Cover Image: The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony

The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony

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Member Reviews

A very fun romantic comedy. A gunslinger stumbled into town and was accidentally part of a group wedding ceremony. She wanted an official marriage but he refused to sign the marriage license that would make it official. The romance sparks flew between then but she wouldn’t tell him the real reason she wanted the marriage and he finally confessed the real reason that he did not.
Thank you NetGalley for an advanced copy of this book.

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to Michelle McLean, NetGalley, and Entangled Publishing for the ARC.

Adam Brody is a "retired" gunslinger who happens to stumble upon the town of Desolation by accident. In order for him to stay in Desolation, he needs to abide the rules: either get married or find a job. Adam finds himself married to Nora Schumacher by accident (another one, he clearly gets into accidents a lot). He can either stay married or find a way out of this unwanted marriage...

The Gunslinger's Guide to Avoiding Matrimony is a funny historical romance. I didn't realize it was book 2 in the Gunslinger's series, but it definitely can be read as a standalone. While I was drawn in by the chemistry and banter between Adam and Nora, I found the story to be underwhelming. Nora and Adam bickered a lot, and all the sudden the were in love. The pacing of the story could be improved, but what salvaged this book was the interesting community and side characters. I wanted to know more about them! This was the first book I've read from Michelle, and will probably check out the first book of the series.

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This is the first time for me with this author and with NetGalley. Since it was the first time that I've read this author, I really didn't know what to expect. Needlessly to say, I was thoroughly entertained, from the very first page till the last. Honestly, I wish I could give it more than 5 stars. If ya like historical tales filled with laughter, friendship and love, I highly recommend this one!!!

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I read the first book in this standalone series and was so excited when I saw that there would be more books in this world. The Gunslinger's Guide to Avoiding Matrimony did not disappoint. A true rom com, this one had me laughing out loud at some points. Super light-hearted and goofy, this was a super fun read.

Nora and Adam were delightful main characters. Their dynamic was wonderful. I loved how stubborn they both were and how this put them at odds with each other but also drew them together.

I also love the group of side characters in this series, and was so glad we got to revisit Mercy and Gray throughout this book.

I really hope there are more books coming in this series

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The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony by Michelle McLean is book two in her Gunslinger standalone book series.

Notorious gunslinger, Adam Brady, has rules, but the first and most important is: avoid matrimony at all costs. Unfortunately, the town he’s fled to has rules, too: 30 days to find a job or get married. Will Adam’s fortunes change, or will he have to abandon his first rule?

Nora Schumacher is a statuesque woman with an independent spirit. For reasons known only to herself, she doesn’t need or want a husband, which makes an entanglement with Adam a “no” for her.

The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony is my first read by this author, and I truly enjoyed it. The plot is interesting and held my attention. The narrative is well-written and witty. The dialogue is equally as humorous. I laughed out loud. This novel is perfect for fans of romantic comedy. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

My thanks to Entangled Publishing LLC, Entangled Amara, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

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Adam Brady is a gunslinger who wants a new life. On the run, he stumbles into a hidden town called, Desperation, and accidentally finds himself married to Nora Schumacker, a sassy pants wearing womanv who needs to be married to keep her property but doesn't want a husband. This delightful romantic comedy will keep you entertained.

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I didn't realize this is part of a stand-alone series--and I can't wait to read more. The wild west is the setting and the characters fit the mold of an old western. That's what makes the book fun! The witty banter and the stubborn, independent streak in Nora and Adam lead to a satisfying romance. The setting is vividly described--creating a mental map of the key places. And the community's loyalty and camaraderie left me wanting more of these characters and their backstories. A very fun summer read!

From the publisher:
At the ripe old age of twenty-eight, desperate-to-retire gunslinger Adam Brady has exactly two rules. And one of them is never, ever get married. So he’ll be danged when his dreams of permanently avoiding the bounty hunter on his tail in Desolation, the only town where notorious men like him can find respite, comes with one helluva string attached. The town has a new rule: gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry.

Without realizing it, Adam stumbles into a big town wedding and accidentally marries Nora Schumacher, a sassy-mouthed mountain of a woman with legs as long as his wanted poster. So what’s a gunslinger to do but get himself unhitched and find a job. Any job. Except Adam keeps getting fired, one odd circumstance after another. And he’s running out of options.

Desolation was supposed to be his safe haven. Except, he’s not only running from his past but from the irresistible woman he married. And worse, he’s finding that he rather likes the enticing, if damnably independent, wife of his. But some men just aren’t the marrying kind. Only, if he leaves, his own life won’t be worth living. If he stays, he puts the lives of his newfound family and the woman he loves on the line. So much for Desolation being the answer to all his problems.

Thank you NetGalley and Entangled: Amara for allowing me to rate and review this e-ARC title.

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I enjoyed the first Gunslinger novel, so I was excited to see there was a second one. I like that they are stand alone novels but if you read the first one, you get a treat into seeing how things are going in Desolation. Adam is a gunslinger that has arrived in Desolation by accident while on the run from a lawman. He follows the crowd in town & ends up next to Nora. Sparks fly right from the beginning & while they're arguing they don't realize they are getting married during a mass marriage ceremony. Adam wants nothing to do with marriage for many reasons. Nora isn't sure what to do with the situation herself. Watching their story unfold is funny & touching with some heartbreak along the way. This book gives a glimpse into what it might have been like during this time period for women who had no rights & gunslingers that might want to do something else. Highly recommend reading this book.

Thanks to NetGalley & the publisher for advanced copy in exchange for my honest review

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Fun and entertaining accidentally married romance. Our hero Adam is just looking for a quiet place to retire from gunslinging and accidentally finds himself wed in a mass wedding in the center of town. Nora didn't mean to catch this particular husband, but needs it to be legal so that she can take ownership of her home and keep it out of her drunk father's hands. While Adam tries to avoid Nora at all costs, she's trying to make him her on-paper husband. Of course, they can't stay away from each other long!

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you’re looking for an easy-going, feel good romance, look no further. I recommend The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony by Michelle McLean for a light hearted romantic comedy.

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I like a good engaging story and this is a good story.
Good characters,humor,romance.
Adam rides in to Desolation in the middle of a group wedding where he meets Nora they exchange a few words and end up being married to each other.
Great fun story and characters.
Voluntarily reviewd.

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The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony by Michelle McLean
This is the second book about the town of Desolation - but it can be easily read as a stand alone. This is Adam Brady (wants to be a retired gunslinger) and Nora Schumacher's story. The rules of the town are: gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry. This book is full of laughs, a few tears, angst, danger, wonderful friends, lots of steam and a very HEA.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Action-packed Happily Ever After Steamy Page-turner Easy-to-read Unpredictable Funny Romantic Wonderful characters Entertaining.
Received this ARC from NetGalley.

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I love this next installment of Gunslingers Guide!! I love the strong women characters that Michelle writes in her books!!

In this story, Adam Brady is running from his past and stumbles into the town of Desolation. Although he has sworn off marriage, he ends up in the middle of a town marriage ceremony and married to a complete stranger.
Adam has heard rumors of this haven for reformed gunslingers but didn’t think he could find it. Now he wants to stay but that means he must either make this marriage official or find and keep a job!

His unintended bride- Nora Schumacher has her own issues. She doesn’t need another man destroying her life- she is running her business just fine. But she needs a husband for her own purposes but would prefer one who will leave town and not stick around.

The sparks fly between these two! I enjoyed seeing the romance play out! I laughed out loud so many times at the antics between Adam and Nora!!

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Michelle McLean books make me giddy with excitement! I just love her writing, but most of all, I love this series. It’s just funny with a cast of characters that are unique and so fun! I love this town. This book is exactly what I needed. A fun getaway from reality! This book wasn’t quite as good as the first in the series, but it was still very enjoyable. I loved Adam and Nora and their dislike for each other in the beginning. I loved how bold and strong Nora is! She was so fantastic! This book was well written and held my attention from start to finish. Great summer read! Huge thank you to Entangled publishing and Netgalley for allowing me to read and review this book.

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This was a cute western romantic comedy. Adam Brady is a gunslinger who would like to retire. He finds himself in the town of Desolation, which welcomes and harbors reformed "bad guys." Only thing is, to stay in town you need to be employed or married. Due to his sketchy past and an overzealous lawman on his trail, Adam's #1 rule is to not get married. On the other hand, Nora Schumacher needs a husband to secure her inheritance. Despite his attraction to the 6 foot tall tomboy, he tries and amusingly fails to keep just about any job in town so that they do not get/stay married. We see our old friends from "Hitched to the Gunslinger", but this book can be read as a standalone. There is an issue with not signing the marriage certificate, with Nora constantly bugging him to "sign the papers" that went on too long. Their love story was a slow burn, but was very romantic once the fireworks started. I received this book at no charge from NetGalley and the author, but as always, all opinions are my own.

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An enjoyable read...

Fun story with interesting characters- developed and written very well.

Though I had not read the first in series, I could follow this without any trouble.

Definitely looking forward to more in this series.

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Such a fun read!

This is the story of Nora and Adam and their charming community of Desolation.
Nora needs to find a solution to her problem, just as well as Adam. Though their problems are different, marriage could be the answer for both of them. But he is reluctant and she is a bit with her confidence on the low, so the solution is not that easy.

Both characters are just lovely, Nora is an incredible hard working young woman, taking care of her home, garden, her business and her drunk troublesome father, all while trying to be empathetic to his situation. Adam is attentive, caring, loving and appreciating very much Nora's body, while trying to keep a job without destroying the town.

This is precisely the cause of so many humorous moments, the book is peppered with them, its entire vibe is cheerful. Then there are their sensual encounters which turn from tension to pure heat. And there are the other town's people who are all very specific, they add a nice flavor to the whole universe Desolation is.

While this can be read as a standalone, it's wonderful to meet again this characters.
All in all, this book is so worth it, charming, funny, full of lovely and cute moments.

I received a copy of this in order to offer my personal view on it.

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Will he once more land in the wrong place …

Close to one year after one of the most hilarious story I have ever read.
With Hitched To The Gunslinger, the author is a perfect match with her contemporary romance writer alter ego.
So it was impossible to let this book pass by as it appears to be the second in a series I could only hope for.
This is not an hilarious read like the first book, more a story that keeps a smile on your lips, while the hero faces the antics the inhabitants of Desolation have in stock for him or when he tries his damnable luck at new activities.

Nora has tried everything she could to protect what his hers, but nothing is never enough when her father is determined to ruin them. Even matronly which could save her is avoiding her. No one wants her, even the newest outsider denied their unconventional wedding.
Adam landed in Desolation after one more bad decision, as it seems he is only able to choose the wrong bar, the wrong woman, the wrong road.
And once again he is at a turn of his existence with one of his worth enemy administering Justice in this lost place, and if there could be worse, in some way unknowingly married.

They are in for a bumpy journey as both fight their attraction while keeping their secrets and still open wounds close to their heart.
It was fun to see again Grey, Mercy, Doc, the Preacher and all the various people and “pets” who have made Desolation this sort of welcoming retiring place for running-from-the-law outlanders.

Now I know it is to be a series, I hope there will be more lost outlanders and learn about the Preacher’s past.
5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

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This book started off exciting and kept it going thru out the whole story. It was fun. I loved it. It had so many twists and turns. I was entertained all throughout the book. This book was a page turner and fast paced. Basically, gentlemen gambler/gunslinger Adam stumbles into town during a mass marriage to find himself married to Strong willed Nora. She needs to be married and he doesn’t want to be. However, the town has an ordinance that if he can keep a job for 30 days, he can stay in the town to start a new lawful life otherwise married or booted out of town. Adam is against marriage and looks for a job only problem is keeping it. This book is lighthearted and makes you smile. This book has a sweet quality which pulls at your heart. It was heartfelt the interaction between Adam and Nora. I love the supportive family and friends which makes this book even better. They make a good couple and have a great connection. This book was a good -sweet romance. It is an easy flowing read. I would recommend this book because this author is keeps you entertained with this enjoyable book. I look forward to her other books.

**I received this book from NetGalley for an honest review.

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This was a funny story. We have a sassy Heroine and Gunslinger Hero. It's a good, sweet western romance.

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