"The first of what looks like a wonderful series!"

Since I started reviewing, I've discovered many new-to-me authors. RayAnne Thayne is one such author. Although this is the first of her books I've read, it certainly won't be my last.

Ellie Webster has always wanted to be a veterinarian. She's had a hard life and has struggled but she finally made it. When she's given the opportunity to buy a retiring vet's practice in Wyoming, she jumps at the chance. Now all she has to do is win over the old timey ranchers who don't cotton to radical new ideas when treating their livestock.

One such rancher is Matt Harte. His family has owned Diamond Harte Ranch for generations. He has no use for a pretty petite veterinarian who practices acupuncture on animals, for heavens sakes. What kind of shenanigans is that? He'll just stick with the retired vet's nephew for his livestock's medical needs.

Matt's daughter Lucy and Ellie's daughter Dylan have other plans for their parents though. They get it in their ten- year-old heads that they would just love to be sisters. So they do everything they can to throw their parents together. Both Matt and Ellie have had to deal with heartbreak so this is not an easy task. Still the girls persevere. Who knows, they may get lucky. Add this to the fact that someone wants Ellie to get out of town and won't stop at just threats to get their wish and you have the premise for a one sitting read!

This is the first book of a series called Outlaw Hartes and as much as I enjoyed this first one, I'm avidly looking forward to the other two books in this series.

Reviewed by Kathy Boswell
Posted January 27, 2002

Summary

Certainly he had been bewitched by women before, but for rancher--and single father--Matt Harte, this was the last straw! Because of his daughter's shenanigans, he'd gotten roped into planning the annual Valentine's Day dance. And his partner in crime? Why, beautiful big-city vet --and recent Salt River transplant--Ellie Webster. Who he couldn't take his eyes off. And not for lack of trying ...

Ellie knew that Matt Harte didn't want her in his town, let alone on the intimate dance committee of two. But this was for her daughter's sake. It wasn't like she wanted to spend all that one-on-one time with the rugged rancher, imagining what it would be like to be his partner--for real ...