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Hell's Eight #6
Caden's Vow
His past has haunted him for a lifetime…but one woman could be his salvation
Gunslinger Caden Miller's compadres are becoming a bit too domesticated for his liking. So he's off to Kansas territory to carve out a living and a space of his own—alone, just the way he likes it.
Maddie O'Hare has been drawn to Caden ever since she escaped to the Hell's Eight compound from the brothel where she was born and raised. And she's not ready to let him go so easily…until she's captured by his new neighbors.
When Caden discovers that Maddie is being held by a rival at a nearby ranch, his plan to rescue her backfires, and he finds himself the groom in what's literally a shotgun wedding. As shocked as Caden is by the bizarre turn of events, Maddie's grateful kiss holds a fiery promise that's far more unexpected. But with old enemies catching up with him, Caden and Maddie will face a danger that tests their passion—and will either bind them together forever or break them apart for good.
Gunslinger Caden Miller's compadres are becoming a bit too domesticated for his liking. So he's off to Kansas territory to carve out a living and a space of his own—alone, just the way he likes it.
Maddie O'Hare has been drawn to Caden ever since she escaped to the Hell's Eight compound from the brothel where she was born and raised. And she's not ready to let him go so easily…until she's captured by his new neighbors.
When Caden discovers that Maddie is being held by a rival at a nearby ranch, his plan to rescue her backfires, and he finds himself the groom in what's literally a shotgun wedding. As shocked as Caden is by the bizarre turn of events, Maddie's grateful kiss holds a fiery promise that's far more unexpected. But with old enemies catching up with him, Caden and Maddie will face a danger that tests their passion—and will either bind them together forever or break them apart for good.
382 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
66 people are currently reading
999 people want to read
About the author
Sarah McCarty
56 books1,068 followersLibrarian Note: There is more than one author in the GoodReads database with this name.
(1)romance author
Sarah has traveled extensively throughout her life, living in other cultures, sometimes in areas where electricity was a concept awaiting fruition and a book was an extreme luxury. While she could easily adjust to the lack of electricity, living without the comfort of a good book was intolerable. To fill the void, she bought pencil and paper and sketched out her own story. In the process, Sarah discovered the joy of writing.
Sarah writes what she loves to read; fast paced stories with vivid dialogue, intense emotion and well developed characters. Her attention to detail in her stories has earned her multiple awards and a reserved spot on Keeper shelves everywhere.
Sarah writes for Ellora's Cave, Harlequin HQN, Harlequin SPICE, Berkley HEAT and Berkley SENSATION.
(1)romance author
Sarah has traveled extensively throughout her life, living in other cultures, sometimes in areas where electricity was a concept awaiting fruition and a book was an extreme luxury. While she could easily adjust to the lack of electricity, living without the comfort of a good book was intolerable. To fill the void, she bought pencil and paper and sketched out her own story. In the process, Sarah discovered the joy of writing.
Sarah writes what she loves to read; fast paced stories with vivid dialogue, intense emotion and well developed characters. Her attention to detail in her stories has earned her multiple awards and a reserved spot on Keeper shelves everywhere.
Sarah writes for Ellora's Cave, Harlequin HQN, Harlequin SPICE, Berkley HEAT and Berkley SENSATION.
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March 25, 2015
“I’m going to be that man. The one who makes you burn from the inside out. The one you can’t look at without getting wet. The one who makes you scream with pleasure.”
This is my first book by Sarah McCarthy, number six in the series (yes, I read out of order :P), and let me tell you, it was so good that I am definitely reading ALL the previous books, and then some!
This is a western, and I can't say it's something I read often (ever), but it was refreshing and different and maybe that's why I loved this one so much :))
He’d thought his wife was crazy, but the truth was she was just very, very damaged. Crazy would have been easier.
Resting his cheek against the top of her head, he wrapped his arms around her back and hugged her, holding her tightly, rocking her in his arms, just holding her.
“You don’t have to worry anymore, Maddie. No one’s going to hurt you.”
The story
Well, since I haven't read the first five books, I can't tell you in detail what the storyline of the series is, I only know it's about the Hell's Eight, they have gone through a massacre and were the only survivors, and have united to get their revenge against the culprits. I think :D If you want this more detailed, go and read a review for the first book :P
Anyway, in this one, we have Maddie and Caden :)
She was rescued in one of the previous books and brought to live with the Hell's Eight and their wives.
Maddie's a former prostitute, sold into the business when she was a child, and luckily, saved from that life by the gang here.
Caden is a member of the Hell's Eight, set on fulfilling a promise to his father, going to the gold mine.
He knows that Maddie's been in love with him for a while, but he doesn't want her to have someone like him, another damaged soul, so he goes, and breaks his promise to her :((((
Maddie finally finds courage to take her life in her hands, and that leaves her in the middle of nowhere, lost while trying to follow Caden, and eventually kidnapped :D
And THAT scenario leaves Caden having a shotgun wedding :DDD
If you want to know more - read the book :P
"Freckles sprinkled like pale kisses across the bridge of her nose. And her smile...that sweet, gentle smile that captured the hope of the world added to his guilt. So trusting when she had no reason to trust anyone, least of all him."
The story - It isn't closely connected to the "big revenge" thing, and I'm glad because it was easy to follow since I jumped into the series right here :) I liked it, a lot :) Kinda cool to see the wild west and all, gold mines, riding horses, shooting with revolvers and all.
The main story is basically about Caden and Maddie, being forcefully married. I always like that kind of plot, and it definitely worked for me here because they had feelings for each other before the marriage.
I don't want to spoil it much for you but the reason I'm giving it 4 stars is the last third of the book. I was all exciting and tense, and then
I understand that this part was for her character development, I really do, but it was kinda boringish. So yeah. Call me shallow, but I missed Caden and wanted to see more of him :P
The writing - Since this is my first book by this author, I was surprised how easily I got used to the style (in translation - it's written so well that I haven't even figured out it's a new author for me while I read it). The wild west thing was also well done because I could imagine it all in my head, and I loved it :D
The characters - Definitely multi-dimensional, and I don't mean the Star Trek way! I felt for them both, and they weren't perfect, by a long shot, but they worked well together and <3 I'll talk more in their own sections :)))
“This is how a man kisses a woman he respects,” he told her. “This is how a man kisses a woman he cares for.”
The kiss deepened, burned out of control, destroyed time until there was only flesh on flesh, lip on lip, passion on passion. Finally, when her nails were digging into his neck and she was moaning incessantly, he pulled back, kissing her left cheek, her right cheek, her nose, and then finally pressing his mouth to her forehead as his chest soughed in and out against hers.
“That, Maddie mine, is how a man kisses a woman with whom he intends to have a future.”
The romance/sex - Well, Maddie isn't a virgin, but she doesn't enjoy sex either, being raped for years and all. Caden is unbelievably understanding with all that, and goes slowly to show her passion and what it could be like :)
BTW! This book has one of the best first kiss scenes I've ever read! OMG it was amazing! Amazing!!!!!
The sex is pretty hot :D Some parts kinds unusual for a western historical, but hey what do I know how western cowboys had sex in those days :DDD it was hot to read, that's the most important thing ahahah :DDD
"They could lecture Maddie all they wanted about proper behavior, but it wouldn’t make a difference. She listened, she truly did, but in the end Maddie was Maddie. Open sunshine and optimism covering a lifetime of hurt. Her conduct was as volatile as her grasp on reality."
Maddie
She is such a sweet and fragile young woman, I con't say how much I feel for her.
She was raped for years, forced to work as a prostitute, until the Hell's Eight saved her. It took her a while to get used to their way of life, not being afraid anymore, and finally having friends and people who care for her.
She's been in love with Caden for a long time, but she thinks very little of herself, so she didn't do anything about it.
Finally, after Caden left for the gold mine, she realised she should take over her life and go after him. That didn't turn out well :D
And one more thing about her, she's developed a coping mechanism, whenever she feels bad or remembers the awful things that happened to her, she just zones out into her head and doesn't perceive what is happening around her.
Well, in this book Maddie went through a transformation, and that's really great because that's exactly what she needed.
She stepped out of her comfort zone and went out in search of her own happiness.
There were some tough times in the book, when she was forced to act like a prostitute again, and I felt so so bad for her :((( Just terrible :(
She and Caden were just perfect, he was uber-understanding about her, and she finally found out that sex is great when done with the right person :D
Anyway, the last third of the book is about her, trying to find herself in the world and make a name for herself :) It's very important to her character, and I'm glad she did it, even though it brought on the boringish part of the story, but oh well.
This isn’t me using you. This isn’t you using me. This isn’t you enduring. This is a husband showing his wife how he feels about her.”
“You think I’m a whore.”
“I think you’re sweet.”
“You’re punishing yourself.”
“I’m rewarding myself.”
“Why?”
“Because I can.”
That she believed. “I don’t want to be your reward.”
“I don’t want to be your punishment,” he countered.
Caden
*dreamy sigh*
I just love that man <3
He's one of the Eight, and he thinks it's finally time to finish his promise to his father (well I didn't really get this part, I think it was mentioned in the previous books, dunno).
Anyway, he leaves for the gold mine even though he knows he's breaking his promise to Maddie when he said he'll say goodbye before he goes.
After the shotgun wedding, he feels he's betrayed by Maddie, and lashes out on her, even though he regrets it afterward.
Caden knows what Maddie's been through, and he doesn't want to force her to do anything, he's slow and patient with her, teaching her about kissing (because whores don't kiss, and Maddie hasn't either), and that sex can be pleasurable (even though she doubts it).
With all his faults (and there were some), I still loved Caden <3 Really really did <3
I think it's because of the way he treated Maddie, like she was glass, and could break at any moment. Well, that was partly true.
There were a lot of scenes when he was being nice to her and all gentle, and boy I was just swooning all the time <3
He didn't want to force himself on her, and bit by bit, he showed her about lust, and that she can feel it, that what they have is special :)
Though, he did act like a total jerk sometimes, saying some harsh words to Maddie, and insulting her in her weakest spot :(((
But he did try to make up for it though, and every other moment he spent with Maddie was just great :)
The tough scene when she was forced to act like a prostitute again :(( Well as much as my heart broke for Maddie, it did for Caden also :((
The last third of the book... Caden made a really bad decision. I do not approve. That's why I'm giving it 4 stars as well. It made the story go in a different direction, and well, it was just plain bad thinking from his part. Stupid man. But oh well *sigh* I love him like crazy so I forgave him pretty soon after it was settled :D
He's sexy as hell, OMG the things he says *melting*
And the first kiss scene! Wow, like I said, seriously hot and one of the best kisses I've read :D
“I’m going to make you burn, and when you think you can’t stand it anymore, I’m going to make you explode.”
She moaned “Yes,”...
This was a great western, great story, loved the characters, absolutely loved Caden, the man made me melt <3
I seriously can't wait to start the series from the beginning!
I definitely recommend this, I had no problem catching up if you plan on jumping on this one, but as I've heard the first books are even better... Damn! Must start, ASAP!!!
November 18, 2012
Not a bad entry into the long running Hell's Eight series. There wasn't a whole lot going on in this book, but once it finally got rolling, it was rather hard to put down.
Caden Miller's the hero of this one. One of the original Hell's Eight (eight young boys (now grown men) whose Texas town and families were decimated by the Mexican Army 22 years ago), Caden is getting restless and feeling out of place because 5 of the original 8 have settled down and started families. Caden has no interest in settling down or starting a family, and he wants to set out and make his fortune somewhere. He thinks Fei's (Shadow's Stand) abandoned gold mine would be a good place to start. But he made a promise to a young woman that he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye...
Maddie O'Hare is our heroine, and the woman who Caden vowed to face before he left. Eighteen year-old red-haired beauty Maddie, a former prostitute born and raised in a brothel, has been staying at Hell's Eight (also the name of their ranch) since she was rescued by Tracker (Tracker's Sin). Maddie and Caden have had a special connection as friends, but it's never gone further than that. Maddie is very fragile after her horrific experience (being forced into prostitution at age nine) and sometimes goes to a 'special place' in her mind to help herself cope. But when Caden picks up and leaves without telling her goodbye, Maddie has made up her mind to follow him. She's ready to take the bull by the horns and force Caden to acknowledge what they could have. But she doesn't figure on getting lost and being captured and held by a neighboring rancher.
Caden eventually rescues her, but is forced into a shotgun marriage. Feeling angry and betrayed by Maddie, the marriage gets off to a bad start. But once Caden forgives Maddie and decides to make a go of the marriage--is it too late to win Maddie's trust? Will he have to start from scratch and build a relationship with Maddie all over again? Can Maddie really let herself put her trust in a man? Is it finally time to let herself think that her dreams for a marriage and family can come true? Or will Caden eventually disappoint her and leave her when he's had enough?
The book had a good start, but then it stumbled a bit while Caden hemmed and hawed about whether he could forgive Maddie for her 'betrayal'. Lots of talking in this part (and some of it was hard to understand just who--Caden, his friend Ace, the rancher Frank Culbert, or Maddie--was doing the talking). Once Caden and Maddie consumated their marriage (a pretty steamy scene) things started picking up. But that doesn't happen until about the half way point of the book. But I'm happy to say things really picked up after that.
I really enjoyed (and admired) Maddie in this book. At first she went on a little too much about being a "whore" as if she wasn't worthy of anything because of the past that was forced on her, and despite Caden insisting he didn't see her that way and constantly reassuring her, she did go on about it a little too much. But once she started her own business ( a very enjoyable part of the book for me) and started to feel better about herself and got some sorely needed confidence and independence, all those put-downs stopped. Maddie really grew as a character, and started to feel her worth. She still had a little trouble letting herself believe that all of her dreams could come true, so Caden had a little work to do. But I really enjoyed her journey and Caden ended up being a good match for her. He was a decent hero--sexy, kind, but a bit stubborn. Luckily he had his friend Ace (another Hell's Eight single guy) to set him straight on a few things. I sure hope Ace is the next one to get a story, because he seems adament about never wanting to get married. I wonder why...
4 solid stars
* ARC courtesy of Netgalley*
Caden Miller's the hero of this one. One of the original Hell's Eight (eight young boys (now grown men) whose Texas town and families were decimated by the Mexican Army 22 years ago), Caden is getting restless and feeling out of place because 5 of the original 8 have settled down and started families. Caden has no interest in settling down or starting a family, and he wants to set out and make his fortune somewhere. He thinks Fei's (Shadow's Stand) abandoned gold mine would be a good place to start. But he made a promise to a young woman that he wouldn't leave without saying goodbye...
Maddie O'Hare is our heroine, and the woman who Caden vowed to face before he left. Eighteen year-old red-haired beauty Maddie, a former prostitute born and raised in a brothel, has been staying at Hell's Eight (also the name of their ranch) since she was rescued by Tracker (Tracker's Sin). Maddie and Caden have had a special connection as friends, but it's never gone further than that. Maddie is very fragile after her horrific experience (being forced into prostitution at age nine) and sometimes goes to a 'special place' in her mind to help herself cope. But when Caden picks up and leaves without telling her goodbye, Maddie has made up her mind to follow him. She's ready to take the bull by the horns and force Caden to acknowledge what they could have. But she doesn't figure on getting lost and being captured and held by a neighboring rancher.
Caden eventually rescues her, but is forced into a shotgun marriage. Feeling angry and betrayed by Maddie, the marriage gets off to a bad start. But once Caden forgives Maddie and decides to make a go of the marriage--is it too late to win Maddie's trust? Will he have to start from scratch and build a relationship with Maddie all over again? Can Maddie really let herself put her trust in a man? Is it finally time to let herself think that her dreams for a marriage and family can come true? Or will Caden eventually disappoint her and leave her when he's had enough?
The book had a good start, but then it stumbled a bit while Caden hemmed and hawed about whether he could forgive Maddie for her 'betrayal'. Lots of talking in this part (and some of it was hard to understand just who--Caden, his friend Ace, the rancher Frank Culbert, or Maddie--was doing the talking). Once Caden and Maddie consumated their marriage (a pretty steamy scene) things started picking up. But that doesn't happen until about the half way point of the book. But I'm happy to say things really picked up after that.
I really enjoyed (and admired) Maddie in this book. At first she went on a little too much about being a "whore" as if she wasn't worthy of anything because of the past that was forced on her, and despite Caden insisting he didn't see her that way and constantly reassuring her, she did go on about it a little too much. But once she started her own business ( a very enjoyable part of the book for me) and started to feel better about herself and got some sorely needed confidence and independence, all those put-downs stopped. Maddie really grew as a character, and started to feel her worth. She still had a little trouble letting herself believe that all of her dreams could come true, so Caden had a little work to do. But I really enjoyed her journey and Caden ended up being a good match for her. He was a decent hero--sexy, kind, but a bit stubborn. Luckily he had his friend Ace (another Hell's Eight single guy) to set him straight on a few things. I sure hope Ace is the next one to get a story, because he seems adament about never wanting to get married. I wonder why...
4 solid stars
* ARC courtesy of Netgalley*
October 13, 2017
Yikes, all we read is how soft, how soft, she's soft, she's sweet that Maddie is. Enough. It's not a good thing when the heroine of the story makes you think of this...
I don't know what to do with this one, but Sarah McCarty is sure hard on her heroines. The majority of them in the Hell's Eight series are raped, but poor Maddie has been a prostitute, or whore as everyone loves to toss out, since she was young like 8 or 9 years young. For about half the story, whenever she doesn't want to deal with reality she goes to a cool pond in her mind. Yep.
As for Caden, he alternates between being one big jackass to Maddie or the stalwart hero. The back and forth between these two was annoying as all get out. It's sad when one of the most interesting parts of the story is Maddie setting up her bakery business.
As always, I miss the dynamics between the Hell's Eight characters. I think that's Sarah McCarty's strength is that this band of brothers is expanding. I want to see more interaction between them and the wives.
And what happened to Worthless? Did he die or not? Don't mess with the damn dogs, people!
I don't know what to do with this one, but Sarah McCarty is sure hard on her heroines. The majority of them in the Hell's Eight series are raped, but poor Maddie has been a prostitute, or whore as everyone loves to toss out, since she was young like 8 or 9 years young. For about half the story, whenever she doesn't want to deal with reality she goes to a cool pond in her mind. Yep.
As for Caden, he alternates between being one big jackass to Maddie or the stalwart hero. The back and forth between these two was annoying as all get out. It's sad when one of the most interesting parts of the story is Maddie setting up her bakery business.
As always, I miss the dynamics between the Hell's Eight characters. I think that's Sarah McCarty's strength is that this band of brothers is expanding. I want to see more interaction between them and the wives.
And what happened to Worthless? Did he die or not? Don't mess with the damn dogs, people!
August 22, 2017
4.25/5 💪
February 23, 2013
Courtesy of Harlequin through Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
When it comes to books that I have mixed feelings about, I always take a day to reflect before I write my review because in all honesty I hate giving a book a bad review. That being said, I really wanted to like this book from other glowing reviews that people gave it, but I have to be true to my feelings and say I could not.
Caden's Vow is the sixth book in the Hell's Eight series. I loved my cowboys and couldn't wait to read this one. With his past haunting him and many of his other friends, who are like brothers to him, now married off – Caden leaves for Kansas Territory in hopes of starting his own home.
Maddie was born and raised at a brothel until she escaped to the Hell's Eight compound and found herself drawn to Caden. Slowly she did her best to please everyone, and the other women offered her advice on how to seize the moment and go after Caden – until she get's captured.
When Caden hears that Maddie is captured, he goes to save her and ends up literally in a shotgun wedding where he is forced to take Maddie as his bride. For someone who cared about her, and was always sensitive to her because of Maddie's past, Caden was downright cruel to Maddie after the wedding. I was appalled with the way he treated her. The nasty attitude and calling her a whore then spending pages upon pages apologizing, the first part of the book felt like the conversation was running in circle.
I did like the second part of the book, which to me was a saving grace. I liked that Maddie went out and followed her dream and made money by opening her own bakery. Of course out comes back Caden and gets angry at her, even thought he knew she wanted to open a bakery because they had this conversation and dares to ask her if she was selling something else on the side. Really.. by that time I was rooting for Maddie to leave him and move on with her life. By then, somehow these episodes that she was going through had managed to stop as well. I just couldn't bring myself to like Caden because he had hurt her more than once for someone who was suppose to feel over protective of her, but I just couldn't bring myself to like a man like that. There was sweet moments yet, but they were over shadowed by Caden's cruelty to poor Maddie. That being said, the book was not for me, but I can probably see the appeal of Caden to other people that might see his bravado differently...
The book is on the smutty side as Caden tries to teach Maddie what real love of a man is and hope she does not pretend with him as she does with other men that she had been with due to her past.
I also loved Ace and the fact that he called out Caden for hurting Maddies feelings so much.
When it comes to books that I have mixed feelings about, I always take a day to reflect before I write my review because in all honesty I hate giving a book a bad review. That being said, I really wanted to like this book from other glowing reviews that people gave it, but I have to be true to my feelings and say I could not.
Caden's Vow is the sixth book in the Hell's Eight series. I loved my cowboys and couldn't wait to read this one. With his past haunting him and many of his other friends, who are like brothers to him, now married off – Caden leaves for Kansas Territory in hopes of starting his own home.
Maddie was born and raised at a brothel until she escaped to the Hell's Eight compound and found herself drawn to Caden. Slowly she did her best to please everyone, and the other women offered her advice on how to seize the moment and go after Caden – until she get's captured.
When Caden hears that Maddie is captured, he goes to save her and ends up literally in a shotgun wedding where he is forced to take Maddie as his bride. For someone who cared about her, and was always sensitive to her because of Maddie's past, Caden was downright cruel to Maddie after the wedding. I was appalled with the way he treated her. The nasty attitude and calling her a whore then spending pages upon pages apologizing, the first part of the book felt like the conversation was running in circle.
I did like the second part of the book, which to me was a saving grace. I liked that Maddie went out and followed her dream and made money by opening her own bakery. Of course out comes back Caden and gets angry at her, even thought he knew she wanted to open a bakery because they had this conversation and dares to ask her if she was selling something else on the side. Really.. by that time I was rooting for Maddie to leave him and move on with her life. By then, somehow these episodes that she was going through had managed to stop as well. I just couldn't bring myself to like Caden because he had hurt her more than once for someone who was suppose to feel over protective of her, but I just couldn't bring myself to like a man like that. There was sweet moments yet, but they were over shadowed by Caden's cruelty to poor Maddie. That being said, the book was not for me, but I can probably see the appeal of Caden to other people that might see his bravado differently...
The book is on the smutty side as Caden tries to teach Maddie what real love of a man is and hope she does not pretend with him as she does with other men that she had been with due to her past.
I also loved Ace and the fact that he called out Caden for hurting Maddies feelings so much.
July 5, 2016
Sounds like fun. Reads like crap.
I liked the exposition about Tia and her wedding and how the men were making her proud. I disliked Maddie getting advice from Bella. I disliked everything from then on. Fan of this series (like I once thought I was) I cannot get around asking you: "How did you read this choppy, incomprehensible book?" I read and read, then I realized it was lazy reading since I couldn't figure out what anyone was doing in the book from one moment to the next.
First of all, I was not inclined to read about Maddie and Caden. I wanted the story-line from Tucker to continue and if not the story-line from Tucker, give me more Caine, Desi, Tracker, anybody already introduced. I don't want to hear about nothing new.
But unfortunately, someone with the potential to become my most favorite writer of all keeps steering away from realism and writing fantasy and bull crap that I couldn't believe if I was abducted by aliens.
I love an action adventure and Sarah McCarty has the potential to deliver them. I really believe she has. But she is letting me down so much. All of her books could've given me more story. They could've given more action and entertainment. Isn't that the point? Her stories are supposed to be MORE than just sex. That's why they take so much time to get to the actual sex.
This book had my head in a sling. I never knew what they were doing or why. It is supposedly suggesting that Maddie is the "friend or foe" type character but I didn't even grasp enough understanding of her to know if she was stupid or just trying to trap Caden into marriage.
Then the most hurtful thing this author could've done to me happened.
She changed Tucker. She changed Tracker. Their story lines weren't consistent toward anything and they were unhelpful and meaningless in this book. Damn her !
Caden ran around with some idiot named Ace? Huh?
How often was Ace or Caden mentioned in the other books?
Why was no character true to himself as in comparison to what was learned about him from the other books?
I couldn't connect with this book and trying to figure out some inkling of what the story meant just wore me out and taxed my brain so I gave the book away.
I don't see myself reading another book from this series. I know it's ruined. I knew it was ruined before I picked up this book, but I just bought it anyway because she was my "go-to" author. Not anymore. I am officially off the Sarah McCarty band-wagon.
I liked the exposition about Tia and her wedding and how the men were making her proud. I disliked Maddie getting advice from Bella. I disliked everything from then on. Fan of this series (like I once thought I was) I cannot get around asking you: "How did you read this choppy, incomprehensible book?" I read and read, then I realized it was lazy reading since I couldn't figure out what anyone was doing in the book from one moment to the next.
First of all, I was not inclined to read about Maddie and Caden. I wanted the story-line from Tucker to continue and if not the story-line from Tucker, give me more Caine, Desi, Tracker, anybody already introduced. I don't want to hear about nothing new.
But unfortunately, someone with the potential to become my most favorite writer of all keeps steering away from realism and writing fantasy and bull crap that I couldn't believe if I was abducted by aliens.
I love an action adventure and Sarah McCarty has the potential to deliver them. I really believe she has. But she is letting me down so much. All of her books could've given me more story. They could've given more action and entertainment. Isn't that the point? Her stories are supposed to be MORE than just sex. That's why they take so much time to get to the actual sex.
This book had my head in a sling. I never knew what they were doing or why. It is supposedly suggesting that Maddie is the "friend or foe" type character but I didn't even grasp enough understanding of her to know if she was stupid or just trying to trap Caden into marriage.
Then the most hurtful thing this author could've done to me happened.
She changed Tucker. She changed Tracker. Their story lines weren't consistent toward anything and they were unhelpful and meaningless in this book. Damn her !
Caden ran around with some idiot named Ace? Huh?
How often was Ace or Caden mentioned in the other books?
Why was no character true to himself as in comparison to what was learned about him from the other books?
I couldn't connect with this book and trying to figure out some inkling of what the story meant just wore me out and taxed my brain so I gave the book away.
I don't see myself reading another book from this series. I know it's ruined. I knew it was ruined before I picked up this book, but I just bought it anyway because she was my "go-to" author. Not anymore. I am officially off the Sarah McCarty band-wagon.
May 1, 2013
Author: Sarah McCarty
Published by: Harlequin HgN
Age Recommended: Adult
Reviewed By: Arlena Dean
Book Blog For: GMTA
Rating: 5
Series: Hell's Eight # 6
Review:
"Caden's Vow" by Sarah McCarty was this authors' 6 in the series..Hell's Eight # 6. This novel was a good western, historical, erotica romance that is all rolled up into one good novel. I found this series just a love story of Maddie and Caden.Both of these two people were 'broken human beings, one very obviously needing restoration and healing after years of sexual abuse since the age of eight." "She was rescued in one of the previous books and brought to live with the Hell's Eight and their wives."
Caden had some serious wounds of finding out just who he really was and who he wanted to be on "set on fulfilling a promise to his father, going to the gold mine." So, what will come of Maddie and Caden? This is where I say you must pick up "Caden's Vow" to see how this will come out in this forced marriage.
Be ready for the 'wild wild west, gold mines, riding horses, and shootings.' Many of the characters have come back into this novel from past series runs. You will find all of the characters so very well developed and very much so captivating only to give you a good read. This author has some writing style that shows how she is able to creative such a historical western manuscript for her readers even giving you the smells along with the experience of this life.
If you are in for a good western, historical and romantic read with some erotica "Caden's Vow" would be recommended to you as a excellent read.
November 22, 2012
Kimber's review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 Stars
Caden’s Vow is the 6th book in the Hell’s Eight series by Sarah McCarty. For those not already a fan of the series, Hell’s Eight is a group of cowboys who are brothers, not by blood but a sad commonality. When they were little boys their village was attacked and everyone including their parents and families were slaughtered in front of them. They have vowed a life of revenge for what they witnessed and the lifetime they have spent without their loved ones. A woman who was spared adopted and raised them. They are fierce, sexy warriors of 1800’s Texas and they show little mercy to those who try to mess with or hurt the ones they love. Over the course of the series one by one the brothers find their mate and match. The Hell’s Eight women are all capable and strong but their vulnerabilities and how they grow throughout the story will no doubt pull you in.
In this installment, the hero and heroine already know each other. Maddie was brought to the Hell’s Eight compound a year or so earlier by one of the other men. She was born and raised in a brothel and had been used and abused since she was eight years old. Being there was all she knew but she took a chance and left knowing any place would be better than where she was. She’s sat back and watched all the women with their men and dreamt that one day someone will love her. But the thought of “once a whore always a whore” is never far from her thoughts, especially when she starts to think about being in a “real” relationship with the man she’s fallen for but doesn’t know her feelings. Caden has always been nice to Maddie, but has kept his distance because he knows she has problems dealing with her past. The thing about Maddie is no one realizes her strengths so once she decides to make it on her own, there is no stopping her and everyone is surprised. I loved her strength and grit and I thought she evolved into a very interesting character.
With his Irish decent, there is no wonder Caden is stubborn to the core. Also, he’s the type of man who comes out fighting when pushed into a corner so when they end up together and he feels he was tricked, it doesn’t sit well. It was necessary to the story, but frustrating how much he fought his attraction to Maddie. Caden was a great character as well and to see him grow from being a very selfish and proud person in the beginning to this loving, caring and protective partner by the end was one of the reasons I enjoyed this story so much. They were a great match and a worthy addition to the Hell’s Eight fold.
There’s always plenty of action to keep the story moving and this proved true in this installment as well. You never know what villain will show up to try and ruin the day, but the men of Hell’s Eight are always one step ahead and willing to do whatever it takes to keep their women safe. Besides the action, the well-written and extra spicy sex scenes always satisfy my naughty tastes.
This is my favorite historical western series – with a seasoned writer and steamy lovin’ how can you go wrong? For fans of the series, you will be pleased. If you haven’t tried this author or the series already, it’s not too late to jump on board.
Enjoy Everyone!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
4 Stars
Caden’s Vow is the 6th book in the Hell’s Eight series by Sarah McCarty. For those not already a fan of the series, Hell’s Eight is a group of cowboys who are brothers, not by blood but a sad commonality. When they were little boys their village was attacked and everyone including their parents and families were slaughtered in front of them. They have vowed a life of revenge for what they witnessed and the lifetime they have spent without their loved ones. A woman who was spared adopted and raised them. They are fierce, sexy warriors of 1800’s Texas and they show little mercy to those who try to mess with or hurt the ones they love. Over the course of the series one by one the brothers find their mate and match. The Hell’s Eight women are all capable and strong but their vulnerabilities and how they grow throughout the story will no doubt pull you in.
In this installment, the hero and heroine already know each other. Maddie was brought to the Hell’s Eight compound a year or so earlier by one of the other men. She was born and raised in a brothel and had been used and abused since she was eight years old. Being there was all she knew but she took a chance and left knowing any place would be better than where she was. She’s sat back and watched all the women with their men and dreamt that one day someone will love her. But the thought of “once a whore always a whore” is never far from her thoughts, especially when she starts to think about being in a “real” relationship with the man she’s fallen for but doesn’t know her feelings. Caden has always been nice to Maddie, but has kept his distance because he knows she has problems dealing with her past. The thing about Maddie is no one realizes her strengths so once she decides to make it on her own, there is no stopping her and everyone is surprised. I loved her strength and grit and I thought she evolved into a very interesting character.
With his Irish decent, there is no wonder Caden is stubborn to the core. Also, he’s the type of man who comes out fighting when pushed into a corner so when they end up together and he feels he was tricked, it doesn’t sit well. It was necessary to the story, but frustrating how much he fought his attraction to Maddie. Caden was a great character as well and to see him grow from being a very selfish and proud person in the beginning to this loving, caring and protective partner by the end was one of the reasons I enjoyed this story so much. They were a great match and a worthy addition to the Hell’s Eight fold.
There’s always plenty of action to keep the story moving and this proved true in this installment as well. You never know what villain will show up to try and ruin the day, but the men of Hell’s Eight are always one step ahead and willing to do whatever it takes to keep their women safe. Besides the action, the well-written and extra spicy sex scenes always satisfy my naughty tastes.
This is my favorite historical western series – with a seasoned writer and steamy lovin’ how can you go wrong? For fans of the series, you will be pleased. If you haven’t tried this author or the series already, it’s not too late to jump on board.
Enjoy Everyone!
Review copy provided for an honest review.
October 12, 2012
Thank you NetGalley and Harlequin for giving me the opportunity to read CADEN'S VOW.
I haven't read any of Sarah McCarty's books before, and as this is #6 in the Hell's Eight series, I wondered if I'd be able to "catch up." I did indeed. There was a bit of "telling" at the beginning, just for readers like me, who don't know the background of the Hell's Eight.
Caden is a antsy, he wants something, needs something. Of course he hasn't quite caught on that what--WHO--he needs is Maddie. So he runs.
Maddie, oh poor dear, sweet, confused, Maddie. She's been brought up in a brothel and it broke my heart to find out that she had worked in said brothel from the time she was eight or nine. I totally agreed with Caden when he asked for names...names so he could hunt down the men that used her and KILL them.
Maddie is a bit "out there." When things start getting bad, she goes to a place in her mind, a lovely pond. And the extent of her fantasy is that it looks and feels real. She's needed this place to go to just to survive. In survival mode she can flip the "whore" switch on...and then off. This girl deserves some happiness, that's for sure. And she thinks that Caden can at least give her safety. She can just hope for joy, but never having known it, how can it be found?
The women of Hell's Eight have all given her threads of strength. She needs that and begins to weave a blanket of "Maddie" as she tries to find out just who she is, and what (and WHO) she wants.
Trying to make the best of a what could be a truly horrible situation, Maddie and Caden are married. Much to Caden's chagrin. And then the FUN begins. There are some kisses in here that melted my Kindle. Maddie has never been kissed before and it's an eye opening experience for her.
This book is about their growth as husband and wife, and as human beings. What a journey. I felt tears a time or three. And Joy when they "became."
Well done, Ms. McCarty, and I hope you are writing Ace's story next. It's going to be fun watching him in fall...in love!
I haven't read any of Sarah McCarty's books before, and as this is #6 in the Hell's Eight series, I wondered if I'd be able to "catch up." I did indeed. There was a bit of "telling" at the beginning, just for readers like me, who don't know the background of the Hell's Eight.
Caden is a antsy, he wants something, needs something. Of course he hasn't quite caught on that what--WHO--he needs is Maddie. So he runs.
Maddie, oh poor dear, sweet, confused, Maddie. She's been brought up in a brothel and it broke my heart to find out that she had worked in said brothel from the time she was eight or nine. I totally agreed with Caden when he asked for names...names so he could hunt down the men that used her and KILL them.
Maddie is a bit "out there." When things start getting bad, she goes to a place in her mind, a lovely pond. And the extent of her fantasy is that it looks and feels real. She's needed this place to go to just to survive. In survival mode she can flip the "whore" switch on...and then off. This girl deserves some happiness, that's for sure. And she thinks that Caden can at least give her safety. She can just hope for joy, but never having known it, how can it be found?
The women of Hell's Eight have all given her threads of strength. She needs that and begins to weave a blanket of "Maddie" as she tries to find out just who she is, and what (and WHO) she wants.
Trying to make the best of a what could be a truly horrible situation, Maddie and Caden are married. Much to Caden's chagrin. And then the FUN begins. There are some kisses in here that melted my Kindle. Maddie has never been kissed before and it's an eye opening experience for her.
This book is about their growth as husband and wife, and as human beings. What a journey. I felt tears a time or three. And Joy when they "became."
Well done, Ms. McCarty, and I hope you are writing Ace's story next. It's going to be fun watching him in fall...in love!
December 6, 2012
I'll never forget reading the first book in this series. Caine's Reckoning was erotic western at its best.
As with her earlier series, Promises, we got lots of sexy cowboys and Indians as the hero's. Their women are of all ages, race, and religions.
Caden's book is the 6th in the series. I didn't remember him as much as I did the other characters when it came there time for there book. The story here isnt as suspenseful or really any action at all like the previous books. Its really just the love story between Maddie, a woman that was raised in a brothel and made to perform since she was eight, and Caden. Due to this Maddie tends to wonder off in her mind for periods of time to escape reality. Even when she ends up at the Hell's Eight compound she still has moments where she isnt all there. Due to living almost her whole life in a brothel and being a whore she struggles with thinking that is all anyone will ever think she is. As she watches the other members of Hell's Eight getting married she dreams of one day having what they have. While on the compound she became very attached to Caden almost to the point of obsession.
Caden has never forgotten how his family and the town was killed which lead to the eight survivors becoming Hell's Eight to extract revenge on those responsible. He isnt liking this new Hell's Eight. Those that have married have become to domesticated for his piece of mind. He makes the decision to leave and to go and try to make fortune. He knows Maddie has become depended on him and he did promise her that he wouldnt leave without saying goodbye, a promise he ended up breaking.
When Maddie decides to take off after Caden she gets herself into a bind which Caden has to rescue her from. Or so he thinks.
This wasn't the strongest book in the series but its a great series that I will continue reading until the end.
As with her earlier series, Promises, we got lots of sexy cowboys and Indians as the hero's. Their women are of all ages, race, and religions.
Caden's book is the 6th in the series. I didn't remember him as much as I did the other characters when it came there time for there book. The story here isnt as suspenseful or really any action at all like the previous books. Its really just the love story between Maddie, a woman that was raised in a brothel and made to perform since she was eight, and Caden. Due to this Maddie tends to wonder off in her mind for periods of time to escape reality. Even when she ends up at the Hell's Eight compound she still has moments where she isnt all there. Due to living almost her whole life in a brothel and being a whore she struggles with thinking that is all anyone will ever think she is. As she watches the other members of Hell's Eight getting married she dreams of one day having what they have. While on the compound she became very attached to Caden almost to the point of obsession.
Caden has never forgotten how his family and the town was killed which lead to the eight survivors becoming Hell's Eight to extract revenge on those responsible. He isnt liking this new Hell's Eight. Those that have married have become to domesticated for his piece of mind. He makes the decision to leave and to go and try to make fortune. He knows Maddie has become depended on him and he did promise her that he wouldnt leave without saying goodbye, a promise he ended up breaking.
When Maddie decides to take off after Caden she gets herself into a bind which Caden has to rescue her from. Or so he thinks.
This wasn't the strongest book in the series but its a great series that I will continue reading until the end.
August 1, 2015
McCarty returns us to the Wild West and the Texas territory with a vengeance! Her vivid descriptions bring this world into sharp focus for readers. She firmly transports her readers back into the past, to a time that was simultaneously easier and so much harder than today. She does so in a clear and concise manner. McCarty’s narrative and descriptions easily bring this world to life. This story is very emotional at times. McCarty brought tears to my eyes more than once. She also made me laugh, especially while doing the term ‘shotgun wedding’ justice.
By this point in the series everyone is so real & alive to me that I feel as if I’ve lived alongside them on Hell’s Eight. These men, this family, has become part of me, as has the thought that family is the people who will always stand for you, no matter what. The main couple in this novel definitely stood out in this one. The growth and change in Maddie throughout was fantastic. The way that McCarty developed her really gave a sense of all that she’d been through, and who she really is. Caden’s reactions were so priceless and genuine that you can’t help but love him, even when you want to call him out for being a dolt.
This exciting story held me in its grips throughout. McCarty’s continued development throughout this fantastic series had definitely held me in its grips. It was a joy to read & I can’t wait to see what happens next.
By this point in the series everyone is so real & alive to me that I feel as if I’ve lived alongside them on Hell’s Eight. These men, this family, has become part of me, as has the thought that family is the people who will always stand for you, no matter what. The main couple in this novel definitely stood out in this one. The growth and change in Maddie throughout was fantastic. The way that McCarty developed her really gave a sense of all that she’d been through, and who she really is. Caden’s reactions were so priceless and genuine that you can’t help but love him, even when you want to call him out for being a dolt.
This exciting story held me in its grips throughout. McCarty’s continued development throughout this fantastic series had definitely held me in its grips. It was a joy to read & I can’t wait to see what happens next.
December 14, 2012
Although I love this series, I moderately loved this volume.
Firstly there is little action in this one.
Secondly, I know that unlike other heroes in this series Caden isn't very present in the previous volumes, but it is also the case of Ace, and if I liked Ace, Caden left me indifferent.
Thirdly, we have Maddie. Maddie was born and grew up in a brothel. She became a prostitute at the age of eight until Tracker during his search for Ari discovers her and takes her with him. This is not the only abused heroine in this series, but unlike the others, Maddie escapes reality by taking refuge in a fantasy world, and suddenly, almost overnight, she becomes a wilful businesswoman.
Then we have Maddie and Caden, the couple. Maddie is in love with Caden and Caden see the true woman in Maddie. The problem is that these two do not know how to communicate and when they do it's to fight, often over the same argument.
That said, the story is well written and I can't wait to have Ace story.
Firstly there is little action in this one.
Secondly, I know that unlike other heroes in this series Caden isn't very present in the previous volumes, but it is also the case of Ace, and if I liked Ace, Caden left me indifferent.
Thirdly, we have Maddie. Maddie was born and grew up in a brothel. She became a prostitute at the age of eight until Tracker during his search for Ari discovers her and takes her with him. This is not the only abused heroine in this series, but unlike the others, Maddie escapes reality by taking refuge in a fantasy world, and suddenly, almost overnight, she becomes a wilful businesswoman.
Then we have Maddie and Caden, the couple. Maddie is in love with Caden and Caden see the true woman in Maddie. The problem is that these two do not know how to communicate and when they do it's to fight, often over the same argument.
That said, the story is well written and I can't wait to have Ace story.
December 7, 2012
Update #1 - Not quite finished.. But Caden is an ass!!
Update #2 - I'm finished. I wanted to love this book.. but don't.
Update #3 - I truly loathed the "Once a whore, Always a whore" speech that seemed to be on every page
** HOPE ACE GETS HIS OWN BOOK. !!
Update #2 - I'm finished. I wanted to love this book.. but don't.
Update #3 - I truly loathed the "Once a whore, Always a whore" speech that seemed to be on every page
** HOPE ACE GETS HIS OWN BOOK. !!
January 15, 2013
Huge fan of Sarah McCarty Hells Eight Series especially Caine and Sam stories. Sarah McCarty is the queen at writing amazing Western Romance with yummy alpha male heroes. For me though the last two (Shadow’s Stand #5 and Caden’s Vow #6) were likeable reads but nothing really caught my attention where I could not put the novel down. They are very easy to put down and pick back up.
Caden I was very wishy washy about him. One moment I liked him and the next he bugged me. What I liked about, is when he would show is alpha male attitude. Loved it, but very predictable with the flow of the story. What bugged me is his alpha attitude came in spurts and I really wanted him to say more to Maddie when ever she referred herself to being a whore. I wanted him to get upset and show more of his feelings with her. Caden has serious comment issues, leaves when ever he gets comfortable, because of his past with his dad. I did at times feel his pain. Now there were times when he was a sweetheart and loved him for that.
Maddie was not liking so much in the beginning. She was seriously off her rocker. I really did not start liking her till she was on her own when Caden left her to go do his mining. This is when I really started understanding her. Being brought up in a whore house she was never loved. When she was saved and brought to Hell’s Eight Caden in her eyes was the one she felt cared for her. But he leaves her and she feels like anybody she cares for leaves her. When he left again and promise he was coming back broke my heart. I was happy to see her not crazy, but a strong will woman who is determined to make it on her own in a town where she knows nobody because she honestly does not believe he is coming back for her.
Caden and Maddie have some yummy hot scenes together but the steaminess as in have to Fan-my-self is missing like in some of Sarah McCarty earlier novels. I felt since they were not always together through out the story I was not always feeling them as a yummy couple.
I enjoyed Ace the secondary character. Loved the scenes with him and Caden. Loved the friendship they have and his character never took away from the story just added so much more to it. He was a hoot to read about.
Love the Hell’s Eight series by Sara McCarty and look forward to see if Ace is next in line. I really want to see what woman will have his stomach in knots.
Rating: 3 stars - Like it
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
Caden I was very wishy washy about him. One moment I liked him and the next he bugged me. What I liked about, is when he would show is alpha male attitude. Loved it, but very predictable with the flow of the story. What bugged me is his alpha attitude came in spurts and I really wanted him to say more to Maddie when ever she referred herself to being a whore. I wanted him to get upset and show more of his feelings with her. Caden has serious comment issues, leaves when ever he gets comfortable, because of his past with his dad. I did at times feel his pain. Now there were times when he was a sweetheart and loved him for that.
Maddie was not liking so much in the beginning. She was seriously off her rocker. I really did not start liking her till she was on her own when Caden left her to go do his mining. This is when I really started understanding her. Being brought up in a whore house she was never loved. When she was saved and brought to Hell’s Eight Caden in her eyes was the one she felt cared for her. But he leaves her and she feels like anybody she cares for leaves her. When he left again and promise he was coming back broke my heart. I was happy to see her not crazy, but a strong will woman who is determined to make it on her own in a town where she knows nobody because she honestly does not believe he is coming back for her.
Caden and Maddie have some yummy hot scenes together but the steaminess as in have to Fan-my-self is missing like in some of Sarah McCarty earlier novels. I felt since they were not always together through out the story I was not always feeling them as a yummy couple.
I enjoyed Ace the secondary character. Loved the scenes with him and Caden. Loved the friendship they have and his character never took away from the story just added so much more to it. He was a hoot to read about.
Love the Hell’s Eight series by Sara McCarty and look forward to see if Ace is next in line. I really want to see what woman will have his stomach in knots.
Rating: 3 stars - Like it
ARC provided by NetGalley for an honest review
Originally posted at Wickedly Delicious Book Blog
January 30, 2013
Caden's Vow was my least favorite of this series. I love Sarah McCarty and I love the Hells Eight books, but this one did nothing for me. I never got a good feel for who Caden was (and he was very much a background character in previous books), other than a surly, bossy, commitment-phobic alpha man who never could figure out what he wanted. Maddie was equally as confusing. In the beginning of the book she is insecure and not quite right, always pulling deep inside her head to hide from the real world. Then all of the sudden she "fixes" herself and she's not different anymore?
The whole scene with their wedding was ridiculous. I never could understand how it came about & why Maddie acted like she did, and Caden simply went along with it and despite being furious and believing Maddie betrayed him, he never acted on that. This entire book was a push and pull between them not believing in one another and not trusting each other to wanting to be close and loving each other.
I understand that part of this could be explained by neither of these two actually KNOWING who they are or what they wanted right away. If they don't know, how is the reader supposed to? I understood the part about Maddie needing time to herself to figure out who she was. That's about the only part of this book that made sense.
Caden's whole purpose for going to the mine was to secure his future, and to help Hells Eight, and yet nothing is done with the mine other than him working there for a few weeks. I would have figured that that whole thing would have played a more prominent role in the story, but there really wasn't a story - just Caden and Maddie not knowing if they wanted to be together or apart.
The whole scene with their wedding was ridiculous. I never could understand how it came about & why Maddie acted like she did, and Caden simply went along with it and despite being furious and believing Maddie betrayed him, he never acted on that. This entire book was a push and pull between them not believing in one another and not trusting each other to wanting to be close and loving each other.
I understand that part of this could be explained by neither of these two actually KNOWING who they are or what they wanted right away. If they don't know, how is the reader supposed to? I understood the part about Maddie needing time to herself to figure out who she was. That's about the only part of this book that made sense.
Caden's whole purpose for going to the mine was to secure his future, and to help Hells Eight, and yet nothing is done with the mine other than him working there for a few weeks. I would have figured that that whole thing would have played a more prominent role in the story, but there really wasn't a story - just Caden and Maddie not knowing if they wanted to be together or apart.
October 12, 2013
Wow, what a sexy covers... it is too bad that this book did not live up to that visual message
Since this book is one of the last books in this series, and I hadn't read any of the previous books, I felt adrift - lost at sea. This is a problem since most authors make even series books accessible to a new reader. This book was filled with secondary and tertiary characters that had a relationship with Cade and Maddie but you never really know (except superficially) who they were and what they had to do with the protagonists.
I got past all this, but I found this book to be ultra wordy and NOT in a good way. It took me struggling to get through 50 percent of this novel before things even got a little interesting.
This novel was rambling and repetitive, with the characters - especially Maddie - reliving the past constantly and with an over-abundance of inner dialoguing that quickly became annoying. I felt like yelling at the book to stop beating that damn dead horse already.
The character of Maddie, while being a whore in her past was supposed to be eighteen in this novel and although I realize that the wild west (the 1800's) was a different time and eighteen was considered `old enough' - the author is writing for a modern audience. It was a bit tacky to have a girl as young as this in the lead role. I understood that Maddie was a unique character, with a LOT of experience under her belt - but she was mentally damaged through most of this book. This did NOT make this an erotic read for me.
All in all if I were basing this series on this book - I would NOT read any of the others.
Since this book is one of the last books in this series, and I hadn't read any of the previous books, I felt adrift - lost at sea. This is a problem since most authors make even series books accessible to a new reader. This book was filled with secondary and tertiary characters that had a relationship with Cade and Maddie but you never really know (except superficially) who they were and what they had to do with the protagonists.
I got past all this, but I found this book to be ultra wordy and NOT in a good way. It took me struggling to get through 50 percent of this novel before things even got a little interesting.
This novel was rambling and repetitive, with the characters - especially Maddie - reliving the past constantly and with an over-abundance of inner dialoguing that quickly became annoying. I felt like yelling at the book to stop beating that damn dead horse already.
The character of Maddie, while being a whore in her past was supposed to be eighteen in this novel and although I realize that the wild west (the 1800's) was a different time and eighteen was considered `old enough' - the author is writing for a modern audience. It was a bit tacky to have a girl as young as this in the lead role. I understood that Maddie was a unique character, with a LOT of experience under her belt - but she was mentally damaged through most of this book. This did NOT make this an erotic read for me.
All in all if I were basing this series on this book - I would NOT read any of the others.
October 25, 2012
McCarthy has a large and loyal readership for a reason: she can draw a bigger than life cowboy who is both talented and the incarnation of generosity when it comes to sex. Her cowboys are often short or narrow sighted, flaws which they overcome in the course of the story because (this is a romance, after all) there's a good woman at stake. This is the sixth volume in the Hell's Eight series, Caden has just come to the conclusion that he's got to move on, leave the compound and set up independently in Kansas territory, when complications in the person of Maddie O'Hare stop him in his tracks. Maddie, rescued from prostitution and living on the compound, is not going to let go of Caden quietly, and she gets her way. Except that Caden still has to leave. He sets her up in the town in a nice hotel room and rides off promising he'll return for her. This is where the story gets interesting, because Maddie finds her get-up-and-go and she goes to work. She starts up a bakery business, saves money, rents a little house, and is drawn into a community for the first time in her life. To her surprise Caden does come back; to his surprise, she's not waiting quietly in her hotel room. How they manage to find a solution that is acceptable to both of them is what propels the last third of the novel. A good story full of McCarthy's trademark clever repartee and scorching hot, no-holds-barred sex scenes, her readers will not be disappointed.
February 10, 2019
RATING: 2.5-3 'Promise' Hearts!
April 23, 2013
I wasn't sure what to expect from a historical western erotic romance (phew...that's a mouthful). I love all of those genres on their own, but how would they fit together? The answer is quite well! While this is the 6th book of the series, I hadn't read any of the others. I picked this one up because my library had it available and I thought I'd try out the series before I made an investment. So happy I did! I thought this was quite a unique storyline - the ex-prostitute and the harsh and hardened cowboy/miner. Their HEA was not a given - both had to work past various issues (not to mention overcoming the shock of a true "shotgun wedding"). When they do connect though, it was something special. The author has done a great job with the steamy scenes in this one. I'll definitely be going back to try out the previous books in this series.
4 stars!
4 stars!
Read
December 27, 2012DNF. This is sixth in the series, which actually doesn't matter all that much because the Exposition Fairy has lots of anvils ready to drop in the name of true love. See how all these fierce loners find love and live on a ranch commune together 4-Eva! As far as the story goes...I was just sad for Maddie. Despite all the reassurances about not being judged for her horrific and tortured upbringing, she was right to worry in regards to the man she "loved", who was such an ass that he had no problem calling her a whore or accusing her of worse during his toddler tantrums. Hated him.
Did not rate because I didn't finish and should probably have started with the first in the series.
Did not rate because I didn't finish and should probably have started with the first in the series.
March 18, 2013
Well, I liked it, but... there's something that's bothering me... I cannot put my finger on it exactly, but it's still there.
I din't liked Caden too much... just a little towards the end. He was too sanctimonious, too convinced about his way of thinking... He's always running away: it is implied that he made some vow to his father, but this vow was never fully explained. Just left there to dangle there all the time...
I really don't know why Maddie fell for him... She was very damaged/strange acting and thinking at the beginning, but after she made some very smart decisions. To mee it seemed too much improvement in such a short time.
Let's see what happens next! Should be Ace, right?
I din't liked Caden too much... just a little towards the end. He was too sanctimonious, too convinced about his way of thinking... He's always running away: it is implied that he made some vow to his father, but this vow was never fully explained. Just left there to dangle there all the time...
I really don't know why Maddie fell for him... She was very damaged/strange acting and thinking at the beginning, but after she made some very smart decisions. To mee it seemed too much improvement in such a short time.
Let's see what happens next! Should be Ace, right?
March 13, 2013
Great addition to this series. Can't wait for Ace's story!
January 10, 2018
Reread Jan. 2018. Loved this book & series!
February 19, 2020
I read a McCarty book previously and was on the fence. It wasn't great but it wasn't bad. There was something about it though that made me think that there was something there, some potential. So I picked Caden's Vow somewhat randomly. I haven't looked to see what order she published these books in but i have to say, I am glad I have stuck to my 2 book rule (always give an author 2 chances). This book was harsh, a bit graphic but it pulled me in and I appreciated that it didn't pull its punches. The h was really admirable and well written. I loved the way that the H and the h had a really rough relationship. It was nowhere near rainbows and unicorns if you know what I mean. It was good times, bad times, hurtful words, sweet moments and 2 people trying to work out whether they could have a relationship. I think I'll try out a few more of her books now...
On another note, this story got extra kudos from me because the h suffers from a dissociative disorder which is quite common in people who have suffered extreme abuse... You rarely get that sort of acknowledgement in stories.
On another note, this story got extra kudos from me because the h suffers from a dissociative disorder which is quite common in people who have suffered extreme abuse... You rarely get that sort of acknowledgement in stories.
December 5, 2025
Audio-Hell's Eight #1-7 1800s Texas Rangers-grew up together after all their families were murdered when they were children. As boys, they buried each other's parents then struggled to survive without starving. As they grew up, raised by the woman who took them in after they tried to steal food from her, they set out to avenge their families. That's how they got their reputation as Hell's Eight. Becoming Texas Rangers made them the law instead of outlaws.
This was a rough, but not false depiction of life for frontier women in the 1800s in Texas, so be prepared. Notice the Award for Caine's Reckoning--All About Romance (AAR) Annual Reader Poll for Best American History/Frontier Romance 2008
I enjoyed the series but was sorry that the last book, Luke's Cut wasn't published in audio. I would definitely have gotten it! One of the audio voices early in the series didn't suit the man to me so I started tweaking it with SmartAudioPlayer. I got it to sound like Sam Elliott!!! Same review added to each book.
This was a rough, but not false depiction of life for frontier women in the 1800s in Texas, so be prepared. Notice the Award for Caine's Reckoning--All About Romance (AAR) Annual Reader Poll for Best American History/Frontier Romance 2008
I enjoyed the series but was sorry that the last book, Luke's Cut wasn't published in audio. I would definitely have gotten it! One of the audio voices early in the series didn't suit the man to me so I started tweaking it with SmartAudioPlayer. I got it to sound like Sam Elliott!!! Same review added to each book.
February 9, 2019
I liked Maddie. The narrator’s portrayal of her was exactly as I imagined she would sound like. Even though with this genre I know its going to end well, I found myself rooting for her. I enjoyed watching the confidence in herself grow.
Caden and Ace could have been narrated better. Particularly Ace. He sounded goofy and not at all like a tough Texas Ranger.
Other than this being the 3rd shotgun wedding ( a bit too redundant for me) within the same series, the story was interesting. We are left hanging as to whether Caden got to any gold though. Maybe that will be addressed in the next book.
Again with the ass spankings... really?! I doubt anyone being mistreated the way Maddie was growing up would enjoy anything that sparked pain. It wasn’t a necessary part of the love making and I found myself disgusted with the author on this one.
Caden and Ace could have been narrated better. Particularly Ace. He sounded goofy and not at all like a tough Texas Ranger.
Other than this being the 3rd shotgun wedding ( a bit too redundant for me) within the same series, the story was interesting. We are left hanging as to whether Caden got to any gold though. Maybe that will be addressed in the next book.
Again with the ass spankings... really?! I doubt anyone being mistreated the way Maddie was growing up would enjoy anything that sparked pain. It wasn’t a necessary part of the love making and I found myself disgusted with the author on this one.
March 25, 2018
This is my second or third read from Hell's Eight and this one was better!
McCarty's previous books got hot and heavy really early and this on the sexy parts were not until more than half way through! I liked that the female, Maddie, a previous whore, was the girl with the past who may or may not have a been out of touch with reality. Caden really had to talk her into love without violence and trust. I won't say more without spoiling the book.
There is violence and sex and but it is mostly about Caden and Maddie. Hell's Eight men and their women only make a brief appearance. It was an easier read than the previous book. A little too much dialogue between Maddie and Caden and the F word, and was draggy a few times, but I wanted to finish to see how it ended!
McCarty's previous books got hot and heavy really early and this on the sexy parts were not until more than half way through! I liked that the female, Maddie, a previous whore, was the girl with the past who may or may not have a been out of touch with reality. Caden really had to talk her into love without violence and trust. I won't say more without spoiling the book.
There is violence and sex and but it is mostly about Caden and Maddie. Hell's Eight men and their women only make a brief appearance. It was an easier read than the previous book. A little too much dialogue between Maddie and Caden and the F word, and was draggy a few times, but I wanted to finish to see how it ended!
April 1, 2025
Broken Vows
Caden Miller is one of the Hell's Eight. Survivors turned outlaws turned Texas Rangers. He's strong, powerful, and his word means something to him. And then there's sweet and innocent Maddie. A rescue from a brothel that has lived with the Hell's Eight for a long while. A woman that was born in a whore house and knew nothing beyond the whore house until she was saved. Unlike the previous books, there isn't as much action. Which is a nice change. Caden goes to Fei's gold claim in hopes of claiming some of the gold that was lost in the explosion. And he ends up with a wife. Maddie. Caden buries his head in the sand and Maddie ends up finding her REAL self. A very well written western that leaves too many questions unanswered in the end.
Caden Miller is one of the Hell's Eight. Survivors turned outlaws turned Texas Rangers. He's strong, powerful, and his word means something to him. And then there's sweet and innocent Maddie. A rescue from a brothel that has lived with the Hell's Eight for a long while. A woman that was born in a whore house and knew nothing beyond the whore house until she was saved. Unlike the previous books, there isn't as much action. Which is a nice change. Caden goes to Fei's gold claim in hopes of claiming some of the gold that was lost in the explosion. And he ends up with a wife. Maddie. Caden buries his head in the sand and Maddie ends up finding her REAL self. A very well written western that leaves too many questions unanswered in the end.
June 2, 2017
Maddie and Caden are the most unlikely couple. I didn't see this coming. Maddie was a whore that Tracker found and brought to Hell's Eight when he was looking for Ari. She had been born in a whorehouse and as a girl kept as a valuable commodity and was sold at 8 or 9 and never stopped being sold till Tracker found her. I liked the story and I liked Maddie and Caden but there wasn't very much action. That is why it's only a 4*.
August 18, 2018
Two stars for Maddie, zero (negative if possible) for Caden
I cannot explain how furious I was with Caden throughout the entire book. Maddie is the sweetest, smartest, and most gentlest soul. Every time he lashed out at her I just wanted to hug her. He said the most horrible insults to her and kept expecting to be forgiven so quickly. He was such a typical macho ranger who made the bare minimum effort to grovel. Ugh! She was better off without him.
I cannot explain how furious I was with Caden throughout the entire book. Maddie is the sweetest, smartest, and most gentlest soul. Every time he lashed out at her I just wanted to hug her. He said the most horrible insults to her and kept expecting to be forgiven so quickly. He was such a typical macho ranger who made the bare minimum effort to grovel. Ugh! She was better off without him.
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