Emily McBride is being blackmailed. The preacher’s daughter, who now runs a boarding house after the death of her parents, secretly writes dime novels. Now, someone has found out, and they want her money. As the blackmailer depletes her savings, Emily has other fish to fry. She has received two marriage proposals from men she’s not interested in, and she’s fallen for her male border, who happens to be a “nancy boy.” Life is very tough for Emily right now.

Seth Wright’s first job for the Peacemaker Alliance is to go to California and deliver a marriage proposal to Emily on behalf of Athens Garrett, his boss. Then Athens’s sister, Paris, tells Seth of the blackmail and asks him to solve the problem. But when he gets to California, Emily mistakes him for a poet who favors men. Nothing could be further from the truth, but it’s a good cover while Seth investigates Emily’s problem and tries to help her solve it.

As Emily and Seth get closer, his masquerade brings up interesting situations for the preacher’s daughter, who figures Seth is the perfect candidate for showing her how some things are done, like kisses that produce, well, hard feelings.

I’m ashamed to say this is my first Beth Ciotta novel. But it won’t be my last. Full of witty repartee and characters that are larger than life, I was hooked on the first page. The character’s antics made me laugh out loud. I feel in love with both Emily and Seth, and rooted for them to realize they were perfect for each other.

Emily and Garrett romanced my heart. I can’t wait to read the first book in the series and eagerly await the third, to see who comes along to handle the delicious Rome Garrett.

Romancing the West is a definite Joyfully Reviewed Recommended Read.