Customer Reviews

Rico (Ballad Romances)

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Rico is one of the original Rock Creek Six: six men, with violent pasts, who are hired to save the town of Rock Creek Texas, which then becomes their home, "or base of operation" as some might say.

Rico may be the worst gunman of the bunch, but his affinity for knives comes in handy and makes him the perfect match for Lily. Both have troubled pasts which come back to haunt them, but it makes for a great page-turner. And-without giving too much away- a person from Rico's past opens the door to a possible spin off, that I'm hoping will bring the Rock Creek Six back for more.

After reading about these guys...six books just really aren't enough! I recommend Rico, but suggest you read the whole series in order: Reese, Sullivan, Rico, Jed, Nate, and Cash. You won't regret it. I didn't!

This is the third book in the Rock Creek Six series. Three of the books are written by Lori Handeland and three by Linda Devlin. This series has become addictive. Rico is considered "the kid" by the fellows he has known and ridden with since the war. He like the rest of them has a past he is trying to forget. There doesn't seem to be a woman, at any age who can resist his good looks and easy charm. But there is always a first time for everything.
Lily, the latest edition to Rock Creek is also trying to forget a past and start new. Not only does she bring changes to Rock Creek, with her exotic beauty and voice of an angel, but to Rico's life as well. As in the previous books, not only does the main characters, Rico and Lily keep the pages turning...but the glimpses into the lives of Reese, Sullivan, Jed, Nate and Cash keep you wanting more. This is a series that is going on my keeper shelf. If you love a good western, with characters that become family, then this is the series for you.

Book #3 in in the Rock Creek Six series. At the beginning of this book you will meet Lily who is a singer at a saloon. She desparately wants a new life, one she can call her own. With a bet in a poker game she gets just that. Lily arrives in Rock Creek & meets Rico. Their romance begins almost immeaditely & there is so much fun & adventure along the way. If you are following this series this book won't be a disappointment. What a great book.

This was a great way to continue the series! I love Rico. I hated to see the book end.

In a nutshell: Rico Salvatore is a decorative young man with a reputation where women are concerned; he'd never been told no. When Lily Fortier arrives claiming ownership of the Rock Creek saloon, he is intrigued by this woman who seems immune to his charms. After working hard to convince her and then only getting her on her own terms, a relationship develops that quickly turns to love. Then her past catches up with her, tearing them apart. His past then rears its ugly head.

Third installment of the "Rock Creek Six" series: The continuity is superb. Every character stays true to the personalities that were developed in the first book, Reese and further developed in Sullivan. Very impressive considering there are two different authors involved in this series.

My opinion:
The first time I read this--about 3 years ago--I was not impressed with Rico, the character. This time, I was in a different frame of mind and realized that while his character may not have been so developed as the heroine's, he was still a believably tortured young man, traumatized by the verbal abuse he'd suffered at the hands of his father and later, his experiences in the war. He was likable and romantic and despite his belief that he could get any woman in his bed--(gross)--he was not unbearably cocky about it.

Lily was an interesting, unusual heroine. Her past trauma had turned her into a self-sufficient, worldly-wise woman willing to do what she must to survive. She really made the story. She was someone the reader could root for, empathize with, and envy all at once. I could go on all day about how wonderfully she was developed but I will leave it at that. :o)

Supporting characters: I find myself falling more and more for Cash with each successive book in this series. Each book gives a little more of a glimpse into his personality. If I remember correctly, I had the same feelings the first time I read this series. Each of the six men were further developed in this story, even the previous two heroes, as were their wives. As I mentioned before, excellent continuity.

Complaints: None, really, except the usual. There were certain words and phrases that didn't seem in keeping with the time and, of course, the love scenes were too detailed, but I skipped them anyway, so, whatever. :o)

Previously, I gave this 4 stars because I could not connect with Rico, which annoyed me. Now, I give it 5 stars for continuity, character development, emotion, and flow. I look forward to the next book, Jed.

Rico is affectionately known as "the kid" because at twenty five he is the youngest member of the Rock Creek Six.
A love'em and leave'em kind of guy because of the women who willingly throw themselves at him.

Ah, but when Lily Fortier shows up she hits him in his "ego" and nearly floors him, much to Cash's amusement. Now the bets start. How long will it take to get Lily into Rico's bed.

Lily has shown up in Rock Creek with her "brother", Johnny and claims the saloon that Cash had considered his. This ended up causing Cash and Nate to leave especially after Sullivan backs her up.

Rico ends up helping Lily clean up the saloon and shock of shocks, Eden and Mary show up with their children and help also.
Of course, Lily was expecting a snide set down by these good women. What fun.
Carrie and Johnny bond as brother and sister [maybe a story in the future?] Yet Carrie feels the need to get rid of Lily. She doesn't want any one claiming Rico's attention. Carrie is now nine years old, she was six when Rico saved her [in Reese's story].
The attempts are hilarious. After a seemingly [to me] long session of which room to meet in, a Pinkerton agent shows up.
And wouldn't you know - Jed is intrigued by the Pinkerton man.

Again the Rock Creek Six get together and almost save the day. With Rico and Carrie's help. After Rico receives a very distinctive shock. [another story?]

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED --M Ah, well.