Branded

I like the Harlequin Blaze books they are great 'beach reads' and Tori Carrington is one my favorite authors in this genre. This is Texas rancher novel that is fun modern throw back to old west romance novels. Trace Armstrong co-owns a great Texas ranch and Jo Atchison is one of his only female cowhands. Their attractive burns up the pages. This novel has a mystery, murder, romance and complex family dynamtics all wrapped up in steamy blaze package. Enjoy! Looking forward to Unbridled (Harlequin Blaze) Due out - Aug 1, 2009. If you looking for a great summer read - I would also suggest; Naturally Naughty: Bare Essentials (Harlequin Blaze, No 62), Naughty but Nice: Bare Essentials (Harlequin Blaze, No 63), Talk Me Down andTrue Love and Other Disasters.

Brothers Trace and Eric Armstrong own the twenty thousand acres Wildwood Ranch near San Antonio. While Eric has been a marine, Trace has managed the spread by himself for the past six years. However, change is coming as Eric is leaving the service. Former marine Jo Atchison works as the best wrangler on the ranch. She performs her tasks diligently and superbly demanding respect from her peers and her employer. Jo and another veteran Carter have had an on and off affair, but recently she wants it ended permanently. Instead, she, as does Trace, want one another and share a tryst, which goes against both their credos of work and play not mixing. As they fall in love, Carter insists it is not over. BRANDED is an intriguing Texas ranch romance starring two captivating bothers and a wonderful female vet who lacks patience yet knows who got her six (butt) protected. Trace is a fascinating character as he drools over his wrangler and though he is elated his brother is coming home from the sandbox safe, he dreads the changes. Jo is his equal and more as she proves a better wrangler than any of his men including himself. Although the climax to the Carter subplot adds unnecessary tension and angst, fans will appreciate this character driven contemporary. Harriet Klausner

Trace Armstrong has been running his family ranch for some time now. One of those that work for him right along with all the other men is Jo Atchison, ex-Marine, and all female. There is an attraction there but one that is more than a one night stand. Also Trace's brother is coming home after being in the Marines, but he is not alone. Whom will he bring home with him and how will this affect Trace? Also there is some issues between Trace and his brother. Will they be able to work past it? There will be battles that will Jo and Trace have to overcome. They also need to realize that they have branded each other and there is not running from that. What I loved about this book is the emotion that Tori Carrington has once again brought to the pages. I could not put this book down. It was one of those books that you want to put a Do Not Disturb sign by you. This book is part of a series but you DO NOT need to read the others. I would recommend it but it is not necessary. Enjoy reading, I know I did!