As a child Liza DeLane had no control over her life. As an adult she controls her life with a tight rein. Everything. She’s locked herself down so tight that anything that threatens her control either gets quickly bought into line or she runs from it. When she meets sexy cowboy Blake Dean, Liza thinks it’ll be easy to control herself, but she didn't count on the one thing that is definitely beyond her control. Blake. Will she hand the reins to Blake for more than a quick roll in the hay? Or will she give him the reins forever?

Beware of the Cowboy is by one of my favorite things, a brand new author. Mari Freeman shows a talent for story telling, and her hero and heroine are in full Technicolor. It’s with ease that you read the short story, finding yourself riding the roller coaster of emotions that Liza goes through. And Blake is one to die for cowboy. It helps to have such a great cover. You don’t even open the book and already you’re getting hot and bothered, drooling over the naked man. But please, drag yourself past him and open the book; you won’t be disappointed. Ms. Freeman has done a great job living up to that hot cover, and she delivers a cast of characters that only compliment her tale. Blake’s mother is a riot, and I found myself smiling whenever she was around. Liza’s best friend and work mate, Becky also adds to the story. Often with a short story too many characters can crowd it, but Ms. Freeman finds the right mix, and the only complaint I have is it was too short. I wanted to see this pair spark off each other more. Hopefully Ms. Freeman’s next offering will be Becky’s story. I’m looking forward to seeing what this new talent comes up with next.

Reviewed by: Rachel C.