From Literary Times
Orphaned at a very young age, Mary Margaret St. John is taken in by four rogue pirates and raised as their granddaughter. Young Maggie would do anything for her adopted 'grandpapas', and the same goes for them. The four elderly scoundrels search the world over for a cure when Maggie begins having signs of premature rheumatism as a teenager. They find the perfect spot with curative waters for Maggie and establish a health resort there. Unfortunately, an unscrupulous businessman weasels the property away from the family, forcing them to desperate measures. The four aging buccaneers seek out the assistance of the greatest thief in Texas, Gentleman Rafe Malone. Awakened by a cutlass held to his throat, Rafe Malone wonders what the heck is going on. Its not everyday a retired thief and full time Texas rancher sees pirates inland. What they wish him to do is something out of an old sea tale. No matter how preposterous the old gentlemen are, Rafe is intrigued and longs for the adventure promised by their plan. He agrees to steal back their treasure hoard, hidden in a spot that only a young man can reach. With the treasure, the resort can be bought back at an outrageous price. Several factors combine to make Rafe's life difficult . . . Maggie St. John, an old enemy of her grandfathers, and an old enemy of Rafes. This is the long awaited sequel to Ms. Dawson's The Wedding Raffle. The story was a scream from page one, right up to the very end. The four combative and overprotective grandpapas are sweet. Maggie is a daring and cunning heroine, and Rafe is an adorable rake, whom it is a joy to see tamed. Ms. Dawson is a fabulous writer who provides nonstop humor in her stories, and leaves her readers eager for more. This is definitely a book worth waiting for. Those who loved The Wedding Raffle will not be disappointed.Two thumbs up, Ms. Dawson! You have a winner here! Ms. Dawson has a flair for creating humorously witty characters and a talent for keeping the action moving! Ms. Dawson's star is definitely on the rise! It won't be long before Ms. Dawson is on the bestseller lists!Gloria Lower -- Copyright © 1998 Literary Times, Inc. All rights reserved

Book Description
With just the right blend of laughter and romance, Geralyn Dawson weaves an air of enchantment in her tales of old-time Texas, with characters who charm their way right into our hearts. Now she pairs a handsome thief and an unconventional beauty to search for treasure -- and follow the trail of adventure known as love.... SHE'S UP TO HER EARS... Soaking in a therapeutic mud bath, Maggie St. John suddenly finds herself snuggled up against the slickest thief in Texas, Gentleman Rafe Malone. Raised by pirate "grandfathers" to be a lady, Maggie would prefer a more trustworthy man to help recover a treasure hidden years before. But with time and cash in short supply, she'll do anything to protect her "papas" and save their spa on Lake Bliss -- even put her fortune and future in the hands of a notorious rogue. HE'S HEAD OVER HEELS. Rafe Malone retired from a life of crime to raise horses, though sometimes he misses the excitement of a good escapade. So when a band of elderly pirates makes him a provocative offer, he's game...and he's captivated by their vivacious ward, Maggie St. John. Soon Rafe is swimming an underground river hunting hidden riches -- and trying to figure out just how to hold on to his hide and steal the most valuable pirate's prize of all...Maggie's heart.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

From the author of "The Wedding Raffle" comes a tale with just the right blend of laughter and romance. Gentleman Rafe Malone, the slickest thief in Texas, finds himself searching for buried pirate treasure in order to save lovely Maggie St. John's home--and steal her heart.

SYNOPSIS