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Lance:
He lost everything. Now he has nothing left to lose.
Lance Wister had a home, a family, and a future—until greedy railroad barons and ruthless bankers took it all. Hardened by war and burning for revenge, he turns to the only justice he has hitting his enemies where it hurts—their wallets. But when his own gang betrays him, leaving him wounded and on the run, he’s out of options… until fate lands him in the wagon of a wary but resourceful peddler.
Cat Callahan has spent years outrunning her past, keeping to herself as she roams the rugged frontier. But when she stumbles upon an injured outlaw hiding among her wares, she has a choice—help him and risk her own freedom, or turn him in and possibly reveal her identity to the law.
Forced into an uneasy partnership, Lance and Cat must navigate a treacherous web of enemies, secrets, and the wild Colorado terrain. But the longer they’re together, the harder it is to ignore the fire sparking between them.
When their pasts finally catch up to them, they’ll face a deadly stand together… or let their enemies tear them apart.
🔥 Perfect for fans
✅ Forced proximity & reluctant allies
✅ High-stakes Western romance
✅ Action, betrayal, and redemption
✅ Sweeping frontier settings
Lance Wister had a home, a family, and a future—until greedy railroad barons and ruthless bankers took it all. Hardened by war and burning for revenge, he turns to the only justice he has hitting his enemies where it hurts—their wallets. But when his own gang betrays him, leaving him wounded and on the run, he’s out of options… until fate lands him in the wagon of a wary but resourceful peddler.
Cat Callahan has spent years outrunning her past, keeping to herself as she roams the rugged frontier. But when she stumbles upon an injured outlaw hiding among her wares, she has a choice—help him and risk her own freedom, or turn him in and possibly reveal her identity to the law.
Forced into an uneasy partnership, Lance and Cat must navigate a treacherous web of enemies, secrets, and the wild Colorado terrain. But the longer they’re together, the harder it is to ignore the fire sparking between them.
When their pasts finally catch up to them, they’ll face a deadly stand together… or let their enemies tear them apart.
🔥 Perfect for fans
✅ Forced proximity & reluctant allies
✅ High-stakes Western romance
✅ Action, betrayal, and redemption
✅ Sweeping frontier settings
170 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2025
58 people are currently reading
12 people want to read
About the author
Heather Blanton
80 books302 followers“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.
A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.
I can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...
I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.
My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER
I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.
A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.
I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.
I can be reached several different ways:
http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...
I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.
My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 28, 2025
What an excellent book! I love the strong characters, Lance and Cat were great together. This story is rich with outlaws and crooked authority, It could hold its own against the show Gunsmoke. Entertaining from the first page unto the last! There is so much I enjoyed about this story. From the growing romance to how God is worked into the story. A surprise thrown in toward the end was epic, I loved it. The scriptures that were entwined within the story giving the perfect answer made me tear up. This story is fantastic and I wasn’t ready for the end, I wanted more!
May 10, 2025
FORGIVENESS AND REDEMPTION
The new series, Gun For Hire, is sweet Westerns with romance. It is men who live by their guns—never knowing if this is their last day on earth. They are loners, guns-for-hire, cleaning up the evil, having a reputation as some of the fastest guns in the West. Life changes when they meet the right woman, one who can see past the harshness he faces and gives him hope for a future.
Lance Wister is a man who is determined to destroy the man who killed his wife, and his vengeance has led him to turn away from God. While he has taken to a life of crime, along with a gang robbing trains, he does not harm people. His plan is to be a menace to Judge Fred Maitland for the crimes he committed against Lance.
Cat Callahan left her life in Georgia and has made a new life in the West. She is a traveling peddler, selling wares, living in her wagon, and going from town to town. She is determined to leave the past in the past, knowing that she was never guilty of the crimes she was accused of and also acquitted of. But that doesn’t mean that one man isn’t willing to give up on his mission of destroying her.
The story’s plot will have the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Cat is in the wrong place at the right time—hearing the train, gunshots, and deciding she must move away from there. Unknown to her, Lance Wister will be shot, fall, and survive, and manage to get into the back of a wagon—Cat’s peddler wagon. She is caught between a rock and a hard place on what decisions to make. Her simple life will take a turn, and each step along the way is steeped in danger. With gang members, Pinkerton agents, and not knowing who to trust. The story is a mystery with suspense and life and death danger.
I enjoyed this page-turning tale with a man so driven by hate, he doesn’t care how he destroys another. He will employ criminals, and even convince Pinkerton agents to do his bidding, even if it is outside of the law—he believes he can get away with anything. While this story isn’t preachy, it is a beautiful example of how much God loves His children, even when they turn away from Him, He is still there with them. When they are ready to come home, He opens His arms wide to welcome them back.
The new series, Gun For Hire, is sweet Westerns with romance. It is men who live by their guns—never knowing if this is their last day on earth. They are loners, guns-for-hire, cleaning up the evil, having a reputation as some of the fastest guns in the West. Life changes when they meet the right woman, one who can see past the harshness he faces and gives him hope for a future.
Lance Wister is a man who is determined to destroy the man who killed his wife, and his vengeance has led him to turn away from God. While he has taken to a life of crime, along with a gang robbing trains, he does not harm people. His plan is to be a menace to Judge Fred Maitland for the crimes he committed against Lance.
Cat Callahan left her life in Georgia and has made a new life in the West. She is a traveling peddler, selling wares, living in her wagon, and going from town to town. She is determined to leave the past in the past, knowing that she was never guilty of the crimes she was accused of and also acquitted of. But that doesn’t mean that one man isn’t willing to give up on his mission of destroying her.
The story’s plot will have the good, the bad, and the evil of people. Cat is in the wrong place at the right time—hearing the train, gunshots, and deciding she must move away from there. Unknown to her, Lance Wister will be shot, fall, and survive, and manage to get into the back of a wagon—Cat’s peddler wagon. She is caught between a rock and a hard place on what decisions to make. Her simple life will take a turn, and each step along the way is steeped in danger. With gang members, Pinkerton agents, and not knowing who to trust. The story is a mystery with suspense and life and death danger.
I enjoyed this page-turning tale with a man so driven by hate, he doesn’t care how he destroys another. He will employ criminals, and even convince Pinkerton agents to do his bidding, even if it is outside of the law—he believes he can get away with anything. While this story isn’t preachy, it is a beautiful example of how much God loves His children, even when they turn away from Him, He is still there with them. When they are ready to come home, He opens His arms wide to welcome them back.
May 1, 2025
OK. That book was one heck of a ride, and I enjoyed every second of it. I think my only complaint with any Heather Blanton book I've read so far is that I wish there were more pages to the story! I could definitely go on reading more from her. But especially Lance and Cat! They surely grabbed my heart and ran away with it. I loved every second of their journey, from how they were thrown together to figuring out things on the go, starting to trust each other, playing pretend, and finally starting to think more about the other than themselves.
This book is told in multiple POV, and while I'm usually not a fan of them, it works or is needed for some stories, and this was the case. Lance has a big target on his back, and there are different groups who are after him, so it was nice to see the balance of how close they were to catching up to him or not, and the decision-making of the different players in this chase. And it surely ramped up the suspense! It certainly had me flipping the pages as fast as I could, trying to figure out how it'd all play out in the end. Needless to say, it's high stakes, but that HEA is definitely satisfying. There are friends and foes, but my favorite side character was Jules. I loved the romance, the suspense, but especially the message of God's love for every one of us.
Fans of the Defiance series are in for a treat, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author! ~ 5 stars!
This book is told in multiple POV, and while I'm usually not a fan of them, it works or is needed for some stories, and this was the case. Lance has a big target on his back, and there are different groups who are after him, so it was nice to see the balance of how close they were to catching up to him or not, and the decision-making of the different players in this chase. And it surely ramped up the suspense! It certainly had me flipping the pages as fast as I could, trying to figure out how it'd all play out in the end. Needless to say, it's high stakes, but that HEA is definitely satisfying. There are friends and foes, but my favorite side character was Jules. I loved the romance, the suspense, but especially the message of God's love for every one of us.
Fans of the Defiance series are in for a treat, and I'm looking forward to reading more from this author! ~ 5 stars!
April 29, 2025
A female peddler and a train robber wouldn’t be what I would choose for good old western romance but this one worked on so many levels.
Wounded in spirit and by a nasty bullet wound Lance isn’t expecting anyone like Cat when he crawls into her wagon. He’s being pursued by the Pinkertons and the judge he’s trying to ruin. He doesn’t need a stubborn woman in the mix but he doesn’t have the strength to do things on his own.
Cat is running from her own demons, hiding in plain sight as a peddler in the old west. Shes’s not expecting to be saddled with an injured man and one who’s got a price on his head but what’s a girl to do? She can’t leave him alone to die.
This book has everything I love in romance, all the feels, the angst, the hurdles to overcome before Lance and Cat realize they were meant for each other.
The redemption arc was what brings this book over the top. It’s raw and real and makes me anxious for Lance to give in and let God work in his life. And boy does he. This is a great book I recommend for western lovers out there.
Wounded in spirit and by a nasty bullet wound Lance isn’t expecting anyone like Cat when he crawls into her wagon. He’s being pursued by the Pinkertons and the judge he’s trying to ruin. He doesn’t need a stubborn woman in the mix but he doesn’t have the strength to do things on his own.
Cat is running from her own demons, hiding in plain sight as a peddler in the old west. Shes’s not expecting to be saddled with an injured man and one who’s got a price on his head but what’s a girl to do? She can’t leave him alone to die.
This book has everything I love in romance, all the feels, the angst, the hurdles to overcome before Lance and Cat realize they were meant for each other.
The redemption arc was what brings this book over the top. It’s raw and real and makes me anxious for Lance to give in and let God work in his life. And boy does he. This is a great book I recommend for western lovers out there.
August 17, 2025
Read this book. You won’t be the same afterwards. As with all of Heather Blanton’s books, Lance is filled with complex, messy characters. In the span of a few seconds, Lance’s life turns, and he needs to decide if he’s going to stay on the “dark side” or move into the light. Cat Callahan has her own problems and is trying to stay out of sight. The last thing she needs is a badly wounded fugitive in her life, but she’s a believer and feels God is telling her to get involved and stay involved. She’s a brave woman, a peddler who makes her way back and forth across Colorado territory, and I was awed by her capabilities. I could relate to both when it came to fighting decisions each knew they needed to make. There were several twists and turns I didn’t see coming, and the ending is explosive. Lots of food for thought, and the characters have stayed with me.
May 12, 2025
This is an unusual story for Christian fiction. The characters are harsh and have lived hard lives. Cat, who has changed her name and runs a peddling wagon through Colorado territory, possesses a strong faith yet hides from her ex-husband. Lance is a train robber who hides in her wagon after getting shot during a robbery; his story is complicated, and hate has ruled his judgment. Judge Maitland is a twisted man whose entire life has been governed by hate and selfishness. The ex-husband, Stanley Deaux, is a reporter out to make his wife a national story based on lies he believes. The great shining moment in this story is in the climax, where the Father shines his light on everything. This reader cried.
May 3, 2025
Great story! My first in this series but I’ll have to read more. Lance is running from God and trying to avenge his wife’s murder. Cat doesn’t understand why God has turned His back on her and is running from a reporter accusing her of murder. God brings them together in a must unusual way and they have to depend on each other to escape capture by Pinkerton’s and outlaws. Of course they are drawn to each other and romance blooms. I like that the author doesn’t let Lance off scot free—he has to pay for his crimes. If you like inspirational romance with suspense thrown in—you will love this book!
May 1, 2025
You can't outrun what's right
I enjoyed this book so much. Ms. Blanton is a wonderful author. In this book, she shows you that you can't outrun God when He wants you. It is well written with great characters. Kept my attention and me turning pages.
Lance may have done some things that were wrong and needs to confess up to them, but God can still use him.
Cat knows she did not do what one man keeps saying she had done, but instead of facing him, she keeps running. It's time for them both to stop running and face the truth. Can they?
I enjoyed this book so much. Ms. Blanton is a wonderful author. In this book, she shows you that you can't outrun God when He wants you. It is well written with great characters. Kept my attention and me turning pages.
Lance may have done some things that were wrong and needs to confess up to them, but God can still use him.
Cat knows she did not do what one man keeps saying she had done, but instead of facing him, she keeps running. It's time for them both to stop running and face the truth. Can they?
May 9, 2025
Best Christian author on the market!!!
Heather I have not read one bad book of yours. I love how you tie Christianity your Faith and your beliefs as well as scripture into every book you write.! I really love that we got to go back to Defiance and Creed! And I love that Charles McIntyre was still there large and in charge and being the good guy! I was kinda hoping they would head out to the burning dress ranch, and the ladies were gonna hide them! lol! Can’t wait to read another one from you!
Heather I have not read one bad book of yours. I love how you tie Christianity your Faith and your beliefs as well as scripture into every book you write.! I really love that we got to go back to Defiance and Creed! And I love that Charles McIntyre was still there large and in charge and being the good guy! I was kinda hoping they would head out to the burning dress ranch, and the ladies were gonna hide them! lol! Can’t wait to read another one from you!
May 11, 2025
Such a moving story about one who had been pegged by GOD to minister during the end of the war, only to come home to his wife being killed and his property being destroyed. With a harden heart he sought to seek vengeance and ran from GOD. He crossed the path of one who would bring him back in the fold and right his spirit again. These stories are full of inspiration and teachings for all, bringing us closer to our LORD and SAVIOR as well. Another winner, as always. I truly appreciate this author.
April 30, 2025
Lance (Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 4)
What a great story Lance is a wanted man who seeks shelter in Cat's peddler wagon. I especially like that they wound up in the town of Destiny. Cat is running from her past and Lance has Pinkertan agents after him as well as his old gang. A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat while reading it. If you have read The Destiny series by Heather Blanton you will really enjoy visiting Destiny in this book.
What a great story Lance is a wanted man who seeks shelter in Cat's peddler wagon. I especially like that they wound up in the town of Destiny. Cat is running from her past and Lance has Pinkertan agents after him as well as his old gang. A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat while reading it. If you have read The Destiny series by Heather Blanton you will really enjoy visiting Destiny in this book.
May 9, 2025
Always love books by Heather Blanton. Her heroines are fiesty, but compassionate, and her heros are fiercely protective. Such is the case with Cat and Lance. Each dealing with loss and betrayal, they find themselves unwilling co-fugitives. As they learn to let down their guard and share their painful pasts trust, love and healing takes place. For me, the key component of a reconnection with the Lord brings a satisfying and hopeful conclusion to this novel.
May 23, 2025
Cat and Lance will have you questioning if there is such a thing as a white “crime/robbery”. A tale of how hate, power, jealousy, corruption, can change a person’s life, but can they change a person? Cat and Lance both have someone after them that believes everything bad they’ve heard, but the real question is what is the truth? It takes a lot of sort out to get to the truth. I enjoyed this book with its romance, humor, danger and twists.
May 25, 2025
lovely book
This is a lovely book to read Heather Blanton wrote this book. A peddler, and an outlaw meet in a different way. The outlaw is shot and the peddler is leaving the area because of the shooting going on. The peddler saves the outlaws life only to have him face danger again. While the peddler is facing her own danger. This is a well written book and is very enjoyable to read.
This is a lovely book to read Heather Blanton wrote this book. A peddler, and an outlaw meet in a different way. The outlaw is shot and the peddler is leaving the area because of the shooting going on. The peddler saves the outlaws life only to have him face danger again. While the peddler is facing her own danger. This is a well written book and is very enjoyable to read.
April 27, 2025
This is my voluntary review of a copy I was given.
Action-packed, wild west adventure with a solid Christian message, a return trip to a favorite boomtown—who could ask for more!
Both main characters were well-written, complex characters. The dynamic of the story was well paced, a good mix of action and calm. Oh, the ending... I loved this story!
Action-packed, wild west adventure with a solid Christian message, a return trip to a favorite boomtown—who could ask for more!
Both main characters were well-written, complex characters. The dynamic of the story was well paced, a good mix of action and calm. Oh, the ending... I loved this story!
April 30, 2025
“Lance” (Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 4 of 10) by Heather Blanton
A Sweet Read
I found this to be a light story with heavy overtones not so different from events making history in today’s world. We think the 1800’s are history. Yet so much remains the same. Revenge was/is an indiscriminate offender of law and order. Happy Reading ! !
A Sweet Read
I found this to be a light story with heavy overtones not so different from events making history in today’s world. We think the 1800’s are history. Yet so much remains the same. Revenge was/is an indiscriminate offender of law and order. Happy Reading ! !
May 5, 2025
This is a great read!
There is more substance than some of the books in a long series by different authors.
The characters are well formed. The story has many twists and turns.
Most importantly, there are spiritual lessons to be learned.
Blanton likes her town of Defiance! Look for other books set there!
There is more substance than some of the books in a long series by different authors.
The characters are well formed. The story has many twists and turns.
Most importantly, there are spiritual lessons to be learned.
Blanton likes her town of Defiance! Look for other books set there!
May 11, 2025
I loved this book about Lance and Cat. Lance came back from the Civil war a preacher but turned to a life of robbing after finding his wife and nephew dead from a house fire. Cat was running from a lot of lies accusing her of murder. This book will keep you turning the pages to find out what happens. Definitely a really good story!
May 28, 2025
Lance: (Gun For Hire Sweet Western Romance Series Book 4)
I enjoyed reading this 4th book in this series by Author Heather Blanton! I liked the wonderful and strong characters of Lance and Cat and the different storyline that was quite entertaining. I was very happy with the way this book ended along with the HEA. JudyE
I enjoyed reading this 4th book in this series by Author Heather Blanton! I liked the wonderful and strong characters of Lance and Cat and the different storyline that was quite entertaining. I was very happy with the way this book ended along with the HEA. JudyE
March 9, 2026
Very enjoyable Western romance. I believe this was a free download. I liked the danger and how God's mercy was gently woven into the story. Lance and Cat had to depend on each other to outrun danger, and it worked well in pushing them toward one another.
All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
All thoughts and opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
May 4, 2025
In this book the main characters Cat and Lance are both in desperate situations and running from the law when they meet. As they both try to keep away from the law and those who mean them harm they are drawn together by God's hand. Wonderful story with great characters.
May 5, 2025
This was a fast read book, but a great story. Great characters and plot. This is a good book for those who enjoy Christian historical romance. I received a copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
June 12, 2025
Wow!
Don’t read this if you want a boring book, or plan to only read it for a little while. This is a page turner, a great murder mystery, love story and packaged in one little book, Lance.
Don’t read this if you want a boring book, or plan to only read it for a little while. This is a page turner, a great murder mystery, love story and packaged in one little book, Lance.
August 10, 2025
Outstanding!!!
I never tire of reading Ms. Blanton’s books. This one was no exception. In fact, tears came to my eyes at the ending. She brings God into her novels so well giving Him the glory.
I never tire of reading Ms. Blanton’s books. This one was no exception. In fact, tears came to my eyes at the ending. She brings God into her novels so well giving Him the glory.
May 1, 2025
I enjoyed the book - I recommend reading it!
May 3, 2025
always great
I always look forward to books by Heather Blanton. There is always something to keep me excited about reading her books. This one is no exception.
I always look forward to books by Heather Blanton. There is always something to keep me excited about reading her books. This one is no exception.
May 29, 2025
Excelent book by Heather Blanton. Love this series.
June 5, 2025
Lance and Cat
Great start. Love, suspense and romance. Clean and inspiring.
Edge of your seat situations where you just have to keep reading.
Great start. Love, suspense and romance. Clean and inspiring.
Edge of your seat situations where you just have to keep reading.
June 6, 2025
compelling
Filled with suspense, love and mystery. Hard to put this book down. Compelling. Contains faith and Hope. Can’t wait for the next book.
Filled with suspense, love and mystery. Hard to put this book down. Compelling. Contains faith and Hope. Can’t wait for the next book.
July 9, 2025
This is a sweet story of love and redemption. Lance and Cat, she rescues him helps him turn back to the Lord and they also find love and a future together.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews