Paradise Valley

by Rosanne Bittner

With more than 7 million books in print, RT Book Reviews Career Achievement Award–winning and USA Today Bestselling author Rosanne Bittner pens a historical Western romance filled with dangerous cowboys, capable heroines, and an epic love story that sweeps across the Old West.

"Stop! Or I'll shoot your hat off."

Maggie Tucker has just gone through hell. Outlaws murdered her husband, looted their camp, and terrorized Maggie before leaving her lost and alone in the wilds of Wyoming. She isn't about to let another strange man get close enough to harm her.

Sage Lightfoot, owner of Paradise Valley ranch, his hunting for the men who killed his best ranch hand. But what he finds is a beautiful, bedraggled woman digging a grave. And pointing a pistol at his heart.

From that moment on, Sage will do anything to protect the strong-yet-vulnerable Maggie. Together, they'll embark on a life-changing journey along the dangerous Outlaw Trail, risking their lives...and their love.

Praise for Bestselling Historical Western Romances by Rosanne

"Fans of such authors as Jodi Thomas and Georgina Gentry will enjoy Bittner's thrilling tale of crime and love in the Old West."—Booklist Online

"The strong flavor of the Wild West combines with a beautiful love story, creating a true saga of the era."—RT Book Reviews

"There is tension, danger, anger, and love all combined in this story."—Long and Short Reviews

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Western Romance, Native American, Westerns

352 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 2, 2013

About the author

I am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.

I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.

National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.

Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!

Reviews

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book...

Paradise Valley was my first book of Rosanne Bittner. I’m a fan of western romances, and this book certainly was interesting. I liked the author’s writing style, and her description of the wild west of the 1880’s. But unfortunately, there were things that bugged me in the story too and it would have to start with the h, Maggie. Let me elaborate in my review in the following.

Maggie has led a hard life. Even though she was born a girl, she has never known the kind of kindness or love a girl can expect from her father. Maggie was very young when she had to start working on all the rough chores in her father’s farmland right after her mother died. She was also married off quite young to an equally rough and unemotional older man (I assumed James to be much older than her). Her life didn’t change much after the marriage. Maggie was still doing all the farm work, even after she had her daughter. James didn’t like weakness and he expected Maggie to work as hard as he did, so no loitering about after having a baby! Her baby was Maggie’s only solace from this loveless marriage. Even that was taken away from Maggie when the baby dies in a fever. Oh I felt so sad for her when I was reading about her past life. Then, when James became adamant to seek out a ‘better life’ leaving Missouri, Maggie had no say in it. She just followed her husband because that’s what she was expected to do. So overall, Maggie tried her best to be the good, accommodating wife to James for as long as they have been married. But that changed one day at Wyoming, when James is murdered by some thugs and Maggie raped, left to fend for herself while the thugs, all three of them looted their wagon and rode away.

Maggie was hurt and miserable from her horrible experience, yet she had the energy to dig a grave for her husband. Her body was complaining but she was stubborn enough to see through it, probably because she was in shock, working on the auto-pilot mode. She keeps berating James for taking a single wagon rather than riding in a more public manner. But no matter, it was more than clear from Maggie’s musings that she had no love for her husband. She knows no one here. She doesn’t even know where she is. She keeps thinking of her baby, buried so far away, and now she’s burying her husband. Maggie was finally lying back, contemplating her fate here in the middle of apparent nowhere when a lone rider approaches her. Maggie becomes alert and brings out a rifle and threatens to shoot the man! But the rider gently tells her that she obviously needs help and he’s here to offer it. He throws out his pistols and knife on her demand to allay her suspicion, to show her that he means good. He introduces himself as Sage Lightfoot, the owner of the ranch Paradise Valley, where currently Maggie is standing.

Sage knew immediately what might’ve happened, looking from the murdered man to the abused woman and the looted wagon. He’s led an enough colorful life to have an idea. Moreover, Sage is on the hunt for three men who murdered his best ranch-hand, raped his wife and then looted money from him too. And when Maggie gives him a halted description of what has occurred, alongside the description of those men, Sage knew those are the same men. He was also feeling for the woman, so he does his best to help her. He tells her that he was going after those men, but now he’d take her to his ranch because she obviously needs care and rest. Maggie couldn’t have denied his offer because he’s the only person she knows right now in this unknown territory. Then she makes her own demand. She wants those men caught, she wants revenge... and she wants Sage to take her with him when he rides out again on his hunt.

Ok, even I was kinda amused by Maggie’s demands as Sage and later, his ranch hands were. They had to travel through rougher terrains to reach Sage’s ranch which was miles and miles away from where Maggie has been; all belonging to Sage. He knows the land as the back of his hand, so he informs Maggie of what to expect from the returning journey. Sure enough, they had to fight back a very volatile weather of wind, sun and cold, a big Grizzly and wolves. The Grizzly attacks Sage out of the blue, leaving him badly injured. It was up to Maggie to find the cottage they were looking for at that time, and bring back Sage’s men to help him. She does that and more, taking care of Sage. Even though Maggie was wary about the Sage’s men, she knew that they won’t harm her, much as their leader.

Sage is moved in a litter and taken back to the ranch house. Men are agog of Maggie, especially when they hear of her killing the Grizzly at one single shot when she appears to be so small! But they also respect her, as Sage warned anyone trying to disrespect or harm her will have to answer to him. It was obvious to Maggie that his men respected and cared for Sage. Maggie takes up the cooking for a while because the food there was not good. She is also able to take rest, refreshing herself as best as she could. By now, Maggie knows there has been a woman in this ranch, and the men don’t like talking about her. Sage becomes close-lipped every time she’s mentioned. Maggie is a little apprehensive about it. Who was this woman to Sage, she can’t help but wonder because I could see she was already forming a ‘hero-worship’ kind of obsession over Sage. The fact that he’s very handsome, unlike any man she’s ever known, doesn’t help the matter. Sage confirms later that he’s half-Indian, his father being some French man who abandoned him and his mother a long time ago. A letter comes soon enough for Sage, from a woman named Joanna. Sage becomes angry after reading it, and when Maggie looks on the envelop, she finds that Joanna shares his surname. So now she has a name and apparently, she is Sage’s wife!

Maggie is more than jealous, becomes eager to know more about Sage. But she has other things to think about now, so she doesn’t forget to remind Sage that she wants to go with him, NO MATTER WHAT. She wants the men to be taken down, if possible, to witness their death with her very own eyes. She’s SO resolved in it, nothing, even Sage’s warning that this won’t be a happy, relaxed and easy ride don’t deter her. Then, she does something that annoyed the hell outta me. She learns that she might be expecting. She was certain that it was the result of the rape because she hadn’t been with her husband for a long while before that fateful night. Maggie decides to keep it a secret. You know why? Because she was determined to have her way, as I mentioned, NO MATTER WHAT!! She’d go, if it means hiding this from Sage, who’d surely leave her here if he gets any clue of it.

So when they ride out, Sage isn’t aware of it at all. At first, even I was hoping that it was just nothing, no pregnancy, just as Maggie was. But that was not to be. Their journey is just how Sage warned it’d be but Maggie manages to stay put. She’s very focused on the revenge after all. They try their best to keep at the trail of those men. I would’ve enjoyed the description had the dialogues were not full of Maggie’s nagging about wanting to know Sage’s ‘past’. As the story progresses, we learn that Sage was an outlaw himself once upon a time. Already mentioned how his father abandoned him, and then his mother was brutally murdered by the invaders along with the most of his tribe. A missionary couple found him bloodied and bruised, took him in and cared for him. Sage thought he found a new family, until he made a blunder at the age of 17 by falling for the beautiful girl of the richest family of that small town. It was, of course, mutual but when they were found together is when the real face of his so-called parents were revealed. It was always about the money/donation for the church they got from that family; taking in Sage was also a part of that ploy. And now that he has done something so ‘disgusting’ and ‘shamed’ them, they kick Sage out without any help whatsoever because of that family’s demand. After all, he has the dirty Indian blood in him!

