Third in the Rowdy Ranch series features a surprising start, with a wedding day that goes terribly wrong. Ella Bradley was all set for her wedding to Warner Stapleton, but first, he’s late, and second, some social media postings look like bad news for the relationship. TESTING THE COWBOY’S RESOLVE demonstrates to Ella that she unquestionably has friends and supporters in her community.

Wagon Train, Montana, is a small town, where folks look out for one another. Equine vet Marsh McLintock has known P.E. teacher Ella Bradley all her life, and he was determined that their friendship should survive her wedding. But now the wedding is off, the gifts have to be returned, and Ella might be at risk from her disgruntled ex. Marsh offers to let Ella stay at Rowdy Ranch, where she will be safe while she gets her life back on track.

I admired Ella immediately, for taking charge of her circumstances despite the shock and embarrassment. That feeling increases as Ella rides the trails and woods of the open country, gets to chat with neighbours and makes herself physically stronger. She’s resolved not to ruin her friendship with Marsh, who has always been quiet and reliable and has spent a lot of time in her studies. He’s pretty fit, though, and a fine horseman.

This is a contemporary romance, and the growing relationship fills the pages, spiraling around earlier characters from this modern Western series, which will delight regular readers of Vicki Lewis Thompson. This popular author tends to focus on her characters, in vivid and welcoming settings. I had a good time getting to know the folks, and I’d love to visit Wagon Train. The latest story, Finding the Cowboy’s Family, brings an Irish character to meet possible relatives.

TESTING THE COWBOY’S RESOLVE is a scorcher of a read, with several good lessons to learn about who we should rely on in love. And there are horses, so I’m doubly happy.