This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
…still trying to turn pages…It can’t be over!!!!
Yep, it was that kind of book for me. I want a sequel, yesterday. I settled into this story with its stunning characters, twisty plot, authentic western backdrop, and overall splendiferous storytelling. Secret agents, gunfighters, adventure on the plains and down the river, good-guy marshals, mysterious artifact, and people who may or may not be more than they seem in this hard, gritty, tale that made me a happy western romance fan.
So what is all the fuss about? Well…
The story opens with US Marshal Eli Flynn and his fellow marshal, William Henry ‘Wash’ Washington sent to pick up prisoners and transport them for their appointment with court and probably the noose. Flynn sees the world in black and white and Wash tends to be more open to other possibilities. Flynn’s views are tested almost from the moment he encounters the infamous and yet mysterious Dusty Rose, gentleman gunfighter and another prisoner. The prisoners make him uneasy because of their open attraction to each other, but also as the facts stop adding up about the pair. He will do his job regardless of how interesting he finds the prisoners, but they make him think hard about his own secret attraction for his riding buddy, Wash.
While Wash and Flynn along with their prisoners head toward New Orleans others seek out a powerful artifact and will do whatever it takes to possess it. And of course everyone’s paths intersect. When the dust clears, who will still be standing? And who will find themselves in possession of what he treasures most?
I gushed quite a bit in the opening paragraph, but that is because I got that quality of story this author is so good at in her earlier books particularly her contemporary romantic suspenses. The light humor, witty dialogue, tough situations, and startling twists along with the engaging slow developing romances (I say plural there b/c you get a twofer in this one) were perfect. The icing on the cake were the historic western settings.
There are four main protagonists and two antagonists with the possibility of a third. The characters are written in such a way that the reader thinks they know these guys and that would be true, but there are layers. Gah, the layers are the best part. Flynn shares narration with Cage and the two villains who get short scenes until near the end. Flynn is a cranky sort because he is struggling to accept his inclinations about men and trying to hide his attraction to his best friend, Wash, even while he is needled by the knowing Dusty Rose who sees the truth. Wash seems a good sort who is competent, but also gentle. Rose is a little something of everything and he couldn’t be nailed down which was quite fun. Now, Cage is a mute so I was really glad to get his narrative so I could know what he was thinking even though he couldn’t speak. He is patient, avoids conflict, and is used to being abused for his disability. He is surprised that Rose and then both marshals tended to treat him like a regular person.
I would love to see a sequel and there was just enough left open to give me reason to hope. The story left things in a good place for all the heroes.
All in all, I was thoroughly satisfied even as I could have kept reading and reading. I would definitely recommend this one and particularly to those who enjoy m/m westerns blended with romance and suspense.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Romance Roundabout #279 LGBT
Cliché Klatch #167 ‘That’s not according to Hoyle’
New to Me #140 series
Mt. TBR #106
Historical Romance #76
Books N Tunes #44 Kenny Rogers’ The Gambler
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I’m up in the air on whether to try this one or not. I read the Cut & Run series and absolutely loved it. However, I’m not a fan of historicals, so I’m not sure that I would enjoy this one. Plus, this feels like it has a Western feel to it too, which isn’t my cup of tea. Great review.
It’s funny you mention the Cut & Run series. This actually felt like book 5, Armed & Dangerous, but set in the past with the Marshalls and the two criminals and nothing as it seems just like Ty and Zane escorting Julien and Cameron. Maybe worth it…*trying to tempt Melanie* haha!
I already wanted to read Cut & Run, but I think this one will be read first. Splendiferous review, thanks Sophia 😉
This one really felt like Cut & Run: Western Style. In fact, book five in the Cut & Run series is the exact same scenario. I loved it and maybe that made it extra splendiferous. 😉
This one really felt like Cut & Run: Western Style. In fact, book five in the Cut & Run series is the exact same scenario. I loved it and maybe that made it extra splendiferous. 😉
Ahh this is a new series/standalone? I’m slowly getting the hang of MM (pun intended), but I can’t go full on erotica though. How are the sex scenes? Is it too graphic and is it a lot? Coz I can skim it if it’s uncomfortable to me, but if it’s too much then I’ll be missing a huge chunk of the story.
Hey, that’s great. I think it might be the beginning of a series or at least I hope so. This one is not erotic. In fact, there isn’t any sex until near the end. It develops slowly though they are rough men. 😉 I think you will be fine to read this one all the way through.
I must say that the cover is pretty boring
It isn’t the most eye-catching one. There is an older cover, but its not better necessarily.
It isn’t the most eye-catching one. There is an older cover, but its not better necessarily.
I’m loving the sound of this book Sophia! And the fact that you were grappling for more pages even though it was already over means a lot because it means you truly enjoyed your read. I’m anxious waiting for a book that will give me that passion, that spark again but so far, no dice. I hope your next reads are equally awesome girl! Have a happy week!:)
Why thank you! Yes, I had a good time with this one. It is hard to find books that leave me that way.
Hope you get one that does it for you soon, too.
The cover never would’ve attracted my attention, but your review does make me curious! I love slowly developing romances and the story sounds very well written. And characters with multiple layers definitely is the best things! I hope for you there will be a sequel! Great Review!
No, this book would probably be passed over when it comes to covers. Fortunately, she’s already a favorite author so I didn’t have to consider the cover when I chose the book. Oh yes, the characters are a definite plus. I loved her modern romantic suspenses so it was no stretch to enjoy the historical one.
Now I am singing the Gambler. You gotta know when to hold them…. This sounds so good and your enthusiasm is contagious
Haha! It popped into my head when I saw the title of the book and stayed in my head while reading it. I really didn’t want the story to end.
Well hell, sounds like a must read. I used to read a lot of westerns, and have a few sprinkled out more recently, but I can’t recall if I’ve read one with a romance like this. I don’t think I have. Looks like I’m going to try something new …
It reminded me of Maverick, a little, the way the characters were and the how the action scenes and intrigue played out.
I love a book that can make me want to read the next installment right now. I love that old time cover too. You just know that those people in that cover have a story.
It shouts western riverboat and adventure to me. I was so disappointed to get to the last page.
I’m up in the air on whether to try this one or not. I read the Cut & Run series and absolutely loved it. However, I’m not a fan of historicals, so I’m not sure that I would enjoy this one. Plus, this feels like it has a Western feel to it too, which isn’t my cup of tea. Great review.
It’s funny you mention the Cut & Run series. This actually felt like book 5, Armed & Dangerous, but set in the past with the Marshalls and the two criminals and nothing as it seems just like Ty and Zane escorting Julien and Cameron. Maybe worth it…*trying to tempt Melanie* haha!
Ahh this is a new series/standalone? I’m slowly getting the hang of MM (pun intended), but I can’t go full on erotica though. How are the sex scenes? Is it too graphic and is it a lot? Coz I can skim it if it’s uncomfortable to me, but if it’s too much then I’ll be missing a huge chunk of the story.
I’m loving the sound of this book Sophia! And the fact that you were grappling for more pages even though it was already over means a lot because it means you truly enjoyed your read. I’m anxious waiting for a book that will give me that passion, that spark again but so far, no dice. I hope your next reads are equally awesome girl! Have a happy week!:)
Why thank you! Yes, I had a good time with this one. It is hard to find books that leave me that way.
Hope you get one that does it for you soon, too.
The cover never would’ve attracted my attention, but your review does make me curious! I love slowly developing romances and the story sounds very well written. And characters with multiple layers definitely is the best things! I hope for you there will be a sequel! Great Review!
I love a book that can make me want to read the next installment right now. I love that old time cover too. You just know that those people in that cover have a story.
It shouts western riverboat and adventure to me. I was so disappointed to get to the last page.
I must say that the cover is pretty boring