Confessions by Carol Lynne is the twenty-fifth book in the Cattle Valley series.

Luke can't get the memory of the young dead girl from his mind after the accident he seen while working as an EMT. Somehow, that picture is overlapping with his last memory of his mother's own death, which he's never gotten over. Luke goes to talk to his best friend Kenny, although what he needs is someone to lean on, but the last time he got involved with a man it ended badly, leaving him alone and miserable.

James 'Priest' has found himself in a very dangerous and compromised position, not knowing who to trust in his undercover job. He had a feeling that something wasn't quite right in his last assignment, but he didn't realize how bad it was until he'd already taken out his mark. On the run, Priest arrives in Cattle Valley to try to find out what his contact at work, Jackson, has gotten him into. Priest never wanted to get involved with anyone until he met Luke and the sparks flew between them, leading them to become intimately involved on a brief trip to Cattle Valley. He even purchased a secluded home in the area. Luke can't get his mind off Priest and to his dismay; Priest can't remain emotionally uninvolved either. When Priest feels his situation is compromised, he runs, taking Luke with him for his own safety. Will their love be strong enough to overcome what lies ahead?

This is one fast-paced, action-filled story that is a perfect continuation of the Cattle Valley series. I was riveted to the story as Priest's past was revealed. Priest's character is an interesting combination of a world weary, hard living man who keeps to his own code of ethics, while yearning for a love that he thought he'd never have. I imagine having your life always in danger with few people you can trust would warp anyone's personality, as it did to Priest. It's a wonder that he was able to trust Luke at all. Luke's ability to accept Priest as he was without being frightened about his dangerous lifestyle showed the strength of his personality. It was terrible to read how Priest was used by Jackson, without any qualms about the potential harm his actions could cause Priest. As this series continues, each book is unique in its story line while adding to the lives of the characters in previous books and maintaining the distinctive Cattle Valley flair.

Reviewed by: Teresa