Sandy M’s review of Maverick Wild (Wild Series, Book 2) by Stacey Kayne
Historical western romance released by Harlequin on 1 Jan 08

Every now and again I enjoy a good western/cowboy story and it’s always nice to find an author who knows how to write one. Stacey Kayne is a new author to me and I’m glad I’ve found her. I also read the first book in her series, Mustang Wild, and her writing is fluid, full of western flavor, and her story telling is rich and very consistent.

Where Tucker in Mustang is the wild brother always looking for a good time, older brother Chance is the serious one, the one who has to make sure the bills are paid and their ranch is running smoothly. Though Tuck gave in on their agreement never marry, Chance is not about to follow suit. That is, until Cora Mae shows up. Suddenly his world is turned upside down, and it’s a hell of a fun time watching him being turned inside out, not knowing which way is up, all because of a woman. He gets so turned around that he even thinks of courting another woman, one who is only after money and prestige, but he soon learns such foolishness isn’t going to solve his problem.

Cora Mae is a character you immediately feel for. She’s been through hell — all because of her mother. Chance and Tucker also tangled with her mother when they were young, but they were able to get out on their own, even if they did end up serving in the war. Chance promised Cora he would come back for her, but barely surviving the fighting, the two youngsters grew up fast and things just didn’t pan out.

Now with Cora on his doorstep, Chance is suspicious of her, not knowing if all those years with her mother has turned Cora into a clone of the bitch. But her loving nature and her helpfulness to his pregnant sister-in-law shows him quite quickly how wrong he is, even if he knows she’s still hiding something. It’s a very emotional scene when Cora Mae finally reveals her secret to Chance.

There’s fun, tension, a couple of hair-raising close calls, a lot of teasing and loving, and even a misperceived betrayal of sorts. In short, this book has a little bit of everything besides some sexy cowboys. And there’s plenty of emotion when Chance makes that ultimate decision to follow his heart.

If you’re a cowboy lover, take a chance on Ms. Kayne’s books. I think you might be pleasantly surprised.

Grade: B+

From the back cover:

     Chance Morgan had locked away his heart. Until Cora Mae Tindale crossed half the country to find him. The beguiling creature who insisted on turning his serviceable ranch into a home was hiding something-and Chance was hell-bent on finding out her secrets!

     Cora Mae only wanted a place to hide, but her youthful protector had grown into a war-hardened rancher with looks that could tempt a saint. Yet his dark glances were filled with distrust…and unmistakable desire. Cora Mae’s childhood crush was rapidly becoming a much more adult craving!

     Read an excerpt.

Other books in this series: