Emerald Sea

Diamond #3

by Cassandra Dean

A peacemaker. That’s how gunslinger Jake Wade likes to think of himself. Holed up in Freewill, Wyoming, waiting on a job, he’s ambushed by a drab, implacable woman in an expensive dress. When the relentless lady engages his services to find her an evil man, he takes her job to protect her from herself…and discovers this drab wren is more than she appears.

Hope McElroy knows of a man who needs killing. Engaging the services of an ex-marshal gunslinger was supposed to find her that man in short order, allowing her to return to her life with a minimum of fuss. However, the infuriating man’s lackadaisical ways forces her efficient world to chaos, and she can’t help but be drawn to the gunslinger’s lazy grin.

The journey across an emerald sea takes Hope and Jake into unknown and lawless land, and territory uncharted by either one has them relying on one another. As they draw closer, discovering a passion that cannot be denied, will they find a way to map a course to forever?

144 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 6, 2021

About the author

Cassandra Dean is an award-winning author of historical and fantasy romance. She grew up daydreaming, inventing fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures. Once she learned to read (First phrase – To the Beach. True story), she was never without a book, reading of other people’s fantastical worlds and marvelous adventures.

Cassandra is proud to call South Australia her home, where she regularly cheers on her AFL football team and creates her next tale.

Visit Cassandra’s website at http://cassandradean.com

Join Cassandra’s mailing list at http://cassandradean.com/extras/subsc...

Be sure to follow Cassandra on BookBub for the latest on sales: https://bit.ly/3rzSIpu

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Contact Cassandra at cassandra@cassandradean.com

Reviews

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gunslinger Jake Wade thinks of himself as a peacemaker. Whilst sitting in a saloon reading he’s ambushed, by a drab but implacable woman in an expensive dress. When the relentless lady engages his services to find her an evil man, he takes her job to protect her from herself. Hope McElroy wants revenge on the man who killed her family & left her for dead Engaging the services of an ex-marshal gunslinger was supposed to find her that man, allowing her to return to her life with a minimum of fuss. However she can’t help being drawn to the gunslinger’s lazy grin. The journey across an emerald sea takes Hope and Jake into unknown and lawless land, and territory uncharted by either one has them relying on one another.
I’m not a huge fan of cowboy romances but do like a good - & this was a very good one. The characters had depth & I loved both Jake & Hope, he started off on the wrong side of the law but quickly saw the error of his ways & became a lawman, she’s a successful business woman but is haunted but her family’s massacre. The attraction between the pair starts as a simmer but soon sizzles. The pace is fast & the descriptions are vivid. I found it to be an engrossing which I read in a sitting & can't wait for the rest of the series to be published
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

Why would a woman be looking for a group of outlaws? Want them killed?

He was just minding his business, waiting to get some work, when she appeared. She was set on revenge and he had been a gunslinger at one time but had reformed and was now an ex-lawman, only wanting peace. But he knew he needed to go to protect her.

She had been left for dead when they killed her family and now she was focused on finding those
men. Her life could not turn back to normal until that deed was done.

A journey that brings many twist and turns and a romance not to be broken!

[Ltlmer2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't usually read westerns, but I just love Cassandra Dean's writing and will read anything from her---and I was not disappointed. Her characters just leap off of the page. I could *HEAR* Jake's sexy drawl in my head. (And every time he called her "Darlin'", I thought of Homer Jackson from Ripper Street and that's a good good thing.)



There was great chemistry and tension with a slow-burn but definitely some heat as well. They brought out new and different things in each other. Even though they seemed like oil and water at first, they actually complemented each other and had some really sweet moments. I loved how they learn to see the nuances of emotion in each other's face (especially when he coaxes a slight smile from her normally reserved expression) I liked how the final conflict and ending happened. It was interesting and unexpected how it played out with the villain as well as with Jake. I can't wait to go back and read the first two from the series. Maybe I'll become a convert to westerns if every hero can be this cool and charming.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review.

[Linda J. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story dragged for me. Tiny bit of action midway and then not until the end.

Some editing issues, Lord's name used in vain a lot - over 30 times with most being the lower case "g" but others too. Some crude words thrown in here and there.

The title threw me off - Emerald Sea. Only dry land in a lawless town in the West. The h's family were all murdered and she was left for dead 20 years ago. She is now seeking revenge and has hired the H (former Lawman and Gunslinger) to help get the gang who murdered her family and left her scarred in more ways than physical.

Lovemaking outside of marriage - heat level 4 out of 5 and described several times.

No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and some steam.

I received an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Despite the dark pasts of Hope and Jake, this book was a pleasant read. Hope was a wealthy businesswoman who hired gunslinger Jake to help her avenge the murder of her family. Jake was basically a good man who just hadn't found his life's purpose yet. Meeting the beautiful Hope changed everything for him. This book was more about the development of Jake and Hope's relationship than the brutal conditions of the old west. Jake's expertise as a gunfighter and his need to protect Hope were clearly established without things getting overly violent. Hope began to realize that there was more to life than just getting revenge. Their relationship was full of clever innuendo and things got much steamier than the usual western romance. The happy ending in this story was absolutely perfect.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very different read for me, but I love this author, so thought I’d take a chance. I was not disappointed. A rough, tough western, tracking down a killer, but this was so much more. Our hero, Jake Wade, is a Marshal and. Gunslinger with a reputation for finding his man. That’s how Hope McElroy comes into his life when she seeks him out to find the killer that murdered her entire family and left her for dead. Twenty years later she’s out to exact her revenge. Hope and Jake couldn’t be more opposite. They start off as oil and water, and his lazy, drinking ways, frustrate her no end. The dialogue and banter between these two is clever and enjoyable and the slow burn romance is smokin. A great read!

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a good tale with a yummy hero! Jake had been a marshal and is now a gun for hire. Hope hired him to find Josiah Callahan, a notorious outlaw who killed her family. As the story unfolds, the tough as nails cowboy and the prim and proper lady forge a bond built upon lust and respect. Jake is every girl’s fantasy. He’s rough and rugged, good looking, charming and a crack shot. Hope combats her vulnerability by gathering information so she can be in control. Trust does not come easily for her. The dialogue in this book is so much fun, and never lets you forget where and when the story takes place. Calligan’s comeuppance is brilliant! Loved it!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cindy C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

I Loved It! Emerald Sea brings the Wild West to life with all the violence, action, and revenge as no nonsense Hope hires gunslinger Jake Wade to find  a ruthless outlaw. Cassandra Dean's unique writing style as she weaves danger, suspense, revenge with tention building twist and turns that will keep you sitting on the edge of your seat. Each and every character came to life and you find yourself drawn you into their tale, with passion, with a superb plott, and a heartstopping drama. The scenes are so strikingly detailed it paints an incredible backdrop that makes you feel like you are one with the story. It will hook you from the start and keep you turning the pages to the very end.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this western romance with all of the characters. The main characters were Hope McElroy and Jake Wade.

Hope McElroy wants to hire Jake Wade to find a man that killed her family years ago. Now that she older and has money she can hire someone to find this man.

Jake Wade is a ex-marshal gunslinger. When a woman asks for his help he not so sure. Because the man that she is look for is really bad.

This was a fun story to read. It had action, adventure, and a twist that was surprising. It had a few laughs throughout to. It was also somewhat steamy.

I received a complimentary copy via Booksprout. This is my honest unbiased opinions.

[Sherry Westendorf · Rating 5 out of 5]

He is sitting and minding his own business and along comes this woman who insists he help her find a man. A man who killed her whole family. He is sitting bored waiting for a job so he takes the job. He is an gunslinger. The more they get into the job the closer they get. But things are not easy finding this man. As they are going into an uncharted and lawless being that new. It is a page turning, edge of your seat with a little steam thrown in. I love it and highly recommend it. I was given a review copy and voluntarily review it.

[Suze82 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hope is an extraordinary woman: she kowtows to nobody, always gritting her teeth and soldering on no matter what strain she is under. Jacob is a marshal with a shady reputation, you never know what he is up to and Hope feels he is constantly pulling her leg. This book has everything to be entertaining: their constant head butting is an element of fun, there is growing passion and suspense whether they will find the culprit who has brought misery to so many people and finally bring him to justice.
I received this book as a review copy.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very impressive book.
First impressions are not always right and that is what our hero finds out about the heroine. Hope was a mission and she needed Jake to do the job. She has good reason too. She wanted those who killed her family gone. There were some great twists in this story and I found the book so fascinating. The characters just came to life as I read the book. I love historical westerns and this one was one of the best I have read in a long time. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried this as an arc as I usually am not into westerns. I did get through it but it was a struggle. I guess I am not a Western novel reader. Also I like the clean sweet romances and this was not one. So I am writing a review but please bear in mind if you don’t mind steamy books and you enjoy western novels this review may not affect you. I will stick to her clean and sweet Victorian novels for review as I have done in the past.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A gunslinger, ambushed and evil men also a woman who needs protection from herself. What a great start for a western also a journey into lawless and uncharted territory. It can't get much better than that.

Emerald Sea is a wild west western story with action, fighting and everything that goes with the west.

I found this book absolutely fabulous as I love westerns. I can't wait for the next book. Well worth the read

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hope McElroy is looking for revenge and hires a gunslinger to find the man who destroyed her family. Easy and smart, Jake Wade takes the job. Who knew that a woman who controlled everything in her life would fall for this amazing man. As his Darlin,' he will break down her barriers to win her heart. Love the heat between them. They set the pages on fire.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Ali · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do not usually read westerns, but I love Cassandra Dean's writing voices and style, and this book does not disappoint. The characters are vividly drawn with language that begs you to slow down your reading and savor it. Jake and Hope are wonderful and multi-dimensional. Their dialogue is fantastic and the steamy content does not disappoint. Excellent book! Highly recommended.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Texastwang · Rating 5 out of 5]

She's everything he is not. He's everything she needs. They annoy each other. Can he give her the revenge she needs? Or she might have to do it herself, her way. I loved how she exacts her reverge. Very witty. I enjoyed how she painted complete opposites that complete each other.

I received a free copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my honest review

[Linda Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just love a story where a woman take back the power in her life in order to get it back on track but the path for it doesn’t go smoothly. You will follow Hope and Jake adventures with great attention, I really enjoyed this great storyline and highly recommended it. Thanks to the author for providing me with my review copy.

[Lisa H · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ll be honest. I never read westerns anymore.
But this one was good. Jake is a hired gun. He’s got some baggage and some issues.

Hope is tightly woven, determined and has grit.
Yes, they are opposites. The story focuses more on Hope going after a bad man (Callihan). Allso, not so much green grass, more like hot, dusty western.

[Colleen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining historical western romance book that holds your attention throughout. The storyline is intriguing and dramatic as the elements unfold. The characters are well written with depth to their personalities and a magnetic chemistry together. I enjoyed this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Patty · Rating 4 out of 5]

As I started reading this novel, it gave me flashbacks of the movie “True Grit”. Originally the title really threw me off as I was not anticipating a western. Although this was the first novel in the series I have read, it was easy to follow along and enjoy. I did like Jake and Hope and their interesting and evolving relationship. Despite the plot unfolded a bit slowly for me, it did eventually have a satisfying HEA ending.

I received an ARC and I am voluntarily sharing my honest review.

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I so enjoyed this old rough and tough western romance set in the old west of Wyoming. Hope and Jake are great together. This is an intriguing and interesting read about a gunslinger and she is one determined lady. I like the dynamics in this nicely developed story.

[A Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emerald Sea is book 3 of The Diamond Series, The story was interesting, entertaining and enjoyable. The characters were charming and likable. I enjoyed reading this one.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Nate · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved Jake & Hope’s book. It was an intriguing & exciting read. I got a copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my review.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good story about a woman set on vengeance to a killer, and the gunslinger she hires to help her find him. I received an arc of this book.

[Jessica · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable read. I specially like the dynamic relationship between the couple. So many amusing scenes and some steamy ones, too. Vanquishing enemies are also thoroughly satisfying.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.