jjares reviewed on 3/15/2016 + 3413 more book reviews

Be sure to read this series in order; the list is at the bottom of this review. This is the second book but the start of 'the guardsmen.' It is the late 1800's in Denver, Colorado. Lawlessness is rampant and three businessmen join forces to handle the violence. There's a sheriff in town but he seems more interested in jailing drunks than fighting crime.

Spinster school teacher Emma January Step rushes to the mansion of Gideon Cade to warn him of the disappearance of his niece and ward, Courtney Cade. When Gideon takes Emma back to the girls' school where Emma and Courtney live, they find the school in flames. After the building is demolished, Emma has three choices: Wealthy Lyman Thornton (nephew to the school's owner) offers Emma lodging; going to a hotel or accepting the housing offer of Gideon Cade, who is too amorous around Emma, to suit her tastes. Although Lyman is very attracted to Emma, she considers him 'creepy.' Emma has no money for a hotel room. After accepting Gideon's offer, she proceeds to chastise him about his over-bearing attitude and his free use of his hands on her person, as they ride home in Gideon's carriage.

In a short period of time, Emma (with the aid of Duncan, the dog) manages to unsettle Gideon's sedate life. There are two problems that will become obstacles for the couple: Emma lived in an orphanage from the age of three and is totally alone. She has now lost her job and Emma is now destitute.

Courtney became the ward of Gideon when his brother and sister-in-law were murdered. Gideon has sworn to find justice for the dead members of his family. He instantly understands that Emma is the 'marrying kind of woman' and he doesn't have the time or inclination for such. However, he offers to make her his mistress. Oddly, the walls are still standing in Gideon's mansion after Emma gives her answer to the clueless Gideon.

Although I did not find the dialogue to be as wild as the first book, it still is a delightful story. 4 stars

The Guardsmen
1. Beloved Outcast (1996)
2. Cade's Justice (1997)
3. Burke's Rules (1998)
4. Hunter's Law (2000)

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