Teach Me the Ropes

Bachelor Auction #1

by Vanessa Vale

A bachelor auction. I was in a f-ing bachelor auction.

I wasn't a cow. A bull, definitely. When the ladies started to bid, it was looking rough.
Until she placed the winning bid.

The one I wanted. The woman who'd kneed me in the balls the other day.

Yeah, I was hot for a woman who wanted nothing to do with me. I was a guy obsessed.

She might be the teacher, but she was going to learn she was all mine and I wasn't letting her go.

If being a cowboy isn't enough, Sawyer's the town's fire chief. This book might burn up your ereader, but don't worry, he'll be there to put out the flames!

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary, Audiobook, Contemporary Romance, Cowboy Romance, Small Town Romance

210 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 1, 2023

About the author

A USA Today bestseller, Vanessa Vale has written over 100 cowboy and small town romances. She lives in the American West where she's always finding inspiration for her next story.

You can find out more about Vanessa at VanessaValeAuthor.com

Reviews

[Bourbon, Books and Brenda · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the new Bachelor Auction series sure does pack a punch…or should I say a knee?
*****
Rating: 5 stars
Steam: 4 flames
Genre: Everyday hero / Cowboy
*****
What a wonderful beginning to this new series by Vanessa Vale. The Bachelor Auction series follows three brothers as they find their person through a bachelor auction. The first Manning brother to fall is Sawyer, Fire Chief, and oldest brother of the three.

Oh Sawyer, what a hunka hunka burning love he is! He is a kind and considerate gentleman that has a dirty dirty mouth that delivers (wink wink). He is the total package. Sawyer has been hurt before but that doesn't stop him from taking notice of the new preschool teacher when he picks up his niece Claire.

Kelsey has been living a dumpster fire life and when a "married" man propositions her while picking his daughter, she has had enough of being hurt, taken advantage of, and being played a fool. She kicks him in the groin, and he drops like a sack of potatoes. Did I mention it was Sawyer that was hitting on her…wait, he's not married, he doesn't have a child, uh oh.

Fast forward to the bachelor auction when Kelsey figures out that Sawyer is single, hot, and maybe she owes him an apology. When she sees a woman bidding on Sawyer and the pained look on his face, she jumps in and bids…and wins, Sawyer. Oh goodness things are starting to heat up!

This short easy read had a lot of action, a little suspense, hot steam, and chemistry off the charts. I adored Sawyer. Kelsey's story will pull on your heartstrings, and how could I forget Alice, she's the instigator of all this…that little old meddler, she is great!

I loved Teach me the Ropes and want more; I just didn't want the book to end. Now, I can't wait to see which of the brothers will fall next! A great new series that I look forward to reading more of!

[Jen ♥ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 ⭐

There's no plot this is pure smut, omg! 😂

MCs:
- Sawyer, 34
- Kelsey, unknown

Book Info
- No cheating between MCs
- OWD (not really but the moms in the preschool were 🤤 over Sawyer, one mom even bid on him at the auction)
- OMD (the cheating ex made an appearance but Sawyer broke his nose 🤭)
- Death of loved one (off page)
- Parent abandonment
- Arson
- HFN (happy in a relationship)
- No epilogue


I went into this blindly, so idk what to expect. The story happened within three days, and it was insta-lust and sadly it didn't work for me.

Kelsey went into this small town to follow her then boyfriend, only for her to find out that this asshole is a married man. Of course with nowhere to go, she has to start up again in that same town and she needs a roommate to afford the rent. She was able to find one, but said roommate skipped town and took all of Kelsey's belongings and money. It's like the world has it out for her and nothing good is going on in her way.

But then thankfully the daycare head offers the backroom of the building to be Kelsey's temporary shelter. Then one day she met Sawyer who was picking up his niece. He flirted with Kelsey which pissed the crap out of her, thinking he's just like her ex who is married cheating douchebag. Then she kneed him in the balls to get away from him.

Then two days passed, Sawyer was put in an auction and Kelsey found out he was single. So she bid on him to apologize, and that's where it starts between them.

