Review: A Crackling Battle of the Sexes!
Rating: 3 out of 5
Date: 06 24, 2014
Ms. Leonard is an author that I can count on when I want to see a realistic slice of small town living.  In this newest release idiosyncrasies and a subtle battle of the sexes is on display and makes for an entertaining read that is only just beginning for a group of battle-weary men and women looking to prove themselves.Trace has a past he wants to forget.  He's tired from all the fighting and comes to this small town to live in peace and quiet with his brothers-in-arms.  The introduction of three bold and sassy women doesn't bode well for his peace though as thoughts of the spunky Ava keep him on edge and fighting his long-held beliefs on what a woman can do.  Trace has old world charm that's appealing yet frustrating.  His arrogance and discounting of a woman's abilities is annoying as well but his aw-shucks attitude made me weak in the knees.  He's a true gentleman outside the bedroom but when it comes to sex he's definitely no gentleman as his interludes with Ava are steamy.  His interactions with Ava from the very start were full of sexual tension and crackling banter.  He may not want to help Ava in the way she expects but he still wants her and their battle was entertaining to witness.Ava came to Hell believing it was to see her dream of becoming a bull rider come true.  Her dream though hinges on a man who thinks women have no business in the ring which leads to a battle of wills, teeming with sexual tension and witty banter.  Ava has something to prove, especially after her brother's injury in the ring, and refuses to let Trace stand in her way.  His suggestion of an alternate plan fuels the fire between them even more and leads to fireworks in and out of the bedroom.  Ava never backed down from him and was more than a match for Trace which made for an entertaining verbal battle.  She was immensely likable and easy to admire for the talent she displayed.  She brought anything but peace to Trace's life and had me rooting for her from the very first time they met.The reasons behind these three women coming to town aren't what they appear as Mayor Judy has a hidden agenda, one that left me a bit peeved with her.  She wants her small town to flourish but her way of seeing that happen felt deceptive.  Her interactions with the Sheriff felt a bit leading as well and further frustrated me.  This story started out slow with an overall storyline that felt a bit unbelivable.  The hot and cold nature of Trace's feelings for Ava were also frustrating and dragged out the story unnecessarily.  The depiction of this small town was vivid courtesy of the colloquialisms used that enhanced the Southern small town feel and added to its charm.  The secondary characters weren't as fully fleshed-out as I'd hoped but as this is the first book in the Hell's Outlaws series there's plenty of time for character development in the future.  With its fiery banter and engaging main couple this was a good start to a promising new series and I look forward to what Ms. Leonard plans next.