TO TAME A TEXAN
UNDER THE BOARDWALK
TO TAME A TEXAN - by Lorraine Heath, Evelyn Crowe, Vivian Vaughan, Eileen Wilks (St. Martin's Press - 1999) (4+)
TO TAME A TEXAN is a compilation of four great stories about rugged cowboys and the feisty, courageous women who love them.
"Long Stretch of Lonesome" (Historical) by Lorraine Heath:
Chance Wilder is a notorious gunslinger who hides a tender
nature behind his dark reputation. When this hired killer, who has no soul (so it seems) or home to call his own, arrives in Lonesome, Texas to fulfill another "contract," he finds
something much more precious than the gold that lured him there. Namely, Miss Lillian Madison. This is a wonderful story about second chances and the power of love to redeem lost souls from
an author who never, ever disappoints.
"Best Laid Plans" (Contemporary) by Evelyn Crowe:
Hotshot city lawyer Kathleen Calhoun was totally out of her element when she chased Cole Jackson down from the back of a recalcitrant piece of horseflesh, but the information she had, which he was determined not to hear, was important. So important, in fact, that Katie was willing to "hog tie" Cole to get him to pay attention. Risking saddle sores and another heartbreaking rejection, she perseveres until this stubborn cowboy listens to reason. I loved the witty dialogue and mental pictures this story conjured up.
"Sweetheart of the Rodeo" (Historical) by Vivian Vaughan:
Catarina Rameriz and Monte Ballou had grown up together on the huge Texas ranch owned by the Ballou family. Practically inseparable, their childhood friendship seemed to be developing into something more as they grew toward adulthood; however, in the prevailing social order, cook's daughters don't grow up to marry owner's sons. It is only when Monte's very life is threatened, by his stubborn insistence on riding a "killer"
horse in a rodeo, that they come to realize that by flouting social convention they will learn the most important lesson of all. Believable dialogue and wonderful secondary characters
make this novella shine.
"A Tempting Offer" (Contemporary) by Eileen Wilks:
Tucker Evans had worked hard on the rodeo circuit—hard enough to earn the money to resurrect the family ranch. When he comes home with a fiancée in tow, Tucker doesn't pay much notice to the red-haired tomboy he'd grown up with. "Good Ol' Sammie" is, however, a force to be reckoned with, and she
manages to get his complete attention with a vivid red bustier and an audacious question. Some attention-getting plot twists, along with a very feisty heroine, make this one a fun read.
I like to sit down with an anthology once in a while. The stories develop quickly and are perfect for days when I don't have a lot of time read. What I don't often find is an anthology that is consistently good from beginning to end. In that regard, TO TAME A TEXAN is a bona fide winner! ~Connie Ramsdell for Bookbug on the Web
UNDER THE BOARDWALK - by Linda Howard, Geralyn Dawson, Jillian Hunter, Miranda Jarrett, Mariah Stewart (Pocket/Sonnet - 1999) (3+)
"Blue Moon" by Linda Howard:
During the second full moon of the month (known as a blue moon), the young and inexperienced sheriff, Jackson Brodie, has his hands full with strange happenings. After completing his investigation of a serious automobile accident, he must deal with a drunken town bully, a woman the town calls a witch, and a terrific electrical storm. "Blue Moon" is a short story full of action, suspense, and sensuality.
"Castaway" by Geralyn Dawson:
In 1883 Texas, to get away from the pressures of his business, Drew Coryell has come to the secluded family island to fish and relax. Just having finished a nude swim in the gulf, this handsome hunk is annoyed to see a boat heading his way. He becomes more annoyed when the passenger turns out to be the love of his life—the ex-wife who broke his heart ten years ago when she abandoned him before they celebrated their wedding
night. Ms. Dawson's humor is evident as the hero's plans to get even backfire, and the couple learns that some memories never die.
"Ruined" by Jillian Hunter:
Mix together an old legend, a strange unconventional lord, a villain, and a shipwreck, then throw in a dog named Frankenstein and you have the recipe for this story set in 1843 Cornwall. Lord DeWilde is determined to completely possess Sydney Windsor the moment he sees her step out of the wrecked yacht—and she doesn't put up much resistance. Jillian Hunter brews up a sensual romance with a gothic flavor.
"Buried Treasure" by Miranda Jarrett:
Get ready for another adventure with the Fairbourne family as Miranda Jarrett tells the story of Miriam, the half-sister
of Zachary (first introduced in WISHING and the hero of MOONLIGHT). This young woman of twenty has decided to settle
for a marriage to a scholarly older man in an attempt to forget her all-time love, pirate Jack Wilder. But Zach and the
infamous pirate combine their efforts, with humorous results, to make sure this wedding doesn't take place.
"Swept Away" by Mariah Stewart:
UNDER THE BOARDWALK ends on a high note with a great read from Mariah Stewart. You'll revisit with Jeremy Noble and Jody Beckett, whom you may remember from MOON DANCE. The spark that began then grows brighter as Jeremy cannot get the inn's cook out of his mind. The handsome investigator goes on vacation and follows Jody to a New Jersey beach hotel and the boardwalk. The author weaves a romantic tale as this beautiful woman helps Jeremy heal from a past tragedy...and they are both swept away by love. ~Carol Carter for Bookbug on the Web
UNDER THE BOARDWALK - by Linda Howard, Geralyn Dawson, Jillian Hunter, Miranda Jarrett, Mariah Stewart (Pocket/Sonnet - 1999) (4)
In Linda Howard's "Blue Moon," when the town bully winds up dead after threatening a reclusive woman, the sheriff gets more than he bargains for during the investigation. He feels an instant attraction for the woman, but she might just be the witch everyone in town believes her to be! Geralyn Dawson's "Castaway" tells the story of lovers who are reunited years after their marriage was annulled. I found the tongue-in-cheek double-entendres very humourous. Jillian Hunter's historical novella, "Ruined," is about a lady who is shipwrecked with friends and then deserted by same, leaving her alone in the hero's home. The addition of a warlord ghost who haunts the surrounding moors is a wonderful touch. Miranda Jarrett's contribution to the anthology, "Buried Treasure," centers around a pirate who returns home to discover the woman he loves is engaged to another man. He and the heroine's brother try to change her mind, making for a delightful tale. The last story by Mariah Stewart, "Swept Away," is about a private eye who wants to get better acquainted with the female chef to whom he is attracted. He travels to the city where she is vacationing—a city that holds good and bad memories for both. Do yourself a favor and pick up this entertaining collection by a great group of authors! ~Pat C. (TnPC8331@aol.com)
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