This was a cheesefest insta-lust, all they did after that auction was think about smex smex smex. Then the repetitive thinking of Kelsey that she doesn't want to become like her mom who's dependent on men. Or how much Sawyer would eventually got bored with her. Or how much she's an independent woman who can do things on her own. Sawyer's mantra is quite repetitive too, of how much he was hurt by his ex who only wants him for his money. Or how much in a span of two days he wants forever with Kelsey.

Usually, insta-love stories work for me and I love them. I'm definitely part of the minority who likes instant connection in their books. But for some reason this book didn't pull me in. The writing style is good, maybe it's the story flow, pace, or the dialogue that made this a little bit difficult to appreciate. The lines were ridiculously cheesy and cringey at times. The pace of the whole book literally happened in two days, if we're going to be technical it's probably only a day.

Anyway, ignoring all the absurdity of the whole plot. I can definitely say this story isn't for me. I'm not going to read the succeeding books in this series, maybe I'll try the other works of this author instead.

[atomickitten · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star

DNFed at 30%

The heroine was a judgemental, foul-mouthed idiot who was somehow a preschool teacher (???) and yet acted and spoke as if she actually worked as a bouncer in some shady dive bar.

And the hero was a cowboy because he had a cowboy hat and lived on a ranch?

Yeah, i could turn a blind eye to many things but the heroine was so dreadful and so annoying, i couldn't go on.

[Lexie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hilarious house warming gift. I can’t, the sisterhood of the traveling smut book lives on. Favorite line is highlighted and ready for its next reader 📝 @leanne it’s coming for you 😂

[(betts) ⚜ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐ / 3🌶️

— vibezz
🚒 cowboy/firefighter x preschool teacher
🖍️ fresh start
🚒 insta-love
🖍️ i-can-do-it-on-my-own FMC
🚒 but-let-me-help MMC

mini blurb — ✍🏻
A bachelor auction is the last place where Sawyer wants so spend his friday night, but when the spitfire of her niece's teacher makes his winning bid, he seems to don't mind that at all. Bonus point of said teacher is the one that knee'd him right in the balls, must be cupid's work.

//

lmao this was a cute and funny quick read, nothing too much elaborate since is was basically a novella but the story was enjoyable.
Kelsey had her mind set to making on her own, and improve the shitty situation that was forced upon her, Sawyer with all honesty was there just as a "side dish" (very appetizing I'm not complaining one bit) and I love how he did not imposed himself at the end but rather give her his support, hfn/hea kinda

👌 so good

[McKenzie Rolland · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cheesy, kind of fun!!!!!, and full of smut lol

[Kate V · Rating 3 out of 5]

3 smut-scale stars!

This is the first book in the Bachelor Auction series and features Kelsey and Sawyer. I loved Sawyer...he's sexy AND a cowboy. I did not like Kelsey...she annoyed the hell out of me for various reasons. Overall, a fun and dirty romance.

[Lover of Romance · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.

Introduction
Teach Me The Ropes was a quick and easy contemporary read. There wasn't anything super significant about this one. I thought I had already read a book by this author, but I don't think I actually have, I most likely have just seen her around a lot though. I was really intrigued by this one here, and it definitely had a rags to riches feel though. I think if you like quick hot fast contemporary reads, then this writing style will work for you.

Summary
In this one, we have our hero, who is a fire fighter, and a cowboy but also a alpha male. When he meets a young woman who helps with the day care center, he is intrigued, but our heroine, believes he is married and is offended by his interest. But when she learns the truth, and he is put in a auction date, she purchases the date and through a set of events they will find a wonderful affair together.

My Outlook
Teach Me The Ropes is a happy for now romance. It definitely didn't have the outcome that I was hoping for, but I know some authors prefer to write in this writing style. I did find their relationship full of unneeded angst though and truly unnecessary. What these two fight over is kinda ridiculous at times, but I think that was written intentionally. I did find the way they get it resolved pretty hilarious though. I am curious about the brothers books and definitely want to explore this author a bit more.

