Only His (Only Series, 1)

Love all her books.

I loved the story line and the characters. I thought it had just the right amount of action, character build up, suspense and loved the part where Willow "gives in". I saved the book and read it a second time and sometime in the future might even read it a third!!

I adore this book. I have one clean copy and one I have re-read until it is barely holding together. Caleb and Willow are two of the best characters I have come across in historical romance, and Lowell makes magic with them in this book. If you have ever read a book where the author doesn't focus enough on the main couple, then this is the book for you. They are alone together for most of the story, so you really get to know them. The trip they take to look for Willow's brother is harrowing, and keeps me on the edge of my seat even now that I know how it all works out. I find myself rooting for them through all their hardships, and even cheering for the horses who become almost like characters in their own right. Lowell's writing is in fine form, with vivid descriptions of the majestic scenery that make you feel like you are there, along with well-rounded dialogue and steamy love scenes that keep the reader glued to the pages. This is truly one of Lowell's best works.

I strongly disagree with the reviewers who claim there is little or no plot to this wonderful tale of 2 strangers; a somewhat naive but intelligent young woman & her hired travel guide, a hardened gunfighter, who both seek the same man for different reasons. Boring, never!! Romantic, absolutely!Their journey across the Colorado Rockies, with the woman's prized Arabian horses in tow, is wonderfully descriptive & full of adventure & hardship. While the plot is not particularly complex, I found it to be an enjoyable account of a long & arduous journey. It also provides a framework for the portraits of the 2 protagonists. The characters of this extraordinary woman & man, & the development of their relationship, make reading this book worthwhile. Willow Moran is bright, spirited, couragous & caring. Caleb Black may be obsessed with revenge, but he is also a man with a stong sense of integrity & a very sweet & tender side. Both of them together are dynamite!I like Caleb & Willow as human beings, complex & out of the ordinary. And I loved reading about the Arabian horses...an added plus. I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

If you're a fan of romance, you definitely need to discover Elizabeth Lowell, and "Only His" is a great place to start. This is the first in a series of 4 novels about the Moran siblings and life in the Colorado wilderness after the Civil War. Lowell always does great research, but her true forte is creating unique and wonderful characters. This is the story of Willow Moran, the only daughter in the Moran family, who following the death of her parents goes in search of one of her brothers, Matt Moran, in the Colorado Rockies. As her guide she hires Caleb Black, a tall, dark and handsome man who, unbeknownst to Willow, has his own score to settle with Matt Moran. Despite Caleb's misgivings, Willow handles the harrowing and dangerous journey across the wilderness surprisingly well, and the two are increasingly drawn to one another. Only Caleb knows that there is certain tragedy ahead when and if they find Matt.Both of the main characters are very well-drawn, and Lowell masterfully builds the sexual tension between them. The love scenes are steamy and the action scenes are very compelling. I ususally would skim through gun battles, but Lowell does such a good job that you won't want to miss them. You'll be sorry to see this book end. Luckily it's just the beginning of the Moran saga!