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A Gideon Johann Western #1
Last Stand
Last Stand is the novel that begins the #1 Bestselling Gideon Johann Western series - now with a fresh edit.
Gideon Johann had been gone from Last Stand, Colorado for eighteen years, seeming to have vanished after the Civil War. He is a man running from his conscience and keeping on the move seems to be the only thing preventing it from destroying him. Rumors of his whereabouts occasionally reach Last Stand, but no one from there had seen or heard from him since the war, leaving both the girl he left behind and his best friend with a chapter of their lives unresolved. Things change in Last Stand when a stranger is found shot and near death. The realization that the man is Gideon sets in motion old grudges, love, and a chance for redemption.
Gideon Johann had been gone from Last Stand, Colorado for eighteen years, seeming to have vanished after the Civil War. He is a man running from his conscience and keeping on the move seems to be the only thing preventing it from destroying him. Rumors of his whereabouts occasionally reach Last Stand, but no one from there had seen or heard from him since the war, leaving both the girl he left behind and his best friend with a chapter of their lives unresolved. Things change in Last Stand when a stranger is found shot and near death. The realization that the man is Gideon sets in motion old grudges, love, and a chance for redemption.
248 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
1615 people are currently reading
244 people want to read
About the author
Duane Boehm
48 books61 followersDuane Boehm grew up on a farm outside of Petersburg, Illinois. All the time spent driving a tractor gave him plenty of opportunity to let his imagination run wild and not tear up too much equipment. The two passions he developed early in life were the love of playing guitar and reading books.
He eventually moved to a mini-farm outside of Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his wife and replaced planting corn with trees and raising dogs. For a number of years he worked as an IT consultant and continued with being a part-time musician and songwriter. He dabbled in writing short stories with the idea in the back of his mind that someday he would write a novel. One Christmas after watching "A Christmas Carol", he was inspired to begin his journey as a novelist.
He eventually moved to a mini-farm outside of Murfreesboro, Tennessee with his wife and replaced planting corn with trees and raising dogs. For a number of years he worked as an IT consultant and continued with being a part-time musician and songwriter. He dabbled in writing short stories with the idea in the back of his mind that someday he would write a novel. One Christmas after watching "A Christmas Carol", he was inspired to begin his journey as a novelist.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews
March 25, 2019
Continuing characters are fun to read. Stories that go on and on are another thing entirely.
March 3, 2019
Amateurish and disappointing
An interesting premise, but sadly not realized. Thin characters, setting sorely lacking details, and where was the editor? Lack of contractions create unnatural stilted dialogue from wooden characters. Have read many western and rates at the bottom.
An interesting premise, but sadly not realized. Thin characters, setting sorely lacking details, and where was the editor? Lack of contractions create unnatural stilted dialogue from wooden characters. Have read many western and rates at the bottom.
March 5, 2019
Should
Have been more stars as it's a nice story. However I was disappointed with the use of the Lords name in vain!!!! Why the author felt she had to use this language was her way of ruining a good storyline.
Have been more stars as it's a nice story. However I was disappointed with the use of the Lords name in vain!!!! Why the author felt she had to use this language was her way of ruining a good storyline.
October 22, 2020
The storyline is okay but the writing comes across as very
Stilted. The author doesn't use contractions much, making cowboys and homesteaders in the West sound like stuffed shirts. Or Puritans
Stilted. The author doesn't use contractions much, making cowboys and homesteaders in the West sound like stuffed shirts. Or Puritans
April 13, 2019
I enjoyed reading this western, even though I don't often read this genre. It was a simple, short, and fairly predictable story, but I found the characters interesting and believable. I note that some other reviewers were 'disgusted' by the lack of morals, and I can understand this opinion, even if I disagree strongly. This is a book about the late 1800's but written as if it took place today. This means that 21st century concepts like divorce, rape, forced prostitution, and marital teasing about cutting off sexual favors are all elements in the story. I'm guessing they would not have appeared in the same story written in the 1800's. I do think the author could have used a better editor and/or proofreader - there are more than a few errors. I enjoyed the story and would read more by this author.
December 7, 2023
The story is about a bunch of self centered people living in the past. If there is a victim in this story it's Marcus whose wife dumps him in a heartbeat for an old boyfriend who shows up after 18 years. Who can blame her as she said several times during the story he was boring. Yes he loved her. Married her. Was devoted to her. But what Married woman wants a boring husband. Grounds for divorce. She plans on taking her divorce settlement and buying the hero a ranch. Nice lady.
However if you waste your life waiting around for some old boyfriend to show up so you can relive your teenage years add a star. The rest of the story is filled with dare I say boring characters who are not worth the time to read about. Imho.
However if you waste your life waiting around for some old boyfriend to show up so you can relive your teenage years add a star. The rest of the story is filled with dare I say boring characters who are not worth the time to read about. Imho.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 21, 2024
Last Stand, Duane Boehm (western)
Jeff Book Review #285
A newer 2014 western, "Last Stand" is the name of a town outside of which a cowboy is found to have been shot many times and everyone thinks he's probably a goner. Ethan and Sarah Oakes and their son Benjamin take in the injured man, who turns out to be a long-lost friend from Ethan's past named Gideon Johann.
Verdict: A forgettable western. I'll admit I got bored with it and was ready to move on to my next read so I quit on page 110 of 242.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
Jeff Book Review #285
A newer 2014 western, "Last Stand" is the name of a town outside of which a cowboy is found to have been shot many times and everyone thinks he's probably a goner. Ethan and Sarah Oakes and their son Benjamin take in the injured man, who turns out to be a long-lost friend from Ethan's past named Gideon Johann.
Verdict: A forgettable western. I'll admit I got bored with it and was ready to move on to my next read so I quit on page 110 of 242.
Jeff's Rating: 1 / 5 (Bad)
movie rating if made into a movie: PG-13
March 13, 2019
Excellent
I've not read a western in a while. I had gotten burnt out of them. I am so glad that I decided to read this one. A fantastic way to start reading the genre again a new author For me and awesome book to start with. Needless to say I will be reading the next one. Then read first book. Nothing like starting near the end of a series but I am not disappointed the book is great
I've not read a western in a while. I had gotten burnt out of them. I am so glad that I decided to read this one. A fantastic way to start reading the genre again a new author For me and awesome book to start with. Needless to say I will be reading the next one. Then read first book. Nothing like starting near the end of a series but I am not disappointed the book is great
March 19, 2019
A very enjoyable book to read. It had a combination of a true friendship, a love angle & action. It held my attention so deeply & rivetingly that I could hardly put it down at bedtime... but reluctantly did so. In my opinion the story was very well written & flowed smoothly like a silent Brook. But what truly had me enthralled was their loyal & eternal friendship. I would recommend it to anyone who wanted a 'good read.'
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 18, 2025
Gideon Johann is chasing a couple of cattle rustlers when he is ambushed and left for dead. It happened to be near his home town, Last Stand where he is found by his best friend's son. He had been gone for 18 yrs and is haunted by a memory. There is also a rich rancher who never like Gideon since they were kids and he isn't about to start now. He wants all the land and is willing to do some ruthless things to get it. Very good read. On to Book 2.
August 24, 2018
Last Stand
This has been an excellent book to read. I have thought enjoyed the story line filled with action and suspense. The best part of this story is their love story with a great ending. I highly recommend this book to all of readers and can't wait to read book two in this series.
This has been an excellent book to read. I have thought enjoyed the story line filled with action and suspense. The best part of this story is their love story with a great ending. I highly recommend this book to all of readers and can't wait to read book two in this series.
September 4, 2018
I'm a huge fan of the historical cowboy novels that include a little romance, a lot of action and a glimpse into the life and times of the 1800's. This character, Gideon, was well developed and made for an interesting story. I've already bought all of the other books in the series and will be reading those next! Enjoy!
March 8, 2019
Some days it’s nice to read a good book, and simply like the story being told
I was not sure what to expect when I started to read this book. The more I read the more I liked what I was reading. Great story and believable. I like the writing style, and being a story of life in the old west is right in my wheelhouse.
I was not sure what to expect when I started to read this book. The more I read the more I liked what I was reading. Great story and believable. I like the writing style, and being a story of life in the old west is right in my wheelhouse.
April 27, 2019
Enjoyed the story all the way through.
Many people have never read a western, this is a good one to start with if you haven’t read one. It has some mystery, intrigue, romance, and secrets. All a good recipe for a really good book. It does leave you wanting to know what’s next in the series. Love to see this as a movie.
Many people have never read a western, this is a good one to start with if you haven’t read one. It has some mystery, intrigue, romance, and secrets. All a good recipe for a really good book. It does leave you wanting to know what’s next in the series. Love to see this as a movie.
July 6, 2020
Great Story, fast moving page turner
The good guys Ethan, Sarah. Gideon, Marcus, Abby, find them selves tangled up in and the bad guys DeVille, Sligo, Walter, and Jasper in a kidnapping of Ethan and Sarah's son Benjamin.
Sheriff Fuller and Doc Abram finally have Walter and Sligo confession
The good guys Ethan, Sarah. Gideon, Marcus, Abby, find them selves tangled up in and the bad guys DeVille, Sligo, Walter, and Jasper in a kidnapping of Ethan and Sarah's son Benjamin.
Sheriff Fuller and Doc Abram finally have Walter and Sligo confession
March 12, 2019
Western
A quick read that held my attention the entire time. A little mystery, a little romance, good strong characters. I would recommend this book for ages 13 and above. Just a little graphic
A quick read that held my attention the entire time. A little mystery, a little romance, good strong characters. I would recommend this book for ages 13 and above. Just a little graphic
March 13, 2019
Good western story
This is a good western story. I enjoyed reading it. The characters are interesting and well developed. I enjoyed the action, but more would be great. As with all good western stories the good guys win in the end and the bad guys get theirs.
This is a good western story. I enjoyed reading it. The characters are interesting and well developed. I enjoyed the action, but more would be great. As with all good western stories the good guys win in the end and the bad guys get theirs.
March 16, 2019
I was really into this book at the beginning, the story really had me interested. Then the whole thing was ruined with the poor morals about half way through. I couldn’t even finish it. Super disappointed.
August 22, 2019
Enjoyable read
I definitely will continue to read this series. Pretty much every Western I've ever read has the same formula. This one is no different it just that he put a new Twist on the old formula.
I definitely will continue to read this series. Pretty much every Western I've ever read has the same formula. This one is no different it just that he put a new Twist on the old formula.
October 7, 2021
This series is awesome!
I almost didn't read this book, but wanted to catch up with Gideon, so glad I did! Loved the storyline and and action along with the romance. Can't wait for the next book!
I almost didn't read this book, but wanted to catch up with Gideon, so glad I did! Loved the storyline and and action along with the romance. Can't wait for the next book!
July 28, 2025
an enjoyable book
Has what I most enjoy when I read, a feel good story. The good guys are good guys and the bad guys are bad guys. You won’t be disappointed in this story. Mostly it was hard for me to put down once I started reading.
Has what I most enjoy when I read, a feel good story. The good guys are good guys and the bad guys are bad guys. You won’t be disappointed in this story. Mostly it was hard for me to put down once I started reading.
December 19, 2016
Good story
I enjoyed the story line. Good flow. The book was realistic & factual, no bullshit. author did research or knows his stuff.
I enjoyed the story line. Good flow. The book was realistic & factual, no bullshit. author did research or knows his stuff.
June 14, 2017
Good read
Duane Boehm has done a great job in capturing the real west in this story. If the rest of the books in this series are the same they will make good reading.
Duane Boehm has done a great job in capturing the real west in this story. If the rest of the books in this series are the same they will make good reading.
August 30, 2017
Last Stand
A really good story of redemption. Characters are great and it has the drama that you love in a good western.
A really good story of redemption. Characters are great and it has the drama that you love in a good western.
February 6, 2018
Kept you interested all throughout this book.
I liked the book a lot,.Could never figure out what is coming next ,I would definitely recommend this book to my friends
I liked the book a lot,.Could never figure out what is coming next ,I would definitely recommend this book to my friends
July 6, 2018
Well written western
Lots of action with clear good guys and bad guys. A little love story, a lot of shooting and believable characters.
Lots of action with clear good guys and bad guys. A little love story, a lot of shooting and believable characters.
July 9, 2018
Last Stand (1)
This story was a good read. The story has all of the best examples of what a good western should be like. Action and adventure makes this even better.
This story was a good read. The story has all of the best examples of what a good western should be like. Action and adventure makes this even better.
November 16, 2018
A barn burner. I'm hooked on this saga.
February 3, 2019
Good read
Love the western genre. This book was fast paced and held some secrets. Love westerns where women are viewed as partners in the civilization of the country.
Love the western genre. This book was fast paced and held some secrets. Love westerns where women are viewed as partners in the civilization of the country.
March 4, 2019
Very real characters
The author knows how to make his characters come to life. The good and the bad. He's realistic with handing out justice. I appreciate that. Bad guys die!
The author knows how to make his characters come to life. The good and the bad. He's realistic with handing out justice. I appreciate that. Bad guys die!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 64 reviews