A Wanted Man

Stone Creek, Book #2

By Linda Lael Miller

ISBN# 9780373772360

Author’s Website:  lindalaelmiller.com

Brought to you by OBS reviewer Heidi

Review

Rowdy Rhodes has been summoned to Stone Creek by Sam O’Ballivan.  Sam saw the good work Rowdy did in Haven as marshal and would like him to do the same in Stone Creek.  He wants Rowdy to be the new marshal, but a secret ranger as well. 

The railroad is coming to Stone Creek, but there have been several train robberies of late, and Sam wants to put a stop to it. 

However, the new marshal is harboring a big secret.  The infamous train robber, Payton Yarbro, is none other than Rowdy’s dad.  Not only that, but Rowdy himself used to be a train robber too.  Rowdy, his dad, and his brothers (except for the youngest, Gideon) are all wanted outlaws.  Now Rowdy must walk a thin line of helping stop the train robberies without turning on his own family.

Meanwhile, Lark Morgan is hiding secrets of her own.  She came to Stone Creek a few months ago, running from an evil and powerful man, her former husband.  She embarrassed him by fleeing Denver and filing for divorce.  If he finds her, he will surely kill her.  So, she hides in the sleepy town of Stone Creek, as the town’s new schoolmarm.

When Rowdy comes to town, Lark fears he was sent to find her.  Of course, he would go to stay at the same boarding house she is staying at.  She tries to keep her guard up around him, but there is something about him that she can’t resist.

Rowdy and Lark are drawn to each other, both desperately holding onto their secrets.  A romance starts to bloom between them, but what happens when their secrets are forced out in to the light?

I read the first book in this series, The Man from Stone Creek, many years ago.  That book had been a rather slow read for me so I had been in no hurry to continue the series.  However, I decided it was time to give the series another try.  I have to say this was a vast improvement, either that or I’ve changed in my reading preferences.  I felt this book had a decent pace and it kept me interested throughout.

I really liked Rowdy; the former outlaw trying to be good and live on the straight and narrow.  Of course, his family popping up makes that a little difficult.  So far, I’ve really enjoyed the Yarbro clan.  And, I can only assume we will see more of them throughout the rest of the series.  They can hopefully find good women to change them all to be decent men. 

I can’t wait to see Gideon grow up and have a little girl of his own that he will no doubt name Rose.  He was a sweet character, one that hasn’t been touched by his dad’s outlaw ways.  I loved how gentle and kind he was with Lydia.  Who knows?  Maybe she will get her dream of being that girl he marries.

If you’re looking for a torrid steamy affair, this may not be for you, as it doesn’t get steamy until closer to the end of the book. Except that wagon ride to and from Sam’s house.  This book really focuses more on the storyline, which I can appreciate.

I found this to be an enjoyable little western romance.  I’m not sure how accurate it was to the time period, but it was a nice way to spend a couple of days regardless.