Customer Reviews

That Man Matthews: Home on the Ranch (Harlequin Superromance No. 957)

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William Cody Matthews feels clueless. His twelve-year old daughter, Sarah, is changing from angel to hellion right under his nose and he has `no' clue as to how to handle her. He's worried enough as it is because Sarah's maternal grandfather is threatening to sue for custody and Cody is struggling to close a deal which will help him stop the custody threat. Cody's father suggests he meet with Joan Paxton, an expert who can help advise him in how to deal with Sarah but Cody resists. He doesn't need some expert tell him how to handle his own child! However, after Sarah lands herself in an accident, Cody agrees to listen to Joan, even if her starchy demeanor reminds him of Sarah's mother.

As a teacher at a private school, Joan Paxton has spent the whole school year fending off advances from the headmaster. To make matters worse, her fiancé doesn't seem to care or understand how she feels. Determined to handle the situation so that she is free of the unwanted attention, Joan finds herself without a job and a fiancé! Well, it couldn't possibly get any worse, could it? Sure it could! She arrives in the hotel lobby to meet her next appointment, a man named Matthews who's having trouble with his daughter. Expecting a decent and concerned father, she instead finds herself face to face with an arrogant cowboy who is doing his best to goad her! Needless to say, the meeting isn't a success. However, THAT MAN MATTHEWS returns a couple of days later, no longer the arrogant cowboy and without the rough frontier persona. He is now a concerned and worried father wanting her advice in dealing with his daughter. Joan finds herself intrigued and agrees to come to Texas to help him out.

Give me a story with a cowboy from Texas and I'm more or less hooked. THAT MAN MATTHEWS by Ann Evans certainly had me enjoying every minute of the tale. Vibrant characters come to life as Ms. Evans creates sparks to light up the darkest night. The conflict was set up excellently and I thoroughly enjoyed the interaction between Cody and Joan and also that between Cody and Sarah.

Sarah isn't just a character you hear about. She's a major part of the story and her emotions and feelings are beautifully portrayed. The dialogue was excellent and the descriptions certainly went a long way to paint an accurate picture and provide a riveting backdrop for the story.

Ms. Evans has penned another wonderful story that provides enjoyment right up to the last page.