Lucky Chance Cowboy

Stanley tackles heavy emotions with a light touch in the heartfelt second Big Chance Dog Rescue romance (after Big Chance Cowboy). An injured soldier, Marcus Talbott visits his friend and fellow veteran Adam Collins’s fledgling dog rescue ranch in Big Chance, Tex. He only plans to stay long enough to recuperate before getting back to combat, but his budding connection with Adam’s sister, the recently widowed Emma Collins Stern, throws a wrench in this plan. Emma’s experience with her late husband, a drug-dependent veteran, keeps her from acting on her feelings for Marcus, who she knows takes Percocet. But when Marcus realizes he’s in danger of becoming dependent on his meds, he quits cold turkey and channels his energy into helping Emma raise money for the dog rescue. Working closely together, the two navigate their murky relationship with the help of the large, bighearted cast, including Emma’s scene-stealing Grandpa. The intimate scope and assured plotting of this sweet love story make for a welcome addition to the series. Agent: Nicole Rescinti. (Feb.)