Not Just a Cowboy - Caro Carson (HSE #2356 - Sept 2014)

Series: Texas Rescue (Book 1)

A HURRICANE BROUGHT THEM TOGETHER

Heiress Patricia Cargill was out to prove she was more than just a big bank account. Running Texas Rescue and Relief gives her the greatest satisfaction she could imagine. Until she meets volunteer Luke Waterson. He's a little younger, a little brasher and a lot more dangerous than anyone she's dated. He could be everything she needs.

A STORM OF EMOTIONS COULD TEAR THEM APART

An unexpected change of fortune, however, has Patricia discovering Luke is more than just a nomadic cowboy. Falling for a millionaire rancher was not in her plans, especially one who keeps secrets. But committing to a man who sees her as a desirable woman, not dollar signs, could be worth making an exception to her rule….

Very good book with excellent romance, interesting setting, and two characters who do some growing. Patricia has spent most of her adult life trying to keep her father from spending them into the poorhouse. Unfortunately, her hands are also tied when it comes to accessing her own funds, until she bends to her father's demands and finds a "suitable" husband. The one she had in mind fell in love with someone else, so she is back to square one.

Patricia is looking for a man she can easily deal with, who won't bring drama into her life. She wants nothing to do with love or passion, seeing only the trouble caused by her father's multiple wives and countless mistresses. Before she can start looking for another candidate, Texas Rescue is called up to help deal with the aftermath of a hurricane. Working with them gives her a chance to use her organizational skills and satisfy her need to do something good.

Luke is a rancher who likes what he does, but often feels trapped by his responsibilities. He became a volunteer firefighter to bring some adventure into his life. Helping out with the hurricane relief gives him that chance to do something different for a little while.

Their first encounter is when Luke busts into her headquarters tent, dragging a coworker who collapsed in the heat. I liked the way that she and Luke connected, even though she tried really hard to suppress her reaction. It was fun to see the way Luke was trying to hard to get a reaction from her. Luke starts out looking at Patricia as something of a challenge, but quickly comes to see her as much more.

I loved the way that he saw how she takes care of everyone else, but that no one appears to be looking out for her. It was sweet to see him try to take care of her. Patricia didn't quite know what to do about Luke. She likes his attentions, but she knows there's no future in it. As the week went on, I loved seeing Luke wear her down a little bit, to where she wasn't panicking to be seen in his company. I loved watching them grow closer. Luke really wants to continue seeing her, and see where their relationship might lead. While he had suspected that Patricia came from money, he didn't know who she really was until they'd been together for several days. Though he was a little bit of a jerk to her when he did, that didn't last long. What I really liked was the way that she opened up to him about what her life had been like and what she is still dealing with. 

I liked seeing the way that, thanks to his influence, she changed from holding herself apart from everyone to growing more relaxed. She was still intense with her work, but when she was off she was able to have a little fun with him. I also liked how she started to care about what happened with him, worrying when his engine company was called out. The closer she got to him, the harder it was for her to face what she needed to do. I wanted to shake her when she walked away from Luke, even after he told her how he felt. I loved the way he tried to show her what it was costing her.

I loved the ending and seeing a whole different Patricia. Her solution was absolutely perfect and her big moment with Luke was terrific. I'd love to catch up with them in later books and see how they are doing.

I also enjoyed the background of the disaster relief. It was really interesting to see some of the things that go on behind the scenes, from arranging drug supplies and coordinating schedules to finding equipment that the medical personnel need. I really loved seeing the way that Patricia dealt with some of the personalities. It really makes me appreciate what the real life people do.

Sam's Creed - Sarah McCarty (HQN - Jan 2011)

Series: Hell's Eight (Book 2)

Every Texan woman knows the men of Hell's Eight offer wild, no-strings-attached pleasure. Well, almost every woman...

Known for making up his own rules of right and wrong, Texas Ranger Sam "Wildcard" MacGregor takes what he wants when he wants it, especially when it comes to women. But seduction is the last thing on his mind the moment he stumbles across an Hispanic beauty crouching in fear beside a burned-out wagon. And it doesn't take long before he realizes the woman the townsfolk call "cursed" is hiding secrets too dangerous to face alone.

Isabella may look feminine and unassuming, but she's hell in a bodice with gunslinging skills to match any man's. But though she knows not to give Sam her heart as readily as she offers him her lush body, Isabella is certain she sees in Sam what he can barely glimpse in himself--a virtuous man dropped deep into a hard country bent on breaking him. A man who, under it all, craves a passionate woman willing to risk everything...

Very good book. Texas Ranger Sam is searching for a kidnapped woman when he comes across Isabella, the only survivor in the attack on some wagons. Discovering that she's been on the run for six months, he's determined to return her safely to her home. Finding out why she's running has him equally intent on ending the threat to her.

Bella ran from home when her parents were forced to promise her to local bad guy Tajela. Her father was killed while trying to protect her. Tajela is a particularly nasty sort who wants her land first and her body second. Bella's not interested as she wants a man she can love and respect.

I liked Sam a lot. He's the strong silent type with a very definite code of honor. I also found that he had a pretty good sense of humor. Isabella isn't exactly the meek and obedient kind of woman, and from the beginning he finds himself constantly challenged by her. He's protective, even though she tells him she doesn't want his help. Getting her back home won't be easy, as he's right in the middle of the area that Tajela controls.

I loved Sam and Bella together. She is quite a spitfire, who has no trouble telling him what she does and does not want. Sam listens, then goes on and does just as he intended in the first place. He thinks of her as a spitting kitten and finds her pretty amusing. He's also very attracted to her, and though he has quite the reputation with women, he sees her as an innocent and his honor won't let him do anything about it. Bella is just as attracted to him, and convinced that Tajela will eventually catch up with her, would rather give herself to Sam. She is determined to have her way with him. The heat between them builds, and when they finally give in, it is scorching. Sam fought it hard, but once he gave in I loved seeing how Sam brought out the passionate woman in her. 

I loved seeing their relationship develop. Sam is a man whose past has him believing that he isn't someone who deserves love. But there is something about Bella that he just can't resist, and it's more than just her body. As things go on, he sees past the brave and feisty front to her fear of what could happen and is determined to protect her. On her side, I loved the way that Bella saw past Sam's notorious reputation to the lonely man that he didn't let anyone suspect. She had a terrific way of getting past his control and right to the heart of him. I loved the fact that she wasn't going to just let him ride off into the sunset at the end. 

The action side of the book, with Sam working to get Bella back to safety, was really good. Sam and Bella were under constant threat, and several of the attacks were especially violent. I thought that Bella held up very well, though she certainly gave Sam a few bad moments during some of them. By the time the final confrontation with Tejala came I was ready to see the end of him. It was very intense, with the potential for ending badly. It wasn't easy to see how it all worked out, but it did.

I loved the time spent with Sam's Hell's Eight brother, Tucker. His support for Sam and Bella was crucial. I also enjoyed seeing his interaction with the Quaker woman. I have a feeling that she has an important role in his life. I also liked his way of making Sam see just how important Bella is to him. There were also a couple great scenes with the men who work for Bella's ranch. One is where they make Sam see that she is more than just their boss. The next is a fun one where it's a kid that calls Sam out on his relationship with Bella and just where it should be headed.