Dark of the Moon [Mass Market Paperback]

Favorite scene with Matt-
Going after Kane after finding Dr. Gibbs' body.

Together-
Going after Edmund.

What did you like about Juliana-
Her strength and her determination to discover the truth about her
mother. Not being afraid to threaten Edmund. Hiring Mugg.

What didn't you like about Juliana-
Taking risks, going off by herself to discover the truth. Willing to be
with Matt in bed, but not in home and marriage.

What did you like about Matt-
Great sense of humor and how easily he could be hurt. Sensitive, yet
strong and manly. Learning to dance with Mugg for Juliana. Not giving
up on his father.

What didn't you like about Matt-
Almost giving Juliana up, thinking he's not good enough for her.

Widow Juliana Rains returns to her hometown of Diablo seeking to learn how her mother died. In her gut she believes that her stepfather killed her mother, but lacks evidence. Besides finding the proof, she sees Matt. Juliana has never forgotten Matt nor he her. As they fall in love, her inquires may prove deadly. Besides which love may not be enough for these two individuals with plenty to demonstrate to others without the trouble of a relationship to impinge on their respective efforts.

This reviewer could not wait for the final story in a strong quartet of novels to learn the truth of ten years ago (clever writing by three authors hooked me to wait for the finale). Following up with the climax on three well-written western romances released over the last couple of months by other authors is not easy. However, Evelyn Rogers makes it look effortless. The author succeeds because of two superb lead characters, the personality consistency of the repeat support cast especially Matt's siblings and father, and the clever close-out of what happened a decade ago. Though the villain lacks anything redeeming, readers will appreciate the final the HALF-MOON RANCH tale that completes a wonderful foursome.

Harriet Klausner

Hearing a stallion, assaulting the precious blood mare that Juliana brought back with her to Texas, Juliana does her best to shoo him away but Dark Champion turns her precious 'pet' mare into a harlot - or so she thought. Matt, chasing after his stallion and coming upon the scene was actually quite pleased. First that his horse could prove himself a stud and also that he recognized and remembered Juliana. On the other hand, Juliana remembered Matt quite well ---- as the wild, gangly troublemaker from her youth but secretly admired the way he'd filled out over the years. The sparks and the attraction began from that moment but subsequent events would have their paths crossing again and again as accidents began to plague the ranch and they both came to face their troubled pasts to realize that there was a common villain in their lives.

This was a fast-page turner with plenty of action, good and vivid descriptive detail, snappy dialog, and a very good supporting cast of secondary characters. I particularly loved the male housekeeper! The sexual encounters were written so vividly that I even enjoyed the horse breeding! This was hot and deliciously done with the right amount of action to keep you up all night long!