Caroline Adams returns to Indian Territory craving adventure after tiring of society life. When she comes across swaggering outlaw Frisco Smith, his dreams to obtain a piece of property on the Unassigned Lands are very persuasive. When the gun sounds, they find themselves battling over a claim--and both dig in their heels.The history behind this story was fascinating. I vaguely knew that there had been a land run for the settlement of Oklahoma, but I hadn't understood what that meant until reading this story. It could be a marvelous example to use in economics when learning about the beauty of supply and demand, given what goods and services people were willing to pay for (and how much they paid) while furiously holding and working on their claims: a cup of water, the use of a privy, a minute's rest on a chair . . .
I enjoyed Frisco and Caroline's relationship. Even though she (quite fairly) steals his land out from underneath him and he's determined to get it back from her, they aren't enemies. The land stands between them, yet they treat each other with respect and help each other out, making friends in spite of their rivalry. And then from friendship comes the romance.
It was fun getting more of Bradley and Amber (from the novella "Bound and Determined") and seeing how they finally end up together. Over all, a highly enjoyable end to the series!
Fort Reno
1. Holding the Fort
1.5: "Bound and Determined" (from the Hearts Entwined novella collection)
2. The Lieutenant's Bargain
3. The Major's Daughter
