I read this book years ago, but continually find myself draw to the men and women of the Rocking M Ranch. This is the story of Nevada Blackthorn and Eden Summers. Originally published as one of the Silhouette Desire books, Warrior is enjoyable without being tiring. ( )

He may not be roaming the hills of Afghanistan any longer, but even after two years back on the Rocking M, Nevada Blackthorn hasn't lost the skills that kept him alive, or unlocked the emotions he stored away to keep from going insane. When he rescues a long-legged blond from a bar full of roughnecks bent on pressing their luck a little too far, he's captivated - but doesn't expect he'll see her again.

Eden Summers came to the Rocking M to study cougars - she didn't expect to find a man. And when extends her love expecting only to be loved in return, she finds herself suddenly alone. Will Nevada come to his senses before he loses the best thing he ever had before Eden learns the same lesson life has taught Nevada - that surviving doesn't leave room for love.

Of course it's happily ever after - but how they get there is quite a ride. ( )

After dissing the last Lowell I read (Granite Man) I hate to admit how much more I liked this book. Nevada is an uber-alpha (as are all Lowell's heroes) but he has a softer heart and doesn't believe all women are sluts. No, his flaw is that he doesn't believe in love (*rolls eyes*). I liked the heroine Eden, a wildlife biologist, who doesn't take any crap from him. But of course she's a virgin (*another eye roll*). My biggest peeve with this book was Lowell's signature characteristic which is so evident in many of her books: hero invents a nickname for the heroine. I hate that. Nevada's nickname for Eden is "fairy-tale girl". "Dear Ms. Lowell: ....STOP THAT!!!" Whew, sorry, lost control. With these irritations aside Warrior was quite a good book. Eden finds Nevada who has injured himself in the middle of a snow storm and takes him to safety. The mental lusting begins... really, dialog is not Lowell's strong suit. But I loved Baby, Eden's dog/part wolf, and the cougar tracking and scenery descriptions of the Colorado Rockies. (Grade: B-) ( )