I've read previous works set in Wyoming with gritty realism and honest-to-goodness characters from author Diana Palmer. So I was unimpressed by the beginning to her latest tale, when a young woman and a strong man are eyeing each other from top to bottom in a store and she's thinking how obnoxious he is. This trope has been seen in romances from Regency onwards. Do people say 'obnoxious' any more? Then we get some backstory to explain why this lady doesn't want to date anyone at present, although she does lead a busy social life - playing World of Warcraft online.

WYOMING STRONG gets started at this point, as Sara Brandon assumes the character of a white-haired maiden wizard and meets up with a bloodthirsty knight to do some foe-slaying. They don't know the other's identity in real life, but that suits Sara fine. She looks nothing like her character either, as she can be anyone she wants. Living in Jacobsville near San Antonio, Texas, Sara sometimes has a long drive to avail of facilities like opera and ballet, but she thinks nobody local would be interested. Only, Wolf Patterson, the unnerving guy from the store, does attend an opera and sits beside her. How irritating!

Sara's brother Gabriel does some behind-the-scenes work involving mercenaries. He's aware that Wolf has a murky past and doesn't want Sara mixed up with him. He gets along with Wolf, and respects his right to privacy and a quiet life. Gabriel seems like a decent, bright sort of lad, who shouldn't be working in a position that won't necessarily keep him alive. Wolf doesn't act like a gentleman with a lady who is obviously mentally scarred about men. Not every reader will enjoy the difficult romantic atmosphere and adult scenes, which are bravely and sensitively written.

References occur to a previous story; we are told that Sara went to the Wyoming ranch for a weekend break, but I had no idea which ranch was involved or why she would go there for a break. A little more attention to such details would make WYOMING STRONG more accessible to new readers. There's crime, a shady lady and difficult times to keep us involved, and Diana Palmer encourages us to keep working through difficulties and learn who we can trust. Her fans will definitely want to pick this one up to follow Sara's story.

Book Summary

Wolf Patterson and Sara Brandon are archenemies from ages ago, but mischievous fate has brought the tall rancher with the pale blue eyes together with the dark-haired beauty— on nearby Wyoming and Texas ranches. At first, sparks fly, but despite Wolf's misguided notions about the spirited Sara and her indignance over the assorted injustices he has thrown her way, a truce—of sorts—forms. Suddenly Sara notices Wolf's face, while not conventionally handsome, draws her like no other man has ever attracted her. And Wolf sees into the vulnerable soul that Sara hides from the rest of the world.

They are two passionate people with a talent for falling out. Will love be the spark they need to create what they both want the most-a family?