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Stolen Ecstasy
In one night Leanne Summers has lost her home, her every possession, and learned that everything she's ever believed is a lie. So when she witnesses a bank robbery in progress, she doesn't think of the consequences. She steals a gun, barges in - and finds herself being held captive within minutes. The moment Hunter Walsh locks eyes on Leanne, he knows he should leave her behind. The desire he feels for her is a distraction he doesn't need. But abandoning a brave, impulsive woman is turning out to be much harder than it should be. For even the most ruthless outlaw can't ignore an irresistible temptation.
432 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 1, 1991
34 people are currently reading
526 people want to read
About the author
Hannah Howell
116 books2,643 followersHannah Dustin Howell is a best-selling American author of over 40 historical romance novels. Many of her novels are set in medieval Scotland. She also writes under the names Sarah Dustin, Sandra Dustin, and Anna Jennet (see below).
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
She has also used the following pseudonyms:
Anna Jennet, Sarah Dustin and Sandra Dustin
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
July 10, 2019
I did like it, but I took a break from reading it towards the end. I'm surprised Leanne believed Hunter's letter when it was so clear beforehand that he wanted to marry her.
Also, woah Hunter had only one day to accept that he was going to be a father before it happened...
Also, woah Hunter had only one day to accept that he was going to be a father before it happened...
March 14, 2019
H28,h18
For a story set up in olden days, it was so refreshing to see a kickass heroine!!!....Loved leanna and her sharp tongue and witty mouth.
Loved hunter for loving as she is.
It had capture ny interest from start itself... About 9% into books, i was laughing and enjoying.
Only problem i had is the author's "obsession " for the names with "L"
Leanne is our heroine, Lucia was hunters mother, the villain.. Laurie was his sister
For a story set up in olden days, it was so refreshing to see a kickass heroine!!!....Loved leanna and her sharp tongue and witty mouth.
Loved hunter for loving as she is.
It had capture ny interest from start itself... About 9% into books, i was laughing and enjoying.
Only problem i had is the author's "obsession " for the names with "L"
Leanne is our heroine, Lucia was hunters mother, the villain.. Laurie was his sister
June 4, 2023
I wish I could give this book 0 stars.
It was soooo bad. And not even in a fun campy way. It had about 4 different abandoned plots and the main characters were so painfully bland I wish I had read litterly any other book.
It was soooo bad. And not even in a fun campy way. It had about 4 different abandoned plots and the main characters were so painfully bland I wish I had read litterly any other book.
December 19, 2025
I rated this book 4 ✨
This book is a standalone and follows Hunter and Leanne. It's dual POV.
Leanne gets caught up in a robbery when she tries to stop it. People believe she was a part of it and want her arrested. Hunter ends up taking her and she ends up on the run with them.
Tropes:
Historical romance
Historical western
Standalone
Found family
Forced proximity
I absolutely love Leanne with her humor, her temper, and her bravery. I also love Hunter so much. He is so sweet and protective and would do nothing to hurt Leanne. Charlie and Jed are so sweet and I think they may have been my favorite characters. They love Leanne and would do anything for her.
The twist half way through the book I was not expecting it at all. And the last 30% of the book I was so anxious and was sitting on the edge of my seat. I loved this book however I felt like the end was rushed a little bit.
This book is a standalone and follows Hunter and Leanne. It's dual POV.
Leanne gets caught up in a robbery when she tries to stop it. People believe she was a part of it and want her arrested. Hunter ends up taking her and she ends up on the run with them.
Tropes:
Historical romance
Historical western
Standalone
Found family
Forced proximity
I absolutely love Leanne with her humor, her temper, and her bravery. I also love Hunter so much. He is so sweet and protective and would do nothing to hurt Leanne. Charlie and Jed are so sweet and I think they may have been my favorite characters. They love Leanne and would do anything for her.
The twist half way through the book I was not expecting it at all. And the last 30% of the book I was so anxious and was sitting on the edge of my seat. I loved this book however I felt like the end was rushed a little bit.
