I suspended disbelief in odd details so I could enjoy this marvellous Western romance fully. The characters were interesting. The setting was well portrayed. The plot included more than the romance, so it kept my attention. The pace flagged at times to give the sweethearts time to process their feelings, but otherwise the pace was good as the story had a good measure of exciting situations. The writing was good. ( )

STORY LINE:

Texas: May, 1877

Molly Hart was dead. She died along with her parents in an attack on the family's ranch 10 years ago. The only thing wrong with that statement: Molly wasn't dead and she wasn't buried alongside her parents. She was alive and standing in front of Matthew Ryan on her run down family ranch.

Matthew had worked for Molly's father and had carried guilt that shadowed all aspects of his life because he did not protect her. He had been nine-year old Molly's friend and protector until that night. Now, in front of him, stood a beautiful young woman dressed as a boy claiming to be Molly.

What a beginning to an addictive novel. Kristy McCaffrey knows how to hook the reader. Who wouldn't be intrigued with this story line. Matthew became a hard man who sought vengeance on all, Indian or white, who thought to prey on the Innocent. His life took a 360 degree turn after Molly's death. Molly just tried to endure and stay alive through all the terror. She clung on to hope. Now her mission is to make the murdered pay for his evil deeds.

Would these two people overcome the guilt and abuse to live life to its fullest? Would their childhood friendship become something deeper in adulthood? Who murdered Molly's parent and why? Was it greed, revenge, what was it? I had to keep reading to find the answers.

Molly thinks she knows the why and who; she is back to make sure they pay. She and Matt join forces along with her friend Claire Waters to find the answers. Claire, as a secondary character, was a great addition to the story as well as Matthew's brother Logan. I can almost see book 2 or 3 in the making.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

Ms. McCaffrey created two characters that are wounded spiritually and physically. Molly has endured a life of abuse, both physically and mentally in her living situations. She waited endlessly for rescue that never came.

Matthew is riddled by guilt because he did not save Molly, the war, the vengeance he sought for the innocent, and then he is brutally tortured by a bandito while working as a Ranger; all have ruled his life up to this point. His life is about to make a turn for the better. Ms. McCaffrey keeps you on tether hooks of anticipation in this novel as we watch Molly and Matthew become who they were meant to be. They had survived and life was waiting.

Ms.McCaffrey development of the characters and the story showcases her talent in story telling. I found the plotting well done; from the murders, the suspected murderer, Claire Waters and her life mystery, Matthew's hope for life, and the journey of Matthew and Molly to find all the answers and find love, as they fight the attraction each feels.

Ms. McCaffrey created strong characters that do not disappoint and a story line that you will not want to put down. Murder, lives changed forever, a young woman finally feeling the emotions of a woman, a man beginning to feel again; what more could you want in a novel? It was fun to watch Molly and Matthew dance around each other, each wanting the same thing.

Ms McCaffrey also added a huge surprise reveal in the story, well actually two. My mouth fell open I am sure. I was so surprised at the revelation. What a kicker! I am sure you will be as surprised as I was.

The novel moved along well and the pacing was good. I never lost interest nor did the novel lag. I had to know the answers to all the questions I had. This was an intriguing story line and Ms. McCaffrey included all the elements this story needed to keep me reading. The story behind the title was so sweet.

RECOMMENDATION:

I recommend this novel to anyone that likes western romance with mystery and emotion. I loved this novel! I look forward to the continuation of this series.

I received this book from Reading Alley in return for an honest book review.

Books reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion; book reviews on line under my name and on my blog www.verasbookreviewsandstuff,com are my opinion. ( )