Masked Riders, by Parhelion

1860’s California. Jesse is sent to his Aunt’s ranch to get to the bottom of a ghost rider making trouble for the residents. With him is Wardley Bridger, sent to keep Jesse on task. The heat is incredible between the two and both men will have their hands full dealing with the mysterious rider and the attraction between them.

Hung Up by Cat Kane

Billy is a rodeo rider that goes along with his sponsor’s plans and ends up getting more than he bargained. Spence is a rodeo vet recovering from a major disappointment. Neither man was expecting more than a one night stand but when the heat between the two is addictive they can’t stay away. Will both men be able to overcome their demons and find a life together?

Ricochet by BA Tortuga

Teague is bringing his best friend Holt home to recover from a relationship gone wrong. Holt’s ex-lover Dave has done the unthinkable and shot Holt during an argument. Teague and Holt reconnect on the trip home and the attraction between them builds until they have to act upon it. Will this be the start of a relationship or will Dave show up and destroy their lives, literally?

I usually enjoy the work of all three authors but found that, in this case, I was left with a feeling of dissatisfaction. It’s often difficult to rate anthologies and I find this to be especially true with.Under This Cowboy’s Hat. Masked Riders, by Parhelion was the story that brought the anthology down in this reader’s opinion. There was a lot of plot in this one and while I usually enjoy that fact this time it just felt too crowded. I just did not find myself connecting with Jesse and Wardley or the story. I have read previous stories by the author and enjoyed them and will continue to read Parhelion’s work. BA Tortuga is one of my favorite authors and I enjoyed Ricochet. It did leave me feeling vaguely unsettled with its description of Holt and Dave’s break up, if that is even the right word to describe what occurred between them. I liked Teague and really enjoyed that aspect of the story. While it was a good story it was lacking BA Tortuga’s usual skill with characterization. I’ve not read much by Cat Kane but I plan to rectify that situation. Hung Up was my favorite story in the anthology and it is this story that brings the rating up to 4 Angels. Hung Up was tender and passion all in one little story. Spence and Billy are fantastic characters and I wish that I’d had longer to spend with them. Cat Kane managed to pack a lot of storyline in the word count she was given. This story just flowed so naturally and had me so engaged in the plot that I was sad to see it end. I liked both characters a great deal and hope to see them again.

Reviewed by: Hayley