Never Love a Lawman

Plot Summary: Seamstress Rachel Bailey is Reidsville's most sought-after single woman, but she politely rebuffs all comers and lives in isolation by choice. Sheriff Wyatt Cooper has been secretly keeping an eye on Rachel for over a year now, but the death of a prominent business man reveals many secrets that involve both Wyatt and Rachel. Namely, that the two must marry in order to retain control over the precious railroad track that keeps Reidsville connected to Denver. When the terms of the inheritance are revealed, Rachel's past comes in person to haunt her, and she'll need more than Wyatt's protection in name only. This was a surprisingly complex and multi-layered story that had a compelling romance at its core. I honestly wasn't prepared for just how good this book was going to be. I guess you could say I underestimated it, based on the cover and the fact that it's a western romance. I know, shame on me! Still, I'm extremely pleased that I had a chance to read this one, and sample some of Jo Goodman's writing. I'll be back for a second helping. What usually holds me back from giving a top rating is the lack of some element. Maybe I'll like one of the lead characters, but not both, or maybe the plot is too slow or clumsy, or maybe the romance is as passionless as a porno. This novel delivers 100 percent on every count. Rachel and Wyatt are interesting people who are revealed slowly, bit by bit. Their love affair is a journey that I savored at every step, and silently thanked Ms. Goodman for not rushing things along. The plot was lively and full of surprises. The passion ran deep, not just between Rachel and Wyatt, but also when the entire community of Reidsville bonded together when their collective livelihood was threatened. As good as the storytelling is here, no western would be complete without the usual accoutrements. That means horses and trains, lawmen and robbers, men that are hard as nails, and women with hearts of gold. I expect these things and more in a good western, but the strength of this particular story is that Ms. Goodman pushes beyond the stereotypes and infuses her characters with real souls, and then forces them into the messy thick of life.

I absolutely loved this story. It had strong character development and a great background. The sub-characters were believable and enjoyable but didnt overwhelm the story. It was a fast paced read. You see the instant attraction that slowly becomes love. Sometimes the love at first site thing gets a little over used. I like to see the characters fall in love as they get to know each other and this story delivers in that aspect. However, like another reviewer I had a problem with the heroine not mentioning the incident when the villian was in thier home...That was slightly unbelievable given the relationship that I felt was between the hero and heroine. I liked how the sub-characters added to the story, and how everyone was involved. The hero isnt overpowering or overmasculine, and he completely fits the heroine. I really enjoyed this story and in all would definately highly recommend it.

Loved this book! I love how she develops both main characters and also has supporting characters well described. She does a fabulous job with the plot, love scenes, and historical information. All around a great read. I loved the female lead....she is not afraid to stand up to the good-looking, smart male. Highly recommend it!

From the title and cover of this book, I wasn't really sure what to expect. It almost looks like a contemporary, and no year is mentioned in the description. But this is a wonderful historical in the vein and time period of the Dennehy sisters! Very reminiscent of that series. (and oh-so-subtlety tied to it.) I enjoyed the in depth characterizations, letting us really see Wyatt and Rachel fall in love. Subtle humor and witty conversations. Definitely a keeper.

Escaping a potentially dangerous situation in California, Rachel Bailey establishes herself as a seamstress in the tiny Colorado town of Reidsville. When her Californian benefactor dies, he leaves control of the railroad spur into the town, as well as his share of the silver mine, to Rachel under the condition that she marry Sheriff Wyatt Cooper. This book is very well plotted; for every "why" there is a probable reason. Small town life is vividly described in the context of a time bridging the gap between the Civil War and the "modern" era. Best of all, Rachel and Wyatt act in accordance with the standards of the time in an evolving- and believable- relationship.