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Devils on Horseback #5
Gideon
Handing over the reins is hard. Handing over his heart…damn near impossible.
Devils on Horseback, Book 5
Gideon Blackwood is on the run—from Tanger’s meddling matchmakers. With no intention of following the rest of the Devils down the aisle, he heads for the hills to reassess a life spent leading and caring for others…and runs smack into the business end of a shotgun. At the a curmudgeonly woman with a broken axle and a load of responsibility.
In Chloe Ruskin’s experience, men take what they want and leave a mess of trouble behind. The safety of two orphans and her granny is at stake, and the last thing she needs is Gideon’s “help”. This time, though, she has no choice but to allow the big cowboy to fix her wagon.
As they work into the night, grudging admiration grows into attraction—and desire. Gideon finds he can’t dig his boot heels in hard enough to avoid falling for the opinionated little female.
When Chloe’s family disappears, her suspicion threatens to destroy any spark of love before it catches fire. Gideon finds himself making promises his pride won’t let him break—even if it costs him the love of the woman who owns the missing half of his soul.
Devils on Horseback, Book 5
Gideon Blackwood is on the run—from Tanger’s meddling matchmakers. With no intention of following the rest of the Devils down the aisle, he heads for the hills to reassess a life spent leading and caring for others…and runs smack into the business end of a shotgun. At the a curmudgeonly woman with a broken axle and a load of responsibility.
In Chloe Ruskin’s experience, men take what they want and leave a mess of trouble behind. The safety of two orphans and her granny is at stake, and the last thing she needs is Gideon’s “help”. This time, though, she has no choice but to allow the big cowboy to fix her wagon.
As they work into the night, grudging admiration grows into attraction—and desire. Gideon finds he can’t dig his boot heels in hard enough to avoid falling for the opinionated little female.
When Chloe’s family disappears, her suspicion threatens to destroy any spark of love before it catches fire. Gideon finds himself making promises his pride won’t let him break—even if it costs him the love of the woman who owns the missing half of his soul.
Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2011
8 people are currently reading
186 people want to read
About the author
Beth Williamson
73 books413 followersBeth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010, and a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
June 21, 2011
Of all the "Devils," Gideon as the Confederate Captain was involved in all the lives and the experiences of his cousins and friends that made up the Devils on Horseback. Yet he always seemed to be just a bit aloof, a very real presence in the community and in their lives, but yet, he didn't seem to be able to find his niche personally, even though he was well-respected and was a successful businessman. Now he is going to see Nate, not a blood relative but as close as a brother, in the hope of finding some kind of direction. Tired of being the town bachelor that all the mammas are stalking for their daughters, he has done what all good bachelors do: run. In the process he comes upon a disabled wagon and the adventure begins. Beth Williamson is one of the truly accomplished voices in American historical romance and this series has brought the post-Civil War era into clear view as it has impacted the lives of these five men. The heroine in each book is strong and able to hold her own up against a man who has been to hell and back. Gideon encounters a woman who probably has just about the lowest self-image of any of Williamson's heroines, but she is strong, gritty, determined to insure the welfare of her family, and she isn't about to take any guff off this svelte and obviously arrogant man. This story reads a bit differently than the others in this series, but it is full of adventure and has almost a "MacGiver" quality about it. I know I will have to re-read this book in order to fully access all that is in it, for it is truly a splendid piece of story and a wonderful read.
July 29, 2011
Throughout my reading "career" and my love affair with books, I have to admit that the American historical romance didn't rank very high. Back in the 70's I encountered a wonderful series of novels that spanned the entire history of America's beginnings by John Jakes, and that got me started. Then about 18 months ago I first read work by Beth Williamson and decided that American historical romances had far more going for them than I first realized. I actually "inhaled" the first four books in this series and was delighted when this fifth book appeared recently.
Perhaps the winning factor in these five books is that Ms Williamson has concentrated her stories during the years immediately following the Civil War, a time that many contemporary readers have little knowledge of and which has really been sort of passed over even in history studies. It was a hard and dark time in our nation's history; it was a time when families were destroyed because of divided loyalties, homes and farms and factories were destroyed and there really was no work; a time when the nation paid dearly for the damage done to the soldiers who did survive, not an easy task during that particular war where over half a million Americans died on our own soil. Out of this millieu has come these five men, soldiers of the Confederacy who, when they finally got home, found that their homes and families had been destroyed by Sherman's March and there was nothing left for them. Banding together as they had done throughout the War, they styled themselves "Devils on Horseback" with the goal of becoming mercenaries to local law enforcement in the Western territories, most specifically Texas.
