A Texan’s Luck

I looked at my database of reading for 2004, and realized that I’ve only read two Western romances this year. Fans of the Western romance subgenre know you can usually count on Jodi Thomas for an entertaining read. This book features nice leads, but is marred by sequelitis and a ridiculous action subplot. A Texan’s…

The Captive

There’s just no nice way to say it: This book is terrible. The author means well, and the characters aren’t truly nasty as much as they are silly. I admit that when I opened it I hoped for a guilty pleasure. The teaser line (in bold print) reads: “You’re a disgraceful bounder, Creed Sixkiller.” Frankly,…

Wishes on Water

Many of the romances I read – historical and otherwise – tend to be driven by character rather than plot. I love being able to get inside the heads of great characters and experience their lives along with them, but sometimes the detailed action and emphasis on external forces found in plot-driven stories perfectly fit…

Untamed by Merline Lovelace

Untamed is the second book in Merline Lovelace’s series about the history of Oklahoma. It takes place in the early 1800s, back when the territory was still known as Indian Country. It certainly has a distinct sense of place. It’s also a flat, uninvolving and often annoying read. Lady Barbara Chamberlain comes to Indian Country…

Heart of Texas

Heart of Texas is a bland, unmemorable novel that has nothing particular to recommend it. I might as well be repeating the words of colleagues who have reviewed others of O’Banyon’s books, but loathe as I am to do so, the unsurprising plot and wooden dialogue, as well as the half-hearted hero and heroine left…

A Wanted Man by Susan Kay Law

A Wanted Man, Susan Kay Law’s latest, has all the elements of an enjoyable western: a fine-looking cowboy, a sympathetic heroine, plus trains, horses, and an evil villain. All of these elements come together for an entertaining and romantic read. Laura Hamilton, a talented artist, is out on her own for the first time in…

West of Heaven

Having heard the favorable buzz surrounding Victoria Bylin’s debut novel Of Men and Angels last year (this despite my colleague’s negative review), I eagerly snatched up her latest book. West of Heaven starts off as a touching story about two flawed and rather unglamorous people finding love and hope, but despite its many exciting and…

The Independent Bride

The Western sub-genre is one that’s come a long way. Modern-day fans now expect more complex, compelling plots and stronger characters than ever before. An Independent Bride had many of these qualities that made it an interesting, if not riveting, read. This is a well-written tale that displays the author’s unquestionable writing talent. Unfortunately, the…

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