Customer Reviews

The Rodeo Man's Daughter (Harlequin American Romance)

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Caleb Cantrell's need to prove he is "somebody" not just the bastard son of the town's whore drove him as he became wealthy as a rodeo rider. After ten years, he returns to Flagman's Folly New Mexico. He cannot believe how unconcerned the people are about who he was "back then". They just seem to be proud of his success--all except Tess LaSalle, the girl he'd left behind. She acts like she wants him gone.

Tess did want him gone. His touch stirred unwanted feelings that she put away long ago. His words when she went to Gallup rodeo to tell him she was pregnant still burn like acid in her heart. He'd said his winnings would save him from having to go back to a "one-horse town with one-horse folks in it"--she was and is one of those "folks". He'd gone on to bask in his new celebrity status with trophies, buckle bunnies, and most importantly, money. She'd gone home and put her life together with meticulous care. Now she copes with financial worries, with a weak real estate market, with her mother, Rosalyn's struggling bed and breakfast Whistlestop Inn, and with her prickly, stubborn, sometime belligerent preteen daughter, Nate.

Nate is precious and loved even though she is a handful at times. She and her friends are "cowboy-crazy" and to them the world is wonder when the rodeo star Caleb Cantrell comes to town. Nate is at the age when issues are black or white--no shades of gray in between. Her emotions are volatile and coming to terms with the shocking changes in her world has her reeling and makes her super difficult at times.

The many secondary characters help move the story along. Rosalyn and Aunt Ellamae create a conspiratorial humor as do Nate and her three best friends. They all love Caleb's self-centered rodeo stories. Judge Baylor, Sam Robertson, and others help Caleb gradually let go of the "chip on this shoulder". Dana Wright and Joe Harley prove to be tried and true friends of Tess and support her in some really tough situations.

For some reason, I did not feel that I was having a vicarious experience with the characters. I felt I was on the outside looking in on conflicts but with little else going on--rather like a Mexican Standoff. However, the U-turn Caleb makes that shows his maturation and his ability to stop thinking about just himself and what he wants and needs makes the story come alive. It also shows Nate in a whole new light that reveals her redeeming qualities. They become far more likeable characters. They both do some amazing growing up.

Barbara White Daille has a smooth, expressive writing style with subtle metaphors, humor, and a setting that seems authentic. Her sense of small town living is right on, and made this book a worthwhile read.

Originally posted at LAS Romance Reviews

As an impoverish teenager Caleb Cantrell left Flagman's Folly, New Mexico over a decade ago to join the rodeo. His only regret is leaving behind his sweetheart Tess LaSalle, but he rationalized she could do much better than a poor non bitter person like him.

A recent near fatal injury has all but ended Caleb's sterling career, He returns home wealthy but the acrimony he thought he left behind remains in his gut. Caleb comes back with a chip on his shoulder. However, his plan to for a second chance with Tess goes nowhere as the single mom refuses to have anything to do with him. When he learns her daughter is his, he rages at Tess for never telling him though he knew he never gave her a chance. Finally calming down, Caleb wants to be part of the lives of his two beloved females, but Tess doubts his staying power fearing he will hurt her and their child.

This is an engaging second chance at love tale starring two wounded warriors carrying tons of emotionally crippling baggage. Although the theme has been used frequently, fans will enjoy Caleb's return to Flagman's Folly (see A Rancher's Pride) as he works his toughest contest ever, winning back the trust of the woman who was a pregnant teen though unaware of her condition when he abandoned her.

Harriet Klausner

When I found another book set in Flagman's Folly, I knew I had to read it. I wasn't disappointed. Teenage sweethearts separated for ten years. A prodigal son who returns to his hometown to prove he's won it all on the rodeo circuit. A woman, wounded by his decision to leave town--and her--years before, more determined than ever to keep a secret. A cast of colorful characters that bring this New Mexico town alive. And Nate, the child who never knew her Daddy. Yep, smiles, tears and a quick, engaging read. Can't wait for the next one in this series!