One thing that was glaring if you read the first book in the series: is this the same Olivia??? It's three months later, and the spoiled, immature princess who was half a villain in the first book is suddenly this brazen, strong, self-sufficient adult? I mean I liked this version a lot better, but it felt like I was reading about a totally different character. Also, why in the world is she so sure Brody loves her??? They've boned a few times, but he seems to go out of his way to make it clear he isn't into her (we are privvy to his inner monologue, but she is not).

While this book is much more well-written then the last, I am feeling increasingly uncomfortable about how race is treated in these books: most of the villains are Native American or Mexican, and the few non-villain POCs are mammy types and super one-dimensional. Why don't Eva's sons get books??? And can we talk about Elena? She was a hostage to her abusive brother for years and acted on his orders; I'm not saying she's Good, but to make her out to be a Big Bad... And damn, I was so ready for a hot threesome scene with Brody, Olivia, and Elena but I totally understand that the characters weren't ready for that. Still! Though, I did like the brief piece of narrative about borders, and how they are this artificial, invented, nebulous concept that we've collectively decided to believe in - that was my takeaway from that paragraph, anyways. (2.5 stars) ( )

One thing that was glaring if you read the first book in the series: is this the same Olivia??? It's three months later, and the spoiled, immature princess who was half a villain in the first book is suddenly this brazen, strong, self-sufficient adult? I mean I liked this version a lot better, but it felt like I was reading about a totally different character. Also, why in the world is she so sure Brody loves her??? They've boned a few times, but he seems to go out of his way to make it clear he isn't into her (we are privvy to his inner monologue, but she is not).

While this book is much more well-written then the last, I am feeling increasingly uncomfortable about how race is treated in these books: most of the villains are Native American or Mexican, and the few non-villain POCs are mammy types and super one-dimensional. Why don't Eva's sons get books??? And can we talk about Elena? She was a hostage to her abusive brother for years and acted on his orders; I'm not saying she's Good, but to make her out to be a Big Bad... And damn, I was so ready for a hot threesome scene with Brody, Olivia, and Elena but I totally understand that the characters weren't ready for that. Still! Though, I did like the brief piece of narrative about borders, and how they are this artificial, invented, nebulous concept that we've collectively decided to believe in - that was my takeaway from that paragraph, anyways. (2.5 stars) ( )

Good book, as much adventure story as romance. The Graham family is still mourning the deaths of their parents and the kidnapping of their youngest sibling, five year old Benjy. Olivia has taken charge of caring for the family, becoming extremely bossy and hardheaded. When Texas Ranger Brody Armstrong, who has been investigating the kidnapping, arrives with news for her brother Matt, he's dismayed that Matt is away from home. He doesn't have time to wait for his return, and gives in to Olivia's insistence that he tell her what is happening, expecting her to inform Matt when he returns. Instead, he finds Olivia insisting on accompanying him.

Brody is a loner who doesn't take on anyone as a partner, least of all a feisty, argumentative female. The events of his past have left him with his emotions buried deep behind walls, content to live his life constantly on the move. He's been attracted to Olivia since he met her, but doing anything about it would be a very bad idea. Olivia had a crush on him when they first met, but as months have passed with no progress in finding her brother, she buried that crush under anger at his apparent indifference to her pain.

I loved their immediate clash when she insisted on going along, and he was equally insistent that she wasn't. He thought he hadn't gotten through to her when he left alone, only to find that she had followed him. It turned out to be a good thing she had when she saved him from two attackers, without losing her head or going into hysterics. He is unwillingly impressed by her, and agrees to let her come along for part of the journey, planning to leave her behind at some point. But Olivia is wise to his plans, and offers him several supremely logical and practical benefits to her presence.

I also found it pretty amusing that each of them had the same effect on the other - neither could think straight when in close proximity. Brody especially found himself agreeing to all kinds of things when his mind was distracted by the way his body reacted to her. The chemistry between them was amazing. Olivia was no inexperienced virgin, and had no trouble making it clear to Brody that she wanted him. He tried to do the right thing at first, especially because of his friendship with her oldest brother, but he was no match for her determination. After their first time together, they had a really hard time keeping their hands off each other. I admit that I found it a little disturbing that they would give in to their desires in the middle of times when their safety was most at risk.

It was interesting to see how their relationship developed. Not only did they have their smoking hot attraction, they also had a pretty good respect for each other's abilities. They were also far more alike than either suspected at the beginning, and as they spent time together those similarities drew them closer together. Because Olivia had been hurt by another man, it takes her awhile to trust Brody and what she is beginning to feel for him. For his part, Brody had never experienced love of any kind, and didn't recognize what he felt for her. He was constantly trying to fight it, certain that there was no way to keep her in his life as a Ranger. Once he finally recognized what he felt, it scared him spitless and sent him running, until he realized what he was doing. At that point it was almost too late, as she was in extreme danger. Olivia had recognized her feelings earlier and had the courage to admit them, but was devastated by his lack of response. I loved the vulnerability that Brody showed when he finally opened up to her. The ending was really sweet as Brody finally found what he hadn't even known he was searching for.

The adventure part of the book was great. From the moment that Brody and Olivia set off together, it was one dangerous situation after another. When they were able to stop arguing long enough to work together, things went well. Unfortunately for them, their own individual issues kept putting them in danger. Unused to working with anyone, Brody isn't accustomed to sharing his plans with anyone. Leaving Olivia in the dark causes her to take things into her own hands, usually putting them into more danger. Olivia isn't known for her patience, and she has a tendency to rush in without considering possible consequences. Tracking down Roderigo gets them a little closer to finding Benjy, but puts them in far more danger than they expected. He is bad news, but his mother and sister end up being even worse. The final confrontation was intense, one that kept me riveted until I knew how it was going to work out.

I liked the theme of the importance of family. It is Brody's lack of family that has made him the man that he is, and also pinpoints his vulnerable side. Though he doesn't realize it at first, he is envious of Olivia's closeness with hers. Olivia may have her moments of frustration with hers, but she knows that they are there when she needs them. I loved her brothers' determination to help Brody with her rescue, even as they hold him responsible for her trouble in the first place. Once the shooting was done, I liked their acceptance of him as part of the family. The youngest Graham girl was really sweet, especially at the end. I'm looking forward to reading more of this series. ( )

Really 4.5 Stars

Full Review on http://scorchingbookreviews.blogspot.co.uk/2012/06/release-fay-review-nix-wester...

I discovered Emma Lang through her alter ego Beth Williamson. I was recommended her Historical Cowboys and I loved the lyrical style of her writing. This is a Romantic Western and I loved every second of it. The book is set in the 1800’s so the men are men and the women are housewives. This family have had their lives turned upside down in the most horrific of fashion and now one of their kin is in the hands of some very horrible people. I respected the decision of Olivia to force herself into the investigation; family is the thing you should cherish and protect at all costs. The premise of this whole book worked for me and I found myself lost in the wild-west.

Olivia was a woman who no longer gave a crap about what was right and proper. She wanted to find her brother and was more than willing to risk her reputation to do so. She doesn’t balk at any of his suggestions, really appreciated the fact that he knew best and doesn’t take the risk lightly. Yes, she takes her life into her own hands but she does it with her eyes wide open. I loved her spunky attitude and strength of conviction; she is the type of heroine that grabs me. She wasn’t stupid or naive; she was just a big sister. She makes some decisions that, when she dissects them later, make her shake, cry and vomit but at the time they are necessary. When the sparks become too much, she walks into a sexual relationship fully aware of all the consequences but realising that she needs to grab her happiness where she can. I enjoy intelligence and Olivia is certainly that.

Brody is just hot. He’s a bad ass Ranger who wants to do his job, sleep with prostitutes who expect him to leave and just stay alive. He has a traumatic past, making his career path perfect for him, but Ms Olivia threatens to destabilise his normal completely. He doesn’t want to feel for her, and is actually quite terrified for her safety, but he can’t deny the saucy thoughts that keep clouding his mind. I loved the fact he was willing to go all the way to Mexico to try to rescue the little boy but I loved the way he was with Olivia even more. He didn’t truly start to appreciate her until she proved her worth on the mission, when he realised that she wouldn’t be a burden. I loved that he respected her strength and her presence; that these were the qualities were what made him fall in love with her! I adore a man who isn’t an Alpha-hole.

This was not your average sweet Western. The action was high octane, the bad guys were creepy and the sex was off the charts steamy....these were not a couple that were shy in seeking their pleasure. The Hero was strong enough to respect his woman and the Heroine was strong enough to hold her own; it’s a fantastic trip back to the Wild Wild West....
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http://illhaveanotherbook.wordpress.com/

Wow, where do I start. Honestly one of the most enjoyable books in a long time. I picked it up and had a hard time putting it down (thank goodness I travel a lot for work and can read!).
Brody is on the hunt for Benji the missing Graham brother. As he sets out on the trail he is shocked to find out that Olivia Graham followed him and is planning on joining him on his search. He does not want her and hopes to convince her that this is not a place she wants to be. Olivia does not back down and proves time and time again that Brody needs her as a partner. I was hooked on Olivia from the beginning.
I will say that I did not like Olivia when she was introduced in the first book, she was a bitch, let’s be honest. But I will admit now that I really like her. Wow, is she a great character. It was great to see the transformation of Olivia from the first book to this one. And Brody, where do I start. The rugged, moody Texas Ranger, he just sounds hot! You knew he was not happy being stuck with Olivia as he searched for her missing brother Benji. The chemistry between them is hot and you can feel that they are into each other. I really enjoyed the steam scenes between them and even their bickering back and forth.
Brody is really, really well done. I got hooked in the story within the first chapter and I was glued to the pages. All the additional characters came together to create a really believable story and at the same time making me emotionally interested in the outcome. You really pull for Brody, Olivia and the Graham family.
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