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Wild Western Hearts #2
Renegade Bride
Mariah loves her fiancé, Seth Travers. But when Seth leaves to make his fortune in Montana, ahead of her arrival, she starts thinking for herself. Finally arriving by steamboat, Mariah learns that Seth has taken ill and sent his best friend, Creed Devereaux, to escort her to Virginia City. Mariah wants nothing to do with the rough-edged bounty hunter who's just killed a half-breed murderer in front of her. But an unexpected detour sends the pair through dangerous mountains... alone. Forced together, their loyalties to Seth are put to the test while their path converges with a man who has Creed dead in his sights. RITA Nomination, Romance Writers of America "An action-packed, sensual love story, brimming with danger and peopled with an unforgettable mismatched couple who overcome all odds to find true happiness." ~Harriet Klausner, Romantic Times WILD WESTERN HEARTS, in series order Holt's Gamble Renegade Bride Renegade's Kiss Chase the Fire ABOUT BARBARA Bestselling author Barbara Ankrum was a successful commercial actress until her love of romance novels led to a publishing contract. Years later, she still believes in happy endings and feels very lucky to do what she loves, with her husband, two cats and one scruffy, unrepentant dog at her side.
314 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 1992
92 people are currently reading
152 people want to read
About the author
Barbara Ankrum
40 books155 followersBarbara Ankrum grew up in Upstate New York, training to be a ballerina, but secretly dreaming of being an actress. Her first fangirl crush on Haley Mills led her to practice her British accent on unsuspecting store clerks, and she dreamed of co-starring in the remake of THE MOONSPINNERS. Because she was also a compulsive reader, she discovered that the film was based on a book by the fabulous Mary Stewart, which led to Barbara's lifelong obsession with romantic fiction.
Since Haley Mills was, sadly, not in the market for a co-star, Barbara pursued a degree in English Literature from the University of Tennessee. And when that degree, predictably, led to unemployment, she pulled up her socks and moved to Hollywood where she built a career as a successful commercial actress while raising two amazing (now grown) children with her sweet husband.
Writing romance came naturally from all that reading and the down time between auditions. Once she sold her first book, she said farewell to Hollywood-Land and never looked back. In between writing novels, she got her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard and optioned a few screenplays. But her first love is, and always will be, romance.
Barbara's emotional, character driven, adventurous historicals (Wild Western Hearts series), her sexy, romantic suspense for Harlequin and her funny, heartwarming contemporaries for Tule Publishing, offer a little something for everyone. Twice nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award, and her contemporary romance, Holiday Hearts, was made into a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Christmas movie! Today, she lives in Texas with her husband and a scruffy, adorable rescue dog.
Please visit her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara.ankr...
Website: www.barbaraankrum.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BarbaraAnkrum
Since Haley Mills was, sadly, not in the market for a co-star, Barbara pursued a degree in English Literature from the University of Tennessee. And when that degree, predictably, led to unemployment, she pulled up her socks and moved to Hollywood where she built a career as a successful commercial actress while raising two amazing (now grown) children with her sweet husband.
Writing romance came naturally from all that reading and the down time between auditions. Once she sold her first book, she said farewell to Hollywood-Land and never looked back. In between writing novels, she got her MFA in Creative Writing from Goddard and optioned a few screenplays. But her first love is, and always will be, romance.
Barbara's emotional, character driven, adventurous historicals (Wild Western Hearts series), her sexy, romantic suspense for Harlequin and her funny, heartwarming contemporaries for Tule Publishing, offer a little something for everyone. Twice nominated for Romance Writers of America's prestigious RITA Award, and her contemporary romance, Holiday Hearts, was made into a Hallmark Movies and Mysteries Christmas movie! Today, she lives in Texas with her husband and a scruffy, adorable rescue dog.
Please visit her on:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Barbara.ankr...
Website: www.barbaraankrum.com
Twitter: https://www.twitter.com/BarbaraAnkrum
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
March 14, 2015
A very solid 4 stars. Well written, well developed. I completely enjoyed this one. The conflict was realistic and the resolution was hard to figure out. The H and h were caught in a very difficult situation and it was hard to imagine how things would work out. Westerns are not my usual thing, but this was really good.
April 7, 2019
I only give 5 stars to books I reread so this will probably be a 5 stars rating eventually.
December 15, 2023
4.5⭐️
The historical westerns I’ve read have all been hit or miss, and I am just so happy this was a hit!
I loooooved Creed so, so, much. Oooof.
I’m so excited to read more from Barbara Ankrum, especially from this series!
Mariah Parsons is traveling on a steam boat from Chicago to Montana to reunite with her childhood sweetheart, Seth Travers. They have been apart for the last 4 years and Mariah can’t wait to reunite with him to continue their love story. When the boat docks, Seth is nowhere to be found and Mariah’s welcome to Montana did not go as planned.
Enter Creed Devereaux.
Creed is a bounty hunter who was asked by a very sick Seth to escort Mariah back to Virginia City as his sickness is getting worse. Creed is bent on revenge against the men who brutally killed his father, and those men are two brothers named Etienne and Pierre LaRousse. They have been terrorizing many in the area with their ruthless ways and Creed will do everything to see them dead. When he comes across Etienne near the docks of Mariah’s boat, he knows he must first get to Etienne before he slips through his fingers again. Watching Creed murder a man directly in front of her was Mariah’s first introduction to him and she was NOT keen on the idea of going with him. When she learns Seth is deathly ill, she realizes she must put her pride aside and let Creed escort her to him even if she doesn’t like him. Their arduous journey together is not an easy one as both Creed and Mariah butt heads through most of it. But, they both cannot deny that there is an attraction between them.
Mariah’s love for Seth keeps her going forward, but she realizes that her love for him was just of school girl crush and not the passionate love she craves. When she is around Creed, she feels more than she’s ever felt which terrifies her. Creed is used to being alone, but being around Mariah makes him crave more. Meanwhile, Pierre LaRousse is on the hunt for Creed as he has learned he murdered his brother. And he knows Mariah is with him.
When Mariah almost drowns in a stream, Creed rescues her and he realizes he can’t live without her. And secretly, Mariah realizes is it too.
As their journey continues, they both cannot deny their feelings for each other any longer and they make love. But they soon realize how much damage they’ll cause to Seth if he ever found out of them. Creed being one of his best friends and Mariah being his sweetheart.
When they finally make it to Virginia City, Seth has made a full recovery and is so happy to see both of them. He proposes to Mariah who accepts because Creed has told her they can’t be together. That she belongs with Seth and not a bounty hunter. Knowing that she will breaks Seth’s heart if she says no, she agrees and they began planning their wedding. Heartbroken at losing the only woman he’s ever been in love with, Creed plans to get out of Virginia City and search for Pierre who is still on his trail.
When Pierre discovers their whereabouts he not only puts Creed in danger, but threatens Mariah’s life as well. And shit goes down, etc etc etc lololol
I absolutely loved this. I loved the action, I loved the enemies to lovers arch and of course, their forbidden love❤️ I mean, I don’t condone cheating with your best friend’s girl, but — Mariah is a totally different person then she was 4 years ago! A lot can happen in 4 years.
The few things I didn’t like were trivial such as I wanted more of their life after Creed proposes to Mariah. To see them be together. But the thing I reaaallly didn’t need, which I mean, intensified how much of a villain Pierre was, was learning about the fate of the Lochrie’s. That was a punch right to gut, I almost puked. I get that it was supposed to show the roughness of the time, but learning they killed John and raped and choked to death Hattie was sickening. When I read that part, I literally went “oh my god, no” — because they were such good people, and it hurt! I had to repeat to myself “it’s just a book, it’s just a book” to calm myself down. I didn’t like that😣
BUT, the rest of the story was perfectly written! I cannot wait to read more from this series and author!❤️
The historical westerns I’ve read have all been hit or miss, and I am just so happy this was a hit!
I loooooved Creed so, so, much. Oooof.
I’m so excited to read more from Barbara Ankrum, especially from this series!
Mariah Parsons is traveling on a steam boat from Chicago to Montana to reunite with her childhood sweetheart, Seth Travers. They have been apart for the last 4 years and Mariah can’t wait to reunite with him to continue their love story. When the boat docks, Seth is nowhere to be found and Mariah’s welcome to Montana did not go as planned.
Enter Creed Devereaux.
Creed is a bounty hunter who was asked by a very sick Seth to escort Mariah back to Virginia City as his sickness is getting worse. Creed is bent on revenge against the men who brutally killed his father, and those men are two brothers named Etienne and Pierre LaRousse. They have been terrorizing many in the area with their ruthless ways and Creed will do everything to see them dead. When he comes across Etienne near the docks of Mariah’s boat, he knows he must first get to Etienne before he slips through his fingers again. Watching Creed murder a man directly in front of her was Mariah’s first introduction to him and she was NOT keen on the idea of going with him. When she learns Seth is deathly ill, she realizes she must put her pride aside and let Creed escort her to him even if she doesn’t like him. Their arduous journey together is not an easy one as both Creed and Mariah butt heads through most of it. But, they both cannot deny that there is an attraction between them.
Mariah’s love for Seth keeps her going forward, but she realizes that her love for him was just of school girl crush and not the passionate love she craves. When she is around Creed, she feels more than she’s ever felt which terrifies her. Creed is used to being alone, but being around Mariah makes him crave more. Meanwhile, Pierre LaRousse is on the hunt for Creed as he has learned he murdered his brother. And he knows Mariah is with him.
When Mariah almost drowns in a stream, Creed rescues her and he realizes he can’t live without her. And secretly, Mariah realizes is it too.
As their journey continues, they both cannot deny their feelings for each other any longer and they make love. But they soon realize how much damage they’ll cause to Seth if he ever found out of them. Creed being one of his best friends and Mariah being his sweetheart.
When they finally make it to Virginia City, Seth has made a full recovery and is so happy to see both of them. He proposes to Mariah who accepts because Creed has told her they can’t be together. That she belongs with Seth and not a bounty hunter. Knowing that she will breaks Seth’s heart if she says no, she agrees and they began planning their wedding. Heartbroken at losing the only woman he’s ever been in love with, Creed plans to get out of Virginia City and search for Pierre who is still on his trail.
When Pierre discovers their whereabouts he not only puts Creed in danger, but threatens Mariah’s life as well. And shit goes down, etc etc etc lololol
I absolutely loved this. I loved the action, I loved the enemies to lovers arch and of course, their forbidden love❤️ I mean, I don’t condone cheating with your best friend’s girl, but — Mariah is a totally different person then she was 4 years ago! A lot can happen in 4 years.
The few things I didn’t like were trivial such as I wanted more of their life after Creed proposes to Mariah. To see them be together. But the thing I reaaallly didn’t need, which I mean, intensified how much of a villain Pierre was, was learning about the fate of the Lochrie’s. That was a punch right to gut, I almost puked. I get that it was supposed to show the roughness of the time, but learning they killed John and raped and choked to death Hattie was sickening. When I read that part, I literally went “oh my god, no” — because they were such good people, and it hurt! I had to repeat to myself “it’s just a book, it’s just a book” to calm myself down. I didn’t like that😣
BUT, the rest of the story was perfectly written! I cannot wait to read more from this series and author!❤️
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 18, 2023
I liked this story in the series better than the first book. It takes place 10 years after the first book, "Holt's Gamble" in 1864. The characters are new and I found no carryovers from book one.
While the Civil War is still being fought, the author makes it seem like people in Montana are not as affected by it as the eastern states. The male protagonist is Creed Devereau. He's friends with Seth Travers, a man who owns a mercantile in Virginia City, MT and who is also too sick to meet his fiancé's steamer arriving in Fort Benton. Seth asks Creed to go in his place and escort Miss Mariah Parsons (female protagonist) back to Virginia City via stagecoach. When reading this book, it's important to remember that Seth and Mariah have not seen each other for five years. Their only correspondence being letters written to each other.
Fort Benton is where the violence begins and the story takes off. The author does a good job (albeit slowly) telling the reader about the various connections between all of the characters. This includes both the good guys and the very, very bad guys starting with the killing of Etienne LaRousse in the first chapter.
What kept me turning the pages was wondering how the author was going to handle the overall question every reader will have regarding the main characters. And she does it very well. I was impressed with how she concluded it.
Even though it was a great story, I couldn't give it five stars. I'm at a loss as to how to explain it without divulging spoilers. Other readers will feel differently and I respect that. Not everyone sees things the same way.
The good news is that one of the characters (a good guy) is introduced in this book that becomes the main male protagonist in the third book of the series. The third story starts in the same year as this book - 1864.
For readers who enjoy western historical fiction, I recommend this one. It includes violence, suspense, some humor, and romance. The violence is not graphic and the romance is not explicit.
While the Civil War is still being fought, the author makes it seem like people in Montana are not as affected by it as the eastern states. The male protagonist is Creed Devereau. He's friends with Seth Travers, a man who owns a mercantile in Virginia City, MT and who is also too sick to meet his fiancé's steamer arriving in Fort Benton. Seth asks Creed to go in his place and escort Miss Mariah Parsons (female protagonist) back to Virginia City via stagecoach. When reading this book, it's important to remember that Seth and Mariah have not seen each other for five years. Their only correspondence being letters written to each other.
Fort Benton is where the violence begins and the story takes off. The author does a good job (albeit slowly) telling the reader about the various connections between all of the characters. This includes both the good guys and the very, very bad guys starting with the killing of Etienne LaRousse in the first chapter.
What kept me turning the pages was wondering how the author was going to handle the overall question every reader will have regarding the main characters. And she does it very well. I was impressed with how she concluded it.
Even though it was a great story, I couldn't give it five stars. I'm at a loss as to how to explain it without divulging spoilers. Other readers will feel differently and I respect that. Not everyone sees things the same way.
The good news is that one of the characters (a good guy) is introduced in this book that becomes the main male protagonist in the third book of the series. The third story starts in the same year as this book - 1864.
For readers who enjoy western historical fiction, I recommend this one. It includes violence, suspense, some humor, and romance. The violence is not graphic and the romance is not explicit.
June 15, 2020
Best western romance book I've ever read, I've had the softcover edition for 5+ years, which I'm reading again for the umpteenth time. I love the way it ended, although I did feel bad for Seth. Mariah would have never been happy and would have always had Creed on her mind and in her heart. Wish they'd make a movie because it would be so worth watching and owning. The Creed on my cover was so goodlooking, he actually looked half Indian. Wonder who would play him?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 15, 2020
Bittersweet
This story was bittersweet in that two friends both want one woman. While the reader wants a happy ever after and is rooting for one man, the other is just as nice.
Having gone down with a fever and unable to meet his fiancee off the boat, Seth sends his friend Creed to meet her for him. They have a long journey ahead and it doesn't get to a very good start as the very first sight of Creed she sees is of him shooting a man.
This story was bittersweet in that two friends both want one woman. While the reader wants a happy ever after and is rooting for one man, the other is just as nice.
Having gone down with a fever and unable to meet his fiancee off the boat, Seth sends his friend Creed to meet her for him. They have a long journey ahead and it doesn't get to a very good start as the very first sight of Creed she sees is of him shooting a man.
