by Jo Goodman
Publication date: June 5th 2018
Publisher: Berkley
My rating: 4 Stars
Pages: 416
Amazon | Barnes & Noble | TBD | Kobo
USA Today bestselling author Jo Goodman returns to the gunslinging outlands of A Touch of Frost with a sizzling new romance where the new town doctor learns there's nothing she likes better than a run-in with the law.
Dr. E. Ridley Woodhouse is like no physician Ben Madison has ever met—she's a woman. As the newly elected sheriff of Frost Falls, Colorado, Ben is tasked with welcoming Ridley to the community. But while Ben might be tempted by the new doc's charms, getting the town to accept a big-city, female doctor is no easy feat. To earn their trust she'll have to prove herself and Ben determines to help her...even if she's the most stubborn woman he's ever met.
When the husband of one of Ridley's patients threatens her, forbidding Ridley from treating his wife or children, all of Ben's protective instincts kick in. Ridley has come to rely on Ben's steady presence and the delicious tension that simmers just below the surface of their easy friendship—but as much as she trusts that his warnings to steer clear of Jeremiah Salt are sincere, she's never been one to back down from a challenge and she refuses to abandon her patient.
But sticking to your guns can earn you trouble in the rough terrain of the Wild West, and danger threatens Ridley from unexpected places, forcing Ben to confront his deepest fear in order to save the woman he loves.
My Thoughts:
The fact that E. Ridley Woodhouse, the young doctor that’s
come to replace old Dr. Dunlop, is a woman stirs up some gossip, and the town
is a little slow accepting a female can be a proper doctor. Fortunately, Dr. Dunlop enlisted the town’s
sheriff, Ben Madison to help Ridley in the transition. He’s well respected, and
knows everyone in town, even if he’s completely frustrating at times. Like relentlessly trying to find out what
exactly the “E.” in E. Ridley Woodhouse stands for, lol. And no, it’s not Eureka!
Ben didn’t know Dr. E. Ridley Woodhouse was a woman, and he
has no issues with that. His mother
raised him to respect an intelligent woman, but boy, Ridley gets under his skin
from the minute she steps off the train! In the best possible way, of course. The romance was playfully antagonistic. The teasing between them cute and funny,
enough to put a smile on my face.
There’s some prejudice over having a woman doctor especially
in view of the time in history, but Ridley proves herself capable and
compassionate. However, treating Lily
Salt leads to some trouble with Lily’s husband, Jeremiah Salt. I hated that awful man! Ridley proved herself tough and resourceful,
but still, the sheer physical size difference and the fact that he was a mean
bully just looking for an opportunity to get his pound of flesh set me on edge.
Thankfully, Ridley has quite a few
allies when it comes to this difficult and dangerous situation, Ben being the
most important.
I thoroughly enjoyed the previous book, A Touch of Frost, and
so I was eager to pick up the new installment.
Getting a glimpse of what life what like in the late 1800’s is
interesting. A life without most modern
conveniences like indoor plumbing (chamber pots, eeek!) and where the only source
of water is a pump in the kitchen sounds a little daunting!
A Touch of Flame is basically a stand-alone story, some of
the events in the last book are recounted because Ben is first introduced there,
and his history is important to his character now. But it’s not necessary to read the previous
book to enjoy A Touch of Flame. I was
pleased to “see” Phoebe and Remington (the couple from the previous book) again,
and their cute little son, Colt here. The romance between Ben and Ridley is the
heart of the story, but it a little danger and suspense makes this a story you
don’t want to put down.
Connect with Jo Goodman:
The lovely people of Berkley have generously provided a Paperback Copy of Touch of Flame by Jo Goodman to give away to one reader. The giveaway is open to US Residents only. Fill out the rafflecopter for a chance to win.
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14 comments:
I always think that a lot of our modern amenities, imagine that whole chamber pots/ outhouse/ whatever thing. Ugh lol! And no electricity... such a different life!
Glad this was good. :)
This sounds exciting to read. The romance, danger, and suspense makes this my kind of book.
I love Jo's books, and can't wait to read this one.
I think the lack of indoor plumbing would bother me more than no electricity, because yuck! But yeah, no electricity would suck, too. I do sometimes wish for a more simple life, though. I think we get information overload and we're too plugged in 24/7. Thanks Greg! :)
I find the time period fascinating, but the thought of going without air conditioning, especially in Southern California where we're it's supposed to hit 119 degrees on Friday sounds unimaginable! I guess I'd find a beach or lake and just spend the day there. What else could you do? Lol! :)
I love that combination, too! Hope you love the story! :)
I need more of her back list for sure! :)
Glad to hear you liked this one. I imagine a woman doctor in that time period would be very rare - good story idea. :)
-Lauren
www.shootingstarsmag.net
Oh hey, we were twinsies posting our western historical romances at the same time. This one sounds fun and I love that she's a doctor. I've enjoyed several of Jo Goodman's books in the past including A Touch of Frost. I'll have to snag this one.
I don't think I have ever read anything from that time period before. Sounds interesting for sure!
I enjoy reading western stories, both historical and contemporary.
*shudders at the word chamberpot ;)*
I do like the sound of this one :)
I know! Chamber pots, just YUCK! But the story was really good! :)
Sounds like a pretty exciting book :D Glad you liked it a bunch Rachel. <3 Lovely review sweetie :) Hugs. YAY for loving this author already :D
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