The Bastard Heir

Outlaws of the Wild West #2

by Harper St. George

A fake engagement between an unconventional heiress and the outlaw she blackmails leads to a high-stakes game of love neither saw coming in this novel from Harper St. George’s The Gilded West series.

Consumed by vengeance and on the trail of the murderer who killed his grandfather, Castillo Jameson has no room in his life for love. Until a chance encounter on a train throws a beautiful heiress in the crossfire of his revenge, where they share a stolen kiss, never expecting to see each other again.

Caroline Hartford has aspirations that don’t include settling down into a loveless, society marriage. Her dream is to become a physician, but her parents demand she marry first. Then the dangerous outlaw from the train arrives at the wedding she’s attending, and Caroline knows she’s found the answer to her problem. She’ll keep his real identity a secret, if he’ll pretend to be her fiancé.

Against the backdrop of America’s Gilded West, Castillo’s enemies threaten to bring their precarious alliance crumbling down around them. Torn between duty and a love that could shatter them both, he’ll have to decide if he can let go of the past to embrace a future with the woman he loves.

Originally published as Marriage Deal With the Outlaw. This version has been reedited and updated with new content.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Harlequin

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 18, 2017

About the author

Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.

She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com

Reviews

[Frankie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my first Western Historical Romance and it’s not at all what I was expecting, the nearest I have come to westerns is watching old cowboy movie’s, so in my ignorance I was thinking it would be the same – with gunslinger wearing wide-brimmed hats, as they ride through various deserts. But this is fabulous, this completely blew my mind.

It’s intelligently written, super sexy and funny with a dark and dangerous undercurrent.

Caroline just wants to follow her dreams and become a doctor, but her selfish parents, especially her mother putting the boot in and telling her she must marry first. What’s even worse is that her mother has gone and picked out a suitor for her.
Castillo Jameson or as he prefers to be called Reyes is out for revenge, he has been on the hunt for a murderer for years and Castillo won’t rest until he has it. But he also, desperately wants a family of his own, he wants a normal life. But seeing as he is wanted outlaw he can’t see that ever happening to him anytime soon.

That is until he meets Caroline.

Castillo is a suave and ultra sexy man, I have always loved a pair of green eyes and Castillo has the most amazing eyes. St. George has done a brilliant job at how well she had written Castillo, he springs up into your mind fully formed and he really is one brutally handsome man, he is charismatic, suave and his sex appeal just simmers off the page, that you end up in a melted puddle on the floor.

Castillo just so damn sexy and he knows it. He knows his effect on women and yet he isn’t arrogant, he just knows how to use his natural charm to get what he wants – and my goodness is he charming.

I adore it when he uses his Spanish charm on Caroline – especially when he uses the Spanish equivalent of her name “Caroleena” and that alone can make you squirm with pure delight.

Highly recommended!!

Full Review at Chick's Rogues and Scandals
https://chicksroguesandscandals.wordp...

[Angela Hates Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is fine. Just okie dokie by me. I don’t have any complaints or praise just a solid meh no feelings read. I’ve already forgotten every single thing and it’s been 4 minutes since I finished it. My brain has deemed it 100% replaceable. I think my brain was even like “Nah, we won’t even wait to retain anything for the review, she doesn’t need it, it’s fine, just dump it and let’s leave this space for annoying songs instead.”

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castillo Jameson is still on the trail of Buck Derringer, who murdered Castillo’s grandfather three years before. Castillo is on a train to the Montana Territory, along with his friend Zane, two of the outlawed Reyes Brothers. Caroline Hartford is also on the same train to attend a family wedding. Her Aunt Prudie has asked Caroline to fetch her some scones before the pastries are all gone, and that is when Caroline is grabbed by a bad man: Bennett Derringer, Buck’s son. Zane and Castillo had caught a glimpse of Bennett prior to the incident, a scuffle ensues, they rescue Caroline, but Bennett escapes.

Caroline has been accepted to Boston University School of Medicine, and she is determined to follow in her father’s footsteps. However her parents agree on one condition: Caroline must marry if she is to attend University, and they will find her a suitable husband. Caroline doesn’t like the idea, but when circumstances throw her and Castillo together, a plan starts to form in her brilliant mind: neither she nor Castillo can deny the attraction they feel, so why not go along with it? She will keep to herself that he is a wanted man if he helps her realise her dream.

And with what seems a simple premise, Harper St. George created a magnificent and unforgettable story! A MARRIAGE DEAL WITH THE OUTLAW is a fantastic story of very complicated family relationships, colliding values, and a most fabulous romance! Oh my, and how the sparks fly! There is so much genuine chemistry between Castillo and Caroline, I nearly felt it through my reader! Caroline is sensible, proper, passionate about what she wants and determined to have it, and Castillo is pretty much the same. I loved her and it was so easy to relate to her. Castillo is one of the most charismatic heroes I have read in a good while. I was completely under his spell, especially with that smooth Antonio Banderas accent I could hear in my head. Be still my heart!

On top of this glorious romance, there is the terrific hunt for Derringer with pulse-pounding action and suspense, and always wondering how it will turn out for Castillo and Caroline – separately and/or together – because nothing seemed a sure thing until the very end. Ms. St. George brings the Wild West to life with vivid descriptions of the colourful vistas, and precious historical details that complete the grandiose tableaux of Montana, but also of life in Boston. I was completely entranced by the romance, at how genuine it felt, at how everything was just right on every page, and worrying all the while at how it would end. I am generally not a fan of epilogues, but the one in A MARRIAGE DEAL WITH THE OUTLAW was exactly the ending the book needed. As everything else in this book, it was perfect. The writing is flawless, there are lovely humorous touches, the pacing is impeccable, the dialogues are witty and absolutely brilliant, and the cherry on top: the cover is just how I imagined Caroline and Castillo. A MARRIAGE DEAL WITH THE OUTLAW is outstanding on all counts!

See my review on: http://www.buriedunderromance.com/201...

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[Lori (on hiatus, life is crazy busy)) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am loving this outlaw series! Castillo Jameson has been hunting the man who murdered his grandfather for years. He is considered an outlaw as well. He meets Caroline at his family home in Montana the week of his brothers wedding. She is headstrong and independent and he can't seem to get her off his mind. But he doesn't want to put her life in jeopardy by becoming involved with her. Yet she cannot seem to stay away from him. They embark on a journey that could shame her name or put her in harms way. Great story!

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castillo Jameson made a vow to track down the men who ruined his grandfather. Doing that has resulted in him becoming an outlaw. He never dreamed his trail would lead to a stand off on a train with a beautiful young woman held as hostage. Castillo does the honorable things and saves the woman who turns out to be Caroline Hartford.

Caroline Hartford has her own troubles. She wants to study to be a physician and has been accepted into Medical School, but now her parents are insisting she marry first. She is sure whoever becomes her husband will not allow her to continue her studies. When Castillo turns up at the same wedding she is attending, Caroline has the perfect solution – she will keep quiet about his true identity if he will pretend to be her fiancé. The games afoot as these two find themselves confusing fake and real.

Castillo Jameson was a dangerous man but Caroline Hartford did not see that part of him. She had no qualms blackmailing him into doing what she wanted. Caroline was an amazing heroine. Determined to become a doctor, she had no problem working hard and doing whatever she needed to do to make that a reality. She was cool, calm and collected, even when faced with danger. It is these qualities that attracted Castillo. He had no desire to change her and admired her determination to become a doctor. Unfortunately, danger lingered nearby and Castillo realized he would do anything to keep Caroline safe.

I enjoy reading books by Harper St. George. She always adds a zing to her books that make them exciting and different. In A Marriage Deal with an Outlaw, she adds the danger aspect of being and dealing with an outlaw as well as the determination of Caroline to become a doctor, something few women achieved at that time. These two seemingly mismatched individuals make for great reading and some very exciting scenes. Pick this one up and see for yourself. Be sure to add Harper St. George to your list.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the second book in the Outlaws of the Wild West series and after loving the first book The Innocent and the Outlaw, I was definitely looking forward to reading this one. Oh my what can I say but another 5 star book from author Harper St. George!

Castillo Jameson is an outlaw who has been hunting down the man who murdered his grandfather. If you've read the first book in this series then you've already met Castillo and know some of his story. Caroline Hartford wants to follow in her father's footsteps and become a doctor. Her parents want her married and settled before they will agree to allow her to attend medical school...

I loved Castillo and Caroline, as characters they were both strong, intelligent and determined to fulfill their individual dreams. Together they were a fantastic couple and the chemistry was evident from their first meeting. The story as with the previous one is fast paced, full of action, drama and a fabulous romance! Several secondary characters make an appearance and we have a few new ones that make this a 5 star read! Highly recommend this book!

[Lynsay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved this book. Was excited for Castillo's story after the first book in the series and I am looking foward to Zane's story. Really can't wait for that one.

Anyhow, this was a great story. Got to learn a little more about Castillo and his personality as well as more of his past.
**********
*****Tiny bit of a spoiler here:
Grant Miller was a little too convient. Not as a suitor but as an inside man for Derringer. To me it almost read as an afterthought as if the author was like, 'I need to add a bit more suspense or create a dangerous situation for Caroline so Castillo will realize he loves her, since jealousy won't be enough.'

Overall it was a great read and again I am looking forward to Zane's story.

[Harlequin Books]

"Tangled family relationships, vengeance, loyalty and passion collide in St. George’s second Outlaws of the West installment. Readers will revel in becoming reacquainted with the Jameson family as St. George enlivens the Old West through her characters’ fast-paced story, which sizzles with sensuality and action" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Outlaws of the Wild West

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Castillo lives two lives, but a woman by the name of Caroline gives him hope for one life, one life with her. A wonderful romance that kept me up all night hoping for an HEA.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it. I’m just comparing it to the sex scenes in her more recent stuff and this isn’t as spicy.

[Rachael · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 stars, rounded up down, upon further reflection.

I really, truly enjoyed this book. I found the two main characters to be fleshed out, and found the supporting characters to... well, support quite well -- they were not distracting or annoying at all in the way supporting characters sometimes can be (especially in a series where an author sometimes tries to shove the next couple down your throat -- which thankfully did not happen here), but some were noticeably more fleshed out than others. The plot followed a lot of the major lines you expect it to, but still was interesting and engaging to read. St. George's writing is very strong, and for the first time in a while, I found myself unwilling to put this book down. I loved it, and this was on its way to be a solid five star read.

...And then the ending came. I, personally, found the ending of this book to be very unsatisfying -- and not just because a good story ended, or something like that. No, there was an actual issue, here, in my mind: everything was thrown together so abruptly at the end that it felt frustratingly incomplete. The pacing of the book was working beautifully, but then it felt like hyperspeed in the last 8% of the book or so, with multiple plots coming together all at once in far too neat of a bow for my tastes. I could talk for a while about this, but instead let me hit on two points (I remain vague but still use spoiler tags to be extra safe):

First, I have to agree with another reviewer that the 'inside man' was far too convenient. It did feel like an after-the-fact throw-in, and I found the entire backstory they gave this character to be beyond belief. It just... seemed so unlikely for all of the chips to fall into place the way we're told they did, that it requires an enormous suspension of disbelief to buy. Additionally, to build on this, I'm also a bit frustrated by how quickly the entire thing went down. It felt like we'd just learned of the possible existence of an 'inside man' and seconds later we were pulling off the mask. There was so much room to go further with this particular character, to build some interesting tension and additional story, but the author just... didn't, and I'm still so confused by that choice. It really just reaffirms my belief that this was all done after-the-fact.

Secondly, I have a problem with the fact that the plot with our heroine's family never actually felt resolved. When we come to a bit of a climax between her and her parents, we then suddenly skip to another scene, then do a brief time jump, and another one later. We never actually see the parents again, and that feels really strange, especially after we spent so much time with the father throughout the story and spent the entire book with this whole you-must-marry thing looming over her head. The parents didn't even appear in the epilogue. Again: very strange. Also, it felt like there was a specific plot point between heroine's dad and the Hero that never went anywhere, and is still confusing in retrospect. (actual mini spoiler:) At one point, the heroine's dad makes a confused face at the Hero admitting to being taken with the heroine, and the reader gets a distinct feeling there's something going on there, some reason the father is surprised (because the flirtation at this point was obvious to everyone, father included (and indeed the father even made two separate actions previously indicating he was aware of it), so for the father to be confused at the Hero admitting to being taken with the heroine... you have to think something else was going on there. ...Do we ever learn what it is? No. Because heroine's parents magically disappear for the actual ending of the book, once they've apparently served their purpose.

...In writing this review and actually thinking through my feelings on this unsatisfying ending, I've actually talked myself into rounding down to 4 stars instead of rounding up to 5. This was still a great book that I very much enjoyed, but the last 8% had some major issues, and should've been much, much longer. I'll definitely still pick up another Harper St. George book and hope for a better ending.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someone who believes

Two very different people are thrown together by unusual circumstances. Needless to say, sparks fly. The story is formulaic as romances go but it is able to command the attention of the reader.

[Carleigh McFarland · Rating 4 out of 5]

Still love the plot and her writing style, and loved the characters and romance too, but I thought the progression was weird. I read this one in about four hours so it was another quick and good read. I thoroughly enjoyed it! She’s an amazing author and I’m really enjoying her work!

[Cassandra Cridland · Rating 4 out of 5]

A story that restores your faith in love at first sight and in the fact that love conquers all things. I can't wait to read the third book in the series.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a fast and easy read. It wasn’t my favorite of St. George’s books, but overall it was enjoyable.

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Outlaws of the Wild West