Caitlyn's Prize-Linda Warren

Caitlyn's Prize
Linda Warren
Harlequin SuperRomance, Jul 14 2009, $6.25
ISBN: 9780373783199

Following the death of her father Dane, Caitlyn Belle learns the family High Five ranch is in financial trouble due to her late dad’s gambling debts that he somewhat paid off by the money making selling gas and oil royalties. Their neighbor Southern Cross ranch Judd Calhoun explains she has six months to turn a profit or sell the ranch to him at fair market value. Several years ago she ended their engagement when he refused to say he loved her; instead he felt he was honest when he responded he has no idea what love means.

When someone begins vandalizing the ranch, Caitlyn, who distrusts Judd with her heart, knows he is her only hope to save the spread though he might be the saboteur as part of his vengeance for her dumping him. Judd holds a mean grudge not forgiving her for dumping him, but every time he looks into her eyes; his icy heart melts though he works extra time to refreeze it.

The first Belles of Texas is a fabulous ranch romance starring two beloved enemies as the heroine will not marry for anything less than a shared love while the lead male insists honesty is more important than an undefined whimsical emotion like love. Her late father’s beliefs that sound Regency in nature in which women should not deal with finances is ironic because he left his daughters and their grandmother in fiscal trouble. The story line is fast-paced yet also enhanced by the strong support cast making CAITLYN'S PRIZE a great opening “Cowboy Country” second chance at love romance.

Harriet Klausner