Genre(s):
Western Elements
Lavender Prouty is a kindergarten teacher in Wayback, TX. On a field trip to the local rodeo arena, a wondering little boy meets a handsome young cowboy, Taylor Craig. Lavender normally does not flirt with cowboys knowing they will just break her heart but for some reason she seems drawn to Taylor, even though he is obviously younger than her and definitely a heart breaker. When he takes the time to show Lavender’s class his horse’s tricks, she melts a bit towards him but she has responsibilities that aren’t going to go away and doesn’t have the time to waste with this cowboy.
Taylor Craig isn’t the world’s best cowboy but he’s trying to learn. He didn’t grow up on a ranch though he now owns one. He doesn’t put that out there though as he wants to fit in and doesn’t want to many questions about a past he wants to stay hidden. Meeting Lavender and her not recognizing him was not only surprising but refreshing. He really wants to get to know her but isn’t sure how to break through that reserve.
This is the 11th book in a series of books based in Wayback, TX. It doesn’t have to be read in the series though it may be more enjoyable if it is. I didn’t find as many secondary characters that have been in the other books in this one.
I loved this book and laughed at some of the parts. Lavender really doesn’t want to be in the limelight and when Taylor’s past comes to light she’s thrown there without notice. Her reactions of disbelief and wanting to hide were perfect. Taylor trying to figure out how to juggle his desires and Lavender’s responsibilities was interesting. It’s a little hard to make out with your girl when her grandmother is watching!
The pacing of this book was exactly right. There were no sections where it bogged down and likewise there were not sections that were rushed. The story unfolded as naturally as a relationship in made. And as in every relationship, there are ups and downs and compromises. There are all evident in this edition of life in Wayback.
The characters were well developed and interesting. Neither Taylor nor Lavender had a normal upbringing. Each had responsibilities beyond their years by their teens. As this history comes to light, their reactions begin to make sense and you realize how their past is influencing their present. Even secondary characters were interesting and fun. The interactions with Lavender’s grandmother were priceless. Lavender’s co-workers were typical small town women who have their own issues and those issues were seen in this book. This gives the characters a more realistic perspective than if all the characters were perfect or supportive. A little jealousy would be normal when a young beautiful woman sees an older slightly overweight woman getting the young good-looking guy!
This book isn’t a real long story but it is an entertaining one. I would highly recommend this or any book in this series or all the books, for a great way to spend a cold winter’s afternoon or a sunny summer’s day on the beach. I look forward to reading more about the residents of Wayback and their romances.
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Book Blurb & Info for Bull by the Horns
Lavender Prouty has always lived in the Texas town of Wayback . Everyone in her family fled , leaving her with her ailing grandmother. She’s so accustomed to denying herself , she doesn’t know how to react when a handsome cowboy flirts with her during a field trip to the fairgrounds.
Taylor Craig hasn’t always been a steer wrestler, but he doesn’t talk about his past. He's made enough money to buy a spread near Big Bend, and he loves the cowboy life. Rodeoing answers his need to wander.
When he meets Lavender, those needs shift. He likes how she treats her class, likes her humor, is intrigued by her shyness. Women are always throwing themselves at him , but now he'll do the chasing.
Taylor’s charm lowers Lavender’s defenses before a series of events, including her mother’s return and the revelation of his past, put her back on guard.
Miniature
(110 pages) Spicy