Unbridled by Diana Palmer
Publisher: Harlequin
Genre: Contemporary
Length: Full length (301 pages)
Heat Level: Spicy
Rating: 4 stars
Reviewed by Xeranthemum

A lone wolf takes on the threat endangering everything he loves in an unforgettable story in the sensational Long, Tall Texans series

Widowed Texas Ranger and single dad John Ruiz hardened his heart years ago. Day after day, he tracks the roughest criminals in the Lone Star State, leaving little room for love. So when John butts heads with the beautiful nurse who’s helping his young son, he’s floored by how quickly the sparks fly.

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Unbridled might show a cowboy and horses on the cover, but the plot conflict is pure city all the way. The issues, the clash, the threat and the battle all converge from a city’s violent problem and young Tonio is in its crosshairs.

I realize that the story is about a romance between a Texas Ranger and a nurse but it’s John’s son, Tonio, that is the glue that brings and holds this story together. The author touched upon current events in a vague enough way to make the plot relevant without giving the impression of making personal opinions part of the story.

Unbridled is a tale about a boy caught in the middle, a woman who notices, cares and does what she can, and a father so caught up in reality that, although he intrinsically recognizes his own child has been exposed to the dark side of his job, he neglects, through circumstances beyond his control, to see the writing on the wall. John is so driven and preoccupied with the demands of his job that he can’t seem to slow down to really hear what his son is saying. That is where the heroine, Sunny, picks up the ball.

The fascinating part about this novel was the author’s choice to have all three characters interact with each other but no one realizes the other is involved. Have you ever put coins in one of those charity fundraising devices that spiral down a funnel, going faster and faster, closer and closer until they all reach the same goal, the bottom? That’s kind of how I felt while reading this novel. John, Sunny and Tonio were the coins zooming and spiraling around until all three come to the same place together; where a reader watches them reach that crucial ‘Aha!’ moment. All the puzzle pieces fit and good things like justice, vindication, forgiveness, love and a brighter future are brought to light.

My frustration with this novel stems from the level of obtuseness that John suffered from. The author made a point to let me see that the hero KNOWS but dang it all if he totally misses the boat – Every. Single. Time. That drove me nuts. I was yelling at the book,’Seriously? Dude! It’s right there! Listen to him. It’s right there!!! ARGH!!” Yes, I experienced quite a few *head-desk* moments.

Overall, the story, romance and conflict worked well enough to keep me engaged, curious, concerned, worried, excited and determined. I had to see how it was all going to work out. I had to know justice would be served. I wanted to see both John and Sunny happy. I wanted Tonio to be confident he was loved and be part of a whole family unit. It was a tough road but the happily ever after was worth every moment spent with this novel. Ms. Palmer is a gifted storyteller and Unbridled certainly proved it once again. This novel is worth reading.