Tempting Morality

From the back cover: She was a fraud... That's what Zach Burkett thought when he caught sight of Miss Morality Brown testifying at a town revival meeting. A deliciously enticing fraud who would be the perfect cover for his scheme to pay back the "godly" folk of Cottonwood Creek for their cruel betrayal. But Zach was wrong: far from being a con, the nearly irresistable angel was a geniune innocent. And only after he'd shamelessly tempted her to passion would he discover he'd endangered his own vengeful heart... He was the answer to her prayers... That's what Morality Brown thought when she gazed up into Zach Burkett's wicked blue eyes. It hardly mattered that the slow-drawling, smooth-talking rogue was a self-confessed sinner, or that she sensed a hidden purpose behind his charm. In his arms, she found the heaven she'd always longed for. But all too soon she'd discover the terrible truth about the man who'd stolen her heart. Scarred by the past, he lives for revenge--and it will take a miracle of love to save his soul... And my review: I didn't expect to like this book, as I'd been thoroughly bored by another of this author's books, 'The Bad Luck Wedding Cake'. Still, as this book was on sale for only 50 cents, I decided to give this author another try. And I was pleasantly surprised. While this wasn't a can't-put-it-down book, it was still very entertaining. Looking at the front cover, I thought that this might be another of those "sheltered woman who turns into a slut" book, but it wasn't. There was no anticipations of the wedding night. All of the sex between the hero and heroine was within the bonds of matrimony, which I really liked. This book had interesting historical detail, intrigue, plot twists (some of which had me gasping out loud), action, and a fairly enjoyable romance. My only complaint with this book was that the hero wasn't as likeable as he could have been. He lied to the heroine almost constantly, which really took away from my enjoyment of the book. Plus, considering the extremely strong way Morality felt about lying, I found her easy acceptance of many of her husband's lies (like how he'd basically forced her into marriage) to be a bit unbelievable. Still, this was still an enjoyable romance, even if it wasn't a keeper. I would probably read more of this author's books in the future, as this one restored my faith in her to write an entertaining read.

Finally, something for everyone. Action [mild] mystery [realistic kind] Romance [of the moral kind]with a touch of the naughty [which is always the basis of chaos]. Yup, Zack, the "Burkett Bastard" has returned to Cottonwood Creek, Texas 1860 with revenge in his heart. Oh yeah, he found the right person through which to work his scheme, Reverend Harrison. What was the mystery of the morning-glory seeds? Ah, but to gain credability he needed the support of Morality Brown, the "Miracle girl". Her seduction was uppermost in his mind. I had to laugh at her niavity when Uncle Reverend declared himself as her prospective groom. She is too full of goodness to recognize the evil of men. Little Patrick Callahan was adopted by Morality and it was her job to see that he faced the straight and narrow. He figures nicely into the scheme of things. Wiley Zach had a weather helped plan to convince Morality to elope. He also has a meeting with the son of the railroad magnet. When they arrive at Gallagher's Tavern and Traveler's Inn, we meet Dan Gallagher, a man about Zach's age and his nephew, Johnny Kincaid, the oldest son of Branch Kincaid and Katie Starr, of THE TEXAN'S BRIDE. I loved the reminder of how Katie slapped Branch with two dead squirrels. Well one thing lead to another with Morality not on speaking terms with her new husband. Somehow I think love stepped in to plant its seed. The story keeps up a wonderful pace with Zack laying down the trail to destroy the Burketts and the town of Cottonwood Creek. Joshua and his wife Louise Burkett took in the Reverend and Morality with Patrick for the length of the tent revival. Was this just a herring to fool people? And we are allowed a glimmer of the past when Morality remembered a little girl called Lilah waiting for the return of her mother. Don't be looking for the trashy morals written into many frontier stories but a strong passionate fight against the evils of the time. Forgivness, emotional and mental growth and loving family bonds. [almost] and a great tornado! HIGHLY RECOMMENDED - Another keeper along with The Texan's Bride #1 of this set.

TEMPTING MORALITY is wonderful, just wonderful! Full of humor, emotion, and well, Morality. If you can find this book, grab it. Ms. Dawson really brings her characters to life. A very enjoyable read and one you won't be disappointed with.