Here's the introduction to a new series -- the Men from Battle Ridge and if it's any indicator then this series is going to be a delight. The Howard and Jones team have developed a great entry straight into the heart of any fan of cowboys and the ladies who match wits with even the toughest guy. RUNNING WILD is definitely a book destined to be dog-eared and read over and over again.

The economy is hitting Battle Ridge hard but Zeke Decker knows the job opening he has doesn't have universal appeal. Working at his ranch which is pretty isolated makes his choices rather slim and meager. He needs someone who borders on desperate and Carlin fits the bill.

Carlin is being stalked by a cop leaving her to fend for herself and her choice is to run hopefully covering her tracks so that even a cop can't find her. But then the unimaginable happens -- her stalker cop Brad found her -- and in his demented state of mind he shoots at a figure wearing a familiar red raincoat. Luckily it isn't Carlin but her friend and coworker Jina isn't as lucky.

Zeke is desperate with his housekeeper leaving after thirty years. Now he has to figure out where to find a cook and housekeeper who won't balk at working at a ranch pretty far from the nearest town. He has family he could turn to but his pride just won't let him go down that road.

Still on the run Carlin winds up in Battle Ridge Wyoming and quickly realizes that the town probably won't have many opportunities for her even for the short time she plans on staying. Carlin doesn't actually stay anywhere for any length of time -- with a stalker possibly still looking. She becomes a pro at watching for anything that doesn't look like it belongs. Her life depends on it.

Perhaps her luck is changing even just a little with her unplanned stop in Battle Ridge. First she gets a waitressing job in a café owned by a woman who manages to win Carlin's trust enough for her to admit her plight. The job comes with a place to stay. But Carlin is a realist. Even if this place looks like a good place to roost for a short time -- relaxing her guard could get her killed.

Zeke is still looking for a housekeeper and has pretty much decided it would have to be a man -- a woman on his ranch is just looking for problems. His ex wife hated the ranch, and so far his luck finding Libby's replacement is all bad.

When Kat's cousin Zeke comes into the café Carlin's first impression is that here is a good looking cowboy who unfortunately asks too many questions and might make her hit the road again. Too bad since this small town felt rather homey. Kat has made it clear that once winter arrives Carlin's job at the café will be done. But Kat has an idea that would help both Carlin and Zeke.

Too bad Carlin's first impression of Zeke is that he is a jerk after he refers to her as one of Kat's strays. And Zeke isn't too keen on hiring this good looking blonde to work on his ranch even if he has to admit she would keep him on his toes. Life is full of surprising twists and turns and Carlin becomes reluctantly entrenched at the ranch before danger somehow catches up with her once again.

Flight was always her first choice but leaving the ranch and Zeke will hurt worse than she can admit. But Carlin's conscience won't let her put these people who have become rather dear and important to her in jeopardy.

If you're in the market for a western with lots of sass and humor RUNNING WILD is it. Howard fans will welcome her new series. I for one can't wait to meet the next Battle Ridge man.