"Down Home Ever Lovin' Mule Blues", by Jacquie Rogers, is guaranteed to take your mind off your troubles and satisfy your craving for contemporary western romance with a seriously funny and sweetly sexy style. Busted-up bronc buster Brody Alexander, a former rodeo star, now works as a rodeo clown while his body tries to heal from its many injuries. When the girl he let get away and can't forget, Rita Markham, returns to their hometown to care for her ailing mother, Brody's life will never be the same. The sparks between the two remain as hot as ever, and so do the issues which pushed them apart. These two foolish hearts are obviously meant for each other, and that's when a matchmaking mule and a merry band of assorted animal cohorts take matters into their own hands--make that paws! Socrates the mastermind mule is determined to make those clueless humans, Brody and Rita, see the light. He manipulates situations and leaves hints and clues all over the place, but the two hapless humans seem bound and determined to lose love the second time around--and people say mules are stubborn! While this story line is written with great wry humor and an above average appreciation for animals and their behavior, there is also a touching and heartfelt love story. Both Brody and Rita have hidden hurts and issues which spur their actions and keep them in a self-protective mode. They both have some growing up to do, and facing their past is the beginning to accepting their future. A fun, furry, fine-spirited romance read that will lighten your heart and put a big, big smile on your face--a smile that will stay there for a long, long time! ( )