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Willow Creek #1
The Lawman
The Willow Creek Series, Book 1
On the run from her ex-lover, jilted by a no-show husband and now mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back saloon, Abigail Thornton doesn’t think things can get any worse. That is until a single slap to a man’s face starts a barroom brawl that lands her in the last place she expected to be.
Town Marshal Morgan Avery wants nothing more than to wash away the trail-dust and sleep for a week, preferably with a soft, willing woman by his side. Instead, he gets Abigail Thornton – all one hundred pounds of her thrust at him seconds before a fist connects with his face. Breaking up the fight takes more effort than he wants to admit and when the last man falls he finds Abigail still standing and not looking the least bit contrite.
Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or that was the plan. When morning comes he finds himself oddly reluctant to do so. Miss Thornton is hiding something and he aims to find out what, even if he has to bed her to do so. But will one night in her bed be enough?
On the run from her ex-lover, jilted by a no-show husband and now mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back saloon, Abigail Thornton doesn’t think things can get any worse. That is until a single slap to a man’s face starts a barroom brawl that lands her in the last place she expected to be.
Town Marshal Morgan Avery wants nothing more than to wash away the trail-dust and sleep for a week, preferably with a soft, willing woman by his side. Instead, he gets Abigail Thornton – all one hundred pounds of her thrust at him seconds before a fist connects with his face. Breaking up the fight takes more effort than he wants to admit and when the last man falls he finds Abigail still standing and not looking the least bit contrite.
Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or that was the plan. When morning comes he finds himself oddly reluctant to do so. Miss Thornton is hiding something and he aims to find out what, even if he has to bed her to do so. But will one night in her bed be enough?
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First published November 23, 2011
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About the author
Lily Graison
48 books459 followersLily Graison is a USA TODAY bestselling author of historical western romances. She also writes a variety of genres under the name L. R. Grasion. Most all of her stories lean heavily to the spicy side with strong female leads and heroes who tend to always get what they want. On occasion, she can be found penning ‘sweet’ romances with chaste kisses and wholesome values. Ever a romantic, she believes in love at first sight and has a tendency to fall for bad-boy romance heroes.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
May 29, 2013
3.5 stars
Year-1869. Whilst Abigail in on the run from her ex lover, she comes upon a town called Willow Creek. From the minute she arrives, she brings more trouble than all is worth. She get's mistaken by a whore, and when a man wants to take her upstairs and she doesn't give in, let's just say all hell breaks loose in the saloon. A saloon where no woman are allowed for particular reasons.
When Town Marshal Morgan Avery plans on going to the saloon for some whiskey shots and a little woman company, he doesn't plan on getting punched in the face, and having a very attractive woman straddle him the moment he steps through the door. When he soon finds out that she was the one who caused all the chaos, he's rather intrigued.Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or rather, that was the plan.
The Lawman is set in a beautiful countryside. I love cowboys. Who doesn't? And i especially loved that it was set in the 18th century, i adore that era. If i could have a time travel machine, this would be the first place/time i would go. But there was a little let down for me. I am a history geek and i'v studied this era in uni not long ago, and there were some mistakes. I wish the author would have done a better research *sight*.
Abigail was an OK protagonists. I liked her. She was stubborn, had an attitude, and could hold her ground. But i felt like she was using Morgan for protection against her ex-lover, and that didn't sit well for me.
Morgan was alright too. He could be nice and sweet, but mostly he acted like most men - all they looked at were boobs and how to get a woman in bed with them. At one point he even thought about cheating on Abigail! The prick had the nerve!
I think one of the reasons why this book is a 3.5 star rating is because i couldn't connect with the characters, and i felt like even they couldn't connect with each other.
The romance is another big minus.It was wayyy too rushed. I don't understand why authors do that these days. I felt like there was only lust between Morgan and Abigail. We don't get to see when or why they fell in love with each other. They just do after a while. Morgan and Abigail only knew each other for maximum a week and they already got married. I was like
Overall, The Lawman was an OK start to the series. It was sadly nothing amazing or captivating. But it was indeed an amusing, sexy and fast read! I will definitely continue onto the next book as soon as possible because i have a feeling it'll be so much better! The plot already is.
"You've no reason to be scared, Abigail. I'll always protect you. No matter what it is." He pulled her to him and gave her a soft kiss. "I love you, you know. There isn't much i wouldn't do for you."
Year-1869. Whilst Abigail in on the run from her ex lover, she comes upon a town called Willow Creek. From the minute she arrives, she brings more trouble than all is worth. She get's mistaken by a whore, and when a man wants to take her upstairs and she doesn't give in, let's just say all hell breaks loose in the saloon. A saloon where no woman are allowed for particular reasons.
When Town Marshal Morgan Avery plans on going to the saloon for some whiskey shots and a little woman company, he doesn't plan on getting punched in the face, and having a very attractive woman straddle him the moment he steps through the door. When he soon finds out that she was the one who caused all the chaos, he's rather intrigued.Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or rather, that was the plan.
'His fingers teased her inner thigh, tickling a path to her center before delving into her moist heat. Abigail parted her knees and sucked in a harsh breath, her eyes fluttering closed before she gasped when he impaled with her two fingers.'
The Lawman is set in a beautiful countryside. I love cowboys. Who doesn't? And i especially loved that it was set in the 18th century, i adore that era. If i could have a time travel machine, this would be the first place/time i would go. But there was a little let down for me. I am a history geek and i'v studied this era in uni not long ago, and there were some mistakes. I wish the author would have done a better research *sight*.
He moaned deep in his throat, his eyes fluttering closed brefly before he looked down at her and angled his hips in such a fashion that with every push, Abigail felt a small wash of pleasure trickle from her center and explode to every nerve ending.
