Monday, June 08, 2015

COULD YOU LIVE A DOUBLE LIFE?

Secret lives, hidden dreams, and forbidden sex in the Old West—what’s a woman of nobility to do when a handsome rancher tears through her world like an Owyhee dust devil?

Most of you know I’m a fan of Jacquie Rogers’ books. The one I’m reviewing today is my favorite, though. Of course, I think that each time she releases a new one. Readers can’t go wrong with any of her books, but I’m partial to western historical romance. I enjoy romance with action and adventure as well as a dose of humor. MUCH ADO ABOUT MUSTANGS has all of those in one very entertaining book.



Josh McKinnon has just recovered from the gun shot he received in a previous book. He is out of sorts, though, because his family members have trapped him into playing the male lead in the local production of MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING, which will star the lovely and famous actress Lady Pearl Montford. He wants nothing to do with a snobby British woman, especially not after she insults his mother Esther and him at his mom's book shop.

The townsfolk are as excited as Josh is disdainful. To make his mood even worse, Old Man Linstad reneged on his promise to sell him his ranch and now is only deeding over half the ranch—and it’s not the half with the buildings. Oh, but he wants the same amount of cash. Now Josh has a bunch of fancy horses arriving and no barn to house them.

Lady Jane hides a huge secret that could ruin her career. She and her brother are really Pearl Jane and Jasper Evans from Kentucky. The pair formerly appeared in a Cossack’s trick riding show. She is especially gifted and loves to ride. For years she and Jasper have looked forward to owning their own ranch. They sent money to their grandfather to buy their yearned-for ranch. Their grandfather assures them he’s found them the perfect place.

In the meantime, Pearl and Jasper are searching for their long lost brother, Micah, who supposedly joined Pinkertons—or did he?  When it appears their lives may be all set, an evil man appears from their past and threatens their future.

Well, that’s all I’m saying because I don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of this superb book. I can tell you that Jacquie Rogers did a lot of research for this book.  She can back up everything in the book with examples.

For instance, in the late 19th century, many small towns had a theater and a thespian group. When a famous actor or actress toured, locals filled out the cast. Another example is the Cossack group. There were such groups touring. Wild West shows were all the rage and they often included a group of Cossacks as well as Native Americans.


I eagerly rate MUCH ADO ABOUT MUSTANGS as a 5 star read. The print version will soon be available. In the meantime, you can find the e-book online at the usual book vendors including Amazon, Nook, and Kobo. Grab this book--you'll be glad you did!

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