The Gunslinger by Lorraine Heath

No one writes Western Historical Romance like Lorraine Heath!

I had no idea this novella existed as part of a print anthology, and when I saw that it's being re-released in digital format, I was thrilled! Lorraine Heath writes three of my very favorite books, The Texas Trilogy, a Western Historical Romance trilogy that introduced me to the genre and had me clamoring for more just like it.

Description...

A hired gun falls for the one woman who's completely wrong for him in this Western romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath.

Chance Wilder never wanted to be a hero. A road-weary gunslinger with a ruthless reputation, he focuses only on his next target—and his next payday. That is, until a young boy offers Chance everything he owns—a piece of string, a harmonica, and a bent penny—if he'll save his sister from a couple of thugs. Chance agrees, only to discover that the beautiful, fierce young woman in need of rescue is actually the very person he's been hunting: his next mark.

But after he saves her, Lillian Madison awakens in him long-buried dreams and possibilities. Facing the demons of his past, Chance is forced to question his next move. Dare he risk everything by following his heart … and trust that the road to redemption begins with Lillian?

My short review...

The Gunslinger isn't part of the Texas Trilogy - that I can recall, but even if it is, this works very well as a stand alone. It's a sweet novella with some shoot-outs, romance, and steam, and it gives me two things - One; the Lorraine Heath Western HR fix I was in need of, and most importantly, two; the hope that since Avon chose to re-release it, I have hope that we Texas Trilogy fangirls will finally get Rawley's much needed story. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a happily ever after than that boy.

Note... A version of this work originally appeared in the print anthology To Tame a Texan, under the title Long Stretch of Lonesome.

My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story. In exchange, I'm giving them an honest review.

Destiny's Embrace by Bevery Jenkins

THE AVON AFFAIR IS A 14-DAY AVON BOOKS REVIEW EVENT
ORGANIZED AND HOSTED BY CURRENT AND ALUMNI MEMBERS OF
THE AVON ADDICTS.

Today I'll be reviewing Beverly Jenkins' Destiny's Embrace!

Award-winning romance author Beverly Jenkins offers up another high-stakes historical romance that is sure to make you swoon.

With Destiny's Embrace, Jenkins brings readers back to the American West, where Logan Yates, a self-important ranch owner, must confront his feelings for his beautiful, free spirited housekeeper, Mariah Cooper. While they bicker incessantly, their sexual tension is palpable, and only rises when Mariah's former lover arrives on the scene. Will she accept Logan's heart?

Set in 19th-century California, Destiny's Embrace features unforgettable characters and a satisfying mix of adventure and passion from nation's premier writer of African-American historical romance.

*****

Destiny’s Embrace, the first book in Beverly Jenkins’ Destiny series, is a romantic story about learning to compromise, learning to trust, and learning to love.

This is my first taste of Ms. Jenkins’ writing and I enjoyed it! It’s one of those easy to read stories – a comfortable tale without a lot of angst, but loaded with feeling and characters you can care about. I loved the way the story unfolded, told with enough attention to detail, making me see and feel the landscape, the atmosphere, the trials and triumphs of ranch living, and I felt as if I were there. The characters are compassionate people who, despite giving new meaning to the word stubborn, are understanding and able to – eventually – admit their mistakes.

The bottom line: I thoroughly enjoyed Destiny’s Embrace and Ms. Jenkins’ easy going way of telling a story. It's sweet, witty, and sexy, and I now understand why she’s considered one of the leading ladies of writing in the African American Romance genre!

My thanks to Avon Books for providing me with a copy of Destiny’s Embrace in exchange for an honest review.

Check back tomorrow for my review of With This Kiss: Part Two!

And be sure to visit the other blogs participating in the Avon Affair:



A Tasty Read
Rusticating In The Tropics
Toot's Book Reviews
S.O.S. Aloha
The Book Queen's Personal Book Palace
Romancing The Readers
The Book Cellar
The Romance Reviews
Tempting Reads