One Golden Hour

by Maureen Reynolds

Tessa was a most unlikely schoolteacher, with a womanly luster that defied her prim demeanor. But she hid a dark past, a nightmare that forced her to start fresh in a raw Western boomtown. There she was greeted by Cody Butler, an insufferably handsome rake with an eye for luscious women. He saw beyond her schoolmarm drab and sensed the true splendor that was Tessa. Slowly they drew close, sharing wit and passion, anger and understanding. Could Tessa give her heart to this man, or would the dark shadow of her past destroy the glory of her new love?

Genres: Western Romance, Romance

435 pages, Paperback

First published August 1, 1988

Reviews

[Tapa in lovezone · Rating 2 out of 5]

This wasn’t a bad book, but it wasn’t a particularly memorable one either. The plot itself was decent and had potential. The heroine is on the run from an abusive husband and hides in a new town, starting over as a schoolteacher. The hero is basically everything in town—he owns most of it and also happens to be the local doctor. Naturally, he’s drawn to her and tries to pursue her, while she keeps her distance despite being clearly attracted to him.
At this point, you can pretty much guess where the story is headed.
Overall, the book was just okay, but I found myself losing interest as it went on. There was far too much physical distancing, mostly because the heroine is terrified of her feelings due to her past. While that fear is understandable, it dragged on for too long. I tend to enjoy books with ongoing momentum and heroes who actively chase the heroine. Here, the hero has to hold back because she tells him she’s committed to another man. He does try to seduce her occasionally. Still, it made the romance feel a bit flat for me.
A fine read if you’re in the mood for something slow and small towny. But nothing extraordinary.

[Carol Habrovitsky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great read.Read it in one afternoon.I do like this author she puts so much into her tales.Highly recommendable for a peaceful read.Looking forward to reading some mote of Maureen Reynolds booksnothing to dislike in this book

Very well don't in description and use of words without any swear words.Well constructed chapters and all believable.I enjoyed it verymuch

[Anna · Rating 1 out of 5]

Absolutely the worst romance book I have ever read. The main characters are completely unlikeable and over half of what is written is just these two terrible characters describing each other. The worst part of it is the repetitive blatant sexual assualt presented as romantic encounters. I would not suggest this book to anyone