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Blood Blade Sisters #1
A Bandit's Stolen Heart
It’s 1856 and prospectors have mostly abandoned the once prosperous gold mining town of Bethany Ridge, California. Now the town is under siege by a crooked sheriff and his posse. With little justice in their neck of the wild west, Cilla Richardson becomes the notorious bandit Blood Blade to rob from the corrupt lawmen and set things right by the townspeople.When handsome Leo Forrester comes looking for Blood Blade's help, he ends up on the wrong side of Blood Blade's pistol. But when he discovers the renegade is really the feisty Cilla, he decides to do what he can to aid her cause. The more time he spends with Cilla, the more determined Leo is to steal her stubborn bandit's heart.Then innocent people are murdered and the sheriff fixes to pin the deaths on Blood Blade. Leo must convince Cilla of his love and the town of her innocence or the jig will be up and she’ll be swinging from a hangman's noose come dawn.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 1, 2013
25 people are currently reading
177 people want to read
About the author
Michelle McLean
38 books281 followersMichelle McLean is a jeans and t-shirt kind of girl who is addicted to chocolate and Goldfish crackers and spent most of her formative years with her nose in a book. She has a B.S. in History, an M.A. in English, and loves her romances with a little heat, a lot of humor, and always a happily ever after.
When Michelle's not working, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found baking or diamond painting, which she accidentally got addicted to while bored one day. She resides in PA with her husband and two teens, the world's most spoiled dog, and two cats who absolutely rule the house. She also writes contemporary romance as Kira Archer.
For more info on Michelle and her work, visit her website at michellemcleanbooks.com.
When Michelle's not working, reading, or chasing her kids around, she can usually be found baking or diamond painting, which she accidentally got addicted to while bored one day. She resides in PA with her husband and two teens, the world's most spoiled dog, and two cats who absolutely rule the house. She also writes contemporary romance as Kira Archer.
For more info on Michelle and her work, visit her website at michellemcleanbooks.com.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
September 27, 2013
Rating: 2.5 out of 5.
In 1856, there were three sisters who secretly were the Blood Blade bandit group. Their goal is to achieve justice and earn some money to survive.
But when an evil half brother wants the house that belongs to them because of their mother, Cilla, the second sister, comes up with a plan to get her eldest and pregnant sister married to Leo Forrester.
Except she finds herself falling in love with him...
It was a good read. The novel had elements of romance, action and a bit of adventure. But it just wasn't my kind of story. I need a bit more intensity whether in the romance or the plot.
ARC Courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC.
In 1856, there were three sisters who secretly were the Blood Blade bandit group. Their goal is to achieve justice and earn some money to survive.
But when an evil half brother wants the house that belongs to them because of their mother, Cilla, the second sister, comes up with a plan to get her eldest and pregnant sister married to Leo Forrester.
Except she finds herself falling in love with him...
It was a good read. The novel had elements of romance, action and a bit of adventure. But it just wasn't my kind of story. I need a bit more intensity whether in the romance or the plot.
ARC Courtesy of NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC.
October 22, 2013
The book blurb (and the cover!) really drew me to this story but it just didn't live up to expectations.
It started off interesting enough, but once the whole wacky came into play I rather lost interest... and ended up skimming through the rest of it.
It started off interesting enough, but once the whole wacky came into play I rather lost interest... and ended up skimming through the rest of it.
April 2, 2013
Afterglow:
One word can pretty much sum up Michelle McLean's latest offering: Exciting.
How else do you describe a book with a train chase, Robin Hood-esque sister bandits, bounty hunters, brazen cattle theft, an evil sheriff, fire, murder, a forgotten mine, and a good old fashioned lynching?
I finished it in one night, up until 2am. Where To Trust a Thief brought me back to regency romance, A Bandit's Stolen Heart made me want to pick up another western immediately after. Michelle uses expert characterization and rich setting together to root the reader firmly in the ground of her story. To Trust a Thief rooted me in Victorian times, and A Bandit's Stolen Heart rooted me in the Wild West. I thoroughly enjoyed both rides, though they are vastly different stories.
The only similarity is the spunkiness of the characters. I don't think Michelle has it in her to write a boring character, which is fine by me! Cilla became the breadwinner of her family (at least in her own mind) at the ripe old age of sixteen. Her devotion to her family, her sense of guilt and duty to help a town besieged by her half-brother the sheriff, and her insistence on doing everything by herself made Cilla a heroine to cheer.
The colorful language had me stopping every few pages to share an excerpt with my husband, even though he was doing some reading of his own and this must have been kind of annoying. I couldn't help myself. Writing this good, writing this fun, was meant to be shared. From paragraph one, page one, my relationship with Cilla--and with her horse Maynard--was cemented as one of respect and amused appreciation. The opening scene is a Blood Blade bandit jewelry heist from a moving carriage. And the driver turns out to be kind of a key player in Cilla's/Blood Blade's life (understatement).
It is one hell of a meet-cute.
Leo came to town looking for his missing brother, but instead found the butt of a gun to his head. To his incredible credit, he still chooses to be noble to his captors when he sees the unrestrained evil they're dealing with in the sheriff (this is no spoiler, as you can learn as much from the goodreads blurb). He is like Cilla in many ways, which is part of what makes their lumpy, broken road romance so fun and infuriating as they insist on misreading each other and at times out-martyring each other. I had to cheer when I realized Cilla was as determined to rescue Leo as Leo was to rescue Cilla. No wilting damsel here.
Then there is the swearing. Something about cowboys swearing is rather endearing, but when Cilla does it, it's just downright hilarious. I loved that each of the Richardson sisters has a fiery temper all her own, though the oldest, Brynne, has the ability to moderate herself. At different points in the story, all three sisters have an opportunity to showcase their stubbornness, whether it's in loyalty, personal determination, or pride. You just gotta love spunk, especially when it comes in threes.
Even better, this is a planned trilogy, a book for each Blood Blade Sister:
"The Blood Blade Sisters trilogy (Entangled Scandalous 2013) -
In a time when women are supposed to be seen and not heard, the Richardson sisters go to criminal lengths to take control of their own destinies.
This historical romance series will follow Cilla, Brynne, and Lucy Richardson, three sisters in post-Gold Rush California who become “Robin Hoods of the West” in order to right the wrongs committed by their corrupt brother against the townspeople and themselves. When their identity is discovered and they are framed for murder, the sisters must cut a deal with one of their victims, a man who may just prove to be their savior – and the love of Cilla’s life.
Each book will follow a different sister - Book One will introduce the sisters and their bandit ways with Cilla being front and center. Book Two will follow Brynne, while Book Three will tell Lucy's story."
I'm looking forward to the stories of Brynne and Lucy in Books 2 and 3, though it was with the customary sadness of goodbyes that I turned the last page on Cilla's and Leo's story. I came to love them for the ridiculously feisty, family-loyal martyrs they are.
If you haven't read a western in a while, this is the one you want to dive back in. If you haven't ever read a western, start with the Blood Blade Sisters trilogy. It'll be fun!
One word can pretty much sum up Michelle McLean's latest offering: Exciting.
How else do you describe a book with a train chase, Robin Hood-esque sister bandits, bounty hunters, brazen cattle theft, an evil sheriff, fire, murder, a forgotten mine, and a good old fashioned lynching?
I finished it in one night, up until 2am. Where To Trust a Thief brought me back to regency romance, A Bandit's Stolen Heart made me want to pick up another western immediately after. Michelle uses expert characterization and rich setting together to root the reader firmly in the ground of her story. To Trust a Thief rooted me in Victorian times, and A Bandit's Stolen Heart rooted me in the Wild West. I thoroughly enjoyed both rides, though they are vastly different stories.
The only similarity is the spunkiness of the characters. I don't think Michelle has it in her to write a boring character, which is fine by me! Cilla became the breadwinner of her family (at least in her own mind) at the ripe old age of sixteen. Her devotion to her family, her sense of guilt and duty to help a town besieged by her half-brother the sheriff, and her insistence on doing everything by herself made Cilla a heroine to cheer.
The colorful language had me stopping every few pages to share an excerpt with my husband, even though he was doing some reading of his own and this must have been kind of annoying. I couldn't help myself. Writing this good, writing this fun, was meant to be shared. From paragraph one, page one, my relationship with Cilla--and with her horse Maynard--was cemented as one of respect and amused appreciation. The opening scene is a Blood Blade bandit jewelry heist from a moving carriage. And the driver turns out to be kind of a key player in Cilla's/Blood Blade's life (understatement).
