My rating: 4 stars / I really liked it
He's the most fearsome sheriff in the West. A force to be reckoned with. The stuff of legend.
So is she. . . . May the best sheriff win.
Paisley Bell knows the eccentric people of Savage Wells. From the absentminded shopkeeper who always thinks she's been robbed to the young man who has returned shell-shocked from the war, Paisley has compassion for them all. When the sheriff up and leaves town, Paisley steps up and assumes the responsibility, partly because she loves the work, but also because she needs the income to take care of her sick father. So when the town council decides that the position of sheriff should really go to a man, Paisley finds herself fighting to prove that she's the perfect candidate for the job, even though she wears a skirt.
Cade O'Brien is heartily sick of shooting people. In his many years as a lawman, Cade has seen his share of blood and violence. So when he answers an advertisement for a sheriff job in the sleepy town of Savage Wells, he believes he's found the peace and quiet he's always desired. But when he discovers that his biggest competition for the job is a woman, he begins to question his decisions.
Tension between the two begins to sizzle when both Cade and Paisley realize the attraction they have for each other, but when Paisley's former beau shows up in town, along with a band of bank robbers, the blossoming relationship between the two sheriffs is tested. They will have to work together to thwart the bank robbers and keep the town safe.
My Review
What a fun western romp! I was hooked on the characters from the beginning, and could feel Paisley's frustration and Cade's as well as they work towards the same goal of becoming the sheriff of a sleepy western town. Paisley has proven to herself that she's competent, but unfortunately the community can't see past her gender. Cade has real respect for her which develops into affection, then something stronger, but he still feels that his reputation will act as a deterrent to criminals who would come testing the mettle of a female sheriff. There is plenty of humor and the plot develops an element of suspense as the mystery behind disappearing bank funds is solved by Cade and Paisley with the help of several new friends. Paisley's struggles with her father add a deeper level to the story and her character. I enjoyed the themes that were explored in the book, and the fun banter between Cade and Paisley. Fans of Mary Connealy and Karen Witemeyer will definitely enjoy this book!
(Thank you to Shadow Mountain Publishing for a copy of the book; this is my honest review)
