THE OUTLAW’S DAUGHTER
HAYWIRE BRIDES, BOOK 3
by
MARGARET BROWNLEY
Genre: Western / Historical Fiction / Clean & Wholesome Romance
Publisher: Sourcebooks Casablanca
Date of Publication: May 26, 2020
Number of Pages: 384
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
He may be a Texas Ranger, but he only has eyes for the outlaw’s beautiful daughter . . .
Texas Ranger Matt Taggert is on the trail of a wanted man. He has good reason to believe that Ellie-May’s late husband was involved in a stagecoach robbery, and he’s here to see justice done. But when he arrives in town, he discovers the thief has become a local hero . . . and his beautiful young widow isn’t too happy to see some lawman out to tarnish her family’s newly spotless reputation.
Ellie-May’s shaken by her encounter with the ranger. Having grown up an outlaw’s daughter, she’ll do anything to keep her children safe—and if that means hardening her heart against the handsome lawman’s smiles, then so be it. Because she knows Matt isn’t about to give up his search. He’s out to redeem himself and find proof that Ellie-May’s husband wasn’t the saint everyone claims . . . even if it means losing the love neither expected to discover along the way.
Texas Ranger Matt Taggert is on the trail of a wanted man. He has good reason to believe that Ellie-May’s late husband was involved in a stagecoach robbery, and he’s here to see justice done. But when he arrives in town, he discovers the thief has become a local hero . . . and his beautiful young widow isn’t too happy to see some lawman out to tarnish her family’s newly spotless reputation.
Ellie-May’s shaken by her encounter with the ranger. Having grown up an outlaw’s daughter, she’ll do anything to keep her children safe—and if that means hardening her heart against the handsome lawman’s smiles, then so be it. Because she knows Matt isn’t about to give up his search. He’s out to redeem himself and find proof that Ellie-May’s husband wasn’t the saint everyone claims . . . even if it means losing the love neither expected to discover along the way.
While this is my first time reading a book from this author, it will certainly not be my last! Wow! This was an absolutely fantastic introduction to the author’s long list of previous works that I can’t wait to pick up! Don’t let the cover fool you into thinking this is just another typical romance with a hunky cowboy! I was so surprised by the level of depth in both the story and the character development which takes what is seemingly a light, easy read to a whole new level!
A year after the death of Ellie May’s husband Neal, Texas Ranger Matt shows up on her property to investigate Neal’s possible involvement in a stagecoach robbery shortly before his death. The stolen money is still missing along with heirloom jewelry, and Matt is determined to find out what happened to it. Believing her husband is nothing but a good, decent, and honest man, she sets out to prove the Ranger wrong even if that means she must lie to protect Neal’s reputation.
Complicating this situation is the fact that Ellie May’s father was an outlaw and the town has never let her forget that she is just as guilty as her father simply for being his daughter. Ellie May’s strength of character shines throughout the story. She never feels like she quite belongs, and now being the widow of a “hero” only heightens that sense of being a fraud. Faced with the prospect that her husband may have been involved in heinous events, she doubles down to protect not just his character, but the lasting legacy that type of accusation will have on her children’s future. Choices have ramifications to the generations hopefully to come, and Ellie May will do whatever it takes to ensure her children are given a better shot at life than she received.
As much as these types of stories tend to become more about the good guy versus the bad guy, I loved the story’s exploration of living within the shades of gray. Matt’s work with the Texas Rangers has no doubt largely shaped his outlook on life in terms of right and wrong. For him and the other men representing and enforcing the law there can be no in-between. And as much as he tries to adhere to that ideal, he begins to realize that it isn’t that easy given that his family shares a complex relationship with the law just as much as Ellie May’s does. Getting to know her more and the story of her life, he begins to question his fidelity to the Rangers and the work that he can adequately offer. Watching the internal struggle these characters face within themselves was moving, compelling, and truly heartwarming, especially once enough trust was built between them to confide in one another.
Though this is the third and final book in the series, it is a complete stand alone and can be read without fear of missing anything from the previous books. I look forward to picking up the previous titles as time allows and returning to this wild Texas frontier.
Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author for providing me with a physical copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful review.
New York Times bestselling author Margaret Brownley has penned more than forty-six novels and novellas.
A two-time Romance Writers of American RITA® finalist, Margaret has also written for a TV soap and is a recipient of the Romantic Times Pioneer Award. Not bad for someone who flunked eighth-grade English. Just don’t ask her to diagram a sentence.
TWO WINNERS each receive signed copies of the first two books in the Haywire Brides series, Cowboy Charm School and The Cowboy Meets His Match
May 26-June 5, 2020
(US ONLY)
a Rafflecopter giveaway BEST OF LUCK!
Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author! It was a pleasure reading, reviewing, and hosting! And be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more opinions and extras!
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That's What She's Reading 
Great review — I need to start reading this author — I hear NOTHING but good about her writing prowess and ability to make western romance different from the norm. Thanks for the post!
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Another terrific review for this book. I like the fact that you noted the gray areas. No perfectly whit or black hats in this story.
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I love you review, Jenn Z! I agree with every glowing word. Margaret Brownley is a phenomenal author!
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