Four of the Devils have now found their spouses, some have children, but all have gone down the road of domestic bliss. Not Gideon. Somehow he has held himself aloof from the rituals of courtship and marriage, finding female companionship briefly as needed, but concentrating on his business and helping his friends. He is a man of honor and caring, but he isn't really in the market for a bride. And so he runs, hard and fast, as quickly as his horse can carry him, out of the town and down the road to spend some time with one of the other Devils, Nate. Little did he realize that the Fates had stationed Chloe Ruskin right smack dab in his path and he was about to go on an adventure the like of which he had not encountered for some years.
Gideon is a really nice guy! But he stands out like a sore thumb in many old Western settings because of his rather elite upbringing and education, and his aristocratic bearing and manner, and his way of dealing with people that is left over from the five years in command as a Confederate Army captain. All these qualities don't help him at all in the estimation of Chloe, the daughter of a Virginia dirt farmer, a woman with little formal education, but one whose love for her family supercedes all else. Her suspicion about the true nature of men in general certainly doesn't help Gideon at all, as his qualities as a person, his way of addressing her and dealing with her confirm that she is a "low life" in his opinion. Yet they are thrown together through a set of circumstances that force each to become aware of the deeper qualities and true humanism in the other. Their situation plays out like a series of "MacGiver" episodes or, if you prefer, a Greek Tragedy. Yet through it all is Chloe's determination to do right by her family even if it costs her own life, and no matter how frustrated and irritated Gideon may be, he remains true to his upbringing as a Southern gentleman.
This is really a story about the meeting of two cultures, of how two individuals who seemingly have nothing in common are bound to one another by a common goal to survive and to insure the survival of Chloe's family. In that process both Gideon and Chloe are forced to change, and the surprises that pop up throughout the story keep the reader's interest engaged and the ending was, at least for me, a shock. Yet all goes to demonstrate the sterling quality and inner strength that Chloe possesses, and how even though Gideon is well and truly sidetracked from his original destination, his sense of honor and need to be who he was pointed him in a different direction when it was all done.
Lovers of Beth Williamson's stories will like this book and those who enjoy American historical romances will find this a first-rate addition to their libraries. Williamson brings a wealth of writing experience to this task, and she always encapsulates her stories in superior research and knowledge of the historical time-frame. I appreciate the fact that even the editing of the narrative is superior to many books I have encountered recently. Most of all, I like books that not only entertain and, in the case of romance fiction, massage the libido, there is also an educational quality to historical novels that make them a favorite form of reading. You can't find one any better than this. If the reader is willing to encounter characters that don't necessarily fit "the mold" then you will like Gideon and Chloe and the cast of characters that surround them.
I give this novel a 5 out of 5 rating.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
Perhaps the winning factor in these five books is that Ms Williamson has concentrated her stories during the years immediately following the Civil War, a time that many contemporary readers have little knowledge of and which has really been sort of passed over even in history studies. It was a hard and dark time in our nation's history; it was a time when families were destroyed because of divided loyalties, homes and farms and factories were destroyed and there really was no work; a time when the nation paid dearly for the damage done to the soldiers who did survive, not an easy task during that particular war where over half a million Americans died on our own soil. Out of this millieu has come these five men, soldiers of the Confederacy who, when they finally got home, found that their homes and families had been destroyed by Sherman's March and there was nothing left for them. Banding together as they had done throughout the War, they styled themselves "Devils on Horseback" with the goal of becoming mercenaries to local law enforcement in the Western territories, most specifically Texas.
Four of the Devils have now found their spouses, some have children, but all have gone down the road of domestic bliss. Not Gideon. Somehow he has held himself aloof from the rituals of courtship and marriage, finding female companionship briefly as needed, but concentrating on his business and helping his friends. He is a man of honor and caring, but he isn't really in the market for a bride. And so he runs, hard and fast, as quickly as his horse can carry him, out of the town and down the road to spend some time with one of the other Devils, Nate. Little did he realize that the Fates had stationed Chloe Ruskin right smack dab in his path and he was about to go on an adventure the like of which he had not encountered for some years.
