Set
in Central City, Colorado in 1874, this story of the post-Civil War west makes
for a most interesting romance. Proctor writes exceptionally well and the story
will definitely hold your attention. There is lots of action, mystery and a
love that will tear at your heart. If you've ever love a man who couldn't
return your love because of his haunted past, this one's for you.
Gabrielle Antoine has been raised in a New Orleans convent, believing she is an
orphan. Her dream is to one day have a school for girls. Then one day, as a
young woman, she finds out her mother only recently died and has left her a
house and a business in Colorado. Gabrielle is most curious and decides to go
there to learn more about her mother. It turns out the house and business are
the same--a brothel--and her mother was the madam who, while still a beautiful
woman at 40, was murdered. Once in Colorado, Gabrielle meets her mother's
business partner, a tough ex-Confederate officer and former Texas Ranger named
Jordan Hays, whose brothers died in the war and whose pregnant wife was raped
and murdered by Union soldiers. He is one cold guy, but he can also be charming
and he charms Gabrielle. An innocent virgin, Jordan tells her he will take her
innocence and leave her with less than she had when he leaves as he intends to
do. He has no desire to marry again. He thinks it will be easy to take her and
ruin her. It is and he does. Gee, what a good guy (not!). Gabrielle's one fear
is becoming like her mother...and it seems Jordan is willing to help her down
that path. Then comes a bad guy who wants the brothel to add to his kingdom,
and he doesn't care who he has to corrupt or murder to get it.
There are wonderful secondary characters, the prostitutes in the bordello,
their children and the villains (and there are more than one!). As Gabrielle
develops a heart for the women and their children, so will you. We are all a
product of our pasts and these women had very difficult pasts.
Though Proctor lives in Australia, she writes about Colorado as if she had been
a long time resident. Her descriptions of the natural beauty of the place are
quite accurate and well done. She is a master storyteller. Suddenly, you are
back in the west of the 19th century when people were trying to carve a life
for themselves out of the rugged terrain and difficult circumstances.
I recommend this one!
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