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AN UNLIKELY TEAM...OR A COUPLE AT HEART?
Jed Rourke has been everything from a soldier to a miner, a cowhand and a gambler--and most recently a Pinkerton detective. Stopping in Rock Creek every now and again to see his sister, Jed finds a compelling reason to stay this time--prim and sensible Hannah Winters, who has arrived in town at her distraught sister's request. Hannah's brother-in-law has been charged with murder. While Jed believes any man capable of violence, Hannah won't hear of it--and insists on helping him solve the crime. Working with a woman is the last thing Jed planned on, but with Hannah, teamwork soon takes on a whole new meaning...and may just lead to a walk down the aisle.
Jed Rourke has been everything from a soldier to a miner, a cowhand and a gambler--and most recently a Pinkerton detective. Stopping in Rock Creek every now and again to see his sister, Jed finds a compelling reason to stay this time--prim and sensible Hannah Winters, who has arrived in town at her distraught sister's request. Hannah's brother-in-law has been charged with murder. While Jed believes any man capable of violence, Hannah won't hear of it--and insists on helping him solve the crime. Working with a woman is the last thing Jed planned on, but with Hannah, teamwork soon takes on a whole new meaning...and may just lead to a walk down the aisle.
343 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 1, 2001
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
July 22, 2011
This is the fourth book in the Rock Creek Six series. And I loved it. It's been a while since I have read the previous books in the series and I confess to skipping book 3. The heroine in this book is the type of character that most would dislike with her rudeness and hitting people with her cane and all but I absolutely loved her. Hannah has always known that she didn't possess her sister's beauty and is quite comfortable sitting on the shelf. Jed is her perfect match. He thinks she's beautiful and appoints himself as her bodyguard and follows her around town to try to keep her from getting herself killed. There is a lot of witty banter and loving insults thrown around quite a bit.
"Her eyes remained steadily fixed on Jed Rourke's back. The Orientals, in particualr, practiced inventive means of torture. Most common was the cangue, which was akin to a portable pillory. As long as the cangue was worn, the offending party cannot feed himself, and if not for kind passersby the criminal would starve. Then there's finger squeezing and ankle squeezing, and the ever-popular whipping with bamboo. Of course, she doubted there were any bamboo growing in this part of Texas...
"Mrs. Winter?" Mrs Reynolds said softly, and Hannah was jerked from her reverie.
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright? Perhaps you should stop and rest for a few minutes."
If she stopped she would never get started again. ""I'm fine."
"But... why are you smiling?""
"Her eyes remained steadily fixed on Jed Rourke's back. The Orientals, in particualr, practiced inventive means of torture. Most common was the cangue, which was akin to a portable pillory. As long as the cangue was worn, the offending party cannot feed himself, and if not for kind passersby the criminal would starve. Then there's finger squeezing and ankle squeezing, and the ever-popular whipping with bamboo. Of course, she doubted there were any bamboo growing in this part of Texas...
"Mrs. Winter?" Mrs Reynolds said softly, and Hannah was jerked from her reverie.
"Yes?"
"Is everything alright? Perhaps you should stop and rest for a few minutes."
If she stopped she would never get started again. ""I'm fine."
"But... why are you smiling?""
May 19, 2020
Another reread of an old favourite
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three down and three to go - review wise.
This fourth book in the series is Jedediah Roarks tale. He's the older brother of Eden, heroine in Sullivan's story. To me, Jed is the least tortured of The Six and thius is the most light hearted of all yhe books. Although I don't think he ever was, from the description I pictured 'mountain man'. He's large, he's blond, he's crass and vulgar, doesn't bother to cut his hair or shave. He has no filter and he's a real man's man and I found him so refreshing. Although he was only in part of Sullivan's story, he seemed to steal many of the scenes he was in. So I was already predisposed to love him.
The heroine, Hannah Winters and Jed meet on a stagecoach headed to Rock Creek. Jed is returning from one of his trips away, he's a wanderer, and Hannah is responding to a call of desperation from her sister, a minor character in the previous books. Her husband has been arrested for murder and needs Hannah's help. Just like Jed, Hannah is quite a character. She comes from a wealthy yet very lonely background. Her father was not a warm kind of guy and Hannah took over the business when he died and has made a success of it. But it has made her stubborn beyond belief and right about everything. In a less skilled authors hands, this could make her unlike able, but she's not unlikeable at all. I really appreciated her.
