Retribution Rails is a thrilling adventure story that blends historical fiction with Western tropes. It offers a satisfying escape with relatable characters and relevant themes, making it a no brainer for fans of stories about second chances, justice, facing your demons, and the wild west. Reading the the perspectives of Reece and Charlotte offer contrasting point of views. Charlotte pushes boundaries in a mail dominated society in searching for the truth, while Reece is seeking redemtion for his past mistakes. This book is fast-paced and has twists and turns that kept me hooked while giving picturesque descriptions of the wild west.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me the ARC of this book.

I was such a huge fan of the first book that as soon as I could get my hands on this one I pounced! I have to say it was almost as good as the first. It fell off a bit for me though, I'm not sure why. I wanted to love it as much as the first one, but perhaps it's hard to repeat perfection?

A wonderful conclusion to this historical fiction duology! I feel historical fiction for the young adult audience is severely lacking, But this book was wonderful! so many twists and turns. Highly recommend!

Really glad I got this ARC on my day off as I couldn't stop reading. Picking up 10 years after Vengeance Road, the wild west has a new character - the railroad. Charlotte is an aspiring journalist who wants to secure a job by covering the railroad opening. Reece is a not quite willing gunslinger, cowboy, robber and murderer - all set to hold up the train Charlotte is on.

The robbery goes badly, Charlotte sets Reece up to hang and the gang he is unwillingly part of get free, split up and go looking for trouble. Charlotte and Reece keep getting thrown together but the real action starts when Reece meets Kate - now a gun toting homesteader who won't take his lies.

Can Reece get free from the Rose Riders? Will Charlotte escape the influence of her villainous uncle? Will Kate ever be free of her past and secure a safe future?

Excellent book, rattles along keeping pace with the railroad, keeping you reading all the time. Read the first one then treat yourself to this as it's even better.

I was given this arc y Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

This book was a solid 4.5 stars for me I really enjoyed it.

Unable to read this proof copy as book was archived before downloading and this was impossible. Neutral rating to show this.

I couldn’t get enough of the thrilling ride that “Retribution Rails” took me on in the wild west.
The characters are fabulously written, and their relationships are equally woven to perfection. Charlotte is crafted to be relatable to readers and her passion will draw you in, along with her tough-skin.
Westerns are a difficult genre for me to get into but this series has managed to successfully capture my attention and loyalty. The twists and turns will leave you craving for more.

A copy of the book was provided by the publisher in return for an honest review.

So Im sad that I didn't enjoy this one as much as I did the first one. But I still think it was enjoyable and something I did like. But not as much as the other one. I loved vengeance Road! But this was a great western was fun characters and I enjoyed getting to know them in this novel! I liked the overall setting and the plot was awesome, the writing was good! No complaints about this novel! Highly recommend this duo!

I love this series - its made the wild west truly wild for me again (yes I know the wild west wasn't real, that's why this is fiction.) This has such great characters, brilliant action and a fun, whooping hollering story line kicking up a desert storm. I can't wait for more.

Four stars: A rugged Western with broken folks looking for redemption

The infamous Rose Riders gang is riding again, led by the illustrious half brother of the original gang. One of the members is a reluctant rider as he is not riding with the gang by choice. Dragged into the gang because of a notched gold coin in his possession, Reece Murphy has been forced to serve the gang until he finds the cowboy who gave him the coin. When a train robbery goes bad, Reece comes face to face with Charlotte Vaughn, a spirited, young reporter who is out to save her family from her evil uncle. Charlotte tells Reece, in hopes of earning her freedom, about a mysterious gunslinger in Prescott, who supposedly murdered the first Rose Riders Gang. Will Reese be able to track down the gunslinger and at last find the redemption he desperately seeks?
What I Liked:
*If rugged Westerns are your thing with fabled gunslingers, train robbers, heroes and dusty towns, look no further, Retribution Rails delivers all you love in a Western. This one is tough, gritty and hopeful. Don’t miss it!
*If you read Vengeance Road, the companion novel, you will be thrilled to reunite with gunslingers, Jesse and Kate ten years down the road. I loved catching up with Kate and Jesse, they are as tough and determined as ever. Kate is so fierce. Love her!
*Reese and Charlotte are a nice addition to the cast of characters. Charlotte is smart, plucky and so determined. When her uncle steals her family fortune, she outwits him to win it back, she also learns a thing or two about being a journalist, and she makes some lifelong friends along the way. Reese was my favorite, he is damaged and broken since he has been forced to ride with the gang, committing crimes against his will in order to survive. He doesn’t think he will every earn his freedom and even if he does, will he earn the redemption he deserves? Reese earned my heart as he was trying to make things right, at all costs.
*If you like gritty reads with lots of gunfights and plenty of danger, this one delivers. There are shootouts, confrontations on trains, betrayals and more. This book reads like the old Western movies.
*I liked the small dose of romance. It starts out completely antagonistic, when the two parties are thrown together under less than desirable circumstances. Trust and friendship take a long time to form, but slowly and shakily, they take root, and then just at the end, you get that little blossom of romance, that I loved. Even though I wanted more, what I got was just right.
*The climax is riveting. So much action. Then once the dust settles, the good guys ride off into the sunset, with a couple of interesting twists. I was pleased with the way it concluded.
And The Not So Much:
*Even though I liked the way it ended, I wanted more. The book is a tad bit open ended, leaving the reader to piece what happens as the heroes ride off into the sunset. I wanted that magical moment.
*This is a companion novel, but I think it is imperative you read the first book, Vengeance Road, before venturing in to this one. Jesse and Kate’s story is an Integral part of this book. I had read the first book, but I found myself struggling to recall all of the details.
*This is labeled as a YA book, but don’t let that label mislead you. This book is violent, and at times bloody and gory. I would recommend it for older readers.

Retribution Rails is a terrific Wild West adventure for anyone who loves books set in the Old West. Don’t let the YA fool you, this one is gritty, bloody and it has everything you love about a Western. This was a fantastic read. Definitely read both books in this series!

I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own, and I was not compensated for this review.
Posted@Rainy Day Ramblings.

Reece Murphy is the notorious Rose Kid who joined the Rose Riders under their new leader Luther Rose after Waylon Rose was killed ten years ago. Expect Reece is a reluctant outlaw who was shanghaied into the gang and forced to work with them. Luther Rose is after the man who killed his brother Waylon and believes Reece knows who it is.

Charlotte Vaughn is a wannabe reporter. Her father just died and her uncle is trying to gain his fortune through intimidating Charlotte and her mother. Charlotte is traveling on the new train hoping to write an article that will get her a job with the newspapers in the area. Then the train is robbed by the Rose Riders and Charlotte is an essential witness who leads to the capture of part of the gang.

Unfortunately, the capture doesn’t stick and Charlotte finds herself kidnapped by Reece and on the run. He is looking for the gunslinger who killed Waylon Rose so he can get out from under the thumb of Luther Rose and Charlotte has information that leads him right to the gunslinger. Of course, the gunslinger in question is Kate from the first book. Kate and Jesse are now married and expecting their first child, but they always knew this day would come and are prepared. As Kate, Jesse, Reece and Charlotte hole up and try to figure out how to get rid of the Rose Riders for good, they get to know each other a bit better and decide to work together.

I adored Vengeance Road mainly because of how strong a character Kate was. She is equally strong in this book even nine months pregnant. My favorite scene was her killing one of the Rose Riders moments after giving birth. She is holding her new son still covered in blood from the birth and calmly shoots the man coming to kill her. That was pure Kate magic and I loved it! I don’t think Charlotte is a great successor for Kate. She is strong as all women in the West needed to be, but she isn’t who I wanted her to be. She was a bit too self-absorbed for my tastes and I really didn’t see what Reece saw in her.

I thought the plot was pure adventure and action. The plan to get rid of the Rose Riders and ensure everyone’s safety was spot on. I wasn’t as thrilled with the whole thing with Charlotte’s uncle. It had potential but was resolved way too easily and just seemed like an excuse to give her more conflict. However, I still absolutely devoured this book and would recommend it and Vengeance Road to anyone. They are fantastic!

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley.

Retribution Rails not only equals the successes of Vengeance Road, but surpasses them.



I was lucky enough to be a part of the street team for Erin Bowman’s VENGEANCE ROAD in 2015, a novel which quickly became one of my favourite books of the year. When it was announced that a companion novel, RETRIBUTION RAILS, was going to be released this year, I was more than excited for it. The story of the first book was over, but there was clearly more than enough room for more stories to be told in the world that Erin had carefully crafted.

