Years ago, Luke Dawson left Rainbow Valley, Texas with a broken heart and a chip on his shoulder the size of his home state.  The son of the town drunk and self-made bad boy, not many people missed him when he left . . . except Shannon.  Now, back for his dad’s funeral, Luke is forced to stay for a few weeks due to an accident.  A professional bull rider on his way to the World Championships, he needs a place to stay and a way to make a little cash.  Shannon is now the director of the animal shelter where they both worked as kids, and the only person willing to give Luke a job.  But can they get beyond that night all those years ago and what happened to cause him to leave town so suddenly?

I adore Jane Graves’s books, she has that perfect blend of humor and angst.  Luke is so delightfully messed-up.  He’s carried a burden for a very long time and it is wonderful to see him be able to share it, finally letting go of all the pain and hurt.  After years of being chased by his demons, he’s finally forced to confront them and it proves to be the most difficult thing he has ever faced.  Shannon comes from a prominent family but was never really understood by anyone, except Luke.  Both outsiders for different reasons, they formed a special bond as kids.  It takes a little forgiveness and a lot of communication but they eventually get that back and it is so sweet to see.

Cowboy Take Me Away is the first of Graves’s “Rainbow Valley” series and I am anxiously waiting for the next one.  There are some supporting characters I am looking forward to getting to know better, including Shannon’s former boyfriend Russell.  He’s got a good heart but he’s a little misguided so I’m ready for a woman to set him straight.  If you are looking for a book full of Texas charm and addictive people, this is a can’t miss treat.