La Vida by Kate Cortez takes readers to the 1800s, where the story is set against the backdrop of a small town in the northern side of New Mexico. The murderous band of outlaws terrorizing the small town of La Vida is receiving strong backing from some other source. Abigail Harrison is determined to find out the hidden force, but then no one has the courage to give her any support, fearing backlash. Tylor McBain, a retired US Marshall, ambles his way to La Vida and runs into a lone woman who is trying to escape from three mounted horsemen. As the story progresses, readers see Abigail and Tylor try to be together, despite objections from the family, and also save the small town from being destroyed.

The story has everything - love, action, mystery, thrills, suspense, humor and much more, making it an entertaining read. The main characters, Abigail and Tylor, are attractively portrayed, giving them a roughness and softness which makes them appealing to readers. The other characters too are memorable; they stay in the minds of readers for a long time. The story setting is real and palpable. Action along with romance is definitely a good combination and this book is just that. The ruggedness of the plot and the backdrop is toned down by the softness lent by the romantic angle of Tylor and Abigail. The action gives the story good pace and movement and will draw readers into the story. A novel that will definitely interest readers with all its action and romance.

Good versus evil. What better setting to place such a plot than in an isolated town in the old days of the wild west. La Vida in New Mexico is this isolated town and it's only by chance that newly retired U.S. Marshal Tylor McBain should happen upon this tiny town the rest of the world seemed to have forgotten. He arrived in a timely fashion. A thrown shoe on his horse forced him to seek assistance and, upon entering La Vida, he is confronted with a group of bandits shooting up the town, killing the mayor in the process. Retired Marshal he is no longer as the dying mayor asks his promise to remain as the town marshal, to rid the town of the bandits who are causing all kinds of problems. In the process, there is a 'Romeo and Juliet' love story that evolves between the new marshal, Tylor, and Abby, the daughter of the wealthy landowner who is also Tylor's biggest suspect.

Kate Cortez has written a truly western tale in La Vida, complete with bandits, shoot-outs and all the drama the west could possibly imagine. She has created an interesting and convoluted plot, but at times it seems to drag on as the characters stumble upon one obstacle after another, seemingly moving from one unnecessary tangent to another. Because of this, the plot tends to sag a little in the middle. However, it is a compelling story and an interesting read. Western enthusiasts and romance readers would certainly find this story appealing.