What do you think?
Rate this book
Outlaw's Bride
“A very amusing and imaginative romp that has the Joan Johnston stamp of excellence all over it.”—Affaire de CoeurWhen the gorgeous blonde sashayed into Oakville, Ethan Hawk was a goner—until she told him her Patch Kendrick. The tomboy tease he remembered from Fort Benton, Montana, was now a luscious lady hunting for her him! Nothing, not even his outlaw past, would keep Patch off his trail. She knew that Ethan Hawk was the man for her—even when he galloped out of her childhood with a price on his head and nary a backward glance. Now that she’s found him again, she’s armed and ready for love. But before Ethan could yield his heart, he had to clear his name. So Patch set out to find the villain who framed him—and risked ambushing her lifelong dream.
418 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 1, 1993
87 people are currently reading
319 people want to read
About the author
Joan Johnston
126 books751 followersJoan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice)
* Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer
* Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice)
* The Maggie (twice)
* Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
May 20, 2018
The age gap between the couple was a bit weird. He had changed her diapers as a teenager. The antagonist was also very obvious and it was just a matter of time before the author chose to say so.
January 1, 2015
*3.5 stars*
June 13, 2023
liked this more for the plot than the romance
September 5, 2024
Outlaws Bride by Joan Johnston
.
Cover: 5/5 (great detail from book featured!)
Story: 4/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 (+kissing, fade outs, fade ins)
Ending: HEA
.
Stand Alone or Series: Stand alone. Loosely connected to "The Barefoot Bride."
.
Texas, Reconstruction Era (1870s)
Falsely Accused Man
Besotted Young Woman
Age Gap
Unrequited Love
They Team Up
American Western HR
Age Gap (29f/32m)
Family in Plot
Danger & Peril
Decades Long Grudge
.
**Please see the courtesy content warning for this book near the end of the review before reading**
.
Here is the thing, I was here for the plot more than the romance by a long shot with "Outlaw's Bride." While I don't have any "triggers" within books and other media, this book isn't for the faint of heart as it centers around a nearly two decades crime to which the hero, Ethan, has been falsely linked to. While he did serve time for the death of a neighbor he accidentally caused, the entire town still believes he committed and got away with, a grizzly crime that left a now 30-year-old woman with the mind of a 13-year-old girl. This book is heavy on the mystery plot with the romantic storyline being a bonus.
This is an age-gap romance, which is not unusual for a historical romance. Usually, I can look past the age gap with no issue, and for the most part, I was able to do just that while reading this book. However, the author chose to repeatedly mention how Ethan knew Patch not only as a small child but also as a small child in which he changed the diapers. Ethan always knew Patch as a young teenager in which he remembers having "budding breasts." Keep in mind he was 25 years old at the time. I'm not sorry, but it was a weird choice to write the age gap as it was written. If these odd passages had not been included, this book would have likely been a five-star read. Even in the early 1990s, it was creepy.
An interesting this about this book is that it features multiple POVs in which Johnston excelled at flipping between without the reader ever being confused as to which character's mind we were in. As this book centered so much on the mystery plot, I feel the more than average multiple POV use was incredibly important.
There are so many twists and turns in this book! It kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat. The sense of danger slowly creeps up on you. Looking back, you can tell who the villain is in the story early on, but while reading, Johnston had me asking myself if it could truly be the person I thought it was. The villain is a real creep and you can't help but wonder what else he has done that no one knows about.
I would also like to note that the ending is rather abrupt. I wish there had been an epilogue.
As for steam, Johnston uses non-explicit language. Scenes are brief but still open door.
.
Read as a physical copy.
.
Content Warning-
**Courtesy warning that this book largely centers around the S.A. of a minor female, including recollection of events displayed on page.
CW from this point on may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
S.A of minor female
Cruel treatment of a person with mental differences
G*n vi*lence and injury
Physical vi*lence
S.A of minor female- on page, as a memory with details of crime
Attempted S.A- on page
De*th by g*n- on page
Attempted m*rder- on page, multiple
De*th of animal- cat and mouse
.
Cover: 5/5 (great detail from book featured!)
Story: 4/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 (+kissing, fade outs, fade ins)
Ending: HEA
.
Stand Alone or Series: Stand alone. Loosely connected to "The Barefoot Bride."
.
Texas, Reconstruction Era (1870s)
Falsely Accused Man
Besotted Young Woman
Age Gap
Unrequited Love
They Team Up
American Western HR
Age Gap (29f/32m)
Family in Plot
Danger & Peril
Decades Long Grudge
.
**Please see the courtesy content warning for this book near the end of the review before reading**
.
Here is the thing, I was here for the plot more than the romance by a long shot with "Outlaw's Bride." While I don't have any "triggers" within books and other media, this book isn't for the faint of heart as it centers around a nearly two decades crime to which the hero, Ethan, has been falsely linked to. While he did serve time for the death of a neighbor he accidentally caused, the entire town still believes he committed and got away with, a grizzly crime that left a now 30-year-old woman with the mind of a 13-year-old girl. This book is heavy on the mystery plot with the romantic storyline being a bonus.
