The Outlaw's Lady Book

Tess Hennessey is an unusually career-minded young woman living in Texas in the 1880s. As a girl, she apprenticed herself to her Uncle James, learning everything she could about photography. Now she dreams of putting together an impressive portfolio and traveling to New York to work for a famous photographer. After completing one of her first jobs as a professional photographer, Tess is kidnapped by Delgado's band of Mexican raiders. She learns that Delgado intends for her to document his exploits as his personal photographer. Tess is scared and furious - especially when she learns that the man responsible for her kidnapping is actually Sandoval Parrish (a particularly rakish and attractive man she met at her last assignment) - he made the suggestion. There's more at stake than she knows, however. Sandoval is actually a Texas Ranger masquerading as a member of Delgado's raiders, and he's using Tess' pictures to help capture Delgado. Over the course of her time with the outlaws, Tess and Sandoval fall in love, and Sandoval reveals his true intentions. However, when the time comes for Delgado to release Tess, he refuses - insisting on her participation in more and more dangerous raids. Tess and Sandoval are forced to make their own, dangerous escape.

Laurie Kingery has created a decent, suspenseful love story with believable characters. Tess and Sandoval are honest with one another and don't take a ridiculous amount of time learning to communicate. The dangers they face are never overwhelming, and there's only the tiniest hint that they've consummated their relationship at all (a warm look, a glint in someone's eye, and then Tess is expecting!). This is an "inspirational" romance, but the story would have been just as strong without the faith aspect. While the "inspiration" wasn't too heavy-handed (distracting), it wasn't necessary. I liked that Tess was strong, and outspoken, and found it a bit disappointing that she gives up her dream of going to New York and sharing her Delgado photos with a wider audience in the end. Everyone seems to think that Sandoval has "tamed" her in some way. Great, just what we need - more tame women!