Every woman deserves her very own knight in shining armor. Well, all fans of R.C. Ryan know all too well that's how she see it. And once again we are invited to share in an amazing tale of love, strength, pride and gutsiness. LUKE is the second story about the Malloys of Montana. As richly conceived and developed as the first one about Matt Malloy these stories feature an incredible family and center around the escapes of three brothers who are as independent as the day is long. But when faced with any peril toward those that they care off -- all bets are off. Mess with one Malloy and you mess with them all. Even in modern day Montana the cowboy rules are alive and well.

In the Malloys of Montana series R.C. Ryan has created a very eclectic group. The Malloy family has deep roots in the vast roaming hills of their ranch in Montana and yet many of them have extended their reach far and wide creating some very interesting careers and successes along the way. The unspoken credo of this family seems to be the gift of freedom to be who you want. Dinner conversations with this family are as diverse as their personalities and gifts. And the Malloys are a very gifted artistic bunch.

Luke is a free spirit. Has always been and that has provided a fair share of angst for his wonderful, caring and supportive family. Best times of his life are those roaming his land, living off the land and unconcerned about time. But don't be deceived by this description. Luke deeply cares for his people and has always gone the extra mile to help.

In LUKE R.C. Ryan lovingly shows how a young man like Luke develops into a generous adult. Meeting Ingrid Larsen set the stage. Literally thrown off his horse by what seemed like a random shot fired Luke was left vulnerable and in danger. Although Ingrid suspected that the shot fired at the group of wild mustangs came from this strange looking mountain man she knew he needed help -- fast -- and it was up to her. So that's how Luke came to spend time at the Larsen ranch with Ingrid, her little sister Lily and ranch hand Mick. The Larsen's were a bit of a dysfunctional family. Father dead. Mother Nadine generally spending more time at the little town bars than at home with her children. Well you get the picture.

Be prepared to get sucked into one of the best dramas in LUKE which is undoubtedly one of the best stories written by R.C. Ryan and that's saying a lot. I never pass up any book written by Ryan.