This is an age-gap romance, which is not unusual for a historical romance. Usually, I can look past the age gap with no issue, and for the most part, I was able to do just that while reading this book. However, the author chose to repeatedly mention how Ethan knew Patch not only as a small child but also as a small child in which he changed the diapers. Ethan always knew Patch as a young teenager in which he remembers having "budding breasts." Keep in mind he was 25 years old at the time. I'm not sorry, but it was a weird choice to write the age gap as it was written. If these odd passages had not been included, this book would have likely been a five-star read. Even in the early 1990s, it was creepy.
An interesting this about this book is that it features multiple POVs in which Johnston excelled at flipping between without the reader ever being confused as to which character's mind we were in. As this book centered so much on the mystery plot, I feel the more than average multiple POV use was incredibly important.
There are so many twists and turns in this book! It kept my attention and had me on the edge of my seat. The sense of danger slowly creeps up on you. Looking back, you can tell who the villain is in the story early on, but while reading, Johnston had me asking myself if it could truly be the person I thought it was. The villain is a real creep and you can't help but wonder what else he has done that no one knows about.
I would also like to note that the ending is rather abrupt. I wish there had been an epilogue.
As for steam, Johnston uses non-explicit language. Scenes are brief but still open door.
.
Read as a physical copy.
.
Content Warning-
**Courtesy warning that this book largely centers around the S.A. of a minor female, including recollection of events displayed on page.
CW from this point on may contain spoilers):
.
.
.
.
.
S.A of minor female
Cruel treatment of a person with mental differences
G*n vi*lence and injury
Physical vi*lence
S.A of minor female- on page, as a memory with details of crime
Attempted S.A- on page
De*th by g*n- on page
Attempted m*rder- on page, multiple
De*th of animal- cat and mouse
August 19, 2017
yeah I loved it.
July 19, 2021
At the 80% mark this was going to be a 4or 5 star read for me but that went down hill. Patch asked Ethan when she was 12 to marry her. Years later he left and never came back so she went to find him to keep his promise. The age difference was a little weird at first but I think the author did a good job at making patch realize that her feeling from 12 unlit present were different. Patch is a determined hard working young women. She tries so hard to act like a women. It’s charming when the Bad mouth tomboy comes out
. I really enjoyed a lot of the side characters in the book from Ethans best friends and family. Even the crooked sheriff.
Now how the book dropped to a two star read. When the bad guy come on it was so obviously from the first couple of scenes with him. Even thought he was handsome and charming the way he acted was he was jealousy of Ethan his whole life.
Ok the scene that really pissed me of was when Ethan found out that his best friend betrayed him and all Patch could say to him was” so we can marry now”. Like I knew was selfish she didn’t care about a girl that got raped pst trauma, keep wanted to marry Ethan. Even though he didn’t want to marry her because of his past. But to say that to the man she loves instead of sympathizing with his hurt for a man he considered his brother. I mean really. I really only finished to see if the side couple got together. her regaining her memory at like the perfect time was so unrealistic. She doesn’t remember anything before her rape for like 17 years and then all of A sudden she remembers everything. And we didn’t get a good conclusion to that story any way. We got Ethans proposal to patch at the cave. Like I care.
So could have been 4.5 but with that selfish line the heroine dropped it’s a 2 for me.
. I really enjoyed a lot of the side characters in the book from Ethans best friends and family. Even the crooked sheriff.
Now how the book dropped to a two star read. When the bad guy come on it was so obviously from the first couple of scenes with him. Even thought he was handsome and charming the way he acted was he was jealousy of Ethan his whole life.
Ok the scene that really pissed me of was when Ethan found out that his best friend betrayed him and all Patch could say to him was” so we can marry now”. Like I knew was selfish she didn’t care about a girl that got raped pst trauma, keep wanted to marry Ethan. Even though he didn’t want to marry her because of his past. But to say that to the man she loves instead of sympathizing with his hurt for a man he considered his brother. I mean really. I really only finished to see if the side couple got together. her regaining her memory at like the perfect time was so unrealistic. She doesn’t remember anything before her rape for like 17 years and then all of A sudden she remembers everything. And we didn’t get a good conclusion to that story any way. We got Ethans proposal to patch at the cave. Like I care.
So could have been 4.5 but with that selfish line the heroine dropped it’s a 2 for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 16, 2020
This was a somewhat random book I grabbed from a pile when I was borrowing books. I was trying something different from my usual read, and I don't regret this one. It's historical fiction, which I don't normally read, and when I do, I tend to be picky about it. But, it's also a romance, which I tend to only read if there is a paranormal aspect, which this one did not have.
