Redeemed by a Rebel

Destiny in Deadwood #1

by Cynthia Woolf

Jake Anderson killed a man defending his fiancée from a brutal attack, but lost her and his freedom in the process. Now he's on the run, hunted by one of her murderers and tormented by the need for vengeance.

Becky Finnegan will do anything to escape her drunken father's fists, including slave away at their mine. Her only hope is to strike gold and make a new life for herself somewhere far, far away from Deadwood. But then Jake arrives and does the unthinkable...forces her to feel, to hope...and to love.

Jake would give his life to protect Becky, but all he can offer her is a broken heart, a criminal's life, and a past haunted by failure. How can he save her when he's already lost himself? When the devil catches up to him, will he destroy everything, or can the beautiful rebel redeem Jake's lost soul?

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

284 pages, Paperback

First published January 23, 2014

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



WEBSITE – http://cynthiawoolf.com

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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Redeemed by a Rebel by Cynthia Woolf is a 2014 Cynthia Woolf publication. I was provided a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

This western historical romance felt like the old west dramas I watched on Saturday afternoons, only of course this story was not watered down. The author addressed the rough life women were subjected to in this time period as they were at the mercy of men, be it their fathers or husbands. For Becky it was her father, a man who climbed inside a bottle and came out swinging... at her.

The Anderson brothers head out in an all fired hurry toward Deadwood. Gold was the lure initially, but when Jake's fiance is murdered and he is blamed, Deadwood will hopefully become a refuge. When Jake meets Becky and realizes she is being victimized he can't help but step up and try to protect her. But, Becky is all about taking care of herself. Her pride won't accept Jake's pity or help. As time passes a bond forms between them, but their time together may be short lived as Jake's past may have caught up to him.

I think Jake started out being an honorable man that just couldn't bear the site of a woman being abused. He obviously cared a lot for Becky, but he had just lost his fiance. His heart just wasn't ready for anything more. Besides, he was still running from the law.
Becky's story is truly difficult and it's hard to imagine having to live that way until you could find a way out all alone.
Jake is just the type of guy every woman wants. He has morals, principles, and respects women. He is gentle and kind but will defend and fight for his family. Becky's life doesn't give her much time for daydreaming about hard muscles and chiseled features, so there isn't a huge lustful build up which fits this type of story perfectly. There is sensuality, but this couple didn't have a lot of time for hearts and flowers. I think this is exactly the way things played out for many people back then while living in isolated areas when work was hard and times were lean. That is not to say that Jake and Becky didn't eventually find time to be lovers and once all the roadblocks are clear, Becky will finally have the pleasure of knowing someone loves her. So, Cynthia Woolf wins a 4 star rating for leaving me with a goofy smile on my face.

[JoRead · Rating 3 out of 5]

“I think we saved each other, I love you Becky Anderson, my rebel, my redeemer, my wife.” ~ Jake



It’s been a while since I've read a Western romance. I think I stayed away from them for so long because the ones I had read always, without variation, included the rebel but vulnerable virgin and the renegade but sexy outlaw, or the man on a mission, being it a bounty hunter, or the willing-to-break-the-law-if-needed man in uniform, but it was always the same.
I was gladly surprised this lovely story was nothing of the like. From the beginning the story was not what I expected. The hero was actually on the run from the law but he was not presented as a sexy, demanding, overprotective male. Jake was just one of 3 brothers trying to find a way to clear his name while helping one of the brothers raise his children. Loved that! They were so transparent, so family-oriented, and caring without being overprotective or annoying.


“He wanted to keep holding her but let her go. When she was ready to be held for another reason, to be held for a loving reason, he would be there.”


The heroine, Becky, was in fact a vulnerable virgin but not a rebel by any means. She had had a rough life and was just trying to survive. All her actions were congruent with her character and even though there was plenty of sexual tension the way she and Jack fell in love was steady and believable, given the circumstances and the times.
The author’s voice was engaging and evocative. The images were so vivid that as I was reading I could picture the characters walking down the roads, by the river, panning for gold and it was truly like watching an old western movie, especially with that twang of the characters that was so on point. Also, I appreciated that when Becky was discovering the new physical feelings Jack was awakening in her, she never described such feeling with phrases like “pooling at the pit of her stomach,” “curl her toes,” “between her legs,” and others like that. I know, I get it, it’s a romance, but I think I’ve read those way too many times already.
I found the ending a bit inconclusive as the resolution to their main problems was a bit vague but I will definitely be reading more from this author. Zach and Liam, Jack’s brothers, have books of their own and I’m sure they will be as good or hopefully better.
4.5 stars.




**I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book to read and review for Wicked Reads.

The Spring of 1876 was a turning point for the Anderson family. Forced to leave St. Louis in the middle of the night to save his brothers, Liam Anderson, the oldest of the Anderson brothers, led his family to the ramshackle town of Deadwood -- about as far away from St. Louis as he could take them.

Jake, his youngest brother, was wanted for murder of the man who had raped and killed his his fiancee'. His other brother, Zach, was AWOL from the Army for helping his brother escape from the bogus charges.

Becky, the fiesty daughter of Billy Finnegan, the town drunk, was just trying to survive. She worked her Dad's gold claim, in hopes of saving enough money to leave him and the bruises he liked to leave on her.

Jake can't stand to see Becky endure the life Billy is forcing on her. Becky can't stand the pity she sees in Jake's eyes. Wary of each other, they dance around the sparks that ignite when they are together.

Will Becky accept Jake after she learns of his past and what drove him to Deadwood? Can Jake get Becky to see herself as more than a workhorse for her father?

I really enjoyed this book and I can't wait for book two to see what happens next with the Anderson brothers.

[Theresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake Anderson is on the run from the law after being falsely accused of murder. His brother Zach is also on the run because he helped Jake to escape. They joins their eldest brother Liam on the journey to Deadwood in the Dakota territory. Becky Finnegan’s life is very difficult, every day she has to go and bring her drunken father Billy back from The Gem where he has once again gambled and drank away all of the gold. She has to lie to Billy in order to save a little of the gold that she mines for supplies and her savings. Billy blames Becky for her mother’s death when she was born.
Redeemed by a Rebel by Cynthia Woolf was an excellent read. If you enjoy historical western romances you will definitely enjoy this one. From page one I was immediately immersed in their richly detailed world. I wanted to see Becky succeed in leaving her father behind, for Jake to be a free man and acquitted of the charges against him, for both Becky and Jake to be able to trust and find love. I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book in her new Destiny in Deadwood Series.

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake and Becky come together under some very difficult circumstances and great pain, but thankfully love and perseverance conqueres it all. This book had me hooked from the beginning and I could not put it down. An excellent and highly recommended read.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/4/2021)! 🎁

[Annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, I’ve got to admit this is my first book from Woolf but the cover I just couldn’t pass up. I’m a sucker for a six pack, smooth skin and the promises to come a cover can give me.

I was not disappointed with Cynthia Woolf writing style. I love Historical Romance especially the Western era. It tells of a time when women were strong, could shoot a gun and ride a horse like any man. But it also tells of how women back in the day had to work right beside their man, they had to fight for their right to be a human being, their fathers and husbands completely ruled their life. With the exception of those that were determined to make their own path, to better their life, to not be an object for men’s nefarious ways. This describes the heroine Beck to a T.

Becky is living out of a tent working a stream panning for gold to support her deadbeat, town drunk father Billy Finnegan is determined that she will have her dream someday. All she has ever wanted was for her father to love her but he’s not capable of love. He’s a mean, brutal drunk that is the laughing stock of the town and a burden to Becky. She has never known love in any form until one day a family steps into her life and changes everything.

Jake Anderson is running from the law, a wanted man for murder/rape of his fiancée he sets out with his two brothers and leaves St. Louis and ends up in a little slip of a mining town called Deadwood. His older brother running from his own heartbreak has purchased a claim and they are going after their own dreams of a new life. What better place to hide for Jake then a lawless town of miners. They settle right next to the Finnegan claim site and begin their new life. Jake, the gentleman that he is introduces himself to the neighbors and immediately is drawn to the feisty Becky and from here he is bound to make her his.

But can Jake elude the bounty hunters after him and protect Becky from to torment and beatings of her father? Can they carve out a life from panning out of a stream? Can their determination and struggles beget their dreams?

This book is superbly written, the editing is great and I really enjoyed the spunk of the characters even down to the children of older brother Liam. The author’s style is easy to follow and the book flows with grace. She is detailed in her description of how women were treated back in the day, of the way of life that women had to endure. I will most defiantly read more from this author and I’m hooked on this series and am anxious to read Liam and Zach’s story.

[Tina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting premise. Takes place during the early wild west gold rush period. Three brothers on the run for murder. One brother, Jake Anderson, comes across this fiance right before she expires from being raped brutally shot by her former boyfriend and another man. He shoots and kills the former boyfriend, but the other man got away. Unfortunately the other man is his brother's commanding officer. Jake is now a wanted man for murdering the ex-boyfriend and thought to be responsible for his fiance's murder also in a jealous rage, and his brother is now no to be court marshaled for not arresting his brother and is AWOL.
The three men, as well as the eldest brother's two children head west where there is no one to uphold the laws of the land. They buy a parcel of land to mine for gold. They meet their nearest neighbor, a reprobate who lives off of his daughter Becky's hard work. She's the one who mines for gold, while her father drinks away everything she finds. After Jake witnesses Becky being abused by her father, he takes it upon himself to be her protector since he wasn't able to protect his fiance. Even though he starts to have strong feelings for Becky, nothing can come of it...there's a bounty on his head.

[Rhomy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm guilty. I fell for the sexy cover hehe. But also I decided to give this book a try because eventhough I'm not a fan of historical romance, I've read another book by Cynthia Woolf and really enjoyed it.

Redeemed by a Rebel didn't dissapoint. It is a really fast paced book and easy to get into. Very entertaining with a great setting. I loved the way the author described Deadwood, a town with no law and where people is only interested in gold and bars.

Jake and Becky, the two main characters have had sad and hard lives before they find each other.

I liked the way their paths crossed and how at the beginning they both try to avoid what they feel. Also the fact that Jake slowly wins her trust. It's like he is her knight in a shining armor.

Becky is fierce, as every heroine in Cynthia's books. So brave and utterly stubborn, that sometime I felt like slapping her!

Billy, Becky's dad, is a SOB! so cruel and always wasted. I hated him.
On the other hand, the other supporting characters such as Liam and Zack (Jake's brothers) are amazing.

To sum up: I liked it very much! Nice setting, amazing characters, good pace and interesting storyline.

[Tonileg · Rating 2 out of 5]

Historical Western romance set in a tough no law mining town with only seriously damaged characters because who else is looking to hide in the middle of nowhere mining town?!
So we start out getting to know the Anderson family at its lowest point because they are being wrongly accused as murderer/rapist when they were only trying to protect their family and fiance. So We get the damaged farmer Jake Anderson who falls in love with the also damaged Becky Finnegan who is a tough survivor. Jake is not alone in the mining endeavor, his two brothers Zack and oldest brother, Liam with his two little children so they have a little loyal family which is very attractive to Becky who lives a beaten and sad loveless life with her nasty father, Billy Finnegan.
Lots of death threats, beatings and danger in this story with some romance mixed in.
There was originality in the crazy deadly life in the wilds from nature, but also thieves and nasty family members. But it was just too depressing for me! So I couldn't give more then 2 stars.
286 pages and kindle freebie
2 stars

[Dee/ bookworm · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was listed as a historical romance and from the description sounded interesting… But it was actually a cross between an old language and modern slang. And whores and gambling was mentioned in an overloaded capacity. While I wanted to connect to the characters, you had almost nothing to go on. I gave up after about 100 pages.

[Kimberley · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book had me gripped from the start. Jake and Becky get together in difficult circumstances and start to have feelings for each other, but is this enough? Could not put it down. I would highly recommend.

[Pat Christie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ebook

another free kindle book that is a really good story. So many stories that I would have never chosen to read but so enjoy. Fibromyalgia made it so hard for me to read, I am glad I can enjoy these easy short books.

[Delta]

Free 08-11-15 (historic western romance)

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/jake-...

[Matschmomma · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got this as a free download. Meh. Not a very good story. Predictable, depressing and had really odd details that didn't need to be in for the story. I really felt I was reading a rough draft.

[Helen · Rating 4 out of 5]

E-Reader. Western

Jake went to visit Elizabeth his Fiancee.  As went to knock on her front door he heard a shot.  He broke down the front door to find two officers standing over her.  They aimed their guns at Jake, he pulled his gun out and killed her ex Fiancee.  She had been raped and shot in the chest.  He held in his arms she said she tried to stop them, then she said Jake I'll always love you.  She died in his arms.

While he hoped to save Elizabeth, the other officer ran out the back door.  Jake went to the Sheriff first to report what happened and he believed Jake. Then  he went to see Mayor Green, who was her Father.  He was against her marrying a farmer.

The other officer said Jake was drunk and killed her ex Fiancee and that Elizabeth was killed trying to get in between the men.  Which was false he only wanted to save his military career.

Zach was  with the officer who lied, he was to arrest Pvt. Anderson, for murder. Zach knocked out the officer and told Jake to run away. The other men looked the other way.  Now Zack was AWOL and charged with assault against the officer.

Their brother Liam left the military when his wife died from influenza.  Leaving  him with a son David and younger daughter Hannah.

Now that he knew his two brothers needed to escape from the law. He had plot of land  in Deadwood (territory not a state). They all moved there, which took six months.

They bought tents, food and equipment to pan for gold on Liam's plot.

Would Jake ever be able love again.  Or would being a criminal not allow him to try?

So much more happens in this book.  You need to read it!  It's a short read.  Enjoy this book!

[gracie sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best westerns I have read

The storyline is what caught my attention. I love Westerns and this one with a single father with 2 young kids and his 2 brothers picking up and leaving Missouri for Deadwood was promising. The way they kept things from the kids and the way the kids behaved, this story was written perfectly. The only thing I would have to say as a critic, I would have liked to hear more of the journey to Deadwood, maybe a bigger storyline for the Sutter woman that sold the claim and maybe the story of how Liam talked to the Governor and to the Army. Overall I give 5 Stars, I loved it and I know I will read it again. Anyone that likes Westerns , it has romance but it has something else also, you’ll need to read it for yourself to get the something else.

[Carol S. Roeder · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful book

I loved this book! I loved that Jake loved his family. Was a strong but a sweet, kind man that wasn't afraid to show he had a heart.

I loved that Becky was a strong woman who was not afraid of hard work or her very abusive father. She had a sense of humor, she was kind and even though her life had been a living hell, she wasn't afraid to love.

I can't wait to read the next book and I would highly recommend this book. Oh yes, there are some very well done love scenes in this book, so you might not want to read it if sex bothers you. Shame though, cause you would be missing a good book!

[Ferbooks · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting series start.

A story set is the 17th century. It is not my usual choice but I did find the story line interesting. Lying and deception from parents and people who pledge to serve and protect is not new. It was even worse than, as the community had no enforcement of laws. Becky's dad could do as he pleases because there was no consequences, then came Jake to put him in his place. The story had a good HEA but I am still left wondering what will happen with Jake's false muder accusations.

[Peggy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jake finds true love

Simple, rather formulaic romance. Three Brothers run From Law after Jake kills his fiancé’s former fiancé after he rapes and his buddy kills her. Buddy accuses Jake, and is saved by brother who then forces Jake to their widowed brother with 2 kids who just happens to have bought a gold mining claim in Indian territory where the 3 rush off to as it is exempt from US law.

[Paula · Rating 4 out of 5]

The version of this I read was called Jake (Destiny in Deadwood, #1).Thee brothers; Liam, Zach and Jake Anderson and Liam's son David and daughter Hannah leave Missouri for Deadwood to pan for gold.

Becky Finnegan, and her father Billy, have the claim next to the Anderson brothers.

It is a very quick read. The author gets a lot of action using a few words.

I just wih the illustrator/photographer would have made a cover per the ra of the book.

[Viola · Rating 5 out of 5]

very nice

What can a person say? This was a very nice book to read. Cynthia Woolf has done an excellent job in writing this book. A young man is accused of murder of his future wife. Yet the sheriff believed he was innocent. So he is on the run with his two brothers. In Deadwood he meets a young woman who is being abused by her father. This such an enjoyable book to read. I’m sure I will reread it again.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wanted!!

A man finds his fiance taped & murdered. He kills one of the attackers in self defense. He & his brothers relocate to Deadwood to mine for gold. His life changes in more ways than he expects. One of those changes includes Becky, whose gold claim is next to the Anderson brothers claim. Join him in their journey to Freedom & finding Love.

[Carol Simmons · Rating 5 out of 5]

Easy to read

A great story of two people who experienced heartache and stuck in terrible situation. This story introduced Jakes family and how family sticks together. Jake meets Becky and true live develops. Nice story. Good author

[Ann Marie Curry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable!!

This story was very enjoyable..... Jake and Becky were a good match. The characters in this book were real and made the read more interesting. I would recommend it to most readers.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read, this book had it all love, loss, family helping family, running, defending strangers turning into love and new beginnings. There was the excitement of the gold rush and all the danger to get through but with love and family you can get through it all

[Kathy]

Get Ready To Relax and Enjoy

Adult version of Little House On The Prairie. This has every aspect of settlers' life and struggles in the Black Hills including the good, the bad and the ugly.

[Mandy Menasco · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read

[Cait · Rating 3 out of 5]

A story about overcoming adversity

This was a story about overcoming adversity and making the best of a situation. While the character's lives were tough they never gave up.

[Elizabeth West · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jake

Enjoyable. Full of drama and romance. Characters are strong and the story is believable. Looking forward to reading the next book in the series.