Abigail was an OK protagonists. I liked her. She was stubborn, had an attitude, and could hold her ground. But i felt like she was using Morgan for protection against her ex-lover, and that didn't sit well for me.
Morgan was alright too. He could be nice and sweet, but mostly he acted like most men - all they looked at were boobs and how to get a woman in bed with them. At one point he even thought about cheating on Abigail! The prick had the nerve!
This man, a man who wore his heart in his eyes, looked at her as if nothing else mattered.
I think one of the reasons why this book is a 3.5 star rating is because i couldn't connect with the characters, and i felt like even they couldn't connect with each other.
The romance is another big minus.It was wayyy too rushed. I don't understand why authors do that these days. I felt like there was only lust between Morgan and Abigail. We don't get to see when or why they fell in love with each other. They just do after a while. Morgan and Abigail only knew each other for maximum a week and they already got married. I was like
Overall, The Lawman was an OK start to the series. It was sadly nothing amazing or captivating. But it was indeed an amusing, sexy and fast read! I will definitely continue onto the next book as soon as possible because i have a feeling it'll be so much better! The plot already is.
"Too tired to eat but not too tired to have me on your kitchen table?" He gave her a look before smiling, "It's our table now. You can sit on it bare ass naked anytime you like."
November 29, 2011
“The thing is, emotion - if it's visibly felt by the writer - will go through all the processes it takes to publish a story and still hit the reader right in the gut. But you have to really mean it.”
- by Anne McCaffrey -
2 1/2 stars. Actually, I wanted to round up, but after this implausible ending (see spoiler) I decided to downgrade it.
Please read the blurb for a brief synopsis. I'm going to cut to the chase of the matter.
I had high expectations when I started to read The Lawman. Unfortunately this story just didn’t do it for me. There are numerous reasons why I didn’t really like it.
The hero is so single-minded. He’s too often horny. Even in the beginning when he enters the saloon, he has a problem with his groin. The author referred him as being mindless and single-minded when it comes to sex.
<…>He f*cked in the same manner. Mindless, hard pounding thrusts that forced a gasp from her throat...<...>
Exactly! Mindless! Both of them – certainly the hero – were in lust with each other. But where was the passion, the bone-deep desire, the longing, the emotions between Morgan and Abigail??? I didn’t feel any chemistry. Abigail was so focused to getting married that everything seemed like a business arrangement. I got it that they didn’t marry for love. Having said that, it is just inadequate to say ILY in the end. That didn’t ring true because there was never enough character and relationship development between these two. The sex scenes were poorly written; too cold, clinical, and too short. When the act was over I thought “That’s it?” Additionally, the whole story was too short and the plot too weak. The Lawman is not a novella; I’d say it is about the half of a normal novel. This story couldn't spellbind me; the writing was not good enough, and I felt rather bored at times. I wanted it to be over.
***************SPOILER********************
I couldn’t believe that Morgan was able to fight against Fletcher after he got shot and was half death. That was a miracle and didn’t ring true either.
The bad guy, Fletcher, killed a man and IMO Abigail acted as accessory to murder, and therefore should be charged for that crime. Of course that didn’t happen because her marshal was there to protect her. That felt odd and not logic.
***********END OF SPOILER******************
Overall I’ve certainly read worse but fortunately I’ve read way better stories than The Lawman as well.
- by Anne McCaffrey -
2 1/2 stars. Actually, I wanted to round up, but after this implausible ending (see spoiler) I decided to downgrade it.
Please read the blurb for a brief synopsis. I'm going to cut to the chase of the matter.
I had high expectations when I started to read The Lawman. Unfortunately this story just didn’t do it for me. There are numerous reasons why I didn’t really like it.
The hero is so single-minded. He’s too often horny. Even in the beginning when he enters the saloon, he has a problem with his groin. The author referred him as being mindless and single-minded when it comes to sex.
<…>He f*cked in the same manner. Mindless, hard pounding thrusts that forced a gasp from her throat...<...>
Exactly! Mindless! Both of them – certainly the hero – were in lust with each other. But where was the passion, the bone-deep desire, the longing, the emotions between Morgan and Abigail??? I didn’t feel any chemistry. Abigail was so focused to getting married that everything seemed like a business arrangement. I got it that they didn’t marry for love. Having said that, it is just inadequate to say ILY in the end. That didn’t ring true because there was never enough character and relationship development between these two. The sex scenes were poorly written; too cold, clinical, and too short. When the act was over I thought “That’s it?” Additionally, the whole story was too short and the plot too weak. The Lawman is not a novella; I’d say it is about the half of a normal novel. This story couldn't spellbind me; the writing was not good enough, and I felt rather bored at times. I wanted it to be over.
***************SPOILER********************
I couldn’t believe that Morgan was able to fight against Fletcher after he got shot and was half death. That was a miracle and didn’t ring true either.
The bad guy, Fletcher, killed a man and IMO Abigail acted as accessory to murder, and therefore should be charged for that crime. Of course that didn’t happen because her marshal was there to protect her. That felt odd and not logic.
***********END OF SPOILER******************
Overall I’ve certainly read worse but fortunately I’ve read way better stories than The Lawman as well.
Want to read
August 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (5/28/2019)! 🎁
August 28, 2013
I have been reading a lot of free Kindle books lately, hence the plethora of romance novels I've been reviewing. I have come across a wide gamut of books in this way. Everything from garbage to good to would be great with an editor's help to awesome in every way. Sometimes I'm even lucky enough to stumble on a big name author or title for free. So I can't really complain...but I'm going to anyway.
I understand self publishing, what I don't understand is not having your friends or family read what you've written before self publishing. It can really make all the difference in the world. Even if they don't know much about writing, there are little things they may catch that the writer will not since they know what it's supposed to say and may skim over the errors.
That being said, this book would have gotten 4 stars if there had been anyone looking behind the author and fixing some mistakes. I really enjoyed the story and thought it was great to have a heroine in the old west not be so prim and proper and shocked if you looked at her wrong like most authors write. Sadly, the punctuation was off so often throughout this book that it pulled me out of the story. I am a fairly fast reader and find it distracting when I have to go back and read a line a second or even third time to figure out what the author is trying to say - all because a comma is placed incorrectly. We all know that a comma, period, semi-colon, etc. can drastically change the meaning and tone of a sentence.
Other than that, I enjoyed the characters and story telling in this book. I will pick up the next in the series at some point and hope that the author's punctuation got better.
I understand self publishing, what I don't understand is not having your friends or family read what you've written before self publishing. It can really make all the difference in the world. Even if they don't know much about writing, there are little things they may catch that the writer will not since they know what it's supposed to say and may skim over the errors.
That being said, this book would have gotten 4 stars if there had been anyone looking behind the author and fixing some mistakes. I really enjoyed the story and thought it was great to have a heroine in the old west not be so prim and proper and shocked if you looked at her wrong like most authors write. Sadly, the punctuation was off so often throughout this book that it pulled me out of the story. I am a fairly fast reader and find it distracting when I have to go back and read a line a second or even third time to figure out what the author is trying to say - all because a comma is placed incorrectly. We all know that a comma, period, semi-colon, etc. can drastically change the meaning and tone of a sentence.
Other than that, I enjoyed the characters and story telling in this book. I will pick up the next in the series at some point and hope that the author's punctuation got better.
July 28, 2013
I didn't think I would think much of this book, honestly. It was free on Amazon Kindle & I had just gotten done with Angel by Johanna Lindsey & was on a cowboy kick so I downloaded The Lawman and got started.
Who knew I would end up finishing this short book in a few hours. I literally could not put it down. I fell for Morgan Avery and I really loved his relationship with Abigail. The only real thing I was dissatisfied with in this book was how short it was. I was left wanting more, so I was excited to find out it was only the first of the Willow Creek Series and there was still more to come with the Avery brothers.
Alas, you must be prepared when you read this book. This isn't going to be some hard hitting F. Scott Fitzgerald drama that is life changing and makes you really think. This is a great book if you are just looking to pass some time and have a little fun. The language can be vulgar at times and it does have a few typos here and there. Also, it is the classic cowboy/western storyline of guy likes girl, but is tough and isn't the marrying kind, but hey! I like those books obviously.
So like I said, if you are wanting a quick little romance/smut story in your life, pick up this book. Who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself trying to decide who your favorite Avery brother is.
Who knew I would end up finishing this short book in a few hours. I literally could not put it down. I fell for Morgan Avery and I really loved his relationship with Abigail. The only real thing I was dissatisfied with in this book was how short it was. I was left wanting more, so I was excited to find out it was only the first of the Willow Creek Series and there was still more to come with the Avery brothers.
Alas, you must be prepared when you read this book. This isn't going to be some hard hitting F. Scott Fitzgerald drama that is life changing and makes you really think. This is a great book if you are just looking to pass some time and have a little fun. The language can be vulgar at times and it does have a few typos here and there. Also, it is the classic cowboy/western storyline of guy likes girl, but is tough and isn't the marrying kind, but hey! I like those books obviously.
So like I said, if you are wanting a quick little romance/smut story in your life, pick up this book. Who knows? Maybe you'll find yourself trying to decide who your favorite Avery brother is.
December 14, 2011
4.5 Stars
You should have seen my happy dance when I found out I would be getting an ARC of The Lawman. These feet were movin baby - movin I tells ya.
When asked to review the latest Lily Graison release, I had no hesitation. Lily is one of my go-to girls for sexy romances that always leave me sated with a warm, happy smile on my face. So today was a good day for me.
Yet again I wasn’t disappointed by Lily’s work. The Lawman was a torturously seductive story, with the perfect mix of romance, drama and heat between two characters that made me glow with excitement.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Lawman himself – was a roguishly handsome, sex god of a man, with his green eyes, long dark hair and a ravenous appetite for Abigail. While Abby on the other hand was far from timid and had a long list of secrets that kept surprising me right till the final chapter.
I devoured this book in one afternoon, enjoying the emotional ride and feeling 100% invested in the way Abigail and Morgan's story would turn out.
I honestly cannot wait until the second and subsequent books are released in this series.
You should have seen my happy dance when I found out I would be getting an ARC of The Lawman. These feet were movin baby - movin I tells ya.
When asked to review the latest Lily Graison release, I had no hesitation. Lily is one of my go-to girls for sexy romances that always leave me sated with a warm, happy smile on my face. So today was a good day for me.
Yet again I wasn’t disappointed by Lily’s work. The Lawman was a torturously seductive story, with the perfect mix of romance, drama and heat between two characters that made me glow with excitement.
I thoroughly enjoyed it. The Lawman himself – was a roguishly handsome, sex god of a man, with his green eyes, long dark hair and a ravenous appetite for Abigail. While Abby on the other hand was far from timid and had a long list of secrets that kept surprising me right till the final chapter.
I devoured this book in one afternoon, enjoying the emotional ride and feeling 100% invested in the way Abigail and Morgan's story would turn out.
I honestly cannot wait until the second and subsequent books are released in this series.
May 5, 2016
Spoiler Ahead This was an ok read for me. This was the first book in a new series too me and this is the first time reading this author. Abigail Thornton is on the run from her ex when she is mistaken for a whore. Marshal Morgan Avery has just come in from a long, hard dirty man hunt and wants nothing more than a stiff drink and a night spent in the arms of one the saloon whores. Before he can even get to the bar, he is flattened by a pretty stranger that leads to a busted lip, a black eye, and more pain than he cares to endure. Having his evening thwarted, he throws the spitfire in jail until his temper cools and he gets to the bottom of the secret she is hiding. I liked Morgan a lot he was kind caring and loved his family he also used his position to get revenge. I also liked Abigail she was smart sassy and didn't back down. This book was a short quick read that I wished was longer. This book was well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
September 29, 2013
Pretty standard, melodramatic romance fare with nothing at all to distinguish it from other badly written fantasy fodder. No real chemistry, no character development, a pretty weak plot and improbable situations. Another one of those stories that feels like someone just wanted to write some sex scenes, but knew she needed some kind of story to string them together. Fairly lame attempt at romance.
October 17, 2024
DNF @ 19%.
I just have to laugh at myself. Idk what was going on with me at some point way back when but I think I was just downloading every free book I came across. I’m trying to read books I’ve had on my Kindle for ages, this being one of them, and it’s of course just garbage.
😂🙈
Another DNF to add to the year!
I just have to laugh at myself. Idk what was going on with me at some point way back when but I think I was just downloading every free book I came across. I’m trying to read books I’ve had on my Kindle for ages, this being one of them, and it’s of course just garbage.
😂🙈
Another DNF to add to the year!
June 4, 2013
133 pages
A western set in 1869 Willow Creek. A nice quick read for readers who like their cowboys rough, ready and randy and a feisty heroine with secrets.
Sparks fly when Marshall Morgan Avery and Abigail Thornton meet at the Diamond Back Saloon. He makes no apology for jailing her skinny little ^%# for a host of legal reasons that he has no problem counting off but trumping them all? She’s too damn cute for her own good, she irritates the hell out of him and it’s her fault he’s now so battered he is physically unable to enjoy the buxom charms of one of the upstairs ladies (something he does with such regularity, gossip has it he spends more time in their beds than his own).
“So,” Holden said, grinning. “What’s the story of the woman?”
Abigail Thornton’s face came instantly to mind and Morgan fought the urge to smile.
“She destroyed all this?” Holden shook his head. “One little woman caused all this damage?” He turned to look at what remained of the Diamond Back Saloon. “She must be one hell of a wild cat to break all this shit.”
She was a wild cat, all right. Her claws came out the moment he [Morgan] spoke to her and she hadn’t retracted them yet. The fire in her eyes hadn’t dimmed since then either. The scorn he’d seen in them was directed at him and him alone but whatever it took he was going to find out what made Abigail Thornton tick and in the process find out what she's hiding from him.
Abigail is running for her life. Abandoned and penniless she desperately needs a husband and readily admits to needing a man sexually. I had to reread that again. A heroine admitting she has sexual needs like the hero? Oh my gosh. Loved it. No wilting wallflower is our Abigail. While she casts her eye round her gaze keeps veering back to the Marshall and the heat simmering between them but he's not in the market for a wife. Or is he?
The Lawman contains sexual situations, profanities and violence. I’d rate it for a mature audience.
own-need-to-read
April 28, 2013Free today on amazon and Smashwords!
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Lawman-Willow-Creek-Se...
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
This is not a review...
The Willow Creek Series, Book 1
On the run from her ex-lover, jilted by a no-show husband and now mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back saloon, Abigail Thornton doesn’t think things can get any worse. That is until a single slap to a man’s face starts a barroom brawl that lands her in the last place she expected to be.
Town Marshal Morgan Avery wants nothing more than to wash away the trail-dust and sleep for a week, preferably with a soft, willing woman by his side. Instead, he gets Abigail Thornton – all one hundred pounds of her thrust at him seconds before a fist connects with his face. Breaking up the fight takes more effort than he wants to admit and when the last man falls he finds Abigail still standing and not looking the least bit contrite.
Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or that was the plan. When morning comes he finds himself oddly reluctant to do so. Miss Thornton is hiding something and he aims to find out what, even if he has to bed her to do so. But will one night in her bed be enough?
Amazon: www.amazon.com/Lawman-Willow-Creek-Se...
Smashwords: http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/...
This is not a review...
The Willow Creek Series, Book 1
On the run from her ex-lover, jilted by a no-show husband and now mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back saloon, Abigail Thornton doesn’t think things can get any worse. That is until a single slap to a man’s face starts a barroom brawl that lands her in the last place she expected to be.
Town Marshal Morgan Avery wants nothing more than to wash away the trail-dust and sleep for a week, preferably with a soft, willing woman by his side. Instead, he gets Abigail Thornton – all one hundred pounds of her thrust at him seconds before a fist connects with his face. Breaking up the fight takes more effort than he wants to admit and when the last man falls he finds Abigail still standing and not looking the least bit contrite.
Throwing her into the town jail for the night would salve his wounded pride and then he will let her go. Or that was the plan. When morning comes he finds himself oddly reluctant to do so. Miss Thornton is hiding something and he aims to find out what, even if he has to bed her to do so. But will one night in her bed be enough?
August 2, 2013
I normally don’t like old western Romances, with salons, town sheriff’s, and lady’s with big fluffy dresses. This book on the other hand just sucked me right in to the story line. This book was a delight to read!
Abigail was running from someone in her past. She needed to get married, and change her name. She traveled to Willow Creek. It didn’t take her long for trouble to find her, and for her to find and meet Morgan the town sheriff. The romance between the two was sweet, and at times funny! There is so much I would like to tell you about this book that I enjoyed, but I don’t want to spoil the story for you. This is one you will just have to read!
Abigail was running from someone in her past. She needed to get married, and change her name. She traveled to Willow Creek. It didn’t take her long for trouble to find her, and for her to find and meet Morgan the town sheriff. The romance between the two was sweet, and at times funny! There is so much I would like to tell you about this book that I enjoyed, but I don’t want to spoil the story for you. This is one you will just have to read!
November 17, 2013
Editing.
Editing and proof reading would have vastly improved this book.
The punctuation errors alone almost made me toss the book, but the actual story (when I could see beyond the errors) kept me reading to the end. The final third of the book could have been far deeper and emotional. I think the author loved the first half of the book and wanted to just get to the ending.
Editing and proof reading would have vastly improved this book.
The punctuation errors alone almost made me toss the book, but the actual story (when I could see beyond the errors) kept me reading to the end. The final third of the book could have been far deeper and emotional. I think the author loved the first half of the book and wanted to just get to the ending.
May 13, 2017
Beautiful start to a series. I had to return for the other Willow Creek books. The Avery brothers are a tight knit family, honest and loyal. True to the time period, the book painted images as it portrayed the story of two people falling in love. There was angst, tender moments, danger and character growth. If you love historical western romance, this book is for you! ***Adult content***
September 13, 2020
The Lawman, bk #1 in the Willow Creek series by Lily Graison is a gritty and somewhat realistic portrayal of small town life in Montana, 1869 for women of minimal means and the men who ranched and lived off the spartan land.
Penniless, on-the-run, and alone, Abigail Thornton/FMC receives news that her soon-to-be Mail-Order husband has been arrested and imprisoned for a crime he committed days before her own arrival to town.
Marshal Morgan Avery/MMC returns to town after a week of hunting down criminals and eating trail dust. He desires only a shower, a meal, and a willing woman. Instead he is greeted with an out-of-control saloon fight, fists and objects flying, and Abigail falling into his lap. He is neither satisfied nor amused. He has a woman to deal with, but not as he’d intended.
I failed to truly connect with either of the characters in The Lawman. It may have been the open sexuality (I read a mix of genres - with Steamy romances in the mix) - but I couldn’t help but think “disease” and “unplanned pregnancy” as I read certain paragraphs in The Lawman. (The women may have had little to no choice in the matter but the men/Morgan certainly did). I would have liked to have seen Abigail more straightforward with Morgan as well. She kept him in the dark until the end. That being said, Lawman is book#1 in an ongoing series that may be enjoyed by readers who enjoy the Marriage of Convenience trope and Westerns with a HEA written in a somewhat gritty style.
READER CAUTIONS -
Profanity - Yes. Pehaps 10-12x.
Sexual situations - Yes. “Whores and whoring” mentioned in the first chapter; on-scene sexual intimacy between the 2 main characters and reference to their past sexual partners.
Violence - Yes. Similar to Westerns Bonanza & Gunsmoke.
Not recommended for readers of Clean fiction or YA readers.
Penniless, on-the-run, and alone, Abigail Thornton/FMC receives news that her soon-to-be Mail-Order husband has been arrested and imprisoned for a crime he committed days before her own arrival to town.
Marshal Morgan Avery/MMC returns to town after a week of hunting down criminals and eating trail dust. He desires only a shower, a meal, and a willing woman. Instead he is greeted with an out-of-control saloon fight, fists and objects flying, and Abigail falling into his lap. He is neither satisfied nor amused. He has a woman to deal with, but not as he’d intended.
I failed to truly connect with either of the characters in The Lawman. It may have been the open sexuality (I read a mix of genres - with Steamy romances in the mix) - but I couldn’t help but think “disease” and “unplanned pregnancy” as I read certain paragraphs in The Lawman. (The women may have had little to no choice in the matter but the men/Morgan certainly did). I would have liked to have seen Abigail more straightforward with Morgan as well. She kept him in the dark until the end. That being said, Lawman is book#1 in an ongoing series that may be enjoyed by readers who enjoy the Marriage of Convenience trope and Westerns with a HEA written in a somewhat gritty style.
READER CAUTIONS -
Profanity - Yes. Pehaps 10-12x.
Sexual situations - Yes. “Whores and whoring” mentioned in the first chapter; on-scene sexual intimacy between the 2 main characters and reference to their past sexual partners.
Violence - Yes. Similar to Westerns Bonanza & Gunsmoke.
Not recommended for readers of Clean fiction or YA readers.
August 20, 2023
Thankfully it ended better than I thought it could.
A generous 3 star rating. I get that some heroes are man-whores, but I was over hearing how much Morgan visited the saloon and the lovely ladies there. It was mentioned MANY times from everyone throughout the book (until he and Abigail got married).
She lied a lot and he loved the painted ladies...so I really couldn't like either character that much. I liked the set up of story but I wish the characters were a bit more likeable.
This is my second book from Lily Graison. I'm not a fan of her conflicts or heroes, so I don't think she is an author for me.
A generous 3 star rating. I get that some heroes are man-whores, but I was over hearing how much Morgan visited the saloon and the lovely ladies there. It was mentioned MANY times from everyone throughout the book (until he and Abigail got married).
She lied a lot and he loved the painted ladies...so I really couldn't like either character that much. I liked the set up of story but I wish the characters were a bit more likeable.
This is my second book from Lily Graison. I'm not a fan of her conflicts or heroes, so I don't think she is an author for me.
May 19, 2019
Abigail came into town with boundless energy; she walked into the forbidden saloon; she caused mayhem; and, the Sheriff entered the scene. I first read this book back in 2012 and recently decided to read it once again. I've followed the author on Facebook and wanted to read The Willow Creek Series. This story is about the historical old west and I enjoyed it. Thanks for a day of a good book
February 19, 2012
It is always very exciting to find an author you have not read before. I was very excited when Lily Graison said she would be happy to participate in an interview, which I will do after I have read and reviewed the second book “The Outlaw”. I immediately got busy reading her first Historical western romance, “The Lawman”. I zipped through this book in just over a day and now like so many times before I am stuck waiting…waiting….waiting for the next book in the Willow Creek series. Why do I continue to torture myself LMAO! We all have experienced that, “It can’t be written and released soon enough!” torturous wait.
