What do you think?
Rate this book
Jackson Brothers #0.5
Westward Bound
True love conquers all, but can it survive in the Wild West?
With the threat of war growing more real by the day, Henry Jackson faces an impossible choice. Virginia is divided, with half the state poised to secede, leaving the Jackson family farm teetering on the border that will divide the north and south. He accepts the government’s promise of land and a fresh start in the untamed western territories to protect his wife and their three boys.
Despite the distance from the unrest, the Jacksons exchange one danger for another. The challenges of their new life are many, especially for Leticia, Henry’s wife. Leaving behind her family home, friends and neighbors, and many of her cherished family keepsakes is beyond difficult. Letty finds frontier life more demanding than expected, the loneliness, and the new rules put in place to protect her almost too much to bear.
As a greenhorn pioneer, she finds herself in one scrape after another, and the decisions she’s often pushed to make aren’t wise. His wife repeatedly risking injury or death is something Henry will not abide. Although his devotion is unquestionable, his patience eventually wears thin. Determined to keep the woman he loves safe, he lays down the law. Will his firm hand dampen her spirit? Or will Letty finally accept that her home and heart have always been with Henry and her boys?
With the threat of war growing more real by the day, Henry Jackson faces an impossible choice. Virginia is divided, with half the state poised to secede, leaving the Jackson family farm teetering on the border that will divide the north and south. He accepts the government’s promise of land and a fresh start in the untamed western territories to protect his wife and their three boys.
Despite the distance from the unrest, the Jacksons exchange one danger for another. The challenges of their new life are many, especially for Leticia, Henry’s wife. Leaving behind her family home, friends and neighbors, and many of her cherished family keepsakes is beyond difficult. Letty finds frontier life more demanding than expected, the loneliness, and the new rules put in place to protect her almost too much to bear.
As a greenhorn pioneer, she finds herself in one scrape after another, and the decisions she’s often pushed to make aren’t wise. His wife repeatedly risking injury or death is something Henry will not abide. Although his devotion is unquestionable, his patience eventually wears thin. Determined to keep the woman he loves safe, he lays down the law. Will his firm hand dampen her spirit? Or will Letty finally accept that her home and heart have always been with Henry and her boys?
267 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 24, 2023
47 people are currently reading
21 people want to read
About the author
Maddie Taylor
87 books552 followersUSA Today and #1 International Bestselling Author, Maddie is a lifelong reader who became a romance junkie as a teen with her first romance novel, The Wolf and the Dove by Kathleen Woodiwiss. From then on, she was hooked and gobbled up everything she could get her hands on, whether contemporary, historical, paranormal, or sci-fi.
With over seventy published works, a quarter of a million books sold, and fifty million pages read, Maddie writes fast-paced, steamy fiction in multiple genres from contemporary to Sci-fi to historical western romance. Pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite chair, and escape for a few hours in the rich worlds she creates. It will be time well spent.
***NEWSLETTER*** Sign up to receive a free book --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/l2b0z0etex
Keep up with Maddie by subscribing to her monthly newsletter. Get author updates, info on upcoming books, book promotions, low and free book information, free content, and awesome monthly giveaways.
As always, Maddie thanks her readers for supporting and embracing her books. Please post a review so she knows what you're thinking. Constructive, earnest reviews are always welcome.
With over seventy published works, a quarter of a million books sold, and fifty million pages read, Maddie writes fast-paced, steamy fiction in multiple genres from contemporary to Sci-fi to historical western romance. Pour yourself a glass of wine, curl up in your favorite chair, and escape for a few hours in the rich worlds she creates. It will be time well spent.
***NEWSLETTER*** Sign up to receive a free book --> https://dl.bookfunnel.com/l2b0z0etex
Keep up with Maddie by subscribing to her monthly newsletter. Get author updates, info on upcoming books, book promotions, low and free book information, free content, and awesome monthly giveaways.
As always, Maddie thanks her readers for supporting and embracing her books. Please post a review so she knows what you're thinking. Constructive, earnest reviews are always welcome.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
November 13, 2023
Westward Bound. My fellow readers. I have found my first official western romance book that has changed my mind on reading about living life on the frontier. Let me say something about the Jackson family. This family never gave up.
