Kid Calhoun

I was already reading another book, but picked up "Kid Calhoun", as I have been following all the Joan Johsnton western/romance novels,just to get an idea of what it would be about. I couldn't put it down, and read it straight through before I even got back to my other book. This full length novel was a fabulous adventure, straight out of the old west, with action, twists and turns, lilly lvered bad guys, and wonderful heroes and heroines throughout the entire story. Although, I found some of the elements in some of her other stories; a young woman passing as a boy, a white woman being captured by an Indian, the book takes off in it's own direction and I was quite enthralled with the multiple storylines going on. Anabeth Calhoun, yearned to wear the beautiful dresses she saw in the store windows. But her lifestyle kept her from womanly things. As the youngest member of the Calhoun gang, of which her beloved Uncle was the leader,robbing stagecoaches were on the agenda. Only nobody knew she was a woman under the hat and buckskins she donned, not even the gang, except of course for her Uncle. She also had a reputation as a quick draw with a six-shooter and nobody challenged the young "Kid Calhoun". But the Kid was no killer, and when things go awry at the lastest hold-up, she finds herself, not just an outlaw, but an outlaw wanted for murder. When the handsome, rugged Ranger Jake Kearny, gets inovlved for personal reasons, he captures the Kid, who he learns is a beautiful woman, and tries to keep her in tow and vows to see her hang from a noose. But of of course there are many complications, and loner Jake, who has sworn off comittment to women, finds himself falling for his little wild brat of an outlaw.The bad guys also want Anabeth and the gold they think she has from the robbery. Jake's sister is also part of the plot, finds herself a captive and Jake has his hands full. The book is one adventure after another, and of course romantic situtations for more then one couple have the reading antcipating the events that lie ahead. And when you finally get to that part, if you have read any others of Ms. Johnston's novels, you know it will sizzle. Both of the main women in the story, although very different have real grit.I loved the good guys, and the bad guys were real varmits! We learn quite a bit about life on an Apache village, and there are some great children characters as well.There's even a loner of a dog involved that the reader will probably become attached to as well.The rugged terrain is so descriptive and easy for the reader to imagine.Miss Johnston ties in and ties up all the lives well, and I was left very satisfied with the story. A fabulous western/adventure/romance. One of Joan Johnston's best. If you have not read any of her others(many are part of a series, but this one is not),this one will have you coming back for more. If you enjoy this one, I would highly recommend her 'Sister of the Lone Star' trilogy, starting with "

Oh, yes! a strong female? sure gave into her hormones. Not strong enough to kill? well that kills something in a person, it was great that she didn't have that emotional trauma to go through. Jake Kearney, a Texas Ranger, came to help his sister through the death of her husband, Sam Chandler. Sam was killed in a stage hold-up by one of the Calhoun gang wanting his gold. Claire was devastated, because three years ago they has lost their son in an Indian raid. Only Sam knew that the boy was taken by the Apaches and not dead as he lead her to believe. "Kid Calhoun" was really walking on eggs around her uncle Boone's gang. She watched from a safe distance as Boone's men turned on him and each put some bullets into him led by Wat Rankin. She vowed vengence on the gang and thought she could kill them one by one. At least she was female enough to be disgusted with killing. I loved the way that Jake happened to step in every time she was threatened by one of the gang members. Jake needed to find Boone's hideout to find the gold stolen from his sister's husband to pay off the ranch's debt. Will Reardon was pushing for Claire to pay up or to marry him. He wants her ranch. Now we come to the side players, there is Wolf, the Apache boy that grew up visiting with Anabeth through-out the years. He wants her as his woman. Isn't it ironic that neither Jake nor Wolf want to marry? Wolf is bound and determined to have Stalking Deer for his own. That is until she keeps refusing and he accidently kidnaps Claire. Wolf takes Claire to the Apache hold and there she stumbles onto her son, Jeffrey, White Eagle, who refuses to even talk to her. Soon Claire is learning the way of the Apache woman - then becomes friends with He Makes Trouble, a little six year old and she does fall in love with Wolf. This is a fascinating story - a great plot - well paced with great characters - Kid may have been fast but she couldn't shoot a man. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED -m - another keeper!

I loved it. Lots of fun, sexy and exciting. It kept me turning pages like "Anything, My Love" by Cynthia Simmons. Couldn't put it down.

This story is wonderful! Once you turn the first page you are confronted with new and exciting ideas! Kid Calhoun isn't what you think! I've read this book at least 5 times! Each time I fall in love with the personalities created and love that the couples struggle to uncover! You'll enjoy the drama and the ending when its finally solved