Gideon is a really nice guy! But he stands out like a sore thumb in many old Western settings because of his rather elite upbringing and education, and his aristocratic bearing and manner, and his way of dealing with people that is left over from the five years in command as a Confederate Army captain. All these qualities don't help him at all in the estimation of Chloe, the daughter of a Virginia dirt farmer, a woman with little formal education, but one whose love for her family supercedes all else. Her suspicion about the true nature of men in general certainly doesn't help Gideon at all, as his qualities as a person, his way of addressing her and dealing with her confirm that she is a "low life" in his opinion. Yet they are thrown together through a set of circumstances that force each to become aware of the deeper qualities and true humanism in the other. Their situation plays out like a series of "MacGiver" episodes or, if you prefer, a Greek Tragedy. Yet through it all is Chloe's determination to do right by her family even if it costs her own life, and no matter how frustrated and irritated Gideon may be, he remains true to his upbringing as a Southern gentleman.
This is really a story about the meeting of two cultures, of how two individuals who seemingly have nothing in common are bound to one another by a common goal to survive and to insure the survival of Chloe's family. In that process both Gideon and Chloe are forced to change, and the surprises that pop up throughout the story keep the reader's interest engaged and the ending was, at least for me, a shock. Yet all goes to demonstrate the sterling quality and inner strength that Chloe possesses, and how even though Gideon is well and truly sidetracked from his original destination, his sense of honor and need to be who he was pointed him in a different direction when it was all done.
Lovers of Beth Williamson's stories will like this book and those who enjoy American historical romances will find this a first-rate addition to their libraries. Williamson brings a wealth of writing experience to this task, and she always encapsulates her stories in superior research and knowledge of the historical time-frame. I appreciate the fact that even the editing of the narrative is superior to many books I have encountered recently. Most of all, I like books that not only entertain and, in the case of romance fiction, massage the libido, there is also an educational quality to historical novels that make them a favorite form of reading. You can't find one any better than this. If the reader is willing to encounter characters that don't necessarily fit "the mold" then you will like Gideon and Chloe and the cast of characters that surround them.
I give this novel a 5 out of 5 rating.
This review was originally posted on Book Binge by Judith.
January 7, 2012
Sometimes I'm just in need of a cowboy hero in a western historical romance, and I can always guarantee that Beth Williamson/Emma Lang will just get it absolutely right. They're not the best-written, and the heroes and heroines do fall into stereotypes (manly cowboy meets spitfire heroine), but I have absolutely loved every book, and this one isn't any different.
I've read all the books in this series (Nate, Jake, Zeke, Lee) and really enjoyed them, although with this one in particular, you don't have to read the other books in the series to be able to follow what's going on.
So, what did I like? The hero is a real manly, cowboy hero, bossy, kind, honorable, and, of course, a big hunk. The heroine is an independent, dirt-poor farmer, doing what she needs to do to look after her family, and with a great, sassy mouth on her. I LOVED her. The book was also a really great conclusion to the series, with the other Devils only showing up in the end, and the focus on giving the Captain the HEA he deserved.
Loved it. 4 stars.
I've read all the books in this series (Nate, Jake, Zeke, Lee) and really enjoyed them, although with this one in particular, you don't have to read the other books in the series to be able to follow what's going on.
So, what did I like? The hero is a real manly, cowboy hero, bossy, kind, honorable, and, of course, a big hunk. The heroine is an independent, dirt-poor farmer, doing what she needs to do to look after her family, and with a great, sassy mouth on her. I LOVED her. The book was also a really great conclusion to the series, with the other Devils only showing up in the end, and the focus on giving the Captain the HEA he deserved.
Loved it. 4 stars.
March 13, 2012
When we meet the handsome former Captain Gideon Blackwood, he's on the run from his home in Tanger, running from interfering females who are trying to marry this most eligible bachelor off. Gideon definitely has other ideas on what he wants out of life at the moment and marriage isn't one of them, even though he's seen all of his "brothers" before him happily married.
