I received this book for free from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Outlaw's Heart by Amy Sandas Also in this series: Gunslinger's Vow , The Cowboy's Honor
Series: Runaway Brides #3
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca on October 29, 2019
Genres: Historical Romance, American West
Pages: 320
Format: eARC
Source: Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 1492652032
Three runaway bridesDetermined to escape their fatesFlee West to find freedom that can only be hadin a cowboy's arms...
Desperate to escape an unhappy marriage, Boston socialite Evelyn Perkins flees west in hopes of losing herself to the dusty frontier. But when her train is boarded by outlaws, Evelyn is taken for ransom. Despite her terror, Evelyn fears being returned to her husband more. Refusing to co-operate, she becomes the responsibility of a man whose steady gaze threatens to pierce her brave façade and reach the wounded heart within.
Gabriel Sloan has his orders, but the haunting shadows in the pretty young woman's eyes spark an intense protective instinct he can't deny. Every look, every touch brings them closer together. He would do anything to protect her, but dangerous men are on their trail, and soon the two must face Evelyn's darkest nightmare―or risk losing the unexpected joy they've found forever...
The Outlaw’s Heart is the most newest book in the Runaway Brides series and boy I swear each book this author writes, the BETTER she becomes but especially these westerns I have just fallen in love with. They have become some of my favorites and she really is getting more comfortable in her writing and Amy Sandas really brought something new and fresh to the romance community with “The Outlaw’s Heart”. It was very different and unique but I would like to mention it will NOT be every person’s cup of tea, I truly adored it but I know some readers have struggled so I will explain below further.
Our story starts off with our heroine, Evelyn Perkins, who we see being whipped and abused by her husband who wants to “break” her and once Eve realizes the truth of his true intentions towards her, she refuses to let him break her further and she finds a way to escape and we see her on a train heading west. But on her journey, the train is boarded and she is mistaken for someone else and kidnapped by some outlaws. She ends up in the hands of the silent but mesmerizing Gabriel Sloane. Gabe is one of few words and conveys more with facial expressions. Eve even though she can’t afford to trust anyone, wants to trust in Gabe and his “friends” and even though they kidnapped her, she starts to realize they could end up being her saving grace in the end. But its the understanding she builds with Gabe that is the most powerful. But there is a husband who wants her and will never stop looking for her and she fears her love for Gabe will be tainted by her cruel husband.
This was such a heartbreaking story and from the first page you sense how hard of a road it will be for Evelyn. What I really found beautiful was seeing her strength especially in realizing why her husband is beating her, and once she realizes the truth that is where she finds her courage deep within her to escape and find a life away from Boston. Now as far as kidnapping tropes go this was so fabulous. I know I know …its a kidnapping but seriously it didn’t have the malicious intent or anything you normally get. It would truly a case of mistaken identity and this crew of outlaws aren’t bad people, in fact I found them all to be quite entertaining. The story of Gabriel is just as difficult though. He is a Native American and was separated from his tribe when he was young and by the time he found them again he had changed too much and lives a life of solitude.
Now what was truly different and unique about this story was the lack of dialogue. I said it, now as one of those reader’s that does prefer more dialogue, this might be strange coming from me, BUT I have never really read a book that conveyed so much in so few words and it truly hands down is credit due to this author. Both of our characters, aren’t really ones to speak too much. They are more introverts and more silent. But what they convey to each other by just looking into each other’s eyes is truly powerful. I really loved this pairing and their story was heartfelt and moving and even though its a very slow building romance …..you still feel the connection and chemistry and its empowering.
Overall I found The Outlaw’s Heart to be a stunning historical read of adventure, intense character development, a unique match and a plot to keep you looking for more!!
About Amy Sandas
Amy writes historical romance about dashing, and sometimes dangerous, men who know just how to get what they want and women who at times may be reckless, bold, and unconventional, but who always have the courage to embrace all that life and love have to offer.
Amy grew up in a small dairy town in northern Wisconsin and after earning a Liberal Arts degree from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities, she eventually made her way back to Wisconsin (though to a slightly larger town) and lives there with her husband, three children and a black lab. She spends her early mornings writing then heads to her “other” job, dreaming of the day she can write full-time. The rest of her time is spent trying to keep up with the kids and squeeze in some stolen moments with her husband.
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