In a western town of Texas called Bitter Creek there is a long-standing feud between the Grayhawks and the Blackthornes.  Problems escalate when North Grayhawk buys controlling interest in the Blackthornes Bitter Creek Cattle Company.

Jocelyn Montrosem fiancée of Clay Blackthorne, is eavesdropping outside the office door when Clay announces that North Grayhawk is the raider of the stocks.  Jocelyn decides to take action. However, she can't let anyone know, especially Clay, for he would never allow it or understand what she is about to do.

Arriving at North's ranch a few hours later, Jocelyn cuts a deal that she may regret. Jocelyn is well aware that North would like to become intimate, she's going to offer him what he's always wanted.  In exchange for sexual fun, he is to give up his controlling shares of the Bitter Creek Cattle Company.  Jocelyn will remain at the ranch with North until September 1st. 

Meanwhile, North's niece, Kate Grayhawk, a college student is trying to come with a matchmaking plan for her parents--Clay Blackthorne and Libby Grayhawk. Kate is their illegitimate daughter and thinks it's time her parents got married after all these years. 

With a plan of action forming, Kate decides to date a bad boy of some kind. There is Bomber Brown's son, Donnie. Her father is the judge on the criminal case against Bomber Brown, so that might get a reaction.  Then, Kate meets Jack McKinley.  Jack is perfect in every way.  He's a well-known football hero who is currently under investigation by the IRS, a mysterious darkness surrounds him. He is an excellent bad boy.  He'll be perfect for getting her parents in the same place at the same time. Do her parents still love each other? Can the families put the past behind them and move on?

Kate consults with Jack about her plan. Jack feels a little uneasy about the plan but has a job to do and since she's it, maybe it'll all work out. Can Kate convince her mother, Libby, to leave her ranch in Jackson Hole, Wyoming? How will she get her parents together? Will they get married after twenty years?

THE NEXT MRS. BLACKTHORNE is a great love story full of family trials and tribulations, suspense and interesting endings to each character's dilemma. I love it and look forward to reading Joan Johnston's newest novel, TEXAS BRIDES which is out now. Check her backlist for: The Rivals, The Price and historical novels, No Longer a Stranger and Colter's Wife.