Roz Denny, Fox Real Cowboys

Real Cowboys

Roz Denny Fox

Harlequin SuperRomance, Apr 2007

ISBN: 0373714122

Worried about her ten-year-old son Danny "replacing" his late father Colton in the minds of his paternal grandparents, wheelchair-bound Kate Steels accepts a teaching position in Owyhee, Idaho, teaching 20 students ranging from first to eighth grade. When she tells her in-laws that she is taking a position in Idaho, Royce and Melanie Steele are outraged as they insist she is not ready for permanent work and their grandson needs them if he is going to be a rodeo star like his late father. Kate worries that the Steeles see Danny as a viable substitute for Colton.

Danny hates the move as his grandparents have spoiled him in their efforts to relive the glory of their late son, especially at the Little Britches Rodeo competition. Meanwhile, Idaho rancher Ben Trueblood considers quitting the rodeo circuit to work full time as a rancher and to be a full time dad to his adopted daughter Clover when he meets Kate and Danny. Though he doubts the Texan will survive the winter, he hopes she does because he is falling in love with her; she feels the same way but Kate rejects the idea of a rodeo rancher husband as one was enough to last a lifetime and her in-laws still want him home.

Readers will enjoy this entertaining "Home on the Ranch" contemporary romance as the lead couple fall in love, their children, abetted by her in-laws, have a different agenda. The storyline is character-driven by the six prime players, which leads to a richly fulfilling family drama as each is unique with varying needs. Though the wrap-up coda at a Texas airport restaurant after a late Amber Alert-like suspense seems too nice, fans will appreciate Roz Denny Fox's deep tale.

Harriet Klausner