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Book Review of The Mavericks (Cowboys, Bk 10)

The Mavericks (Cowboys, Bk 10)
The Mavericks (Cowboys, Bk 10)
Author: Leigh Greenwood
Genre: Romance
Book Type: Mass Market Paperback
reviewed on + 44 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2


Setting - Arizona Territory 1888 --- Adopted brothers Zeke and Hawk Maxwell were driving their latest acquisition of broodmares to their newly purchased run-down ranch near Tombstone when they were shot at. They might have expected horse thieves, but what Zeke never expected to find holding the end of the rifle was one of the most beautiful black women he'd ever seen - with an attitude bigger than the state of Texas!

Along with Josie, three other women had been stranded when their wagon had lost a wheel. Suzette, the blonde seemed much more open to accept their help in repairing their wagon, and in gratitude, reluctantly offered to share supper with them. With Zeke being black and Hawk, part Indian, it was difficult to believe that they were brothers. Their explanation of being adopted helped in easing the tension between the men and woman.

Zeke and Hawk thought they'd just be on their way the next day, never to cross paths with the bristly females again, but they realized that to leave the women alone in the desert was not a gentlemanly thing to do. Suzette and Josie protested that they could take care of themselves, though they grudgingly admitted to themselves that the men's escort was comforting. Along the way they discovered that stubborn pride was easier to let go of when sharing the dangers along the trail, especially when love and compassion entered the equation.

*** I truly enjoyed this wildly entertaining and sensitive entry in Leigh Greenwood's `Cowboy' series, but would have entitled it differently - rather than The Mavericks, more appropriately - The Misfits! The lead characters were all so terribly wounded! Each bore childhood betrayals and self-esteem issues that it seemed as though they'd need a miracle, or a bunch of them, to ever get up the gumption to take a chance in accepting one another and the love that blossomed. Greenwood masterfully built relationships and situations that helped to bridge these wonderfully strong characters into would be partners. Additionally, lively dialogs and illuminating descriptions of trudging through the western landscapes pointing out both the beauty and dangers along their journey were great! It is certainly easy to see why Leigh holds his place as a leader in the historical romance genre for his compassionate and sensitive storytelling. I would suggest this as highly recommended reading for all lovers of historical American West romance!