Desert Bloom [Mass Market Paperback]

Grady Finch didn't have any use for the likes of Lilla. Well, he could think of
one or two, but it was out of the question. The hothouse beauty would never make
it in Texas, she was too fragile, and didn't have the temperament. Or did she? As
the wonderfully willful woman showed her true colors, he couldn't help being drawn
to her. But he could never provide for her in the way she'd grown up accustomed
to. Better to keep his distance. Too bad his heart disagreed. How would he ever
win the battle to keep his hands off? Did he even really want to try?

Once again, Ronda Thompson draws readers in to enjoy a story full of
well-rounded characters and interesting conflicts. It is neat to see how Grady and
Lilla grow and change. I thought the transition with Lilla was a little fast for the
character she started out to be, but I did like her really well. The chemistry
between Lilla and Grady is hot, and the tension is played out very well. A cast of
secondary characters enhances the story, and leaves you wondering who the next
book will be about. All in all, the story is worth losing sleep over!

However, Grady soon realizes his misconception, as Lilla is the snooty type who behaves just like the snobs that rebuffed his mother. Though very attracted to her, he cannot stand her airs of superiority. Meanwhile, Lilla believes she needs to prove to this uncouth cowboy that she can survive without daddy's money. As each one tries to trump the other, love trumps both of them.

DESERT BLOOM, the sequel to PRICKLY PEAR, is an amusing western romance. Readers will initially want the hoity Lilla to get her comeuppance, but talented Ronda Thompson quickly turns that around so that the audience quickly roots for the female lead to get her man. Grady still carries the scars of his childhood, which endears him to the readers, who will delight in Ms. Thompson's humorous tale.

Harriet Klausner