Chloe Ruskin is having a very hard time of it.After leaving Virginia with her Grandmother and two small orphaned twin girls, they've broken a wheel on their wagon and can't seem to get help to fix it, until Gideon happens upon the disabled wagon. He's immediately confronted by the prickly Chloe with her shotgun pointed straight at him. Against his better judgement he remains to help the stranded family , in the process becomes entangled with the headstrong female.
Along the way, Chloe's family disappears into thin air, apparently abducted along the trail. Now instead of Gideon going on his merry way, he feels it's his duty to help Chloe get her family back. No matter what, Chloe must find her Grandmother and the girls. They're all she has and her determination has Gideon admiring her one minute and wanting to strangle her the next. What do a former soldier running from commitment and mouthy woman who feels unworthy of love do once they're thrown together? Well they create a very exciting story for one thing.
What an auspicious end to an awesome series. Beth Williamson knows how to grab the reader from the first minute and not let go. I love that Beth has taken people from two totally different life circumstances and brought them together. Chloe is headstrong to her detriment and Gideon is her only saving grace.I highly recommend Devils on Horseback~ Gideon by Beth Williamson. It's a wonderful ride from start to finish.
~KIMBERLY~
July 22, 2014
BEST OF THE SERIES!!!!! no joke!
If you've followed my reviews of this series, you have seen a recurring annoyance I have with lack of information on main characters and secondary characters, especially with their pasts and what makes them tick. I want to say that each book, including this one, did have the ONE 'scene/moment' where the H/h would share where they came from etc etc etc. We are talking about a paragraph at most. It wasn't that it wasn't mentioned, is that it wasn't delved into well enough. Certainly not as good as I know Ms Williams can do because I have read a ton of her work.
Anyways, this book felt different to me, but yet the same. It DEFINITELY needed a little what what about her brother and cousin since well .... [you'll have to read the book to know why] ... but I mean POOF, there they were doing what they did and you think poor Chloe was surprised?! I was like .. what the WHAT?!?!?!
Aside from that drama, the book was incredibly witty and funny and made my heart cry on so many times. THIS is what I remember of Ms Williams with her Malloy series. That's the series that hooked me on her writing.
So here we have Gideon, leader of the Devils, running away from home because he's tired of being match-made and really needs some time to screw his head on right just to smack right into Chloe and her family half a day into his journey and they need his help! Of course it was fate, duh! LOL They were paired perfectly! Gideon, a softy at heart but a commanding leader and Chloe, family matriarch and leader yet so very young and inexperienced and naive as well. When they come together sparks fly every time. Nothing happens between the two that doesn't have you smiling or crying!
What a great way to end a series ... or not ... you never know if the town of Tanger has future stories to be told .....
If you've followed my reviews of this series, you have seen a recurring annoyance I have with lack of information on main characters and secondary characters, especially with their pasts and what makes them tick. I want to say that each book, including this one, did have the ONE 'scene/moment' where the H/h would share where they came from etc etc etc. We are talking about a paragraph at most. It wasn't that it wasn't mentioned, is that it wasn't delved into well enough. Certainly not as good as I know Ms Williams can do because I have read a ton of her work.
Anyways, this book felt different to me, but yet the same. It DEFINITELY needed a little what what about her brother and cousin since well .... [you'll have to read the book to know why] ... but I mean POOF, there they were doing what they did and you think poor Chloe was surprised?! I was like .. what the WHAT?!?!?!
Aside from that drama, the book was incredibly witty and funny and made my heart cry on so many times. THIS is what I remember of Ms Williams with her Malloy series. That's the series that hooked me on her writing.
So here we have Gideon, leader of the Devils, running away from home because he's tired of being match-made and really needs some time to screw his head on right just to smack right into Chloe and her family half a day into his journey and they need his help! Of course it was fate, duh! LOL They were paired perfectly! Gideon, a softy at heart but a commanding leader and Chloe, family matriarch and leader yet so very young and inexperienced and naive as well. When they come together sparks fly every time. Nothing happens between the two that doesn't have you smiling or crying!
What a great way to end a series ... or not ... you never know if the town of Tanger has future stories to be told .....
September 27, 2019
Sorry this series is ended
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books and am sorry they have come to an end. I liked this one slightly less though and I think it was because the interplay between the Five 'Devils' do not happen until quite a way through the story. It is their banter and friendship that makes these books lively.
After all the Devils apart from himself settle down and marry, Gideon is on his way to visit Nate, the first friend to be married. He lives several days ride away. While travelling, he aids a family whose wagon wheel has broken and they have been stuck for many days. The family consists of Chloe, her granny and two young girls they had found hiding after their parents were killed. After the girls and granny are kidnapped, Gideon is honour bound to help Chloe search for them.
I have thoroughly enjoyed this series of books and am sorry they have come to an end. I liked this one slightly less though and I think it was because the interplay between the Five 'Devils' do not happen until quite a way through the story. It is their banter and friendship that makes these books lively.
After all the Devils apart from himself settle down and marry, Gideon is on his way to visit Nate, the first friend to be married. He lives several days ride away. While travelling, he aids a family whose wagon wheel has broken and they have been stuck for many days. The family consists of Chloe, her granny and two young girls they had found hiding after their parents were killed. After the girls and granny are kidnapped, Gideon is honour bound to help Chloe search for them.
September 3, 2012
I loved Gideon's story from beginning to end! Chloe brought out the best in him. I loved how Gideon went out of way to help someone he didn't know just because he was a gentleman. Granny was also such a cute character. Gideon and Chloe are both hardworking and stubborn. Working together took time but in the end they were able to figure how to do it. I would recommend tissues because you will need them before the end. Seeing the Devils and their wives from the previous books always put a smile on my face.
March 20, 2013
Of all the Devils books, I liked this one the best.
Gideon was trying to get away from women and go and visit other family. On his way, he stopped to help two women. Gentleman that he is, he helps out even when what he'd rather do is spank the woman who is pissing him off.
Chloe doesn't trust easily, but this man is Huge and interesting. When her family is abducted, even tho he had other plans, Gideon offers to help her.
Things get a little sticky (in more ways then one) along the trail, but in the end...........
I'm not saying more. This is a good historical western romance.
Gideon was trying to get away from women and go and visit other family. On his way, he stopped to help two women. Gentleman that he is, he helps out even when what he'd rather do is spank the woman who is pissing him off.
Chloe doesn't trust easily, but this man is Huge and interesting. When her family is abducted, even tho he had other plans, Gideon offers to help her.
Things get a little sticky (in more ways then one) along the trail, but in the end...........
I'm not saying more. This is a good historical western romance.
May 26, 2011
3.5 stars. While I liked this one, I didn't get the clutch in my gut that tells me I was fully connected to the characters. I felt a little removed from the characters. I love Williamson's writing and voice. I liked Chloe, and I thought Gideon was honorable and strong and yes, a little naughty (even though he tried not to be), but still there was something missing for me.
IMO, Zeke was the most amazing of all the books in this series.
IMO, Zeke was the most amazing of all the books in this series.
August 8, 2011
The conclusion of this series was wonderful. Different from the others because he was running from his life but it still caught up with him in the end. This series was my first of Beth Williamson and will definitely be looking for others to read.
May 21, 2016
This was my least favorite book of the series. I had really high hopes for Gideon, because he was the most mysterious of the bunch. But I just could not like Choler no matter how hard I tried. She was just a bit too bitchy for me and saw no redeeming qualities in her.
September 1, 2019
Sad it's over
Just like the previous 4 in this series, I loved all of it. From the storyline and the way it flows keeping your interest, to the continuing characters of all 5 books. I am looking forward to reading more of the authors books. She doesn't disappoint you.
Just like the previous 4 in this series, I loved all of it. From the storyline and the way it flows keeping your interest, to the continuing characters of all 5 books. I am looking forward to reading more of the authors books. She doesn't disappoint you.
April 24, 2011
I think this my favorite of the Devils. It made me laugh and cry. Wish there were more in this series.
Want to read
September 9, 2016I won this book from First Reads. Looks like a good book. Thank you.
August 15, 2015
Gideon was filled treachery, danger within the town of Tanger,TX but between two people there is wicked hot passion. It was an enjoyable adventure
Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews