Romance

There's always been a romantic aura surrounding life in the American West, particularly the mythic Old West. Whether daring lawmen bringing justice to the plains, pioneers struggling against harsh conditions, cattle ranchers warring with rustlers or sheepherders, or settlers trying to find common ground with indigenous populations, the people of that era continue to intrigue us—and the romance genre has been quick to recognize this. Nevertheless, for the past decade or so, Western romances have taken a backseat to historicals set in other places and times, particularly the British Regency, Georgian, and, occasionally, Victorian periods. Recently, however, the mood has shifted: beyond captivating historical Westerns, the cowboys, ranchers, and farmers of contemporary romances, especially in series lines, are gaining in popularity. Whatever the time period, there is something wild about the West that cries out for strong, fearless men and women to tame it. [For something completely different, The Reader's Shelf features a selection of pirate romances, p. 119. Arrgh.]

Gentry, Georgina. Diablo: The Texans. Zebra: Kensington. Feb. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-1-4201-0850-7. pap. $6.99. HISTORICAL
Ever since Hurd Kruger and his men took a running iron to his teenaged face, Diablo has lived for revenge. Now, his well-earned reputation as the fastest gun in Texas and Kruger's vicious range war plot have finally provided the opportunity. But a quick death is far too kind for a villain like Kruger, so Diablo plans to take everything Kruger values, including flaxen-haired Sunny, his beautiful, reluctant bride-to-be. VERDICT A scarred, half-breed hero so emotionally damaged he almost defies redemption and a plucky, tenderhearted heroine make an unexpectedly rewarding pair in this gritty, violent story, the first in a project series, that puts a new spin on Beauty and the Beast. Gentry (To Seduce a Texan) is one of the most popular writers in the Western romance genre; she lives in Edmund, OK.

Kennedy, Joanne. Cowboy Trouble. Sourcebooks Casablanca. Mar. 2010. c.416p. ISBN 978-1-4022-3668-6. pap. $6.99. CONTEMPORARY
After a romantic and professional disaster in Atlanta, journalist Libby Brown heads for Lackaduck, WY, and buys a chicken farm in the hope of starting a new, bucolic life. However, reality and fantasy soon butt heads, and if it weren't for her gorgeous cowboy neighbor, Luke Rawlins, she might not have been able to pull things together. VERDICT There's plenty of wacky humor and audacious wit in this mystery-laced escapade that provides a fresh take on the traditional contemporary Western. Kennedy lives in Cheyenne, WY.

Levine, Elaine. Audrey and the Maverick. Zebra: Kensington. Feb. 2010. c.352p. ISBN 978-1-4201-0552-0. pap. $5.99. HISTORICAL
Julian McCaid returns from Virginia to dwindling, lawless Defiance to check out vandalism on his Dakota Territory sheep ranch. He has even more trouble when Audrey Sheridan steals his money and ends up on the ranch working off the debt as a cook. But Audrey is on a mission for the crooked sheriff: she must keep Julian distracted for a month, or the orphans she cares for will be killed, one by one. VERDICT A pair of appealing, well-matched protagonists (with a bit of a history), a slimy villain, well-drawn secondary characters, and plenty of action make this rough-and-ready Western one that fans are sure to enjoy. Levine (Rachel and the Hired Gun) lives in Eaton, CO.

Miller, Linda Lael. McKettricks of Texas: Tate. HQN: Harlequin. Feb. 2010. c.368p. ISBN 978-0-373-77436-4. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
A lot has happened since Tate McKettrick broke Libby Remington's heart by marrying another—and regretting it. Now, he is divorced, the father of six-year-old twin girls, and responsible for running the Silver Spur ranch—but he can't forget his first love. Libby can't forget Tate, either, but whether she's willing to take a chance with him is another matter entirely. VERDICT A passionate love too long denied drives the action in this multifaceted, emotionally rich reunion story that overflows with breathtaking sexual chemistry. This is the first in a projected trilogy that takes three McKettrick brothers, pairs them with the three Remington sisters, and lets the sparks fly. Miller (A Creed Country Christmas) lives in Spokane.

Ryan, R.C. Montana Legacy. Forever: Grand Central. Mar. 2010. c.304p. ISBN 978-0-446-54861-8. pap. $6.99. CONTEMPORARY
The death of their grandfather brings the three estranged McCord cousins back together at the sprawling Lost Nugget ranch. If they each want to inherit a third of the vast land holdings, they must continue the search for the lost gold that had obsessed their eccentric grandfather for years. Surprisingly, they agree, setting the stage for some hilarious banter and lively male bonding. But Jesse, who runs the ranch, has more serious things on his mind. Amy Parrish, the daughter of his grandfather's bitterest enemy and the love of his teenage years, has returned, too, and as their old feelings flare, danger threatens Amy—or is it Jesse whom the bad guy is after? VERDICT Heart-melting sensuality and rowdy but loving family interactions warm the pages of this engaging story that skillfully refreshes a classic trilogy pattern and sets the stage for the stories to come. Also writing as Ruth Ryan Langan, the author lives in the Detroit area.

