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Desperate Hearts
She's a woman with a secret
Elizabeth Wainwright is on the run. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, she has no choice but to cut ties with her old life and flee West. The last thing she wants is attention, but when her stagecoach is attacked, she suddenly finds herself under the fierce protection of one of Montana's famed vigilantes . . . whether she likes it or not.
He's a man with a code
Lawman Mitch Brady is sworn to uphold justice in the wild lands of 1860s Montana. He's never met a man he's feared, and he's never met a woman more desperately in need of his help. Something's shaken the secretive Elizabeth, but as he gets to know the beautiful city belle, he finds the only thing he wants more than her safety . . . is her trust.
Elizabeth Wainwright is on the run. Accused of a murder she didn't commit, she has no choice but to cut ties with her old life and flee West. The last thing she wants is attention, but when her stagecoach is attacked, she suddenly finds herself under the fierce protection of one of Montana's famed vigilantes . . . whether she likes it or not.
He's a man with a code
Lawman Mitch Brady is sworn to uphold justice in the wild lands of 1860s Montana. He's never met a man he's feared, and he's never met a woman more desperately in need of his help. Something's shaken the secretive Elizabeth, but as he gets to know the beautiful city belle, he finds the only thing he wants more than her safety . . . is her trust.
370 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
83 people are currently reading
644 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
84 books622 followersI am a USA-TODAY best-selling author with 41 years, 76 books, and numerous writing awards behind me. My major genre is historical romance. I have always written for standard publishers but am now writing strictly for Amazon so I have more freedom to write real history. My most recent publication is SHADOW TRAIL, the 6th book in my Outlaw Hearts series. I also wrote and published my first full-length contemporary story, DANCING BENEATH YOU, in September 2022, a romance involving mystery and a depiction of reservation life in the Badlands of South Dakota. My best sellers are my SAVAGE DESTINY series (7 books) and my OUTLAW HEARTS series. See my website (www.rosannebittner.com) for details on all my books - most available for Kindle and in print. I am known for great love stories filled with real history and high emotion. I have also written many Native American stories, all based on real history.
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
I love American history. For those of you who have not yet read my books, my stories are generally set in the American West of the 1800s and feature vividly described, historically accurate settings that span the US from Missouri to California, from Canada to Mexico. Many of my books portray the poignant history of our Native Americans, and though the characters are my own, I use real historical locations and events in all my novels. I have also written about the French & Indian wars, American Revolution, the War of 1812, the war with Mexico (the Alamo), and the Civil War.
National magazine ROMANTIC TIMES has called me the "Queen of Western Romance" and an "emotional powerhouse." My husband and I have traveled the west for nearly 40 years and I have visited just about every location mentioned in my books.
Visit my website at www.rosannebittner.com and my Facebook Author page. And be sure to join Rosanne Bittner's Heart of the West Street Team! Happy reading!
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 40 reviews
January 24, 2016
DESPERATE HEARTS may make you feel your own desperation for an alpha male in leather and a six shooter to love and protect you.
It's 1866 and a woman is headed to Alter, MT to escape a desperate situation in New York City. Reinventing herself as Elizabeth Wainright, the woman finds herself on a stagecoach headed west when it's attacked and her fellow passengers are killed. Suddenly under the protection of vigilante sheriff Mitch Brady whether she wants it or not, Elizabeth finds herself in a lawless town with few respectable women and even fewer respectable men. The folks of Alter are nothing like she's used to, but if she's going to escape notice from her former stepfather in New York, she'll have to keep a low profile…and her secrets.
Mitch is a rough and gruff lawman who's both feared and loved by the town. He's not sure why he brings the lovely Miss Wainright to Alter, but he's sure glad she's here...even if she's not a lady for hire. Something about her calls to him, and he'll do whatever he can to persue that connection before another man gets his hands on her. But Elizabeth is scared that her past will come for her. She can't trust anyone, even the strong and sexy man who's bent on protecting her. Mitch will do whatever it takes to prove to Elizabeth that he'd never betray her trust, but will it be too late?
DESPERATE HEARTS started off with a fun and well written stagecoach robbery, a little murder, some mayhem and a lot of lusty thoughts for the hunky vigilante lawman who rescues Elizabeth/Emma. Unfortunately that was the only redeeming thing about this long winded novel. This book was basically the same scene rewritten repeatedly, almost verbatim at times: Mitch protects Elizabeth/Emma, he asks for trust, she can't give him trust, he backs off, she laments her situation. Rinse and repeat. I was frustrated and bored by ongoing storyline, making me desperate to finish DESPERATE HEARTS as quickly as possible.
Even though the book claims to be full of hot sex, humor and lots of romance, I truly don't know where any of those things are! The sex scenes were brief and poorly written and there was zero chemistry between Mitch and Elizabeth/Emma whatsoever. I felt like he was courting her because she was the only suitable woman in his life who wasn't a prostitute. With a dull storyline and uninspired writing, DESPERATE HEARTS is definitely one book that I won't be recommending to anyone who enjoys passion, excitement and chemistry in their romance reads.
It's 1866 and a woman is headed to Alter, MT to escape a desperate situation in New York City. Reinventing herself as Elizabeth Wainright, the woman finds herself on a stagecoach headed west when it's attacked and her fellow passengers are killed. Suddenly under the protection of vigilante sheriff Mitch Brady whether she wants it or not, Elizabeth finds herself in a lawless town with few respectable women and even fewer respectable men. The folks of Alter are nothing like she's used to, but if she's going to escape notice from her former stepfather in New York, she'll have to keep a low profile…and her secrets.
Mitch is a rough and gruff lawman who's both feared and loved by the town. He's not sure why he brings the lovely Miss Wainright to Alter, but he's sure glad she's here...even if she's not a lady for hire. Something about her calls to him, and he'll do whatever he can to persue that connection before another man gets his hands on her. But Elizabeth is scared that her past will come for her. She can't trust anyone, even the strong and sexy man who's bent on protecting her. Mitch will do whatever it takes to prove to Elizabeth that he'd never betray her trust, but will it be too late?