April 13, 2019
Good reading
It started out two people think it a bout each other,traveling together going though all kinds of things,Some brothers trying to kill Creed.Creed wanting to kill these two bothers that killed his Father Need to get Mariah to Seth who going to marry her.Adventure near death almost happen.Love happens.Enjoyed reading this book
It started out two people think it a bout each other,traveling together going though all kinds of things,Some brothers trying to kill Creed.Creed wanting to kill these two bothers that killed his Father Need to get Mariah to Seth who going to marry her.Adventure near death almost happen.Love happens.Enjoyed reading this book
March 18, 2019
A Wonderful Romance
A very well developed story. Boldly told about deserving characters. Trials of love and life are seldom smooth or easy. But, always necessary for a rewarding and well lived one. Jack
A very well developed story. Boldly told about deserving characters. Trials of love and life are seldom smooth or easy. But, always necessary for a rewarding and well lived one. Jack
January 25, 2015
Renegade Bride (Wild Western Hearts Series, Book 2)
by Barbara Ankrum (main characters: Creed Devereaux/Mariah/Seth)
A great romantic western-romance with strong characters both male and female and beautifully written scenery. A heart gripping story line with lots of action, angst and drama. The story was not only well written but had ALL of the characteristics that I am happy with when finding a “good read”:
• One or more HOT alpha men
• Likeable heroine/hero
• Steamy chemistry between heroine/hero
• Great story line
• Danger
• Secrets
• Action, angst and drama
• Vivid details in nature and/or surrounding story descriptions
• Complete story - no cliffhanger
by Barbara Ankrum (main characters: Creed Devereaux/Mariah/Seth)
A great romantic western-romance with strong characters both male and female and beautifully written scenery. A heart gripping story line with lots of action, angst and drama. The story was not only well written but had ALL of the characteristics that I am happy with when finding a “good read”:
• One or more HOT alpha men
• Likeable heroine/hero
• Steamy chemistry between heroine/hero
• Great story line
• Danger
• Secrets
• Action, angst and drama
• Vivid details in nature and/or surrounding story descriptions
• Complete story - no cliffhanger
January 26, 2015
Enjoyable Story
I usually don't read western but this one caught my eye and I'm glad I bought it. It's an interesting story about a young woman coming from the east to reunite with her fiance who she hasn't seen in four years. But her fiance has been taken ill so he has to send his friend to retrieve her and that's when the sparks start to fly. Throw in some very bad crooks, treacherous land conditions and two people thrown together by circumstances and you have a great story. This has adventure and romance and great characters. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
I usually don't read western but this one caught my eye and I'm glad I bought it. It's an interesting story about a young woman coming from the east to reunite with her fiance who she hasn't seen in four years. But her fiance has been taken ill so he has to send his friend to retrieve her and that's when the sparks start to fly. Throw in some very bad crooks, treacherous land conditions and two people thrown together by circumstances and you have a great story. This has adventure and romance and great characters. I recommend this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
February 12, 2015
Not as good as Holts Gamble
I found this story more wordy than previous book. It was a lot of what she was thinking and feeling and what he was thinking and feeling. That become repetitive and boring.
I found this story more wordy than previous book. It was a lot of what she was thinking and feeling and what he was thinking and feeling. That become repetitive and boring.
January 31, 2015
This was a very enjoyable book. I love pioneer stories and Western stories. This book has the typical love triangle. It's a very enjoyable good read.
February 2, 2015
Good story.
I really enjoy her style of writing. Enjoyed the story and decided to buy the other two books in the series.
I really enjoy her style of writing. Enjoyed the story and decided to buy the other two books in the series.
May 1, 2015
I really loved this story. I was as torn as Mariah through the story. Kept me interested and I will be on to book 3 next.
Really great series!! If you have the chance pick it up :)
Really great series!! If you have the chance pick it up :)
January 26, 2016
Well written and the characters well developed. I've read many of Barbara's books and find them to be romantic and real page-turners. You won't be disappointed.
April 17, 2016
Very Good Read
This was an amazing story about the west. Makes you wander how much of the carnage was done by trappers and how was really done by Indians
This was an amazing story about the west. Makes you wander how much of the carnage was done by trappers and how was really done by Indians
August 1, 2020
In love with Creed
Absolutely loved this story. Barbara Ankrum is a fantastic story teller that lets her characters take over. Loved it and can’t wait for ore from her
Absolutely loved this story. Barbara Ankrum is a fantastic story teller that lets her characters take over. Loved it and can’t wait for ore from her
Want to read
January 24, 2015Bk 2 (Wild Western Hearts Series, Book 2) [Kindle Edition
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews