Well, as much as I love reading historical westerns as much as y’all – the polite, alpha cowboy on his white horse and the town’s school marm with loads of gumption getting their HEA, but I also love reading contemporary westerns – that same polite, alpha cowboy who’s been raised right by his mama in today’s world and a more world-wise, modern heroine who can now be anything she wants other than a school marm.

I’ve not read huge amounts of contemp westerns, but I have my favorite authors who I go back to time and again, plus others I still have in the TBR mountain and know I’ll enjoy just as much when I finally read them.

1. Lorelei James is the first to come to mind. I have the best time with her Rough Riders and Wild West Boys series. The books center around the McKay and West families, and while they are definitely erotic stories, the way she weaves family with tragedy and fun and emotion with all the lovin’ going on behind closed doors, her books are always at the top of my list. Her cowboys walk and talk like they should too. No ugly western speak on any of her pages. My faves are Cowgirl Up and Ride, Tied Up Tied, and Branded as Trouble — all for three very different reasons. You can see my reviews of these three books and others of Ms. James here.

2. I discovered Catherine Anderson from the ladies at an historical romance chat group I’m in, and with her first book in her Kendrick/Coulter series, Baby Love, she hooked me not only with her storytelling and characters, but the emotion she wrings from with every book. I’m sorry to say I’ve only read a couple of Ms. Anderson’s books so far, but I know when I do pick up another, it’s going to be one terrific ride. My favorite of those few I’ve read to date is Phantom Waltz. Lordamercy, the emotion in that book will set you back a few days.

3. As good as Linda Lael Miller’s historical westerns are, her contemporaries are just as good. I loved her Montana Creeds trilogy released just recently (see my DDS review on the Creeds here) and still have her McKettrick follow-up books to read, which I know I will love as much as the original books.

4. Anna Jeffrey nee Sadie Callahan nee Dixie Cash is a one-woman force when it comes to contemp westerns. I have read her Jeffrey and Callahan books but have yet to sample her Cash stories. The few I have read so far have turned out to be pleasant surprises, especially Lone Star Woman under the Callahan pseudonym (see my review here). I have plenty more Jeffrey books to read and look forward to getting to them.

5. Though I really love her paranormals, Lisa Renee Jonesgave readers a look at another side of her writing with Lone Star Surrender last year. This is her only contemp western, but I’m hoping she’ll write more down the road.  Lisa is one of those authors who knows how to put the sizzle in love scenes whether it’s in the western or paranormal style, so more of her cowboy lovin’ would be a treat.

6. As for contemp western authors whose books I have but have not yet had the pleasure to read, there’s a few that come to mind: Jodi Thomas, Mackenzie McKade, Joan Johnston, Patrice Michelle, and if you’re in need of a guilty pleasure, Diana Palmer.

So. Have you read any of these authors? What’s your take on their books in the modern western world? Who else do you love/hate when it comes to contemporary westerns? I know I’ve not thought of a lot. Hit me with it, pardner!

Sandy M’s review of Salvation, Texas by Anna Jeffrey
Contemporary romantic suspense released 2 Jan 07 by Signet Eclipse

Once I got into the mind frame that this book is more romantic suspense than the cowboy romance I was expecting, I started to enjoy it, and it ended up being a very good read. It’s just that from the nice cover and the summary on the back, I was expecting more of an out-and-out romance, but the romance definitely takes a back seat to the mysterious death of the sister of the heroine, which turns out to be a good plot and a test for the hero, who is once again coming up against the man who basically owns the town and who also happens to be the father of the heroine.

I really like Rusty, even in the beginning of the book when the story was a little slow to my romance-addicted mind. He’s a stand-up kind of guy, honest and loyal to a fault, a lawman and a cowboy. He’s back in town after his teenage romance with Elena was sidelined ages ago when their fathers interfered, each with his own agenda. Because of that and other familial interference, Rusty and Elena parted ways, thinking the worst of each other. Elena never married and lives with her father in their huge house all the years Rusty’s been gone, but he’s back and things still sizzle between them. It’s almost too bad this is a romantic suspense. The fire between these two would make one sexy straight romance. Their past and the murder investigation Rusty is conducting, plus a couple of other issues, all converge to make their getting back together impossible.

There’s a few twists and turns along the way to keep you guessing, the love scenes are terrific when one comes along, there’s a couple of heartbreaking, emotional moments and a couple of heart-pounding moments. There’s even a little mystery at the end left sort of unsolved, although Rusty has an opinion about it, so it’s up to you to see if you agree with him. A solid book with very likeable characters all embroiled in crime and deceit, and some sexy cowboys thrown in for a little fun.

Grade: B+

From the backcover:

Ever since he lost Elena, everything in Rusty’s life has gone wrong. Her wealthy, influential father drove him out of Salvation, away from everyone he’d ever loved. Now he’s back, elected by the people to one of the most powerful positions in the county. He isn’t about to let the woman who once cost him everything get under his skin again. Not when there’s a cold-blooded killer on the loose. And not unless he can find a way to live with her father and her millions.

Elena Ryder knew of no better man than Sheriff Rusty Joplin-despite the fact that years back, he let her controlling father run him out of town. Now, she trusts no one else to investigate her sister’s tragic death. And she won’t even consider resisting Rusty’s rugged presence if she gets a second chance…

Read an excerpt.