Sandy M’s review of A Touch of Flame (Cowboys of Colorado, Book 2) by Jo Goodman
Historical Romance published by Berkley 5 Jun 18
Once again, Jo Goodman gives readers delightful characters in a time when they push over the line of what’s accepted, all the while weaving a sense of humor into life as they all do their best day by day, helping others and, of course, falling in love. Ridley gives Ben the surprise of his life when she steps off the train in Frost Falls.
See, he wasn’t expecting a woman doctor. The previous doc who retired apparently forgot to mention that little fact when he asked Ben to show the new doc around town to get settled. After the initial meeting, Ben seems to take that little oversight in stride, teasing Ridley during their ride through town and right off introducing her to everyone to help build her practice.
Ridley has always wanted to be a doctor, and she’s paid her dues during her schooling, standing up to ridicule over the years. Thus, she knows she’s in for a bit of a fight to fit in with these new townsfolk, especially the women, who are harder on her than anyone else. But her sense of self and aplomb are unmatched when she quietly but steadily works her way into everyone’s good graces.
I like that these two don’t pussyfoot around their attraction to each other. They become lovers and then Ben does a bit of courting after the fact. The quick and witty repartee between them is wonderful to read. They work together – no big misunderstandings here. They both care about the people in town, especially Lily, who will break your heart with the abuse she lives with. I hope there aren’t any readers who will get up in arms about the resolution of her dilemma. It sits very well with me and adds a bit of suspense to the story.
We get to catch up with Remington and Phoebe from A Touch of Frost when they come to town. I really enjoyed the relationship between Ben and his brother, and we learn more of Ben’s history along the way. Ms. Goodman is a master at pulling the heartstrings, and Ben wormed his way into my heart very quickly, so I’m happy he’s able to resolve some of that past so his future is bright. The teasing between he and Ridley about what the E. stands for in her name is fun and loving and so enjoyable for the reader.
For me, Jo Goodman can do no wrong. From characters to plot to story line to secondary characters to her descriptions of the old west, everything is always perfect and I enjoy myself immensely. Every. Time.
Grade: A
Summary:
Dr. E. Ridley Woodhouse is like no physician Ben Madison has ever met–she’s a woman. As the newly elected sheriff of Frost Falls, Colorado, Ben is tasked with welcoming Ridley to the community. But while Ben might be tempted by the new doc’s charms, getting the town to accept a big-city, female doctor is no easy feat. To earn their trust she’ll have to prove herself and Ben determines to help her…even if she’s the most stubborn woman he’s ever met.
When the husband of one of Ridley’s patients threatens her, forbidding Ridley from treating his wife or children, all of Ben’s protective instincts kick in. Ridley has come to rely on Ben’s steady presence and the delicious tension that simmers just below the surface of their easy friendship–but as much as she trusts that his warnings to steer clear of Jeremiah Salt are sincere, she’s never been one to back down from a challenge and she refuses to abandon her patient.
But sticking to your guns can earn you trouble in the rough terrain of the Wild West and danger threatens Ridley from unexpected places, forcing Ben to confront his deepest fear in order to save the woman he loves.
No excerpt available.
Other books in this series:
