What do you think?
Rate this book
The Gunslinger
A version of this work originally appeared in the print anthology To Tame a Texan, under the title "Long Stretch of Lonesome."
A hired gun falls for the one woman who's completely wrong for him in this Western romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath.
Chance Wilder never wanted to be a hero. A road-weary gunslinger with a ruthless reputation, he focuses only on his next target—and his next payday. That is, until a young boy offers Chance everything he owns—a piece of string, a harmonica, and a bent penny—if he'll save his sister from a couple of thugs. Chance agrees, only to discover that the beautiful, fierce young woman in need of rescue is actually the very person he's been his next mark.
But after he saves her, Lillian Madison awakens in him long-buried dreams and possibilities. Facing the demons of his past, Chance is forced to question his next move. Dare he risk everything by following his heart … and trust that the road to redemption begins with Lillian?
A hired gun falls for the one woman who's completely wrong for him in this Western romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath.
Chance Wilder never wanted to be a hero. A road-weary gunslinger with a ruthless reputation, he focuses only on his next target—and his next payday. That is, until a young boy offers Chance everything he owns—a piece of string, a harmonica, and a bent penny—if he'll save his sister from a couple of thugs. Chance agrees, only to discover that the beautiful, fierce young woman in need of rescue is actually the very person he's been his next mark.
But after he saves her, Lillian Madison awakens in him long-buried dreams and possibilities. Facing the demons of his past, Chance is forced to question his next move. Dare he risk everything by following his heart … and trust that the road to redemption begins with Lillian?
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 1, 1999
44 people are currently reading
371 people want to read
About the author
Lorraine Heath
92 books4,422 followersAlso writes Young Adult under Rachel Hawthorne, Jade Parker, and with her son as J.A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Lorraine Heath has always had a soft spot for emotional love stories. No doubt because growing up, watching movies with her mom, she was taught that the best movies "won't half make you cry."
She is the daughter of a British beauty (her mom won second place in a beauty contest sponsored by Max Factor® during which she received a kiss from Caesar Romero, (the Joker on the original Batman TV series) and a Texan who was stationed at Bovingdon while serving in the air force. Lorraine was born in Watford, Hertfordshire, England, but soon after moved to Texas. Her "dual" nationality has given her a love for all things British and Texan, and she enjoys weaving both heritages through her stories.
When she received her BA degree in psychology from the University of Texas, she had no idea she had gained a foundation that would help her to create believable characters—characters that are often described as “real people.” She began her career writing training manuals and computer code for the IRS, but something was always missing. When she read a romance novel, she became not only hooked on the genre, but quickly realized what her writing lacked: rebels, scoundrels, and rogues. She's been writing about them ever since.
Her work has been recognized with numerous industry awards including RWA's RITA®. Her novels have appeared on bestseller lists, including USA TODAY and the New York Times.
The author of more than 60 novels, she writes historical and contemporary romance for adults and historical romance for teen readers.
Under the names Rachel Hawthorne and Jade Parker, she writes popular contemporary, historical, and paranormal romance for teens readers. She also writes young adult novels with her son under the name J. A. London.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews
November 20, 2015
Happy Release Day! Western Historical Romance lovers, did you get your copy yet?
Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00I...
B&N: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/the-g...
4 "I'll pay you everything I got" stars!!
I had no idea this novella existed as part of a print anthology, and when I saw that it's being re-released in digital format, I was thrilled! Lorraine Heath writes three of my very favorite books, The Texas Trilogy, a Western Historical Romance trilogy that introduced me to the genre and had me clamoring for more just like it.
Description...
A hired gun falls for the one woman who's completely wrong for him in this Western romance from New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Lorraine Heath.My short review...
Chance Wilder never wanted to be a hero. A road-weary gunslinger with a ruthless reputation, he focuses only on his next target—and his next payday. That is, until a young boy offers Chance everything he owns—a piece of string, a harmonica, and a bent penny—if he'll save his sister from a couple of thugs. Chance agrees, only to discover that the beautiful, fierce young woman in need of rescue is actually the very person he's been hunting: his next mark.
But after he saves her, Lillian Madison awakens in him long-buried dreams and possibilities. Facing the demons of his past, Chance is forced to question his next move. Dare he risk everything by following his heart … and trust that the road to redemption begins with Lillian?
The Gunslinger isn't part of the Texas Trilogy - that I can recall, but even if it is, this works very well as a stand alone. It's a sweet novella with some shoot-outs, romance, and steam, and it gives me two things - One; the Lorraine Heath Western HR fix I was in need of, and most importantly, two; the hope that since Avon chose to re-release it, I have hope that we Texas Trilogy fangirls will finally get Rawley's much needed story. I can't think of anyone more deserving of a happily ever after than that boy.
Note... A version of this work originally appeared in the print anthology To Tame a Texan, under the title Long Stretch of Lonesome.
My thanks to Avon Books and Edelweiss for providing me with a copy of this story. In exchange, I'm giving them an honest review.
June 3, 2014
The Gunslinger by Lorraine Heath is a 2014 Avon Impulse publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
As Lillian struggles against her attackers, her brother runs for help. Chance Wilder, a man with a reputation as a hard stone cold killer and the fastest gun around is offered “everything” by Lillian's brother if he will help her.
Chance winds up with a bullet for his trouble and is taken to Lillian's home to recover. Lillian certainly does not approve of Chance's life as a hired gun and always makes it a point to let him know it. But, upon closer inspection it appears that Chance will avoid violence if at all possible. He would much rather negotiate a compromise than have to pull his gun.
In the meantime Chance gets an ear full of gossip about Lillian which suggest she is a fallen woman. The land and home she owns was given to her as a gift from a much older man and now that he has passed on, his family is trying to get rid of Lillian. With the situation becoming more and more heated, Chance finds a reason to stick around , even after his wound has healed. He begins to realize that he gave up so many wonderful things like a wife and a family because of his lifestyle and reputation. He knows he could never have those things, not with Lillian or anyone else. But, as the truth seeps out little by little, it becomes harder and harder for Chance to leave.
This short story/novella has an obvious western setting and examines the common human trait of judging people before we have all the facts. As you will find out, Lillian and Chance both have reputations they don't deserve. The longer Chance stays with Lillian the more her comes to care for her and vise versa. But, Chance thinks Lillian deserves better than a hired gun and knows that once Lillian is safe again he will have to leave. But, just like in the old west the tension builds until there is an old fashioned showdown. Will Chance walk away unscathed? If he defeats the men who are after Lillian will Chance go his own way or will he decide to hang up his guns and settle down?
I really enjoyed this story and loved the thought provoking premise which goes to show you should never judge someone until you are sure you know the entire story. Things would have been so much better if everyone had behaved like adults and talked things out, instead conclusions were drawn, lies were told, lives were lost, and in the end the truth made it all seem so sad. The time wasted on hate and revenge could have been spent in establishing solid relationships. This is so often the case in the past and in the present. No matter what, it seems people continue to make this same mistake over and over again.
Of course sometimes good things can come from bad situations and that is the case with Lillian and Chance. We know they will be happy in the new life they forged together as they leave the past behind them.
This one gets five stars!
As Lillian struggles against her attackers, her brother runs for help. Chance Wilder, a man with a reputation as a hard stone cold killer and the fastest gun around is offered “everything” by Lillian's brother if he will help her.
Chance winds up with a bullet for his trouble and is taken to Lillian's home to recover. Lillian certainly does not approve of Chance's life as a hired gun and always makes it a point to let him know it. But, upon closer inspection it appears that Chance will avoid violence if at all possible. He would much rather negotiate a compromise than have to pull his gun.
In the meantime Chance gets an ear full of gossip about Lillian which suggest she is a fallen woman. The land and home she owns was given to her as a gift from a much older man and now that he has passed on, his family is trying to get rid of Lillian. With the situation becoming more and more heated, Chance finds a reason to stick around , even after his wound has healed. He begins to realize that he gave up so many wonderful things like a wife and a family because of his lifestyle and reputation. He knows he could never have those things, not with Lillian or anyone else. But, as the truth seeps out little by little, it becomes harder and harder for Chance to leave.
This short story/novella has an obvious western setting and examines the common human trait of judging people before we have all the facts. As you will find out, Lillian and Chance both have reputations they don't deserve. The longer Chance stays with Lillian the more her comes to care for her and vise versa. But, Chance thinks Lillian deserves better than a hired gun and knows that once Lillian is safe again he will have to leave. But, just like in the old west the tension builds until there is an old fashioned showdown. Will Chance walk away unscathed? If he defeats the men who are after Lillian will Chance go his own way or will he decide to hang up his guns and settle down?
I really enjoyed this story and loved the thought provoking premise which goes to show you should never judge someone until you are sure you know the entire story. Things would have been so much better if everyone had behaved like adults and talked things out, instead conclusions were drawn, lies were told, lives were lost, and in the end the truth made it all seem so sad. The time wasted on hate and revenge could have been spent in establishing solid relationships. This is so often the case in the past and in the present. No matter what, it seems people continue to make this same mistake over and over again.
Of course sometimes good things can come from bad situations and that is the case with Lillian and Chance. We know they will be happy in the new life they forged together as they leave the past behind them.
This one gets five stars!
October 9, 2014
Things may come together quickly with a few moments of unbelievability, but all in all, a fabulous read!
December 9, 2019
Very well developed for a novella.
Chance is a hitman in town for a job. While waiting at the local saloon he is approached by a boy in need of help to save his sister that was being attacked in the back alley.
Lilian is new to the place and since the most powerful farmer in the city died in her bed, is considered a whore and shamed by everyone in town.
Things were not as they seem to be and their two lonely hearts experienced an immediate connection.
Nice short story.
Chance is a hitman in town for a job. While waiting at the local saloon he is approached by a boy in need of help to save his sister that was being attacked in the back alley.
Lilian is new to the place and since the most powerful farmer in the city died in her bed, is considered a whore and shamed by everyone in town.
Things were not as they seem to be and their two lonely hearts experienced an immediate connection.
Nice short story.
May 29, 2015
This is an enjoyable read with Lorraine Heath's classic damaged hero and strong heroine. They seem like they can never be together. The obstacles are too high and wide to overcome. But overcome them they do. And very sweetly at that.
I like Heath's westerns a lot. They're poignant and romantic. And she has a way with a cowboy and his lady that makes them intriguing and accessible.
It's not a long book, but it's good and it left me hungry for more.
I like Heath's westerns a lot. They're poignant and romantic. And she has a way with a cowboy and his lady that makes them intriguing and accessible.
It's not a long book, but it's good and it left me hungry for more.
July 3, 2022
This is a western historical romance novella from Lorraine Heath. A version of this work originally appeared in the print anthology To Tame a Texan, under the title “Long Stretch of Lonesome”. The story takes place in Lonesome, Texas, 1884. Chance Wilder shows up in town and causes quite the swirl of activity, rumors spread quickly that he is the “gun-for-hire man” and everyone wonders who he is there to “take care of”.
“You know the legend, lady, but you don’t know the man. And damn if I’m not tempted to introduce you to the man.”
A boy comes to him wanting help with his sister who is in trouble, Chance tells him he is already on a job, but when they step outside they spot said sister about to be assaulted by men who have her held against the building. Chance steps in and does his gun-slinging thing, he saves Lillian but gets injured along the way. Her and her brother take him back to their home to care after him. Once he heals up, he realizes Lillian is the person he was hired to “get rid of”. But he has already taken a liking to her and her brother and decides to stay on and protect them both.
This was a quick western novella…an engaging story, some light longing, twists, and swoony quotes. And then it ends with a sweet epilogue!
“I’ll never forget you. Whenever I see a stormy sky, I’ll remember the deep blue of your eyes. When the leaves turn in autumn, I’ll remember the way your hair looked when the sun glistened over it. And when the night comes, I’ll remember what it was like to hold you in my arms.”
“You know the legend, lady, but you don’t know the man. And damn if I’m not tempted to introduce you to the man.”
A boy comes to him wanting help with his sister who is in trouble, Chance tells him he is already on a job, but when they step outside they spot said sister about to be assaulted by men who have her held against the building. Chance steps in and does his gun-slinging thing, he saves Lillian but gets injured along the way. Her and her brother take him back to their home to care after him. Once he heals up, he realizes Lillian is the person he was hired to “get rid of”. But he has already taken a liking to her and her brother and decides to stay on and protect them both.
This was a quick western novella…an engaging story, some light longing, twists, and swoony quotes. And then it ends with a sweet epilogue!
“I’ll never forget you. Whenever I see a stormy sky, I’ll remember the deep blue of your eyes. When the leaves turn in autumn, I’ll remember the way your hair looked when the sun glistened over it. And when the night comes, I’ll remember what it was like to hold you in my arms.”
November 10, 2016
This is a very typical western historical romance. A gunslinger with a reputation saved the damsel in distress. Innocent girl saved the man from his loneliness. Nothing special but if one likes Lorraine Heath's writing (and I do), this is a relaxing short read.
October 26, 2016
Wow! This book is definitely going on the keeper shelf of my Kindle! (For those who don't have an e-reader, it'll be out in paperback in a few days.) Lorraine Heath has outdone herself. I read this as a short story many years ago in an anthology but I barely recognized it. She added so much more emotion and depth in this version. She put me inside Chance Wilder's head and made me feel his despair and regret. I ached for him and wanted him to find his redemption. Which he does of course and it's in such a satisfying way. I hated this book to end because he was so ingrained in my heart. This book shows why Ms. Heath is a master of her craft. She adds all the tiny details that pulls out the raw emotion and grips me as a reader.
The story is about Chance Wilder, a gunslinger, who is simply waiting for the bullet with his name on it. He goes into this town with the intention of working for the bad guy but ends up changing his mind when a young boy offers him everything he has if Chance will rescue his sister. A pack of very evil men are holding Lillian Madison and about to take turns with her. The sheriff will do nothing. The people in the town turn a blind eye. But, I won't spoil what happens next. You'll have to read it.
This is not a lighthearted read. It's gritty and raw and it's one of the best western historicals that I've read lately. I hope this means that Ms. Heath is going to write more of these. I'll certainly buy every one.
The story is about Chance Wilder, a gunslinger, who is simply waiting for the bullet with his name on it. He goes into this town with the intention of working for the bad guy but ends up changing his mind when a young boy offers him everything he has if Chance will rescue his sister. A pack of very evil men are holding Lillian Madison and about to take turns with her. The sheriff will do nothing. The people in the town turn a blind eye. But, I won't spoil what happens next. You'll have to read it.
This is not a lighthearted read. It's gritty and raw and it's one of the best western historicals that I've read lately. I hope this means that Ms. Heath is going to write more of these. I'll certainly buy every one.
December 14, 2019
The Gunslinger was actually really well done for a novella. Great storyline and interesting characters. Satisfying HEA with a dash of Lorraine Heath's trademark angst. I really enjoyed it!
March 7, 2022
A sweet and short western by the consistently good Lorraine Heath.
Although some of the dialogue and imagery were a bit cliche, The Gunslinger still managed to deliver a pleasant romance. The plot moved along briskly. I liked Lillian and Chance, as well as Lillian's little brother, Toby, whose hero worship for Chance was too adorable! Lillian was a sweet heroine, while Chance was a hero whose reserved facade cloaked a good but tortured heart. His backstory was so sad. So it was understandable that he'd set upon a life of wandering. Chance and Lillian's, er, chance at happiness came about as the story conflicts were resolved in a satisfying, although maybe too neat, manner.
Although some of the dialogue and imagery were a bit cliche, The Gunslinger still managed to deliver a pleasant romance. The plot moved along briskly. I liked Lillian and Chance, as well as Lillian's little brother, Toby, whose hero worship for Chance was too adorable! Lillian was a sweet heroine, while Chance was a hero whose reserved facade cloaked a good but tortured heart. His backstory was so sad. So it was understandable that he'd set upon a life of wandering. Chance and Lillian's, er, chance at happiness came about as the story conflicts were resolved in a satisfying, although maybe too neat, manner.
June 13, 2025
Name is destiny. With Chance Wilder in Lonesome, Texas I knew I was in for a banger of a novella from Lorraine Heath.
We open in the 1880s with Chance Wilder in the saloon in Lonesome, TX. Chance is a famous gunslinger, known for his deadly accuracy. He was hired for a job and is scoping out the town when a small boy races into the saloon, begging someone to help his sister who has been attacked by a group of men. He promised to pay Chance "everything" he has if he will come and help. Chance is drawn to the boy and agrees to help. He interrupts the attempted sexual assault, saving Lillian Madison from a terrible fate. But in the fight, he's wounded and has to recuperate with Lillian and her brother while trying to decide if he'll take the contract he was hired for or protect Lillian from the threat to her home.
Lorraine tortures her cowboys in ways she'd never dare with her English heroes. She really puts these men through the wringer and then shoots them. Chance is the classic tortured cowboy. He's got a tragic history, has no home, no family. He's just trying to get through life without being shot in the back.
Lillian is up against a wall in Lonesome. She was granted land by an older man who then died in her bed. The whole town assumes she was his "whore" (literally what they call her– this novella was written in the late 90s) and treats her with disdain and cruelty. That man's son has been trying to run her off her land so her situation is precarious and now she has a wounded gunslinger on her property.
If you're looking for a quick hit of Lorraine, this reads like a short version of one of her Texas books. I honestly would have loved a full length novel with these characters– I think they could have carried one– but I'll take whatever Lorraine chooses to give. 4 stars.
We open in the 1880s with Chance Wilder in the saloon in Lonesome, TX. Chance is a famous gunslinger, known for his deadly accuracy. He was hired for a job and is scoping out the town when a small boy races into the saloon, begging someone to help his sister who has been attacked by a group of men. He promised to pay Chance "everything" he has if he will come and help. Chance is drawn to the boy and agrees to help. He interrupts the attempted sexual assault, saving Lillian Madison from a terrible fate. But in the fight, he's wounded and has to recuperate with Lillian and her brother while trying to decide if he'll take the contract he was hired for or protect Lillian from the threat to her home.
Lorraine tortures her cowboys in ways she'd never dare with her English heroes. She really puts these men through the wringer and then shoots them. Chance is the classic tortured cowboy. He's got a tragic history, has no home, no family. He's just trying to get through life without being shot in the back.
Lillian is up against a wall in Lonesome. She was granted land by an older man who then died in her bed. The whole town assumes she was his "whore" (literally what they call her– this novella was written in the late 90s) and treats her with disdain and cruelty. That man's son has been trying to run her off her land so her situation is precarious and now she has a wounded gunslinger on her property.
If you're looking for a quick hit of Lorraine, this reads like a short version of one of her Texas books. I honestly would have loved a full length novel with these characters– I think they could have carried one– but I'll take whatever Lorraine chooses to give. 4 stars.
April 25, 2020
Heath can do more in a novella than some authors can do in a full-length novel. Sure, everything's tied up neatly in a nice little bow, but that's part of what makes this story so good. Everything has a purpose and works together to create a comprehensive story. I felt deeply for these characters, even though I could only spend a little time with them. Both Chance and Lillian show that you can't judge someone by appearances or reputations alone.
September 28, 2024
♥️🍰🧁🥮Delicious🍰🧁🥮
June 8, 2014
Lorraine Heath’s western romance, The Gunslinger, has a slightly retro feel to it; the story was originally published in 1999, and there’s something traditional about the way it reads. Not that this is a bad thing. It’s a relatively short novel about a famous gunslinger who rides into town and lets a good woman steal his heart, instead of filling his pockets by driving her out of town as he’s been hired to. Chance Wilder lives by his guns, and even though he wants to hang them up, he knows that the minute he does, somebody will come to make his reputation by shooting the famous gunslinger. He’s in town to run off Lillian Madison, but when her kid brother offers everything he has to save his sister from a gang of thugs, Wilder can’t resist the offer or the woman. The entire town thinks that Lillian is no better than the town whore, but nothing is as it seems.
Verdict: The Gunslinger is a surprisingly sweet historical western with a twist at the end that takes the story off the standard path. These unlikely lovers find each other through a minefield of secrets and lies, and the reveals make the happy ending all that much more deserved. Recommended for western romance readers.
Verdict: The Gunslinger is a surprisingly sweet historical western with a twist at the end that takes the story off the standard path. These unlikely lovers find each other through a minefield of secrets and lies, and the reveals make the happy ending all that much more deserved. Recommended for western romance readers.
January 2, 2017
Imagine finding out the hired hand your brother has hired with everything's that is precious to him to save your virtue has actually been hired to get rid of you permanently well that is what happens in The gunslinger. How will that same gunslinger react when he realizes that Lillian gave him her all ultimate payment to keep her and her brother safe. Will he take the money or the ultimate payment to save all that is precious to her you will definitely have to read to find out and this will definitely be worth the read!!! LOVE LOVE this book!!!
December 4, 2016
The Gunslinger by Lorraine Heath is my kind of gritty, unpredictable western. Ms. Heath has a way of weaving such great stories into well learned life lessons. Chase Wilder a hired gun comes to the aid of a little boy who's sister is being beaten up by 5 ruthless men. What he offers the gunslinger is everything he owns, to save his sister. Truly an inspiring story.
January 30, 2017
Well written but predictable. Still I'll cut it some slack since it was a novella. There wasn't much time to do more than tell a nice little story.
February 10, 2022
This was another short story but I really did enjoy it. It’s a worthy read 😀
January 6, 2025
I read this because I had read and loved the Texas trilogy a couple months ago. I don't know, maybe I'm just not in the mood for old school western? I felt like I got more character insight into Houston in the first lines of Texas Destiny than I did this whole novella, and I know Heath can work short form. I took both of the novellas out from Libby when my library got them last month, and retuned the other unread. I'm good for now.
Christian and Lily are both misperceived - both thought to be worse, or lets just say it, More Sinful, than they are. He's a hired gunslinger with a Tragic Past who stops her from being assaulted in an alley. He stays at her house for a while, boom love. This was written in 2014, so kind of in the new romance era? And yet old school with the explicit and implicit idea that only virgins deserve an HEA and that love and physical intimacy HAVE to be coupled. "He slashed his mouth over hers, demanding, claiming all that she offered to willingly pay: her body, her heart, her soul. She could to give one without giving the others." In the epilogue Christian does indeed have "everything" BECAUSE HE HAS LOVE but then he gets one more thing and it didn't even make sense logically. 15 years is a long time for this last thing to happen, and they are low-key hiding laying low on this unknown land so how did they even find him? Really living up to his name with that final absolution.
Christian and Lily are both misperceived - both thought to be worse, or lets just say it, More Sinful, than they are. He's a hired gunslinger with a Tragic Past who stops her from being assaulted in an alley. He stays at her house for a while, boom love. This was written in 2014, so kind of in the new romance era? And yet old school with the explicit and implicit idea that only virgins deserve an HEA and that love and physical intimacy HAVE to be coupled. "He slashed his mouth over hers, demanding, claiming all that she offered to willingly pay: her body, her heart, her soul. She could to give one without giving the others." In the epilogue Christian does indeed have "everything" BECAUSE HE HAS LOVE but then he gets one more thing and it didn't even make sense logically. 15 years is a long time for this last thing to happen, and they are low-key hiding laying low on this unknown land so how did they even find him? Really living up to his name with that final absolution.
July 2, 2019
I'd call this book short and sweet. It is short and the romance is sweet but something prevented that.
Lillian is hell bent on keeping the land her father gave her. I admired her tenacity and stubbornness. No matter who threatened her or who called her names, she wouldn't give up the only gift from her father.
But at the same time, she wouldn't tell anyone that she was Jake's daughter not his mistress as everyone assumed. If people knew that, it'd solve a lot of problems but Lillian doesn't think anyone will believe her and doesn't even try to tell people the truth.
So on one hand Lillian is determined not to give you her land and on the other, she's given up before even trying.
People are cruel towards her, calling her names and some even attempt to rape her, all because she won't give up her land and move away. But later on she sells her land to save Chance. A very noble sacrifice considering how much she went through to keep it. But when John offers her land back to her she refuses. After all she went through (nearly being raped!) to keep her land, she just gives it up? Maybe not such a noble sacrifice then? , if she just hands it over.
That and Chance's too easy forgiving of his parents after they threw him out when he was fourteen made it hard for me to enjoy The Gunslinger.
Lillian is hell bent on keeping the land her father gave her. I admired her tenacity and stubbornness. No matter who threatened her or who called her names, she wouldn't give up the only gift from her father.
But at the same time, she wouldn't tell anyone that she was Jake's daughter not his mistress as everyone assumed. If people knew that, it'd solve a lot of problems but Lillian doesn't think anyone will believe her and doesn't even try to tell people the truth.
So on one hand Lillian is determined not to give you her land and on the other, she's given up before even trying.
People are cruel towards her, calling her names and some even attempt to rape her, all because she won't give up her land and move away. But later on she sells her land to save Chance. A very noble sacrifice considering how much she went through to keep it. But when John offers her land back to her she refuses. After all she went through (nearly being raped!) to keep her land, she just gives it up? Maybe not such a noble sacrifice then? , if she just hands it over.
That and Chance's too easy forgiving of his parents after they threw him out when he was fourteen made it hard for me to enjoy The Gunslinger.
September 8, 2025
Instant love is not my thing but outside of that, every conflict in the book gets resolved with a pretty little bow wrapped around it. They basically just ask people to stop being mean and they stop. I was expecting something as entertaining and full of twists as Heaths The Lady and the Outlaw, but this book was a disappointment in comparison.
May 4, 2019
So here I am, crying my eyes out over this story. GAWD it is so beautiful!!
Read it. That's all I'm going to say. Just read it.
Read it. That's all I'm going to say. Just read it.
October 22, 2023
God I love love!
Did Not Finish
May 12, 2019I can't deal with how perfect the heroine is made out to be.
June 27, 2015
Loved it..
This had a touching start. I loved Toby and the “everything” he had to offer Chase to save his sister, Lillian. But I was surprised when Chase escorted them home then fell off his horse because he’d been shot. His explanation as to why he didn’t say anything they were at the doctor’s house made perfect sense to me. And I was a little concerned when they referred to Lil as Jack Ward’s “whore.” I knew there had to be something else going on so I continued to read and I’m so glad I did, although I wanted to cry when Chase told Lil about his brother.
This may have been short but it was such sweet and romantic story. I’ve read a lot of Lorraine Heath���s book and I loved them all but I especially liked this one because it wasn’t 300 or 350 pages of so much angst. I would definitely read this book again because it Loved Chase so much. The biggest part of the book was just one sad conversation after another so it was really nice to get to the HEA.
There was a little sexual tension but there was only about a half page of sex. Definitely nothing to speak of but it was still a good story.
This had a touching start. I loved Toby and the “everything” he had to offer Chase to save his sister, Lillian. But I was surprised when Chase escorted them home then fell off his horse because he’d been shot. His explanation as to why he didn’t say anything they were at the doctor’s house made perfect sense to me. And I was a little concerned when they referred to Lil as Jack Ward’s “whore.” I knew there had to be something else going on so I continued to read and I’m so glad I did, although I wanted to cry when Chase told Lil about his brother.
This may have been short but it was such sweet and romantic story. I’ve read a lot of Lorraine Heath���s book and I loved them all but I especially liked this one because it wasn’t 300 or 350 pages of so much angst. I would definitely read this book again because it Loved Chase so much. The biggest part of the book was just one sad conversation after another so it was really nice to get to the HEA.
There was a little sexual tension but there was only about a half page of sex. Definitely nothing to speak of but it was still a good story.
July 18, 2019
I love a good western romance and this one was good. The only complaint that I have with novellas is that I always want more. This was a good quick read that deals with a gunslinger (Chance) who isn't sure he deserves a life other than the one he has known since he was fourteen. He comes to town as a hired gun and saves a woman(Lillian) from rape. He soon finds out that Lillian is his target and he is in no way going through with the deal. Lillian lives with her little brother on a little plot of land and has a tarnished reputation. What happens between these two people is a very sweet romance.
April 16, 2021
This little novella reminded me of Patricia Potter's Lawless, one of my all time favourite westerns. It's a keeper that I will be re-reading again. Definitely recommended!
October 15, 2025
This is....eh. I really prefer Heath's British historicals. This is a novella and it really leaned more on established (Old School) Western romance tropes. Had an interesting plot resolution though.
But it filled a BINGO square prompt for me.
But it filled a BINGO square prompt for me.
February 23, 2026
DN to the freaking F at 26%. I was shocked to see a Lorraine Heath book sitting at a GR rating of 3.68. It couldn’t be! I was determined to read this 68-pg western novella and prove everyone wrong. Nope… GR got it right this time.
🚨Warning: idiot heroine alert!!🚨
The tough gunslinger hero comes upon a gang of 5 scummy cowboys behind the general store intent on raping the heroine and holding a gun to her little brother’s temple. He saved her just in the nick of time. Instead of being grateful, she’s immediately pissed off that the hero killed the gang leader, because that’s a mean thing to do! (this is after the bad guy pulled his gun and shot first, wounding the hero).
The hero hides his injury until they reach her ranch (he wanted to ensure she got home safely) and this is the heroine’s thought process upon seeing him passing out from his wound:
“If she helped a man who made a living killing others, would she, in effect, become an accomplice to future killings? If she left him as he was, perhaps he would not survive, and no one else would die” Seems a humane response to a stranger that just saved her and her brother’s life. 🥴
Even though he is a feared gunslinger, he was nothing but polite to the heroine and her little brother. Upon waking up from his fever, he insists that his gun be with him at all times, even in his sick bed. As he fears his enemies might show up and ambush him. So she angrily throws the gun and holster across the room at/to him. Seems a smart and safe thing to do on her part. 🥴
Chapter 3 starts with sudden insta-lust from both parties. There’s no build up to explain why the other suddenly changed their views from irritation to heated thoughts.
Moving on, the heroine starts in again arguing with him that he should have just wounded her would-be rapist. He shuts her up by kissing her. There is absolutely nothing about this heroine that screams friendly, warm, approachable, kissable…. That’s when I realized I do not care about their HEA.
Upon checking other reviews, most people complained that the reason the whole town hates the heroine is because
🚨Warning: idiot heroine alert!!🚨
The tough gunslinger hero comes upon a gang of 5 scummy cowboys behind the general store intent on raping the heroine and holding a gun to her little brother’s temple. He saved her just in the nick of time. Instead of being grateful, she’s immediately pissed off that the hero killed the gang leader, because that’s a mean thing to do! (this is after the bad guy pulled his gun and shot first, wounding the hero).
The hero hides his injury until they reach her ranch (he wanted to ensure she got home safely) and this is the heroine’s thought process upon seeing him passing out from his wound:
“If she helped a man who made a living killing others, would she, in effect, become an accomplice to future killings? If she left him as he was, perhaps he would not survive, and no one else would die” Seems a humane response to a stranger that just saved her and her brother’s life. 🥴
Even though he is a feared gunslinger, he was nothing but polite to the heroine and her little brother. Upon waking up from his fever, he insists that his gun be with him at all times, even in his sick bed. As he fears his enemies might show up and ambush him. So she angrily throws the gun and holster across the room at/to him. Seems a smart and safe thing to do on her part. 🥴
Chapter 3 starts with sudden insta-lust from both parties. There’s no build up to explain why the other suddenly changed their views from irritation to heated thoughts.
Moving on, the heroine starts in again arguing with him that he should have just wounded her would-be rapist. He shuts her up by kissing her. There is absolutely nothing about this heroine that screams friendly, warm, approachable, kissable…. That’s when I realized I do not care about their HEA.
Upon checking other reviews, most people complained that the reason the whole town hates the heroine is because
September 23, 2019
What a solid romance and it was a quick novella.
First off mom is always impressed with Lorraine Heath. She makes her hero and heroine complex enough that the feel human, without being uncaring character. (Probably the better way to say it is that the characters don’t understand each other and as you keep going they learn to see through each other’s eyes and come to understand each other.) It makes the romance that much more satisfying.
This one was so sweet and adorable. The gunman comes to town and decided to help a little boy save his sister and ends up saving his much older sister from danger. In the process he gets hurt and the heroine bring him back home to fix him up. In the process they come to know each other.
Again Mom can’t understate enough how much emotion is packed into this story and it does not seem under written.
The ending was just so lovely. Technically there were two ending and they were both beautiful. Oh this is just a lovely little western fairy tale that packs a lovely bunch .
First off mom is always impressed with Lorraine Heath. She makes her hero and heroine complex enough that the feel human, without being uncaring character. (Probably the better way to say it is that the characters don’t understand each other and as you keep going they learn to see through each other’s eyes and come to understand each other.) It makes the romance that much more satisfying.
This one was so sweet and adorable. The gunman comes to town and decided to help a little boy save his sister and ends up saving his much older sister from danger. In the process he gets hurt and the heroine bring him back home to fix him up. In the process they come to know each other.
Again Mom can’t understate enough how much emotion is packed into this story and it does not seem under written.
The ending was just so lovely. Technically there were two ending and they were both beautiful. Oh this is just a lovely little western fairy tale that packs a lovely bunch .
Displaying 1 - 30 of 81 reviews