Outlaw Love

U.S. Marshall Clay Chandler walked right into a trap set by one of the Dade gang. Luther was bent on hanging the marshall. Suddenly shots rang out - Clay was caught in a cross-fire. Dang! if it wasn't the Schoolyard Boys - the three masked bandits caught Luther between them - the leader cut the rope from the hanging tree - Luther got shot - Clay was released - and the bandits took off. Clay trussed up Luther, ordered Duece to stay put and took off after the fallen bandit. Before he could unmask the boy he felt a winchester pressed against his neck, "Eat dirt, lawman." And this is just for starters -- What a great start for J. Stacy's first Harlequin Historical. This is one book that is a must have. Action, humor, romance, misunderstandings - two people that opposed each other only to find their heart's desire. What is the mystery behind the Schoolyard Boys that they always seem to have information on when Jack Morgan was sending out his mine payroll and only seem to rob his shipments? How can a young lady like Kelsey Rodgers run her father's hotel and keep up the ranch until her brother, Seth returns? How can Kelsey be friends with such a snip as Mallory Morgan? What is the reason that Kelsey and Holly Duncan don't talk to each other? All of them used to be school chums when they were younger. What was the retired school teacher, Miss Wilder doing in her preambles about town. It was fortunate that Duece got a job cataloging her library. And did Clay get a jolt when he visited Kelsey's home and little Toby calls her "Mama" Just an all around great story. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --M

Missouri, 1876 U.S. Marshal, Clay Chandler is hot on the trail of murdering outlaw, Scully Dade, when want-to-be members of the Dade Gang ambushed Marshal Chandler and now he's at the end of his rope, literally! All of a sudden three scrawny masked bandits come to Clay's rescue and set him free. Those masked bandits must be the Schoolyard Boys! The Schoolyard Boys are infamous for robbing the mine payroll on the stage line. How do these Schoolyard Boys alway know when the payroll is on the stage and why can't they be caught? Beautiful and petite hotel owner Kelsey Rodgers was already in trouble up to her elbows with worry of her family's wellbeing and financial future. The last thing she needed was sharp and sexy U.S. Marshal Chandler staying at her hotel and nosing around! Clay knew the sassy and secretive whirlwind Kelsey was going to get him in hot water, but how? He certainly couldn't be falling for her when he was hot on the trail of the Dade and Schoolyard gangs! So just who is she and why does he feel she holds the key to his mission? This action packed and tender tale is a pure delight! Don't miss this one!

Great story, great characters! My first Stacy book and I will be looking for more. Loved the female outlaw angle!