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Reviewed by Maalin Ogaja for Readers' Favorite
In Margarita and the Hired Gun, Patti Sherry-Crews creates a contradictory atmosphere of urgency and a slow-burning romance. The threat of death and violence is ever-present, yet the romance unfolds with deliberate restraint. From the moment Margarita McIntosh meets Rafferty, she feels a stirring, despite his rough demeanor, the strange smell lingering around him, and his unappealing exterior. Rafferty's initial reaction upon hearing about the job is a firm and resounding no. The task is to deliver Margarita safely and in one piece to her aunt in Durango. This is not the type of work he typically does; furthermore, looking at Margarita, he doubts that she will survive the journey. However, the compensation is hard to resist. As they prepare for a journey that will test their resolve and endurance, neither is fully prepared for the dangers that secrets will unleash. The hardships might not only shape their survival but also their characters.
Author Patti Sherry-Crews skillfully builds the perfect backdrop for the story, fully immersing the reader in the rugged wilderness. The cowboys in the saloon, the vast open landscapes, the crackle of campfires under starlit skies, the sound of horseshoes on dirt trails, and the constant threat of outlaws pull the reader right into the action. The isolation and underlying dangers catalyze a profound shift in Margarita and Rafferty’s relationship, transforming these reluctant companions into unexpected allies. Through this journey, they begin to truly see each other, beyond the noise that often obscures intentions, pride, and vulnerability. I loved how the journey gradually revealed their true selves, the surprises they found in one another as they bonded. Since the story mainly focuses on this journey, I initially questioned whether it would be enough to keep my attention, but I wasn’t disappointed. I felt as sad as Rafferty when they finally reached Durango. I highly recommend this to fans of stories where reluctant heroes and heroines grow through adversity and unexpected companionship.