Two older classic romance reissues underscore the increasing popularity of all things Western.

Howell, Hannah. Kentucky Bride. Zebra: Kensington. May 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-1-4201-0465-3. pap. $6.99. HISTORICAL
Life changes drastically for gently bred Clover Sherwood when she impulsively, but out of necessity, marries brawny Scotsman Ballard MacGregor and moves to the wilds of 1790s Kentucky. This classic 1994 title, originally published by Avon, has been out of print for years and should please Howell's many fans.

Lowell, Elizabeth. Forget Me Not. Avon. Apr. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-380-76759-5. pap. $7.99. CONTEMPORARY
A country-western singer struggling to remember the events surrounding a camping trip that left her husband dead and her with amnesia returns to Wyoming and catches up with an old love she'd thought was dead. This emotional, angst-filled novel was originally published as a Silhouette Intimate Moments series romance in 1994.

Montana Mavericks: Return to Big Sky Country

Following the initial Montana Mavericks 12-book continuation series (1994–95), these four titles were originally part of the "Montana Mavericks: Return to Whitehorn" series first published as Silhouette Special Editions in 1998. The popularity of the sexy cowboys spawned numerous "Montana Miniseries" over the years, and fans will be happy to see some of the early ones back in print.

Merritt, Jackie. Letter to a Lonesome Cowboy. Feb. 2010. ISBN 978-0-373-36207-3.
Paige, Laurie. A Hero's Homecoming. Mar. 2010. ISBN 978-0-373-36210-3.
Pickart, Joan Elliott. Wife Most Wanted. Feb. 2010. ISBN 978-0-373-36208-0.
Temte, Myrna. A Father's Vow. Mar. 2010. ISBN 978-0-373-36209-7.
ea. vol: Silhouette. c.256p. pap. $4.99.

...and Elsewhere

Brockway, Connie. The Golden Season. Onyx: Penguin Group (USA). Feb. 2010. 378p. ISBN 978-0-451-41283-6. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
When the ton's reigning beauty, Lady Lydia Eastlake, learns that she is destitute, she accepts the only course open to her: find a wealthy husband, and fast. Capt. Ned Lockton, ever responsible for his somewhat reckless extended family, is on the hunt for a rich bride. Naturally, they fall in love—and then must deal with the consequences. VERDICT Overflowing with delicious wit, exceptionally well-developed, captivating protagonists, memorable supporting players, and a classic plot with brilliant new notes, this emotionally rich romance is one to be savored. Brockway's (So Enchanting) fans will hope there are more to come. She lives in Minnesota.

Greiman, Lois. Charming the Devil. Avon. Feb. 2010. 377p. ISBN 978-0-06-184933-6. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
One of the more fearful and skittish of the Lavender House witches, ethereally lovely Faerie Faye finally takes on her mission as truth-seeker and heads into the heart of the Regency ton to find Lord Brendier's killer. But when Rogan MacBain, one of her prime suspects, ends up rescuing her from a lecherous nobleman, she is shocked to sense his integrity and is reluctantly drawn to him in spite of her bone-deep fear of men. VERDICT Danger, deception, and enmity swirl around Faye and Bain as they struggle with love and trust issues in this complex, sometimes dark, and always suspenseful romance, the last of Greiman's original "Witches of Mayfair" trilogy (after Under Your Spell and Seduced by Your Spell). Greiman (One Hot Mess) lives in Minnesota.

Hill, Sandra. Viking in Love. Avon. Feb. 2010. 359p. ISBN 978-0-06-167349-8. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
Fresh from killing their sister Vana's abusive husband and dumping his body down the garderobe, Norse Princess Breanne of Stoneheim and her four sisters seek safety with distant relative Caedmon of Larkspur in his Northumbrian castle. But Caedmon, newly returned from a nine-month battle, has found his cook gone, a bevy of children running wild, his servants slacking off, and his castle in filthy disarray—the perfect moment for Breanne and company to descend like avenging Valkyries, determined to whip everything, including him, into shape. VERDICT Earthy, laugh-out-loud hilarious, and lusty, this tenth-century revel takes readers back to a much-less-refined time and is just plain fun. Hill's (Viking Heat) Viking series are legendary; her fans are sure to enjoy this latest addition.

Kinsale, Laura. Lessons in French. Sourcebooks Casablanca. Feb. 2010. c.480p. ISBN 978-1-4022-3701-0. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
After a five-year hiatus, Kinsale is back in stellar form with this delightful tale of an aristocratic, independent, bull-breeding spinster and the beguiling French émigré who once stole her teenaged heart, as they try to overcome the past and begin the difficult, passionate journey back to trust and love. VERDICT Complex, well-depicted characters (including a noisy, most memorable bull), a multilayered plot peppered with secrets and surprises, breathtaking sensuality, and exquisite execution will keep readers enthralled. Funny, clever, and laced with whimsy, this lighthearted charmer is pure magic; a surefire winner for all collections. Kinsale (Shadowheart) resides in both Santa Fe and Dallas.