October 29, 2019
Even though this is an older book by Hannah Howell it is not truly dated. It is a historical romance set in the wild west of the America's. Leanne Summers lost everything in one eventful night. Then she got caught up in a bank robbery. Now on the run with the robbers she has many trials instore. One of which is the lead robber Hunter Walsh. Just when she thinks she has her life planned out she is hit with several new threats. Will she and Hunter get their life together enough that they will be able to settle down? Or will they forever be on the run?
March 24, 2023
Actually, this was a really good book. Not too sure at first based on the cover/title but read it anyway. Yes it did have some vivid descriptions in it but predominant story line was more of historical fiction - young lady who had been tossed around by life circumstances is duped into kidnapping by a band of outlaws then goes on the lamb with them for awhile, ends up down in Mexico with an even more unsavory bunch then ...... then ..... (can't give the spoilers away). Good suspense, action, adventure.
November 4, 2024
I dnf'd more than halfway through, so I at least know that Hunt is . I suppose there's going to be more superficial angst thrown in because there's still about a third left in the book, but I'm sorry, I could not finish. I knew practically from the first page that I didn't like this, but I gave it a fair shake.
The POVs keep switching every other sentence. The characters are shallow. The plot branches are contrived. There's even a bit of casual racism thrown in stereotyping Natives as violent drunkards. Charming.
The POVs keep switching every other sentence. The characters are shallow. The plot branches are contrived. There's even a bit of casual racism thrown in stereotyping Natives as violent drunkards. Charming.
October 25, 2018
I absolutely LOVE Howells highlander series. That being said. Linda Lael Miller does western romance a bit better. The whole time I couldn't help wanting to throttle both the main characters. Thr Murray's will forever and always be one of my favorite series, but this is not at all the Hannah Howell I love so much.
March 8, 2021
X. 2 stars
I had a difficult time getting through this book. It was a lengthy plot with annoying, shallow, underdeveloped characters. Hunter & Leanne were both pretty damn clueless. I think the only person I found interesting was Tom/Sebastian. I admit, I am not the biggest cowboy story fan as it were but this one was just a wreck.
Overall: don’t bother.
I had a difficult time getting through this book. It was a lengthy plot with annoying, shallow, underdeveloped characters. Hunter & Leanne were both pretty damn clueless. I think the only person I found interesting was Tom/Sebastian. I admit, I am not the biggest cowboy story fan as it were but this one was just a wreck.
Overall: don’t bother.
July 14, 2021
I liked that this was not a typical type of story from this time period. Leanne wasn't afraid to speak out to Hunter and the other men. After being cast out by her mother, who wasn't actually her mother she finds her herself in the middle of a bank robbery, then, jailed, then on the run as an outlaw. There are lots of ups and downs on their path to clear their names.
January 23, 2021
A very good story, I love the suspense and the action as well as the romance between Leanne and Hunter. But honestly Jed and Charlie are my favorite characters in this one. Their loyalty and friendship to Leanne made this story more enjoyable.
November 7, 2021
Not quite a 4 yet not just a 3 either. Started out strong, the opening snagged my attention. I got lost somewhere in the middle and progress slowed it then it picked back up towards the end. Could just be me, though, I’ve had trouble concentrating on reading this year for some reason...
March 2, 2020
Cute. That's about it.
July 27, 2021
Great Read
Really enjoyed this story. Hope she writes more like it. Make it into a series maybe. Historical westerns are my favorite.
Really enjoyed this story. Hope she writes more like it. Make it into a series maybe. Historical westerns are my favorite.
November 28, 2022
It was a cute read but a bit predictable and cliché. It was almost like Howell tried to squeeze in every type of book scenario into the 400 pages.
September 19, 2023
This book kept you you involved you didn't want to put it down. Loved the characters.
October 5, 2023
If you like western romances, this one is for you.
May 28, 2018
Caught up in a bank robbery leads for much adventure, while somewhat predictable it was very enjoyable
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 9, 2011
I liked this book very much. Leanne Summers is kicked out of her mother's home in the middle of the night over a false dispute. She goes to look for the sheriff to complain that she doesn't have any of her belongings; only to find that he is in front of a bank waiting for the robbers inside to leave. Leanne takes his gun and shoots one of the men in the foot. The sheriff jails her for robbery and then tries to seduce her. She struggles against him and gets away only to be picked up by one of the robbers named Hunter Walsh.