DESPERATE HEARTS started off with a fun and well written stagecoach robbery, a little murder, some mayhem and a lot of lusty thoughts for the hunky vigilante lawman who rescues Elizabeth/Emma. Unfortunately that was the only redeeming thing about this long winded novel. This book was basically the same scene rewritten repeatedly, almost verbatim at times: Mitch protects Elizabeth/Emma, he asks for trust, she can't give him trust, he backs off, she laments her situation. Rinse and repeat. I was frustrated and bored by ongoing storyline, making me desperate to finish DESPERATE HEARTS as quickly as possible.
Even though the book claims to be full of hot sex, humor and lots of romance, I truly don't know where any of those things are! The sex scenes were brief and poorly written and there was zero chemistry between Mitch and Elizabeth/Emma whatsoever. I felt like he was courting her because she was the only suitable woman in his life who wasn't a prostitute. With a dull storyline and uninspired writing, DESPERATE HEARTS is definitely one book that I won't be recommending to anyone who enjoys passion, excitement and chemistry in their romance reads.
August 22, 2014
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Looking for a rather sexy western. A book that takes you back to the Wild West where men had to not only take the law into their own hands, they had to be the law? If you are, you need to read Roseanne Bittner's Desperate Hearts. An exciting tale of how love can find you no matter where you are hiding.
Elizabeth Wrainwright is on the run.. Her entire life has been destroyed by an evil man that wants her money. A man who killed her mother and now insists that if she doesn't do as he says, she's next. Except Elizabeth has enough intelligence to run. To run as far away as possible and to a place no one will ever expect her to be. She finds a place in Montana and becomes a woman that would make her mother proud. Of course she doesn't quite understand how the legal dynamics work but when she is rescued from the stage robbers who want to rape her (at the very least) she learns quick that vigilante justice isn't all bad. And of course the man holding the gun is just that gorgeous.
Lawman Mitch Brady is the sheriff in town and a vigilante outside of it. Sometimes while acting as a vigilante he has to be judge, jury and executioner but more often than that he needs to be the sheriff. When he happens upon the stage being robbed he brings the men to justice and totally confuses the city girl riding that stage. Instantly intrigued he takes her into town and discovers that there is so much more to this beautiful woman than fancy skirts. She has dreams..
I really really liked this book. It's one of those books that you enjoy and can't quite put your finger on as to why. There is just that much to offer.
The characters are not caricatures of the old west, rather what I would imagine was out there. Families working for something more, women bent on survival any way they can. Powerful people who want what they want at any cost. Good strong people and yes some less than quality types. But all are fighting to survive. There is also that element that is a well known fact in the old west. Everyone has a reason to be where they are and many are looking for a second chance.
Adding to that is the fact that Elizabeth is on the run and has a powerful enemy. What it takes her time to understand is that she also has some interesting friends. From some surprising places.
Well done Ms Bittner..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Desperate Hearts, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on September 2, 2014
Looking for a rather sexy western. A book that takes you back to the Wild West where men had to not only take the law into their own hands, they had to be the law? If you are, you need to read Roseanne Bittner's Desperate Hearts. An exciting tale of how love can find you no matter where you are hiding.
Elizabeth Wrainwright is on the run.. Her entire life has been destroyed by an evil man that wants her money. A man who killed her mother and now insists that if she doesn't do as he says, she's next. Except Elizabeth has enough intelligence to run. To run as far away as possible and to a place no one will ever expect her to be. She finds a place in Montana and becomes a woman that would make her mother proud. Of course she doesn't quite understand how the legal dynamics work but when she is rescued from the stage robbers who want to rape her (at the very least) she learns quick that vigilante justice isn't all bad. And of course the man holding the gun is just that gorgeous.
Lawman Mitch Brady is the sheriff in town and a vigilante outside of it. Sometimes while acting as a vigilante he has to be judge, jury and executioner but more often than that he needs to be the sheriff. When he happens upon the stage being robbed he brings the men to justice and totally confuses the city girl riding that stage. Instantly intrigued he takes her into town and discovers that there is so much more to this beautiful woman than fancy skirts. She has dreams..
I really really liked this book. It's one of those books that you enjoy and can't quite put your finger on as to why. There is just that much to offer.
The characters are not caricatures of the old west, rather what I would imagine was out there. Families working for something more, women bent on survival any way they can. Powerful people who want what they want at any cost. Good strong people and yes some less than quality types. But all are fighting to survive. There is also that element that is a well known fact in the old west. Everyone has a reason to be where they are and many are looking for a second chance.
Adding to that is the fact that Elizabeth is on the run and has a powerful enemy. What it takes her time to understand is that she also has some interesting friends. From some surprising places.
Well done Ms Bittner..
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Desperate Hearts, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on September 2, 2014
July 28, 2017
Desperate Hearts is the story of Elizabeth/Emma running away from a horrible event and finding herself the focus of the very swoon-worthy vigilante sheriff Mitch Brady.
Emma delighted me in her innocence and desire to find a way to protect herself, despite her inability to fully do so. But when she finally realized she had someone to lean on and help carry her burden, she fully gave of herself and her heart. She also learned not to worry about what others thought of her and who was truly "proper" to be friends with.
Mitch's unwavering desire to claim and protect Emma (and really, his heart to protect *all* women) and his commanding presence captured my heart and endeared him to me tightly. I loved being there to watch him be the tough, strong, alpha man, but yet know when and how to treat Emma with tenderness.
I have only a few authors who I enjoy reading historical romance stories from - and Rosanne Bittner continues to remain at the top of the list! I love how she draws me in, makes me fall for her characters, places me firmly in another time and place, and leaves me with a smile on my heart. Thank you, Rosanne, for another beautiful story!!
Emma delighted me in her innocence and desire to find a way to protect herself, despite her inability to fully do so. But when she finally realized she had someone to lean on and help carry her burden, she fully gave of herself and her heart. She also learned not to worry about what others thought of her and who was truly "proper" to be friends with.
Mitch's unwavering desire to claim and protect Emma (and really, his heart to protect *all* women) and his commanding presence captured my heart and endeared him to me tightly. I loved being there to watch him be the tough, strong, alpha man, but yet know when and how to treat Emma with tenderness.
I have only a few authors who I enjoy reading historical romance stories from - and Rosanne Bittner continues to remain at the top of the list! I love how she draws me in, makes me fall for her characters, places me firmly in another time and place, and leaves me with a smile on my heart. Thank you, Rosanne, for another beautiful story!!
September 2, 2015
Dud. Didn't finish. Thought the premise sounded interesting, read about halfway through and got the urge to punch the heroine in the throat for not knowing what she's doing. Yes you twit, you should have stayed in the bigger city--AND HAD A BETTER PLAN TO KNOW WHAT THE HELL YOU'RE GOING TO DO! Plus...just being a lady ain't gonna save ya toots. Women of that era needed to be SMART and damn careful...or yeah, they might end up in the horozonal profession..and depending on strange men, even one that conveniently rescue you wouldn't have been a good plan.
Big points off for the necklace not immediately being described. Emma also refers to some article which is why she goes to Alder...which then vanished. I couldn't find another reference.
I also really don't think the "vigilantes" would be called that at all. They're what passes for law in that town, things aren't regular...why are they vigilantes? I also though everyone having a Mysterious Past that had to keep being referred to was dumb. Shut up or fricking explain...or lie about your damn past!
In short...lost interest halfway through. Would fling at a wall, but it's a library book.
Big points off for the necklace not immediately being described. Emma also refers to some article which is why she goes to Alder...which then vanished. I couldn't find another reference.
I also really don't think the "vigilantes" would be called that at all. They're what passes for law in that town, things aren't regular...why are they vigilantes? I also though everyone having a Mysterious Past that had to keep being referred to was dumb. Shut up or fricking explain...or lie about your damn past!
In short...lost interest halfway through. Would fling at a wall, but it's a library book.
September 3, 2014
This one didn't really work for me because it's one of those Ignorant City Girls Runs Away To Middle Of Nowhere And Gets More Than She Bargained For stories. I like westerns because I'm more likely to get self-reliant heroines, and this one is way too much Rescue Fantasy for my tastes. I was bored by the heroine and indifferent about the hero. Bittner has written better.
June 20, 2017
Yet another great read by Bittner. I don't know how she does it. Every time I think I have a favorite Bittner heroin I read another great Bittner book.
Emma Radcliff is on the run because she has been accused of a murder she did not commit. She is headed west after seeing a newspapee Ad saying single and widowed can make a fortune in a mining town in Montana as maids, cooks or cleaning laundry for miners. She takes on the assumed name of Elizabeth Wainwright hoping that the wilds of Montana is the last place that her uncle, that's also her step-father, or the New York City police would think to look for her.
Lawman Mitch Brady is patrolling knowing a stage coach is due to be in Alder soon. He finds an overturned stage and an outlaws that have pulled a young woman out and are attacking her. Mitch has no idea why this city belle would ever dream of coming to Alder but he's knows she scared. All he does know is he has a need to protect this young lady. He wants to help her, he wants to know who she really is. He wants to know what she's afraid of and why she's on the run.
The attempted stage coach robbery and murders of the men on board are just the beginning of Elizabeth learning how wild and untamed the West really is. It sends her down a very unexpected path where she will have to learn to trust a vigilante lawman. A lawman that desperately wants her to trust him. Is Alder, Montana and it's array of people that all have sorted unknown pasts really be the place where Elizabeth, or Emma rather, finds her destiny and happiness, her peace.
Emma Radcliff is on the run because she has been accused of a murder she did not commit. She is headed west after seeing a newspapee Ad saying single and widowed can make a fortune in a mining town in Montana as maids, cooks or cleaning laundry for miners. She takes on the assumed name of Elizabeth Wainwright hoping that the wilds of Montana is the last place that her uncle, that's also her step-father, or the New York City police would think to look for her.
Lawman Mitch Brady is patrolling knowing a stage coach is due to be in Alder soon. He finds an overturned stage and an outlaws that have pulled a young woman out and are attacking her. Mitch has no idea why this city belle would ever dream of coming to Alder but he's knows she scared. All he does know is he has a need to protect this young lady. He wants to help her, he wants to know who she really is. He wants to know what she's afraid of and why she's on the run.
The attempted stage coach robbery and murders of the men on board are just the beginning of Elizabeth learning how wild and untamed the West really is. It sends her down a very unexpected path where she will have to learn to trust a vigilante lawman. A lawman that desperately wants her to trust him. Is Alder, Montana and it's array of people that all have sorted unknown pasts really be the place where Elizabeth, or Emma rather, finds her destiny and happiness, her peace.
August 15, 2017
Well, I chose this book from the shelf because it was set in Montana, only to realize that I had already read a Montana book this year! It was a standard romance, heavy on the protective-male, silly but pretty female stuff. There is no hint that any woman could survive anywhere, but especially in Montana, alone, as all the women in town (many of them living on their own) assure our Heroine. I was also grumpy by the close proximity of the traumatic confession of rape and the first sex scene. Ew. And our hero heroically declines to blame the woman for getting raped, and has many cookies given to him. Which may be somewhat period appropriate, but is still annoying.
November 2, 2014
This is more like it! This is the second book that the author has released in several years. This book says that definitely Rosanne Bittner is back !
The start grabs and hold interest, you meet and hate the villian, and fall-in-love with the hero.
My only complaint is the cover... that looks like a 19 year old kid not a 25 year old vigilante who has lived on his own since he was 6.
I am looking forward to meet Jake Harkner in her next book.
The start grabs and hold interest, you meet and hate the villian, and fall-in-love with the hero.
My only complaint is the cover... that looks like a 19 year old kid not a 25 year old vigilante who has lived on his own since he was 6.
I am looking forward to meet Jake Harkner in her next book.
February 22, 2015
Didn't finish book. I thought the heroine was pretty dumb. She flees her stepfather with a very expensive necklace that belonged to her mother. And 3 dresses. She decides to run as far as she can and goes to a mining town.
I just couldn't agree with the heroine's choices. She even said she should have thought things through more. Now she's in a mining town where it's not safe for her to walk around because all the men keep asking her if she's "a lady of the night"
Did not finish book.
I just couldn't agree with the heroine's choices. She even said she should have thought things through more. Now she's in a mining town where it's not safe for her to walk around because all the men keep asking her if she's "a lady of the night"
Did not finish book.
August 27, 2014
I tried a book by this author once before and absolutely loved it so naturally when the opportunity came up, I enthusiastically grabbed this one for a read. The Historic Wild West in all its facets just comes alive in this author's written word. Her ability to blend a nice spicy romance against the gritty settings and engaging plots is just a plus in this standalone story about a desperate, terrified woman seeking to lose herself in the West and the rough, capable, protective and yet gentle lawman that only wants her trust and her love.
The story opens with Emma Radcliffe, now stylizing herself as Elizabeth Wainwright, making her way on the last leg of her journey to the unknown, hoping to hide from the monstrous man seeking to pin the murder of her mother and theft of his so-called property on her. He is a beast and capable of unspeakable things so that even the fatiguing and scary journey to the even scarier, strange, wildness of Montana Territory has its appeal. That is until her stagecoach is held up, the other passengers and driver murdered and she about to be ravaged by a scruffy group of thieves. To her rescue, comes a man that she is unclear about whether he is much better when he shoots down three of the five men like vermin and leaves the other two weaponless and in their underwear while cuffed to the turned over stage. His description of himself and his appearance are less than flattering, but he is at least honest. He escorts her on to the town she was intending for her new home. She shies away from him wanting nothing to do with the big, ruthless vigilante though at the same time she is drawn to him and misses him when he's not around. Elizabeth reluctantly accepts his aid to get established and is bewildered by her confused and conflicted feelings and thoughts when it comes to lawman, Mitch Brady.
Mitch is very aware that the young, naive beauty that he rescued is lying about so many things, but with that knowledge comes the additional truth that she is not a bad woman, but a scared one that has seen her fair share of trouble and misery. He helps her and advises her even when she stubbornly insists that she'll be fine and can take care of herself. He has never felt the way he does about Elizabeth and struggles to understand the feelings he has for her all the while he has to keep his wits about him as the family of the robbers he brought in for hanging are set to get revenge on him.
I found the general plot and story to be a page-turner and engaged my interest and emotions from the beginning. The pace was good though I will contradict myself about that shortly. The setting of a mining town in Montana Territory and the raw justice served by the vigilantes was fascinating and a strong foundation for the story. The description of daily life in a mining town and the people that populated it was painted so well that I could picture it and feel I was there while reading. The plot tackles darker themes of sexual and physical abuse, murder and public hangings. Some may find this disturbing though it was handled in a detached and not hands-on sort of way.
As to the characters, Mitch was larger than life and the perfect hot-blooded, ruggedly handsome western hero that I love. He had depth too in that the author gave him a strong backstory and lots of description throughout the book for additional depth to his character. He was unapologetic about who and what he was and was honest with himself and then with Elizabeth about his feelings and wants. So refreshing! He put it all out there and was patient with Elizabeth's hang-ups.
About her now, this is where I'm going to say something contrary about the pacing. The book was indeed well paced with the exception of Elizabeth's internal monologue and rehashing of her fears about what was in her past and misconceptions that were a result of judging the West and its people by Eastern standards. Elizabeth had some truly awful things happen to her. Unfortunately, the damage from this causes an eighteen year old Elizabeth to judge all males the same way- potential abusers and thieves. She spent about sixty percent of the book mentally dithering over the same thoughts like her brain was on a hamster wheel. She had all the evidence she needed that Mitch was NOT her step-dad and neither were several other men and she even had several people including Mitch see right through her lies and assure her that whatever she was running from wouldn't shock them because many people in town came from rough pasts, but, see here is where she showed her young age and how the trauma from her past held her emotionally hostage. She got stubborn and wouldn't listen. Sigh... Elizabeth, for all her stubbornness, was a worthy heroine and so plucky to survive and thrive after what her life dealt her. She came alone to the untamed lands of Montana and determined to make a fresh start on very little.
The romance was slow to build mostly because Elizabeth was so cautious. Mitch's love for her happened pretty quickly and he gently and firmly went after what he wanted. Their romance followed the social norms of the day though at a certain point I laughed when they basically said 'chuck it' and got down too it. Elizabeth without her caution was as eager as Mitch to have something together. Mitch had been a lonely man, orphaned and drifting since age six, so it was heartwarming to see him find a lovely woman who needed him and eventually accepted him as he was. They came together and were a convincing, passionate couple.
