She's eighteen and determined to use her father's map and find the treasure.

Old neighbor Jake spent time as a Texas Ranger and is back to help his wheelchair bound father. His father has struck a business deal with the Vega family to combine their vast ranches -- and this deal requires that Jake marry the uppity and unlikable Lupita Vega.

References to land grants, Indians and William Bonney help ground the story in the late 19th century. Jake brawls in the Last Chance Saloon and even buys the favors of prostitutes there.

Andrea's ability to work, cuss and drink like a ranch hand create an unusual heroine. She hates everything “ladylike” and is fiercely independent. It is rather puzzling then that she acquiesces to the demands of Jake and his father Chet to stay at their ranch for her own safety. She is, of course, a virgin and unsure about sex.

The other characters are less developed. Macho Jake figures his way is the right way, but is honor bound to follow his father's wishes. Jake's old friend Kent McCabe plays a major role in the story's climax, but does not appear until the final third of the book. Chet's father has a long-term relationship with his housekeeper Esther, but this is not exploited as fully as it could be. Lupita's oily brother Diego is crucial to the story, but has no depth to explain his nastiness.

Bookish cousin Clarence is the best of the secondary characters. He develops nicely as the danger and suspense increase.

Author Morehouse does a great job of revealing and eventually explaining the clues that solve the puzzle. The loose ends are all tied up neatly.

Overall rating:
Sensuality rating: Very sensual

Reviewer: Lynn Bushey
April 14, 2008