Her Lucky Cowboy

Ryan’s third Montana Men contemporary romance (after When It’s Right), set in tiny Bowden Ranch, Mont., has a seamless plot and two sterling protagonists. When tough cowboy Dane fell from his horse, a woman appeared, treated his wounds, and vanished. He thought she was a head-injury hallucination until she reappeared 11 years later and once again saved his life. Tired of being pursued by uninteresting women, he decides to win this beautiful physician’s heart. For her part, the woman (whose name is Bell) was the product of her father’s infidelity, and she was locked away for years by her evil paternal grandmother to preserve her father’s reputation. She’s clever and capable, but she’s never experienced a real emotional connection with anyone and is determined to keep the audacious cowboy at arm’s length, despite her attraction to him. However, his perseverance and magnetic smiles weaken her defenses, and the two become closer than she ever knew was possible. When a jealous ex-friend of Dane’s sets his sights on injuring Bell, in a subplot that meshes perfectly with the main story line, Dane takes his turn at being the guardian angel. The spirited dialogue, charming characters, and engaging story will keep readers intrigued from beginning to end. Agent: Suzie Townsend, New Leaf Literary and Media. (Aug.)