Tina Leonard, Mason’s Marriage

Mason's Marriage

Tina Leonard

Harlequin American, May 2006, $4.99

ISBN: 0373751176

The night before she married Brian Flannigan, Mimi Cannady had sex with Mason Jefferson, the man she always loved, but who she believes saw her as his best buddy. When she said I do, Mason realizes he made a mistake because the woman he loves is someone else's wife.

Mason has recently become the sheriff replacing Mimi's father. Soon afterward, Mimi informs him that he, not Brian, sired her child Nanette. Outraged, he informs Mimi that their daughter will live at his family's ranch Malfunction Junction, which he assumes means Mimi too now that she is no longer married. However, Mimi knows she cannot live at the ranch suffering from unrequited love. Mason has to persuade that he always loved her and not just for Nanette's sake.

Though a wee bit of communication could have avoided heartache, the latest Cowboys by the Dozen tale is a terrific contemporary ranch romance starring two protagonists whose simmering heat has been in the background through the early tales. The storyline is character driven as Mimi and Mason must find a way to relate to the other how they feel. Fans of this delightful mini series will enjoy this fine finish (including the solving of a family mystery) to an enjoyable series.

Harriet Klausner