Historical Western Romance published by Ridgeview Publishing 8 Jun 20
Like all long-time Lorelei James fans, I will never get tired of any additions she wants to make to her Rough Riders series. I’ve loved the McKay family since the very first book. In this first historical romance from the author, we get to see how those McKays began their legacy, and what a heart-wrenching ride it is.
Silas and Jonas McKay have been on their own for a while now, both in Wyoming where Silas is on his way to building a family dynasty that we know will last years, but right now that’s his hope. His twin is there in Labelle only because Silas is, but Jonas has very different interests and hasn’t figured out exactly which direction he wants his life to go. Silas is sweet on Dinah Thompson, school teacher and medical assistant to the local doc. Dinah is one independent and sassy gal, not taking any of Silas’ guff for too long, before making sure he knows she wants an understanding between them about their future together. Silas is on top of that – he’s never been so sure of anything in his life.
Putting a wrench into the middle of their happiness is Zeke West. Readers of this series know things have not always been hunky-dory between these families, and we learn Zeke is the beginning of that feud. As Silas’ courting of Dinah progresses, they’re slapped a step back each time Zeke shows up. The man is out for a revenge that Silas doesn’t totally understand, but he acquiesces every time due to Zeke’s horrible threats against something Silas would never give up. But when left on their own, Dinah and Silas begin a lovely courtship full of fun and love, the man giving to the woman everything he has and objecting to her wanting to do the same. Nuh-uh, Silas! That ain’t happening, as he learns during every spat with his intended.
We also get Jonas’ romance with the local brothel madam, Ruby, as a side story. Another wonderfully told love story that can never be because she’s a fallen woman. Throughout you wish against hope that they will get their happily ever after along with Silas and Dinah. But hold onto your hats, because despite everything working against them, they do get that happy ending – all at a terrible cost in the long run for the brothers. That part of the book absolutely broke my heart. I keep hoping against my hope that Ms. James will somehow work out that devastating dilemma in a future story. I have no idea if that will ever be, only because of the information we get at the end of this book. I’ve been thinking of that ending ever since closing the book for the last time. These twins will be on my mind for a very long time to come.
In her usual style, Lorelei James has once again given readers family, determination to overcome, and love and romance that will keep your heart soaring no matter what, even when there’s sadness to be had. She proves to me time and time again why she’s one of my all-time favorite authors.
Grade: A
Summary:
The West doesn’t get much wilder than Silas McKay. He’s earned his cowboy reputation not just as a rancher, but as a brawling card sharp who’s short on cash but long on charm. And just as soon as he claps eyes on the pretty new schoolteacher? Well, Dinah Thompson is about to discover what courtin’s like McKay-style–sweet, hot and passionate.
Luckily, Dinah’s got the sass and sense to stand up to Silas’s shenanigans. She relocated to rural Wyoming to teach and become a self-reliant woman, not to spend her nights dreaming about that blue-eyed rogue and his ranchwork honed-body. But Silas McKay’s powerful appeal and tempting promises convince Dinah to recklessly go all in with him.
When Silas’s long-standing rivalry with Zeke West puts Dinah, Silas and his twin brother Jonas in danger, each one is forced to make difficult decisions about taking a chance to build their legacy . . . and a love that transcends time.
Read an excerpt.
Other books in this series:
