I did not finish this book. I was not able to get into it. Not to say the writing was good and I am sure would be enjoyable for others. Just was not for me.

Good book to read for it's plot and very Hot and Steamy moments!
If you like that kind of thing - go for it!

Great plot even the pace is a little bit slow. There is one word that can capture this book: steamy...steamy and steamy!

Thank you NetGalley for giving me this book to review. I am sorry it takes super long to review it as life gets busier here.

This book is just swoon-worthy. I adore a quiet and gruff hero, but Gabe just takes the cake. His is minimal, but let me tell you, everything he says that makes a reader's heart skip a beat. Whether it's asking permission (and not just for the sexy stuff) or simply checking in on her, he is so genuine and made my heart melt. Eve's dialogue is minimal too. Amy Sandas has a way of letting the action and feelings carry the story instead of filling talk, so when someone has something to say, you know that it's important. This is my first book by this author, and I was swept away. Trigger warning for husband's physical abuse.

What a perfect match between two people both struggling to find someone to trust. From the very beginning I was rooting for Eve to make an escape from the horrible life she found herself in after her marriage. Fate brought her an outlaw to restore her faith in herself and gain back her self worth. Gabe was a true hero, knowing just what to do or not do and to say or not say. I appreciate that they did not necessarily grow to easily trust just anyone but were still wary of who they let close to them. While there were other remarkable characters in their circle, the bond forged was reserved for them alone. A beautiful story with the only complaint being an abrupt ending without an epilogue.

Oh so good! I was so emotionally invested in Evelyn and Gabriel’s story I could not put it down. Evelyn captured my heart from our first meeting. Her strength and resolve were tested and she continued to thrive despite what she had to endure. Gabriel is amazing and you cannot help but fall in love with him. His peace and acceptance are the balm Evelyn’s soul needs to heal. I love this series.

The Outlaw’s Heart brings a Boston socialite under the protection of an outlaw native. We see Eve and Gabriel’s connection quickly upon her abduction from the train. She calls to Gabriel’s soul from the very beginning. He vows not to hurt her and to protect her. Gabriel sees Eve as a strong woman, while she sees herself as a coward, running from her abusive husband. Although unsure of Gabriel at first, she begins to see he is the most are ‘noble and honorable’ of men.

I loved this third in the series and how Ms. Sandas let us see Eve’s friends who had already come west finding their husbands. She grew Eve into a strong woman who found herself stating on several occasions, “I belong to me.” Eve seemed to know she could trust Gabe and his outlaw friends even though she was a bit unsure of them at first. I loved, too, how the leader of the ‘gang’ Luke would not allow the mistreatment of women by his gang or anyone else he knew.

I, also, appreciated how Eve was honest with herself and Gabriel before becoming intimate. The sensual parts of Outlaw’s Heart grew over time, a short period of time, but still, was allowed to grow as their relationship grew. Gabriel made sure to ‘care’ for Eve and not force her into anything she might not want, no push or coercion. He was gentle and kind to her, realizing her innocence.

This has been an amazing series. Start with any of the books but read them all. Amy Sandas is becoming one of my go to authors for romance.

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!!

There are triggers in THE OUTLAW’S HEART so first off, be aware that there may be domestic abuse triggers for some readers in this story. The abuse that Eve experiences is handled as carefully as possible but it is very obvious to the reader. Aside from that, there is what technically can be called adultery, as well. To be frank, I didn’t see Gabriel’s and Eve’s relationship in that light since her monster of an abusive husband is lower than dirt and if I’d had my way would have been shot quite spectacularly ending that question forever — however, having expressed my intense dislike of Matt, some will see Eve as still married when she fell in love with Gabriel. You have to make up your own mind about that, I’ve already made my choice.

There is a line in this story, and I’m paraphrasing because I didn’t mark it but it goes like, “I’ve never seen two people say so much with so few words.” Both Eve and Gabriel are extremely quiet people, they can say a lot in a few words or with a look. Because of that, there is a lot of external information around them, not always directly from them. In many ways, this is a slow burn romance and the pace of their story reflects that. Most of what you’d need to know before picking up THE OUTLAW’S HEART is in the cover description – and I’ve already mentioned more than perhaps I should have without true spoilers.

My heart broke for Eve, and for Gabriel as well. They’ve each faced hardships, danger, and loss in their pasts. Finding each other, even in these circumstances seems almost like a miracle to them. I enjoyed their story, the only thing that would have helped me in wrapping up this series would have been a bit of an epilogue – but that’s on me, not the author. I like stories tied up neatly, and sometimes that’s just not going to happen. I would not hesitate to recommend this story or the entire series to any reader who enjoys Western Historical Romance.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

A woman running from an abusive past lands herself with an outlaw gang and a handsome, quiet man who knows she carries secrets and patiently works his way into becoming her unlikely champion. My first foray into the author’s novels and this heart-filled western series of adventures was the ride of my life.
Review

The Outlaw’s Heart is book three of the Runaway Brides series. I wasn’t paying attention when this one caught my eye and I grabbed it up that it was the third book. Luckily for me, I had no trouble reading this one out of order though I could tell particularly a little later in the book, that having the past history of some of the people who entered the story might have made for a tighter connection.

