The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony by Michelle McLean

Tracy’S rating: 4.5 of 5 stars

Series: Gunslingers, #2

Release Date: July 26, 2022

Gunslinger/Gambler Adam Brady was on the run when he literally stumbled across the trail leading to the town of Desolation. He had heard rumors of the town, that it was a good place for a gunslinger looking to retire, and he hopes those rumors are true because he is tired of running and fighting. But Adam’s luck isn’t the best and his stay in Desolation will be anything but restful, especially since the sheriff is nonother than Quick Shot Woodson, a man who hates him, and then there is the small problem that he may or may not be married to a woman whose name he doesn’t even know!

Nora Schumacher is one of the few unmarried ladies in Desolation, but she doesn’t want to marry, but unfortunately, she needs a husband, at least a temporary husband, so she can claim her inheritance before her father gambles it away. She goes into town to see if there are any men that might fit the bill as the preacher is performing a group wedding in the town square, but what she finds is her father passed out drunk in the tavern, she pulls him out, but is having trouble getting him the wagon. That is when she meets Adam, he helps her get her dad in the wagon and then they start to quibble, barely noticing what is going on around them, but thinking it odd that the other people in the square are echoing their words, but it isn’t until a boy comes around with a paper for them to sign, that Nora crumples up, that they realize they are married – sort of.

Adam refuses to sign the marriage certificate and learns that per the town’s rules, he will only have one month to either find a job or get married in order to stay in town. Nora tries her level best to convince him to sign the certificate and her friends help by ensuring that Adam will not be able to keep any job he happens to find. They both have their reasons for not wanting to marry and they stick to their convictions, even when it becomes obvious that they are perfect for each other.

This was a well-written, fun story with lots of humor and wonderful characters. The story is set a couple of years after the previous book and readers are greeted by lots of familiar faces, including Woodson and Mercy, there are plenty of laugh-out-loud moments, some warm love scenes, and a bit of heartache and sacrifice that will pull at your heartstrings, and finally a HEA complete with an epilogue. I am happy to recommend this title, as I loved this book and found it every bit as enjoyable as the first book. This is the second book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*