Hunter takes her to the robbers camp and she finds out that she is a wanted woman. She has lost her mother, had the town turned against her and now is with a pack of robbers of which all are wanted.
Hunter takes an interest in her and protects her from the other men. They are headed for Mexico with the loot for another wanted man which they were working for. Hunter buys Leanne some clothes at a town on the way. She is falling for Hunter but doesn't want to admit it.
The group gets to Mexico and settles in a house. While Hunter is away visiting the Mexican Thief, one of the men tries to rape her and gets shot by one of the others that accidentally walks in on them.
Hunter, Charlie and Jeb are not real criminals, but are after the Mexican thief. They devise a plan to abduct the man from his compound and take him back to Texas so he can clear Hunter's name. The trip is a long one and the story continues. A federal marshall was incognito with the gang; as he wants the Mexican to hang for his crimes. They get into three shootouts along the way, but finally arrive in Texas. Now with the thief and some of his men locked up; Hunter takes Leanne to see his parents and to announce that they are to be wed. Well, this doesn't go over with Hunter's mother at all and she devises a plan to get Leanne to leave. Leanne leaves with the help of Charlie and Jeb and they head for a cabin that Leanne knew a friend lived in for years.
They arrive at the cabin and find some supplies and stay awhile.
Hunter's mother is glad that Leanne is gone and his father is so mad at her that he asks for a divorce. She decides to move back to New Orleans with her family and friends and takes two men with her. Unfortunately Watkins and his men got free and went on a killing spree.
They killed Hunter's mother and the two men while they were leaving the ranch. They then go looking for Leanne to kill her.
Hunter decides that he has to find Leanne's father to see if he knows where the O'Malley cabin is. He finds him and they start out for the cabin. When they are almost there they hear gunshots and realize that Watkins has found Leanne and they make plans to fight them from the rear. Well, Watkins and his men get killed. Charlie has a bullet which went through his arm but other than that the crew is fine.
Leanne finds out that O'Malley, her long time friend is really her father. They reunite and I won't ruin the ending for you, but the book is a fast and pleasant read.
Hunter takes her to the robbers camp and she finds out that she is a wanted woman. She has lost her mother, had the town turned against her and now is with a pack of robbers of which all are wanted.
Hunter takes an interest in her and protects her from the other men. They are headed for Mexico with the loot for another wanted man which they were working for. Hunter buys Leanne some clothes at a town on the way. She is falling for Hunter but doesn't want to admit it.
The group gets to Mexico and settles in a house. While Hunter is away visiting the Mexican Thief, one of the men tries to rape her and gets shot by one of the others that accidentally walks in on them.
Hunter, Charlie and Jeb are not real criminals, but are after the Mexican thief. They devise a plan to abduct the man from his compound and take him back to Texas so he can clear Hunter's name. The trip is a long one and the story continues. A federal marshall was incognito with the gang; as he wants the Mexican to hang for his crimes. They get into three shootouts along the way, but finally arrive in Texas. Now with the thief and some of his men locked up; Hunter takes Leanne to see his parents and to announce that they are to be wed. Well, this doesn't go over with Hunter's mother at all and she devises a plan to get Leanne to leave. Leanne leaves with the help of Charlie and Jeb and they head for a cabin that Leanne knew a friend lived in for years.
They arrive at the cabin and find some supplies and stay awhile.
Hunter's mother is glad that Leanne is gone and his father is so mad at her that he asks for a divorce. She decides to move back to New Orleans with her family and friends and takes two men with her. Unfortunately Watkins and his men got free and went on a killing spree.
They killed Hunter's mother and the two men while they were leaving the ranch. They then go looking for Leanne to kill her.
Hunter decides that he has to find Leanne's father to see if he knows where the O'Malley cabin is. He finds him and they start out for the cabin. When they are almost there they hear gunshots and realize that Watkins has found Leanne and they make plans to fight them from the rear. Well, Watkins and his men get killed. Charlie has a bullet which went through his arm but other than that the crew is fine.
Leanne finds out that O'Malley, her long time friend is really her father. They reunite and I won't ruin the ending for you, but the book is a fast and pleasant read.
June 12, 2019
At the story's beginning, Leanne Summers has just lost everything she owns and, while searching for the sheriff, she stumbles into a bank robbery. Hunter Walsh, head of the robbers, decides to take her along. Thus begins an interesting story.
The story is a bit long and sags at some points, but overall is an interesting way to spend a few hours.
The story is a bit long and sags at some points, but overall is an interesting way to spend a few hours.
June 9, 2011
RATING: 4.5)STOLEN ECSTASY by Hannah Howell is an exciting historical romance set in 1870 Colorado. It is written with depth and details,The characters are enchanting,engaging, and will capture your heart as you read what they live.This is a fast paced,action packed, full of adventure with plenty of sensual tension,murder,witty banter,a little romance, mayhem,
a bank robbery,getting justice,sweet sensual scenes,correcting a wrong,and finding love. While,Leanne,is beautiful,innocent,brave, impulsive,and learns that nothing is what she thought.She is throw out on the street by who she thought was her mother and walks right into a bank robbery in progress. For which she steals a gun from the so called sheriff,who is only watching not helping....in finds herself kidnapped and held captive by the robbers. Hunter,a handsome,sexy,supposingly bank robber,he knows they should not take Leanne with them as their captive,but he can't resist. Leanne is a temptation that Hunter could do without,for she is a distraction to his purpose,finding justice and setting things to right.But he can't abandon her and so begins the temptation and lust between them.This is a must read historical that will not disappoint it's readers. From the first page to the last,you will be on the edge of yor seat with anticipation. "Stolen Ecstasy" is another great read from author Hannah Howell.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Zebra Books, published by Kensington Publishing Corp and My Book Addiction Reviews.
a bank robbery,getting justice,sweet sensual scenes,correcting a wrong,and finding love. While,Leanne,is beautiful,innocent,brave, impulsive,and learns that nothing is what she thought.She is throw out on the street by who she thought was her mother and walks right into a bank robbery in progress. For which she steals a gun from the so called sheriff,who is only watching not helping....in finds herself kidnapped and held captive by the robbers. Hunter,a handsome,sexy,supposingly bank robber,he knows they should not take Leanne with them as their captive,but he can't resist. Leanne is a temptation that Hunter could do without,for she is a distraction to his purpose,finding justice and setting things to right.But he can't abandon her and so begins the temptation and lust between them.This is a must read historical that will not disappoint it's readers. From the first page to the last,you will be on the edge of yor seat with anticipation. "Stolen Ecstasy" is another great read from author Hannah Howell.This book was received for the purpose of review from the publisher and details can be found at Zebra Books, published by Kensington Publishing Corp and My Book Addiction Reviews.
September 7, 2009
I had a hard time slogging through the first 150 pages of this one, but after that, the story picked up some and held my interest a little bit better. And that's not saying much.
I've noticed that Hannah Howell's books (or the few that I have read) seem to go on and on and on. Just when you think the story is pretty much wrapped up...suprise! Something else happens to tack another 100 pages on. And then...ta-da! The story goes in an entirely different direction! Yes! Another 250 pages of wacky fun! I'd like to go into it, but just thinking about all of the plot detours this thing made has got my head hurting.
Also, I didn't realize this was a western when I checked it out. I'm not crazy about cowboys, ranchers, or the wild wild west. No offense to all of the southern-fried chicken lovers out there who are still watching reruns of Lonesome Dove.
While I'm thinking about it, how many times can one woman be almost raped (by different guys, mind you) in less than a year? According to this book, quite a few. Really? Are there that many nasty bastards out there, or did this girl just have nothing but bad luck? All in all, it made for one more annoying sideline to this story. Yee-haw!
I've noticed that Hannah Howell's books (or the few that I have read) seem to go on and on and on. Just when you think the story is pretty much wrapped up...suprise! Something else happens to tack another 100 pages on. And then...ta-da! The story goes in an entirely different direction! Yes! Another 250 pages of wacky fun! I'd like to go into it, but just thinking about all of the plot detours this thing made has got my head hurting.
Also, I didn't realize this was a western when I checked it out. I'm not crazy about cowboys, ranchers, or the wild wild west. No offense to all of the southern-fried chicken lovers out there who are still watching reruns of Lonesome Dove.
While I'm thinking about it, how many times can one woman be almost raped (by different guys, mind you) in less than a year? According to this book, quite a few. Really? Are there that many nasty bastards out there, or did this girl just have nothing but bad luck? All in all, it made for one more annoying sideline to this story. Yee-haw!
August 2, 2015
Historical Romance
Colorado, Texas & Mexico 1870
Leanne Summers learned in one night that everything about her life as she believed it is a lie and in that same night lost her home and every possession. She doesn’t think of the consequences when she witnesses a bank robbery going on. She barges in after stealing a gun and within minutes finds herself a captive.
Hunter Walsh knows he should leave Leanne behind as soon as he sets eyes on her. He doesn’t need the distraction of the desire he feels for her. He finds that abandoning an impulsive, brave woman isn’t as easy as it should be. Even a ruthless outlaw can’t ignore temptation especially one that is irresistible.
This is a story that can be re-read over and over. The laughs and action make for a book that is very hard to put down. The characters are well written and help bring the book to life. The reader never knows what will happen next and just what each character will do besides having the reader laughing out loud. The story will also pull at the reader’s heartstrings and make for a book that will stay with them long after they are done reading it. This is a great book to read for readers that love historical books. It will also have readers wanting to read this author’s other books.
Colorado, Texas & Mexico 1870
Leanne Summers learned in one night that everything about her life as she believed it is a lie and in that same night lost her home and every possession. She doesn’t think of the consequences when she witnesses a bank robbery going on. She barges in after stealing a gun and within minutes finds herself a captive.
Hunter Walsh knows he should leave Leanne behind as soon as he sets eyes on her. He doesn’t need the distraction of the desire he feels for her. He finds that abandoning an impulsive, brave woman isn’t as easy as it should be. Even a ruthless outlaw can’t ignore temptation especially one that is irresistible.
This is a story that can be re-read over and over. The laughs and action make for a book that is very hard to put down. The characters are well written and help bring the book to life. The reader never knows what will happen next and just what each character will do besides having the reader laughing out loud. The story will also pull at the reader’s heartstrings and make for a book that will stay with them long after they are done reading it. This is a great book to read for readers that love historical books. It will also have readers wanting to read this author’s other books.
June 19, 2013
I really liked this book!
I wasn't expecting this one to be a western (having not read the back of the book, because I'm generally a fan of most of whatever Hannah Howell writes), and so it took me a bit by surprise. It was a historical western, and it was better than I expected it to be. There was a great deal of plot, steamy romance (of course!), and likeable characters.
I'm saving this one, and adding it to my personal bookshelf collection. I think I've got about a quarter of HH's books, so far, and this one I'll like because it's not the usual highlander novel.
I also noticed that this was one of her first early novels, and quite was surprised by how good it was written. I practically flowed through the book, and enjoyed all of it. I'm even wondering if there might be a sequel!
To those who are wondering if this book is worth reading-I say yes, as it's very dramatic and has plenty of hot romance to offer!
I wasn't expecting this one to be a western (having not read the back of the book, because I'm generally a fan of most of whatever Hannah Howell writes), and so it took me a bit by surprise. It was a historical western, and it was better than I expected it to be. There was a great deal of plot, steamy romance (of course!), and likeable characters.
I'm saving this one, and adding it to my personal bookshelf collection. I think I've got about a quarter of HH's books, so far, and this one I'll like because it's not the usual highlander novel.
I also noticed that this was one of her first early novels, and quite was surprised by how good it was written. I practically flowed through the book, and enjoyed all of it. I'm even wondering if there might be a sequel!
To those who are wondering if this book is worth reading-I say yes, as it's very dramatic and has plenty of hot romance to offer!
April 9, 2012
The book wasnt bad but its not the Hannah Howell I'm used to the story was ok but it was slow and it lacked the excitement and sensual elements that her Highland.England.based books have.it was a disappointment and rhe.only.reason I finished it was because.I always read the books my fave authors write
June 24, 2011
This book was soo good. Such a great love story.
June 30, 2011
I love anything Hannah Howell writes. I was surprised I liked this since it was a western since I prefer her Highland books but this was a very good book.
September 10, 2016
3.5 Stars. Nice and easy romance!
February 21, 2013
I enjoy this author.
April 26, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews