Romancing the West

The Peacemaker Alliance is a pet project created by President Hayes to investigate sensitive or harder to solve cases in taming the west. Widower and father of two, Athens Garrett, is the acting director of PMA. He recruits Seth Wright a former Ranger and a lawman to become a Peacemaker. The man accepts and is prepared for danger and covert operations.

His first assignment is a bit of a surprise. He is sent to Heaven, California to propose marriage to one Miss Emily McBride on behalf of Athens, and then to accompany the young woman back to the awaiting groom. Before he begins his trip, he is accosted by other members of his boss’ family concerned for their friend.

Even if she hadn’t been the preacher’s daughter, Emily would still have been considered unconventional. She is a small town librarian whose love for romance and adventure in stories led her to long for some of the same in real life. To make her dream a reality she took action by using her love of words. Unfortunately, someone has learned her secret and is making her pay and pay.

When Seth comes to town, there is a small matter of mistaken identity. With Emily assuming he is the gay poet sent by her well-meaning friend Paris Garrett, he is perfectly placed to do the concerned Garrett family the favors they have requested of him. This woman surely needs help and protection. The only thing is that as Seth comes to know her he also comes to want this job permanently for himself.

Here is a beautifully written romance that manages a fair cast of characters and various side stories with ease. Indeed, there is more than one romance to be had so consider it a two for one deal.

Heartwarming characters make it easy to fall into the storyline. And the humor and charm of said characters and their various situations will bring a smile to the lips. The two children, Zach and Zoe, sweetly steal scenes as they pass through.

Seth and Athens are very appealing heroes. They are intelligent, strong, and caring with enough in flaws or problems of their own to make them darned well irresistible. It is a wonderful thing to watch them fall in love with women who are so clearly right for them.

Emily is amusing and earnest without being a pushover. That she is being pursued by a couple of unwanted suitors may come as a surprise to one male of her acquaintance, but the love from friends male and female is deserving. She is a woman ahead of her time and one enjoys her pluck.

The thread of blackmail is handled lightly enough that there isn’t too much real fear though there is a tight spot or two to be had. The conclusion to the mystery is a fitting end and we leave ROMANCING THE WEST with a light heart and hope for further stories of a Garrett brother or three who are introduced in this book.

It isn’t often that one comes across such a fun, brilliant read. So pick up a copy yourself and see how the west was romanced.

August 2007