Real Cowboys

Roz Denny Fox was inspired to write REAL COWBOYS after a chance meeting with a "buckaroo" in Tucson, who explained to her the nature of this dying breed of cowboys. In REAL COWBOYS, the heroine is Kate Steele, whose deceased husband had been a rodeo bronco, and whose son Danny wants to follow in his father’s footsteps. Kate's in-laws are doing their best to keep their son's memory alive, hoping that their grandson will grow up to be just like his father. Kate wants no such thing. Kate hated the life she led with her husband and wanted more for Danny.

To get away from her in-law’s influence over Danny, Kate moves them to a desolate area in Idaho where the only source of education for the children is a one-room schoolhouse. Kate answers an ad for a teacher, and one of her new students is a young American Indian girl who seemed to be having some learning problems, as well as some behavioral issues. Unfortunately for Kate, Clover's father is Ben Trueblood, a rancher who Danny meets and connects with, and begins to hero worship. It doesn’t help that Danny befriends Clover, who the other children in school avoid. With Ben's influence, Danny wants to be a rodeo star more than ever. But that's not Kate's only problem.

Kate is now in a wheelchair, thanks to the car accident that took her husband's life. Kate didn't think her handicap would matter, but she is finding obstacles everywhere she goes, and hates to be beholden to anyone. Since Kate and Danny are now living on Ben's property, Ben feels he needs to make sure that all her needs are met in terms of her handicap. While Kate knows she needs assistance to do many things, she still finds it difficult to accept any help from Ben. She'd rather have ten-year old Danny help out around the house, a responsibility that is too much for a boy his age.

Kate and Ben are attracted to each other, but it is difficult for this relationship to get off the ground. And soon, Kate realizes there is another issue that is preventing Ben from getting too close to her.

REAL COWBOYS was yet another delightful book by Roz Denny Fox, as she has again created characters that will endear themselves to the reader. As with a lot of romances that feature young children in the story line, Danny and Clover inadvertently help bring together the two potential lovers, two people who are too stubborn to see past their noses. Because of Clover’s troubles in school, Ben reluctantly works with Kate to deal with Clover's assumed learning disabilities, but he doesn’t seem to be really focused on helping Clover learn to read. This in turn leads to Kate’s discovery of Ben’s secret, something Kate finds hard to believe that he had been able to hide this all his life.

There is an unmistakable chemistry between Kate and Ben, but it's a challenge for the two of them to get along or find themselves on the same page about a lot of things. Tension between them is very apparent as Kate tries to help Clover in her studies, but it’s also obvious when Ben attempts to help Kate in her daily activities at home. Kate is frustrated that Clover spends all her time sketching when she should be doing her school work, and so Kate assumes there is not enough guidance at home when it comes to Clover’s education.

The reader will enjoy reading about Kate's relationship with Clover, who seems to have a very special gift that borders on the paranormal. The character of Clover, this reviewer feels, is special and stands out. Her love and understanding of animals will especially warm the reader’s heart. Readers will also love Danny, Kate’s son, who takes it upon himself to be the man of the house, now that his father is dead. Danny knows that he’s good at roping, and in his heart he wants to grow up to be just like his father. His frustrations are not surprising when his mother does not allow him to follow his dreams, thinking that he would pursue the exact path as his father did, a life with no future.

The various subplots and engaging characters in REAL COWBOYS will keep the reader hooked until the very last page. This reviewer recommends this novel, and as always will be looking forward to reading more by Roz Denny Fox.

April 2007