Thanks to HMH Teen for supplying an e-galley of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Official Description
REDEMPTION IS NEVER FREE

When Reece Murphy is forcibly dragged into the Rose Riders gang because of a mysterious gold coin in his possession, he vows to find the man who gave him the piece and turn him over to the gang in exchange for freedom. Never does he expect a lead to come from an aspiring female journalist. But when Reece’s path crosses with Charlotte Vaughn after a botched train robbery and she mentions a promising rumor about a gunslinger from Prescott, it becomes apparent that she will be his ticket to freedom—or a noose. As the two manipulate each other for their own ends, past secrets are unearthed, reviving a decade-old quest for revenge that may be impossible to settle.

In this thrilling companion to Vengeance Road, dangerous alliances are formed, old friends meet new enemies, and the West is wilder than ever.

As with Vengeance Road, the writing of Retribution Rails becomes somewhat of a character itself. Reece’s narration is the most in tune with Kate’s from the previous novel, having been raised on the same gritty plains of the wild west. However, the chapters from Charlotte’s perspective showcase a more sophisticated voice. Her upbringing mirrors Reece’s; she has lived in a progressing town to a business-oriented family and dreams of following her idol, Nellie Bly, into a life of journalism.

The characters themselves are arguably the best part of the story. Charlotte is such a welcomed departure from the world we already know in Vengeance Road. She’s stubborn and naive, but in the most endearing way. She’s relentless in chasing her dreams, and shows throughout the novel that–while maybe she doesn’t see it herself–she’s more than open to changing her outlook. On the other hand, Reece ties us back to Vengeance Road. Much like Kate, he’s lived in the wildest parts of the wild west. For years he’s been riding with a gang that he’ll do anything to break away from. Their two stories of revenge and redemption entwine together very naturally, while they both challenge each other to become better as the novel progresses.

The two narrators each bring a gripping side to the story, one that leaves the reader hanging at the end of almost every chapter. While cliffhanger endings on every chapter can sometimes become tiresome, in Retribution Rails, Bowman seems to master a balance. Both characters have their own stories taking place alongside the overarching narrative, meaning there’s never a dull chapter, never a jarring jump between the action-packed chapters and the more subdued chapters allowing for character development.

The setting feels familiar but fresh, too. Bringing the same grittiness of late-1870’s Arizona from Vengeance Road, but spicing it with ten-years-later ‘modernisations’ such as the arrival of a train line to one of the novels central towns, brings everything up to a new level. While Vengeance Road sometimes fell back on its unique and intriguing setting, Retribution Rails never does. The setting is established early on and is a consistently strong backdrop for the story.

Replicating the successes of Vengeance Road was always going to be a challenge, but with Retribution Rails, Erin Bowman has shown that she was more than up to the task. Bowman has taken the highlights of the previous novel, from the worldbuilding through a unique style of writing to a few cameos by some of the cast of Vengeance Road, and incorporated them into an updated world with higher stakes and more in-depth characters, crafting a follow-up that doesn’t just equal the first novel, but surpasses it.

Rating: 3.5 Stars

An adventure right out of the past, Retribution Rails combines the excitement of Saturday afternoon cowboy movies with the rush of searching, whether it be for the truth, freedom from one's demons, or retribution for murder.

Taking place ten years after the events of Vengeance Road, this book alternates points of view between Charlotte, an aspiring journalist, and Reece, a young man blackmailed and kidnapped into the Rose Riders, the gang whose former leader met his end in the previous novel.

As a companion novel to V.R. and not a direct sequel, I think you could enjoy this perfectly well if you missed out on the first book, as the events, while not rehashed, are gone over enough and characters reappear to continue their story in such a way that you get the gist of things.

I loved how Erin was able to make the voices of the characters come to life. I could hear them in my head while I was reading instead of their words blending together like just so much bland soup. It made the adventure they were having that much more exciting.

I wish more of, maybe most of, the book had been about Reece. Charlotte was a boring character and I had some issues with her personality and morals. She wants to be a journalist more than anything, which is what drew me to her in the first place, but I'm never given any reason to believe that she could be one.

She mentions at least a couple of times that she'd lie in print if she had to and I thought that repugnant for an aspiring journalist. She may well have been a fine writer for all I know, but if she's so willing to play it loose with the facts, then as Reece says at one point, she ought to be writing novels. Her coming around to that idea at the end made me feel a slight bit better toward her.

The relationships in this book were many, from Kate and Jesse to Charlotte and her mother and on, but two of them struck me as notable.

The one that developed between Reece and Charlotte wasn't one I particularly liked. It felt forced and while I wouldn't say rushed, exactly, I'd say it felt like some turning in dimes was done on Charlotte's part, considering the strong anti-Rose Kid/Reece feelings she had for so long.

Another one that felt strange was the one between Reece and Luther Rose, the man who marked him with the rose brand and dragged him into the gang because he could, supposedly, identify his brother's killer. There were times when it felt like Luther was holding information back, like he had this secret information on Reece he didn't want to share unless he had to. Reece's conclusion at the end, that Luther was the Devil no matter which way you looked at it, was probably right for Reece, but as the reader I felt like something got left out, like there was a storyline that got partially developed and then abandoned.

The action scenes, whether it was a horse chase or a fight aboard a moving train, were thrilling. The gun battles themselves were also a good read; nothing was too simple nor too complicated. The right mix of action and in-between moments made for an interesting, fun novel.

With the book ending in a way that leaves the ultimate fate of two characters up to the reader's imagination, will there ever be more tales from Erin Bowman and thr Old West? Maybe, maybe not, but at least we havr these adventures to read until such a time.

I devoured this novel at an exponential speed and really enjoyed it!

First of all, I've not read Vengeance Road. I actually don't think I've read any Western-style books either, which is why this was so fun and exciting to me! I'm definitely going to be buying Vengeance Road and Retribution Rails as a set when they come out in paperback editions in the UK.

Retribution Rails follows two new leads, Reece Murphy and Charlotte Vaughn. I've read that none are as good protagonists as Kate from Vengeance Road, but I still thought they were enjoyable characters (and I can't compare, considering I haven't read Vengeance Road). I liked reading through their alternating narratives, and thought they provided good perspectives. They were not, however, the most amazing characters I have ever read the pleasure to read about, nor were they so exemplary that I felt like shouting about them from the rooftops.

The strongest aspect of this novel, though, was the worldbuilding. I mean, wow. I loved it. It felt so physically Western, like I could reach out and touch it. The arid desert, the towns, the gunfights, the cowboys and thieves and sheriffs. Retribution Rails has suddenly made me yearn for more Western-y books! Bowman has created such an incredible, dangerous, tactile world that serves as a backdrop to this tense, thrilling, tightly-woven book.

In short, Retribution Rails was a highly enjoyable book with an absolutely AWESOME setting, but whilst I did like the characters, I didn't find them overly individual or discernible from other YA heroes and heroines.

Retribution Rails, by author Erin Bowman, is the companion novel to Vengeance Road. Retribution Rails is a young adult western with historical aspects that features a train robbery, shoot outs, chases, and plenty of drama. The story takes place 10 years after the ending of Vengeance Road. It features two new characters in 18-year old Reece Murphy, and 16-year old Charlotte Vaughn. For the past 3 years, Reece has a virtual prisoner of the Rose Riders. 

He even has a nickname, the Rose Kid that folks in the West have given to him due to his association with said gang. 3 years ago Reese witnessed the shocking murder of the family who had taken him in and treated him as though he were family. In large part because of a coin that was given to him 3 years ago by a gunslinger, Reece is still alive and not dead like the family. But, because of that coin, Luther Rose, brother of Waylan Rose who we met in the first installment, is now searching for the gunslinger who gave Reese the coin.

Reese has only one agenda; find said gunslinger so that he can finally gain his freedom from Luther & his Rose Gang and get on with living his own life for once. Meanwhile, Charlotte is chasing a story a week after her father died. Against the wishes of her mother and her uncle, Charlotte has chosen to attempt to become the next Nelly Bly. In case you weren't aware, Nellie Bly was a real American journalist who was widely known for her record-breaking trip around the world in 72 days. Instead of getting her big break, Charlotte encounters the Rose Gang & Reese on the Southern Pacific Railroad.

Instead of a story about trains, Charlotte becomes part of an even bigger story. A story that will lead Charlotte to meet Kate Thompson, who is now married to Jason Colton, as well as trying to understand who Reese really is. This is a story that alternates narratives between Reece and Charlotte. It is a story that encompasses a much more modern Arizona than we saw in the previous installment. Trains play much more of a story than the previous installment and that goes toward historical accuracy that trains became the thing that people couldn't avoid. 

Bowman once again doesn't hold back when it comes to sexism, racism, bigotry, and the atrocities that were committed in the western territories like Arizona. I do appreciate that asset of her writing. If you think Kate and Jesse are just tertiary characters this time around, you'd be 100 percent wrong. I think it was a brilliant move on Bowman's part to revisit Kate and Jesse and see what they've been up to the past 10 years. Without spoiling anything, one could say they have been waiting for their past to catch up to them, and once Reese and Charlotte enter their lives, they end up being a larger part of what eventually happens, and how the story plays out. 

I loved seeing Kate again, and Jesse as well. I loved how much they haven't fallen out of love, but love has strengthened their bond. Kate hasn't changed much in 10 years except for one tiny aspect which I won't spoil. She's still a badass. She still watches her back. She's ready for whatever comes for her and Jesse. I loved Charlotte. I loved how she wasn't a mild manner reporter who ran away at the first sign of trouble but chased after it and stood her ground when trouble tried to make a mockery of her life as well as her mothers. 

There really isn't any romance of to mention between Charlotte and Reese. There is too much between the characters which takes a long time before they can even trust each other with their own safety. Reese is a character who is carrying a whole lot of baggage from what he's seen and done the past 3 years. He doesn't believe in redemption. He doesn't believe he can be saved by anyone. You will benefit from reading Vengeance Road first before you get to this book. There is quite a bit of background information that has everything to do with why Kate and Jesse are living where they are and why they are looking over their shoulders ready to bolt in a moments notice.

Now, Retribution Rails is a companion novel to Vengeance Road. Erin states that you don’t have to read VR before RR to understand the novel, but I *do* suggest it. Characters + the storyline from Vengeance tie into Retribution, so if you really want a backstory, read Vengeance Road! But like Erin said, it’s not mandatory.

Alright, *cracks knuckles* now to me screaming about how much I loved this story. I was never really a fan of Western plots, of any kind. But Erin crafts such an amazing tale, and creates rich, and real characters that it’s extremely hard to put the book down. I wish I could explain this plot line but it’s so complicated so do see the synopsis above ^^

Plot:

I liked this plot line a little bit more than the one in Vengeance Road. It was so much more thrilling, and I LOVED that this book’s plot was the result of VR’s plot. From start to finish the book is filled with non stop action, and it feels like you’re watching an extremely intense western movie.

By the end of the book I was so frustrated and worried and screaming, I couldn’t put my phone down. I had to finish and had to see the end of the story.

The tone, the setting, everything pulls together well to create a background to the story that creates a realistic feel, placing you right there in all the action.

Characters:

Okay so Reece Murhpy’s character development has to be one of my favorite’s that I’ve ever read. He goes from cowardly, too scared to really stand up for himself, to a brave guy facing his demons and taking responsibility for his actions. I adored his POV, his snark, his smarts. Just everything about this character was so raw and real and I love him to death.

Charlotte was also a new character, and she had excellent, and similar character development as well. She ended up taking her problems into her own hands, standing up for her mother and herself. What she does at the end of the book is so brilliant and brave.

AND THEN THERE’S KATE AND JESSE AGAIN. I won’t say a word because spoilers for the first book but, THEY’RE BACK. They’re adorable, and I love seeing them as adults. Kate is still badass as hell and Jesse the sweet, protective cinnamon roll I adore. They help out Reece and Charlotte for about half of the book and it’s just perfect.

Even the villain in this book – Luther Rose – was complex. Despite being evil, he still cared about Reece + his brother. It’s always nice to have a villain who’s not just evil for the sake of being evil, but has motives and reasons behind what they do.

Overall

This book is an adventurous, reckless, exciting tale that takes you right into the Western world. You feel as if you’re right there with these characters, struggling and fighting with them. If you loved Vengeance Road, you will absolutely love Retribution Rails just as much, if not more.

If you haven’t read Vengeance Road, I HIGHLY suggest it, and I HIGHLY suggest reading this one too! It comes out tomorrow, and I beg of you, buy a copy. I’ll be getting mine at YALLFEST on Saturday so, I’M EXCITED. Alright, buy these books. If not for the plot, LOOK AT THE COVERS.

I absolutely loved Vengeance Road and have been longing to read more from this world. While this is an adequate follow-up, it did not meet my high expectations. Like Vengeance, the setting and time period fascinate me. Few YA/historicals are set in Arizona, and it's exciting to know all the locations mentioned. Bowman does an excellent job of weaving history and fiction to provide an interesting tale.

The story is set ten years into the future from Vengeance Road, but there are familiar faces and plots. Despite the interesting beginning, I found myself struggling for most of the book. I never really connected to the heroine, Charlotte. She is somewhat immature and judgmental. While I liked the hero, Reece, I wanted to learn about his past and character. His POVs felt shorter and less in-depth; it was difficult to become invested in his plight. Sadly, I felt no zero chemistry between these two; the hate to love trope just didn't pull me in like I wanted. Despite that, I enjoyed the overall storyline and loved seeing Jesse and Kate again.

If you are a fan of Vengeance Road, I wouldn't discourage you from reading, but don't consider it a must read either. I bought the hardback for the cover alone; it's so gorgeous. Despite my feelings, I don't regret reading it and will still recommend this series to any fan of historical fiction.

Thank you to NetGalley and HMH Books for my advanced review copy.

"Ain't it interesting," he goes on, "how when the Law fails people, they always turn to the outlaws."

In the companion novel to Vengeance Road, ten years have passed and Reece Murphy - AKA "The Rose Kid" - has been roped into traveling with Luther Rose, brother of the infamous late Waylan: the very same man Kate Thompson killed with the help of Jesse Colton. Reece has been told he'll never be free of Luther's grasp until he can lead Rose to the gunslinger who killed Waylan, but all Reece wants is to start a new life, free of the killing and thieving.

→ reece & charlotte ←
So much for things always looking better with a smile. Perhaps what Mother meant is, men like women best when they smile.

I somehow managed to avoid the knowledge that this was a companion novel, and not necessarily a sequel, so you can imagine my surprise when I was introduced to this new pair of characters, with chapters alternating between each of their narratives.

I really love Kate as a narrator, and unfortunately, neither Reece nor Charlotte lived up to my expectations. Reece was decent enough, but Charlotte was so incredibly self-absorbed throughout most of the story that her perspectives were grating, at best. There was a solid 10-15% of the story in which I skimmed her chapters because they were superfluous and boring.

You can gather from the very beginning that there's going to be a blossoming romance, but it feels so forced and I never found myself rooting for it to go anywhere.

→ what i liked ←
"He best hope he can run faster than his demons."

As you can gather from the synopsis, Reece is hunting down Kate herself, so I won't consider it a spoiler to tell you that she's present for part of this story, and I loved spending more time with her. She was such an enjoyable, tough young woman, and she's even better as an adult. She's only burrowed further into her feminism and her values, though time has taught her how to look for the good in people.

As was the case with Vengeance Road, the shootout scenes are fun and easy to follow, and you feel transported right onto the set of a western film every time.

→ what i disliked ←
"Is that all it takes? One misfortune in your life, one act done out of desperation, and suddenly you're a criminal?"

I could easily devote this entire section to Charlotte's character. She's pretentious, haughty, self-absorbed, and completely incapable of looking past her own privileges. Even when she's called out, she finds a way to turn herself into the biggest victim in any given scenario. She wasn't the worst character ever by any means, but man, does she warrant a lot of eye-rolling.

My only other complaints were: 1) Jesse felt like a background character that we didn't get to spend nearly enough time with, and 2) I had the same problem as I did with Vengeance Road in that it was so tough to genuinely connect with any of the characters or to care about any of them.

→ final thoughts ←
That devil could crawl from the deepest pits of Hell itself.

If you've already read Vengeance Road and are dying for more of the universe, pick this one up, but if you're like me and are hoping for a sequel and to spend more time with Kate and Jesse, I'd recommend just trying to find yourself a copy of the Kate & Jesse novella and leaving it at that.

Content warnings: violence, death, implied rape, abuse

All quotes are taken from an unfinished ARC copy and may differ from the final publication. Thank you so much to HMHTeen for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review!

4 ⭐️s

Plot Summary
This companion novel takes place 10 years after the end of book one. Charlotte sits on a train that is robbed by a new gang of Rose Riders. Who is joined by Reece the Rose Kid. Charlotte wants her and her mother free and safe from her uncle after the death of her father. Reece wants to escape his name and become someone new.

I LOVED how it combined with Jesse and Kate’s story! I really enjoyed that they were older, I think it is one of the first books I have read where this happens. So good to see empowering women in Kate and Charlotte – although I did like Charlotte less than Kate 😔 But, I am still so happy with the setting and want more from this world!

I really loved the first book, I had a hard time getting started with this book. Overall it was good but it was missing what made me love the first one so much.