Helpful Score: 4
A solid western romance set in the old Southwest. A neophyte lady doctor is kidnapped by an desperate, injured outlaw. Their inevitable attraction is sweet and believable thanks to Linda Howard's fine touch. There are several authentic touches that add a lot to the interesting storyline. Good read!
Helpful Score: 3
Good, Old Fashioned Western
This book reads like a good, old fashioned western movie. Rafe has been on the run for years accused of a murder he didn't commit. Lawmen and bounty hunters have been on his trail but can never catch him. He makes his way into town one night when he's hit in the side by a lucky shot from a bounty hunter. Annie has just returned very late to her office after delivering a baby. She is surprised by Rafe in the darkness but she cannot refuse to treat his wound. He forces her to go with him until he's recovered but during their time together, he discovers he can't let her go. He needs to find out why whenever she touches him he feels fire from her hands. Is it just his lust or does she have the same effect on others? They learn to trust one another over the weeks they are on the run and Annie discovers just how far she will go to protect Rafe. They come across a small village of Indians sick with black measles and Annie does what she can to help. Because they stayed a little too long, a US Marshall catches up with them and is determined to bring Rafe in to justice. During the trek back, the story of how Rafe was accused of the murder comes out and the Marshall believes it. They confront the real perpetrators and with a little blackmail and influential political help, Rafe is cleared. Annie turns up pregnant and with Rafe's streak of chivalry, they get married immediately. The Marshall becomes their best friend and foreman of the ranch that Rafe buys with the money he received from being unjustly accused of murder.
This book reads like a good, old fashioned western movie. Rafe has been on the run for years accused of a murder he didn't commit. Lawmen and bounty hunters have been on his trail but can never catch him. He makes his way into town one night when he's hit in the side by a lucky shot from a bounty hunter. Annie has just returned very late to her office after delivering a baby. She is surprised by Rafe in the darkness but she cannot refuse to treat his wound. He forces her to go with him until he's recovered but during their time together, he discovers he can't let her go. He needs to find out why whenever she touches him he feels fire from her hands. Is it just his lust or does she have the same effect on others? They learn to trust one another over the weeks they are on the run and Annie discovers just how far she will go to protect Rafe. They come across a small village of Indians sick with black measles and Annie does what she can to help. Because they stayed a little too long, a US Marshall catches up with them and is determined to bring Rafe in to justice. During the trek back, the story of how Rafe was accused of the murder comes out and the Marshall believes it. They confront the real perpetrators and with a little blackmail and influential political help, Rafe is cleared. Annie turns up pregnant and with Rafe's streak of chivalry, they get married immediately. The Marshall becomes their best friend and foreman of the ranch that Rafe buys with the money he received from being unjustly accused of murder.
About a young female doctor in the old west who comes across an injured fugitive who's been running from the law for a long time. It turns out he's actually a war hero and is being framed and pursued for other reasons. He kidnaps the young doctor to ensure his injuries heal. This is one of Linda Howard's best in terms of romance. It's an old western atmosphere. You just fall in love with this couple and want to find justice for him. Sweet sweet story.