Rating Evaluation:
Plot: 3
World Building: 3
Cover: 4
Hero: 4
Heroine: 3
Steam: 5
Heart & Feels: 4
Ending:2
Overall View: 3.5

[Cathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Two stars because it is well written but so problematic! As someone who works with women who have experienced domestic abuse, I would tell this heroine to run like hell. He literally gets his police chief brother to arrest her after she’s just escaped a burning building so he can ‘make’ her tell him stuff about herself she doesn’t want him to know. Because his need to know is of course more important than her need to feel safe or have agency. She finally admits to her shitty situation and as soon as he meets the guy who hurt her before he dumps her because she should somehow have been able to overcome her trauma response with him because he’s a ‘nice’ guy and the other one is obviously an a-hole? Way to make everything about himself ALL THE TIME. Toxic. Seriously, the common thread that runs through all abusive relationships is coercive control and this guy has it in spades.

Vanessa Vale - please always ask yourself if your hero’s behaviour would be ok if the heroine actually wasn’t interested. Let’s stop perpetuating the idea that abusive behaviour just shows how much he loves you and is ok if you love him back.

[Alicia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this one was okay. The writing style was good, and the story moved along alright, but I didn’t like how quickly the characters went from “it’s just sex” to “relationship” or the miscommunication and general lack of communication that was used to drag out the drama. The time frame of the story is mostly over two days, so the jump from hookup to you’re the one was too jarring and insta-lovey.
Kelsey was a decent character. I found her a bit repetitive at times with her distrust of all men, and I didn’t think she was super consistent. It felt like she’d only throw the walls back up whenever she was scared and also to make the book last longer.
Sawyer was alright but when Kelsey’s ex came into the book for like 5 pages, he did a total character and personality 180 and lost his shit. It just wasn’t realistic and if I hadn’t been so close to the end I would have stopped reading right there.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’LL ALWAYS CATCH YOU

The story is the first in a new, small-town romance—and no, this one is not ménage. It has a great cast of characters, plenty of interaction, angst, issues, and several steamy sex scenes. At first, I was a bit disappointed at how fast the two main characters hooked up, but this story is so much more—and that thought needs to be remembered. It isn’t about hooking up and more about what is involved—both Sawyer and Kelsey come with baggage. It takes time and assurance to help work through it and for these two to find they are more than previous affairs, regrets and family.

Sawyer Manning is the oldest of the three Manning brothers, the town fire chief, and a cautious man after a nasty break-up. Nothing like discovering your intended only cared about the family money and status, and not you. He isn’t celibate, but he isn’t searching either.

Kelsey Benoit is a woman trying to be independent and seems to keep getting knocked down. From meeting Tom and him telling her he wanted her, and she moves from Colorado to Montana to learn he is married with a family. Then a roommate robs her of everything, getting her evicted—the only thing she has going for her is her job at the Daycare and Irene being kind. Her trust levels have bottomed out. She refuses to be like her mom hanging on for the next ‘sugar daddy’ to support her.

Alice, the Manning’s housekeeper, and cook wants to retire, but she wants to see her ‘boys’ settled down and volunteers all three of them to be auctioned at a community fundraiser. What a shock when Kelsey knows how Delilah wants him and looks to be winning—until Kelsey outbids her. Sawyer is happy not to be stuck with Delilah and surprised that Kelsey wins.

Kelsey has secrets she doesn’t want anyone to know, and Sawyer has his issues. But, the chemistry between these two brings them together—quickly. Once Sawyer has a taste of Kelsey, he wants more—but will she be able to handle that?

“I was in big trouble here. Hot guy. Nice guy. Great family. I couldn’t figure out what was wrong with Sawyer Manning besides the fact that I wanted him too much. This couldn’t be right. It was lust. It was infatuation. It was fleeting. But it felt so good.”

“I never expected to find Kelsey. Never knew it would be like this. I fell for her. Hard. Fast. Uninhibited one moment, cautious the next.”

“It was supposed to be just sex. I told you this didn’t mean anything.”

The plot will have mystery, suspense, life and death danger, revelation, explicit sex, intense chemistry, pieces of the past, fear for the future, and then throw in human equations. Kelsey doesn’t want to be like her mother; she is determined to be independent, even when that isn’t working in her favor. She is drowning without a life jacket due to stubbornness. Sawyer thought he wanted a quick tumble, but he feels more than just lust with Kelsey—he wants more, much more.

“He wants to save me. I really, really need to save myself.”

While the story ended, I am not sure that it is resolved. There was a crime committed; someone is dead—I think there is more involved. Sawyer and Kelsey's situation is still somewhat iffy, and I hope that as the following stories play out, more information left hanging will come to light.

The bachelor auction to raise money for the community center has taken place, and along with all three Manning brothers bought, we’ve only read Sawyer and Kelsey’s story. Next, we’ll see what happens with the next brother.

[Hey Lin · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm in between giving this a 3-3.5 star....maybe a 3.235 😂😂🤔 I loved man hunt by Vanessa vale so I figured I would try this. Im Usually allergic to cowboy hats and spurs but I figured I would try this 😂

I just want to say this is the first and only book I've read with 69 in the smexxual relations 😂😂😂🤷 why aren't there more scenes like the barn scene with 69 position?. Anyhoo.

Shes new in town and poor at because her ex bf (who is married) dumped her and then a roommate stole everything from her house. Shes sleeping at the prek that she works at and meets the redhead of the three manning men. He comes to pick up his niece and she thinks he's married with a kid 😏 I love mistaken identities tropes! He asks her out and she gets so mad with her whole current situation that it broke th camels back and she knees him hard in the balls.

She finds out during a town bachelor auction that he's actually single and bids on him so that this mean girl/woman won't get a date with him.

I guess this would have rated higher if the hs hang ups weren't so hammered in every chapter of the book. We get that your mom is a user and that your ex was a douche canoe. Its making you a disillusioned, untrusting bitter hag and it started to annoy me 😳🤦 it was also strange that the H got his police officer brother to put her in jail and then he finds out about her living situation. The ex bf comes to the station and they find out he's the one that owns the prek building. But H is pissed that he's lumped into the same category as the dickhead ex while he's the "nice guy" and dumps her 😬😬 like.....what's happening here? 😂 they get back together but....it was weird at that point.

But the insta love, protectiveness and smex scenes saved the book. There was good and bad so yeah. 3 ish stars

[Dawn Herrera · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Preschool Teacher and The Fire Chief are Burning up the pages.


Teach Me The Ropes is the first book in the new series Bachelor Auction by Vanessa Vale, this was a steamy read with some really great characters. I enjoyed this story it had me giggling out loud at times and tugging at my heart other times. Kelsey is done with men like her ex they are cheaters and liars so why is that big hot cowboy making her warm all over? Sawyer sees the new preschool teacher and is drawn to her , even after their first meeting that didn't exactly go as he thought. This is just the start to a great story. I really liked the bantering between Sawyer and Kelsey it was fun and exciting. I absolutely loved this book and I highly recommend it. I can't wait for more of this series.

[Chalice · Rating 4 out of 5]

The couple: Sawyer and Kelsey

Romance genre: contemporary
Series: Bachelor Auction
Length: 194 pages

Plot: Kelsey is fairly new in town; she followed a guy there from her home only to find out he was already married. She can't afford a place to live; she works at the local pre-K and the director is letting her temporarily stay in the back of the building while she tries to figure things out. One day, one of the kids at her pre-K is picked up by Sawyer, whom she assumes is the little girl's dad. He's hot, but she does not mess with married guys. Luckily, she finds out a little later that he's actually the little girl's uncle. A few nights later, the town is having a bachelor auction for charity, and in order to save Sawyer from a predatory woman (who's been after him and his brothers since they were young), she bids on him and wins. So they go out for their date, and they seem to be a really good match. But Kelsey has secrets and baggage, neither of which she is very forthcoming about. Tragedy strikes at the pre-K, and her secrets come out. Can Sawyer move past his betrayal, or is their relationship doomed?

Character development: I liked Kelsey. She's been dealt a bad hand, but she keeps on going and looks for solutions rather than pity. I liked Sawyer's interaction with his family, but he made me so mad when he left Kelsey at the station, as though she should have immediately forgotten her ex and trusted him (Sawyer) the minute they met, with no exceptions. What he was asking is completely antithetical to the human experience. He wanted her to interact with him without any interference from past experience. That's not how we work. All of our actions and beliefs are colored by our past. If you've always been hurt, it's difficult to imagine a relationship where you won't be hurt, and you'd naturally be cautious. That's what was going on with Kelsey, and I was mad that it took Sawyer more than a minute to decide it was okay for her to be a normal human being. But by the time she got into his bed, he was over himself. Would have been nice if he had gone after her, but she came to him (because I guess it was supposedly her fault. Whatever). I'll definitely read t he second book though - I enjoyed this one.

Next book in the series: Back in the Saddle

[girlwithhearteyes · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars

What a fun and *very* steamy bachelor auction novella/short novel!

The pairing is protective hero in pursuit + damsel in distress who has trouble accepting help.

MMC is all-in on the FMC as soon as he sees her, even though she’s (inexplicably) kneed him in the balls. FMC realises she’s misjudged the MMC, and bids on him at the bachelor auction to apologise.

Very instalove-y (it takes place over 3 days), but I loved it.

[Jill S (Love Affair With Fiction) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love it when I can just escape life by diving into the pages of a Vanessa Vale book. I am able to put the stress of everyday living aside and lose myself in a sexy tale.

There was just so much that I loved about this story.
The characters were phenomenal. I would love to hang out with the Manning Brothers. I loved how they were with each other, and I am so excited to get more of them!
I loved the chemistry between Sawyer and Kelsey. It burned right off of the pages! Things may have moved fast between them, but it felt right and natural to me. It is both the best and the scariest feeling when you meet someone and just KNOW that you are meant to be.
I also was so thrilled at the career that Kelsey had. It is not often that you see early childhood professionals portrayed in a romance novel. And even less when you see it handled AS A CAREER. Where it is clear that she went to college and studied for this profession. As a former Early Childhood Director, I can't even express how much this meant to me to see this portrayal. Thank you, Vanessa!

Teach Me the Ropes is a fast-paced, sexy read with just a hint of intrigue that will make you wonder what else may be hiding just beneath the surface.

Sawyer could teach me the ropes any day!

[Maureen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book that totally Rocks, this wonderful author has once more written a great story that will rock your socks. And omg the men are so totally hot, especially when you see the man on the cover!!
This is Kelseys story, she has moved to the Bend after one man, but that man turned out to be married with kids of all things. Then to make things worse she was sharing a flat with another women, and when she got home from her job one day her flatmate had fled with everything of Kelseys apart from the clothes.
Kelsey is a preschool teacher and has been at her job for a couple of weeks when one man whose name is Sawyer comes to pick up a child. Attraction between both is hot between both, but a little misunderstanding on her part sees him storming off. Only for Sawyer to see him at the auction... a single mans auction. Before she knows it shes buying his time, Sawyer claims her as his. But its Kelseys untrust for men which brings trouble for them both.

A definite must read, i so totally enjoyed reading this book, and am looking forward to reading the next two in the series. Hot men....definitely!!!

[Renee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy, steamy listen!! Did I mention steamy???

God how I want my own Sawyer....is that too much to ask???

Kelsie is the new pre-school teacher in town...she's had some personal struggles and is determined to make a better life for herself.

Sawyer is the local fire chief and Kelsie sets his world on fire 🔥

Things get off to a rocky start for these two until the night of the bachelor auction, and I know that I'll never eat an icecream cone again without thinking of this book.

Full of steam, a great story and loads of sex!!!

[Carla Mclemore · Rating 5 out of 5]

more in spades. Sawyer and Kelsey meet at the towns bachelor auction. They both have issues, but like mentioned earlier, have an undeniable connection. As there are 2 Manning brothers to go, we shall see what happens next.

[KB Kind · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fun start to this series. Three single, handsome, rich bachelors all up for auction. Bachelor 1 gets purchased by the down-on-her-luck gal who doesn’t want to be “rescued” by a man. Will she change her mind? Can’t wait for the other two books!

[Reading In the Red Room · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book one in Bachelor Auction. Vanessa Vale is quickly becoming my go to for great quick reads. Kelsey is a take charge independent woman who has had some bad luck lately. Sawyer is a local firefighter that loves his town and his family. When these two get together there is instant chemistry and amazing banter. This was a great quick read that I truly Enjoyed. I’m looking forward to reading the other books in this series.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh wow! The first bachelor at the auction. A really sexy story as always from Vanessa Vale. Loved it!
I always enjoy reading these sexy stories. Yummy. 5☆

[Lyndsay · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was…….not the best. 2 stars ⭐️ ⭐️

[Miranda Hohn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Actually I thought about it more, and this was not very good. And the fact that the events span a total of 3 days was ridiculous.