Lindsey, Sara. Promise Me Tonight. Signet Eclipse: Penguin Group (USA). Feb. 2010. c.320p. ISBN 978-0-451-22937-3. pap. $6.99. HISTORICAL
By the time she was six, Isabella Weston knew she was going to marry James Sheffield, her brother's best friend. When she was 19, enchantingly lovely, and intrepid to a fault, she launched her attack. One night was all she needed to seal his fate, but it took the stubborn, love-wary James a lot longer to find the courage to risk everything and finally give his heart. VERDICT Skillful, descriptive writing, engaging protagonists who eventually mature nicely, steamy sensuality, a wealth of interesting secondary characters, and snippets of Izzie's sometimes hilarious correspondence put a delightful spin on a classic plot that is a marvelous debut and perfect introduction to a promising series about the Weston siblings. Lindsey lives in Los Angeles.

McDonald, L.J. The Battle Sylph. Leisure: Dorchester. Mar. 2010. c.336p. ISBN 978-0-8439-6300-7. pap. $7.99. FANTASY ROMANCE
Kidnapped and destined to be the virgin sacrifice meant to lure a fierce, shapeshifting battle sylph through the portal, Solie, terrified and fighting for her life, upends the Royal plans and stuns a kingdom when she disarms the young prince and binds the battler as her own. Now on the run, Heyou and Solie, whom he adores and now protects as his queen, eventually join forces with two other renegade battle sylphs and their masters and head for safety in the hills, knowing it is only a matter of time before they will have to defend themselves again. VERDICT Deftly written, intensely seductive, and emotionally compelling, this riveting story introduces readers to characters they want to know better and a mesmerizing, magical world that they won't want to leave. Fortunately for fantasy fans, McDonald's first novel is the beginning of a series and a stunning, incredibly creative debut. McDonald lives in Cold Lake, Alta.

Nash, Sophia. Secrets of a Scandalous Bride. Avon. Mar. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-06-149330-0. pap. $7.99. HISTORICAL
After successfully evading for two years the suit of a highly ranked military officer who threatens to ruin her late father's reputation, Elizabeth Ashburton eventually encounters her nemesis and, finally, has the courage and the unexpected assistance of notorious villain Rowland Manning to face up to the threat. VERDICT Graced with empathetic characters, emotional intricacy, and unexpected plot twists, this final book in the "Widows Club" series ties up a variety of loose ends and is a perfectly delicious series finale. Nash (Love with the Perfect Scoundrel) lives in Potomac, MD.

Ware, Joss. Abandon the Night. Mar. 2010. c.384p. ISBN 978-0-06-173403-8.
Ware, Joss. Embrace the Night Eternal. Feb. 2010. 369p. ISBN 978-0-06-173402-1.
ea. vol: Avon. pap. $7.99. FUTURISTIC
In Embrace the Night Eternal, the world as we know it has been destroyed by malicious human intent—continents have been rearranged, Las Vegas (Envy) is now on the ocean, immortal Strangers have taken control, zombies and others walk the night, and people try to survive as best as they can. But five men from the past have miraculously survived and emerged with enhanced paranormal powers 50 years later into a postapocalyptic world they could never have imagined. Continuing "The Envy Chronicles" series begun with Beyond the Night (January), this installment takes former hit-man Simon Japp and cult escapee Sage Corrigan, both of whom would like to forget their pasts, on a harrowing journey for the truth (in this case Remington Truth) that leads them back to the community where Sage grew up—with dangerously arousing results.

Powerful psychic Quent Fielding and deadly archer Zoë Kapoor, passionate partners but wary allies, pursue their quests for revenge to satisfactory but sometimes unexpected ends in Abandon the Night, a well-written, engrossing tale that provides a dark yet hope-laced alternative view of the future. VERDICT Sexy, violent, and electrifying, these two stories, while complete in themselves, further Ware's edgy, page-turning series beautifully; brilliantly conceived and executed. Ware lives in Michigan.

Webber, Heather. Truly, Madly. St. Martin's Paperbacks. Feb. 2010. c.305p. ISBN 978-0-312-94613-5. pap. $7.99. FANTASY
Though she comes from a long line of matchmakers, Lucy Valentine's talent lies in another direction—she finds things. Normally, this wouldn't be useful in the family business, but when she is temporarily in charge of the firm and a meeting with a client sends her in search of a ring, she ends up knee-deep in a mystery—and maybe a murder—and in need of help from handsome PI Sean Donahue. VERDICT A charming cross between romance and mystery with liberal dashes of fantasy and chick-lit brass, this funny, effervescent story is a delightful start to Ohio-based Webber's (Weeding Out Trouble) new Lucy Valentine mystery series; the next installment, Deeply, Desperately, is scheduled for release this summer.