GRR Reviews The Heart of a Texas Cowboy (Men of Legend) by Linda Broday

"The Heart of a Texas Cowboy" is a historical western romance / adventure about a marriage of convenience and a quest for justice against a mad stalker and his gang of outlaws.

Houston Legend's heart was forever shattered when a man gunned down his wife-to-be, Becca, minutes before they're to be wed, only to reveal her utter betrayal. He swore he would never marry or love again... Only to be forced into a marriage of convenience... His father had gambled and lost a good portion of their ranch to the Boone's in an adjoining plot, and the older Boone did not want their land. What he wanted was for Houston to marry his daughter, Lara Boone... but there's a catch. Lara Boone had been violated by a ruthless outlaw by the name of Yuma Blackstone and gave birth to a daughter. Houston's marriage to Lara will ensure the daughter will not be a bastard... no one else has to know. Houston was angry, but accept that it is his duty to the family ranch... But the sight of Lara took his breath away... Lara was beautiful, but a knife wound sliced her cheek, leaving a long scar. Houston found himself drawn to the quiet courage of Lara to continue living, even as they learned that Yuma is still out there, despite the Boone's having moved across the state to get away from the crazy criminal. When Houston and his brothers, as well as the drivers, have to take the Longhorn herd to market, Lara and baby Gracie had to come along as the camp cook when the cook's wife fell ill. They'd found passion as Lara worked on her courage to consummate their marriage... and also found Yuma and his gang of cutthroats are on their trail. When Yuma's gang attack, who will be left standing?

Long at 384 pages, but there's a lot of action, to keep things moving. The bad guy is a bit psycho, but that's the way it is in the stories. The final battle was not as deus ex machina as it seemed, for it was nicely setup with at least two earlier hints. All in all, satisfying story. I debated whether this is four or five stars. My problem with the gang is how do you keep a gang of killers around without a lot of loot, when there can't be much money with a herd?

Category: Historical Western

Primary Plot: Can a man forced to marry to save his family ranch love his wife enough to protect her from a madman intend to reclaim her?

Tropes: betrayal, marriage of convenience, protector, woman in peril, evil enemies

Overall Rating:  4/5