Marlow Smith has gone to Dallas to celebrate her 30^th birthday. As a surprise, Joey, her administrative assistant and best friend, has hired a gigolo for the evening.  Marlow tells her to wait while she showers the dirt from the trip off and they will go to the bar and tell “Mr. Jones” that his services aren’t required.

 Well, after the shower, Joey has vanished and the only clothes Marlow can find are those that a hooker would feel comfortable wearing.  She goes to tell the gentleman his services aren’t required. Not only does she meet the wrong guy, but she makes the wrong assumption and has some of the best sex she's ever had in her life.  However, it turns out that this hired hand  has been hired by her dad, but in a another capacity.

    THE HIRED HAND has some twists and turns, not all of them in the bedroom. It definitely keeps the reader interested. While the romance and story ending are predictable, it is definitely worth the time it takes to read the story. There is one particular paragraph that makes the reader want to continue on.  Even though at times the characters need a good shaking, you can’t help but sympathize with the choices they make in the book. 

I hope that Ms. Schroeder writes another book about Joey and Heath. I would definitely read that book!  Plus I would like to see Marlow's mom again, maybe she could be given a little more page time.

 THE HIRED HAND has some extremely sensual scenes, so it may not be for someone who has hang-ups about sex.  However, all characters do practice safe sex.  It’s a fun book to read!