Outlaw Hearts by Rosanne Bittner
Series: Outlaw Hearts #1
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Publication Date: June 2, 2015
Date Read: August 5, 2017
Length: 576 pages
Source: Purchased
★★★★☆
At twenty, Miranda Hayes has been widowed by the Civil War and orphaned by a vicious band of rebel raiders. Alone on the harsh, unyielding frontier, Miranda is surprised to run into the notorious gunslinger Jake Harkner, a hard-hearted loner with a price on his head. Suddenly Miranda finds within herself a deep well of courage…and powerful feelings of desire she’s never known.
Hunted by lawmen and haunted by his brutal past, Jake has spent a lifetime on the dusty trail and on the run…until he meets a vibrant, honey-haired beauty who is determined to change his violent ways. But does she love him enough to risk her life to be his woman—an outlaw’s woman?
I really enjoyed this epic story! When I started reading this book, I really didn’t expect the story to be quite as big as it turned out to be. This book doesn’t cover just a year or two of Jake and Miranda’s life. No, this is a book that covers decades and by the time it is over you want to spend more time with them. Since this is the first book in the series, that works out well for me.
This story is about Jake and Miranda. Jake is an outlaw and is wanted by the authorities. He actually has quite a sizable price on his head. Miranda became a widow at a young age when her new husband was killed during the Civil War. Miranda’s father is killed by a group of outlaws just before the story begins. An unexpected string of events puts this pair together and they realize that they actually enjoy each other’s company.
The scope of this story is amazing. It starts out in Kansas but then goes all the way to California and back during a period in time when this area could be quite dangerous and rather wild. I really enjoyed all of the descriptions of the travels and settling in these different areas throughout the story. There is something about the old west that I find really interesting. The conditions were harsh at times and there seemed to be danger everywhere you looked.
I really liked that we get to see so much of Jake and Miranda’s life in this story. Learning Jake’s backstory really helps in understanding how his life unfolded in the way it has. I really enjoyed watching them meet and get to know each other. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over time. Jake never seem to believe that he deserves Miranda but she refuses to give up on him. She proves that she wants nothing more than to be with him at any cost several times during the course of this story.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an epic romance. I started the book out liking Jake and Miranda but by the time it was over I had fallen completely in love with them. I can’t wait to read more of this amazing series!
About the AuthorUSA Today bestseller and award-winning novelist Rosanne Bittner is known as the “Queen of Western Historical Romance” for her thrilling love stories and historical authenticity. Her epic romances span the West-and are often based on Rosanne’s personal visits to each setting. She lives in Coloma, Michigan, with her husband and two sons.
Ah yes! I love that you really got into Jake and Miranda's story. This one hooked me in and I was so glad there was more to come. I'm hoping to read The Last Outlaw soon.
I can't wait to read more of Jake and Miranda's story. I had hoped to read The Last Outlaw before the end of the month but I don't know that I will get to it.
I don't think I've read many epic historical romances. I will have to check this one out. I like that you feel in love with the couple by the end. That says a lot about the author's ability to write an engaging story with great characters.
I loved the fact that this story covered so many years. I really felt like I knew everyone by the time it was over.
I like that cover, so sweet. Most are just so passionate instead
I do like the sweet cover 🙂
This sounds like a great series. Glad you enjoyed it.
I am so glad that I decided to pick it up.
Yay! Yes, amazing series! I'm so glad to see you had fun with it. Book 2 was fantastic, too. Happy reading!
I can't wait to get started on the next book. Very soon, I hope.
I'm curious to know if this is a rerelease. I only ask because I have seen this author around for so long, and I've fallen prey to a lot of re-releases lately.
If you like gritty books, you should try Ellen O'Connell, specifically Eyes of Silver, Eyes of Gold and Beautiful Bastard. Though I love everything I have read from the author.
Great review! 🙂
I just checked goodreads and it look like it is a rerelease. This was my first time reading Bittner and I really enjoyed her work. I will have to check out Ellen O'Connell ~ thanks for the recommendation!
Lovely review you have here Carole!! I am so thrilled that you loved Jake and Miranda. They are such a wonderful couple right? You will love books 2,3,and 4 just as much, if not more so!! Especially in seeing their family grow.
I can't wait to start book 2! You are one of the reasons that I decided to read this series so thank you!