[Alphas Do It Better Book Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 Stars

Sawyer Manning is immediately intrigued by Kelsey when he meets her at preschool pickup. Some crossed signals cause an embarrassing, and uncomfortable, interaction that is later resolved when Kelsey “saves” Sawyer.

What follows is a short and intense story with a gentleman who knows he has found his future and the woman who resists, because she has been hurt in the past.

Cara - Alphas Do It Better Book Blog

[Lauren | Laurens.littlelibrary · Rating 3 out of 5]

Insta love + 🌶️ + Sexy Dirty Talkin Cowboy, just takes the edge off

[Jenn the Readaholic · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh, this series has had a fabulous start! Kelsey isn’t looking for a hero, and Sawyer didn’t think he was looking for forever. So imagine his...uh...painful shock at meeting Kelsey and realizing just what he wanted from the spitfire who brought him to his knees! And then she saved him from trouble in heels and designer jeans, but when it’s his turn to do some saving, it all goes sideways before anything good can happen. Luckily, fate and cooler heads prevail to bring these two their happiness, but now I need to know who “bought” his brothers. I can’t wait to find out!

Side note: I adored the names of the three Manning men and laughed when the inspiration for their names was revealed. They’re clever without beating the reader over the head with the idea and just gave me yet another reason to love this author’s style!

[Diana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Oh gosh, this was not good. I don't like giving books 1 star, I totally respect the fact that authors put much work into their works, but this was really bad. It felt like I was reading cliche after cliche. While this is more a novella than a full length novel, it struggled to be either. The author tried to get it to have a plot, but the main incident in the book was just weird and kind of put in there to have Sawyer be there because of his profession. The steamy scenes were cringey ... I mean does any man really say 'Come and give me a ride'? Also, can someone explain to me how this guy is a cowboy, when he does no cowboy-ing at all in the book? Does wearing a cowboy hat and living on a ranch automatically make him a cowboy? I don't get it. The heroine was also a bit abnoxious, so I really couldn't find 1 saving grace to make me want to rate it more than 1 star. Sorry, but I really don't get how this book has over 4 stars here...

[Leanne Meyers · Rating 3 out of 5]

LOL this book is so cheesy but I loved it. Nothing but smut hahaha

[Rhonda Hicks · Rating 5 out of 5]

'Teach Me the Ropes' is the first book in Vanessa Vale's "Bachelor Auction" series and Sawyer turns out to be sigh-worthy. Everyone makes mistakes in life and Sawyer made his with Tina. He thought he'd found the one, bought a ring and everything, but the prenup had her singing a different tune right before she left town in shame. That didn't stop the available females, especially Delilah, from wanting to snag a Manning brother and Sawyer was the oldest of the three. He had no idea his life would be turned upside down when he volunteered to pick up his niece from the daycare center in town. Kelsey had moved to town not too long ago and was one of the new daycare teachers. As parents were coming to pick up their children she heard several of the mothers talking about the hunky man they wouldn't mind sinking their claws into, including Delilah, the mother of a little drama queen in training. When Claire immediately ran to the man, Kelsey naturally thought this was her father so when he introduced himself to her and offered to give her a tour of the town, she was immediately offended and insulted thinking he was not Claire's father but was married as well. The entire incident quickly got out of control ending in Kelsey kneeing Sawyer in his manly parts and leaving the building altogether. Let's not leave it there. Kelsey is also the one who ultimately winds up buying Sawyer at the auction. Intrigued yet? 'Teach Me the Ropes' was a great romance to just sit back and get lost in. Yes, there's enough angst there to make it interesting but there was an almost instant chemistry that played into and against these two main characters. There is also an unanswered mystery concerning a fire and the death of the presumed arsonist that I'm sure will play out in one of the next books. As much as I enjoyed this getaway, I'm anxious to read book two, 'Back In the Saddle', which is Huck's story.