Benjamin Lawrence returns to his childhood home, a ranch in Owyhee County, Idaho, to settle his father’s estate, sell the ranch, and take his mother and sister home to Boston. He’d left the ranch an embarrassment to his father, a boy who didn’t take to ranch life. Now a successful lawyer, he will take his mother and sister back to Boston and give them the prestigious home they deserve.
To Ben’s dismay, to meet the conditions of his father’s will he must learn the cattle business within a stipulated amount of time.
Jake (Janelle) O’Keefe, ranch foreman, has her heart set on a section of the ranch to call her own, a piece of land she’s worked for and that was promised to her by Ben’s father. But now she can’t have clear title unless Ben complies with his father’s demands, a demand that seems unlikely to happen. That city lawyer isn’t a likely candidate as a rancher.
It’s hard not to notice Jake’s ability as the ranch foreman. She can out-rope, out-ride and out-smart any man in the county. To top it off, she’s beautiful. But don’t tell her that. And don’t mention her big heart either. What she calls her “strays”–three little kids who needed a home–are dear to her heart and she’ll protect them with her life.
Ben’s tidy life in Boston has to take a back seat until he can meet his deceased father’s demands. It seems the old man insists on making his life miserable even from the grave. Ben’s life takes another step in the wrong direction when he learns his mother and sister have no intention of leaving ranch life.
Even “simple life” in the country can get complicated. When hearts get lassoed, there’s no predicting what will happen. Mix that confusion with an intriguing turn of events and you have a hot branding iron on your hands.
Much Ado about Mavericks by Jacquie Rogers is the third book in the Hearts of Owyhee series. The first two, Much Ado About Marshals and Much Ado About Madams are also stories about 1800’s Idaho. Rogers’ solid understanding of the rollicking old west is apparent. She combines her extensive knowledge of ranch life in Much Ado About Mavericks with generous handfuls of humor and sexiness. A good, fun read.
For more information about the author, visit http://www.jacquierogers.com/
This sounds like a good book! I’ll have to look it up. I hope it’s available on Nook.
It IS good, irene. I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
Thanks so much for the terrific review, Mary. I really appreciate you taking the time to read the book and write a review, and I’m utterly delighted that you found Jake’s story entertaining!
You are so welcome, Jacquie. AsI mentioned, this is a fun, worthy read. AND, I learned some things about old-time ranching, too.
Excellent review. Mavericks is my favorite of Rogers’ books (though it’s difficult to pick just one). I love how it plays against stereotypes to create memorable characters and surprising situations.
I agree. Her work is refreshing and original.