GRR Reviews Dancing in the Dark (Hidden Springs Boo by Kristine Raymond

The Hidden Springs series was one of the better Western Romances that were not afraid of tackling the darker issues, such as conmen, prostitution, and more. And this book took prostitution head on. However, the "evil" in this book was decidedly flat, as their motivation for being so was never explained. They simply... are, as if no other life has any value.

Rusty Flanagan had worked his way across the west after his tough childhood. He wanted to buy a ranch which is being auctioned off, until he met Charlotte Drake. Charlotte ran away from home because her mother refused to allow her to dance. She trusted the wrong person and ended up a prostitute in Ivy's whorehouse in Hidden Springs. Charlotte met Rusty, and they fell in love, and Rusty swore to find a way for her to get out, just as a land baron came to town and wanted to buy the ranch... and also bought Charlotte. Rusty was able to help Charlotte escape, but both will make a sacrifice for each other that may destroy each other...

The land baron was just flat evil, and with plenty of money to burn. Why would he do so when he can live anywhere? Why did he bring his wife, the infamous town poison whose only delight was to turn everybody against everybody else? Why are they back? There's no reason other than to play foil against Rusty and Charlotte. They don't have any purpose in the story except to act as polar opposites of MMC and FMC. For that, I cannot give it 5/5.

Category: Historical western

Primary Plot: hard working ranch hand was forced to choose between ranch of his dreams and girl of his dreams

Tropes: fated mate, prostitution

Overall Rating:  4/5 (rounded up from 3.5/5)