Tucker O'Brien hates doctors, and know-it-all Paige Miles is no exception. After spending eight months as a POW, the veteran wants to be left alone. His bum leg is a lost cause, no matter the nosy doc's promises. Besides, Tucker's in Desperation, Oklahoma, to spend two months with his son, a now-teenager he never knew existed. When time runs out, so will he. Just like he did nineteen years ago.

Yet the relief Paige offers is hard to pass up, as is a chance with the beautiful physician. So Tucker will make her a deal—he'll agree to physical therapy, but only if she's his personal caregiver. He's determined to leave as soon as he can. But sticking to this plan may be tougher than he thinks.

Men of the West
Harlequin American Romance©
ISBN:0-373-75361-6
June 2011

Hearts of Desperation

From the very beginning, Tanner O'Brien always had a younger brother named Tucker, who ran off to travel the rodeo circuit. What else would the son of a bull rider and a barrel racer do? It was finding the right story for Tucker that was the hard part.

Why did Tucker O'Brien run off when he was fifteen-years-old? And where did he go?

Tucker was always supposed to return to the Rocking O. But when?

I'd been working on The Reluctant Wrangler, Nikki's story, and went to bed. As usually happens when writing, instead of sleeping, I started thinking about Nikki and Mac's wedding and decided that it would be held outside at the Rocking O Ranch. What better way for Tanner to show that he accepted her completely as his sister? But it was the reception after the wedding that I was thinking about, with the bride and groom moving among family, friends and neighbors—their wedding guests. And then, like Nikki, in my mind I saw a man walking toward her, carrying a cane and limping. I knew immediately that it was Tucker, but what I didn't know was why he was using a cane and limping. Once I answered that question, thanks to Tucker, it all came together, and Tucker's story was ready to be told.

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5 Stars Top Pick - Night Owl Reviews

I absolutely loved this story by Ms. Delaney. I hopelessly fell in love with both Tucker and Paige. I felt terrible for Tucker that not only was he a POW, but also that he sustained some pretty serious injuries while fighting for his country. I loved how Paige wanted only the best for him and he was too stubborn to see it himself. The characters were well-rounded and quite believable and the storyline was truly engrossing and very entertaining. I highly recommend this story and eagerly look forward to reading more from this talented author!

Diana Coyle - Night Owl Romance
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RT Book Reviews

THE MAVERICK’S REWARD (4) by Roxann Delaney: After years away from home, former Marine Tucker O’Brien has finally returned, battered in spirit and nearly crippled, to get to know the teenage son he never knew existed. Dr. Paige Miles, new to town, is determined to help Tucker regain the use of his damaged leg and, maybe, his interest in living. Tucker thinks he’s a bad bet for a relationship, but that doesn’t stop the flare of attraction he feels for the new doc. A nearly broken man and a woman with a lot of heart resonate in this family drama.

Reviewed By: Pat Cooper