In 1889 Indian Territory, military Commander Rafe Hunter and his troops try to keep law and order just before the first Land Run is to begin. He knows that he must warily watch the nearby Cheyenne-Arapaho reservation to insure troublemakers do not disrupt the land distribution race that will start very shortly. He also keeps an eye out for "Sooners", cheaters trying to grab land too soon by sneaking out before the contest starts.
Rafe arrests Karissa Baxter for jumping the gun on the Land Run. He fears for her safety so he keeps her in his room, but wonders who will keep her protected from him as he desires her like no one before. Unable to resist Rafe decides to help Karissa obtain the land she wants, but as they fall in love, a rogue covets that claim (and others) and his fiance arrives from the east to claim him.

OKLAHOMA BRIDE is an action packed western romance that never slows down from the moment the protagonists meet. The story line is fast-paced, filled with adventure, but also provides a deep look at an intriguing moment in American history. Though the antagonists are too obvious to compete against the heroes, fans will enjoy joining the Sooners, soldiers, and others, but especially the lead couple during the first Land Run.

Harriet Klausner

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To me, this book is similar in subject to Carol Finch's STORMFIRE, which I read earlier this year. It is about a feisty woman who is trying to get a new start by winning good land in the Oklahoma Land Rush.

Major Rafe Hunter has the unenviable job of trying to catch the Sooners' (people trying to get the best lands available by claiming them before the Oklahoma Land Rush begins). A stickler for rules, he and his soldiers patrol the lands that will soon be available for the rush.

Karissa Baxter has had a hardscrabble existence. She is trying to get a free 160 acre plot of land for her brother and sister-in-law (Clint and Amanda who is pregnant). Karissa matches wits with the Major, trying to out-maneuver him.

However there are land-grabbing villains afoot with more power than Karissa. She may win the battle, but will she win the war? Very average.

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