Maryann O. (Romance-fan) reviewed The Last Renegade (Bitter Springs, Bk 1) on + 189 more book reviews
This book was really wonderful. You felt as if you were part of the story. Goodman set the mood so well. Wyoming in the last decade of the 19th century. Dime novel author, a widow, waters rights, murders and many villians. What more could you ask for?
Great to read a historical romance that was not set in Regency London. Kudos to the Editors at Berkley for publishing this book.
Great to read a historical romance that was not set in Regency London. Kudos to the Editors at Berkley for publishing this book.
Lisa R. (alterlisa) -
I don't know if it's because I recently watched the last season of Longmire, but I've read oodles of western romance books lately. I absolutely adored this first book in Goodman's Bitter Springs series. I love a good western romance and when you throw in a good mystery to boot, it ramps up my enjoyment 50%.
You go into this story and after about 50 pages or so you think you know what's going on but let me tell you, you'll be wrong. Yes, I figured out a few of the minor mysteries but right up to the end Goodman keeps you guessing all while you are enjoying a wonderful romance. Luckily, I do have the other two books in this series and intend starting the second one shortly even though it's already past midnight. Ah, the joys of being retired and getting to read as long as I can keep my eyes open.
You go into this story and after about 50 pages or so you think you know what's going on but let me tell you, you'll be wrong. Yes, I figured out a few of the minor mysteries but right up to the end Goodman keeps you guessing all while you are enjoying a wonderful romance. Luckily, I do have the other two books in this series and intend starting the second one shortly even though it's already past midnight. Ah, the joys of being retired and getting to read as long as I can keep my eyes open.
JG comes through again. This was delightful! All the secondary characters enrich the story. H&H are very lovable and you are rooting for them. There is a good mystery and story to accompany the romance. LOVED IT
Raine's husband owned the Pennyroyal and she inherited it when he died. She lived there with her sister before she sister died in childbirth. Her sister was raped and became pregnant. The man who raped her, was brought to trial and found guilty. He escaped and the jurors are being killed, one by one. Raine hires an outside man, a shootist to protect the town from the Burdicks who do what they want when they want. Kellen meet the shootish and was curious, so when he is killed, he decides to go to the town and determine what is going on/how he can help.
This was a nice western mystery. It was interesting to read about the land surveys when it came to water and women's suffrage. I did have to admit an annoyance when it came out Raine was a virgin. It is explained, so it makes sense, but still a bit annoyed, because Kellen has been around.
This was a nice western mystery. It was interesting to read about the land surveys when it came to water and women's suffrage. I did have to admit an annoyance when it came out Raine was a virgin. It is explained, so it makes sense, but still a bit annoyed, because Kellen has been around.
The whole town of Bitter Springs is in the grasp of evil the 4 men of the Burdick family. Lorraine Berry, owner of the Pennyroyal Saloon and Hotel, hires a gunman named Nat Church to help the citizens.
On the train headed for Bitter Springs, Nat Church is slashed across the abdomen. Via a chance encounter with Kellen Coltrane, Nat gasps words about Bitter Springs and Pennyroyal. After Churchs death, Coltrane stops in Bitter Springs and finds that Pennyroyal refers to a hotel.
Once Coltrane meets the widder, he commits himself to help the town. Citizens are dying with alarming regularity. Thus begins an interesting tale; theres much more to the story than at first appears.
I gave part of this score to the pair of characters readers will meet fairly quickly; their interaction and humor add so much to this story. Dont worry; you wont be able to miss them! They add balance to the darker aspects of the book.
I cannot think of a way to state why I didnt give the book a 5 without disclosing too much so I wont!
On the train headed for Bitter Springs, Nat Church is slashed across the abdomen. Via a chance encounter with Kellen Coltrane, Nat gasps words about Bitter Springs and Pennyroyal. After Churchs death, Coltrane stops in Bitter Springs and finds that Pennyroyal refers to a hotel.
Once Coltrane meets the widder, he commits himself to help the town. Citizens are dying with alarming regularity. Thus begins an interesting tale; theres much more to the story than at first appears.
I gave part of this score to the pair of characters readers will meet fairly quickly; their interaction and humor add so much to this story. Dont worry; you wont be able to miss them! They add balance to the darker aspects of the book.
I cannot think of a way to state why I didnt give the book a 5 without disclosing too much so I wont!
