Desert Bloom [Mass Market Paperback]

Ronda Thompson (Author)

Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 394 pages
• Publisher: Leisure Books (December 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0843949430
• ISBN-13: 978-0843949438
• Product Dimensions: 6.6 x 4.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,654,381 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars 4 chili peppers!, November 30, 2001

By 

Crazy for Words - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desert Bloom (Mass Market Paperback)

Lilla Trafton had been sent to Hell in a stagecoach. That's how she viewed her
banishment to the hot, dusty Texas Panhandle. Her father decided the spoiled
beauty needed some lessons in real life, so he sent her to Langtry, Texas to join a
family friend's school and instruct young ladies in manners and deportment, and she
wasn't to return home until she'd earned her own passage. What Lilla finds is a lot
of cactus, a lot of dirt, and a lack of students. And the devastatingly handsome
Grady Finch, foreman of the WC ranch. That man was definitely in need of a
lesson in manners, because he was decidedly lacking in tact and respect. Yet
underneath his gruffness, he definitely had a soft heart. She couldn't help wondering
what it would be like to win the love of a man like Grady. Could she prove to him
that she could survive on her own, and that she wasn't the prissy snob he thought
she was?

Grady Finch didn't have any use for the likes of Lilla. Well, he could think of
one or two, but it was out of the question. The hothouse beauty would never make
it in Texas, she was too fragile, and didn't have the temperament. Or did she? As
the wonderfully willful woman showed her true colors, he couldn't help being drawn
to her. But he could never provide for her in the way she'd grown up accustomed
to. Better to keep his distance. Too bad his heart disagreed. How would he ever
win the battle to keep his hands off? Did he even really want to try?

Once again, Ronda Thompson draws readers in to enjoy a story full of
well-rounded characters and interesting conflicts. It is neat to see how Grady and
Lilla grow and change. I thought the transition with Lilla was a little fast for the
character she started out to be, but I did like her really well. The chemistry
between Lilla and Grady is hot, and the tension is played out very well. A cast of
secondary characters enhances the story, and leaves you wondering who the next
book will be about. All in all, the story is worth losing sleep over!

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars amusing western romance, December 2, 2001

By 

Harriet Klausner - See all my reviews
(#1 Hall OF FAME REVIEWER)    (TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Desert Bloom (Mass Market Paperback)

She knows her father loves her, but though she caused a bit of a scandal, Lilla Traften cannot understand why he exiled her to the Texas Panhandle. The spoiled Lilla becomes unglued when her stagecoach breaks an axle, but soon forgets everything after the driver gives her "nasty tasting water" that leaves her drunk. Ranch foreman Grady Finch rescues Lilla from any unwanted advances. Though he believes she is a prostitute, Grady refuses to take advantage of her in her inebriated state, but plans to enjoy her as soon as she is sober.

However, Grady soon realizes his misconception, as Lilla is the snooty type who behaves just like the snobs that rebuffed his mother. Though very attracted to her, he cannot stand her airs of superiority. Meanwhile, Lilla believes she needs to prove to this uncouth cowboy that she can survive without daddy's money. As each one tries to trump the other, love trumps both of them.

DESERT BLOOM, the sequel to PRICKLY PEAR, is an amusing western romance. Readers will initially want the hoity Lilla to get her comeuppance, but talented Ronda Thompson quickly turns that around so that the audience quickly roots for the female lead to get her man. Grady still carries the scars of his childhood, which endears him to the readers, who will delight in Ms. Thompson's humorous tale.

Harriet Klausner

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Fun Romance, July 18, 2010

By 

Love to Read Love - See all my reviews

This review is from: Desert Bloom (Mass Market Paperback)

Delightful "fish out of water" story. Very proper sheltered young lady travels to Texas to teach charm school. She's the one who gets educated -- about life, people, and love with a handsome rugged ranch hand. Lilla sheds her prejudices as she teaches manners and etiquette to a group of uncouth cowboys and the women who work at the local brothel. And she matures as she learns the value of hard work and integrity. A fun, worthwhile read.