Taking the Reins

Murray (The Game of Love) introduces readers to an authentic setting with likable characters in this promising contemporary Western series starter. Peyton Muldoon has a lot on her plate. The family ranch is struggling, thanks to her late mother%E2%80%99s mismanagement. Her siblings are scattered to who knows where, and horse trainer extraordinaire Redford Callahan is too sexy for her peace of mind. In order to get her ranch back on solid footing, she ignores the attraction, swallows her pride, and offers Red the head trainer position at M-Star Ranch. Red clamps down on his lust and takes the job, against his better judgment. When the two hotheads aren%E2%80%99t arguing, they work well together and are explosive in bed. Despite Red%E2%80%99s reputation as a commitment-phobic wanderer, he accepts his feelings for Peyton early on, and is gentle and patient as he earns his passage through her defenses. The question is whether Peyton will trust Red to stay and accept that she can%E2%80%99t control everything. It%E2%80%99s a tall order for anyone to take that leap of faith, and especially so for Peyton. (Jan.)