Vanessa Nava returns to her Texas hometown as a newly divorced single mom, determined to give her imaginative four-year-old daughter a magical summer. But the serene lakeside cabin she rented? Double-booked. The current occupant is the hottest, grumpiest handyman she’s ever met—claiming it’s under construction and strictly off-limits.

Paul McPherson, a Houston native recovering from a gunshot wound, has retreated to Lost Lake to hide and heal in peace. He won’t share his safe haven with anyone—especially not the sheriff’s daughter and her bubbly little girl. Vanessa is stunning, stubborn, and way too tempting for a man with secrets.

Vanessa paid up front and refuses to leave. She sets up camp on his doorstep, transforming mishap into lake days filled with laughter, lemonade stands, and hot summer nights—sending Paul’s buried protective instincts into overdrive.

Texas heat ignites a scorching affair neither saw coming. But when danger closes in, and Paul’s cover is blown, Vanessa must decide: walk away from the summer fling… or fight for a love that could last forever?

Titles in the His to Protect series include: Cowboy’s Last Stand ~ Sheriff’s Honor ~ Last Man Standing ~

This story may contain language, violence, and/or sexual situations intended for an adult 18+ audience.

Title:  Last Man Standing
Series:  His to Protect #3
Author:  Jill Sorenson
Published:  June 22, 2026
Publisher:  Tule Publishing
My Rating:  4.5 stars

Last Man Standing is the third title in the His to Protect series, this time bringing Vanessa and Paul together in a very grumpy/sunshine romance where he has good reasons for the grump, and she has a need to project the sunny side to ensure her daughter has a wonderful summer.  What neither expected was to find that sometimes an unexpected annoyance can turn into the best gift of a lifetime… that person who is just right in all the important ways.

I enjoyed Vanessa and Paul’s story very much.  Of course, little Emily stole every scene she was in.  Paul has a very good reason for not wanting Vanessa and Emily anywhere near the cabin.  He’s a police officer in hiding while recuperating from his injuries on a case where, well, let’s just say he made some powerful enemies.  Vanessa has her own reasons for wanting a summer to just spend time with her daughter after divorcing her cheating, lying ex-husband.  Each is looking for peace in their own way.  And each is reluctant to admit that those barbs flying between them mean anything more than annoyance, certainly not attraction.  Add some suspense and danger to the mix, and you’ll find a satisfying romance with a believable couple facing danger on several fronts.

I found Last Man Standing to be well-written, emotional, and passionate, filled with laughter and tears, new beginnings and old dangers.  I’ve enjoyed the His to Protect series, and this one only added to that overall feeling of a very satisfying romance.  If that sounds like your kind of love story with a bit of danger, then you’d enjoy Vanessa and Paul’s romance.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the author or the author’s team via Booksprout, and I sincerely thank them for their trust. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This title is available at Amazon