Two different facets of love surface beautifully in the newest book of the Montana Men series by Jennifer Ryan. In STONE COLD COWBOY we again learn a couple of important life lessons: you shouldn't judge a book by its cover and in the game of love, there are no rules. Jennifer Ryan once again reminds us that the love of family is so basic and yet so very integral to life. For some family is nourishing, and for others it is a battle. STONE COLD COWBOY is about juggling family responsibilities with individual happiness. Sure it's an ongoing battle, but it's the ending that counts. For the winners the prize is love.

This is the fourth installment of the Montana Men stories, and I am amazed at how different each and every one of these books are. They are all uniquely entrancing and entertaining and at times heart-wrenching. I think the only theme threading through all of the Montana Men books is the fight for survival of not only the body but the heart.

In STONE COLD COWBOY we find tough silent gorgeous cowboy Rory Kendrick the oldest of three close and loving brothers and their wonderful grandfather. Rory has taken on the role of man of the house and works himself to the bone to make life the best he can for those he loves the most—his brothers and grandfather. To the outside world Rory projects a very hard intimidating face. One that doesn't even crack a smile very often. We wonder about Rory. Is this stone face representative of his character or is it the protective shell he wears? Life has taught Rory that you lose people you love. The loss is brutal; isn't it easier to avoid the trap?

Sadie Higgins doesn't have time in her very busy life for a personal life so forget about looking for love. Sadie has taken over the responsibility of trying to keep her younger brother Collin out of trouble. That alone could be a full time job. Any money she has earned in any of her jobs has been spent to bail Collin out of still another jam. Her father's health is in decline so on the home front Sadie is fighting an uphill battle to keep her small family together and in once piece. Quite a challenge for a petite young woman.

Sadie has noticed Rory looking at her—kind of out of the side of his eyes—at odd moments. Since it wasn't necessarily a friendly look Sadie figured Rory held her accountable for her brother's behavior. Rory noticed Sadie's glances as well but didn't see anything there to encourage him to take that big leap of faith and actually approach her. Ah. Magnets at work again.

Some very frightening incidents bring Sadie and Rory together. The question is whether anything good can come from what was a very rocky start. How do you build something good and loving when your very foundation is shaky and crumbling? There's no doubt in your mind these two people are crazy about each other, but there is a sinister evil party lurking, one without conscience.

Feel free to jump into the Montana Men series at any time. All of them absolutely are independent and riveting. Jennifer Ryan has constructed an intriquing series that deserved a great amount of praise and certainly your attention. STONE COLD COWBOY will leave you anything other than cold. It's a fast-paced race against a dangerous foe.

Book Summary

With their hearts' desires on the line, nothing can stop the Montana Men

Sadie Higgins has a bad habit of bailing her brother out of trouble. But when he rustles a herd of cattle from the tough, honorable Kendrick brothers, it's Sadie who's in for it. Because the cowboy tracking them down is big, silent, and forbidding as hell.

Rory Kendrick is on the hunt to find out who's been stealing from him. When he stumbles upon Sadie in the woods, he barely recognizes the quiet, vulnerable beauty who has always taken his breath away. His mission shifts in an instant: He will do anything it takes to keep her safe . . . and make her his.

Sadie has always protected her family—no matter the price. But when Rory ropes her heart, she's forced to take a look at her life and make a dangerous choice—one that could cost, or gain, her everything.