"Who is going to tame who?"

In the third book of Tina Leonard's enjoyable Cowboys By The Dozen Series Ranger Jefferson is afraid of falling in love. In his mind falling in love means having to break a body part, as that's what happened when his two older brothers fell in love. A broken bone as it turns out is the least of Ranger's problems.

Ranger is running away from home to join the military. He soon discovers that his twin brother Archer has stowed away. As they pass through Lonely Hearts Station they pick up two more unwanted passengers, Cissy Kisserton, and Hannah Hotchkiss.

Ranger's emotions start showing as Hannah and Archer are entertaining themselves in the back of Ranger's truck. Ranger lets his head be ruled by his jealousy, even though he's not entirely aware that this is what he is doing. He ends up playing strip poker with everyone, and being the major loser.

When he wakes from a hangover he's basically naked, steps out of his truck onto some poisonous plants, falls down an arroyo, and nearly dies. It's only because he's rescued by Hawk, an Indian medicine man, and tracker that he survives. He survives with a bit more than just his health. He now has a wife...one Hannah Hotchkiss who he asked to marry him while delirious from the after effects of his illness. Hannah only married him to try to save his life, as according to Hawk that was a necessary step.

Hannah, who was raised in a commune by very unconvential parents is just as scared of a commitment as Ranger. Ranger is filled with a great deal of wanderlust, and so is Hannah. Can they committ to each other and find a way to settle into married life?

It's going to take a major tragedy, and Hannah's parents trying to control her life again for Hannah to see Ranger for all his good points. Ranger has already decided that he needs to be with Hannah, and will do whatever is necessary.

Ms. Leonard's series is getting better and better with each book. I like that the main characters are grabbing more of each story, and the back story is not overwhelming. There is enough backstory in each book to allow you to jump in anywhere in this series, and to understand the relationship of all the characters.

Next up is TEX TIMES TEN, and I'm looking forward to this continuing series.

Reviewed by Sandi Shilhanek
Posted September 7, 2003

Summary

Happily ever after meant concussions and busted legs—at least for the Jefferson brothers. But if love meant being cursed with broken body parts, Ranger Jefferson darn sure wanted to keep his bones—and his heart—intact. To his way of thinking, even the military would be safer than snagging a Lonely Hearts lady... But then Hannah Hotchkiss hopped into his truck with her wild-child smile, thumbing a ride to Mississippi and preoccupying his mind with thoughts of hot kisses. Before he knew it, he was in need of tender loving care, with only one cure—convincing this wandering woman to say, "I do"!