"Her Wyoming Hero" by Rebecca Winters; Harlequin ($5.50, paperback)
The third (and maybe final?) story of this heartwarming and charmingly corny series is just as, well, heartwarming and corny as the first two books.
The premise: Three marines meet in the hospital, all suffering from the same ailment that left them with a chronic cough from their time in Afghanistan. They realize even though they'll be plagued with this condition for the rest of their lives, they are fortunate to be returning home.
To honor those who weren't as fortunate, they decide to turn the ranch inherited by one of them (Carson, hero of the first book, "The Wyoming Cowboy") into a dude ranch, and to host families of fallen soldiers.
In the first book, Carson fell in love with the first widow and her young son who came to the ranch. In the second ("Home to Wyoming") the second partner, Buck, falls in love with the (young) grandmother who brings her granddaughter to the ranch. Now, it's Ross' turn.
Kit was recently widowed, but her marriage had been in shambles long before. She was imprisoned in a mansion, held captive by her wealthy in-laws who wanted to control her and her son's lives.
She escapes to the "daddy dude ranch."
Even Ross recognizes the irony in the three partners falling in love with their first three honored guests, but that doesn't stop him from falling hard for Kit. Kit falls right back.
HOW IT STACKS UP
Overall rating: 3 of 5 hearts. This is far from a deep story, and there is no suspense, intrigue, drama or surprises. But it's a sweet and easy read.
Hunk appeal: 10. Ross is a good guy, who relates well to sullen Andy. And you know Kit is well protected.
Steamy scene grade: XX. And well loved.
Happily ever after: Good. No drama to make it teary, nothing that gets your pulse racing. In fact, it's rather quick and sudden. But everyone is happy.
ALSO THIS WEEK
"Marrying Dr. Maverick," by Karen Rose Smith (2013, paperback) 3 of 5 hearts. The folks in Rust Creek Falls are getting married just as fast as the couples in Thunder Canyon. This time, veterinarian Brooks marries Jazzy so that his father will slow down and get healthy. Or so he says. Actually, and of course, Brooks is in love with Jazzy � and she with him. It just takes them both a while to figure that out. The ending of this story is a good one.
ABOUT THE WRITER
Lezlie Patterson is a former columnist for The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. Readers may send her email at lezlie.patterson@gmail.com.