I had such a great time with this novel! This is the fourth book in the Outlaw Hearts series and I would recommend reading the series in order since the series features the same main characters throughout the series. In this book, Jake is in his 60s while Miranda is in her 50s and I really appreciated the fact that this romance was about a couple that has been married for 30 years. This book was probably my favorite of the series so far.

After the events from the previous installment, Miranda is in a bad place at the start of this book. She has lost most of her confidence and doesn’t want Jake out of her sight. Jake has been very patient and wants to see her get better. While they are in town, Miranda finds herself in danger and Jake does what he must. Over the course of this story, Jake will find himself in danger several more times. The story was really exciting and it is obvious just how strong the bond is between the pair. I really loved the romantic aspects of this established couple that has been through a lot together over the years.

I would definitely recommend this book to others. I had such a good time with this book that I hated to set it aside. Jake, Miranda, their children, and grandchildren all play important roles in this book and the series as a whole. I almost feel like these characters have become a part of my family and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

I received a digital review copy of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca.

Times have changed, and the old Wild West is a thing of the past. Nestled in his beautiful Colorado ranch, surrounded by family, infamous former outlaw Jake Harkner's hung up his guns for good and finally found a measure of peace—but dark memories haunt the woman who has always been his strength, and not even Jake is certain he can save his beloved Miranda this time. All he can do is swear to remain by her side. But it takes more than a hope for peace to outrun a past defined by violence, and it isn't long before Jake is embroiled in a rescue mission he simply can't refuse. Life has brought him back full circle as he rides into Mexico to save a young girl from a dreadful fate...leaving Miranda behind one final time, fearing that the man she loves more than anything is destined to die the way he's always lived—by the gun.
So,this was evidently the third book in a series about the same couple. Since I hadn’t read either of the others, I’m not quite as vested in this family or their history. I also tend to get bored in series’ that are about the same people so I’m not really sure if I would’ve made it to this book.That said, it was a decent book that I did enjoy. I recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Just when Jake and Randy start to get their lives back on track, something else happens to tear them apart again! Jake can't say no when a friend asks him to go on a mission. But this one is different, it will cause him to examine where he came from and go back to where it all started. Can you make it out alive both mentally and physically to get back to Randy and their family?

OMG!! This story just tore at my heart strings!! Just as things start to look good, everything goes south again...If you haven't read this series, you need to!! It is a must read for any historical romance lover!

Life long love, in a rugged adventure

When I requested this book I had no idea that it was part of an on going series. I thought (like so many romances) that these books could be read out of order. As I do not have the first three books in this series I am unable to read or review this title. Sorry for any inconvenience caused,

A hard-hitting emotional read, gritty action, and above all, a decades long love affair that stands so many tests. The Outlaw Hearts series holds a solid place on my best of the best list and this latest, The Last Outlaw, was no exception.
Review

While some of the books would work alright out of order, this one has the feeling of a culmination of all that came before it and references events from the previous book, Love’s Sweet Revenge. In fact, I’ll need to reference what happened in that one so there will be some mild series spoilers.

The Last Outlaw picks up several months after the dramatic finish of Love’s Sweet Revenge. Jake’s still on tenderhooks with the local law as civilization is taming the Wild West and shootouts are becoming rarer. Lloyd is healing from being shot and stepping up as son and partner on the ranch as in family affairs. Jake and the family are very worried because Randy isn’t recovering from her ordeal.

I thought the author handled her attack well. Randy is a quietly courageous woman and it was tough to see her struggling so badly with her fears and the dark feelings that come from being abused, but the struggle had to happen after the dark, horrific things that happened to her. She and Jake take turns being the strong one for each other. Jake was such a steadfast husband and lover. This pair may be in their autumn-winter years, but they are deeply in love and strongly passionate.

There was a big opening scene and then I loved how the story focused on the family and catching the reader up with them. Three generations of Harkners live on the ranch and its never dull for them. The characters in this series are engaging and I love them individually and together.

There are a few plot threads introduced- trouble with a disgruntled neighboring rancher, a missing girl taken in a human traffiking scheme, and past issues that build into a tempest later. Jake is really struggling with getting beyond his horrid earlier years and the peace he has now. Guilt and feelings of not deserving his new life threaten to overwhelm him. The internal struggles in this one were as compelling as the external ones. And yes, like other books by this author, this one did require tissues. These really grab my emotions with the humor, heartwarming, passion, and gritty battles.

The story flowed well and was a good blend of action and character plotting. It may be the end, but I am crossing my fingers that the author comes back to write more about new generations in the family and give peek-ins with Jake. I loved this historical western romance and can easily recommend it to others who love gripping family sagas, engaging characters, and passionate romance.

My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

The Outlaw Hearts saga continues with a decade’s long love affair with Jake Harkner and his wife Randy. The world they know is changing, civilization is taming the Wild West. In this book Jake and Randy’s saga continues with an intense guns a-blazing opening they’ve have seen it all, survived it all, and once again will be tested in the most harrowing ways. Jake has sworn to give up is gun as he and Randy are enjoying some peace for one in their lives. Their quite life is quite disturbed when Jake can’t refuse to go on a rescue mission leaving his family and traveling into Mexico to rescue a young girl. I love these characters and I’m immensely thrilled to read more of this enthralling family sagas and their passionate romance.
I voluntarily read this ARC copy from Net Galley and this is my honest review and opinions.

Readers of western historical romances usually know the name, Rosanne Bittner. She has been called the queen of this sub-genre and if you haven't tried one of her books, it's high time you did. With the final book in the Outlaw Hearts series, The Last Outlaw, Bittner brings to culmination a love story spanning over 30 years. Jake and Miranda Harkner's story has captivated readers with it's spine tingling action and epic love. Bittner once again takes readers to the heart of the Colorado ranch country and into the lives of a family in crisis. The era of the gunslinger is ending and Jake is struggling to find his place in this new world, while his wife Miranda claws her way back from a devastating attack. Strap in tight readers, this story is far from over!

What I liked:

Though I have not reviewed any of the other books in the Outlaw Hearts series, I have read them. Rosanne Bittner is a favorite of mine in the western historical sub-genre. This series has been such a wonderful glimpse into the west through the eyes of one family. The Harkner's are the epitome of the ranching family. They've worked hard to get where they are and the patriarch of the family, Jake has been pivotal. It is not often a romance writer uses a hero and heroine in their autumn years. Jake is over 60 in this book, but still very vibrant and alive. While Miranda is ten years younger, she is represents the strong western spirit and tenacity. I liked the fact that Bittner did not shy away from that in order to capture a younger audience. This love was epic and it required an epic ending. Bittner did not disappoint.

Jake, like many a man has a past. He struggles with that and it haunts him to an extent. Self worth issues are something many of us can relate to. Now, times are a changing and Jake must change and adapt to a new way of life, where he can't use his guns to solve his problems. The politics and climate of the west is becoming tamer and he must figure out his place. Bittner did a wonderful job of showing a man who has fought for his place and loathes to see it slipping away. From an outlaw to a marshal to a rancher, but what will he become now?

At the end of the previous book, Miranda suffers a heartbreaking attack that leaves her devastated. Her recovery is long and arduous. She is clearly suffering from PTSD and it will break the heart of the reader to see this once strong and passionate woman reduced to shreds. But in true Bittner fashion, Miranda will come out stronger than before and watching her rebuild her foundation was amazing. I loved this part of the story because it showed courage and faith and how family makes all the difference.

What I didn't like:

Like many western historical's you only have a certain amount of content to work with. I struggled a little with finding some elements of the story a little to repetitious. Things I had seen before or tropes already used. But not surprisingly Bittner always seems to turn it into something that takes unexpected twists and turns that captivate and keep the reader glued to the pages.

Bottom Line:

This was a great ending to a wonderful series. Rosanne Bittner knows how to write a good western romance. Though somewhat repetitious in idea, the execution was unique. Bittner gives reader a older hero and heroine that should be done way more often than it is. She tackles themes like self worth and inner demons like a pro and handles PTSD with kid gloves. This an author you really need to try. Not a book I would recommend to be read out of order, but that's okay, this entire series should not be missed.

<center><u>Book Info</u></center>
<center>Paperback, 480 pages
Expected publication: September 5th 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492652067 (ISBN13: 9781492652069)
Edition Language English
Series <a href=“https://www.goodreads.com/series/140135-outlaw-hearts“><u>Outlaw Hearts #4</u></a></center>
Other Editions (1)
<center>Source:Netgalley EARC</center>

<center><u>Buy book from</u></center>
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<blockquote><b><u>BOOK BLURB</u></b></blockquote>

Times have changed, and the old Wild West is becoming a place of civilized law and order, where men like Jake Harkner no longer seem to fit in. As a nod to the changing times, Jake has sworn to hang up his guns once and for all. In fact, he and his wife Randy are enjoying this new era of peace on their ranch...until Jake's embroiled in a rescue mission that he simply can't refuse―possibly his most dangerous yet. He rides into Mexico to save a young girl from a dreadful fate, leaving his beloved family behind, fearing he will die the same way he's always lived―by the gun.

Outlaw Hearts Series:
Outlaw Hearts (Book 1)
Do Not Forsake Me (Book 2)
Love's Sweet Revenge (Book 3)
The Last Outlaw (Book 4) (less)

<blockquote><b><u>My Thoughts</u></b></blockquote>

It is hard for 62-year-old Jake Harkner to see where he fits in now that the day of swift justice meted out without fear of being brought accountable for defending oneself or ones family has passed. When he rode the outlaw trail or had to use his pistols later on to enforce the law his badge represented there was little to no outcry by pretty much anyone.

The man’s fondest wish in his latter years has been to live in peace with his wife and their growing family. A peaceful existence for Jake however continues to elude him as trouble keeps rearing its ugly head, and the trouble this time not only threatens his life but the now fragile sanity of his wife and that of his grown children as well.

As hard as it has been to accept that perhaps Jakes mission will end in his drawing a final breath, Randy gives him her blessing since she knows deep in her heart her man cannot ever say no when a female is in danger and so once again she resigns herself to waiting for him to return.

Be still my heart, this was an epic ending to the Harkner family saga and am very glad that it got a chance to be written and shared with fans of the series and new readers just getting to know Jake and his wonderful circle of family members plus their excellent friends as well.

Regardless of the time period, which was way before any kind of electronic gadgets or even indoor plumbing were staples of every household, this historical western spanning over 30+ years will suck you in easily and if you are not careful may never let you go even when the last page is read. The story and its characters are that powerfully moving, plus the romances are absolutely addictive to watch unfold. Especially that of Jake and Miranda, <i>Randy</i>, Harkner as they are the linchpin couple whose tale is at the heart of every book.

What I loved was how the entire book built toward such an emotional ending with a satisfactorily fulfilling conclusion to the many story threads.One thing I will advise be prepared for even more tears shed on Jake and Randy's behalf, their travails this time are truly mind-blowing.

If the author ever decides to revisit Jake or his children or grandchildren some day in a spin off series or in addition to this 4th book to this series, I am in all the way as would adore to see more from the Harkner clan!


<blockquote><i>[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]</i></blockquote>

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Jake Harkner IS the last outlaw. The West is changing; it's the time of the wild West becoming more tame. In this new era, Jake is a rough, tough man who hates the change and wants to do it his way by slinging a gun and fighting for who he loves and believes in. He and his wife Randy are a beautiful couple that show the definition of unconditional love. Rosanne Bittner has some of the best western, historical romance books ever. The Last Outlaw is the fourth of the series, "Outlaw Hearts". This book is a wonderful narrative that lets you meet the characters, really get to know them and follow them through their life. Ms. Bittner has a knack for developing her characters and stories so that they become your friend, and feel all of their pain, love, and courage throughout the book. If you love western historical romance, you've got to try this book!

The Last Outlaw by Rosanne Bittner will be available September 5, 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca. An egalley of this book was made available by the author in exchange for a honest review.

The Outlaw Hearts saga continues from Outlaw Hearts, Do Not Forsake Me, Sweet Love's Revenge to the final installment The Last Outlaw. Jake Harkner is in his sixties but still in his prime. His wife and lover, Miranda or "Randy", is ten years younger. Jake and Randy are surrounded by their children, and grandchildren in the hills of Colorado. It has been less than a year since the ending of Sweet Love's Revenge, and the trauma that was dealt their family, including the attack, kidnapping and violation that Randy suffered at the hands of their enemies. And still, Randy hasn't recovered back to her normal vibrant self and Jake is getting really worried about her health. She is barely skin and bones, clinging to him at every moment. For the longest time Jake has had to rely on Randy for her strength, love and support. Now Jake has had to be Randy's strength. Jake is still haunted by his past especially in the early events of his life.
As Jake and Randy learn to cope with recent events, and right when they think they have finally come to terms and enjoying the life they have fought so hard for. Jake will be asked to go on a mission, a mission to save a innocent girl's life, but a mission that could mean Jake being separated from his family forever.

In the Last Outlaw I was completely drawn into this story and captivated by one of my all time favorite couples, and to be frank if I had to choose one couple I adore the most it would be these two. Jake and Miranda have gone through so much together but what always gets to me about them is seeing how devoted they are to each other. In the Last Outlaw however, the focus of the story is Jake and his past. We see what he is suffering, and that he has to face his past in this book. We see how much he values family, however he has some self worth issues---actually some major ones. However we see that despite how he feels about his past and himself, the steadiness of his family's devotion is what gives him strength when he needs it the most.

Miranda is struggling with a recent trauma and we see the effects of PTSD. For those who have read Love's Sweet Revenge, know exactly what Randy suffered and in this book we see the after effects of that trauma. In the first half of the story, we see how this trauma has changed her. Randy in the previous books, is spirited and compassionate and independent and very strong willed. But we see how this changes her from strong willed to depending on Jake completely, barely eating anything, and keeping her fears secret. She clings to him and can't bear to be without him for any period of time. What I truly admired though, was seeing that even though Jake was helpless, not having any clue on how to help Randy, he never gives up on her. He is one hundred percent steady for her, patient and understanding but firm. This part of the story was quite heartbreaking at times. Mostly because Randy, is such a strong character and one of my favorite heroines. To see her struggling so much just about breaks your heart. Especially when you know who she really is, and that she is trying to work through the trauma but it has changed her. But it does happen, and eventually she returns to her normal self, but I did respect that Bittner chose this path for Miranda. Mostly because it shows the effects of trauma's and how much it helps to have strong support from family and friends.

We get plenty of fun times with the Harkner family, and I loved seeing their family grow. We see such strong relationships that Jake and Randy have with their children and their grandchildren and the men and women they work with on their huge ranch. This is part of what makes this series so wonderful, is seeing that Jake and Randy are at the center of this great family. And the ways that they stick together during the hardest of times. The last part of the book especially, we see the important of these family bonds since it gets them through one of the hardest challenges they will ever face.

The romance between Jake and Miranda is just as fabulous as many of the other books in the series, but we see something change between them. There is a depth between them here, as they face the torments of the past and learn to rely on each other. We also see how strong they are even when they apart from each other. As the last official installment of this brilliant love saga, it met with every expectation, it surpassed in emotion, drive, and elements. It's a story that will make you cry, make your heart and soul bleed, but will also give back joy and humor. A story that felt real and alive---- A BRILLIANT ROMANCE FROM A PURE TALENT OF ROSANNE BITTNER!!