When the stage Jed and Hannah disagree on what should be done and they continue and insult each other throughout the book. But their fights are hilarious and actually an odd form of foreplay. There's no real anger behind it and I love that Hannah has almost brought Jed to his knees. She refuses to listen to his advice and he spends time following after her soothing ruffled feathers .
She ruffles them in pursuit of who really committed the murder her brother-in-law has been arrested for. She's convinced he couldn't have done it as he's too big a coward. Even when they think they've found the real murderer, she doesn't believe it and won't let it go. Dog with a bone is a perfect description, though in such a cute kind of way.
You can tell by reading this that I really enjoyed this book and so far we are 4 for 4.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Three down and three to go - review wise.
This fourth book in the series is Jedediah Roarks tale. He's the older brother of Eden, heroine in Sullivan's story. To me, Jed is the least tortured of The Six and thius is the most light hearted of all yhe books. Although I don't think he ever was, from the description I pictured 'mountain man'. He's large, he's blond, he's crass and vulgar, doesn't bother to cut his hair or shave. He has no filter and he's a real man's man and I found him so refreshing. Although he was only in part of Sullivan's story, he seemed to steal many of the scenes he was in. So I was already predisposed to love him.
The heroine, Hannah Winters and Jed meet on a stagecoach headed to Rock Creek. Jed is returning from one of his trips away, he's a wanderer, and Hannah is responding to a call of desperation from her sister, a minor character in the previous books. Her husband has been arrested for murder and needs Hannah's help. Just like Jed, Hannah is quite a character. She comes from a wealthy yet very lonely background. Her father was not a warm kind of guy and Hannah took over the business when he died and has made a success of it. But it has made her stubborn beyond belief and right about everything. In a less skilled authors hands, this could make her unlike able, but she's not unlikeable at all. I really appreciated her.
When the stage Jed and Hannah disagree on what should be done and they continue and insult each other throughout the book. But their fights are hilarious and actually an odd form of foreplay. There's no real anger behind it and I love that Hannah has almost brought Jed to his knees. She refuses to listen to his advice and he spends time following after her soothing ruffled feathers .
She ruffles them in pursuit of who really committed the murder her brother-in-law has been arrested for. She's convinced he couldn't have done it as he's too big a coward. Even when they think they've found the real murderer, she doesn't believe it and won't let it go. Dog with a bone is a perfect description, though in such a cute kind of way.
You can tell by reading this that I really enjoyed this book and so far we are 4 for 4.
June 28, 2015
Cute read, but nothing too amazing
October 26, 2019
Brilliant interaction between all characters
I enjoyed this story and the only reason I left off one star was because the denouncement at the end just did not fit in with the story. The 'who did it?' thread runs all the way through so to complete it so simply and ridiculously (in my opinion) spoilt it.
Jed is the latest of the six to succumb to love with 'no nonsense, tell it how it is ' Hannah, whom he meets in a stagecoach hold up. As usual, the interaction and dialogue between all the main characters sparkles.
I enjoyed this story and the only reason I left off one star was because the denouncement at the end just did not fit in with the story. The 'who did it?' thread runs all the way through so to complete it so simply and ridiculously (in my opinion) spoilt it.
Jed is the latest of the six to succumb to love with 'no nonsense, tell it how it is ' Hannah, whom he meets in a stagecoach hold up. As usual, the interaction and dialogue between all the main characters sparkles.
August 15, 2017
Jed,, the big ibe
Jed and Hannah met in the stage coach traveling to Rock Creek, he, just going home, her, going to help her sister. The two of them struck sparks off each other from the beginning. She knew her sisters husband could not have killed the Rev. Mr. Clancy, He was too much of a coward. Baxter thought he was shielding Rise and all the while neither killed the Rev. But in finding out who did the dirty deed, Jed and Hannah fell in love.
Jed and Hannah met in the stage coach traveling to Rock Creek, he, just going home, her, going to help her sister. The two of them struck sparks off each other from the beginning. She knew her sisters husband could not have killed the Rev. Mr. Clancy, He was too much of a coward. Baxter thought he was shielding Rise and all the while neither killed the Rev. But in finding out who did the dirty deed, Jed and Hannah fell in love.
January 16, 2024
I am near the end of the Westerns given to me by a friend who died. Some of them were more of a romance novel than a Western. This one is surprisingly Western romance. Frankly, there is more sex than most modern Westerns written by men. However, in the end, it is not a bad book. As a matter of fact, the characters are well developed and there is a decent plot. While I don’t think I will search for the author’s books, I will not avoid them either.
September 26, 2025
I love Jed the most
I could not wait to read Jed’s story. I was drawn to him from the get go and this book didn’t disappoint. I tried to figure out what kind of woman would attract Jed and once I started reading about Hannah I knew he needed a strong willed woman. Oh Hannah fit the bill alright and their love story was steamy. I couldn’t put this book down and even though I work full time, I finished this book in 24 hours. On to Nate’s story. Oh I’m loving this series!!!
I could not wait to read Jed’s story. I was drawn to him from the get go and this book didn’t disappoint. I tried to figure out what kind of woman would attract Jed and once I started reading about Hannah I knew he needed a strong willed woman. Oh Hannah fit the bill alright and their love story was steamy. I couldn’t put this book down and even though I work full time, I finished this book in 24 hours. On to Nate’s story. Oh I’m loving this series!!!
June 26, 2017
Hah! This one made me cackle more than pretty much all the other books in the series. And Hannah definitely ties with Mary for my favorite female character. I LOVED how blunt and stubborn she was. Also, the fact that she goes around wacking people with her cane was awesome! Just cracked me up. This was a fun pairing to read.
May 13, 2019
Jed
With each book Ms Handeland writes the main character seems to be even wilder and less redeemable. But so far each one has met his match of a strong loving woman who bring him to his knee...Jed has been led a merry chase by his. In the end his love has led him to where he needed to be.
With each book Ms Handeland writes the main character seems to be even wilder and less redeemable. But so far each one has met his match of a strong loving woman who bring him to his knee...Jed has been led a merry chase by his. In the end his love has led him to where he needed to be.
May 17, 2019
Exciting
So who really murdered the rotten preacher? Hannah is sure it wasn't her brother in law! But who was it? And can she find out before the trial? With Jeddiah 's help, it is an exciting adventure and a great addition to the series. Not quite as smooth as some of the others but a good read!
So who really murdered the rotten preacher? Hannah is sure it wasn't her brother in law! But who was it? And can she find out before the trial? With Jeddiah 's help, it is an exciting adventure and a great addition to the series. Not quite as smooth as some of the others but a good read!
October 3, 2018
Loved this book!
Jed and Hannah are perfect for each other. Hannah is a spitfire of a stubborn woman. Jed did not stand a chance in not loving her. Love how the whole group are finding their own and establishing their mark on Rock Creek. Looking forward to seeing Nate fall next!!
Jed and Hannah are perfect for each other. Hannah is a spitfire of a stubborn woman. Jed did not stand a chance in not loving her. Love how the whole group are finding their own and establishing their mark on Rock Creek. Looking forward to seeing Nate fall next!!
January 2, 2018
I loved it!
June 11, 2025
Started stronger than it finished, and the mystery was pretty stupid.
February 26, 2017
This series is absolutely amazing, love each and every couple
December 28, 2008
In a nutshell: Jed Rourke meets Hannah Winters on the way to Rock Creek, TX, traveling on the same stage. He was summoned by his "old friend" Sylvia Clancy because her womanizing husband--Rock Creek's preacher--had been murdered. Hannah was summoned by her sister, Rose Sutton, because her husband stood accused of the crime. Hannah is determined to clear Baxter Sutton's name while Jed is quite sure the man is guilty. But Hannah's no-nonsense attitude ruffles a few feathers and Jed is constantly extricating her from sticky situations.
Fourth installment of the "Rock Creek Six" series: I've said this in the reviews I've done of the previous two sequels and I'm saying it for this one, as well: Excellent consistency with character personalities. This series reads like one long story that simply switches the main focus every 300 pages or so. We first met Jed in Reese (Rock Creek) and got to know him quite a bit better in Sullivan (Rock Creek) when he objected to his sister's relationship with Sinclair Sullivan.
Jed and Hannah are actually amazingly alike and one might think this couple would never reasonably work out. However, despite appearances to the contrary, they grow and mature as individuals and as a couple. I especially liked how both were willing to bend a little by the end.
Supporting characters: Despite the fact that Nate (Rock Creek) is the next book in this series, we don't get to know him very much more in this book. We do get yet more of a glimpse into Cash's almost contradictory nature, however.
Complaints: Too many, too detailed love scenes, as usual. I have become used to skipping these scenes in historical romances but I still think, while some historicals seem to NEED these graphic scenes in order to attract/hold the reader's attention, this series so definitely does NOT. The general storyline, the individual storylines, characters, emotions, and drama are the winning attributes of these books.
I give this book 5 stars for consistency, storyline, emotion, character development, and humor. I am now starting Nate (Rock Creek), my favorite book in the series.
Fourth installment of the "Rock Creek Six" series: I've said this in the reviews I've done of the previous two sequels and I'm saying it for this one, as well: Excellent consistency with character personalities. This series reads like one long story that simply switches the main focus every 300 pages or so. We first met Jed in Reese (Rock Creek) and got to know him quite a bit better in Sullivan (Rock Creek) when he objected to his sister's relationship with Sinclair Sullivan.
Jed and Hannah are actually amazingly alike and one might think this couple would never reasonably work out. However, despite appearances to the contrary, they grow and mature as individuals and as a couple. I especially liked how both were willing to bend a little by the end.
Supporting characters: Despite the fact that Nate (Rock Creek) is the next book in this series, we don't get to know him very much more in this book. We do get yet more of a glimpse into Cash's almost contradictory nature, however.
Complaints: Too many, too detailed love scenes, as usual. I have become used to skipping these scenes in historical romances but I still think, while some historicals seem to NEED these graphic scenes in order to attract/hold the reader's attention, this series so definitely does NOT. The general storyline, the individual storylines, characters, emotions, and drama are the winning attributes of these books.
I give this book 5 stars for consistency, storyline, emotion, character development, and humor. I am now starting Nate (Rock Creek), my favorite book in the series.
April 30, 2012
3.5!
Jed's story; there were so many great parts! However, I found my self sneering from time to time.
The good parts were the adventures and moments of peril. I loved the action because it mixed very well with Jed and Miss Winters' romance. Even thou it felt dragged out, I loved the mystery and crime in the story as well, it sucked me right in. And that's usually the case with the books in The Rock Creek Six series, I'm always interested to see what happens from beginning to end.
As for the not so good parts in the story: Miss Winters sometimes got on my nerves so it was hard to believe Jed had any feelings for her. I know everyone has there issues but the author didn't really give me a super good impression on Miss winter even till the very last page. I liked her only a little I guess. Another speck that annoyed me was the sentences that were worded unfavorably long. Some. Still very worth the read. I just love The Rock Creek Six! Big fan!
Also, these books are perfect when I feel like I want a break from the books I usually read; it's so much more than just a western romance...so much more.
Jed's story; there were so many great parts! However, I found my self sneering from time to time.
The good parts were the adventures and moments of peril. I loved the action because it mixed very well with Jed and Miss Winters' romance. Even thou it felt dragged out, I loved the mystery and crime in the story as well, it sucked me right in. And that's usually the case with the books in The Rock Creek Six series, I'm always interested to see what happens from beginning to end.
As for the not so good parts in the story: Miss Winters sometimes got on my nerves so it was hard to believe Jed had any feelings for her. I know everyone has there issues but the author didn't really give me a super good impression on Miss winter even till the very last page. I liked her only a little I guess. Another speck that annoyed me was the sentences that were worded unfavorably long. Some. Still very worth the read. I just love The Rock Creek Six! Big fan!
Also, these books are perfect when I feel like I want a break from the books I usually read; it's so much more than just a western romance...so much more.
September 22, 2016
So far this was my favorite book in the Rock Creek series. I loved the plot of this novel and Jed and Hannah were an interesting, delightful couple. I enjoyed their bantering and how they fought loving each other. Normally that can annoy me, but in this case it worked!
Looking forward to the next novel featuring Nate
Looking forward to the next novel featuring Nate
April 3, 2013
I LOVE JED a big ol male male! I didn't like that he was made to be a puppy in the end, and only when she gave him a little of what he needed so I like her. Otherwise, until then, I kept pleading with him to pick me!
March 7, 2016
Linda Devlin is such a great author, her characters are wonderful! She takes the time to develop them, you get to really know them. I have really enjoyed the books by her in this series. This book was such a fun read, I really enjoyed Jed and Hannah.
March 27, 2013
Just finished all 6 of the Rock Creek Six. I couldn't put any of them down.
May 29, 2015
4.5 stars......I LOVED Hannah and Jed. The best book so far in this series. IMO.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews