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A Clean and Wholesome Enemies to Lovers Historical Western Romance

When a mysterious stranger saves her life,
this feisty frontier widow never expected he’d steal her heart.

Rutherford Mason is tired of his fast gun being the measure of his worth. Arriving in Splendor, Montana, to join his brother on Redemption’s Edge Ranch, Ford hopes to carve out a new life far away from his past as a range detective and hired gun. The work gives him renewed purpose and a belief his new life just might work.

Teresa Murton is desperate to provide for her two children after the murder of her husband. An excellent rider and experienced rancher, Tess believes a good living can be created on the small ranch she now controls. Her days consist of long hours, hard work, and never-ending challenges. None concerns her more than the threats from gunslingers hired to force her from her land.

Nothing angers Ford more than threats to women and children, which is what he finds when riding with his brother to meet neighboring ranchers. His skills may have saved the Murton woman, her son, and her daughter this time, but what will happen when the danger returns?

Hard choices are a way of life for Ford. Can he ride away and let the feisty woman face her battles alone?

Will Tess’s pride put her children in even more danger?

Renegade Woods, book twenty-six in the Redemption Mountain historical western romance series, is a full-length, clean and wholesome novel with an HEA and no cliffhanger.

180 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 8, 2024

74 people are currently reading
8 people want to read

About the author

Shirleen Davies

98 books919 followers
Shirleen Davies grew up in Southern California. She attended Oregon State University, and has degrees from San Diego State University and the University of Maryland. During the day she provides consulting services to small and mid-sized businesses. But her real passion is writing emotionally charged stories of flawed people who find redemption through love and acceptance. She now lives with her husband in a beautiful town in northern Arizona.

Shirleen loves to hear from her readers.

Write to her at shirleen@shirleendavies.com
Visit her at https://www.shirleendavies.com
Comment at her blog https://www.shirleendavies.com/blog.html
Facebook Fan Page https://www.facebook.com/ShirleenDavi...
Twitter her at http://twitter.com/shirleendavies

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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
936 reviews
October 3, 2024
This is another story in the historical series Redemption Mountain. However since all of the books in this series are stand-alones, readers will have no problem enjoying this book without having read the others.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book because it is a very realistic view of life in the Montana Territory during the 1870s. Tess is a widow whose husband was murdered two years ago. She now spends long hours working hard on her ranch alone while taking care of her two young children. Unfortunately, she is also being constantly attacked and threatened by hired gunslingers who are attempting to force Tess and her family off of their land.

In spite of Tess’ expert riding and gun skills, and her accomplished ranching skills, she is extremely worried about her ability to keep her family, animals and ranch safe from her attackers. She is very aware that these gunslingers have no compassion or sympathy for anyone or anyone.

She meets Ford that has just moved to Montana to join his brother and family in order to change his life. When he was 16, Ford ran away and became a hired gun. It was the only thing Ford could at his age.

In spite of Ford’s occupation, he is wonderful, respectful, caring man who has made it a point to never kill someone who hasn’t done anything wrong. Instead, he used his gun help people like Tess, who needed help to save her life, family and homes.

Ford, Tess and her two children immediately bond with each other. Ford almost moves in as he helps keep Tess and her family safe from the hired gunslingers who are trying to kill them all. They work together, they have fun together, and they all become friends. This wonderful man with the killer job now wants to repent, marry, have children, and live a normal happily ever life.
945 reviews9 followers
October 4, 2024
The mistakes haunting Ford's memories made it hard to imagine that he'd ever find peace in 1 place, but had he finally found a place to build a life rather than always moving on? As a widow and her 2 children are threatened by a dangerous gang, Ford comes to their rescue. But what will happen the next time? And the time after that? He hated seeing innocent women and children threatened or hurt.
Tess is a strong woman, picking up the pieces of life after her husband's murder, continuing to raise their 2 children while tirelessly working her ranch. When Ford visits her ranch with his brother and defends Tess and her family from a dangerous gang, can she trust the former range detective and hired gun? When Ford stays on to keep watch and offer his protection, can Tess see the man he was becoming or judge him only by his reputation and his past?
I enjoyed the clean, wholesome storyline with an old-time western setting, a damsel in distress, a reformed and tough gunslinger with a soft heart for the innocent--especially a woman and her children. There's a few mysteries to solve as well, and this reader is left wondering who is the mysterious Lucien Hunt and will he have a part in an upcoming story?
I highly recommend "Renegade Woods" as well as this entire series. I received a complimentary ARC and have voluntarily given my honest opinion in this review.
Profile Image for Amanda Marlowe.
2,436 reviews25 followers
October 6, 2024
Ford was a lawman until he ended up as a gunslinger, but he only was on the side of justice, and never intended to kill people, the perception of his reputation has become changed. He's now joined his brother, Bull, and is hoping to change his life with a change of county. He meets Tess, a widow whose husband was murdered, when he goes with his brother to visit. She has two children, a boy and a girl, and is trying to run the family ranch by herself, but there are some who are trying to take it away from her, are they the same people who killed her husband, and why do they want it?
Ford finds himself going to Tess' ranch more and more, he has feelings that he's not used to, he feels protective and supportive, trying to help her with her ranch and the troubles, also teaching her son how to shoot and hunt. He's changing.
Tess' husband was killed nearly two years ago, is it ok to start to have feelings for Ford? Has he changed enough to become a family man? What about the people who are after her ranch, who are they and why?

Another great romantic suspense in the series from Shirleen.
2,041 reviews8 followers
October 3, 2024
Ford is a gunslinger who is ready for a change of pace and come to work at the Pelletier's ranch with his brother while he makes some decisions regarding his future. Tess is struggling to raise her two children on her own since her husband was killed. Their days are filled with trying to keep up with chores on their ranch.

At first, Tess is leery being around a gunfighter. But when there are threats against her ranch and Ford comes to her rescue, she gets to know his true character. Theirs is a sweet romance as Ford's protective side works against the injustice of the person threatening Tess and her children. He instilled responsibility, respect for firearms, and more in Thomas by his actions. Tess was willing to do whatever was necessary to protect her ranch and her children but learned that it was ok to accept help from others. The only question was whether they would be able to neutralize the threat before anyone was injured or killed.
4,143 reviews21 followers
October 7, 2024
Renegade Woods by Shirleen Davies is my all-time favorite in the Redemption Mountain Historical Western Romance Series. That is saying a lot since it is book 26 in this series. I think I fell for Rutherford “Ford” Mason long before Tess Murton did. He is a man you can count on to do the right thing while also being fast on the draw. Tess is a strong brave character, being perfectly portrayed as many of the pioneer women must have been. Suspense, intrigue, tight-knit support group, bad guys to be stopped and caught, with a sweet love story of second chances while finding a place to belong, this book has it all

I kept trying to picture which of my favorite actors should play the part of Ford because this would make a wonderful clean movie for perhaps a station like Hallmark. Not nearly as sweet as some of their stories but realistic and wholesome and oh, so good. Perfect for all western historical story fans.
Profile Image for Becky Claxon.
2,213 reviews18 followers
October 12, 2024
Ford was a well known gunslinger who wanted to change his image. He came to Montana and began working with his brother at Redemption’s Edge. I felt like he had a good heart and wanted to help people. Tess and her two children lived on a ranch nearby. Tess’s husband was ambushed about two years ago and she was trying to keep the farm going by herself. Tess had some trouble at her ranch, so Ford decided to stay at her ranch, help her keep the ranch going, and protecting her and the children. A nefarious man was going to ranches that had old silver mines and forcing them off their property so he could buy up the property. I was so glad that Ford was at Tess’s ranch to help her fight the awful gunslingers who tried to run her off her ranch. It was heartwarming how the children took to Ford. There were some real trying times that had me on the edge of my seat hoping nothing would go wrong. I enjoyed the book and encourage you to read it.
2,458 reviews12 followers
September 18, 2024
Get comfortable in your favorite chair and grab a beverage of your choice to set back ready to visit the beautiful countryside of Montana as Tess Murton fights for her ranch with the help of Ford Mason. Ford had came to Splendor to see his brother, Bull at Redemption Edge Ranch hoping that he would be able to leave his reputation as a gunfighter behind him starting over with a clean slate. Tess's husband had been murdered approximately a year prior to Ford coming to town. Then someone was trying to run Tess and her children off their ranch. Ford and some of the hands from Redemption Edge were able to run them off, but Ford decided to stay back to protect Tess and her children thus helping her out on the ranch. Why are they after Tess's ranch? Would Ford end up staying in Splendor? A wonderfully written story of the old west with plenty of action, suspense, and some mild romance.
Profile Image for Margaret Watkins.
3,565 reviews88 followers
September 20, 2024
The needs of two people complement one in this fast-paced and exciting romance. Teresa has been struggling to make ends meet after the death of her husband by men who were laying claim to her land. When workmen at a neighboring ranch hear gunshots, Ford races with them to the rescue of Teresa and her children. Recognizing Teresa's vulnerability, gun-for-hire Ford cannot step away without making sure she is safe. An attraction brews between them and as the danger to the Murtons ramps up, an even bigger problem emerges resulting in an investigation that shows just how perilous the situation is. The novel comes to a sweet conclusion, but not without leaving one with thoughts about the dangers faced by the early settlers. I received a copy of this exciting novel as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.
809 reviews9 followers
October 9, 2024
Coming to Splendor Montana, Ford Mason is hoping to settle down and start a new life. He is tired of being a detective and a hired gun. He never did anything illegal, but he has gotten a name for himself as being fast with the gun and men are tempted to test him. He is visiting his brother at the Redemption’s Edge Ranch but when he comes upon Tess Murton and her two children being threatened, he feels the need to protect them. Tess’s husband was murdered, and she is determined to protect her ranch. When she is determined not to give into threats that she is to sell her land or else, it is found out that others are being threatened also, Will Ford have found his place here in Redemption Mountain?
79 reviews
September 19, 2024
What a fantastic return to the Redemption Mountain Series! Renegade Woods has it all, great characters, threats of danger, a community supporting each other and working together, and a couple, a widow and former hired gunman, finding love while working together against a criminal threat which could have forced her and her and her children off their ranch. Renegade Woods makes you realise just how hard life was for settlers in the small towns in the west and how the residents supported each other, working together at times of adversity and also celebrating happy times together. A really enjoyable addition to this series.
411 reviews
October 8, 2024
Ford with a reputation of a traveling fast gun decided to help protect a widow and her two children from a nasty gang. Theresa is determined to keep her ranch going and keep her children safe. The gang is working for a con man who wants her land an others. The gang keeps threatening Theresa and Ford is staying at her ranch helping with chores and the children while protecting her and the family. Together they face multiple challenges as a growing relationship occurs. Strong characters, action and love . Enjoyed the read. Thanks for the ARC.
30 reviews
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October 8, 2024
This book started off a little differently to most of Shirleen’s books. The trouble that our main characters normally have to deal with, comes along gradually. This one, it seemed to jump up and bite, straight away.
I found myself drawn into the story very quickly. The attraction between Ford and Tess was appropriately addictive, and the liveliness of the Ellen and Thomas invigorating. Even the introduction of Lucien, was interesting… a future character? Maybe.
Murder, extortion, arson, forgery… so much action.
1,172 reviews6 followers
October 10, 2024
Tess is a widow with two children trying to keep her ranch going after her husband, Gil was murdered. Ford is trying to escape his past and joins his brother to work at Redemption Edge. However, when Tess's ranch is threatened he does everything he can to try and protect her and her children. As the investigation into Gil's murder intensifies, the sheriff, his deputies and many of the men in the local community go after the gang and their leader to secure the safety of Tess, her family and her ranch. The relationship between Tess and Ford deepening in the process.
Profile Image for Margaret.
2,652 reviews11 followers
September 19, 2024
Wonderful historical cowboy romance. This story has it all. There’s mystery, drama, suspense and romance. Ford has come to Splendor to work beside his brother. He’s trying to distance himself from his past. Tess is a strong determined widow with two children. Ford decides to help her keep her ranch. The characters and storyline are entertaining and shows the strength needed to survive the Old West. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by Ms Davies.
1,407 reviews16 followers
September 24, 2024
ford has come to town and works with his brother a redemption ranch. teresa is a widow and trying to keep the farm going with her two children after her husband was killed. now someone is burning the barns down and ford comes to her aid. can this be a chance for forgiveness and second chanes. this is a very good story. if you like cowboys, children and people pulling together you will want to read the story. i was given a copy of the book but this is an honest review
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,925 reviews6 followers
October 8, 2024
Another great book in a great series by one of my favorite authors. I'm really enjoyed returning to Redemption Edge and Splendor. I love Ford and Tess's story. He's an ex-gunslinger who is feeling the need to change his life. She's a window being pushed to sell her ranch. Iso enjoyed watching these two discover love as they worked together to save her ranch. A captivating read that I read straight through.
714 reviews5 followers
October 9, 2024
Not what I expected but so much better. The last few books in this series have been great but not action/suspense filled like this one. I have missed the action/suspense Shirleen Davies normally has. I really enjoyed watching Ford discover what he wanted out of a new life. He is an endearing character regardless of his previous profession. This is a great story, and I look forward to the next one.
Profile Image for Bonnie Blackledge.
424 reviews28 followers
October 20, 2024
Ford has joined his brother to work on the Pelletier ranch. When outlaws threaten a widow living nearby, he stays there to watch over Tess and her children. As time passes, they develop a friendship as they work to stop the threats she and other nearby ranchers face. This book was non-stop action. As soon as one crisis was averted, something else would pop up. Davies is a master storyteller and this book is one of her best.
4,938 reviews31 followers
October 9, 2024
When widowed ranch owner Tess begins to have trouble with men trying to run her and her two children off their ranch it is gunslinger Ford who comes to help. This is a wonderful book with great characters all set in a time that was lawless but a good man came to help her not knowing that their lives would be changed forever.
196 reviews2 followers
October 26, 2024
So let me begin by saying I am not a historical romance reader. But this book may have changed my mind. It was entertaining and enjoyable. The characters felt real. A definite read if you want to step into the historical romance world.
1 review
February 3, 2025
Hard to put down. Once again another great book.

I just finished another great book and looking for th
e next. Never quit! I would be totally
Be disappointed!
Profile Image for joanne burley.
5 reviews
February 8, 2025
A home in Montana

I like the idea of children. And some exciting stuff to keep you guessing. Also some romantic parts. You are a good writer.
560 reviews3 followers
January 13, 2026
renegade woods

I have never found a Shirleen Davies book I didn’t like. This book was no exception.

A clean romance with lots of danger, action and of course romance.
1,451 reviews12 followers
October 9, 2024
I found a new hero-type man in the pages of this book! Amazing writing, intense storyline and a guy named Rutherford Mason, aka Ford. Redemption's Edge Ranch is still the heart and soul of the valley, and the Pelletier brothers the men to be admired. Having been with this series since the very beginning, it is always exciting to see new ranchers, families and children enter the growing Splendor, Montana, citizenry. With the death of her husband, Teresa Murton carries on with the ranch and the two children help as much as they can. When raiders begin the takeover, this powerful woman meets them head-on with the help of Ford. Yes, he is a former gunslinger, but he is starting over along with many of the other people that come to this area. He is my new hero with his tenderness to children, kindness to Teresa and honesty to those he works with. Thanks for a wonderful read. I loved every page.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews

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