Category: American Historical

The Gunslinger’s Vow by Amy Sandas

On By TracyIn America's Gilded Age (1870-1900), American Historical, Historical Western RomanceLeave a comment

The Gunslinger's Vow (Runaway Brides)The Gunslinger’s Vow by Amy Sandas

Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Runaway Brides, #1

Release Date: June 5, 2018

Alexandra Brighton has just accepted a marriage proposal from Peter Shaw, a member of one of the most prominent families in Boston. This proposal is everything her aunt has hoped for her since she came to live with her 5 years ago. But the instead of being overjoyed, she feels like she has made a horrible mistake and suddenly longs to go home to Montana. She askes her two dearest friends for help and sets out alone.

Malcolm Kincaid is a bounty hunter, but he has only one true goal in life – to hunt down and kill the man that murdered his younger brother. So when a fancy dressed woman enters the saloon in Wyoming asking for help – he has no problem saying no.

But fate isn’t done with these two, when Alex is robbed and abandoned in the wilderness, she happens upon Malcolm. He agrees to take her as far as the next town – period. She uses their time together to try and change his mind and eventually succeeds.

As they travel together, their mutual attraction builds and Alex knows that she cannot marry Peter and plans to send him a letter once she reaches her father’s home. When men hunting Malcolm attack, Alex saves him, but not before he is shot. She tends his wounds and nurses him back to health. He is shocked at how resourceful and competent she is and askes about her past. Slowly they learn each other’s secrets (well most of them) and Malcolm makes it clear that he has no place in his life for a wife until he avenges his brother. Finally their attraction can no longer be denied and Alex pushes when Malcolm tries to be honorable. They both acknowledge their feelings to themselves and know that their time together is ending.

When they finally reach her father’s home – Alex is shocked and hurt to learn how much her father has kept from her the last five years and Malcolm learns that he and Alex have more in common than he thought. On their last night together, he tells her he loves her, because if he doesn’t make it back from his quest, he wants her to know. Alex is fuming when she learns that Malcolm left and refuses to be left behind. But will she arrive in time??

This was an entertaining read, the book is well written and is chocked full of action, adventure, gun fights, sexual tension and lots and lots of secrets. I did feel like it dragged a bit in the middle and the ending felt a little rushed, but overall I enjoyed the book and would be happy to recommend!

*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher*

Settling the Wind by Kari August

On By TracyIn America's Gilded Age (1870-1900), American Historical, Historical Fiction, Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

Settling the WindSettling the Wind by Kari August
Tracy’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

This was a wonderful American Frontier Historical about the settling of Estes Park Colorado and set in 1875. The story primarily focuses on Henrietta “Etta” Schodde and Collan Wallace, but there are MANY other characters that are both fictional and actual persons that contribute to the story.

Etta is living with her sister’s family after the sudden death of her husband Charles, she loves her family, but wants some time alone. She sees an ad about Estes Park and decides to go for a visit. Once there, she falls in love with the area and makes friends, days before she is scheduled to leave, she is given the opportunity to buy an established claim share and jumps at the chance. Much to her family’s dismay. But Etta longs for independence and feels like this is her way to achieve that. Her first days alone are a reality check, but she doesn’t give up.

Collan Wallace is a life long friend of Etta’s family and has been wandering for years, when he travels to Denver, he meets Abner and learns about an opportunity in Estes Park, he decides to give it a try, he writes to Etta’s brother Herman and tells him of his plans and askes to buy some cattle. Herm writes back quickly, yes he will send cattle to him and while he is in Estes Park, will he please look in on his sister Henrietta? Etta was his childhood friend and there is no one in the world he likes to tease more than her. He realized too late that Etta was the girl for him years ago when she met her husband Charles. Back then he didn’t acknowledge what he felt for her, but seeing her now, all those feeling come rushing back. But it is clear that her feelings are still engaged with her late husband. He tries to stay away from her and establish himself.

These two will have to face many trials and tribulations before they finally get their HEA – there will be a surprise pregnancy, greedy Englishmen, fire, abductions, good friends, some laughs, some tears, feelings of guilt and a lot of baking. But in the end, these two will finally realize they are meant to be together.

I thought this was a great story, but it was really more of a historical fiction novel vs a historical romance. The romance in this book is very understated and the steam level is nil. Added to that is the fact that there are a lot of historical facts interspersed in the novel, sometimes to the detriment to the story. The facts are interesting, but in most cases, don’t really add to the story and make the book seem a bit wordy.

I did enjoy the book and would be happy to recommend it, but be warned, if you are looking for a romance novel, this isn’t it. However, if you are looking for an interesting, well written historical fiction novel with wonderful characters and an engaging story – read this book!!!