Wendy the Super Librarian‘s review of Kidnapped By The Cowboy by Pam Crooks
Historical romance released by Harlequin Historical 1 June 08

Over the years, I’ve made no secret of my love and devotion for Harlequin Historical westerns. As a general rule, I buy all of them as they become available, and save them in my TBR for when I’m in need of a comfort read. This is how Kidnapped By The Cowboy came to be on my wish list. Unfortunately, after a bang-up prologue, I found myself increasingly annoyed by two characters who didn’t actively use their brains.

T.J. Grier is a man with a ruined reputation. He was once a respected cowboy on the C Bar C ranch, a favorite of owner Carina Lockett. However that all changes the night that Carina’s young son, Danny, is killed in an altercation. T.J. happens upon the scene of the crime after the fact, and desperate to protect someone, takes the blame for young Danny’s death. He’s thrown in jail, but not convicted due to lack of evidence. Now the damage is done, and he’s effectively labeled a child murderer.

Callie Mae Lockett will never forget the night her beloved brother died. She loathes T.J. with every fiber of her being. So imagine her dismay when she learns that her mother gave T.J. some prime land on the family ranch prior to Danny’s death. Callie Mae needs to get that land back because the good townsfolk want to use it for horse racing and other amusements. Callie Mae would rather eat worms. Determined to get back that land, she and her fiancé, Kullen, ride out to T.J.’s spread to talk to him. Naturally, all hell breaks loose.

In the ensuing drama, T.J.’s prize-thoroughbred breaks free. T.J. was counting on that horse to restore his reputation. In the heat of the moment, he kidnaps Callie Mae, and forces her to ride off with him to find the horse. He is also desperate to learn the truth behind Danny’s death, and is determined to show Callie Mae he’s not the monster she thinks he is.

The main issue with this story is the conflict. T.J. is bent out of shape because everyone thinks he’s a child murderer, and he’s stung by the fact that the girl he’s always loved thinks he’s scum. Um, hello?! He confessed to doing it! He said he did it! Of course the dead boy’s sister isn’t going to like you anymore! Geez, get a clue.

Callie Mae doesn’t fare that much better, mainly because it takes her a little too long to see the truth smacking her in the face. The events prior to T.J. kidnapping her should have told her beyond a shadow of a doubt that something was rotten in Denmark. Yet she continually fights it. Even after a large chunk of the truth comes out regarding the night Danny died, she still doesn’t fully admit to herself that everything she thought she knew was all based on lies. After a while I wanted to tell the girl to wake up and smell the coffee already.

There’s some back-story here related to the first book in this series, Untamed Cowboy, but the author does a decent job of bringing the reader up to speed. There were a few moments of series-info-dumping, but these moments were very brief, and on the whole, this story read fast and easy. Fans of the first book will likely enjoy this return visit with past characters, but it never registered above “OK” for this reviewer.

Grade: C

Summary:

TAKEN! Callie Mae Lockett had once trusted TJ Grier, cared for him even, but then her brother was killed and TJ took the blame. Now he wants a chance to clear his name, even if that means kidnapping Callie Mae….

REDEEMED?

Alone in the wilderness with TJ, Callie Mae should feel afraid. Instead, she is attracted to this rugged cowboy and begins to believe in his innocence. But the truth will be dangerous for both of them and, with time running out, can TJ clear his name and claim his woman?

Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: