Dry Moon [Paperback]

Karyna DaRosa (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 16, 2007

Hellion…Half-breed…Whore… Cassie Taylor has heard them all. Proud spinster, suffragist, and owner of the water rights to all the neighboring ranches, she is both the most powerful and most despised resident in the rough and tumble cattle town of Encanto, Arizona. After a severe drought forces her to ration the water supply, even the few friends Cassie has turn on her. Tempers flare and tensions build while everyone awaits a hard rain. Not all are content to wait and unite to rid the town of the crazy female who thinks herself any man's equal. But Cassie's prepared to face any challenge. Until the day a sexy and very dangerous drifter rides into town, bent on changing the balance of power.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This wonderful western has characters that are black and white and all shades of gray.
Cassie Taylor directs water rations to the other ranches because her land controls the source. Barrington wants all the water for himself and brings in hired gun Cole Mitchell as a guarantee. Though Cassie and Cole meet under less-than-perfect circumstances, they soon join forces against the evil Barrington.
Cassie and Cole feel an attraction that goes beyond the fight for the land, although he still believes he's a drifter at heart. Will that change when her life is threatened?
RT Rating: 4 stars!
Sensuality: HOT!
-- ROMANTIC TIMES MAGAZINE

Dry Moon took me by surprise. Enticing, thrilling, edge of the seat entertainment that spins with great freshness in an explosive read that satisfies. I admire the sass, spirit and determination of Cassie. Cole is the cowboy that oozes with credibility to make things right and to protect the innocent. Ms. DaRosa has hooked me as a reader with this winning read.
Rating: 4 coffee cups
Sensuality: Explicit
-- COFFEE TIME ROMANCE

Ms. Da Rosa has set the bar high with her debut novel. Her entrance into the world of historical romance has, indeed, produced a major victory! The premise, though not unheard of, is unique so that what you read is definitely not the cookie-cutter type. Anyone, regardless of their preferred genre, will absolutely love this rendition.

Cassie Taylor has inherited her working ranch from her father; she dresses like a man, works like a man, and does not need a man to take care of her. She truly believes that men are all alike and no woman needs a man to complete, or take care of, her. That she has trouble dealing with the other local ranchers is, of course, as expected. Men in general do not like answering to a woman and like it even less when they have to pay attention to what she says and does. She owns the water rights that supply water, not only to local ranches, but also to others. Because of the severe drought, she is forced to ration the water. That is certainly not a popular decision.

Her biggest obstacle is the largest land baron in the area (both land-wise and body size). Although he already has a man working for him, he hires a gun slinger to intimidate and make the others do his bidding. He treats everyone as he treats his beautiful, young wife­...disgustingly! The hired gunman, Cole Mitchell, knows something is amiss, but does not know what. He knows that, when he meets Cassie, his life will never be the same.

To say that the chemical reaction each feels is undesirable would be an understatement. However, this story, thanks to Ms. Da Rosa, explores a myriad of actions and emotions.

Dry Moon is definitely a book destined to be a keeper! I was unable, or unwilling, to put it down. I read through the night to finish and was not disappointed. The ending is as remarkable as the beginning. Kudos to Ms. Da Rosa for the book!
Sensuality: Explicit
Rating: 5 stars
-- THE ROMANCE STUDIO

The old west is hard on a woman but even harder when running a predominately-male business. During this era, propriety dictates that women are only suitable for taking care of home and hearth. However, one woman stands firmly against such unfair and baseless beliefs. Secretly, a man of questionable integrity admires her determined resolve against decorum, providing her unsolicited protection from those who wish to see her fail.

After her father's death from consumption, Cassie Taylor assumes control over Taylor Irrigation, a water conservation company. She is a strong, independent woman; traits stemming from a childhood spent dodging ridicule for having a Hispanic mother. That experience affords her a high tolerance towards the bigoted criticisms she receives, as the company's water ration members consist solely of men.

Amos Barrington, owner of the Triple C, is Cassie's worse critic. He complains constantly about the water rations, unable to sustain his vast land holdings; not to mention owning the most stock in Taylor Irrigation which should allot him a whole lot more water usage. His sending men furtively to gauge the water level, making sure Cassie is not cheating him, only fuels her dislike for the man.

Cole Mitchell is fast with guns, establishing his reputation as a lethal killer. Working for Barrington, Cole meets the owner of Taylor Irrigation, the festering thorn in his employer's side. He is impressed with Cassie's unwavering tenacity to continue her father's business. However, her fiery green eyes and raven hair draws his attention more. Cole thinks it odd that a woman prefers men's clothes to wearing dresses, although he does enjoy the view of Cassie's body in tight denims, and he vows to possess her, and none too gently either.

Even more intrigue ensues as deceit comes from an unexpected source. A scorned woman endangers not only Cassie, but Cole's sister life too. Then, in Encanto, another woman faces her fears, and sets a series of unexpected events into motion.

Cassie and Cole are sultry together and their passion singes the sheets. The stout, authentic characters make this story quite enjoyable. Cassie's stalwart, fearless personality is tangible, whereas Cole's quiet gallantry genuine. Captivating with amusing moments and exciting action, Dry Moon is an engrossing piece of fiction that'll keep readers turning the pages.

-- ROMANCE AT HEART MAGAZINE

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

With the ferocity of a caged animal, Cassie whirled on Raul. "How dare you!"

"Please calm down, patrona." Raul raised both hands in a peace-making gesture. "I was only trying to help."

"Help?" She punched at his chest with her index finger. "I ordered you to let Jesse go. Now you've only made things worse. You know who that was?"

Beneath the drooping, walrus mustache, Raul pursed his lips and spat on the ground. "I am not afraid of that pistolero."

"You don't say? So you had everything under control until I showed up, right?"

"I did not know the boy was with him," Raul added with a casual shrug. "I only wished t-"

"Enough!" She stopped him with a wave of her hand. "If you hadn't interfered, none of this would've happened."

Cassie retrieved her gun from the ground and holstered it. Her incensed gaze then settled on Paco and Mario who huddled by the barn exchanging nervous glances.

"Leave us," she barked. "I'll deal with you two later."

The brothers darted by her amid a flurry of mumbled apologies.

Raul walked up behind her. "Do not punish them, patrona. They were only doing as I ordered."

"I know they were." Cassie rounded on him. "That's the problem. You seem to forget that I am boss here."

He pulled his shoulders back and stood tall. "I do not forget. I only wish to help, like I helped Don Garrett for so many years."

Cassie swallowed the acrid lump in her throat. He always played this card with her.

"You don't have to remind me about your years of service to my father, Raul. I remember them well. But that doesn't give you the right to run this outfit as you damn well please. Pa left me in charge, not you. So pay close attention, because I'm only going to say this once." She closed the gap between them, staring at the shorter man down the length of her nose. "Challenge my authority again, and I'll run you outta here like a mangy dog. Do I make myself clear?"

Raul's face paled, his shoulders slumped a grim peg. "Si, patrona," he replied in a pained, thin voice. "Very clear."

"Good. Now get out of my sight!"

Cassie glared at Raul's retreating figure, until the range boss disappeared around the bend. Muttering a curse, she took off in the opposite direction, following the serpentine path that led to the main entrance of her ranch. Both iron gates stood wide open. She stopped between them, her eyes scanning the rust-colored buttes peppering the horizon.

So that was Cole Mitchell.

She finally had a face to put with the main topic of conversation in town for the past few weeks. Last she'd heard Barrington and his nemesis, Cyrus Miller, had some sort of bidding contest over the gunslinger. Of course the former, being the most affluent resident in town, won out. Staring into the vast, desert landscape, she wondered how far Mitchell managed to get. Barrington's Triple C was just over the next ridge, but carrying an injured rider was sure to slow him down.

Poor Jesse.

A dry, phantom knot swelled in her throat. Cassie swallowed hard, grimacing as it raked a burning trail to the pit of her stomach. Around her neck, the imprint of Mitchell's hand pulsated with a rhythmic beat, each digit a heated, throbbing brand. On impulse she brought her hand to it, tracing the reddened marks she knew his fingers had left behind.

Product Details

• Paperback: 188 pages
• Publisher: Cactus Rose (April 16, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1601540353
• ISBN-13: 978-1601540355
• Product Dimensions: 7.9 x 4.9 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,384,334 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Debut novel- a true SUCCESS, April 4, 2007

By 

AlmaGitana (Planet Earth, Florida) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dry Moon (Paperback)

I have to say, I'm not big on romance novels per say, but this is one great book! The storyline catches you from the beginning and keeps you going until its end. Ms. DaRosa does an excellent job of keeping the reader interested. She's excellent at depicting her characters and providing a vivid account of the story, so that in your head you create the characters, location, etc. -- Just what a good writer is supposed to do! Cudos to Ms. DaRosa for her this successful debut I look forward to more from Ms. DaRosa.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An invigorating novel filled with action, suspense and passion, April 27, 2007

By 

Online Buyer (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dry Moon (Paperback)

I have to admit I am rather impressed with this book. Ms. DaRosa is not just an author, she's a storyteller.

The story evolves into an exhilarating tale of suspense, action, and passion. Not only is the author able to effectively allow the reader to close their eyes and envision the surroundings of the character to the smallest detail, the reader is able to feel the emotions right down to the pure hatred of some. The author is excellent at introducing characters and then developing them throughout, bringing the story to life. The main characters are surrounded by an equally developed cast. You admire Cassie's resolve and are frustrated by her stubbornness with Cole. And Cole, well, this character grabs you from the start and just doesn't let go. His mystery and style are captivating. Saying anything more about this story would be unfair to the author since she does it so much better.

In my opinion, this is truly a successful debut for Ms. DaRosa. I am typically not an admirer of westerns, but must say...I reckon I'm now a fan.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars It's just OK, January 27, 2009

By 

Book Mom (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dry Moon (Paperback)

This was a decent story - I didn't struggle to finish it but didn't look forward to picking it up each evening either. Pretty standard western romance. My biggest complaint is the price. At only 178 pages with mediocre writing it is not worth $10.99 in my opinion, so I'd suggest getting it used if you can.