--Sue, Colorado

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I have always loved stories with a western setting.  When I was young I read westerns all the time.  As I got older, I switched to books with romance in them.  I still look for historical westerns or contemporary westerns, and like them better than any other books.

--Wilma, Iowa

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I grew up on a ranch in Colorado and I heard a lot of true stories about the west and ranching from the cowhands that worked there.  I have always liked anything about the west.  I am sorry that there are not more westerns with a bit of romance in them instead of the Louis L'Amour ones.

--Jackie, California

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It transports me to a very different place in time & takes me away from my troubles & daily routines.  They're just very refreshing.

--Eileen, Nebraska

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I love the simplicity of the old West, yes it was untamed but at the same time there was a code of ethics.  Women weren't expected to "do it all" and let's face it... there was NO TELEVISION for the men to bury their faces in!!!!  Instead, they worked hard and played harder. Yummy!

--Christine, Oregon

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In today's world in which chivalry is dead or in the very least taking a long nap, it is nice to read of a time when men were men and women were women. I love reading stories about strong men and women that survived the rough and perilous terrain of the West.  It makes it that much sweeter when they find a love that prevails in such a new and untamed place.  I love the wild and rugged setting of the West.  I enjoy reading about the strength and vulnerability of the characters from that era.  Okay, I really like the cowboys! Can you blame me,

really?

--Zara, Alabama

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Because of John Wayne!!

--Charlotte, Ohio

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I live in the west and can relate to them.  I just love reading.

--Paula, Colorado

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...they are REAL!

--Robert, Mississippi

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When I was growing up my father would read me books, mostly westerns and hunting stories. I grew up reading all kinds of books but I like the romantic kind--there's always such happy endings.  I've read all of Louis L'Amour but they don't have a lot of hero/heroine situations in them. There are not many romance authors writing westerns, so glad to see you are.

--Joy, Arizona

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I love Westerns because I love horses.  It brings back a lot of pleasant memories of my uncle's farm, where I spent a lot of time growing up.

--Muriel, Prince Edward Island, Canada

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I think the reasons I love Westerns, both contemporary and Historical is the mystique of the West. I have always wanted to travel there and see some real live cowboys. Western men always seem so heroic. The western genre is my favorite of all the books I read.

--Martha, Mississippi

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I love westerns because are set in and tell the story of a period of time in my own country.  Every time I read one I am in awe of the people who left everything they knew to pursue a better life in places they knew nothing about with no guarantees of anything.

--Maureen, Pennsylvania

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I love westerns for many reasons, first the men are always rugged, tough, determined, and passionate.  The woman are strong and tough when they need to be, but also are soft and delicate. I also, love the settings, from wild terrains to beautiful landscapes.

--Ashley, Ohio

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I love westerns because I have always loved the "Clint Eastwood", John Wayne type of lifestyle.  I think that it would be very interesting to live back in the day when men were men.....and women were treated like females....:)

--Heidi, Utah

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As they offer an escape from suburban life.

--Phillip, Australia

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It reminds me of going to the Saturday Matinee when I was a mere lad.

--Jimmy, Alabama

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I love western romances because the heroes are strong, alpha males who work hard and don't allow anything stand in their way of achieving their goals whether it be working the ranch or winning the love of a woman.  I also love western romances because they allow the reader to envision the landscape of the west when it was a wild, open place.

--Crystal, Kentucky

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Because it was a time when families loved each other.

--Lois, Arkansas

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I live in the city, and they bring out my fantasy of a simpler life!

--Diane, Iowa

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Because I love a good adventure story.

--Minna

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I love westerns for many reasons. I think the main one would be that I'm 51 now and westerns bring back childhood memories as that is what we watched in my house. I love the stories with their wide open spaces, beautiful countryside, women who lived a totally different life from us, and those gorgeous cowboys who loved them. They take me back to a simpler time when sometimes love was all they had to keep them going. My first ever crush was Michael Landon (Little Joe Cartwright from Bonanza) and I have loved many cowboys since then.

--Saundra, Arizona

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The historical westerns are my favorite.  I like reading about how our country was formed and my ancestors the Indians, especially the ones in early Vermont and Canada.  I like to imagine some of them are my relatives.

