Bobbi Smith, Hired Gun

Hired Gun

Bobbi Smith

Leisure, November 2006, $6.99

ISBN: 0843956658

In the Arizona Territory, Apache marauders kidnap a young girl. Although there is little hope to get the Ryan child back alive, the family hires the best, Trent Marshal, a loner with extraordinary hunting skills for two footed predators. However, before he can get on the trail, the victim's older sister Faith demands she accompany him on his quest. He tells her no, but she vows to follow him. Rather than waste time he agrees, but warns her to keep up or he will leave her behind, regardless of where they are.

On the trail, Trent finds the woman can keep up with him, but she is also a distraction, as he realizes he desires her. Still, though he enjoys the taste of Faith's lips, he controls his passion because her sister comes first, with the promise of rewards when they succeed in the rescue. However, as they continue to search for her sibling, he fears they have no future because he has so many enemies wanting him dead, who are willing to kill anyone he cares about.

This reconstruction western romance is an interesting tale starring a loner, who lives by his guns and the woman who has him doubting his lifestyle. Though the plot focuses on the rescue mission, the lead duo makes it fun, as he goes from resentment to desire, while she goes from scorn to desire. The storyline is action-packed, as Bobbi Smith once again brings home the danger of the 1870's in the Southwest.