In San Antonio, Texas on December 31, 1857, Jenny Chandler, at nineteen years of age, was little more mature than she looked; she got into this fiasco because she was searching for her little sister’s rabbit, Mischief! She refused to let him go when she had the chance to escape; that action would forever change her life. She fell, which put her into the vicinity of Irish O’Dell and Gray (Captain John Grayling, Texas Ranger.

John Grayling was an experienced Texas Ranger, a dedicated lawman who very seriously went about his duties. He felt responsible for the “civilians,” regardless of why they were in need of help—even those who looked and acted like “little girls.” Gray would soon begin to notice that things about Jenny were not always as perceived!

Ms. Thackston has done a great job of telling this well-plotted story; she has a myriad of characters—rangers, robbers, Comanche Indians, and many others were involved; they did not, however, detract from the storyline or make it hard to understand. The main characters—to the most minor player, were well developed and believable. No matter how long or how hard the problems, the characters were truly stand-up convincing. The author used her range of people in such a way that it was almost like being in the midst of them. I loved her character development, even the unsavory ones.

The gold, the rifles, the horses, the Army—everything suspenseful that makes a great book with romance in the forefront! The book’s ending was surprising! As I said, I thought we were at the end several times and another loose end would surface. Great ending, very well told! Kudos to Ms. Thackston!

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Mildly sensual

Reviewer: Brenda Talley
September 19, 2007