I was laughing out loud at the bar brawl that we step into the minute we crack the book. Abigail is a magnet for trouble and it amuses me. *grin* She is on the run from Fletcher, has a no-show husband, And immediately mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back Saloon. Since she only has a few coins left in her purse she is stuck in this tiny town and is in need of a new husband.
Lily is really good at descriptive writing and the description of the filth and smell in the jail cell about turned my stomach. I really felt like I was back in the old west and the realistic details were a breath of fresh air, or should I say stench. You just know it was a dirty, smelly, world back then and Lily gives us the reader the realistic west.
The Lawman is a mixture of romance, drama and heat between the two main characters that made it hard to put the book down. I kept wanting to see what would happen next and why Abigail was on the run from Fletcher. "*whispers*....you will find out so keep reading"
The Lawman himself, Morgan Averly, is a handsome, sex god of a man, with his green eyes, long dark hair and a ravenous appetite for Abigail. This is a man with all the right moves if you know what I mean. Of course there were moments when you wanted to smack him and say, “stop being a stupid man”, but what man exists that a woman doesn’t want to slap upside the head right?
Abby on the other hand was far from timid and had a long list of secrets that kept surprising me right till the final chapter. Of course she sometimes made me want to scream or cry but that is just good writing.
The Lawman is a mixture of romance, drama and heat between two characters that made it hard to put the book down. I kept wanting to see what would happen next and why Abigail was on the run from Fletcher.
This was a fun book to read, my only complaint is that it was to short. Thank you Lily for a fun story!
I was laughing out loud at the bar brawl that we step into the minute we crack the book. Abigail is a magnet for trouble and it amuses me. *grin* She is on the run from Fletcher, has a no-show husband, And immediately mistaken for a whore in the Diamond Back Saloon. Since she only has a few coins left in her purse she is stuck in this tiny town and is in need of a new husband.
Lily is really good at descriptive writing and the description of the filth and smell in the jail cell about turned my stomach. I really felt like I was back in the old west and the realistic details were a breath of fresh air, or should I say stench. You just know it was a dirty, smelly, world back then and Lily gives us the reader the realistic west.
The Lawman is a mixture of romance, drama and heat between the two main characters that made it hard to put the book down. I kept wanting to see what would happen next and why Abigail was on the run from Fletcher. "*whispers*....you will find out so keep reading"
The Lawman himself, Morgan Averly, is a handsome, sex god of a man, with his green eyes, long dark hair and a ravenous appetite for Abigail. This is a man with all the right moves if you know what I mean. Of course there were moments when you wanted to smack him and say, “stop being a stupid man”, but what man exists that a woman doesn’t want to slap upside the head right?
Abby on the other hand was far from timid and had a long list of secrets that kept surprising me right till the final chapter. Of course she sometimes made me want to scream or cry but that is just good writing.
The Lawman is a mixture of romance, drama and heat between two characters that made it hard to put the book down. I kept wanting to see what would happen next and why Abigail was on the run from Fletcher.
This was a fun book to read, my only complaint is that it was to short. Thank you Lily for a fun story!
December 16, 2011
While running from the past Abigail finds her self stood outside a saloon, trying to decide weather or not to go in. She ends up going up and things don't go very well for her. because ladies arnt meant to go inside the saloon she is mistaken for a whore and is groped. A big fight breaks out and Abigail try's to escape and runs right into the arms of another man. Morgan the man she runs into turns out to be the local Marshal.
By the time Morgan gets the fight under control he ends up being black and blue and very sore, Abigail ends up being arrested for all the trouble that happens and gets herself arrested. But she doesn't end up spending to many nights in the jail because Morgan takes pity on her and takes her home. While having her in the house he ends up learning alot about her and the pair end up getting close and end up getting married and Abigail falls pregnant but things don't go well for the pair when Abigail's past comes back to bite her in the ass. when the man she is running from turns up in town. Abigail takes off and this leads to the man and Morgan following her. The man caught up with her and he ends up beating her up, things would of become worse but Morgan turned up. I think I should stop the story there, because I'm gonna end up telling you the whole thing lol.
Overall view:
Wow I loved this book. Lily you did it again, yet another amazing book. This book starts with some amazing action. This story was so easy to read and I didn't want to stop reading it. The characters were enjoyable and fun to read about. I so didn't want to put the book down because I just had to see what was going to happen with them. there relationship was really steamy in bits and had me wishing I was Abigail. Abigail had so many secrets and that had me at the edge of my seat needing to find out what they were.
Hot/Steamy/Romantic what more from a book could you wish for. I want to thank Lily for asking me to review this book, because I so was not disappointed. I think all you people out there should so give this book a try, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I have.
come to my blog if ya wanna see what else i awarded this book.
http://satinsbookishcorner.blogspot.c...
By the time Morgan gets the fight under control he ends up being black and blue and very sore, Abigail ends up being arrested for all the trouble that happens and gets herself arrested. But she doesn't end up spending to many nights in the jail because Morgan takes pity on her and takes her home. While having her in the house he ends up learning alot about her and the pair end up getting close and end up getting married and Abigail falls pregnant but things don't go well for the pair when Abigail's past comes back to bite her in the ass. when the man she is running from turns up in town. Abigail takes off and this leads to the man and Morgan following her. The man caught up with her and he ends up beating her up, things would of become worse but Morgan turned up. I think I should stop the story there, because I'm gonna end up telling you the whole thing lol.
Overall view:
Wow I loved this book. Lily you did it again, yet another amazing book. This book starts with some amazing action. This story was so easy to read and I didn't want to stop reading it. The characters were enjoyable and fun to read about. I so didn't want to put the book down because I just had to see what was going to happen with them. there relationship was really steamy in bits and had me wishing I was Abigail. Abigail had so many secrets and that had me at the edge of my seat needing to find out what they were.
