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THE
GUNSLINGER'S UNTAMED BRIDE
Stacey
Kayne
ISBN:
978-0373295043
Harlequin
Historical
A
heart-stopping love story, a fast-paced adventure, and a sensual
romance, The Gunslinger's Untamed Bride delivers it
all.
Juniper
(June) Barnes may be a reluctant gunslinger, but he is a deadly
accurate one. Having found his "gift" as a young boy
fighting for survival on the frontier, he tallied over a dozen kills
before turning twenty. All were within the bounds of the law, most
involved gunmen calling him out due to his reputation. Each one took
a piece of his soul, leaving an aching emptiness in a kid trying to
survive another day. Now as a lawman for a bankrupt lumber mill,
Juniper struggles to keep those personal demons from overwhelming
him as he tries to be a force for good in a camp on the brink of
mayhem. That is until the new owner shows up.
Not only
is L.P. Carrington a beautiful and smart businesswoman, she's the
daughter of one of the men who'd called him out; one of the men who
didn't live to tell the tale.
Lily
Palmer Carrington expects a crusty, cold-blooded killer when she
confronts the gunslinger who took her loving father from her.
Instead she finds a man profoundly affected by the trials of his
youth. But while she might feel an unexpected modicum of sympathy
for the surprisingly attractive and youthful lawman, she can't bring
herself to forgive him for what he took from her and her mother.
Funny thing is, June can't seem to forgive himself.
When the
back wages of the lumber camp are stolen, Lily has no option but to
accept the services of the man she's hated since she first learned
of her father's death. The lumberjacks are threatening to riot, her
bodyguard has been killed and the mill is on the verge of financial
ruin. But she doesn't trust June whose quiet demeanor and level-head
manner she is sure must be a façade.
When Lily
and June set out after the outlaws, both expect this to be a
dangerous proposition, and not just because of the outlaws. What
neither expects is that their hearts are in danger too. Despite her
grudging respect and growing attraction for him, how could Lily ever
forget or forgive June the terrible deed he's done? And how can June
ever forgive himself for the pain he's inflicted on the admirable
and captivating woman who reminds him, at every turn, of the life he
once led? In answering those questions, Ms. Kayne provides a richly
layered, sizzling romance that tugs at your heart, sprinkling just
the right amount of humor to keep things entertaining.
Juniper
Barnes is Kayne's most complex hero to date, one whose past will
stir your compassion and whose potential will keep you rooting for
him. Lily is a worthy adversary, whose life has been ruined by this
gunslinger, however unintentionally. Sharp, direct and with courage
to spare, she's not cowed by the reputation of this man-only by the
unexpected gentleness she glimpses in unguarded moments. The
action-filled plot fueled by the characters' conflict will keep
readers turning the pages until the gloriously satisfying
ending.
Kayne's
ability to craft multi-faceted characters, intriguing plots,
action-packed adventure and sizzling romance promises to keep her in
the forefront of the western romance genre.
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