The Devil Wears Spurs

In the entertaining first Texas Kings contemporary, Lane introduces the arrogant Ryder King, the youngest of the three fabulously wealthy King brothers, as he climbs on a rodeo bull in Dallas. Chloe, a spunky, witty law student turned barmaid, is mesmerized by him from the stands, but another rider’s major spill inexplicably terrifies her, so she turns down Ryder’s advances. The next night, at a high-stakes poker game, he loses his share of the massive King ranch to a family enemy. Chloe whisks away the drunk and forlorn Ryder to comfort him—and to make him a deal. She learned poker from her gambler father, and she offers to win back the ranch for Ryder in exchange for a place to stay and tuition money so she can finish law school. Although neither wants a serious relationship, they enjoy hot sex while Chloe brushes up on her poker skills, and soon it leads to romance. Both protagonists are well drawn, but the ending stretches too long and becomes melodramatic. Agent: Laura Bradford, Bradford Literary Agency. (July)