Hot/Steamy/Romantic what more from a book could you wish for. I want to thank Lily for asking me to review this book, because I so was not disappointed. I think all you people out there should so give this book a try, I'm sure you will enjoy it as much as I have.
come to my blog if ya wanna see what else i awarded this book.
http://satinsbookishcorner.blogspot.c...
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 17, 2012
The Lawman by Lily Graison
Willow Creek Series Book 1
Abigail Thornton is a woman on the run. She ends up in Willow Creek in Montana Territory to marry a man she never met. Only she arrives to find no husband-to-be and in no time at all she causes more trouble than one tiny woman should be capable of. She even ends up in the town jail. What more could possibly go wrong in her life? Plenty!
Marshal Morgan Avery was dirty and tired and just wanted a drink and a visit upstairs, what he got was a small woman thrown into his arms the minute he walked into the saloon followed by a punch in the face. He should have known from that first moment that the little beauty would bring him more trouble….and she did.
I enjoy Lily’s books. She has written three different series; paranormal, contemporary and this western showing her diversity as an author. In The Lawman Abigail and Morgan definitely start off on the wrong foot but their story unfolds into a great romance that includes the problem keeping secrets causes among other bumps along the way. This is the first book in a series of four that take place in Willow Creek. The next three books continue with Morgan’s brothers; Colton -The Outlaw, Tristan -The Gambler and finally Holden, who we meet in this book, The Rancher.
**Sexual situations and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Willow Creek Series Book 1
Abigail Thornton is a woman on the run. She ends up in Willow Creek in Montana Territory to marry a man she never met. Only she arrives to find no husband-to-be and in no time at all she causes more trouble than one tiny woman should be capable of. She even ends up in the town jail. What more could possibly go wrong in her life? Plenty!
Marshal Morgan Avery was dirty and tired and just wanted a drink and a visit upstairs, what he got was a small woman thrown into his arms the minute he walked into the saloon followed by a punch in the face. He should have known from that first moment that the little beauty would bring him more trouble….and she did.
I enjoy Lily’s books. She has written three different series; paranormal, contemporary and this western showing her diversity as an author. In The Lawman Abigail and Morgan definitely start off on the wrong foot but their story unfolds into a great romance that includes the problem keeping secrets causes among other bumps along the way. This is the first book in a series of four that take place in Willow Creek. The next three books continue with Morgan’s brothers; Colton -The Outlaw, Tristan -The Gambler and finally Holden, who we meet in this book, The Rancher.
**Sexual situations and language
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
October 17, 2012
Lily Graison is an amazing storyteller. Her writing is amazing and the characters are fun that they jump off the pages. Not many authors can put a good plot and chemistry with the hero and heroine in a short story. There is always something missing or the sex is too long, not enough back story ect. Not In The Lawman, Lily Graison nailed it with the first in her Willow Creek series.
I loved Morgan and Abigail. They were sexy and fun. Never a dull moment with them. Morgan is your delicious sheriff who seems to always lock up Abigail in jail for something. Loved their bickering and then the sweet moments. The first time they meet is exciting and crazy.
Lily Graison is a new author for me that I will definitely be checking out her other series. I look forward to reading more about the rest of the sexy Avery brothers. Highly Recommend The Lawman.
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
I loved Morgan and Abigail. They were sexy and fun. Never a dull moment with them. Morgan is your delicious sheriff who seems to always lock up Abigail in jail for something. Loved their bickering and then the sweet moments. The first time they meet is exciting and crazy.
Lily Graison is a new author for me that I will definitely be checking out her other series. I look forward to reading more about the rest of the sexy Avery brothers. Highly Recommend The Lawman.
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
May 14, 2013
I’ve never really been into reading western romances for a few reasons. One reason is mainly because the heroine always seems to be on the prude side when it comes to sex. I have always believed sex back then was different than what are parents, grandparents and even history books has led us to believe. Heck if it was up to them none of us would be having it now, but this is totally my opinion. Anyhow, I read a few westerns and just wasn’t impressed. Then just a few days ago I noticed The Lawman was free on Amazon, well… I just had to give it a whirl and I’m so glad I did, it was so fun to read.
I instantly loved all the characters, especially Abigail, she is strong and isn’t afraid of anything, including sex;). Sparks starts flying as soon as these two meet and they don’t let up though the whole book.
I really enjoyed the story; I just wish it would have been just a few chapters longer. I would suggest this novella to anyone that looks for a fun romance instead of a history book.
I instantly loved all the characters, especially Abigail, she is strong and isn’t afraid of anything, including sex;). Sparks starts flying as soon as these two meet and they don’t let up though the whole book.
I really enjoyed the story; I just wish it would have been just a few chapters longer. I would suggest this novella to anyone that looks for a fun romance instead of a history book.
January 19, 2014
Yum, yum - historical cowboys everywhere!
So our less than pristine heroine causes a saloon brawl and is carted away by our town marshall. He tries to be a good guy but she is far too tempting to resist for long
A little flirt, a little contact, a temper tantrum or two and a whole lot of misunderstandings and we have a marriage
The past doesn't stay though, and our heroine tries to save her man the only way she knows how, but he isn't giving her up that easily
Our hero is a little rough on the edges, but an extremely understanding man and completely focused on his woman, just how we'd expect our hero's to be when hero's were needed!
So our less than pristine heroine causes a saloon brawl and is carted away by our town marshall. He tries to be a good guy but she is far too tempting to resist for long
A little flirt, a little contact, a temper tantrum or two and a whole lot of misunderstandings and we have a marriage
The past doesn't stay though, and our heroine tries to save her man the only way she knows how, but he isn't giving her up that easily
Our hero is a little rough on the edges, but an extremely understanding man and completely focused on his woman, just how we'd expect our hero's to be when hero's were needed!
May 19, 2012
I would have given this four stars, but I was irritated by numerous editing problems - primarily homophones. Accessing for assessing, manor for manner, kills instead of keels, and, unbelievably, WONTON instead of wanton.
Also, "dysfunctional" should not appear in a Western set in 1869.
For the love of GOD, get a copyeditor or proofreader. Spellchecker doesn't fix everything.
I love this author's characters and stories, and I don't remember seeing anything like this in her Wicked series, so hopefully it's just a fluke. If it continues in the next book in the series, I'm done.
Also, "dysfunctional" should not appear in a Western set in 1869.
For the love of GOD, get a copyeditor or proofreader. Spellchecker doesn't fix everything.
I love this author's characters and stories, and I don't remember seeing anything like this in her Wicked series, so hopefully it's just a fluke. If it continues in the next book in the series, I'm done.
December 29, 2013
This the third book I've read in this series that I loved. It had all the action, authentic historical western life and sizzling romance that a reader could want in a story! I liked Morgan immensely as he was a hunk of a hero with an honorable streak, and I adored Abigail who was forced into a sordid past, but who was brave and strong enough to escape it and enter into a new life with abandon and happiness. I really like this series.
August 17, 2014
1.5 stars
Here are just a couple reasons my friends would NOT enjoy this book:
1. Heroine is a con woman, lies to everyone, and is not a sympathetic character.
2. There is a tremendous mismatch between the thoughts, behavior, and language of characters and the late 1800's setting--poor historical accuracy.
Am recommending that you skip this one.
Here are just a couple reasons my friends would NOT enjoy this book:
1. Heroine is a con woman, lies to everyone, and is not a sympathetic character.
2. There is a tremendous mismatch between the thoughts, behavior, and language of characters and the late 1800's setting--poor historical accuracy.
Am recommending that you skip this one.
January 16, 2014
Historical romances and Western type reads arent normally my favorite but Im making an exception for this read. I really enjoyed this book and look forward to checking out more work by Lily Graison. This book had a more modern day feel to it, and even some steam!!! It made for a nice quick read.
April 9, 2014
It was an okay erotica/romance novel. I enjoyed some of the story and get why our Heroine did what she did, but there were a few grammar issues, and the back and forth in the story seemed kinda rushed. I enjoyed the story line but wish you took it a little bit further!
October 8, 2013
Not bad...Cowboy romance is not my thing, but it was part of a challenge...very quick read....read in a day.
September 7, 2020
The Lawman is the first book in Lily Graison's Willow Creek series. In this historical western romance, we meet two delightful lead characters--Abigail Thornton, a feisty and stunning beauty and Morgan Avery, a devilish handsome and sexy marshal. A chemistry sparks between them from their initial meeting. Abigail is hiding a secret, running the wicked and evil Fletcher Montgomery, and is in need of a protector; hence, her desire to find a husband. Morgan, rebounding from a heartbreaking romance, never intends to settle down so he enjoys one-night stands with a different soiled dove at the Diamond Back Saloon. What will happened to these two? Will they get together? Will they find happiness? Does Morgan find out Abigail's secret? Does Fletcher find Abigail? To learn the answer to these questions, you have to read this charming romantic drama.
Ms. Graison does a great job penning this romantic drama. In this character-driven plot, we discover that her lead characters are multi-layered. They are strong and independent and yet, as a result of their past experiences, they are vulnerable. As this is the first book in this series, Ms. Graison artfully introduces us to the other three Avery brothers. I found the villain to be adequate in his nastiness. I would have preferred a bit more tension in his pursuit of Abigail. Perhaps, a bit more detail in the other times he got close to her and how she escaped.
Ms. Graison adeptly uses literary devices such as dialog, point of view and descriptive language to move her character-driven plot along. I enjoyed the banter between Abigail and Morgan. I appreciated her use of a dual point of view. This allowed readers to get a better understanding of Abigail and Morgan's personalities. It also shed light on their backstory. Lastly, I appreciated her skill with descriptive language. Her descriptive scenes were realistic and at times humorous. For example, the scene in the beginning with the brawl in the saloon. When Ms. Graison describes Abigail and Morgan's first shocking meeting. And the scene when he awakens from being knocked out to find her straddling his hips, I could not help but find myself chuckling. Another such vivid scene is Abigail's description of the miserable and disgusting jail cell. The sensory descriptive allows the reader to get a clear image of the awful smells. Since I enjoyed this book, I'm looking forward to learning more about the other Avery brothers. Happy Reading.
Ms. Graison does a great job penning this romantic drama. In this character-driven plot, we discover that her lead characters are multi-layered. They are strong and independent and yet, as a result of their past experiences, they are vulnerable. As this is the first book in this series, Ms. Graison artfully introduces us to the other three Avery brothers. I found the villain to be adequate in his nastiness. I would have preferred a bit more tension in his pursuit of Abigail. Perhaps, a bit more detail in the other times he got close to her and how she escaped.
Ms. Graison adeptly uses literary devices such as dialog, point of view and descriptive language to move her character-driven plot along. I enjoyed the banter between Abigail and Morgan. I appreciated her use of a dual point of view. This allowed readers to get a better understanding of Abigail and Morgan's personalities. It also shed light on their backstory. Lastly, I appreciated her skill with descriptive language. Her descriptive scenes were realistic and at times humorous. For example, the scene in the beginning with the brawl in the saloon. When Ms. Graison describes Abigail and Morgan's first shocking meeting. And the scene when he awakens from being knocked out to find her straddling his hips, I could not help but find myself chuckling. Another such vivid scene is Abigail's description of the miserable and disgusting jail cell. The sensory descriptive allows the reader to get a clear image of the awful smells. Since I enjoyed this book, I'm looking forward to learning more about the other Avery brothers. Happy Reading.
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