The Outlaw's Code

Western Oath #3

by Jason Collins

CALDER:

When I wake up, I’m face down in the dirt—head bleeding, no memory. Just a photo of a woman I don’t recognize.

They say I had a name. A life. A girlfriend waiting.

But none of it feels right.

What does feel right is Shane—the man who keeps showing up at my door with steady hands and quiet eyes. He’s not part of the life I’m supposed to remember. But I lean toward him without thinking.

If forgetting brought me to him, I hope I never remember.

SHANE:

I know who Calder is. Seen him around town—rugged, straight, completely off-limits.

So when I find him unconscious on Stratton land with no ID and no clue who he is, I figure he’ll be gone as soon as he remembers.

But every day Calder stays, it gets harder. The way he lingers feels less like confusion and more like choice.

I should keep my distance. I’ve been here before—falling for a straight guy, hoping for something that never comes.

Now I’m not sure what would hurt more: giving in or letting go.

This is the third book in the Western Oath series. It can be read as a standalone with no cliffhanger.

Genres: M M Romance

103 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 27, 2025

Reviews

[Julianne Macneil · Rating 5 out of 5]

i read this book as part of an arc program. This is the third book in the Western Oath series. When Shane finds Calder unconscious and hurt in a ditch, he calls for help. Calder wakes up and he has no memory and doesn't even know his name. Shane wants to watch over Calder while he heals and when Shane goes to work on the ranch, Calder tags along to help if he can. Shane had seen Calder around and thought he was very handsome, but Calder had a picture of him with a woman and Shane thinks Calder is taken and straight. Calder tries to get to know Shane better, but he is closed off. Calder doesn't know who the woman in the photo is, but he knows he isn't with her. Calder is more interested in Shane, but Shane doesn't show any sign of being interested in him. I really enjoyed this book. I liked how Shane felt so protective of Calder and wanted to protect him and help him heal. I think Calder was attracted to Shane from the beginning, but doesn't know how to let him know. This was another good read from Jason.

[C.B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet, dreams can come true! Calder, wakes up not knowing who he is now or who he was. He does know the information he's fed, doesn't feel right. Shane, knows who Calder is. He's seen him around town and has a slight crush on him. Shane, finds Calder and believes he will return to his life as soon as he realizes who he is. Shane's thought to act on his feelings is hindered by his knowledge that Calder is straight. Calder, has an opportunity to live a life he never thought he could as he slowly regains his memory and understands his circumstances. Great opportunity for changes and setting new expectations. Uncle Virgil visits and has his say. We should all have an Uncle Virgil who helps move things along in our lives. Good flow, nice characters adn family, nicely done. I received an ARC and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jackie O'Donnell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author did it again! His writing always draws me in with his captivating characters.
Shane is out one night in a storm to make sure things are ok on the ranch. He ends up stumbling upon an unconscious man. It is a ranch hand that sometimes helps out during certain seasons. Once he gets the man back to a cabin and has a doctor look at him the man (Calder) wakes up with no memory. Shane has always had a crush on Calder but never thought the man would be interested in him. With no memory of where he lives or who he actually is Calder stays at the ranch to help out Shane until his memories come back. The two of them develop a fast friendship. Soon they become lovers knowing that it’s possible Calder may one day leave once he remembers who he is. Problems do arise but in the end the two of them work it out and have an HEA

[Vols77 · Rating 5 out of 5]

As this series concludes, my heart is sad as it is one of my favorites. I loved all three books but this one is my favorite for sure as I feel in love with Calder and Shane. The plot of an unconscious man, Calder, is found by Shane (who is pure perfection) and the focus on what happens if love happens while one has no memory and will it last once the seeming straight guy (Calder) gets his memory back. A great book about getting honest with yourself and getting out of the way of your feelings and letting love happen. The perfect love story! This author continues to be at the top of my list with such creativity and romance. I did receive an ARC and leave this honest review.

[DENICE · Rating 5 out of 5]

SHANE AND CALDER

I received this book for free and am giving my honest and voluntary review.

If you like newfound love, self-realization, and insecurity, you’ll love this story and the main characters work their way around each other and their feelings. You can’t have a story without Virgil, the old man who seems to see and know everything that goes on at the ranch. Shane, an insecure man, who doesn’t think he can find the right man, and Calder, who won’t admit his inclinations, make a wonderful pair that keep the reader wondering what will happen next.

[ANNBOOKSHELF · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is a wonderful cowboy roping in a rescue and a future - A great book for the romantic!

Shane is a cousin but he so close he like another sibling on the Stratton Ranch. He has endured all the stress & pressure as the rest of the family. He been loyal & dedicated to family. Cadler has an accident which the hardship is the blessing he needed to listen to his heart. The book has a great statement "And while the trail had been long, and the road had been rough… The man at the end? He was always worth it.". MM Romance

[Jocelyn Whaley · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Outlaw’s Code is the third book in the Western Oath Series. This was Shane’s turn to find love. When he happens upon a runaway horse, Shane finds Calder on the ground. When he wakes Calder has no memory of who he is or how he ended up on the grown. Shane appoints himself Calder’s caretaker. While Shane fights falling for Calder, Calder is learning how to be true himself for the first time, accepting who he is and what he wants. I enjoyed reading their story.

[Amber · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great addition to the series!

I liked The Outlaw's Code by Jason Collins. It's the third book in the Western Oath series. I enjoyed Calder and Shane's story. I liked how Shane found and cared for Calder. I liked how Calder shadowed Shane around the ranch once he could leave the bedroom. I liked their chemistry, even when Shane was being hot and cold toward Calder. I thought it was a good end to the series.

I read this book using the Kindle unlimited app.

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun, low-angst novella about romance between a man, Calder, who has temporarily lost his memory and Shane, a lonely cowboy who would love a partner to go through life with him and a dream to buy a farm of his own. I'm enjoying this series!

[Dave · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calder shows up at Shane's ranch in a state of amnesia. They get along well until Calder's girlfriend Vanessa shows up to complete the break-up that was in progress, and, after Vanessa leaves, Shane and Calder become a couple. Nice book, Jason!

[Jimbo · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, but this one of the trilogy didn't fell too short on finding love. Shane had been attracted to Calder before the events of this story, so the shortness getting to know each other felt right.
Again, Collins writes sweet characters and you like them immediately.

[devil · Rating 4 out of 5]

Once they get over their insecurities, Calder and Shane are perfect for each other. It's a heartwarming storyline, and a satisfying ending to the series.

[Shelley Chastagner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Calder's head injury gives him the boost to acknowledge who he really is. Shane, however, is determined to keep himself from having feelings for a straight man. There is a bit of back and forth between them before things reach a turning point. I liked that, even when faced with his past, Calder knows who he is and where he belongs.
Recommended author and series