"fabulous final story in a strong quartet of novels"
Matt Hunter leaves his family's Half-Moon Ranch to journey
to England to buy a thoroughbred racehorse known as a
killer, Dark Champion. By the time he returns to Diablo,
Texas, his three siblings are married (see HUNTER'S MOON by
Bobbi Smith, RENEGADE MOON by Elaine Barbieri and MOON
RACER by Constance O'Banyon) and his father freed from
prison, having completed a ten year prison sentence for
murdering his wife. Widow Juliana Rains returns to her hometown of Diablo
seeking to learn how her mother died. In her gut she
believes that her stepfather killed her mother, but lacks
evidence. Besides finding the proof, she sees Matt.
Juliana has never forgotten Matt nor he her. As they fall
in love, her inquires may prove deadly. Besides which love
may not be enough for these two individuals with plenty to
demonstrate to others without the trouble of a relationship
to impinge on their respective efforts. This reviewer could not wait for the final story in a
strong quartet of novels to learn the truth of ten years
ago (clever writing by three authors hooked me to wait for
the finale). Following up with the climax on three well-
written western romances released over the last couple of
months by other authors is not easy. However, Evelyn
Rogers makes it look effortless. The author succeeds
because of two superb lead characters, the personality
consistency of the repeat support cast especially Matt's
siblings and father, and the clever close-out of what
happened a decade ago. Though the villain lacks anything
redeeming, readers will appreciate the final the HALF-MOON
RANCH tale that completes a wonderful foursome. Harriet Klausner
Reviewed by Harriet Klausner
Posted September 1, 2003
SummaryMatt acknowledges a reality lovely widow Juliana Rains
refuses to admit: Some drives are too fierce, too powerful,
to deny. Like Matt's need to prove himself to his father
and brothers. Like his burning desire for revenge against
the low-down snake who is trying to destroy his family.
Like his love for the genteel widow whose sweet lips and
delicious curves make him uncontrollable.
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