When a Texan Gambles

I've read the first two books in this series and, since I am not a reviewer and you can read the eitors' reviews, I can only give you my humble opinions: This is a wonderful story. Great characters. I loved this book so much, that I wish Jodi would make it at least 4 in the series as I would love to read more about that wild Texas Ranger, JACOB. I can't wait for Lacy's story. She's hillarious.

Jodi Thomas is a jewel of an author, her books are always great and so hard to put down. This one is no exception. I have all her books and always rush to get her new one when they are released. This books is so good, if you enjoy reading historical romance you don't want to miss this one.

I like Jodi Thomas's books--they are well written, interesting and she seldom makes a misstep with the heroine or the hero. I look forward to having the time to read them, but I don't feel as if I have to stop my life for them. She deftly sidesteps traps--for example, there are children in the book, but they don't take it over. Most of this book is the two people on the run, either from the scads of people who want to kill Gatin or to reach a sadistic murderer before he can strike again. Sometimes when an author shows a villain, too much explicit violence is shown which haunts the reader (at least, this one!), But not so in this book. Although this book is part of a trilogy (the third is not out yet), you can read it on its own. Both Sarah and Gatlin are orphans who yearn for someone to love and to be loved and the process of their falling in love was fun to read. The only criticism I have is the ongoing (two books now) flight from the man the three women thought they had murdered. I suppose this will be wrapped up in the third of the trilogy, but it made this book seem unfinished. On the whole, a very, very good book!

The second book of the trilogy, Sarah and Sam are very real, human characters. This is the best book she's written by far. I laughed out loud every time Sarah reminded Sam that she was fragile. Don't miss this book. You won't regret it.

In 1883 after confessing that she killed nasty Zeb Whitaker with two other women, Sarah Andrews is placed in a wedding raffle by Sheriff Riles. Shockingly the last person that anyone would expect to enter the contest, bounty hunter Sam Gatlin wins. He pays her fine, gets her out of jail, and marries her. Sarah expects he will abandon her like her husband and baby who died while heading west and the wagonmaster who kicked her off the train.However, before they can leave town, Levi Reed stabs Sam in the back. He asks Sarah to pull out the knife and to get them out of town as he is a sitting duck for anyone who wants a reputation. She pulls off the impossible, but on the trail meets three children claiming Sam as their father though he denies it whenever he awakens. As she nurtures him back to health, they fall in love, but to have a long term relationship he paradoxically must die because so many wannabees will try to gun him down.The second "Wife Lottery" tale (see THE TEXAN'S WAGER) is a superb western romance that moves at a fast pace, is filled with plenty of action and contains a strong cast. The key, besides the fully developed lead protagonists, are the townsfolk, the kids, and those foes wanting to kill the hero. Each one enhances the understanding of the inner values of a pair who are on the surface seem inappropriate together yet share similar ethics. Readers will look forward to the final novel in what is so far a delightful series focusing on players with principles.Harriet Klausner