In Fort Worth bounty hunter Cody Carlyle likes the freedom and money her job provides her, but also fantasizes of being part of a large loving family; something she has never had as she is estranged from her mother. Her bounty hunter peer Josh Pierce desires Cody, but though they share sex, she does not give him her all instead he feels she used him for a one night stand. Ironically that is his history yet he wants her in his life permanently though this contradicts his philosophy of no commitments no relationship issues.

Cody knows if she allows Josh any deeper into her heart, he will destroy her. She already was attracted to him before they shared a bed. Still she would not mind a second one night stand; perhaps even a third and fourth etc., but protect her heart she must because he is the one male who could break it.

The key to this fun contemporary romance is Cody, is an intelligent courageous bounty hunter who is not portrayed as some comic book superheroine doing impossible deeds. She and Josh make a wonderful teaming as neither trusts in anyone; love hurts so avoid caring for someone else. Though Cody reconciles too easily with her mom for someone who has no faith in anyone (admittedly a minor sidebar), HELL ON WHEELS is a terrific character driven study.

Harriet Klausner