Evelyn Perkins was going to get killed if she didn’t escape her brutally abusive husband. He might have been the ketch of the Boston social season and everyone, including her, thought he was a charming man, but he’s a sadistic brute behind the suave exterior. Her escape is shortlived before she lands into more trouble when she gets mistaken by a band of outlaws for being another woman.
Now, she has to keep her past from catching up with her even as she has to learn to trust in a man who is big and powerful, but not a brute.

Gabriel has been forced to live the lonely life of being stuck between two worlds- the white world and his own native race. He has found a place with this band and they are the closest thing to family he has. Now, he must risk his job and place for a woman with secrets that his instinct tells him to protect. Can he save her from what is on their trail and do they stand a chance of building something together?

Right away, I was drawn in when Evelyn lay there bleeding and in pain from her husband’s whip. She works out that this is not her fault and he means to break her. She courageously becomes a survivor even when her ill luck lands her into another dire situation. She reasons that the outlaws are a smidge better bet than her husband who had murder in his eyes the last time she saw him. So, she keeps quiet to preserve her secrets.
Gabriel was equally engaging. He’s had his own hardships that he had to overcome and still lives with to a certain extent. He’s the strong silent type, but he’s a good man who will do what is right even if he knows it will cost him what is important to him.

Between the pair of them being less talkative and having their issues, this book can get introspective and, yes, slow. I admit to skimming a few times. But, that said, I was into the story. It was exciting western action and tender yet sensual romance. There are some coincidences at pivotal times, but I didn’t mind. The pair needed to catch a break.

The big ending was one I knew was coming. There had to be the confrontations for both of them. It was riveting and finished swiftly. I’m not sure there is more to come in the series, but there is definitely room for more with this sort of set up and maybe a chance to follow up with this pair.

All in all, my first outing with this series left me definitely wanting more of the author’s books and the earlier pair of books that I would like to catch up with in the series. Those who enjoy western historical romance should definitely give this one a go.

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

The Outlaw’s Heart (Runaway Bides - Book 3) by Amy Sandas

Publication: 10/29/2019
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Imprint: sourcebooks Casablanca
Genre: Western Historical Romance
Pages: 320
ISBN-13: 978-1492652038

Spotlights are books that I didn’t have the time to review this month. But ones that still make great reading options.

This is a great choice choice it you are looking to get into western historical romances.

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Indiebound, Book Depository

Amy Sandas on the Web: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads

Books in the series:

Runaway Brides

1. The Gunslinger's Vow (2018)
2. The Cowboy's Honor (2019)
3. The Outlaw's Heart (2019)

Cover Art:




Excerpt from The Outlaw’s Heart courtesy of Amazon’s Look Inside feature

Synopsis:

Three runaway brides
Determined to escape their fates
Flee West to find freedom that can only be had
in 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 available now from your favorite bookseller

About the author:


Amy Sandas writes historical romance about dashing and sometimes dangerous men and women who are often reckless, bold, and unconventional. Her affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities. She lives with her husband and children in Wisconsin.

I really liked the two main characters, but unfortunately the pacing was just too slow. Nothing really happened romantically or plot-wise until about 80% into the book, making the last 20% feel very rushed. I also feel like there should have been an epilogue to tie up some loose ends left by the rushed ending.

I loved it until I didn't. I was really into the story, but when the husband hadn't found her by the time I gave up which was almost at the end, my interest waned. No sex yet either. He was all about trying not to frighten her by his masculinity and she was a city girl who was just timid. It got old after a while. Maybe I've read too many themes of this type, or maybe I just like them to get at it already. I need to be immersed and taken away from my life for a while. The Outlaw's Heart did it's job for about three quarters of the book.

Readers should be warned that this book starts with a pretty graphic description of spousal brutality. The heroine, Evelyn, flees her husband’s abuse and winds up far from her society life in Boston, out in Wyoming’s high mountains, hiding out with a gang of outlaws after a case of mistaken identity leads to her being kidnapped off a train. Gabriel Sloan takes on responsibility for Evelyn, recognising something in her which calls to him. He’s Native American, having been taken from his tribe as a child and raised among whites, he too has a feeling of not fitting in anywhere.

With two protagonists who are by nature very quiet people, there’s more narration than dialogue in this book, but Amy Sandas does an excellent job of telling the story through description and through Evelyn’s eyes, we discover the wild beauty of Wyoming’s high country and the gentleness of Gabriel. The romance is slow burn but believable, especially considering the abuse Evie has suffered, it’s obvious she isn’t ready to rush into anything.

