Pink Heart Reviews
One Real Cowboy
Janette Kenny
ISBN-10: 0821781464
ISBN-13: 978-0821781463
Zebra, March 2007, 352 pp
Historical – Western
$3.99 (US) $5.99 (CDN)
Reviewed by Maria
November 2007
Considered an old maid, Beatrix Northrope needs a husband - and fast. Her grandfather is set to leave the deed to Prairie Rose, the ranch that Beatrix loves and runs, but only if she marries. Enter Cord Tanner, a man with cowboy good looks and charm. Hired to help run the ranch, Cord agrees to marry her before grandfather's next visit. Things aren't quite going Beatrix's way though. Her neighbor's looking to buy the ranch with an offer in hand. Cord's itching to leave the town in Revolt, Kansas but has to stay in order to save up money to do so. When Beatrix's upper crust grandfather finally does show up from England, he's less than convinced that the marriage is stable. Beatrix must show him that the marriage is indeed a union in every sense of the word-legally and emotionally binding. To make matters worse, Beatrix's aunt shows up and can sense the relationship lacks true passion. She sets to counseling Beatrix in the matter. Throw in a jealous ex-fiancée that wants the land as well and Beatrix's plans quickly start unraveling.
To make matters worse the death of Beatrix's father years ago is looking shady as well. Seems that it wasn't the accident it was made out to be. Similar incidents start to occur and they're all intended to hurt Cord. Cord must prove his honor to his new wife and family while simultaneously trying to stay true to himself at the ranch.
Intelligent yet naive, Beatrix plays the part of a newlywed wife perfectly. The marriage is to be in name only but Beatrix quickly has second thoughts. Cord is sexy and funny,trying to abide by the wife's rules. This couple's antics are humorous and romantic - a perfect mix! Janette Kenny's debut novel is a pleasant glimpse into the author's talent.