It helped that Patch was a "hoyden," as the book states, a tomboy, and also trying to be a lady. It's more interesting when the girls aren't outright a lady. I liked Ethan too, but there wasn't much unique about him, which was fine. I think all the characters were portrayed well.
As I said, I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this one. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find more by this author. If I do find more, I'll probably read them.
It helped that Patch was a "hoyden," as the book states, a tomboy, and also trying to be a lady. It's more interesting when the girls aren't outright a lady. I liked Ethan too, but there wasn't much unique about him, which was fine. I think all the characters were portrayed well.
As I said, I stepped out of my comfort zone to read this one. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't go out of my way to find more by this author. If I do find more, I'll probably read them.
July 9, 2017
Yes loved this Patch and Ethan . This is my first Joan Johnston book. Let's just say I can't wait to read another book by her. This book has some mystery,suspense, romance and a very hot cowboy. Oh yeah and this is a historical romance. Best of all this book is only $2 can't beat that price!!!!
October 23, 2017
Loved it!!
What a great second part to the Barefoot Bride. Very descriptive character development and storyline. Love a good romance with mystery and drama thrown in. Enjoy!!
What a great second part to the Barefoot Bride. Very descriptive character development and storyline. Love a good romance with mystery and drama thrown in. Enjoy!!
October 31, 2017
DNF at 30%. I simply didn't feel any connection with either the h or H. I have liked Joan Johnson books previously. This one was just not for me.
September 11, 2019
Compelling characters in a gorgeous romamce. A devious plot against our hero, a ranch fallen into disrepair, a town ruled by a greedy rancher and the lady who is doing her durndest to fix it all.
library
July 30, 20210
October 28, 2022
Fabulous book. I loved it
February 22, 2024
Good book
I love a good Western romance throw in a little mystery and you have good and different kind of read.
I love a good Western romance throw in a little mystery and you have good and different kind of read.
September 9, 2025
You can't
Go wrong with a Joan Johnston book. I've been a fan since Cricket and her sisters. Give her a try!
Go wrong with a Joan Johnston book. I've been a fan since Cricket and her sisters. Give her a try!
June 24, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It could easily have been a 5 star book except for all the editing errors. In fact this 5 star book should be 3 1/2 stars due to the editing errors. When I finished barefoot bride (which you should read before this book) I was left wondering what happened with Patch & Ethan Hawk!!! I’m so happy that you wrote their story. Thank you!!! Highly recommend this book and this author. I look forward to reading THE INHERITANCE whose hero is a bounty Hunter name Nick Calloway who has an appearance in the Outlaw’s Bride.
August 20, 2014
I go my wish and read Patch and Ethan's story. Years later and all grown up, Patch sets out to find Ethan and hold him to his promise to marry her. Boy did she get that and more. A whole lot happen in this story which made it a good one. Didn't take long to figure out the bad guy but you always wonder why they do it. Good story.
May 29, 2016
Grade: F
Like a torturously long Harlequin romance. Juvenile dialog, cumbersome storyline, cartoonish characters. Couldn't finish it.
Like a torturously long Harlequin romance. Juvenile dialog, cumbersome storyline, cartoonish characters. Couldn't finish it.
November 14, 2015
I knew the villian was Boyd. I finished the story to see how it would end.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 2, 2016
Patch & Eathan
Read
June 11, 2016Used - Good (Some spine creases)
July 8, 2016
Very nice
This book kept me on edge. I really wanted to know who is the culprit. plus the side characters were nice with good flashbacks and good side stories.
This book kept me on edge. I really wanted to know who is the culprit. plus the side characters were nice with good flashbacks and good side stories.
August 2, 2016
Typical outlaw romance nothing new
October 28, 2016
This one was an absolute LOVE!!!
I wanted the culprit to be caught but I didn't wanna end this book!
More than Patch and Ethan..Frank and Merielle..perfect.
I wanted the culprit to be caught but I didn't wanna end this book!
More than Patch and Ethan..Frank and Merielle..perfect.
April 4, 2017
I really liked this book. I have read this author before and have enjoyed her books.
This book had a lot of twists and turns. After the horrific rape of Merielle Trahern that left her forever locked in her mind as a 12 year old child. Everyone thinks Ethan Hawk is guilty of it. He has already spent time in prison for killing her brother. Merielle's father wants him dead. Patricia Kendrick has come to find Ethan too, so she can marry him. You will like all the characters in this book laugh with some and cry with others but you will love the read.
This book had a lot of twists and turns. After the horrific rape of Merielle Trahern that left her forever locked in her mind as a 12 year old child. Everyone thinks Ethan Hawk is guilty of it. He has already spent time in prison for killing her brother. Merielle's father wants him dead. Patricia Kendrick has come to find Ethan too, so she can marry him. You will like all the characters in this book laugh with some and cry with others but you will love the read.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews