Shauni's Reviews > This Gun for Hire

Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy

There is just something special when a new book comes out from and old favorite. Jo Goodman has been one of my favorites for years. She doesn't write genres she writes books. Books about Pirates, the Civil War, The Revolutionary War, Regency England and the Old West.

Her characters aren't perfect examples of mankind, they are human with flaws. Each character comes with a history, family issues, mistakes, and failings. And because of this they are endearing.

In This Gun for Hire Ms. Goodman tells the story of a bounty hunter and a bodyguard...

Calico Nash is pretty much a living legend. Raised by a father who lived an interesting life, Calico lacked any traditional upbringing. But is able to hunt, track, shoot and bring in any target. What she doesn't have? Is a home and family. And the fact that she's a female bounty hunter confuses just about everyone. No one ever sees that one coming. With her upbringing she knows how to keep just about everyone at arms distance. That is until Quill McKenna comes barging into her life.

Quill McKenna, former cavalryman, has lived his life on his terms. Right now he is guarding the man who owns Stonechurch.. and of course the local mine. Someone is out to kill Mr. Stonechurch and Quill worries that his family is next. So he calls in the one woman he knows he can trust and rely on, Calico Nash. It doesn't hurt that she has captures his attention.

I just fall into love with Ms. Goodman's books and This Gun for Hire is no different.

When Quill and Calico get together there is no swooning or sweeping off someone's feet. Instead there is this awkward meeting. Two people that while good at what they do and who they are discover love rather clumsily. It's just brilliant. I am not saying that these two are humorous, or this is a slapstick kind of romance. Instead it makes the romance realistic.

Calico is blissfully naive that Quill is attracted to her, that he is the one man who can and will accept her for who she is. It takes time. She can accept a physical relationship but she has no clue on how to love. Just brilliantly written.

It's hard for me to describe Ms. Goodman's style but I adore it.

This is one of those books that is a must read.

Shauni