Give Me a Texas Outlaw

Four honorable outlaws find romance in this uneven collection of novellas, the fourth from this group of writers (after 2010's Give Me a Texas Ranger). In headliner Thomas's flimsy "The Outlaw," pretty little liar Cozette cons outlaw-with-a-heart-of-gold Michael into marrying her so she can inherit her neglectful father's ranch. In Broday's strong "Trouble in Petticoats," Larissa Patrick falls for wily Johnny Bravo when her father hires him to rescue her young sister from kidnappers. Outlaw Savannah Parker finds hope for justice%E2%80%94and redemption%E2%80%94in the arms of Texas Ranger Ethan Kimble in Miranda's "Texas Flame," which deftly weaves layers of secrets into a narrative that keeps readers guessing. Pace's delightful "Most Wanted" captures the flavor and diversity of the genuine Old West as retired gunslinger Shadow Rivers pays back an old friend by helping distressed damsel Odessa Kilmore. The stories emphasize emotion over sensation, creating a sweet, sunny anthology perfect for rainy-day reading. (July)