Title:  Christmas Showdown Author:  Janette Kenny Publisher:  Samhain Publishing Genre: Western Publication date: December 2006 ISBN: 1-59998-37-3 Pages: 54 Series: Heat Level:     Rating:

Daniel Creed knows that Katherine Rose is the notorious Mary Kaye Dowd, a woman that murdered her own husband in cold blood.  Even though he swore an oath to protect her, he can’t get himself to bring her in.  As the town Sheriff, it’s his job to stay and watch over the dying town, when its final occupants evacuate due to an upcoming blizzard.  His only regret is letting Katherine go, never knowing if he’ll see her again.  When he sees a light on in her bordello, he doesn’t dare to hope but knows that it’s his responsibility to check it out. 

Katie has always dreamed of lying with Daniel.  Once she set her sights on him, no man ever compared.  Who would have thought the madam of a bordello would be celibate?  She’s witnessed how the town treats their half-breed Sheriff, never socializing with the man that brought peace and justice to their town.  She longs to comfort him and be his woman but when a bounty hunter comes looking for her, will her past stand in the way of their ability to find happiness?

Based on the premise, I wasn’t sure if I’d enjoy Christmas Showdown but I had to admit that I was intrigued enough to read it.  Boy, am I glad that I did!   Christmas Showdown is a poignant story about a strong man, hardened by life, receiving his first Christmas present from the woman of his heart.   Katie has had a difficult life also, making do the best way she knew how, trying to recapture some of the feeling and love from her first marriage and forget the pain from her second.  When Janette Kenny brings these two very special people together, their fears, thoughts, and emotions culminate in the bonding of their hearts and bodies, as well as their souls.  This is a powerful story that I strongly recommend reading.