It is one hell of a meet-cute.
Leo came to town looking for his missing brother, but instead found the butt of a gun to his head. To his incredible credit, he still chooses to be noble to his captors when he sees the unrestrained evil they're dealing with in the sheriff (this is no spoiler, as you can learn as much from the goodreads blurb). He is like Cilla in many ways, which is part of what makes their lumpy, broken road romance so fun and infuriating as they insist on misreading each other and at times out-martyring each other. I had to cheer when I realized Cilla was as determined to rescue Leo as Leo was to rescue Cilla. No wilting damsel here.
Then there is the swearing. Something about cowboys swearing is rather endearing, but when Cilla does it, it's just downright hilarious. I loved that each of the Richardson sisters has a fiery temper all her own, though the oldest, Brynne, has the ability to moderate herself. At different points in the story, all three sisters have an opportunity to showcase their stubbornness, whether it's in loyalty, personal determination, or pride. You just gotta love spunk, especially when it comes in threes.
Even better, this is a planned trilogy, a book for each Blood Blade Sister:
"The Blood Blade Sisters trilogy (Entangled Scandalous 2013) -
In a time when women are supposed to be seen and not heard, the Richardson sisters go to criminal lengths to take control of their own destinies.
This historical romance series will follow Cilla, Brynne, and Lucy Richardson, three sisters in post-Gold Rush California who become “Robin Hoods of the West” in order to right the wrongs committed by their corrupt brother against the townspeople and themselves. When their identity is discovered and they are framed for murder, the sisters must cut a deal with one of their victims, a man who may just prove to be their savior – and the love of Cilla’s life.
Each book will follow a different sister - Book One will introduce the sisters and their bandit ways with Cilla being front and center. Book Two will follow Brynne, while Book Three will tell Lucy's story."
I'm looking forward to the stories of Brynne and Lucy in Books 2 and 3, though it was with the customary sadness of goodbyes that I turned the last page on Cilla's and Leo's story. I came to love them for the ridiculously feisty, family-loyal martyrs they are.
If you haven't read a western in a while, this is the one you want to dive back in. If you haven't ever read a western, start with the Blood Blade Sisters trilogy. It'll be fun!
February 12, 2021
3.5*
This is a Robin Hood themed western. Brynne, Priscilla (Cilla), and Lucy are all siblings. They run a ranch and are harassed constantly by their older half brother, Frank. Frank wants the land. He is an asshole who is the town sheriff and taxes the townspeople for "protection." If they can't pay, he takes/steals treasured belongings. Cilla and her sisters find ways to get these things back and returned.
Cilla ends up kidnapping Leo, who is looking for his brother Jake. Things happen. Turns out Jake and Brynne fell in love and got hand-fasted, but before they could get legally married, Jake disappeared. I liked Brynne's practicality. I did think Cilla martyred herself a bit too much. This way is much angst. I did think this lacked with Frank's comeuppance. I wanted way more than what I got and this knocked down the rating. He had it too easy and was unsatisfying. I also would have liked to have seen more forgiveness from the townspeople in regards to Cilla.
This is a Robin Hood themed western. Brynne, Priscilla (Cilla), and Lucy are all siblings. They run a ranch and are harassed constantly by their older half brother, Frank. Frank wants the land. He is an asshole who is the town sheriff and taxes the townspeople for "protection." If they can't pay, he takes/steals treasured belongings. Cilla and her sisters find ways to get these things back and returned.
Cilla ends up kidnapping Leo, who is looking for his brother Jake. Things happen. Turns out Jake and Brynne fell in love and got hand-fasted, but before they could get legally married, Jake disappeared. I liked Brynne's practicality. I did think Cilla martyred herself a bit too much. This way is much angst. I did think this lacked with Frank's comeuppance. I wanted way more than what I got and this knocked down the rating. He had it too easy and was unsatisfying. I also would have liked to have seen more forgiveness from the townspeople in regards to Cilla.
January 4, 2022
Sit back and enjoy this start to the Blood Blade Sisters series, filled with humor, fiesty women and a hero that will make you sigh!
Three sisters, determined to make the wrongs right in her town by taking down the corrupt and getting everything back in order.
When she ends up with him at the end of her gun, it all changes when he decides to help her!
Cannot wait to read more of this series! Loved it!
Three sisters, determined to make the wrongs right in her town by taking down the corrupt and getting everything back in order.
When she ends up with him at the end of her gun, it all changes when he decides to help her!
Cannot wait to read more of this series! Loved it!
May 11, 2013
An okay read. A Bandit's Stolen Heart was a good read, but it didn't quite get all the way there for me.
One great thing about this book, though, was the level of thrills that we get. I like old west romances because of all the thrills and action they have and this book delivered. Chases, shootouts, daring escapes. This book had plenty to keep me on my toes.
The problem for me was that I didn't really connect with the characters.
Cilla was a good heroine, but I didn't totally get her. For one thing, it was a little odd to me that she was willing to steal from others (though it was for good reason) but she martyred herself when it came to Leo. She got it into her head that the sham marriage between Leo and her sister, which was only for show considering her sister was still in love with Leo's brother, meant that she couldn't have a relationship with Leo. Even though she had her sister's blessing. Then, when all the clues pointed to Jake being dead, she decided that Leo and Brynne had to stay married. But, neither of them wanted to. I just felt like she was intentionally making things difficult for herself. Things were never as complicated as she was determined to make them out to be. Now, this doesn't mean that I didn't like her. She was fine, an admirably strong woman who was intensely loyal to her family. I just got frustrated with her a few times.
Leo was a better character for me. He was determined to find his brother, while helping his new sister-in-law as best he could. I thought it was very sweet how he was intent on helping the sisters. And I liked that he saw things as they were and didn't try to over complicate them (I'm looking at you, Cilla). He was a great, easily-to-like hero.
The romance was not the best part of the book. Because Cilla refused to allow any relationship to take hold, the romance was slow going. For the first 3/4 of the book, there was no relationship to speak of, though there was a ton of longing to go around. When they finally did get together, they were a sweet couple. And the spice level between them was very minimal.
The plot was okay. It wasn't fast paced, but it didn't bore me. I was kept interested the entire way through. And the ending was great.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled: Scandalous for a copy!
One great thing about this book, though, was the level of thrills that we get. I like old west romances because of all the thrills and action they have and this book delivered. Chases, shootouts, daring escapes. This book had plenty to keep me on my toes.
The problem for me was that I didn't really connect with the characters.
Cilla was a good heroine, but I didn't totally get her. For one thing, it was a little odd to me that she was willing to steal from others (though it was for good reason) but she martyred herself when it came to Leo. She got it into her head that the sham marriage between Leo and her sister, which was only for show considering her sister was still in love with Leo's brother, meant that she couldn't have a relationship with Leo. Even though she had her sister's blessing. Then, when all the clues pointed to Jake being dead, she decided that Leo and Brynne had to stay married. But, neither of them wanted to. I just felt like she was intentionally making things difficult for herself. Things were never as complicated as she was determined to make them out to be. Now, this doesn't mean that I didn't like her. She was fine, an admirably strong woman who was intensely loyal to her family. I just got frustrated with her a few times.
Leo was a better character for me. He was determined to find his brother, while helping his new sister-in-law as best he could. I thought it was very sweet how he was intent on helping the sisters. And I liked that he saw things as they were and didn't try to over complicate them (I'm looking at you, Cilla). He was a great, easily-to-like hero.
The romance was not the best part of the book. Because Cilla refused to allow any relationship to take hold, the romance was slow going. For the first 3/4 of the book, there was no relationship to speak of, though there was a ton of longing to go around. When they finally did get together, they were a sweet couple. And the spice level between them was very minimal.
The plot was okay. It wasn't fast paced, but it didn't bore me. I was kept interested the entire way through. And the ending was great.
*Thanks to Netgalley and Entangled: Scandalous for a copy!
November 6, 2016
3.5 Stars A Bandit's Stolen Heart is a good start to the Blood Blade Sisters series. I liked Leo & Cilla's characters as well as the concept of the story and will read more of this series.
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Book generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
May 26, 2021
This book kept my interest, so I finished it in one sitting. I like the Cilla character becuase she was such a stong woman in a western novella. The descriptions in the book were very good, and I could always "see" the picture of the characters in the story. I liked the fact that the author wrote a clean book as I constantly encounter more sex in novellas today, and I don't think it is necessary. I received this book for free for signing up to the author's mail list, and this is my honest opinion of the book.
April 25, 2021
Leo and Pruscilka
Well written and good characters. Leo comes looking for his brother Jake and Blood Blade whiLe I suspects might know sharpened to his brother. when he finds that Cilla us blood blade he starts to think that possibly she had something to do with his disappearance. But as time goes by they find out that her step brother is behind all the murders and his brother Jake. Great chapters and Villa and Leo get their HEA . Would highly recommend.
Well written and good characters. Leo comes looking for his brother Jake and Blood Blade whiLe I suspects might know sharpened to his brother. when he finds that Cilla us blood blade he starts to think that possibly she had something to do with his disappearance. But as time goes by they find out that her step brother is behind all the murders and his brother Jake. Great chapters and Villa and Leo get their HEA . Would highly recommend.
March 23, 2022
This is a thrilling journey with heart pounding twists and turns. Emotionally thrilling, high stakes and engaging adventure filled with witty banter, danger, mystery and intriguing charters with undeniable chemistry. Could not put this one down.
December 3, 2020
I highly enjoyed this entertaining and thrilling cowboy romance. It's wasn't just a cute love story but a lot of fun action and a real wild west adventure. Definitely a romance for my taste
April 6, 2021
Leo has come looking for his brother, but what he ends up with is being hit over the head and tied up in a barn. Not exactly what he had planned...
Cilla never meant to hurt Leo, but no one was suppose to put up a fight when they robbed the coach. She and her sisters are know as Blood Blade, helping those in need. Cilla soon has Leo helping her with the cause, but things soon get much riskier.
Will Leo find out what happened to his brother but also find the woman he is meant to be with?
I really enjoyed Leo and Cillia's story! I loved the whole idea of female bandits helping those in need. Now I need to read the other two books in the series!
Cilla never meant to hurt Leo, but no one was suppose to put up a fight when they robbed the coach. She and her sisters are know as Blood Blade, helping those in need. Cilla soon has Leo helping her with the cause, but things soon get much riskier.
Will Leo find out what happened to his brother but also find the woman he is meant to be with?
I really enjoyed Leo and Cillia's story! I loved the whole idea of female bandits helping those in need. Now I need to read the other two books in the series!
December 15, 2014
I am now convinced that Western Romances are indeed my thing. At least Historical ones like A Bandit's Stolen Heart. The small California town of Bethany Ridge is failing thanks to the awful sheriff. If it weren't for the masked bandit, Blood Blade, most of the townsfolk would be starving. But what they don't know is that Blood Blade is really Cilla Richardson, and her younger sister Lucy is her accomplice. The girls are like Robin Hood in a sense, where they only steal back what has already been stolen, and return the items to their rightful owners. They also do raids for supplies, but make sure to never hurt anyone. Cilla can't just sit back and watch her friends and neighbors crumble, especially when it's her half-brothers fault.
A Bandit's Stolen Heart was so much fun! I loved reading about bandits and unlawful sheriffs! And a train heist! And gold! Cilla and Lucy were going about their latest job when they meet Leo, who was driving the wagon they were robbing. They take him back to their ranch, where they learn that he's the brother of their older sister's husband who has disappeared. Leo came to town hoping that Blood Blade could help him, but instead he winds up helping the Richardson sisters keep their house. In order for the house to stay in their possession, Brynne must be married, but her husband is nowhere to be found. Otherwise, their bastard (literally and figuratively) brother gets the house and the ranch. Leo can't let that happen, and agrees to marry Brynne while Cilla helps him track down his brother.
Of course, a romance has to blossom between Cilla and Leo and it's a big mess! They have feelings for each other, but they can't act on it because he's suppose to be married to her sister. Cilla is convinced that Brynne's husband is not coming back, so she'll need Leo for protection, even though they were hoping the marriage would be a temporary ruse. So much tension! They're both willing to give up their happiness for what's best for Brynne and her baby, but aahhh! KISS ALREADY! I was definitely invested.
The plot of A Bandit's Stolen Heart was also great. Cilla is determined to take down her brother and save her town, which is not an easy task. Frank is seriously horrible! He continuously raises taxes to pay for his goons, who are suppose to protect the people but are the ones harassing them in the first place. He's also willing to murder to frame Blood Blade who's undermining his authority. Of course he doesn't know the bandit is his sister, but it's not like he'd care anyway. He is just downright nasty and I was cheering so hard for Cilla to expose him! Lots of excitement!
I really enjoyed A Bandit's Stolen Heart. There wasn't as much romance as I was hoping for, but the dangerous plot more than made up for it! I'll definitely need to read more books set in the Wild West!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
A Bandit's Stolen Heart was so much fun! I loved reading about bandits and unlawful sheriffs! And a train heist! And gold! Cilla and Lucy were going about their latest job when they meet Leo, who was driving the wagon they were robbing. They take him back to their ranch, where they learn that he's the brother of their older sister's husband who has disappeared. Leo came to town hoping that Blood Blade could help him, but instead he winds up helping the Richardson sisters keep their house. In order for the house to stay in their possession, Brynne must be married, but her husband is nowhere to be found. Otherwise, their bastard (literally and figuratively) brother gets the house and the ranch. Leo can't let that happen, and agrees to marry Brynne while Cilla helps him track down his brother.
Of course, a romance has to blossom between Cilla and Leo and it's a big mess! They have feelings for each other, but they can't act on it because he's suppose to be married to her sister. Cilla is convinced that Brynne's husband is not coming back, so she'll need Leo for protection, even though they were hoping the marriage would be a temporary ruse. So much tension! They're both willing to give up their happiness for what's best for Brynne and her baby, but aahhh! KISS ALREADY! I was definitely invested.
The plot of A Bandit's Stolen Heart was also great. Cilla is determined to take down her brother and save her town, which is not an easy task. Frank is seriously horrible! He continuously raises taxes to pay for his goons, who are suppose to protect the people but are the ones harassing them in the first place. He's also willing to murder to frame Blood Blade who's undermining his authority. Of course he doesn't know the bandit is his sister, but it's not like he'd care anyway. He is just downright nasty and I was cheering so hard for Cilla to expose him! Lots of excitement!
I really enjoyed A Bandit's Stolen Heart. There wasn't as much romance as I was hoping for, but the dangerous plot more than made up for it! I'll definitely need to read more books set in the Wild West!
Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.
April 9, 2013
Rating 3.5 Stars
Originally posted on What I'm Reading
First things first, I'm not a huge fan of westerns. I'm not sure why, but I'm just not. It could be I haven't read too many western. Which is very surprising, because I do have a few on my Kindle just haven't gotten to them. I guess it's time to try new things, right? Today I bring to you Michelle McLean's newest book, A Bandit's Stolen Heart. This will be start of a new series Blood Blade Sisters. I know how exciting.
In this story we meet Richardson sisters, Brynne, Pricilla (Cilla), and Lucy. Well, these lovely sisters are looking out for there friends and neighbors against there evil conniving half brother. A Bandit's Stolen Heart is a Robin Hood-like story only western style.
Cilla is more like Robin Hood than the other sister. Always looking out for everyone and not really looking out for herself. While still a child and seeing the injustice that was occurring in her hometown she creates Blood Blade. I don't know why, but every time I see Blood Blade I want to change it to Blade Blood. Who knows. Yes, I said she is trying to protect the lovely town people from the evil conniving half brother and of course he would be a sherif. Wouldn't be a Robin Hood-like story without a wicked sherif.
Somehow we need to get the hero into the story and what better way that have him search for his older brother. Jake Forrester was last seen with the Richardson sisters and Leo figure it would be great place to start. However, things don't go according to plan and he ends up wedded to Brynne. I had a hard time swallowing this and of course it was Cilla's idea. UGH!
Ok, I liked A Bandit's Stolen Heart, but I had some issues with the story. For one thing the hero has to marry the older sister (not that she was ugly, but he was more attracted to Cilla). I know it was to save her, but I struggle with this so much. As the story progress, Leo starts to develop feelings for Cilla (oh no factor, and what has done). We have conflicting feelings and trying to be noble with the whole situation. However, it righted itself in the end and that is the most important thing to happen. Plus, it left me wondering what's going to happen to the other sisters.
Here's the bottom line: If you are a western fan, I would suggest checking A Bandit's Stolen Heart. After all it is quite good for a western, because it has the essence of western with cattle, ranch, and bandits. Am I going to read more westerns, I don't know, but at least I found one that has me intrigue enough take a look at more westerns.
Copy provided by publisher
Originally posted on What I'm Reading
First things first, I'm not a huge fan of westerns. I'm not sure why, but I'm just not. It could be I haven't read too many western. Which is very surprising, because I do have a few on my Kindle just haven't gotten to them. I guess it's time to try new things, right? Today I bring to you Michelle McLean's newest book, A Bandit's Stolen Heart. This will be start of a new series Blood Blade Sisters. I know how exciting.
In this story we meet Richardson sisters, Brynne, Pricilla (Cilla), and Lucy. Well, these lovely sisters are looking out for there friends and neighbors against there evil conniving half brother. A Bandit's Stolen Heart is a Robin Hood-like story only western style.
Cilla is more like Robin Hood than the other sister. Always looking out for everyone and not really looking out for herself. While still a child and seeing the injustice that was occurring in her hometown she creates Blood Blade. I don't know why, but every time I see Blood Blade I want to change it to Blade Blood. Who knows. Yes, I said she is trying to protect the lovely town people from the evil conniving half brother and of course he would be a sherif. Wouldn't be a Robin Hood-like story without a wicked sherif.
Somehow we need to get the hero into the story and what better way that have him search for his older brother. Jake Forrester was last seen with the Richardson sisters and Leo figure it would be great place to start. However, things don't go according to plan and he ends up wedded to Brynne. I had a hard time swallowing this and of course it was Cilla's idea. UGH!
Ok, I liked A Bandit's Stolen Heart, but I had some issues with the story. For one thing the hero has to marry the older sister (not that she was ugly, but he was more attracted to Cilla). I know it was to save her, but I struggle with this so much. As the story progress, Leo starts to develop feelings for Cilla (oh no factor, and what has done). We have conflicting feelings and trying to be noble with the whole situation. However, it righted itself in the end and that is the most important thing to happen. Plus, it left me wondering what's going to happen to the other sisters.
Here's the bottom line: If you are a western fan, I would suggest checking A Bandit's Stolen Heart. After all it is quite good for a western, because it has the essence of western with cattle, ranch, and bandits. Am I going to read more westerns, I don't know, but at least I found one that has me intrigue enough take a look at more westerns.
Copy provided by publisher
June 28, 2013
Format of Review copy: PDF
Heat Rating: 4
Final Review:
A stolen bandit’s heart
OK. Found a wonderful new author to check out. It was a very nice and enjoyable read.
Thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Leo, who at one point, had no idea, that he’d end up in the situation that he did, when he found himself conked on the head, while being held by three sisters, who unbeknownst to everybody are acquaintances and more to the notorious bandit named “BLOOD BLADE”.
The three sisters Brynne(the oldest) Cillia (the middle one) and Lucy(the youngest) were sisters trying to help the townspeople and themselves from their greedy and vicious brother Frank, who was definitely, a piece of no good work. They get caught up in a cycle of helping the people, themselves, stealing from thieves who had already stolen from others, thwarting Frank and along the way, they find murder charges and love.
Turns out Leo’s brother Jake, who Leo was tracking down before he got cold-cocked, was in a relationship with the oldest sister who was now pregnant with his child. So in order to protect Brynne, the baby, and the other sisters, he marries Brynne to give the child his family name and in the process finds out the secrets that the family has been carrying and instead of falling in love with the older sister, whom he married, he finds himself falling for the middle sister. At first, there was more mistrust than there was sparks, but eventually they saw eye to eye by helping one another.
Definitely, well worth your time, so if you get a chance to read it, check it out.
Star Rating: 4 stars
Book courtesy of BTS e-mag/BTS book reviews
Heat Rating: 4
Final Review:
A stolen bandit’s heart
OK. Found a wonderful new author to check out. It was a very nice and enjoyable read.
Thoroughly enjoyed the characters of Leo, who at one point, had no idea, that he’d end up in the situation that he did, when he found himself conked on the head, while being held by three sisters, who unbeknownst to everybody are acquaintances and more to the notorious bandit named “BLOOD BLADE”.
The three sisters Brynne(the oldest) Cillia (the middle one) and Lucy(the youngest) were sisters trying to help the townspeople and themselves from their greedy and vicious brother Frank, who was definitely, a piece of no good work. They get caught up in a cycle of helping the people, themselves, stealing from thieves who had already stolen from others, thwarting Frank and along the way, they find murder charges and love.
Turns out Leo’s brother Jake, who Leo was tracking down before he got cold-cocked, was in a relationship with the oldest sister who was now pregnant with his child. So in order to protect Brynne, the baby, and the other sisters, he marries Brynne to give the child his family name and in the process finds out the secrets that the family has been carrying and instead of falling in love with the older sister, whom he married, he finds himself falling for the middle sister. At first, there was more mistrust than there was sparks, but eventually they saw eye to eye by helping one another.
Definitely, well worth your time, so if you get a chance to read it, check it out.
Star Rating: 4 stars
Book courtesy of BTS e-mag/BTS book reviews
May 1, 2013
Way to go Michelle McLean! This book is excellently written with dynamic characters and an excellent Wild West setting which has you hooked from start to finish! I couldn’t put it down! As Cilla fights to save her family and ranch from the corrupt Sherriff, she ends up accidentally capturing the answer to her all her problems, if only she’ll let him help. Leo, only looking for answers about his missing brother Jake, finds more than he bargained for when he meets the Richardson sisters. From a Robin Hood twist to a classic tale of good versus evil, there’s something in this book for everyone. Drama, suspense, fear, humor, love, and hate, there’s no element Ms. McLean didn’t include! I can’t wait to read the next book in the Blood Blade Sisters Series!
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed By: AprilP,My Book Addiction Reviews
Rating: 4.5
Heat Rating: Mild
Reviewed By: AprilP,My Book Addiction Reviews
April 29, 2013
This is a hard review to write for the simple reason that except for a few moments I honestly found a tad preposterous/unlikely, I absolutely loved it. I could very easily leave it at that.
Loved it. It's a fantastic western adventure about three incredibly spunky sisters with a huge dash of romance and I can't wait for the next book.
You got a lady bandit playing Robin Hood, who bashes a handsome stranger over the head and forces him to marry her pregnant sister...only to fall in love with him herself...what a mess!
I'm not done raving. Full review here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
Loved it. It's a fantastic western adventure about three incredibly spunky sisters with a huge dash of romance and I can't wait for the next book.
You got a lady bandit playing Robin Hood, who bashes a handsome stranger over the head and forces him to marry her pregnant sister...only to fall in love with him herself...what a mess!
I'm not done raving. Full review here: http://wwwbookbabe.blogspot.com/2013/...
December 14, 2016
This is Book 1 in the "Blood Blade Sisters" Series and my first one by Michelle McLean and i really enjoyed it. The main characters are Cilla and Leo and the writing is very entertaining and easy to read.
Cilla and her two sisters are in charge of their ranch since her parents died. They are all underage and there is a mean half brother, Frank who happens to be the Sheriff who is claiming the ranch. Leo is looking for his brother who was last seen in the sisters' ranch.
The plot is original and entertaining. Nice reading!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley
Cilla and her two sisters are in charge of their ranch since her parents died. They are all underage and there is a mean half brother, Frank who happens to be the Sheriff who is claiming the ranch. Leo is looking for his brother who was last seen in the sisters' ranch.
The plot is original and entertaining. Nice reading!
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley
May 21, 2013
I absolutely love historical romance set in the U.S. (sorry Europe) and I truly enjoyed this book. The only thing that threw me of a bit was the tender age of the heroine. However, that did not detract at all from the story. I will definitely look for the other books in this series.
December 1, 2013
Great read! This one has a little of everything – classic Western showdowns, sister bandits, lots of action, and a great romance. I’m looking forward to the other books in the series.
September 5, 2014
I do enjoy this, writing clean and moved fast.
February 12, 2015
I really enjoyed this book. It was a little hard to swallow that Cilla was able to out-think and out-man so many men...but not Frank, but it made a very good story.
November 12, 2016
An angle of western living that made one smile, fear, get angry at injustice, etc. It was a good read.
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