*** Review contains SPOILERS. Please do NOT read further if you don't want details of this story!! ***

Please understand, I was very much looking forward to reading Leah and the Bounty Hunter. I love a good old-fashioned Western Romance, and thought the first two books in the Men of Defiance series were very enjoyable. While the main characters, Jace and Leah, were written very strongly and with amazingly intense romantic (and physical... wow!) chemistry, the story itself was really lackluster and a major let-down.

There were no surprises in the story, as every new revelation was obvious. The chapters had no real organization (one chapter would be 3 pages long, the next 30 pages, etc). And there were various typos and inaccuracies (since when did folks in the "Wild West" use the term 'mom' instead of 'mama'? And what self-respecting gunman wears an acid-washed denim coat [re: the cover!!]). Also, the story itself was beyond unbelievable - Leah suffers attempted rape not once, but twice and then magically is no longer afraid of men (as Jace suddenly accepts love and is no longer weary of women). And then there was the question of Leah's father. Sheriff Kemp reveals he's her father, but then Leah learns that his brother, Joseph, protected her and taught her throughout her formidable years because Joseph loved her mother. So it would make sense that Joseph would have been Leah's father, and NOT the Sheriff. Very confusing, with no real resolution (other than all the bad guys getting shot at the end and the epilogue being a happy ending, of course).

To be fair, this wasn't a BAD book, just not great. All in all, a page turning read and fairly enjoyable... if you can ignore all of the issues within the story.

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This book kept me on the edge of my seat! The characters were very strong, and swept you into their story. Excellent book!

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Jace Gage has come to Defiance, Dakota Territory, to clean out a nest of thieves, led by the town Sheriff, Bill Kemp. Known widely as the Avenger, Gages reputation precedes him. Some see him as a murderer-for-hire while others view him more favorably. All of the citizens know he is necessary to their near ghost town.

Jace is a complex character who elicits sympathy because of his previous life. He was married to a spy during the Civil War. She denounced Jace as she, her brother and her (first) husband tried to hang Jace. He wears the burn marks and scratchy voice that are the result of their actions.

Leah Morgan is a self-sufficient (over-grown) tomboy who can hunt, fish and throw a knife with the best. Constantly by her side is a pet wolf -- who serves as a second pair of eyes and defender, when necessary.

Sheriff Kemp murdered Leahs father (a gambler) and controlled/beat her mother. When things got too intense, Leah would escape to the nearby hills and wilds of the Territory. She met an old trapper, who taught her how to take care of herself and capture meat and fish.

Jace sees himself as a killer but has an uncanny knack for talking people out of violence; his reputation helps him in this regard. Jace would like to settle down but sees no path without a gun. Leah sees no way to adopt a more-feminine way of behaving and dressing because of the ever-present dangers in town (where she wants to spend the rest of her life).

The book is complex enough to keep the readers attention. However, I felt it lacked originality, thus the rating of 3 stars.

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