Stacey's Reviews > Ryder

Ryder is the first book in the 7 Brides for 7 Soldiers series (all written by different authors). Ryder Westbrook has returned to his hometown after retiring from the Navy. His goal is to expand the airport and try to find a way to connect with his family, who generally show no emotion. In order to expand the airport, he needs land owned by the Tuckers. The problem is that the Westbrook and Tucker families have had an ongoing feud for over sixty years. Still he recruits Bailey Tucker to help his cause.

Bailey is a chef who has returned to her home to lick her wounds over a mishap in New York. The Westbrooks have something she wants as well, so she agrees to work with Ryan. The pair hope that by working together, they may be able to end the feud once and for all.

I liked Ryder and Bailey. Both are dealing with things that have happened to them that they need to work through together. Despite the hatred their grandparents have for one another, they have no problems working together. I liked how well they communicated with one another, which prevented unnecessary drama. That's not saying that everything was easy for them--they did have their moments of issues--but they were able to talk things out.

I would have liked to have seen if Ryder made any headway with his own father. One of the main reasons he returned home was because he wanted to try to have some semblance of a relationship with his parents. While he does finally confront his mother and have a heart-to-heart with her, he never does so with his father. Considering it was one of the reasons he returned, I would have liked to have seen some movement on that front.

Ryder is a great start to the series. Fans of Barbara Freethy's are not going to want to miss this one.

**I voluntarily read an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review**