--Susan, Massachusetts

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BECAUSE I ENJOY THAT ERA OF TIME.

--Niki, Pennsylvania

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I love history, especially American history.  So, I really enjoy a romance that can take me back to another time and place.

--Selina, Pennsylvania

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They remind me of a simpler less complicated time.  Besides the guy always gets gal!

--Emmy, North Dakota

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Don't really know why but I have always like reading about the Cowboys and Indians. I have learned a lot about the old west by reading the historical western romances.

--Joan, Florida

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I have always loved anything western.  I really love western romances with happy endings.  I was born and live in Arizona, and as a kid I wanted to be like Anne Oakley & Lash Larue.

--Dorothy, Arizona

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Our history's culture is explored.

--Angelo, California

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Such a simple time in life in a lot of ways.  Sometimes think I was born too late and would have been better with the simpler struggles, passions, frustrations and joys of those times, at least as they're defined in a book :)  Reality sets in and I think of the life expectancy....etc. but when I read I can get lost in thoughts of simpler times.

--Ellen, Tennessee

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I love romance outdoors!

--Deborah, Kansas

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I grew up with the TV show The Lone Ranger, and Cisco Kid, followed by Wagon Train, Gunsmoke and Bonanza - loved them all, thank you.

--Marilyn, Florida

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Because there is nothing like a cowboy!!!

--Irene, Florida

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Everything seems so much simpler in those days.  All is more black and white with very little grey.  It's all an illusion of course, but one does yearn for less complication than we have in our modern world.

--Carol, South Africa

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It's the history

--Glena, Oklahoma

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I am in love with cowboys and anything that has to do with westerns

--Brittany, Florida

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I like the mystery of the rustic times, before technology, and having everything meant love itself.

--Kathleen, North Carolina

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I'm a history buff and I especially enjoy reading about the history of our country.  I love the determination and courage of the western settlers, especially the women who did so much with so little.  I also like reading about the many conflicts of the era and how complicated some of the moral issues were.

--Cynthya, Indiana

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I can make this simple!  Westerns are just the best, period!  I am not trying to be funny here, this is truly how I feel.

--Laura, Alabama

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They take me away!

--Ruth, Oklahoma

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I like to think of myself living at that time.

--Glen, Canada

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Always full of action

--Patty, New Hampshire

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They are exciting to read

--Sylvia, North Carolina

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I feel like I can relate to westerns more than I can a regency or other historical periods.  Living in the US, I'm more likely to meet a cowboy than I am a duke! :D

--Carrie, California

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Our west was a period of time that never existed before and will never exist again.  It was a time for courage and adventure and for some tragedy.  It is also highly romantic and that is the part I love.  There is nothing better than an author that can take you back to that unique time with their writing.  I can close my eyes and pretend I am the one in the story.

--Debra, Connecticut

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Because cowboys are so sexy.

--Barbara, Kentucky

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Just makes me feel good.

--Sharon, Maine

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I love Western stories because I love the countryside with its wide, open spaces, it's green grassy areas along with the grazing hillsides, the mountains and the vast plains; wherever the story takes place.  I love the 'farm' life in the westerns where there is great cooking, trail rides, branding, horse training and 'romance' in there somewhere.  The cowboys look great in their tight jeans, chaps and boots and hat.  They have a way with the horses and can be as gentle with their women also.

--Robyn

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Because you write them the best.  I grew up with my dad reading to me from Zane Grey books.  He took us on vacation each summer by car to all the western historical spots.  I love the west.  One day I hope to move there.

--Hazel

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My mom always watched westerns on TV and read western novels so I grew up with them and now have a great appreciation for the people who lived back in that day.  I love reading romance western novels because it allows me to dream of a cowboy, handsome mind you, coming in on his horse to save me!! I thank my mom (who is now gone) for getting me started on those westerns as a little girl.  HI HO SILVER AWAY!

--Suzanne

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I love westerns because they seem to have a very simple drama. Life in the earlier western days was hard, but not complicated. I love the hero, heroine atmosphere of the old western romances.

--Joni, North Dakota

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Living in Colorado I have always love Westerns. Then again, I just love all of Maureen's books.

