After the death of her husband, Laurie Spencer is eager to become independent and live her own life. She believes a partnership with rancher Jared Smith is the first step to her freedom, and offers him what she hopes he can't refuse. Jared needs Laurie's help to make it in Arizona, but he finds his attraction to Laurie distracting and growing. Both Laurie and Jared are drawn to each other, and when chaos breaks out there's nothing that will keep them apart.

TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH is another impressive romantic Western by Leigh Greenwood. This is the second book in the Cactus Creek Cowboys series, and readers will welcome the familiarity of the characters. The Arizona desert is the perfect setting for this love story. Greenwood does an excellent job bringing the hardships of desert living to life. Jared's ranch and the town of Cactus Corner are also vividly described and believable.

Jared is a wonderfully sexy hero, and he knows what he wants and goes after it. He's a former soldier and cowboy giving him a rough around the edges personality readers will fall in love with. Laurie is vulnerable, but learns to love herself and grows throughout the story. Secondary characters, such as Steve and Norman bring conflict and humor to the storyline. Leigh Greenwood has once again proven he can write a compelling and romantic Western, and I recommend TO LOVE AND TO CHERISH to readers looking for a romantic and adventurous Western.

Book Summary

Torn Between a Desire to be Free...

When Laurie Spencer said "I do", she never realized she'd be trading one pair of shackles for another-until her husband's unexpected death leaves her with an opportunity to escape her controlling family for good. Determined to be independent, Laurie approaches sexy rancher Jared Smith with an offer she hopes he can't refuse...

And a Longing to be His...

Jared's determined to make it in Texas, but with the local banker turned against him, it looks like his dream may be slipping through his fingers. When unconsciously sensual Laurie offers a partnership, his luck may be changing...but when she throws herself in as part of the deal, Jared's not sure he'll be able to respect the terms of their agreement and keep his eyes-and his hands-to himself.

There's something about Laurie that awakens every protective instinct Jared has...and when all hell breaks loose, there's nothing and no one who'll be able to keep this cowboy from her side.