Good book that sucked me in from the first chapter and didn't let go until the end. We have a determined and sassy heroine, a gorgeous but deadly hero, and three feisty children brought together by fate.

Jackson is a part-time bounty hunter on the way home after a challenging pursuit and capture. He's looking forward to some rest and relaxation, as well as some time contemplating his future. He gets sidetracked by the signs of life at a property known for its lousy construction and is curious to see who was foolish enough to buy it. He expected to find a tenderfoot, but what he found exceeded even his expectations.

Mimi and her three orphans have been on the run for a year. She bought the property, hoping that they were far enough and remote enough not to be found. Unfortunately, one of her first actions ends up with her falling into a dry well with half a dozen rattlers in it. She figures that she's done for until a man with the face of an angel shows up to save her.

I loved the first meeting between Mimi and Jackson. His curiosity morphs into protectiveness as soon as he sees the problem. I loved his calm demeanor as he entered the well despite his feelings about snakes (a la Indiana Jones' "Snakes. It had to be snakes."). Mimi is relieved to see him, and though bowled over by his beauty, retains her natural sassiness. I loved the banter between the two as Jackson carries out his rescue. However, he doesn't make it through unscathed and is bitten by one of the rattlers on the way out of the well. Now it is Mimi's turn for a rescue, as she nurses him back to health in another scene that highlights how unprepared she is. Once he recovers, there's no way Jackson can leave the little family to manage on their own.

I loved watching the development of the relationship between Mimi and Jackson. She is wary and determined to muddle through on her own, though she can't deny the temptation to lean on Jackson. Jackson is attracted and intrigued. He senses that Mimi is on the run from something or someone and is determined to protect her. I liked seeing Jackson become a part of her life so quickly, from sparring with Mimi to taking the boys in hand and falling under Melinda Sue's spell. Jackson's first hint of the seriousness of Mimi's situation came during a scene with Tony, the oldest of the children. My heart broke for Tony and what he'd been through and cheered for Jackson and his reaction. I loved seeing Jackson and Mimi grow closer, and ached for Mimi and her fear of her past catching up with her.

The story intensified when that past did reappear most horrendously. Mimi's fear, not just for herself but also for the children, leaped off the page. I was on the edge of my seat as Jackson and his friends made good on their promise to protect them. The final confrontation was intense as the bad guys finally got what was coming to them. All that was left was for Jackson to convince Mimi that they belonged together. Despite some well-meaning interference from their friends, Jackson's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic and exactly what Mimi needed.

Though I haven't read the other books in the series yet, they will definitely go on my wishlist. All of Jackson's friends seem to have interesting backstories, and I'd like to know more. I also thoroughly enjoyed the women and the way they treated Mimi as one of their own. My favorite of the secondary characters were the three children. Each one had their own personality and way of looking at the world. I would love to see stories for them later on, especially Melinda Sue. ( )