--Irene, Colorado

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I love westerns because The West optimizes second chances and starting over.  Anything is possible.  You can dump your "old" baggage and start fresh.

Also, I love western romances because "real" people fall in love.  If I'm to believe English historicals, if you weren't a Duke, Earl or Lady you were pretty much screwed in the finding happiness department.

--Wendy, California

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There's just something romantic about a man on a horse! Westerns make me envision Robert Redford sweeping his lady off her feet!

--Vicky, Canada

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'Cause I'm an easterner...

--Rosalyn, Florida

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I grew up in Texas and love that part of the country. The 19th century is my favorite time period. And, I feel an affinity with Native Americans. While growing up I visited the Western states and fell in love with the land. I also fell head over heels for a few cowboys!

--Melissa, Rhode Island

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I don't have to work at reading them.  I don't have to suspend my imagination, I read and the pictures paint themselves.

--Maude, Texas

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I love westerns because they display the truths about peoples and events from the Wild West past.  These stories are exciting to read and Maureen writes them so well that the intensity and the glamour stand out and speak to you in an understandable way.

--Ralph, Ontario, Canada

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Because of their exciting story lines.

--Claudette, Connecticut

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Westerns weave a spell upon the unsuspecting reader.  These special and unique novels represent a way of thinking and a way of life.  The West is a country of fantasies and daydreams but it is also a setting of unspoiled natural beauty.  These vast unpolluted and unexploited spaces intrude upon our state of mind and give us a sense of adventure leading us to accept the values and characteristics of the West.  The West represents a way of thinking which is self reliance and trust.  Westerners have a symbiotic relationship with the land which has a great influence upon their principles and ethics.  The characters in Western novels are real people with integrity, trust and respect.  It is this universal appeal of the western romance, of good versus bad and of the friendships endured, the strength required to live during that tough time and the charismatic individuals whose lives were constantly being challenged.  Westerns are real with real heroes and people with feelings, emotions and backbone whose strength and resilience push them to the limit.

--Ellie, New Mexico

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Western romance novels are books that romanticize the appeal of the West. The ongoing drama of this period concentrates on the hard life and the hopes and dreams that are forged. It is especially heartwarming to realize that these legends did happen and maybe they are idealized somewhat but the courage and determination that was required in order to survive makes me admire these individuals for their bravery.  When we read these novels we are transported back in time and are enthralled with the vision that they had.  In these times of nostalgia when we have to confront so much change so rapidly these romantic novels give me comfort and hope that our lives will improve.  The strength of the characters and their honesty and trusting nature were definite attributes of that time and of The West.  When I read about these heroes and heroines I imagine real people with foresight, imagination and old fashioned values and virtues.  It warms my heart to get involved with their lives and to feel that their world was the real thing.

--Pearl, New Mexico

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I am just a country girl myself.  My dad always read Westerns so I was probably drawn to them through him in a way, as we are both avid readers.  I enjoy the images reading Western romances present, some drawn from memory and others new.  A little bit of home I guess.....

--Melia, New York

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I love westerns because they take you back to a simpler time.

--Shari, Ontario, Canada

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Westerns have an allure that no other genre has.  The beauty of the setting, the decency of the people and the true to life emotions.  I have always been mesmerized by the depth of the feelings evoked by Westerns.  Peopled by compassionate and good human beings whose lives are lived by honor and goodness.  Perhaps it is the old fashioned manners and beliefs which always were important.  The image of the man whose truthfulness and hard working nature are still an essential ingredient of his life.  His value system is intact and he knows that in order to achieve he has to live a good life.  I always look forward to reading these uplifting and inspiring novels which sweep me back to times when manners, breeding and civility meant something.  The Western has a universal appeal due to the character portrayal, the vivid descriptions and the original and unique plots.  Maybe it is a bygone era but I long for those simpler and better times.

--Sharon, New Mexico

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Time period - it's cool to read what authors' ideas were on that time period.  The men are more gallant - it seems the men in western are more gallant and hold the women in higher esteem.   Life is harder - the characters in westerns have different values and live life differently also.  The outfits would be neat to wear.

