Morie Brannt was on a mission to be a cowgirl working on a ranch. That she had to leave her home to accomplish that was odd given her father, King, was a cattle baron but he was adamantly against his daughter's idea to work as a cowgirl. Morie was raised to be a lady like her mother Shelby who artfully ran the household and was the love of her husband's life. King was a formidable man and loving Shelby had definitely brought out his caring side. Morie hoped one day to have a marriage like theirs steeped in love, friendship, and trust. But so far the men she met were more enticed by her wealth and station than by Morie herself. Going to work on Mallory Kirks ranch gave her the freedom anonymity provides to be just another hired hand even if just for a short while. She was impressed by how the Kirks ranch was run, very environmentally conscience and at the same time committed to following their family's time honored more traditional methods. The strength and closeness of family was very apparent. Kirk's and Mallory's relationships with his hired hands reminded her of Kings. Morie proved she wasn't afraid of hard work. And where most found Mallory intimidating Morie was comfortable in his company. Perhaps he reminded her of her father who most people thought of as downright scary.

Mallory immediately recognized the intelligence and humility in Morie and admired her work ethic. But most of all, to his dismay, he was beginning to see through her ragged looks to the pretty, charming young lady who made him feel something he hadn't in a long time; certainly not with Gelly who was his latest companion, at least in his mind. Gelly had other ideas, Mallory was hers, and she wasn't above using any means to make sure her claim to this wealthy rancher was secure. As Mallory's ardor for Morie grew he became even more gruff and ornery just not willing to leave himself vulnerable and was easily convinced to doubt her integrity by the overzealous and possessive Gelly. As events on the ranch got out of hand his distrust took on a life of its own until Morie was forced to leave in disgrace. They say the bigger they are the harder they fall and that sums up Mallory's feelings for Morie. Morie also struggled with her growing attraction to this big, gruff man who at turns couldn't keep his hands and lips off her and then treated her as if she was invisible. But fate was to play a big part in their future and in the end the strength of their love would decide the outcome.

I can't remember a time when I wasn't a Palmer fan. Diana Palmer's characters jump right off the page and become starkly real. Strong men get cut down to size by love and find happiness. Palmer's characters have soul. It is more important that her characters have beautiful souls than faces, where their true strength lies.