Deputy Laney Briggs' life is not getting any better. She was expecting her long-time boyfriend Gunner Wilson to propose on Christmas Eve, instead he left without a word. Laney is heartbroken and furious, especially since Gunner arrested her childhood friend Luke Wilson on murder charges. She enlists the help of sexy Federal Marshal Colt Larsen to help her clear Luke's name.

PRETTY LAWLESS is the final instalment in Jodi Linton's brilliant series, and things look grim for Laney Briggs. PRETTY LAWLESS can be read as a standalone, although the story arc started in the first book of the Deputy Laney Briggs series, Ms. Linton supplies enough background information, whether it concerns the suspense angle or Laney and Gunner's tempestuous relationship, a new reader to the series will be able to enjoy it without any problem.

Laney has not had an easy nor happy life but things had seemed to be going along nicely with her Texas Ranger Gunner Wilson, the love of her life, until too many secrets on his part ruined it all. Ms. Linton does a great job at conveying Laney's hurt and anger, as well as her love for Gunner that is enmeshed in the fabric of her life. Laney has always been strong-willed with a take- no-prisoner attitude, but never more so than in PRETTY LAWLESS. Gunner is still searching for his parents' murderer and things get much more complicated than he ever anticipated.

The story moves along briskly and plot twists abound. Jodi Linton possesses a unique voice: sharp and edgy, with an innate talent for storytelling. The dialogues are as brilliant as ever, infused with the sounds and colourful expressions of the South, and Ms. Linton shows even more sides to the already very complex characters as events unfold. The suspense angle is riveting, as even readers who have followed Deputy Briggs' adventures from the beginning breathlessly await the conclusion, and more stunners.

PRETTY LAWLESS is more of a straightforward romantic suspense than the previous installments while still remaining very sexy and fun. Jodi Linton demonstrates again that she belongs up there with the best of them!