All in all, this was another splendid reading experience that carried me along both into the past and into these characters' lives. Personally, I have plans to continue reading this author's future work and check out her backlist of titles. I would definitely encourage Western Historical Romance fans to take this one up.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The story opens with Emma Radcliffe, now stylizing herself as Elizabeth Wainwright, making her way on the last leg of her journey to the unknown, hoping to hide from the monstrous man seeking to pin the murder of her mother and theft of his so-called property on her. He is a beast and capable of unspeakable things so that even the fatiguing and scary journey to the even scarier, strange, wildness of Montana Territory has its appeal. That is until her stagecoach is held up, the other passengers and driver murdered and she about to be ravaged by a scruffy group of thieves. To her rescue, comes a man that she is unclear about whether he is much better when he shoots down three of the five men like vermin and leaves the other two weaponless and in their underwear while cuffed to the turned over stage. His description of himself and his appearance are less than flattering, but he is at least honest. He escorts her on to the town she was intending for her new home. She shies away from him wanting nothing to do with the big, ruthless vigilante though at the same time she is drawn to him and misses him when he's not around. Elizabeth reluctantly accepts his aid to get established and is bewildered by her confused and conflicted feelings and thoughts when it comes to lawman, Mitch Brady.
Mitch is very aware that the young, naive beauty that he rescued is lying about so many things, but with that knowledge comes the additional truth that she is not a bad woman, but a scared one that has seen her fair share of trouble and misery. He helps her and advises her even when she stubbornly insists that she'll be fine and can take care of herself. He has never felt the way he does about Elizabeth and struggles to understand the feelings he has for her all the while he has to keep his wits about him as the family of the robbers he brought in for hanging are set to get revenge on him.
I found the general plot and story to be a page-turner and engaged my interest and emotions from the beginning. The pace was good though I will contradict myself about that shortly. The setting of a mining town in Montana Territory and the raw justice served by the vigilantes was fascinating and a strong foundation for the story. The description of daily life in a mining town and the people that populated it was painted so well that I could picture it and feel I was there while reading. The plot tackles darker themes of sexual and physical abuse, murder and public hangings. Some may find this disturbing though it was handled in a detached and not hands-on sort of way.
As to the characters, Mitch was larger than life and the perfect hot-blooded, ruggedly handsome western hero that I love. He had depth too in that the author gave him a strong backstory and lots of description throughout the book for additional depth to his character. He was unapologetic about who and what he was and was honest with himself and then with Elizabeth about his feelings and wants. So refreshing! He put it all out there and was patient with Elizabeth's hang-ups.
About her now, this is where I'm going to say something contrary about the pacing. The book was indeed well paced with the exception of Elizabeth's internal monologue and rehashing of her fears about what was in her past and misconceptions that were a result of judging the West and its people by Eastern standards. Elizabeth had some truly awful things happen to her. Unfortunately, the damage from this causes an eighteen year old Elizabeth to judge all males the same way- potential abusers and thieves. She spent about sixty percent of the book mentally dithering over the same thoughts like her brain was on a hamster wheel. She had all the evidence she needed that Mitch was NOT her step-dad and neither were several other men and she even had several people including Mitch see right through her lies and assure her that whatever she was running from wouldn't shock them because many people in town came from rough pasts, but, see here is where she showed her young age and how the trauma from her past held her emotionally hostage. She got stubborn and wouldn't listen. Sigh... Elizabeth, for all her stubbornness, was a worthy heroine and so plucky to survive and thrive after what her life dealt her. She came alone to the untamed lands of Montana and determined to make a fresh start on very little.
The romance was slow to build mostly because Elizabeth was so cautious. Mitch's love for her happened pretty quickly and he gently and firmly went after what he wanted. Their romance followed the social norms of the day though at a certain point I laughed when they basically said 'chuck it' and got down too it. Elizabeth without her caution was as eager as Mitch to have something together. Mitch had been a lonely man, orphaned and drifting since age six, so it was heartwarming to see him find a lovely woman who needed him and eventually accepted him as he was. They came together and were a convincing, passionate couple.
All in all, this was another splendid reading experience that carried me along both into the past and into these characters' lives. Personally, I have plans to continue reading this author's future work and check out her backlist of titles. I would definitely encourage Western Historical Romance fans to take this one up.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and Net Galley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2019
You can't have a good romance story if the h doesn't get raped by the villain. Why do authors do this? And then wait until over half way through the story before they drop that tidbit, because they thing you'll be so into the story you'll want to finish it. Well I don't have a problem with dropping it and leaving it unfinished.
May 15, 2015
This book opens with a bang. Elizabeth Wainright is escaping something bad. She is fleeing west on a stage coach when it’s attacked by thieves. All on board except for Elizabeth are killed but she is saved when lawman and vigilante Mitch Brady, who patrols the area as part of his job, rescues her, kills some of the outlaws and captures the others. He’s taken with Elizabeth right from the beginning; with her beauty and her innocence and he knows she’s running away from something. He takes her under his wing, seeing she gets help with her injuries, her lodging and her looking for a job. He wants her to trust him with her secrets as he knows instinctively that she is innocent of whatever she is running from but she is so scared she won’t trust him, especially at first, with even her real age.
But slowly over time and as she begins to see what kind of man he really is, Elizabeth begins to trust Mitch and return his feelings, and finally tells him all, including her real name, Emma. She’s running from her step father who is framing her for the recent death of her mother in order to claim a family heirloom because of his gambling habits.
While not as emotionally draining as some of her earlier stories, I still really enjoyed this book. Ms. Bittner really does write great Westerns, she really seems to have a feel for the time and the setting. Her books, including Desperate Hearts, are gritty and as the old west was a gritty time, so they should be. I found the fact that Mitch was part of a vigilante group interesting. The setting is Montana before it was a state and there was no official “law” in the territory. And they enacted vigilante justice in the book.
Thankfully Mitch is an honest man, albeit a hard one. He’s so gone for Elizabeth/Emma and so protective of her. I love that kind of hero. He is one heck of a yummy hero. And I liked Emma also, though I did find her a bit slow to trust Mitch. But then considering what she has gone through, it’s not really surprising. She was raised in a privileged and wealthy home in New York and she was so out of her element in the old west it was almost a different planet. Everything she knew was different. She makes friends with a woman of ill repute. She’s still in deep mourning over the death of her mother, a death she knows she is being accused of. Her dealings with her step-father were horrifying. So I didn’t wonder that she almost didn’t know which way to turn.
As I said, it’s not the best I’ve read by her, but I still enjoyed it quite a lot, look forward to seeing more of her older books being reissued and ebooks and I’m in countdown mode now for Outlaw Hearts
But slowly over time and as she begins to see what kind of man he really is, Elizabeth begins to trust Mitch and return his feelings, and finally tells him all, including her real name, Emma. She’s running from her step father who is framing her for the recent death of her mother in order to claim a family heirloom because of his gambling habits.
While not as emotionally draining as some of her earlier stories, I still really enjoyed this book. Ms. Bittner really does write great Westerns, she really seems to have a feel for the time and the setting. Her books, including Desperate Hearts, are gritty and as the old west was a gritty time, so they should be. I found the fact that Mitch was part of a vigilante group interesting. The setting is Montana before it was a state and there was no official “law” in the territory. And they enacted vigilante justice in the book.
Thankfully Mitch is an honest man, albeit a hard one. He’s so gone for Elizabeth/Emma and so protective of her. I love that kind of hero. He is one heck of a yummy hero. And I liked Emma also, though I did find her a bit slow to trust Mitch. But then considering what she has gone through, it’s not really surprising. She was raised in a privileged and wealthy home in New York and she was so out of her element in the old west it was almost a different planet. Everything she knew was different. She makes friends with a woman of ill repute. She’s still in deep mourning over the death of her mother, a death she knows she is being accused of. Her dealings with her step-father were horrifying. So I didn’t wonder that she almost didn’t know which way to turn.
As I said, it’s not the best I’ve read by her, but I still enjoyed it quite a lot, look forward to seeing more of her older books being reissued and ebooks and I’m in countdown mode now for Outlaw Hearts
June 21, 2015
Welcome to the Wild West at its finest!
This story is bittersweet. It’s also revealing and heartening. Bittner captivates her audience with both the best and the worst of human nature. Her vivid yet realistic descriptions place the reader right in the middle of the action. You don’t just visualise this story, you live it. I found myself transported back in time, living vicariously through the pages of this novel.
The characters in this tale were completely breathtaking. They were so real that it made it easy to fathom the experiences that they lived. I also appreciated the fact that they rose above what they lived through. That said, although their histories were definitely harsh and daunting, they weren’t completely out of the realm of possible. In fact, they are still things that occur too often today. Bittner allows the characters’ emotions to shine through the pages of this novel, thus giving her readers an opportunity to connect with them. I found myself drawn in to their lives and definitely didn’t want to let them go at the end.
Overall, I was completely enthralled throughout. Bittner takes western historical romance to an entirely new level with this story. It may have been my first of her novels but it definitely won’t be my last.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This story is bittersweet. It’s also revealing and heartening. Bittner captivates her audience with both the best and the worst of human nature. Her vivid yet realistic descriptions place the reader right in the middle of the action. You don’t just visualise this story, you live it. I found myself transported back in time, living vicariously through the pages of this novel.
The characters in this tale were completely breathtaking. They were so real that it made it easy to fathom the experiences that they lived. I also appreciated the fact that they rose above what they lived through. That said, although their histories were definitely harsh and daunting, they weren’t completely out of the realm of possible. In fact, they are still things that occur too often today. Bittner allows the characters’ emotions to shine through the pages of this novel, thus giving her readers an opportunity to connect with them. I found myself drawn in to their lives and definitely didn’t want to let them go at the end.
Overall, I was completely enthralled throughout. Bittner takes western historical romance to an entirely new level with this story. It may have been my first of her novels but it definitely won’t be my last.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
September 5, 2014
Miss Emma Radcliffe, AKA Elizabeth Wainwright is on the run from a step-father who will stop at nothing to see her in his clutches, including having her formally accused for the murder of her own mother. Headed out West in a stagecoach without a companion, Emma finds herself in the midst of a robbery gone wrong. When she is saved from being raped by the attackers by lawman, Mitch Brady, she is in for more than she bargains for when he seeks to protect her, even from herself if necessary.
Once Mitch begins to get to know Elizabeth better, he knows she isn't being honest about many of the things she's told him about herself. Elizabeth doesn't realize that Mitch will discover her secrets all while his feeling for her evolve into much more than just wanting to protect her. Elizabeth has feeling for Mitch as well, but if he discovers what she has run from, will he understand?
Emma/Elizabeth is a total fish out of water when she arrives into Montana Territory. She is a like-able character. I wish she was more confident. The handsome and honorable, Mitch Brady is the ultimate alpha. When there is danger around, you want a man like Mitch at your back. DESPERATE HEARTS by Rosanne Bittner is a very pleasing read. I look forward to reading more by this author, as this was the first book I have read.
Once Mitch begins to get to know Elizabeth better, he knows she isn't being honest about many of the things she's told him about herself. Elizabeth doesn't realize that Mitch will discover her secrets all while his feeling for her evolve into much more than just wanting to protect her. Elizabeth has feeling for Mitch as well, but if he discovers what she has run from, will he understand?
Emma/Elizabeth is a total fish out of water when she arrives into Montana Territory. She is a like-able character. I wish she was more confident. The handsome and honorable, Mitch Brady is the ultimate alpha. When there is danger around, you want a man like Mitch at your back. DESPERATE HEARTS by Rosanne Bittner is a very pleasing read. I look forward to reading more by this author, as this was the first book I have read.
August 29, 2014
Rosanne Bittner has written many novels and I have read quite a few of her works. In fact, I wonder that she can come up with new story lines. However in “Desperate Hearts” she has done just that. Although it’s a classic tale of a runaway heroine trying to escape the clutches of a depraved relative, there is enough action and adventure in this novel to keep you interested to the last page.
Elizabeth Wainwright runs from New York to a little hole-in-the-wall gold town of Alder, Montana. Most of the people in Alder are running from something or someone. The town sheriff, Mitch Brady, is also a vigilante in Montana and the only law for miles around. Elizabeth is coming into town on a stagecoach when outlaws attack and she is the only one left alive. Mitch arrives just in time to save her virtue and her life.
The story continues as the townspeople surround Mitch and Elizabeth with caring concern in the wake of many attempts on both Mitch’s and Elizabeth’s lives. Along the way, the two come to trust each other enough to be able to share whatever is lurking in their pasts and preventing them from going on with life.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a good old western novel. I was sent a free print copy by NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-cr.
Elizabeth Wainwright runs from New York to a little hole-in-the-wall gold town of Alder, Montana. Most of the people in Alder are running from something or someone. The town sheriff, Mitch Brady, is also a vigilante in Montana and the only law for miles around. Elizabeth is coming into town on a stagecoach when outlaws attack and she is the only one left alive. Mitch arrives just in time to save her virtue and her life.
The story continues as the townspeople surround Mitch and Elizabeth with caring concern in the wake of many attempts on both Mitch’s and Elizabeth’s lives. Along the way, the two come to trust each other enough to be able to share whatever is lurking in their pasts and preventing them from going on with life.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and found it to be a good old western novel. I was sent a free print copy by NightOwlReviews.com in return for my honest review. You can find this review on my blog at http://wp.me/p2pjIt-cr.
September 2, 2014
I enjoyed Desperate Hearts. I thought it was a well written and sweet romance about two people finding love during the gold rush in Montana. Elizabeth has fled to the other side of the country in order to escape her abusive uncle. She has something very valuable with her that he wants to take for his own. Mitch rescues her from a stage coach robbery and it is love at first sight for him. He will do anything he can to protect her and win her heart.
While I loved the romance between Mitch and Elizabeth, I liked the overall story more. I felt like the story wasn't overly romanticized. The author did a great job of showing the harsh realities of that time, especially when it came to the treatment of women. Gold mining wasn't glamorous or easy work. The tensions of the times caused people to turn to theft, rape and even murder. It gave more depth to the story.
If you are looking for an enjoyable western romance, then I do recommend checking this one out.
While I loved the romance between Mitch and Elizabeth, I liked the overall story more. I felt like the story wasn't overly romanticized. The author did a great job of showing the harsh realities of that time, especially when it came to the treatment of women. Gold mining wasn't glamorous or easy work. The tensions of the times caused people to turn to theft, rape and even murder. It gave more depth to the story.
If you are looking for an enjoyable western romance, then I do recommend checking this one out.
August 30, 2014
Awesome read! Engaging characters! Emma is running away from her abuser who is also her mom's murderer. She is a young, beautiful city girl who lands right smack in the Montana wilderness. Mitch Brady is the town's lawman and pretty soon Emma's protector and so much more! I received this book,free, in a Goodread's First Read's Giveaway. Thank you! I honestly loved this story!
January 2, 2019
Totally emotionally engaged with this book. Felt the desperation, fear, anxiety & budding joy. Lots of action, rough west justice, shoot outs & fierce hero.
One thing word vigilante tad over used (approx 67 times). I guess it was annoying because of connotation of the word & association with the good guys.
One thing word vigilante tad over used (approx 67 times). I guess it was annoying because of connotation of the word & association with the good guys.
November 3, 2016
This story is a heart wrenching ride. Many of the characters deal with serious issues and life altering events in the book. It shows how violence against women can shape a person, both lead characters are affected by it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2014
Rosanne is my favorite author, so of course I loved it. It was classic romance, and the characters again made me want to go back in time.
April 17, 2024
Desperate Hearts is not as well known as Bittner’s other books but it still warrants a read. The heroine, Elizabeth is on the run having been accused of a murder she didn’t commit. From New York City she travels across the country to Montana… as far away as she can get from her evil stepfather.
She is rescued from a stage coach robbery by Mitch Brady, lawman and vigilante, and this is when she meets him .. the hero of the story. The story continues as Elizabeth settles into Alder, Montana with Mitch there to be a friend and look after her. Does her NYC trauma catch up with her? What can she do to survive in Montana?
Really good story overall, tho moved a bit slowly at times … repetitive thoughts of the heroine dulled the story’s pace. She lives in fear and repeatedly agonizes over it.
Mitch is the kind of caring, kind and ever so handsome hero who’s so good to read about. Some violence but it’s mostly tame, and the sex scenes are fairly brief and mild. The sheets weren’t really scorched! A nice story full of many good town folk who rally behind Elizabeth and Mitch make this a heartwarming tale.
She is rescued from a stage coach robbery by Mitch Brady, lawman and vigilante, and this is when she meets him .. the hero of the story. The story continues as Elizabeth settles into Alder, Montana with Mitch there to be a friend and look after her. Does her NYC trauma catch up with her? What can she do to survive in Montana?
Really good story overall, tho moved a bit slowly at times … repetitive thoughts of the heroine dulled the story’s pace. She lives in fear and repeatedly agonizes over it.
Mitch is the kind of caring, kind and ever so handsome hero who’s so good to read about. Some violence but it’s mostly tame, and the sex scenes are fairly brief and mild. The sheets weren’t really scorched! A nice story full of many good town folk who rally behind Elizabeth and Mitch make this a heartwarming tale.
December 8, 2021
Elizabeth Wainright has gone west to escape her abusive stepfather. When the stagecoach in which she is riding is attacked, she is saved by local sheriff and vigilante, Mitch Brady. Mitch takes Elizabeth to the town of Alder and begins to spend more and more time with her, but she has a secret that she is not willing to share with anyone, especially a man. After her experience with her stepfather, she knows she can never trust a man again, but Mitch is attentive and kind. He also promises to keep her safe in a town known for its lawlessness.
Desperate Hearts is a very straight forward western historical romance. It is clear early in the story who the good guys and bad guys are. The love between the two main characters seems to happen very quickly and without much difficulty as most of the conflict is more internal than external. Much of the drama is over the top and the characters are not well developed, but the story is an easy, quick read with a satisfying outcome. Overall, Desperate Hearts is an average western historical. 2 1/2 stars
Desperate Hearts is a very straight forward western historical romance. It is clear early in the story who the good guys and bad guys are. The love between the two main characters seems to happen very quickly and without much difficulty as most of the conflict is more internal than external. Much of the drama is over the top and the characters are not well developed, but the story is an easy, quick read with a satisfying outcome. Overall, Desperate Hearts is an average western historical. 2 1/2 stars
January 13, 2024
My first Rosanne Bittner book. A good story I rate at 3.5 stars. It has a very strong male main character in Mitch Brady and a female lead in Elizabeth/Emma who I think was fortunate traveling west from New York alone in July 1866 until almost reaching her destination of Alder, Montana. Somewhere between Virginia City and Alder, a gang of outlaws robs the stage she's in and this is the incident that introduces her to Mitch Brady and kicks off the story.
Of course, the main hero is very handsome (aren't they all?) and the heroine is the most beautiful woman (as usual) to ever arrive in the mining town of Alder. The supporting cast of Sarah, Ma Kelly, Doc Wilson, and Mitch's deputies round out a solid group that make the story more believable.
If you like historical westerns with romance, suspense, and action, then you will enjoy this one. I will definitely read another of Ms. Bittner's work.
Of course, the main hero is very handsome (aren't they all?) and the heroine is the most beautiful woman (as usual) to ever arrive in the mining town of Alder. The supporting cast of Sarah, Ma Kelly, Doc Wilson, and Mitch's deputies round out a solid group that make the story more believable.
If you like historical westerns with romance, suspense, and action, then you will enjoy this one. I will definitely read another of Ms. Bittner's work.
April 22, 2025
I really love how Mitch is basically the definition of a “lone wolf” and he let Elizabeth into his life almost immediately and took responsibility for watching over her. Everything about Elizabeth’s backstory makes me want to cry, I feel so bad for her! Radcliffe is such a pooper for everything that he did to her and her mom. And I’m sorry but he’s her uNCLE. He mARRIED HER MOM. Then kILLED HER MOM. Then rAPED HER. Like bro… no one likes you.😒😒
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 26, 2025
Not my favorite by this author. The beginning of the story hooked me but then it slowed down and lost my interest. I was disappointed. This book has a much simpler plot than "Thunder on the Plains" by Rosanne Bittner, which is one of her earlier works. "Desperate Hearts" does not have the same magic.
November 11, 2019
Certainly not classic literature, but you picked up a romance novel. The "romance" part of the story isn't that intense...I would say this is more of a western novel with a love story. Fun, light read.
September 4, 2019
Loved it
Wish there had been a epilogue to this book, or maybe a 2nd book . Loved Emma and Mitch. Their love was strong. Want their story to continue.
Wish there had been a epilogue to this book, or maybe a 2nd book . Loved Emma and Mitch. Their love was strong. Want their story to continue.
February 18, 2017
Short and sweet
You have to love Rosanne Bittner books to keep reading them as the theme is so similar. I guess I'm a sapp for her books as I have read them all. I was disappointed that this one was so short in length but other than that another really good read.
You have to love Rosanne Bittner books to keep reading them as the theme is so similar. I guess I'm a sapp for her books as I have read them all. I was disappointed that this one was so short in length but other than that another really good read.
June 14, 2019
Roseanne Bittner's novels have become new favorites. DESPERATE HEARTS is a stand-alone novel with lots of action and drama. This author writes gripping stories that keep the reader turning pages at a furious pace.
It is obvious that this book's villain, Alan Radcliffe, is awful when he stoops to blaming his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Wainright with the death of her own beloved mother. He is a grasping man who can never be satisfied with anything less than total control. He wants Elizabeth for his new wife and he wants Elizabeth's valuable heirloom necklace. But Elizabeth makes a mad dash away from the only life she's known -- to a wild place she thinks will be safe -- Montana.
A product of New York City, Elizabeth is poorly prepared for the violence and savagery Montanans take for granted. During a stagecoach holdup, 5 men are in the process of attacking Elizabeth when lawman Mitch Brady shoots three and forces the remaining men to strip. I knew this was a different kind of story when the 'lawman' asked injured Elizabeth if she was a 'lady of the evening.' When she told Brady no, he was downright disappointed.
This story is gritty and what Montana lacked in amenities at that time, it certainly made up for it in death and hard living. This book is stronger because the romance between Mitch and Elizabeth/Emma is not the main focus. Life is hard and this story shows life very clearly.
It is obvious that this book's villain, Alan Radcliffe, is awful when he stoops to blaming his stepdaughter, Elizabeth Wainright with the death of her own beloved mother. He is a grasping man who can never be satisfied with anything less than total control. He wants Elizabeth for his new wife and he wants Elizabeth's valuable heirloom necklace. But Elizabeth makes a mad dash away from the only life she's known -- to a wild place she thinks will be safe -- Montana.
A product of New York City, Elizabeth is poorly prepared for the violence and savagery Montanans take for granted. During a stagecoach holdup, 5 men are in the process of attacking Elizabeth when lawman Mitch Brady shoots three and forces the remaining men to strip. I knew this was a different kind of story when the 'lawman' asked injured Elizabeth if she was a 'lady of the evening.' When she told Brady no, he was downright disappointed.
This story is gritty and what Montana lacked in amenities at that time, it certainly made up for it in death and hard living. This book is stronger because the romance between Mitch and Elizabeth/Emma is not the main focus. Life is hard and this story shows life very clearly.
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