This is the second in the Hunter Buchanan series and begins with Hunter and his partner Charlie delivering payroll and two passengers via stage coach. They are attacked by bandits and all are killed except Hunter and one passenger, Laura, who is to become the town’s new teacher. Trying to protect her, he gets frustrated with her complaints. But save her he does. But his heart is still for his Annabelle who now works at a saloon. As the tale unwinds, so much happens and this novel is filled with action and romance and I love the setting of the hold west. I just thought it ended to abruptly. ( )

Title: Blood in the Dust (A Hunter Buchanon Western #2)
Author: William W. Johnstone and J. A. Johnstone
Pages: 368
Year: 2020
Publisher: Pinnacle
My rating: 5 out of 5 stars.
Last we read of Hunter and Annabelle in The Black Hills readers would think the two are now hitched and building the ranch they envisioned. Well, that is not where Blood in the Dust finds Hunter or Anabelle. Hunter still has his trusty sidekick coyote Bobby Lee with him. He is driving a stagecoach. Why? The stash of gold that Hunter planned on using to start his life with his love is gone and he doesn’t know who took it. On top of that, his father isn’t healing quickly and somehow, they have to make a living since their ranch was burned to the ground.
Hunter and a passenger, Laura Meyers, are the only survivors of a stagecoach robbery. They are making their way back to town, trying to stay one step ahead of the men who did the deed as they are being hunted by those same men. Annabelle is working in a saloon, serving drinks and the chili Big Dan serves. She and Hunter had a falling out, a big one.
At one point in the story, it seems as if all future hopes of Annabelle and Hunter getting together are gone. But when Cass, Annabelle’s brother comes for her to take her back to the ranch by force, guess who is there to rescue her? Graham Ludlow wants his daughter back and for her to marry the man he chooses, even though this Kenneth is good for nothing.
The plot has Laura Meyers fighting off unwanted attention, Annabelle in a saloon at one point helping Laura, and Hunter no longer driving a stagecoach. There is a force that pulls Annabelle and Hunter together and then apart. Laura Meyers comes to be the new schoolteacher, but her past might just end up catching up with her and changing her plans.
The novel is a never-ending tale with romance, action, adventure and characters readers will enjoy reading about for hours. I couldn’t put the book down. At times, I was anxiously waiting to see if those who made nefarious plans were successful or got their comeuppance. Bobby Lee is an interesting coyote whose allegiances shift in the book which brought a smile to my face.
Grab a copy and be prepared for one wild and bucking ride!
Note: The opinions shared in this review are solely my responsibility. ( )