A Delightful Read
This is an engaging book from the beginning; Brooklyn Hancock is a charming, infuriating, independent, gutsy young woman with a fascinating story. When the story begins, this orphan accompanies Phillip Sumner to the gaming parlor on a riverboat. There, they meet Ryland North, who seems to be a dangerous man on a mission.
After they shoot, rob and throw Ryland's body overboard, Brooklyn wants out of the quasi-partnership. She is sickened by their treatment of Ryland.
Brook is fascinating because she wants to be independent in an age of dependence by females. She allows others to think the worst of her because she thinks that protects her. When readers see how Brook's association with Phillip protects her, it seems crazy that she leaves him.
Ryland is fascinating in other ways; he was raised by his aunt and uncle, along with their son Drew. When the story continues four years later, Drew is in love with a gaming hostess, Lyn. The aunt and uncle are beside themselves with the fact that Drew dumped a wonderful girl for a saloon hostess.
This plot was exciting because it wasn't always obvious where the story was going. Ryland and Brooklyn are two dynamic people who sizzle when they are together. There were a couple of coincidences necessary, but Ryland and Brook carried the story so well that they seemed unimportant.
This is one of those books that one can reread many times.
