"A Wanted Man" by Linda Lael Miller; Harlequin (362 pages, $7.99)

This Stone Creek novel from 2007 has been re-released, and is definitely worth re-visiting.

Originally a hardcover book six years ago, this is a memorable story and perhaps the best in this popular historical Western series.

Rowdy Rhodes swaggers into town with his horse and faithful dog. You know he's an awesome romance hero right away because of three things: 1) His name is Rowdy. 2) He buys his dog a steak and bath. And 3) he's a bit mysterious.

And so is Lark, who also has a great name - but no dog.

Rowdy comes to town to serve as sheriff. He actually is pretty qualified, since he understands the criminal mind better than any modern-day profiler ever could, seeing as how he is one and all.

Yes sirree, Rowdy used to rob trains - pretty notoriously. But he retired from that business, one he really never wanted to be in any way.

Lark is the town's school teacher. She's hiding from her past as well, and she knows getting involved with Rowdy isn't a great idea. But how can she resist? His name is Rowdy. He treats his dog well and is mysterious.

This story is totally charming in its simplicity; man meets woman, they fall passionately in love. There is enough danger to add a bit of suspense, enough dissent to lend a touch of angst. But mostly, it's just an easy-to-read story about likable characters looking for second chances.

HOW IT STACKS UP

Overall rating: 4 of 5 hearts. This is a pure, not-quite-wholesome, Western romance with cowboy heroes, bad guys and a damsel in distress. It's charming and fun.

Hunk appeal: 10-plus. Rowdy is just a great guy. He says and does the right things.

Steamy scene grade: XXXX. Definitely does the right things.

Happily-Ever-After: Good. Perhaps it's corny, perhaps it's predictable. But who cares?

ALSO THIS WEEK

"Home to Laura," by Mary Sullivan (2013 paperback) 2 of 5. Normally, this would get a no comment but the hero in this story was so completely horrible it's actually worth mentioning. Before the hero bashing begins, it should be noted that aside from the fact that he may be the worst hero of all time and the annoying fact that the heroine tolerates him, it's a good book. There are some "secondary stories" that are good. And in a weird way - the sort of way drivers can't help but stare at collisions - the fact that the hero is so bad might actually make this worth reading. Nick is just a horrible man, who treats Laura badly over and over again. He almost overcomes on occasion, but he's like a basketball team who keeps rallying from a 30-point deficit but can never get closer than 8 points. His daughter is almost as bad. If you're an all's-well-that-ends-well type, maybe you'll forgive him by the last page. Doubtful, but possible.

ABOUT THE WRITER

Lezlie Patterson is a former columnist for The State newspaper in Columbia, S.C. Readers may send her email at lezlie.patterson@gmail.com.

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