It’s obvious from the beginning that Evie’s husband will come after her, but the confrontation at the end was over quicker than I expected and with a minimum of violence, especially considering the graphic opening. And honestly, I don’t think the violence is gratuitous considering we only see the aftermath, because knowing about what Evie’s endured gives us some essential insights into her character. It still might be too much for some readers. While I didn’t mind it particularly, there were a few things in the book which annoyed me, including a Surprise Virgin moment which seemed exceptionally contrived and also unnecessary; it made no difference to how Gabriel viewed Evelyn. Overall, I’ll give this four stars.

Evelyn make the brave decision to leave her abusive husband. But while on the train heading west, she is taken for ransom when she tells the outlaws that she is someone else. Thinking that the men were sent by her husband, she is terrified. She soon learns that the men weren't sent by her husband, but is worried that when they learn her true identity, they will hand her over to him. One of the men holding her hostage, Gabriel, takes over the care of her and they travel alone to the "boss".

Gabriel knows that Evelyn is terrified. He would never hurt a woman, but she doesn't know that. As they travel to the hideout, Gabriel finds himself more and more attracted to Evelyn. But he determined long ago that he wasn't going to allow himself to get close to anyone again and open up the possibility of getting hurt again.

Can Evelyn and Gabriel get passed the hurt they have endured to find the HEA?

I loved Gabriel and Evelyn's story! I loved watching Evelyn learn to trust again and to follow her heart. Gabriel had so many walls up to protect himself, he didn't even get close to the men that he lived with. Evelyn helped him to be able to open up once again. This was a great addition to the Runaway Brides series!

An emotional and heart pounding second chance romance that follows Evelyn and Gabe on a journey of hope and healing.
Evelyn was running from her abusive spouse. She was desperate and her only hope was to go far away and try to make a new life. But fate stepped in and landed he in the hands of outlaws who boarded her train and thought she was someone else, because she gave her seatmates name. Exactly who they were looking for!
She meets Gabe, one of the outlaws who she is sent ahead with to meet the rest of the gang at their place. He is such a gentle soul, and seems hard to believe because he is running with this gang. But he has a sad story himself and it all comes out as they get to know each other.
Amy Sandas has created a magical story of two people who desperately needed each other and their journey to find that love.

This is book 3 in the runaway bride series. The first two books were good, different. This book follows that pattern.
This is the story of an abusive marriage. Evie has been brutally beaten by her husband since day one of their marriage. The abuse is escalating and she fears for her life. So she runs.
While on the run, she is mistaken for someone else and is kidnapped.
This is where she meets Gabe. He is part of the gang that kidnaps her. He is sent to bring her to their boss to decide what to do with her. It's a 3 day hard journey by horse into the mountains.
It's during this time that they get to know one another. She learns to trust and he learns how to open himself up to others. It's a slow growing romance, that is very touching.

I have read all the books in this series and this is my favorite. The topic at the heart of the story is physical and emotional abuse by a spouse. Evelyn has had enough of being at the mercy of her husband and decides to leave. Her journey is interrupted when she is kidnapped. She meets the most compassionate man in Gabriel. He sees deep inside her and they are intimately attracted to each other. Gabriel exhibits compassion and understanding that is the balm to Eve’s soul. She is able to heal, fall in love and start a better future reunited with the people who mean the most to her. This is a wonderfully written story that will speak to your heart.

I wondered how Evelyn getting married in Boston might work out for a third book in this series and I found out, the hard way. This is the most heart-wrenching story from the beginning. Cruelty was forced upon women who could not defend themselves. Eve found a way out even if the journey was edge of your seat and nail-biting suspense. The Gabriel came into her life. A hero worthy of the name HERO. Their slow learning of each other made a beautiful read. You cannot root for a better couple. Some books stick with you because of their content. I read one a while back that to this day I still think about the story and this one will be the same but both have with fantastic endings.

Wow, I really loved this, Boston socialite Evelyn has married an outwardly charming, but secretly controlling and violent man, she finally manages to escape to the West, when she is abducted by a gang of outlaws, as she claims to be someone else.

Gabriel Sloan is a part Native American man, who has learnt to keep himself apart from people. Forcibly adopted by white folk, he was treated badly, and when he finally managed to return to his tribe, found he didn’t fit in there either.

Evelyn refuses to cooperate with a ransom demand and won’t tell them who she is. Gabriel is detailed to escort her to the outlaw camp, and they are steadily and inevitably drawn to each other, Gabriel can sense Evelyn’s pain and courage, and Evelyn is drawn to Gabriel’s steadiness and strength.

Will Evelyn be able to keep hidden from her cruel husband, and can she and Gabriel have a future together?

Amy Sandas did such a beautiful job of developing the relationship between them. It was so tender and respectful, but didn’t feel weak or anachronistic, was just a pleasure to read.

My only wish is that I wish the trope of blonde white woman and tall, dark and handsome hero would be a bit subverted sometimes, it has been done to death. Not a fan of the cover art either, but loved loved loved the book.

Highly recommended.

I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book via Netgalley, and all opinions are my own.

Also posted on Goodreads