COLTON: RODEO COWBOY is part of a series set in a Montana
ranching town and
each installment is written by a different author. COLTON:
RODEO COWBOY was written by C.J. Carmichael. The featured
family is the Hart family who run a ranch and rodeo animal
supply outfit. While everyone we meet has a back story,
this reads well as a standalone.
Colton Hart is the irresponsible one in the family, he
lives in a trailer and heads off to ride in the rodeo on a
regular basis, although he's now past thirty. He finally
ticks off the family once too often when he's late for his
brother's wedding. The fact that he was at a business
meeting cuts no ice. Leaving their scorn behind, he heads
to a bar.
Leah Stockton has just returned to town from a failed
marriage in Calgary. She meets Colt, a pal since they went
to school together, and all seems to be going well until
she reveals that she has two small children. Colt's
surprise makes him freeze in his tracks. Leah writes him
off as one more good-time guy - like her ex-husband - and
returns to her critical mother's house.
Next day Colt shows up looking apologetic and offers to
help Leah - she could do with a hand to move furniture to
the house she's going to rent, and as she's an accountant,
she wonders if his ranch could use a bookkeeper. So the two
get to know each other as adults and while Colt doesn't
feel cut out to be a good father figure, he starts to
assume more responsibilities around the ranch as well as
helping Leah with her family issues. But Colt has been
guarding a huge secret for twelve years, and it's time for
him to grow up and face himself - even if that would drive
away the woman he is coming to love.
This tale involves the horses of the ranch in a big way,
whether Midnight the bucking stud horse or a retired
palomino barrel racer. The ranch work and rodeo are well
described as are the boundless energy and multi-
generational commitment of a ranching family. Also the
land is a huge factor, from rain-swollen rivers to the
scent of the pines and colors of the wildflowers. I liked
this story and would be keen to read more tales from
Roundup, Montana, even just to see how the different
authors
handle the characters.
After years of tearing up the rodeo circuit—and shirking
his family duties—Colton Hart shouldn't be surprised that
his return to Thunder Ranch has been a bit thorny. His plan
to put the Harts' prize stallion, Midnight, back into
dangerous rodeo competition doesn't help.
Colt's stirring up trouble off the ranch as well,
especially in Leah Stockton's heart. Recently divorced,
Leah is determined to make a new life for her two kids. The
last thing she needs is a man who acts like a child himself.
And Leah doesn't even know about the biggest mistake of
Colt's life. When his shameful secret is revealed, she'll
never look at him the same again. But Colt also realizes
it's past time he acts like the man Leah deserves…whether
she wants him or not.
© 2003-2024 off-the-edge.net
all rights reserved Privacy Policy