This was a very painful and confusing time in Sage’s life, and somehow he ended up being an outlaw. He made some friends and a few foes on the way, but Sage was good at what he did. Yet, he was never proud of his deeds. It was all about survival but inside, Sage craved for his own lands, a home and hearth, complete with a family. This is something I absolutely adored in him. After a few years riding with various gangs and living loose and fast life, Sage finally had enough money to buy acres of lands. While he was busy buying more lands and setting up a big house (definitely home enough for a big family) the girl from his teenage years, Joanna, returns in his life. And you can guess, she seduces Sage again with the promise of love and devotion, and they were married soon. But things don’t go well as Joanna’s real face is out in a few days. She despised the sights and sounds of the ranch life, craving more for the city and all the glitz and glamour that brought. When she failed to convince Sage to move to the big city with her, Joanna up and left, divorcing Sage in exchange a hefty sum. Sage already realized that Joanna never really loved him. He was used, and again, it was all about the money. He was burned from this experience so badly that Sage didn’t want to share this with anyone... and still, Maggie kept on nagging him, asking him question she KNEW she shouldn’t ask. She also wanted to know about his outlaw life, and the things he did. Can she trust a man like him, even if he seemed changed now?

Most of the book is filled with the highs and lows, the incidents and description of this journey. At some point, Sage and Maggie find a few outlaws who were living in a small ranch acquired through questionable means. Sage was looking for a particular man from his outlaw days, but finds he died a while ago. In that ranch, Maggie also finds a woman who does everything for these men. She’s also the common whore for them. Sage is apparently easy with this lifestyle, but it’s a little hard for Maggie to take in since she’d basically led a sheltered life. She becomes jealous of that woman, knowing she offered herself to Sage. But Sage and Maggie were riding as husband and wife, mainly for Maggie’s safety and Sage declines the woman’s offer lightheartedly. He also manages to find some information on those men that proves that they’re on the right track.

Soon Sage and Maggie are on the trail again but one of those men, a mean Indian, follows them. He had his eyes on Maggie and meant to ‘have’ her. In the fight, Maggie is injured. Sage too, but he manages to kill the Indian. It was a bloody and gruesome outcome but I liked that reality that it depicted, showing that Sage was capable of murder when the occasion calls for it and he has done that many times before. Maggie tries to take this fact in. But she finds that though wary, she’s not scared of him. Maggie also begins realizing that she’s falling in love with Sage. Personally, I thought her declaration was not quite believable; it seemed too soon. Moreover, I hadn’t felt that kind of intensity or connection between Maggie and Sage throughout the story. But I can’t deny the fact that they were attracted to each-other. They take shelter in a shabby old cottage, and Sage begins looking after Maggie’s leg wound. This is where Maggie confesses her love for Sage, and then, seduces him. I was already quite annoyed by her activities so far, also the fact that she was hiding her pregnancy from Sage. By that time, she was more than sure about it. And now this? *SMH*

Worse was, she knew what this might mean. That she’s deceiving Sage and when he learns of the pregnancy he’ll automatically think the baby’s his. This is a disaster waiting to happen. At that point, Sage has given into her nagging and opened up enough about his past for Maggie to know that he hated being lied to and being used. She knew all these, and yet, Maggie kept making demands of him to have sex more times over the course of the story. If it was once or twice, I would try to understand. If she came clean about the truth in that time, I would’ve respected her more. The more I think about it, the less I think that Maggie was a ‘strong and honest’ woman, as the author tried to drum-roll into us. She was forever making excuses for her actions, like Sage will leave her when he hears of it etc. She had every right to feel insecure but prevarication is not the answer. It is the better option that you keep having sex with the man, hiding your pregnancy all the while? At least that is how it was portrayed, with which I couldn’t agree. Does that sound like a smart move? Not to me. Truth is bound to be out sooner or later. Poor Sage! He was worried about getting Maggie pregnant, so he decides to visit nearby brothel to get some preventives as soon as they reach a town. But that doesn’t settle well with our Maggie! She’s jealous and still, she won’t fess up. Not once, until the very end... even then Sage had to hear it in an ugly way, rather than from Maggie’s own mouth.

After this, they stop at a few different towns Sage knew from his outlaw days. In one of those cities, Maggie and Sage find one of those men they are hunting for. In an incident, Sage kills him. Before his death, the man is able to give them some clue to where the other two might be. Maggie asks Sage to have sex with her later that night ‘to take away the memory of what happened to her’. Afterwards, they journey again. When a sudden bad weather with incessant rainfall is upon them, Sage and Maggie find refuge in another nearby town. Turns out that the proprietress of that boarding house is an ex-prostitute and Sage knows her very well, if you know what I mean. This woman, Kate, is much older than Sage and in his youth, she was one of his favorites. Now this part of the story quite ruined my fun too. Yes, I understand the ‘reality’ of Sage’s past, still I didn’t like how easy he was with Kate. Between the two, their innuendoes and hints of what they did when they were lovers was just... not appealing to me. It was certainly not about Kate’s former profession, because as an individual, I quite liked her. Her honesty about her harsh life made me sad. She certainly didn’t deserve to be what she became before she decided to gather enough money for an ‘honest living’. Kate was definitely a prostitute with ‘a heart of gold’, but I totally could’ve done without that part about her and Sage. Moreover, even though she had a lover presently, Newell, who helps her with the boarding house, Kate made it known a few times that she’d be amenable about having Sage back in her bed. Why oh WHY? Gah. :/

Maggie wasn’t that jealous of Kate, though she certainly got their relationship since the first moment. I don’t know why though when she was jealous of even the mention of any brothel. Maggie also realizes that Sage trusted Kate a lot when he tells her about their pretense of husband and wife. No matter, Kate is nice to Maggie. Later, Newell and Sage discuss about those men and where they might be now. They’re pretty sure that the scoundrels will go back to this dangerous place every outlaw knows called Hole-In-The-Wall. This place is like a nightmare because of the way it’s structured; reaching it is not at all easy. But one can view one’s target, or so to speak and kill them easily. Sage knows this is going to be something of a war. He’d need more men and his wit about to help him get through this. At that point he’s not thinking of anyone or anything but revenge, and his resolve is strengthened when Maggie is kidnapped by those men sometimes later when neither Sage nor Newell was about. They also injure Kate quite badly before hauling Maggie out. From what I saw, it was clear that Newell and Kate had feelings for each-other, though they considered themselves too old and definitely not the types to abide by the social norms. But after this, Newell becomes a part of Sage’s ‘war’.

Without a doubt, I liked the depiction from here because I was pretty much hooked in the suspense. I was on the edge just to know what happens next. Can Sage save Maggie? Would those SOBs abuse Maggie again? Those men have already gathered a few more outlaws with them, all in for money and the promise of woman, Maggie. She had a tough journey up there, being manhandled all along the way. From the description, I did wonder; how was it that the baby survived that treacherous journey so early in her pregnancy?

Sage was going crazy, thinking what she might be suffering at their hands, but for his trouble (when he reaches there finally, a big, bloody and gruesome fight ensues), Sage learns about Maggie’s pregnancy from one of those dying men. She told them to save herself from another bout of rape. I felt sad for Sage, because he was shocked. For Maggie... well, think I’ve already exhausted this review with my feelings for her. lol I felt bad that she had to suffer but that is about what I could bring myself to feel. Sage becomes distant after knowing the truth. He asks her again if she’s really sure that the baby is not James’s, and she replies positive. Sage takes Maggie to some place he knew from before, so that she can take rest and recover from her latest ordeal. He rides back to Kate and Newell to find out how things are there. Maggie waits for Sage, apprehensive that he might or might not return, even though he said he would, to take her back home. And then, there was the matter of Joanna, who is probably already waiting back at the ranch, hoping to reconcile with Sage. TBH, I thought that the part of Joanna was just unnecessary. It felt like a drag, maybe because by then I didn’t really care one way or the other.

Overall, Paradise Valley was a good read. Though I’ve tried to explain the things that bugged me over the course of the story, others might enjoy this more than I have. 4 stars.


This ARC was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.

[Misfit · Rating 3 out of 5]

This very predictable western romance is set in Wyoming, 1886. Maggie Tucker and her husband were set upon by a group of evil baddies - they murdered her husband and gang raped Maggie. Ranch owner Sage Lightfoot is on the trail of those very same baddies for stealing from him and raping the wife of one of his ranch hands. He comes across Maggie while she's trying to bury her husband and - you guessed it - Maggie won't stay put at Sage's ranch, she needs to go along on the hunt to fight and punish the evil baddies.

*yawn*

Not many surprises here. True love, but Maggie's got an unexpected surprise in the oven and can't tell Sage or he won't let her go a-hunting baddies, and Sage has a bit of his own butt-hurt from a previous marriage that threatens to interfere with their new found true love.

A quick, easy read with twists and turns you can spot a mile away.

Kindle copy obtained via library loan.

[Karen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the picturesque description of the scenery as the couple thrown together through circumstance tracked raping, thieving, outlaws through lawless country.

This adventure had me on an emotional rollercoaster. On tenderhooks though several attacks & their aftermath. Falling a little more for the hero as he showed tenderness for a young abused & neglected woman. Heartbreak at the uncertain future.

Totally drawn in, turning pages to... I don't know... be there to support this young woman. She's so brave, such a great attitude as a rape victim and clever to boot.

Great supporting cast of interesting characters.

[Stephanie Jenkins Ortiz Cerrillo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie Tucker is quite the young lady. She's been through so much in her young life and unfortunately not much of her life had happy memories growing up in Missouri. She was in an arranged married and they decided to head west it was unfortunate that her husband didn't chose to go west with a scouted wagon train. This decision ends in tragedy for them both but puts Sage Lightfoot in Maggie's path. Sage is already on the path of the same outlaws that attacked Maggie and her husband. Sage is blown away by the strength, perseverance, go-get-em, get'r-done, say-it-like-it-is personality of this young pretty woman-girl. He's never met a woman like her and she's the exact opposite of his ex-wife. Is it too soon for both of their broken hearts to fall in love again? These two head out to find the outlaws and it's a long hard adventure. My only complaint about this Bittner book is I want to know more about what happens to Maggie and Sage and their destiny! Great and fast Read!

[Victoria Bylin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wanted to read a big sprawling western. This fits but the romance is dated. Plus my reading tastes have changed.

[Sharon Tyler · Rating 3 out of 5]

Paradise Valley by Rosanne Bittner is a historical romance set in America. Maggie Tucker has had a hard life, made even harder when three men attack. They shoot her husband and brutally attack her. She is now lost and alone in the Wyoming Territory. She vows to find the men who killed him and who tried to destroy her. Sage Lightfoot is a former outlaw and current owner of a ranch called Paradise Valley. On his search for three men who murdered his best ranch hand, he finds Maggie collapsed beside an open grave and offers her his help. Together they set off on a journey along the Outlaw Trail in search of justice, and they just find trust and love as well. However, Maggie's secret and a woman from Sage's past could destroy their future before they even have a chance to get started.

Paradise Valley is a well paced historical novel, with plenty of action and conflict. Maggie Tucker is a wounded heroine. Her childhood was terrible, her marriage not much better, she witnesses the murder of her husband, and is then raped and left for dead. Not exactly a woman looking for love. Sage Lightfoot had a childhood that was not much better than Maggie's, but he has face betrayal from the people he should have been safest with and is not exactly looking to fall in love or even lust with anyone soon. With all that said, I did find the tension and conflict in the romance well done. However, I did find that Maggie was a little too willing to hop in the sack after the trauma she had been through. No flashbacks or PTSD symptoms- just "ohh, I did not know it could feel like this" sentiments. But, whatever. The two additional conflicts felt a little like they were added on last minute for added effect- because kidnapping and fighting with a slew of outlaws were not dramatic enough. They were well utilized plot points, but I do not think that they were absolutely necessary. I did not really connect with either Maggie or Sage, but did enjoy getting to know some of the secondary characters. I also liked the ideals in the book, that everyone has some good and bad in them and sometimes the 'bad' is because of circumstance rather than desire. The basic acceptance of others was a nice thing to see.

Paradise Valley is a historical romance full of action, drama, and danger. It is not the best of the genre, but it is a solid read and far from being bad. I think readers that enjoy reading about characters that have trauma and obstacles from their past to overcome, trust issues, and daily danger to deal with will greatly enjoy this book.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosanne Bittner's long awaited book just knocked my socks off!!! I've enjoyed all of her books I've read so far, and have numerous of them on my keeper shelves - where this one is now as well!!

I liked how Maggie was both strong but yet vulnerable. Sometimes the way she talked made her sound younger than what she was age wise, but her actions/thoughts the rest of the time made up for it. And I love how Sage interacted with her - was impressed by her spirit and strength, but at the same time knew she needed him to protect her.

I so enjoyed towards the end when the ex-wife showed up - I knew I would have reacted the same way Maggie did and I was glad to see how Sage dealt with his ex (I sure was hoping he'd do what he did!)

I'm so looking forward to reading more of RB's books - and hope that more and more of her older ones come out on kindle!

[Kathleen · Rating 2 out of 5]

***I won this book through a Goodreads giveaway***

2.5 stars

The plot itself was interesting enough, but for some reason I didn't really like the main characters. They had interesting backgrounds but their conversations seemed stilted and uncomfortable. Almost as if the only purpose of the dialogue was to move the story along instead of letting you slowly get to know the characters and form your own opinions of them.

[Maggie · Rating 2 out of 5]

Didn't like the main characters Maggie and Sage. If you don't like the main characters, how could you ever like the rest of the book?

*Won from goodreads Giveaway*

[Richard Guerrero · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished reading over 20 books from Rosanne Bittner. This book was just OK to me. Wouldn’t mind seeing a sequel to it though. One constant which might not have applied totally in this book, would be the tall dark handsome main character. Other Constance you see throughout her books would be the sex scenes, a needy woman, and how much more than men know what the woman needs in the sack. It even goes as far throughout all a lot of these books is how the man knows exactly what a virgin woman is supposed to feel and how long the discomfort would last. Ha ha. But again, once you start reading her books you would see a lot of bits and pieces from other books spread throughout. This includes the sex scenes, fighting scenes, and the main story lines. One good thing I do like about this author is how she does include some real history events.

[Marlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you want a book with action, great characters and often romance, get a book by this author. This book does not fail to keep you reading, bring tears to your eyes or give you a gripping story-line. Maggie Tucker is young but has already lived a life filled with hard work, beatings and abuse, not only from her father but her husband. Now she is alone and her life takes on new horrors when a shadow falls across her face in the form of a man on a horse, the local land owner Sage Lightfoot. Thanks for a great book.

[Miara Farnsworth · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think you'll enjoy it more if you read this as a western that happens to have some romance rather than a romance set in a western. I read it quickly because I loved the setting and I like westerns, but I didn't love the two main characters, I felt like rather than getting to know them as people we just learn facts about them to help the story move along. Couldn't relate to them.

[Karen Sheldon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Was difficult to put down

I've loved Ms. Bittner's writings for years. I loved this story. I found myself transformed back to the late 1800's with every word and description. I look forward to catching up on all her writings I've missed over the years.

[Cindy Bolen · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing story.

A woman who ends up raped and husband dead is bent on revenge. A half breed Indian who was robbed. The two together find love hunting the men who killed her husband and robbed him. Read it for yourself.

[Lois Mezo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story,

Well written .A lot or action and bad things going on Love happens ..A strong woman man part Indian .Choices have to make wheler to marry or go.Have to read to sees what happens.

[Sherrie Rago · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am a new fan of Rosanne Bittner's ... I loved this book Paradise Valley , I love that she continues some of her characters into her next book . She writes from her heart, like our Carolyn Brown, Linda Lael Miller, Robyn Carr

[ForeverBooked · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice story. She really was dealt with the worst cards in life. Left abused and widowed, she was struggling to get by, and that’s when she came across our hero.

Heartwarming but I don’t understand why she just didn’t tell him.

[Victoria · Rating 3 out of 5]

6.5/10

[karen munguia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I love this author. Her books were great. This is one of her best. A keeper for sure. Enjoy it.

[Gene Rainer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marion Rainer

Good read blend with country feel like you were going on trails with them made us wanted to camp with them great read this book

[Shelagh Morrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A light, romantic summer cottage read.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Forgiveness

Story of forgiveness and love no matter what the people had done.people trying to do better in their lives and love

[Janet Patton · Rating 5 out of 5]

EXCELLENT WESTERN NOVEL!! MS BITTNER IS A FAVORITE AUTHOR AND THIS WESTERN WAS ONE OF THE BEST. IF YOU HAVEN'T READ, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS NOVEL.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rugged western landscapes, hardened western men and women, and the wildness of the times always provide good fodder for a story. I adore western historical romances, but most of the time I have to settle for a romance with a teensy bit of western to it. Not this time. Rosanne Bittner must be one of the rare females who knows how to tell a western that includes a strong romance. From start to finish, the storyline that came off those pages just captivated and gripped me.

The story, set in 1880s Wyoming, begins with Maggie burying her husband after a group of evil men approach the hospitality of their campfire, kill her husband, rape her and steal their things leaving her abandoned in the middle of no where to die. But Maggie doesn't die because Sage Lightfoot rides up looking for a group of men who killed one of the men on his ranch, raped the man's wife and stole his money while Sage was out seeing to a round-up on his ranch.

Sage can't help, but admire the strength and spirit coursing through this little female who looks like a child as she looks him in the eye and promises that she's going with him to exact vengeance. They squabble over this because she doesn't look fit for something of this nature. On the journey back to his ranch where he takes her to rest and heal, she proves that appearances can be deceptive. Maggie's a woman to ride the river with and he starts to see that she's nothing like his deceitful ex-wife who tore his heart out.

It's not long before Sage and Maggie are on the trail of the villains and things get rough pretty quick. They encounter the harshest of conditions and men who ride both sides of the law. Danger is ever present, but then again they have each other. Sage and Maggie start something up that gets past where Sage wants it to go really quick, but he's slowly opening himself up to the possibilities with Maggie if they survive their quest. Unfortunately right when Maggie thinks she has her first real chance at happiness with Sage, she discovers something that she must hide from him knowing that he will not take her lie lightly or the reason for it when he discovers the truth.

The plot of this one is not unusual when it comes to westerns, vengeance- one of my favorites though. What set it apart were the characters both Maggie and Sage and the secondary characters. The outlaws who harmed Maggie truly were evil. There was also added tension of Sage's ex-wife who has decided to re-enter his life at this time. Poor Maggie went through some trials that would have most people curling up in a ball on the ground just after the first thing let alone all the rest. I suppose some would say that it was almost too much, but I just took all her challenges to let her character shine. Sage grew up hard, turned to lawlessness and then became the reformed rancher though the wildness in him is not far below the surface. He is half Cheyenne and half white so walks the tightrope between both worlds.

The romance was heated and honest though gentle love is there too. The romance balances out some of the harsh things that Sage and Maggie endure. It gets moderately graphic so this isn't the story for those who get squeamish at violence.

The historical backdrop was done so well. The description of the settings, the people and their ways was perfectly done so that I took in all this information without it overtaking the plot. I've been all over that part of Wyoming and Utah so I recognized what I was reading about.

In closing, I can only be thrilled to have found a new to me author who knows what to do with a historical western romance and recommend it to those who love equal balance between the western and the romance like myself. My thanks to Net Galley for providing the book for review purposes.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wyoming, 1886.

James Tucker and his wife, Maggie McPhee Tucker, are traveling west on the new frontier. The couple is not quite prepared for the frontier land and they are traveling alone, rather than with a party. One night, the two are attacked. James is killed and Maggie is raped and beaten by three white men. They leave her to die.

Sage Lighfoot, has some Indian heritage but lives as a white man. His upbringing is hard for him to discuss and he prefers to live his life in solitude on his ranch, Paradise Valley.

Sage goes out looking for three ranch hands that stole his money and ran off. He stumbles upon Maggie and what's left of her camp. The two start a friendship based on revenge and set off to find the evil men.

"I have some men to find. Taking you to the ranch is going to cost me about a week, but I have a pretty good idea where the culprits who did this are. Once you're ready, one of my ranch hand can take you to the closest town, and - I, too, have some men to find, Maggie interrupted. I do not intend to go on with my life as though this never happened, not yet anyway. you said that filth who did this sounded like the same men you are after. I want to go with you to find them."

Like with every romance novel, things don't always make perfect sense but this book captured me from the first few lines. I read it in two days because I couldn't put it down. I cared about what happened to Maggie. She is a very strong willed woman. She was interesting to read about.

Overall, I think the story just flows together nicely. I like how the author took the time to describe the west at this time. Most of us know what the west was about but I think the author did a great job at keeping the scene of the west in the book at all times. It was great to picture where the characters where. In a small town, a "hotel", a saloon, etc. She also included cultural situations of the day. I would recommend this book to those who like west romances without all the gore and violence that usually accompany such situations. There was violence in this book but not as much as most western movies.

Content: not a clean romance, not overly dirty, language, including taking the Lord's name is vain.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 4 out of 5]

With drama, romance and of course outlaws Paradise Valley by Rosanne Bittner drew me and didn’t let go until the end. I love epic historical romance novels set in the west and this book was no exception. I love the world Rosanne Bittner describes. It is romantic and yet harsh all at the same time. I can picture the wild untamed west in her book so perfectly. I have to admit I have been a fan of Ms. Bittner since I was in high school. I loved her books for some odd years now. What I love about her novels is a world that is well researched and a love story that grows and matures.

In Paradise Valley Maggie’s husband has been murdered and she has been raped and left for dead. Then Sage Lightfoot comes upon her and she begs him to take her with him to hunt down hunt down the men that have wronged them both. On an epic journey that sweeps across the mountains and valleys of Wyoming they begin the hunt. I like that Maggie is a strong independent and even though she loves Sage and she wants Sage, she doesn’t need him to take care of her. I love how the characters are both hurt not just physically but emotionally. They both need each other to help heal the hurts and grow.

Go read Paradise Valley because like with all Rosanne Bittner books this book is be savored as a real treat. It was suspenseful, full of drama and romance. I really enjoyed this book and as always look forward to reading more. I give Paradise Valley four very strong laser pistols, because this is what a sweeping western romance looks like.

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually do not like historicals, but this is one historical I could not put down!! Sage Lightfoot is an outlaw turned law-abiding citizen, but he has not forgotten his old way of life. He is tough as nails and then some, but when he stumbles upon Maggie Tucker her very unfortunate situation touches him in a way nothing has in a while. He is instantly enthralled with her and is even willing to let her come along for the ride of her life as they both seek revenge against the same people. Maggie is a young woman who has never experienced real love from anyone, but that does not keep her from being independent, strong-willed, and determined. The character traits Maggie shows in this book will win the hearts of readers who enjoy a strong heroine. Sage’s character is just as determined and strong and will not disappoint for those who love a big, bad, sensitive hero.

Rosanne Bittner does an excellent job in describing the settings throughout the book and throughout Sage and Maggie’s journey. This book is not for the faint of heart as it does have some cursing, alludes to prostitution and rape, as well as murder, but all are written in ways you should not be offended, but should be able to easily relate to what is developing in the story of Sage and Maggie. I read this book in one night! I was completely hooked from page one – this is a great historical read with some western flair, lots of action and a hint of suspense.

RATING: 4.5

HEAT RATING: Hot

REVIEWED BY: A. Lyn

REVIEW COURTESY OF: My Book Addiction and More

[Blodeuedd Finland · Rating 3 out of 5]

A brutal beginning, but then to have made life easy for Maggie would not have been right. It had to be brutal and leave her angry.

Maggie is left with a dead husband and a thirst for vengeance after the outlaws did what they did to her too. Not something I want to happen to a heroine, but that she would have been left unhurt after something like that, yes not likely. But she was such a strong woman, she did not let it hold her down. She is also a true pioneer woman, ready to work like any man. At first I was a bit wary as her husband was dead after all and I knew she and Sage would find each other. But, a loveless marriage is nothing to cry over.

Sage then, half Indian, owner of one big ranch and with scars of his own. A very colorful past that we learn more of. He is a good man, kind and strong. Now who would not fall for him?

It's a slow building romance as they both are scarred. But it also about the hunt for the outlaws and riding through wild country. Both animals and bad men out there. And with that it was different, because it showed the more brutal side.

Love can grow in the most unlikely places.

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love reading Rosanne Bittner stories. They take me so deep within that I hate parting with it.

This story is no different. It gave me a hero and a heroine worthy of that title. I loved their strength and I wept as I came to know their backstory. Both characters had plenty of baggage to get rid of, but once they did, they were free to commit to each other fully.

This story is sweet, tender and very romantic. It has adventure, danger and romance to melt your heart.

I highly recommend it!

Melanie for b2b

Complimentary copy provided by the publisher

[Jillian · Rating 3 out of 5]

The heroine has been through a lot...abusive father, brutish husband and a recent gang rape. The hero comes across her digging her husband's grave and together they set off to kill the men who committed crimes against both of them. I didn't feel that there was a great deal of chemistry between the main characters and they jumped into bed pretty quickly. However, they did have a nice rapport as friends. There were also some interesting secondary characters. An enjoyable read, but slightly disappointing.