Knight on the Texas Plains by Linda Broday
Series: Texas Heroes #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: August 1, 2017
Date Read: July 23, 2017
Length: 352 pages
Source: NetGalley
★★★★☆
He’ll do whatever it takes
To keep them safeDuel McClain has lost everything he’s ever loved: his wife, his son, his sense of self. But when a strange twist of fate—and a poker game he’ll never forget—leaves an innocent little girl in his care, Duel vows to defend his new family to his very last breath. If only he knew a single thing about taking care of babies…
Just as Duel swears his life can’t get any more complicated, a beautiful woman stumbles into the light of his campfire, desperate for help. Jessie Foltry is hungry, tired, and running for her life. She agrees to help Duel care for the child in exchange for his protection, even as she fights to guard her broken heart. But Duel will do whatever it takes to make Jessie see that the Texas plains have more than one kind of knight, and perhaps their salvation is closer than either of them could have dreamed…
This book was simply a delight to read! I was completely swept away by this wonderful story filled with characters that will stay with me. I used to read a lot of western historical romances but haven’t picked up in years. I really decided to read this book on a whim and what a good decision that turned out to be. This was a book that was nearly impossible for me to put down once I started reading and I ended up finishing it in less than 24 hours. This book had so many wonderful elements that just seemed to work together flawlessly.
Duel McClain is a character that I won’t be forgetting anytime soon. At the start of the story, Duel wins a little girl in a poker game. It quickly becomes obvious that while he has good intentions, he has no idea what he is doing. As luck would have it, Jessie finds her way to his campsite needing help. She is able to help Duel care for Marley Rose while he works to keep her safe. They have all been through some really tough times but together they seem to be stronger and really make a wonderful family.
I fell in love with these characters. Duel was such a good man. He was always trying to do the honorable thing and put other people’s needs above his own. Jessie went through some horrible things before meeting Duel. She is a survivor and doesn’t make excuses. She is honest with Duel from the very beginning despite what she thought it might cost her. She was such a caring person and her strength never ceased to amaze me. Marley Rose really helped to bring them together. The love the three of them shared really melted my heart.
I thought this story was really original. I am always looking for something that is a little different when I pick up a book. This one was a pleasant surprise. Duel and Jessie had such vivid and heartbreaking backstories that I was immediately hooked. Their romance was built on trust and respect and was at a much slower pace than I would have expected. There was plenty of excitement to keep the story interesting and the end of the book turned out to be quite intense.
I would highly recommend this book to fans of historical romance. I am really excited that this is the beginning of a new series because I can’t wait to read more. This is the first book by Linda Broday that I have read but she has definitely captured my attention with this one.
I received an advance reader edition of this book from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley.
About the AuthorAt a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. Cowboys fascinate her. There’s something about Stetsons, boots, and tall rugged cowboys that get her fired up. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold Award. She resides in the Texas Panhandle and is inspired every day.
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Lovely review darling!!! This book was so dang good wasn't it? I really loved these three, they make such a great family together. And I couldn't put it down either.
Thank you! It really was a wonderful story. I didn't want it to end.
I enjoy these types of reads too, but don't read them often. Every time I do I kick myself for not adding more to my pile. This sounds like a keeper.
It is possible that I enjoyed it a bit more just because it was different than my normal read.
I'd read it for that cover alone, lol
It is a wonderful cover 🙂
Oh sounds SO good. I'm curious about it. Glad that you enjoyed it. Same with you, I love unique stories. Thank you for sharing, Carole. I'll check this out. 🙂
I hope you enjoy this one once you get the chance to read it, Geybie!
Carole, thank you so much for spotlighting me. I loved your review. You might be interested in knowing that this story was inspired by a true event in my childhood when I learned my playmate was won in a poker game. She used to cry and tell me that one day she was going to find her parents and ask them why they couldn't love her. She had an extremely heartbreaking time with the couple who won her. I promised myself that one day I'd give her the happy ending that life denied her even if it was in fiction.
Thank you so much for taking the time to stop by my blog! What a remarkable story. I couldn't imagine what your friend must have went through. Thank you for giving her that happy ending 🙂
This sounds really good and definitely unique! I haven't read many Western Historicals and this sounds like a great one to start with. I'm especially intrigued after reading the comment from the author above. How does such a thing happen???
I know right?! You wouldn't think it was possible. This was a really great read, Katherine!
Yay and yes! I really enjoyed this one as well 🙂 Looking forward to the next one.
It was such a wonderfully done story. I can't wait to see what is next in the series.