAMELESS winds up being a lesson in honesty for without it no relationship stands a chance. In SHAMELESS, Joan Johnston reintroduces characters remembered fondly and continues her tale starring the members of two strong, stubborn families.

Book Summary

For readers of Linda Lael Miller and Susan Mallery comes New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston’s sizzling contemporary Western romance, where power, money, and rivalries rule—and love is the best revenge.

HER SHAMEFUL PAST MAKES HER AN OUTCAST— UNTIL A LONE WOLF TAKES HER INTO HIS HOME.

Scorned, pregnant, and facing a life without promise, Pippa Grayhawk is stunned when her father announces that they’re leaving their home in Australia to take over his estranged father’s sprawling Wyoming ranch. Drawn into bitter family rivalries and feeling like an interloper in her new home, Pippa rides out into the wilderness and meets an intriguing stranger and his pet wolf. The wolf doesn’t scare her, but she’s very much afraid to trust another man with her heart.

Devon Flynn knows all about going it alone. He lives in an isolated cabin, away from his domineering father and the scandal surrounding his family. Devon’s attraction to Pippa is intoxicating and undeniable, but when he tries to get close, she’s as wary as his once-wild wolf. Devon is willing to defy his father, and hers, to claim Pippa as his own, but winning this wounded, wonderful woman’s love might be the greatest battle of all.

Read an Excerpt