They stood strong and persevered through having to leave a comfortable to only cross the country to build a new life on the frontier. This family has grit. They have honor and they have morales. What holds this family together is their un-breakable bond of love. It’s the humbleness that comes from this family that I love so much.
I must give credit where credit is do. The writer did an amazing job with this story. The telling of one families trials and tribulations is incredibly inspiring in the storyline. All the characters are outstanding. They each have their own story to live and learn from.
It’s great how their characters grow as they learn from mistakes. The writing, the storyline and the characters are just terrific in this book. As I was reading the storyline, the plot and sub plot seemed so real. You would almost think that the writer was telling their own story. The details and descriptions are written in vivid details.
Like I always say I love it when a writer gives a story that reads like a movie to me. Henry Jackson and his wife Letty envisioned a good life for their boys to continue long after their parents. As Letty traverse the plains where a woman is most vulnerable at every turn, at the same time she’s determined to keep her boys safe, and help their families wagon stays on the wagon train. I love how Letty’s character is written as no simpleton. She jumped in where she thought her services would best suit.
On some occasions Letty’s determination and stubborn pride has gotten her in trouble a time or two, but she would always get a learning lesson out of it. Henry her husband is the head of the family that is also very courageous, intelligent, caring, loves his family more than life. To his family he’s the best husband and father that the Jackson family could ask for. My favorite character is Henry. It’s his southern drawl or accent that I hear through his dialogue in that has his character standing out more.
It could also be a lot of the steam that he and his wife kick up out in the plains as well. This couple bring steam like no other. You can see why they have three boys. All I can say is that the steam is at a high level in the book and it never came down. I will also say that Henry has a thing for ropes.
I wasn’t to keen on Henry swatting Letty’s bottom as punishment, like she was his child. It doesn’t connect with their story for me. Other than that I thought their romance was an exceptional read. The families entertaining moments will keep you turning the page late into the night. I look forward to reading the next installment from this book series.
I’m curious as to see what Luke Jackson will bring his parents next. The families story is worth the read. I give this book two snaps and a, “Leticia in order to be a frontier wife you have to know how to ride a horse, so come over here and ride this colt”. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. #WestwardBound #MaddieTaylor #BreathlessRomance #Netgally #Goodreads #Bookbub
They stood strong and persevered through having to leave a comfortable to only cross the country to build a new life on the frontier. This family has grit. They have honor and they have morales. What holds this family together is their un-breakable bond of love. It’s the humbleness that comes from this family that I love so much.
I must give credit where credit is do. The writer did an amazing job with this story. The telling of one families trials and tribulations is incredibly inspiring in the storyline. All the characters are outstanding. They each have their own story to live and learn from.
It’s great how their characters grow as they learn from mistakes. The writing, the storyline and the characters are just terrific in this book. As I was reading the storyline, the plot and sub plot seemed so real. You would almost think that the writer was telling their own story. The details and descriptions are written in vivid details.
Like I always say I love it when a writer gives a story that reads like a movie to me. Henry Jackson and his wife Letty envisioned a good life for their boys to continue long after their parents. As Letty traverse the plains where a woman is most vulnerable at every turn, at the same time she’s determined to keep her boys safe, and help their families wagon stays on the wagon train. I love how Letty’s character is written as no simpleton. She jumped in where she thought her services would best suit.
On some occasions Letty’s determination and stubborn pride has gotten her in trouble a time or two, but she would always get a learning lesson out of it. Henry her husband is the head of the family that is also very courageous, intelligent, caring, loves his family more than life. To his family he’s the best husband and father that the Jackson family could ask for. My favorite character is Henry. It’s his southern drawl or accent that I hear through his dialogue in that has his character standing out more.
It could also be a lot of the steam that he and his wife kick up out in the plains as well. This couple bring steam like no other. You can see why they have three boys. All I can say is that the steam is at a high level in the book and it never came down. I will also say that Henry has a thing for ropes.
I wasn’t to keen on Henry swatting Letty’s bottom as punishment, like she was his child. It doesn’t connect with their story for me. Other than that I thought their romance was an exceptional read. The families entertaining moments will keep you turning the page late into the night. I look forward to reading the next installment from this book series.
I’m curious as to see what Luke Jackson will bring his parents next. The families story is worth the read. I give this book two snaps and a, “Leticia in order to be a frontier wife you have to know how to ride a horse, so come over here and ride this colt”. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!
I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review. #WestwardBound #MaddieTaylor #BreathlessRomance #Netgally #Goodreads #Bookbub
November 16, 2023
LOVE BEARS, BELIEVES, HOPES, AND ENDURES ALL THINGS, REMEMBER?
Whereas the previous stories, Marshall’s Law, Jackson’s Justice, and Wild Wisteria, cover the three sons of Henry and Leticia ‘Letty’ Jackson, this is the story of how they arrived in Laramie. The story begins in October 1861, in the foothills of Virginia’s Allegany Mountains. War has begun, sides are being taken, and Henry Jackson feels to keep his family safe, they need to leave Virginia and move Westward. The move will be costly, having to give up almost everything they own, but the cost to stay could be their very lives or that of their sons.
By the Fall of 1862, the Civil War was at their door, they couldn’t delay much longer and the plans were in place to leave Virginia in the spring of 1863. They know when they say their goodbyes, it is permanent. The story will cover the journey, the trials, and the issues they encounter along the wagon train trail. They will deal with the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Face life-altering decisions and challenges.
The one thing that never wavers is the love and chemistry between Henry and Letty. They’ve been married twenty years, and still crave each other. That doesn’t mean that Letty doesn’t find herself in trouble with Henry and receive his correction—but she also receives his passion.
I enjoyed the story of Henry and Letty, and getting to understand their family, and the reason for leaving their beloved home in Virginia, which later succeeded in becoming West Virginia. I think it was fun seeing how their three sons are during the trip, their responsibilities, or lack of it, and the consequences.
“Through trials and tribulations, through war, and loss and grief, and through promise and joy, in the end they came out stronger, and better, and more in love.”
The story is about a power exchange relationship and has explicit and intense scenes of intimacy between a loving couple. There are scenes of life and death danger, near rape, and even loss of lives.
Whereas the previous stories, Marshall’s Law, Jackson’s Justice, and Wild Wisteria, cover the three sons of Henry and Leticia ‘Letty’ Jackson, this is the story of how they arrived in Laramie. The story begins in October 1861, in the foothills of Virginia’s Allegany Mountains. War has begun, sides are being taken, and Henry Jackson feels to keep his family safe, they need to leave Virginia and move Westward. The move will be costly, having to give up almost everything they own, but the cost to stay could be their very lives or that of their sons.
By the Fall of 1862, the Civil War was at their door, they couldn’t delay much longer and the plans were in place to leave Virginia in the spring of 1863. They know when they say their goodbyes, it is permanent. The story will cover the journey, the trials, and the issues they encounter along the wagon train trail. They will deal with the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Face life-altering decisions and challenges.
The one thing that never wavers is the love and chemistry between Henry and Letty. They’ve been married twenty years, and still crave each other. That doesn’t mean that Letty doesn’t find herself in trouble with Henry and receive his correction—but she also receives his passion.
I enjoyed the story of Henry and Letty, and getting to understand their family, and the reason for leaving their beloved home in Virginia, which later succeeded in becoming West Virginia. I think it was fun seeing how their three sons are during the trip, their responsibilities, or lack of it, and the consequences.
“Through trials and tribulations, through war, and loss and grief, and through promise and joy, in the end they came out stronger, and better, and more in love.”
The story is about a power exchange relationship and has explicit and intense scenes of intimacy between a loving couple. There are scenes of life and death danger, near rape, and even loss of lives.
October 24, 2023
What a gem of a story this was, and if you like historical Westerns then you will love
“Westward Bound” by Ms.Taylor. I admire her ability to draw her readers into the lives
of her characters with all of their strengths and weaknesses. They seem so real. The
author's portrayal of the difficulties of families fleeing civil war, especially women was an eye-opener. I loved the Jackson Brothers series and this prequel was like icing on the top of the cake making the series feel complete. It has the right amount of tension, danger, emotions, and love, all while fleeing the war for a new start. The intimacy between Henry and Letty burned hot and heavy. Reading of Heath, Luke, and Aaron's younger selves was a treat.
The strenuous journey was fought with danger and Letty found it particularly difficult leaving her life and memories behind. She tried to remain positive but did not always succeed in finding danger which only resulted in facing Henry’s discipline. It took time for my Letty to feel comfortable in her new home.
I admired Henry for his good judgment, honesty, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility towards his family even if his sons gave him grey hair at times. His vision for his family never wavered despite all of the dangers and challenges they had to conquer.
This was fast-paced, action-packed with likable characters. An endearing and accurate period piece that kept me entranced to the last page.
“Westward Bound” by Ms.Taylor. I admire her ability to draw her readers into the lives
of her characters with all of their strengths and weaknesses. They seem so real. The
author's portrayal of the difficulties of families fleeing civil war, especially women was an eye-opener. I loved the Jackson Brothers series and this prequel was like icing on the top of the cake making the series feel complete. It has the right amount of tension, danger, emotions, and love, all while fleeing the war for a new start. The intimacy between Henry and Letty burned hot and heavy. Reading of Heath, Luke, and Aaron's younger selves was a treat.
The strenuous journey was fought with danger and Letty found it particularly difficult leaving her life and memories behind. She tried to remain positive but did not always succeed in finding danger which only resulted in facing Henry’s discipline. It took time for my Letty to feel comfortable in her new home.
I admired Henry for his good judgment, honesty, fairness, and a strong sense of responsibility towards his family even if his sons gave him grey hair at times. His vision for his family never wavered despite all of the dangers and challenges they had to conquer.
This was fast-paced, action-packed with likable characters. An endearing and accurate period piece that kept me entranced to the last page.
November 4, 2023
An Enjoyable read I thoroughly enjoyed the read, old characters read about and enjoy
I have read the previous books with the Jackson Brothers and I was looking forward to this next book in the series as I was looking forward to see what was included in this wonderful addition to the series and was not disappointed.
This is centred around the Civil War period is right on the cusp of their farm and they are very aware of the dangers and possible threats that mean that they all as a family decide to move to the Wild West. This is not a lightly taken decision but it is believed to be the safest option for them.
It I a hard time for them all with the men working every hour they possibly can and this in turn means that Leticia is left isolated on the ranch doing as much as she possibly can to keep things running and waiting for the menfolk to return home safe.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have read the previous books with the Jackson Brothers and I was looking forward to this next book in the series as I was looking forward to see what was included in this wonderful addition to the series and was not disappointed.
This is centred around the Civil War period is right on the cusp of their farm and they are very aware of the dangers and possible threats that mean that they all as a family decide to move to the Wild West. This is not a lightly taken decision but it is believed to be the safest option for them.
It I a hard time for them all with the men working every hour they possibly can and this in turn means that Leticia is left isolated on the ranch doing as much as she possibly can to keep things running and waiting for the menfolk to return home safe.
I assure you that you will love every moment of this book it is simply a fantastic read.
I voluntarily received and review an Advanced Reader Copy
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the great writing.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 7, 2023
If you like western, historical romance you may already be familiar with Maddie Taylor and her Jackson Brothers books. Now there's book 4, which is actually a standalone prequel to the series and introduces us to all of the Jackson family as the make the move west from Virginia.
I enjoyed this story and loved that the author spent time on this story and made a full length book, no short story/novella length prequel here. I liked that we got glimpses of the brothers as they were growing up and the impact that the move, events and their parents had on them.
This is a very easy to read story that features all family members and covers a number of years life changing events, but it never feels bogged down in 'epicness', with the characters never feeling like they've lost the humanity that the author brings to the story. This book is well worth a read, regardless of whether you've read the Jackson Brothers books or not.
I enjoyed this story and loved that the author spent time on this story and made a full length book, no short story/novella length prequel here. I liked that we got glimpses of the brothers as they were growing up and the impact that the move, events and their parents had on them.
This is a very easy to read story that features all family members and covers a number of years life changing events, but it never feels bogged down in 'epicness', with the characters never feeling like they've lost the humanity that the author brings to the story. This book is well worth a read, regardless of whether you've read the Jackson Brothers books or not.
October 19, 2023
Having read all of the Jackson Brothers series and gotten to know Henry and Letitia Jackson, I was very happy to find that Maddie Taylor wrote a book about these two in which she chronicles their early life in the wild west. Ms Taylor does a remarkable job of depicting the hardships, dangers triumphs and tragedies of pioneer life. Making the choice to leave their well established life in Virginia at the outset of the Civil War was not an easy one. Their journey across America with their three sons was difficult to say the least. Then establishing a life where there are none of the amenities of civilization tests even the hardiest souls resolve. Throughout it all, though, the love between Henry and Letitia remains steadfast. Sure there are bumps along the way but these two grow stronger with every challenge they face.
October 30, 2023
Westward Bound is the final book in the Jackson Brothers series and as the title states, is actually the story of the Jacksons' journey to their new home. And what a journey it was and must have been in real life for the early settlers. My hat's off to the author for the absolutely realistic and believable way she portrayed the hardships and dangers of those days and the sheer determination necessary to persevere. While this is not a typical romance - Henry and Letty are already a committed couple at the beginning of the book - it is a heartfelt, sentimental and steamy tale of a love that's strong enough to survive anything and everything life can throw at you. A wonderful addition to my keeper shelf and the perfect beginning - or ending - of the series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 8, 2023
11-8-23
Western stories are typically not something I read but any time Maddie writes one I will read it. She tells us about Henry and Letty's hard decision to move from their home and the war on their doorstep. With three sons getting close to the age to have to fight, it was still not an easy decision. Maddie tells us about Letty being prone to finding danger and Henry protecting her and discipling her. Which seems to end in arousal. hmmm. We read of the hardships of leaving so much behind, the trials of crossing the country in a wagon train, the beautiful land they purchased to graze cattle and so much more. A great story that will make you smile, shed tears, laugh and feel fear.
Western stories are typically not something I read but any time Maddie writes one I will read it. She tells us about Henry and Letty's hard decision to move from their home and the war on their doorstep. With three sons getting close to the age to have to fight, it was still not an easy decision. Maddie tells us about Letty being prone to finding danger and Henry protecting her and discipling her. Which seems to end in arousal. hmmm. We read of the hardships of leaving so much behind, the trials of crossing the country in a wagon train, the beautiful land they purchased to graze cattle and so much more. A great story that will make you smile, shed tears, laugh and feel fear.
October 19, 2023
I love the Jackson family stories and this one tells us how they came to be after escaping the civil war in the east and settling in Laramie. Poor Letty had to suffer so much, not that the men didn’t but they were not nearly as isolated. This is a story that gives the bad with the good, the trials and tribulations as well as the rewards. The characters are so real and the scenery so well described that you can smell the flowers in Lettie’s meadow. A wonderful read and I will miss the Jackson family.
October 27, 2023
If you read the other books in the series, this book gives the journey of the Jackson parents and they high and lows of building a new home far away from everyone in a unknown place.
I enjoyed going back to this family and going back to the beginning. Loved the fact that the characters were older, but still very much in love and active.
The story takes place over the space of several years and for me it felt like reading different little stories and not so much one flowing story. That is the reason for the 3 star.
I enjoyed going back to this family and going back to the beginning. Loved the fact that the characters were older, but still very much in love and active.
The story takes place over the space of several years and for me it felt like reading different little stories and not so much one flowing story. That is the reason for the 3 star.
May 3, 2024
4.6 stars
This is a review of the audiobook and it is the fourth in The Jackson Brothers series. It can be listened to as a standalone as it is where things started but I am going back to hear the rest of the series. Henry, his wife Lettie and their children are moving west where life is untamed, and they need to be ready to face the trials and tribulations of their new adventure. Ms. Taylor has given listeners an emotional storyline that narrator Michael C. Hyatt wonderfully articulates with a rich, textured voice that will make one swoon for a cowboy and want to get up and ride.
This is a review of the audiobook and it is the fourth in The Jackson Brothers series. It can be listened to as a standalone as it is where things started but I am going back to hear the rest of the series. Henry, his wife Lettie and their children are moving west where life is untamed, and they need to be ready to face the trials and tribulations of their new adventure. Ms. Taylor has given listeners an emotional storyline that narrator Michael C. Hyatt wonderfully articulates with a rich, textured voice that will make one swoon for a cowboy and want to get up and ride.
October 25, 2023
After reading the Jackson brothers series I was hoping to read about Henry and Leticia’s story and wow this is just the best thing…
Starting from when the civil war is on the doorstep of their Virginia farm to moving the whole family to the Wild West as they face danger and uncertainty, to founding and working their new ranch plus the isolation that Leticia faces while the men in the family work from dawn to dusk..but find those loving and touching moments that keep their relationship strong…
Definitely a 5 star read that makes me want to read the series all over again..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Starting from when the civil war is on the doorstep of their Virginia farm to moving the whole family to the Wild West as they face danger and uncertainty, to founding and working their new ranch plus the isolation that Leticia faces while the men in the family work from dawn to dusk..but find those loving and touching moments that keep their relationship strong…
Definitely a 5 star read that makes me want to read the series all over again..
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 25, 2023
Wow! Westward Bound is a great historical western romance! I loved getting the back story of the Jackson family. The authors portrayal of the difficulties and dangers people faced was very eye opening. The story was full of tension, emotions, danger and love. It was action packed, fast paced story with very likable characters and wonderful storyline. It’s a fantastic story that kept me entertained until the last page!
October 31, 2023
Westward bound
It was lovely to see the story of Henry and Letty, the things she gave up and their progress to Silverbend, I liked seeing how the other books fitted in such as luke and the new wagon. I would have preferred less sex scenes more spanking scenes though. I hope this won't be the last Jackson book as I can see letty and her daughter in laws getting into much more trouble
It was lovely to see the story of Henry and Letty, the things she gave up and their progress to Silverbend, I liked seeing how the other books fitted in such as luke and the new wagon. I would have preferred less sex scenes more spanking scenes though. I hope this won't be the last Jackson book as I can see letty and her daughter in laws getting into much more trouble
November 2, 2023
5 plus stars
This is a book we have been waiting for years to be written and omg this was beyond expectations. I love this genre and this series is amazing to read an re read. This book concludes all the questions raised in the previous books. I've never read the last couple of chapters so slowly as I didn't want this amazing story to end. Absolutely brilliant storyline and this will be 're read often. Loved it xx
This is a book we have been waiting for years to be written and omg this was beyond expectations. I love this genre and this series is amazing to read an re read. This book concludes all the questions raised in the previous books. I've never read the last couple of chapters so slowly as I didn't want this amazing story to end. Absolutely brilliant storyline and this will be 're read often. Loved it xx
December 14, 2023
All I hoped
I have loved this series for years and years, and when I heard a prequel was being released I was excited, but nervous. This family has such a good place in my mind, that the story had to be written just so, because I had already written it in my mind!! Of course Maddie wrote it just as I imagined and it was wonderful to read.
I have loved this series for years and years, and when I heard a prequel was being released I was excited, but nervous. This family has such a good place in my mind, that the story had to be written just so, because I had already written it in my mind!! Of course Maddie wrote it just as I imagined and it was wonderful to read.
October 30, 2023
Henry and Letitia's story kept me entertained. I really felt for Letitia as I read this book. A solid blend of drama, emotion, action and heat made for an enjoyable read.
March 7, 2024
The best of 4
Now, with the Jackson family history so romantically & realistically written, I must revisit the spice of the first 3!
Well done!
Bravo!
Now, with the Jackson family history so romantically & realistically written, I must revisit the spice of the first 3!
Well done!
Bravo!
July 17, 2025
I enjoyed reading Lettie and Henry's story
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews