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Rocky Mountain #1
The Outlaw
Forsaking their feuding families because of their love for one another, Colorado ranchers Jake McCord and Caitlin Kingsley are forced apart when her brother's murder makes Caitlin despise the man she had once loved.
Lovers in the midst of a lawless Colorado range war, Jake McCord and Caitlin Kingsly boldly forsake their feuding families for a blazing, forbidden passion. Then Caitlin's brother is killed by her beloved—and the beautiful hellion learns to hate the renegade she once burned for, body and soul.
Years of running from lies and the law have hardened Jake McCord and forced him to live by his gun. Now he's come home to clear his name and to reclaim the sensuous wildcat who's like a fever in his blood. Haunted by the cruel hurt of shattered dreams, Caitlin struggles desperately against Jake's fierce possessiveness and fiery touch. Yet a tender torment binds them still. And the dangerous outlaw will not rest until he wins her trust and her heart— and makes her burn with love for him once more.
Lovers in the midst of a lawless Colorado range war, Jake McCord and Caitlin Kingsly boldly forsake their feuding families for a blazing, forbidden passion. Then Caitlin's brother is killed by her beloved—and the beautiful hellion learns to hate the renegade she once burned for, body and soul.
Years of running from lies and the law have hardened Jake McCord and forced him to live by his gun. Now he's come home to clear his name and to reclaim the sensuous wildcat who's like a fever in his blood. Haunted by the cruel hurt of shattered dreams, Caitlin struggles desperately against Jake's fierce possessiveness and fiery touch. Yet a tender torment binds them still. And the dangerous outlaw will not rest until he wins her trust and her heart— and makes her burn with love for him once more.
384 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1996
About the author
Nicole Jordan
96 books982 followersNew York Times bestselling author Nicole Jordan spins delightful tales that simmer with passion and sensuality. In her former life, Nicole grew up as an Army brat, moving frequently and attending high school in Germany. She later earned a civil engineering degree from Georgia Tech and spent eight years as a manufacturing manager making disposable diapers and toilet tissue! Currently Nicole lives in the Rocky Mountains of Utah with her real-life hero (her husband) and beloved kids (her horses).
With over two-dozen historical romances to her credit and four million books in print, set in numerous eras and locales, Nicole now enjoys chronicling the sparks that fly when Regency lovers play the matrimonial mating game.
One of her novels had the dubious honor of being humorously spotlighted by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." On a more serious note, Nicole's romances regularly appear on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today, and have earned such honors as RITA finalist, RWA's Favorite Book of the Year, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance, and the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence, presented by a group of over one hundred romance reviewers.
With over two-dozen historical romances to her credit and four million books in print, set in numerous eras and locales, Nicole now enjoys chronicling the sparks that fly when Regency lovers play the matrimonial mating game.
One of her novels had the dubious honor of being humorously spotlighted by Jay Leno on "The Tonight Show." On a more serious note, Nicole's romances regularly appear on numerous bestseller lists, including The New York Times, Publishers Weekly, and USA Today, and have earned such honors as RITA finalist, RWA's Favorite Book of the Year, the Romantic Times Career Achievement Award for Historical Romance, and the Dorothy Parker Award of Excellence, presented by a group of over one hundred romance reviewers.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
July 20, 2016
This heroine, I have no words. maybe it is my state of mind as well. I really cannot tolerate an angry heroine. such heroines make me feel so.....angry? I don't respond well to female rage. it makes me want to run away.
June 22, 2011
This book would have 4 stars if not for the heroine. She was so, if I may borrow from Mia, yes-no-yes-no, in her relationship with Jake. I understand a book should have some conflict but the constant back and forth on her feelings for Jake drove me crazy. The fact that Catilin for some reason seemed to think Jake would be a danger to Ryan really upset me. She just wasn't my favorite heroine.
I liked Jake just for the sheer fact he never gave up on Caitlin (although, IMO, he should have).
Truly, I think the heroine took away part of the enjoyment of the story. Reading this one was just a lead into the book I truly wanted to read, The Heart Breaker.
I liked Jake just for the sheer fact he never gave up on Caitlin (although, IMO, he should have).
Truly, I think the heroine took away part of the enjoyment of the story. Reading this one was just a lead into the book I truly wanted to read, The Heart Breaker.
November 11, 2022
This deserved a 3 star!
Loved the plot and the beginning. However, it went downhill afterwards, because of the heroine.
Simply! She's too wishy-washy, yes / no, one minute she's hot and the next cold.
It's frustrating.
I loved Jake - the Hero - he's innocent on all accounts, yet convicted of killing the heroine's brother hence distancing the couple as he had to flee. Four years later, it was revealed that Hero was wrongly charged - he killed the brother for self defense. Yet, heroine was unable to forgive him. Another strike that was further disclosed ...
I mean, I already knew how this would end. She couldn't help but fall for the Hero's charms (and body) even though her mind kept resisting to accept him. I grew tired of her.
What I wanted to read is Sloan's story (Jake's older brother whose wife was killed by the heroine's father).
Loved the plot and the beginning. However, it went downhill afterwards, because of the heroine.
Simply! She's too wishy-washy, yes / no, one minute she's hot and the next cold.
It's frustrating.
I loved Jake - the Hero - he's innocent on all accounts, yet convicted of killing the heroine's brother hence distancing the couple as he had to flee. Four years later, it was revealed that Hero was wrongly charged - he killed the brother for self defense. Yet, heroine was unable to forgive him. Another strike that was further disclosed ...
I mean, I already knew how this would end. She couldn't help but fall for the Hero's charms (and body) even though her mind kept resisting to accept him. I grew tired of her.
What I wanted to read is Sloan's story (Jake's older brother whose wife was killed by the heroine's father).
October 18, 2011
One of the best books I've read so far! Although there were times I felt like killing Caitlin for being so hesitant when it's very obvious that Jake would do anything to protect her and Ryan, she would still doubt him ughhhh I still want to throttle her even if the ending turned out good..! Jake...what can i say, he's the best!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 11, 2010
I like Nicole Jordan, don't get me wrong, but this book was frustrating. Our heroine Caitlin is anything but a heroine - she is whiny and self-centered and my hats off to Jake to trying so hard - I would have left her in her self-righteous misery a long time ago.
April 30, 2024
A first love, second chance story. Jake and Caitlin’s families have been enemies for many years… range wars between cattlemen and sheep ranchers.., so they hide their relationship from everyone, and meet in secret. Then one day a tragic disaster strikes .,, they’re separated for four years. By chance they both return home at the same time … changed by the passing years.
Most of the story is then taken up with … will they or won’t they get back together again. Jake’s determined… he knows he loves her, but Caitlin isn’t sure tho she’s always loved him. This went on for many pages … dragged on and on. Jake’s an obnoxious man, orders Caitlin around, and expects her to obey completely. She’s dithers lots … is afraid of the violence of the range wars, and then caves in. Finally, they get their HEA.
This was an okay story .,, it did have pages long sex scenes quite detailed which made it a bit more interesting. It’s not nearly as good as The Savage, another Nicole Jordan book … I gave that one 5 stars.
Most of the story is then taken up with … will they or won’t they get back together again. Jake’s determined… he knows he loves her, but Caitlin isn’t sure tho she’s always loved him. This went on for many pages … dragged on and on. Jake’s an obnoxious man, orders Caitlin around, and expects her to obey completely. She’s dithers lots … is afraid of the violence of the range wars, and then caves in. Finally, they get their HEA.
This was an okay story .,, it did have pages long sex scenes quite detailed which made it a bit more interesting. It’s not nearly as good as The Savage, another Nicole Jordan book … I gave that one 5 stars.
June 2, 2011
Excellent....Loved it!!!
April 17, 2020
Good Western
Great read. It starts with young lovers in a secret place. He is the son of a cattle rancher she is the daughter of a sheep rancher. They also trying to love each other in the middle of a range war. People are murdered cattle and sheep slaughtered. When her brother is killed and the boy is accused he runs and she is sent to St. Louis could take love survive?
Great read. It starts with young lovers in a secret place. He is the son of a cattle rancher she is the daughter of a sheep rancher. They also trying to love each other in the middle of a range war. People are murdered cattle and sheep slaughtered. When her brother is killed and the boy is accused he runs and she is sent to St. Louis could take love survive?
November 17, 2021
The story was okay, it dragged us a few places. It would have been a solid three stars if not for the amount of typos I came across. I highlighted twenty-seven of them that I noticed. Very distracting while reading.
August 11, 2022
It’s sad to say that I got tired of the story immediately. I hope the other books in this series are better.
July 15, 2014
I was curious to read one of Nicole Jordan's western romances as her Historicals are top notch. This book arrived in the mail yesterday and i devoured this book in one day! I liked the beginning very very much, the tension, the chemistry and the connection between Jake and Caitlin overshadowed by the feud between their two ranching families, gave the story a great kick start. The only issue I had with it was that the heroine came across as very whiny and at times very childish in her ways (hence the 4 stars).It was so obvious how crazy she was burning with fever for the hero. She for pretty much all of the book could not make up her mind, first if he killed her brother in cold blood or not, his dark past as an outlaw and finally how she really felt for him. Hence Caitlin was always finding excuses not to admit she loved him still, so there is a lot of going -i want him/I-do-not-want-him dilemma. When she finally sees the truth that belongs with Jake and that he was her soul mate I went to myself about time! Jake was a no nonsense, sexy and very straight up guy who knew what he wanted and spent pretty much all of the book trying to make Caitlin realize that. I really liked how he was haunted by his past, admitted what bad things he had done and was willing to let it all go and turn a new leaf with Caitlin. At times it really did feel that he had more faith and hope in their love than she did. The transformation of him from this gentle loving man into a hardened dangerous fighter was really well done At time I myself felt scared of his reactions. The author did a great job of showing how scarred he was by the past, just like Caitlin was traumatized by her brother's Neal death. That was very sad on both parts.
Also could not figure out why she kept using her son's safety as an excuse to be not with Jake. I understood Jake's betrayal and fury over not knowing that Ryan was his son. I think Caitlin should have told him way way before in the book. My heart went out to Jake when he found out the truth and yet he was willing to forgive her and be together. The love scenes between them two were sizzling and had me fanning myself at times. Scorching! Caitlin has no chance in that department with Jake who was very ouvert and open about his attraction to Caitlin and his sexual prowess. No complaints there, the author really showed the bone-deep connection and intimacy between the couple that had spanned 4 years. Having history between them two really helped me to understand where the other was coming from- the fued between their families, the long chain of hatred that had resulted from it and them overcoming their prejudice over the other, meanwhile knowing the deep love they had for one another. Nonetheless Jake seemed to make all the effort while the heroine was too engulfed in her self-inflicted misery and guilt.
I am very much interested in reading Sloan McCord's story and how he got along after his personal tragedy mentioned in the book. I like him already- protective, brave and the commanding patriach of his family. His unwavering support for Jake was endearing and really showed the strong bond between the two brothers. This is a great series (its going on my fav-books shelf), well done NJ!!!!
Also could not figure out why she kept using her son's safety as an excuse to be not with Jake. I understood Jake's betrayal and fury over not knowing that Ryan was his son. I think Caitlin should have told him way way before in the book. My heart went out to Jake when he found out the truth and yet he was willing to forgive her and be together. The love scenes between them two were sizzling and had me fanning myself at times. Scorching! Caitlin has no chance in that department with Jake who was very ouvert and open about his attraction to Caitlin and his sexual prowess. No complaints there, the author really showed the bone-deep connection and intimacy between the couple that had spanned 4 years. Having history between them two really helped me to understand where the other was coming from- the fued between their families, the long chain of hatred that had resulted from it and them overcoming their prejudice over the other, meanwhile knowing the deep love they had for one another. Nonetheless Jake seemed to make all the effort while the heroine was too engulfed in her self-inflicted misery and guilt.
I am very much interested in reading Sloan McCord's story and how he got along after his personal tragedy mentioned in the book. I like him already- protective, brave and the commanding patriach of his family. His unwavering support for Jake was endearing and really showed the strong bond between the two brothers. This is a great series (its going on my fav-books shelf), well done NJ!!!!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 14, 2017
WOW! Love Nicole Jordan!! She is always an auto buy for me and this is one of my favorites!! Just read it qgai
Nicole is always an auto buy. This is one of my of my favorites just re read it for the third time. Nicole , I'd you see this please please please write Wolf's story!!
Nicole is always an auto buy. This is one of my of my favorites just re read it for the third time. Nicole , I'd you see this please please please write Wolf's story!!
May 20, 2018
First read in paperback in 2012. I love Nicole Jordan's historical romances. Jake and Caitlyn are involved in a decades old war between cattle/sheep ranchers. Their fathers are arch enemies but Caitlyn's father wins the worst villian award. They come together as young adults, fall in love, and keep it secret until their love affair is discovered by Caitlyn's father/brother. Jake subsequently has to go on the run after being shot and fighting for his life. Caitlyn is disowned and goes north to live with her widowed aunt. She subsequently returns to sell the ranch after her father dies. She and Jake are thrown back together and that spark between them has never died. What follows is a hot romance, Jake fighting with everything he has to win her back and Caitlyn having to face the consequences of the secret she has kept from him for four years. The only thing that kept this one from being 5 stars was Caitlyn's continuous war with herself about whether Jake was worthy to be the father of her son.
March 18, 2015
I know everyone is down on the heroine of this book, but I'm not feeling it. It had to be hard to be as young as she was, with no support from family and pregnant with her lover's child. In that day and age she was lucky to be able to go to her aunt and fake a marriage to protect herself. Can you imagine finding out your lover and child's father is a killer and a target for every bounty hunter within several states? I understand that she loved Jake, but it is only in fairy tales (and romance novels) that love conquers all. She had already been deserted by him once, on top of that, witnesses told her her brother was murdered by her lover. And that her brother was unarmed when it happened.
Now, all the love-making, naked, on cold rocks in a state where the weather is not exactly sultry, that I find hard to believe! All in all, I liked the book and have already started the next one.
Now, all the love-making, naked, on cold rocks in a state where the weather is not exactly sultry, that I find hard to believe! All in all, I liked the book and have already started the next one.
August 20, 2016
Very well written and steamy romance. Interesting and involved story of a feud between cattle ranchers and sheep ranchers with the h/h caught in the middle. Lots of cowboys and gun-slinging. Caitlin kept changing her mind about the hero which I gather some readers didn't like, but if she had made a firm decision at the beginning, I guess there wouldn't have been much of a story...
November 20, 2014
Awesome hero, stubborn heroine. I think the hero made a mistake in not contacting the heroine during the four years he was an outlaw and I think the heroine was too hard on him even after he cleared his name. The book could have also used more villainy. Otherwise, it was an enjoyable enough read.
January 31, 2015
I didn't enjoy this as much as I did from all the other works she wrote. I honestly felt Caitlin was a bit selfish and so indecisive I nearly wanted to pull out my hair. I liked Jake's character though.atleast he was consistent and the hell he has been through built on his character.
October 2, 2011
This is the prequel to Jordans ,The Heartbreaker which I gave 5*,but this book is about nothing but range wars and killing-hardly room for romance !
Reread
Reread
March 13, 2012
I liked it.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews