The Texas Ranger

Jan Hudson's The Texas Ranger is an example of how to write a book. Steeped in the tradition of the Texas Rangers, you'll love this book.

The youngest of the law-abiding Outlaw family, Texas Ranger, Sam Bass Outlaw, would give his eyeteeth and his best Stetson to solve an old case. One in which a string of co-eds across Texas disappeared never to be seen again, even when ransom payments were made. Right now though, a very pretty blonde is giving him the eye from across the room jammed with partying family and friends. Skye Walker lives a protected life...literally. A four-legged guard dog never leaves her side and a couple of the two-legged variety are always close at hand. Sam discovers Skye is the one who got away. The only victim of the co-ed kidnapper to resurface. Placed in a box and buried alive, she was rescued when her previous dog traced her scent and began digging at the shallow grave. She's the link Sam needs to solve the case, but she remembers nothing of the abduction. She's the woman he needs to hold in his arms, but will she trust he's not just interested in what she can do for his career? As always, veteran story-teller Jan Hudson delivers a satisfying read wherein love and all its obstacles are handled with skill and humor

I would have given a 5 star except that the resolution of Skye's trauma lacked a little tension packed drama. Loved the cover and the characters. We meet up again with Texas Ranger Sam Outlaw's brothers, J.J. and Frank along with his sister, Belle who has now become the publisher of the "Wimberley Star" newspaper. Gabe Burrell, Skye Walker's brother, is a friend of Sam's and very protective of Skye. He and Gus the German Shepard keep interfering with Sam's pursuit of Skye. Sam inadvertantly ends up with his elderly neighbor's dog, Pookie which gives him an excuse to see Skye. We meet the bell-pushing, banana loving llama again and Flora, Skye's mother, and her phobia about scorpions. Sam's penchant for meat and Skye's decided vegetarian tendencies lead to some humorous dialog. Sam had just gotten out of a relationship with a woman who could not put up with the stress of worrying about him because of his job and now Gabe is trying to stress to Sam that Skye is a high-maintenance woman - what with 4 round the clock guards and such. Sam just continues to encourage Skye to get out and about, not knowing about her involvment with a kidnapper. Yet she should be able to help him clear up a cold case. An enjoyable story - a really nice set of books - this being #5 - great characters - Definitely Recommended --m

At a party Cold Case Texas Ranger Sam Bass Outlaw sees Skye Walker for the first time and knows he must meet this blonde beauty. He introduces himself as the brother of Belle, publisher of the Wimberley Star. She says she is the sister of his friend and Belle's beau Gabe Burrell. Sam is in love, but having time alone with Skye proves futile as she is protected better than the president is starting with Gus the German shepherd. Still he makes efforts to see her, but to his shock he learns why the seemingly overkill protection of Skye. His latest cold case involves her; which leads to doubts on his part. Not doubts that he loves her and believes she reciprocates; doubts about pursuing the investigation as that means Skye must explain her past; something she detests talking about. This is a terrific police procedural romance as readers will understand Sam's dilemma hesitating between hurting his love and completing his duty. The story line is fast-paced, but it is the cast that makes the tale so much fun to read and not just the lead couple; from his family to hers including no nonsense (or roast beef) Gus interfere and matchmake simultaneously. THE TEXAS RANGER is a delightful contemporary. Harriet Klausner