NEVER TRUST A COWBOY – Kathleen Eagle
Harlequin Special Edition, #2377
ISBN: 978-0-373-65859-6
January 2015
Contemporary Series Romance

Short Straw, South Dakota, the Present

Area ranches are once again targets for cattle rustlers. Delano Fox has been sent to get hired on at one of the ranches to infiltrate the gang. Del manages to get taken on at the Flynn Ranch by buttering up to the owner's stepson, who thinks himself a big shot. But Del didn't count on having second thoughts because of the owner's daughter. He meets Lila Flynn when he arrives at the original ranch house where she lives apart from her father, stepmother and stepbrother, who inhabit the new house. Lila and Del hit it off almost immediately, which might or might not be a problem as the bunk house where Del will be staying is nearby.

I knew right away I was going to like this book and these two characters. I was right. The friendship develops through shared humor and love of dogs and all-around decency on both sides; and that's just the beginning. But does a deeper relationship stand a chance with Del's secrets and Lila's sad history on top of what his investigation might turn up?

Another clue to how much I liked this story is the paucity of notes taken. Books that don't grab and hold fast my attention produce copious notes. Those on NEVER TRUST A COWBOY amount to names, a few facts and the simple notation: “ good dialogue…D&L hit it off right away.”

I guarantee any reader would be taken with Del—his tenderness and respect for Lila—and Lila's sweetness and generosity. There is conflict, and suspense in the plot as well as excellent writing. NEVER TRUST A COWBOY is a sure winner.

Jane Bowers