--Trudi, Wyoming

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They're great escapism ~ back to basics.

--Audrey, Minnesota

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I've always loved Westerns, especially the ones where the Eastern lady battles the rough, tough cowboy and they end up seeing that despite their differences, they're meant for each other.  Cowboys are just so sexy and make great heroes, especially the strong, silent type.

--Barbara, Florida

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I just do, I love reading and watching anything western! I'd choose a well written western over any contemporary any day. But I'd love to read and will read just about anything.

--Terri, Texas

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I have always loved westerns.  Westerns put the characters in a very exciting time in American history. They can follow the course of historical events or create their own history on any given day.  The need to survive on one's own against long odds is a big part of the western story and there is always lots of room for romance, violence and hurt/comfort.

--Sam, Ontario, Canada

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I guess I have always been a tomboy since I was a child. I watched every cowboy television show there was.  As I have gotten older, I am 60 now, I have advanced from the cowboy shows, mainly because I do not think they are as good as the old ones.  I have been for some time a reader of westerns.  I love the concept of riding off in the sunset with your cowboy.  I guess I am a hopeless romantic.

--Judy, Louisiana

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I'm a country girl at heart and love the romance in westerns.

--Mona, New Mexico

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I love westerns, because most characters have a strong, independent, pioneer spirit.  There is, also, a nostalgia associated with them.  I remember watching Roy Rogers reruns with my grandfather, when I was little.

--Marlene, Mississippi

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... their honesty and grittiness.

--Chris, Colorado

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Save a horse and ride a cowboy. Most a hunk-a-licious.

--Suzanne, Tennessee

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Because of the cowboys

--Melissa, North Carolina

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My love for westerns started with John Wayne, The Duke. I grew up watching his movies and developed a BIG crush on The Duke. And pilgrim they got horses in them there westerns. Yee-ha!  Romance, cowboys and horses. I especially like the westerns where the girl can just about out cowboy the boys.

--Theresa, South Carolina

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Hello... cowboys! What can I say, but that I'm a fan of them :-).

--Christina, Oregon

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I grew up reading Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour westerns.  I loved the settings and the history in those books but usually the only thing the hero got to kiss was his horse.  Western sunsets need to be shared between a cowboy and a lady.

--Belinda, Mississippi

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They make me feel alive.

--Phillip, New South Wales, Australia

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Westerns are from a time when life was more romantic and when men were men.

--David, Arizona

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My Dad loved Westerns and he passed along that interest to me. Zane Grey and Louis L'Amour were among his favorites, they are now among mine.  I guess it's the overall wholesomeness of the principal characters that I most enjoy.  I sometimes wish that some of that goodness could be wafted over the world so that we could all become better persons.  No wars, no killings, no gangs, no violence. I will continue to dream of this happening.  Dreams do sometimes come true!

--Patricia, Texas

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They distract me from the ordinary & mundane & wisk me away unto adventure and wonderment.

--Khrissy, New York

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I just love the romance of the old days!

--Julie, Ohio

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BECAUSE IT MAKES YOU FEEL LIKE YOU WERE THERE IN A BETTER TIME IN AMERICA.

--Lois, Arkansas

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Always romantic.

--Carol, Tennessee

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They are all American.

--Gary, Florida

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Stories that contain tough, rugged heroes who work hard at a time when life wasn't as easy as it is now. They protect their land and family and love their woman with just as much intensity.

--Kim, Illinois

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I love romance especially historical romance.  My favorites are American history.

--Selina, Pennsylvania

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They work so hard in rough conditions.

--Celia, Missouri

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I'm not so much a Western romance reader but my mom is, and this would be a wonderful gift for her.

--Alicia, California

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I think it's the time period. I've always loved western movies. When I am reading one of my romance books I just get lost in it, no matter which type of romance it is. LaVyrle Spencer is the first romance author I read. I fell in love with western romances then.  My mother-in-law got me hooked on reading romance books she gave me my first romance book to read.  It was by LaVyrle Spencer, I was hooked.  I read all her books.  From there it seems I have been reading non-stop. It has only been a little over 4 years now that she has introduced me to romance but I have read over 250 books.  I now have a book with me where ever I go.

--Tammy, California

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