The Heart of a Texas Cowboy

Broday returns to the tough but tender men of Texas’s Lone Star Ranch in her thrilling second Men of Legend 19th-century western (after To Love a Texas Ranger). Houston Legend shuts himself off from love after his fiancée’s death exposes how she deceived him. Then his father loses some land in a poker game, and to get it back, he arranges for Houston to marry Lara Boone, the daughter of his poker rival. Lara was assaulted by the villainous Yuma Blackstone, who left her scarred and pregnant; Houston honorably gives her child the Legend name. Newly wed, Lara and Houston set out on a cattle drive across unforgiving and dangerous land, and soon discover that Yuma is stalking them. When he starts killing off Houston’s men, the Legends seek the help of friendly Cherokees, a polygamist family, a libidinous young couple, and others as they rush toward safety. Broday brilliantly captures Lara and Houston’s hesitations and growing love. At times it’s hard to reconcile Houston’s extreme gentleness toward his wife and daughter with his furious rage at Yuma, but the combination makes him a very desirable hero. The exciting plot, rich setting, and superb writing will delight fans of historical romances. Agent: Gail Fortune, Talbot Fortune Agency. (May)