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Outlaw Hearts #1
Outlaw Hearts
A decades-long love story of two people, united by chance and separated by agonizing circumstance, that proves the power of unending love and its ability to overcome all odds. Miranda Hayes has lost everything―her family, her husband, her home. Orphaned and then widowed, desperate to find a safe haven, she sets out to cross a dangerous land alone…until chance brings her face-to-face with notorious gunslinger Jake Harkner. Hunted by the law and haunted by a brutal past, Jake has spent a lifetime fighting for everything he has. He's never known a moment's kindness…until fate brings him to the one woman willing to reach past his harsh exterior to the rebellious heart inside. He would die for her. He would kill for her. He will do whatever it takes to keep her his. Spanning the dazzling West with its blazing deserts and booming gold towns, Jake and Miranda must struggle to endure every hardship that threatens to tear them apart. But an outlaw's promise comes with a price…and even their passion may not burn bright enough to conquer the coming darkness. Outlaw Hearts Outlaw Hearts (Book 1) Do Not Forsake Me (Book 2) Love's Sweet Revenge (Book 3) The Last Outlaw (Book 4)
576 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 1, 1993
260 people are currently reading
1558 people want to read
About the author
Rosanne Bittner
84 books621 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 107 reviews
August 22, 2023
Full Review Originally Posted @ Addicted To Romance
Outlaw Hearts is a saga romance that will enthrall you from the first page, a love story that is majestic in its telling of it. In the past I have had the opportunity to read her before, but it has been many years. Almost ten years since I have read anything of her. So I was thrilled at the chance to read this one, especially with it being republished, and high ratings….and boy does this story deserve them, each and every one. This is not a short story, so be warned but so worth every moment of reading you take into it. It took me about two days to read this, it’s about 600 pages, but it didn’t feel that long to be honest. This story spans from when they first meet in their 20’s and ends when they are in their 40’s. We see them fall in love, get married, make love for the first time, have children, get separated and their relationship tested, we even see grandkids, but we see a love story that grows and becomes stronger with challenge they have to overcome together. We see how their relationship develops, and how no matter what they got put up against, they still won and their bond became even more firm than ever. This is a page turner, and keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what these two will have to endure to stay together and keep each other safe. What I loved most was how this captivated me so much that I lost quite a few hours of sleep so I could read that one chapter. It is quite an emotional journey we are taken on as readers, and it will really tug at those heart-strings in ways that you won’t see coming, and FYI :Bring a box of tissues to your reading corner because you will need them) it leaves the story will some things settled and a few questions but what a wonderful ending, and what is better is you have a second book that just became published so you can find out what they have to deal with next. This is a western based romance, set in a historical context, and the author is fabulous in describing vivid detail and making the story come alive with each page there is raw emotion and a true interpretation of the time and culture that the reader is opened up to. I will say this for Rosanne Bittner, she is one of the best romance authors that have ever written. This is a unforgettable story and a book that I will be re reading again, a story that is by far one of the best romances ever to be read and I soaked it all in, every character…every detail…every setting, this is a must read for any romance lover, because I guarantee you will cry, you will laugh, you will jump up and down in excitement, your mind is going to enter into a world you have never known or dreamed, and you will adore every delicious moment!!
Outlaw Hearts is a saga romance that will enthrall you from the first page, a love story that is majestic in its telling of it. In the past I have had the opportunity to read her before, but it has been many years. Almost ten years since I have read anything of her. So I was thrilled at the chance to read this one, especially with it being republished, and high ratings….and boy does this story deserve them, each and every one. This is not a short story, so be warned but so worth every moment of reading you take into it. It took me about two days to read this, it’s about 600 pages, but it didn’t feel that long to be honest. This story spans from when they first meet in their 20’s and ends when they are in their 40’s. We see them fall in love, get married, make love for the first time, have children, get separated and their relationship tested, we even see grandkids, but we see a love story that grows and becomes stronger with challenge they have to overcome together. We see how their relationship develops, and how no matter what they got put up against, they still won and their bond became even more firm than ever. This is a page turner, and keeps you on the edge of your seat in anticipation of what these two will have to endure to stay together and keep each other safe. What I loved most was how this captivated me so much that I lost quite a few hours of sleep so I could read that one chapter. It is quite an emotional journey we are taken on as readers, and it will really tug at those heart-strings in ways that you won’t see coming, and FYI :Bring a box of tissues to your reading corner because you will need them) it leaves the story will some things settled and a few questions but what a wonderful ending, and what is better is you have a second book that just became published so you can find out what they have to deal with next. This is a western based romance, set in a historical context, and the author is fabulous in describing vivid detail and making the story come alive with each page there is raw emotion and a true interpretation of the time and culture that the reader is opened up to. I will say this for Rosanne Bittner, she is one of the best romance authors that have ever written. This is a unforgettable story and a book that I will be re reading again, a story that is by far one of the best romances ever to be read and I soaked it all in, every character…every detail…every setting, this is a must read for any romance lover, because I guarantee you will cry, you will laugh, you will jump up and down in excitement, your mind is going to enter into a world you have never known or dreamed, and you will adore every delicious moment!!
August 21, 2017
This review can also be found at Carole's Random Life in Books.
I really enjoyed this epic story! When I started reading this book, I really didn't expect the story to be quite as big as it turned out to be. This book doesn't cover just a year or two of Jake and Miranda's life. No, this is a book that covers decades and by the time it is over you want to spend more time with them. Since this is the first book in the series, that works out well for me.
This story is about Jake and Miranda. Jake is an outlaw and is wanted by the authorities. He actually has quite a sizable price on his head. Miranda became a widow at a young age when her new husband was killed during the Civil War. Miranda's father is killed by a group of outlaws just before the story begins. An unexpected string of events puts this pair together and they realize that they actually enjoy each other's company.
The scope of this story is amazing. It starts out in Kansas but then goes all the way to California and back during a period in time when this area could be quite dangerous and rather wild. I really enjoyed all of the descriptions of the travels and settling in these different areas throughout the story. There is something about the old west that I find really interesting. The conditions were harsh at times and there seemed to be danger everywhere you looked.
I really liked that we get to see so much of Jake and Miranda's life in this story. Learning Jake's backstory really helps in understanding how his life unfolded in the way it has. I really enjoyed watching them meet and get to know each other. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over time. Jake never seem to believe that he deserves Miranda but she refuses to give up on him. She proves that she wants nothing more than to be with him at any cost several times during the course of this story.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an epic romance. I started the book out liking Jake and Miranda but by the time it was over I had fallen completely in love with them. I can't wait to read more of this amazing series!
Initial Thoughts
Wow! This was a much more epic story than I thought it would be. It doesn't cover just a year or two but a big chunk of time. I liked the characters from the beginning but by the end I had fallen in love with them.
Book source: Purchased
I really enjoyed this epic story! When I started reading this book, I really didn't expect the story to be quite as big as it turned out to be. This book doesn't cover just a year or two of Jake and Miranda's life. No, this is a book that covers decades and by the time it is over you want to spend more time with them. Since this is the first book in the series, that works out well for me.
This story is about Jake and Miranda. Jake is an outlaw and is wanted by the authorities. He actually has quite a sizable price on his head. Miranda became a widow at a young age when her new husband was killed during the Civil War. Miranda's father is killed by a group of outlaws just before the story begins. An unexpected string of events puts this pair together and they realize that they actually enjoy each other's company.
The scope of this story is amazing. It starts out in Kansas but then goes all the way to California and back during a period in time when this area could be quite dangerous and rather wild. I really enjoyed all of the descriptions of the travels and settling in these different areas throughout the story. There is something about the old west that I find really interesting. The conditions were harsh at times and there seemed to be danger everywhere you looked.
I really liked that we get to see so much of Jake and Miranda's life in this story. Learning Jake's backstory really helps in understanding how his life unfolded in the way it has. I really enjoyed watching them meet and get to know each other. I enjoyed watching their relationship grow over time. Jake never seem to believe that he deserves Miranda but she refuses to give up on him. She proves that she wants nothing more than to be with him at any cost several times during the course of this story.
I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys an epic romance. I started the book out liking Jake and Miranda but by the time it was over I had fallen completely in love with them. I can't wait to read more of this amazing series!
Initial Thoughts
Wow! This was a much more epic story than I thought it would be. It doesn't cover just a year or two but a big chunk of time. I liked the characters from the beginning but by the end I had fallen in love with them.
Book source: Purchased
September 8, 2020
I just finished rereading this book again - and what I said below still goes. I LOVE THIS BOOK. I LOVE IT SO MUCH.
Will I read it yet again? A Resounding YES!!!!!
I first read this book years ago when it first came out and it blew me away at first reading. I’ve reread it a number of times since then and I've loved it more every time. I happened to notice today that it's coming out as an ebook in June - I already preordered my copy as my goal is to try and get my very favourite books as ebooks so I can carry them all with me at all times and I don't have to carry luggage around to do it like I would have to if they were print books.
Jake Hackner is an outlaw. Pure and simple he’s a bad guy. He’s in town loading up on supplies when Miranda Hayes accidentally shoots him. He manages to get away and heads out of town. He finally holes up at a farm to recover a bit. Little does he know the farm he ended up belongs to Miranda. She is a young widow whose husband died in the Civil War. After raiders kill her father and take most of their belongings she decides to head out west to look for her younger brother.
She finds Jake and nurses him back to health. And during this time she sees something good beneath the outlaw exterior. She asks him to take her out west since he is headed the same way, but he refuses.
Later he has a change of heart and decides to look for her to help her. He finds her after having been left behind and thus begins a truly amazing love story between an outlaw wanting to go straight and an incredibly strong woman. They are desperately in love with each other but time and time again Jake’s outlaw past comes back to try and destroy them.
This is one of those epic type books. It’s a long book coming in at 501 pages with teeny tiny print. It spans over 20 years. Bad things happen to good people and it isn’t always easy to read. Each time I read it, I have to take breaks due to its richness and length. It’s like a truly rich feast that is best eaten slowly in order to savour it.
Jake is one heck of a hero. He’s not all good. He definitely has shades of gray to him. But what saves him is his almost worship of ‘Randy’. He knows he’s no good for her; staying with her can bring her great heartache.
But Randy sees past his outlaw ways into his hidden heart and realizes he is a victim of his early circumstances. She sees the lost little boy inside and that inside he really has a good person wanting to come out. She refuses to let him give up no matter what fate throws at them.
This really is a heart in your throat, breathtaking book. I have a list of about 10 books that seem to stand out above all others. Outlaw Hearts has always been one of them and I know it always will be. So I'm spreading the word early on this one, you don't find much better than this book
Will I read it yet again? A Resounding YES!!!!!
I first read this book years ago when it first came out and it blew me away at first reading. I’ve reread it a number of times since then and I've loved it more every time. I happened to notice today that it's coming out as an ebook in June - I already preordered my copy as my goal is to try and get my very favourite books as ebooks so I can carry them all with me at all times and I don't have to carry luggage around to do it like I would have to if they were print books.
Jake Hackner is an outlaw. Pure and simple he’s a bad guy. He’s in town loading up on supplies when Miranda Hayes accidentally shoots him. He manages to get away and heads out of town. He finally holes up at a farm to recover a bit. Little does he know the farm he ended up belongs to Miranda. She is a young widow whose husband died in the Civil War. After raiders kill her father and take most of their belongings she decides to head out west to look for her younger brother.
She finds Jake and nurses him back to health. And during this time she sees something good beneath the outlaw exterior. She asks him to take her out west since he is headed the same way, but he refuses.
Later he has a change of heart and decides to look for her to help her. He finds her after having been left behind and thus begins a truly amazing love story between an outlaw wanting to go straight and an incredibly strong woman. They are desperately in love with each other but time and time again Jake’s outlaw past comes back to try and destroy them.
This is one of those epic type books. It’s a long book coming in at 501 pages with teeny tiny print. It spans over 20 years. Bad things happen to good people and it isn’t always easy to read. Each time I read it, I have to take breaks due to its richness and length. It’s like a truly rich feast that is best eaten slowly in order to savour it.
Jake is one heck of a hero. He’s not all good. He definitely has shades of gray to him. But what saves him is his almost worship of ‘Randy’. He knows he’s no good for her; staying with her can bring her great heartache.
But Randy sees past his outlaw ways into his hidden heart and realizes he is a victim of his early circumstances. She sees the lost little boy inside and that inside he really has a good person wanting to come out. She refuses to let him give up no matter what fate throws at them.
This really is a heart in your throat, breathtaking book. I have a list of about 10 books that seem to stand out above all others. Outlaw Hearts has always been one of them and I know it always will be. So I'm spreading the word early on this one, you don't find much better than this book
June 15, 2015
The guy: Jake Harkner, who was horribly abused as a child, and ended up killing his father (for good reason), but with no family he ended up riding with a nasty band of outlaws and he's now wanted for bank robbery, kidnapping and rape (although he's innocent of that).
The girl: Miranda Hayes, Her father murdered by marauders, her husband dead in the war, she finds herself in the path of a wanted outlaw, shoots him and then ends up nursing back to health (too hard to explain how that comes about). After Jake's healed, the pair go their separate ways, Jake still on the run from the law and Miranda is set to sign onto a wagon train going to Nevada City where her brother is. But...things don't go so well with the bible toting folks she hooks up with and boy, do we need Jake to come in and save the day.
So, up until that point and the 'healing' they both do afterwards, a new life in California, a final reckoning for all the evil baddies and a HEA and I would have been set and given this a solid four stars. Problem was, when that happened I noticed I was just shy of 50% and what was going to happen with the rest of the book?
Unfortunately, instead of some good solid emotional angst over his past and trying to let it go, what this reader got instead was a never-ending, mind-numbing, club-me-over-the-head walking pity party. Every time things were looking up for our pair, the baggage from his past returned and we had to wallow in it all over again. And if that wasn't bad enough, it had to carry over to his snot of a son and then we had three years of his pity party as wall.
To top all that off with the pages were littered with exclamation points, ellipses damns and hells which really dragged the story down. While I understand Jake lived the outlaw life with the kind of men who swore, what I didn't like was his son using it, especially in front of his well-bred young lady - and doesn't even apologize. I searched my Kindle edition (obtained via library loan) and results are screen capped below.
Fortunately the 'f' bomb count was much lower.
Perhaps it was just me and I'm more sensitive to the potty words, as I see so many glowing reviews that don't mention it, so YMMV. It looks like there's a sequel coming out in July, but I will be passing on that ride.
The girl: Miranda Hayes, Her father murdered by marauders, her husband dead in the war, she finds herself in the path of a wanted outlaw, shoots him and then ends up nursing back to health (too hard to explain how that comes about). After Jake's healed, the pair go their separate ways, Jake still on the run from the law and Miranda is set to sign onto a wagon train going to Nevada City where her brother is. But...things don't go so well with the bible toting folks she hooks up with and boy, do we need Jake to come in and save the day.
So, up until that point and the 'healing' they both do afterwards, a new life in California, a final reckoning for all the evil baddies and a HEA and I would have been set and given this a solid four stars. Problem was, when that happened I noticed I was just shy of 50% and what was going to happen with the rest of the book?
Unfortunately, instead of some good solid emotional angst over his past and trying to let it go, what this reader got instead was a never-ending, mind-numbing, club-me-over-the-head walking pity party. Every time things were looking up for our pair, the baggage from his past returned and we had to wallow in it all over again. And if that wasn't bad enough, it had to carry over to his snot of a son and then we had three years of his pity party as wall.
To top all that off with the pages were littered with exclamation points, ellipses damns and hells which really dragged the story down. While I understand Jake lived the outlaw life with the kind of men who swore, what I didn't like was his son using it, especially in front of his well-bred young lady - and doesn't even apologize. I searched my Kindle edition (obtained via library loan) and results are screen capped below.
Fortunately the 'f' bomb count was much lower.
Perhaps it was just me and I'm more sensitive to the potty words, as I see so many glowing reviews that don't mention it, so YMMV. It looks like there's a sequel coming out in July, but I will be passing on that ride.
March 5, 2020
Original 2016 Review:
This was a true epic western and I loved it from start to finish. I've only ever read "Thunder on the Plains" before and wasn't hugely impressed so I'm glad I decided to give this one a try because at the end of the day, I just can't resist a good western romance. What I loved about this one though was that the romance was sooo well done and real. I LOVED that Miranda didn't doubt jake once, she never stopped believing in the man she knew he was and it didn't make her weak in the slightest. I am always afraid with stories like this that span over many years but even when they were separated for a bit, it was bearable and done out of love and not some stupid misunderstanding. The story jumping ahead at points really helped moved things along so never did I feel like any part of it was dragging and that's a big deal for me. Usually with long sagas like this by 400 pages I'm growing weary of the story but not so here! Everything kept you wanting to read more and see where it was going and how it could be resolved.
The one thing I didn't like was Lloyd being a little punk but at 18 I guess that's how it is. However i was still annoyed because he didn't have to go through a fraction of what jake did in his childhood and he still decides to go off and kill men because his dad used to? And they explained why! It wasn't like he was misinformed, he was just pissy about Beth. So that was my one quibble. The ending did feel a little rushed where Lloyd was concerned but since there is now a book 2, I'm not worried at all and can't wait to see how things develop further.
Highly recommend to any western romance lover. Don't think this is just some cheesy western though, it's got real depth and beautifully written characters that grow and go through an amazing journey together- loving each other the whole way through. Going to buy book 2 now!
2020 Re-Read:
I only read part 1 again, but man, was this just as good the second time around! I had to return it to the library but eventually I’ll continue with part 2 and then re read the other books. 🤗
This was a true epic western and I loved it from start to finish. I've only ever read "Thunder on the Plains" before and wasn't hugely impressed so I'm glad I decided to give this one a try because at the end of the day, I just can't resist a good western romance. What I loved about this one though was that the romance was sooo well done and real. I LOVED that Miranda didn't doubt jake once, she never stopped believing in the man she knew he was and it didn't make her weak in the slightest. I am always afraid with stories like this that span over many years but even when they were separated for a bit, it was bearable and done out of love and not some stupid misunderstanding. The story jumping ahead at points really helped moved things along so never did I feel like any part of it was dragging and that's a big deal for me. Usually with long sagas like this by 400 pages I'm growing weary of the story but not so here! Everything kept you wanting to read more and see where it was going and how it could be resolved.
The one thing I didn't like was Lloyd being a little punk but at 18 I guess that's how it is. However i was still annoyed because he didn't have to go through a fraction of what jake did in his childhood and he still decides to go off and kill men because his dad used to? And they explained why! It wasn't like he was misinformed, he was just pissy about Beth. So that was my one quibble. The ending did feel a little rushed where Lloyd was concerned but since there is now a book 2, I'm not worried at all and can't wait to see how things develop further.
Highly recommend to any western romance lover. Don't think this is just some cheesy western though, it's got real depth and beautifully written characters that grow and go through an amazing journey together- loving each other the whole way through. Going to buy book 2 now!
2020 Re-Read:
I only read part 1 again, but man, was this just as good the second time around! I had to return it to the library but eventually I’ll continue with part 2 and then re read the other books. 🤗
Read
September 7, 2018DNF @ 52%. Oh, the angst. Not a speck of humor or joy to lighten this gloom-fest. Every moment forward in the romance is colored by dark foreboding. I didn't want to see where it was going.
Book source: Amazon Freebie
Book source: Amazon Freebie
January 11, 2021
I read this book a long time ago as a young teen, loving the story then, and recently decided to try to find the book and re-read it again... and let me tell you - I fell in love with Jake and Randy all over again!!! While I have found several favorite books over the years, Jake and Randy's story will always remain at the top!
Rosanne Bittner has a way of weaving a story into your heart so that you can't help but love the characters and feel like you truly know them! I love that their story wasn't just about them meeting, falling in love, then getting married at the end with a quick-peek epilogue into their future. She takes us through 20+ years of marriage, and introduces grandkids, making the story (to me) feel so much more complete! I love how not only we saw good times for them, but we also get to experience the real struggles that they faced together - and how their love was able to push through it all!
I didn't realize until "meeting" several of Rosanne Bittner's heros how one could "fall in love" with a fictional hero - but Jake definitely "stole" a part of my heart. And Randy - well, I'll just say that I'd love to have her strength and attitude!
This is one of Rosanne Bittner's stories you don't wanna miss!!! I really cannot wait for this book to be available on my kindle!
Rosanne Bittner has a way of weaving a story into your heart so that you can't help but love the characters and feel like you truly know them! I love that their story wasn't just about them meeting, falling in love, then getting married at the end with a quick-peek epilogue into their future. She takes us through 20+ years of marriage, and introduces grandkids, making the story (to me) feel so much more complete! I love how not only we saw good times for them, but we also get to experience the real struggles that they faced together - and how their love was able to push through it all!
I didn't realize until "meeting" several of Rosanne Bittner's heros how one could "fall in love" with a fictional hero - but Jake definitely "stole" a part of my heart. And Randy - well, I'll just say that I'd love to have her strength and attitude!
This is one of Rosanne Bittner's stories you don't wanna miss!!! I really cannot wait for this book to be available on my kindle!
May 30, 2015
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
Outlaw Hearts was first released in the early 1990's and I am sorry to say that I missed it. Rosanne Bittner writes what can only be called an epic saga. A story that spans a lifetime and tells of two totally mismatched individuals who fell in love, then walked through fire to remain together.
It was an emotional journey through the lives of Jake and Miranda Hayes. Not the kind of romance I usually read and I will admit when I first opened it up I couldn't get into it, I set it aside and waited.. and waited.. I kept looking at it on my kindle, then skipping over it for something else. I even met Ms. Bittner at RT and told her I would be reviewing it but still I waited.. Then when I finally sat down to read it, I couldn't put it down.
Outlaw Hearts is what true romance should be. These two didn't have it easy but they fought to be together. Forever meant something.. Ok, Miranda "Randy" Had to sometimes mentally smack Jake upside the head because he was afraid of ruining her life.. but I digress.
Miranda Hayes was a simple widow, getting ready to sell her ranch and head for Nevada to find her brother, when misfortune hit. A known killer/rapist/robber was in town, standing right in front of her. Startled she shot him. I don't think anyone was more surprised than Miranda, well maybe Jake. Somehow he escaped town and found a nice little place to hide out in before he bled to death. Yeah it was Miranda's place and this poor woman felt so guilty she nursed him back to health. Slowly learning just who the man was inside.
Jake Harkner was a truly bad man. He ran guns for the confederacy, guns he stole from the Union, which often ended up with someone dead. After the war he rustled, robbed and yes killed a few people. But the worst thing ever said about him was he murdered his father. He was most certainly the hardened criminal he was reported to be. Until he found himself nursed back to health by the woman who shot him. How insane is that?? Forced to remain with a woman of true spirit and compassion Jake found himself opening up. We discover that maybe he wasn't such a horrible man.. not misunderstood but lost. Pushed in a direction at a young age, he had no clue how to get out.
When Miranda left for Nevada Jake knew she needed him and found a way to be by her side.. Life's trials were not easy for these two. Miranda was definitely the stronger of the two characters. Jake was hard and embittered but Randy had a belief in them that could not be shaken. And believe me there was plenty that could have shaken things too far..
Ms. Bittner writes such rage and passion into this book that it comes alive. I understood Jake's fears, his anger and his desire to make a better life for him and Miranda and their children. I was brokenhearted when his past kept coming back and ruined what he had built. And I cheered when they once again triumphed.
This is a long book but it seemed too short when I had read the final word.
A True gift to the romance world. Do Not Forsake Me, A Sequel is coming out July 7, 2015 and I find myself already screaming because it's not here yet. Because believe me when I tell you, Romance doesn't get any better than this!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Outlaw Hearts, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on June 2, 2015
Outlaw Hearts was first released in the early 1990's and I am sorry to say that I missed it. Rosanne Bittner writes what can only be called an epic saga. A story that spans a lifetime and tells of two totally mismatched individuals who fell in love, then walked through fire to remain together.
It was an emotional journey through the lives of Jake and Miranda Hayes. Not the kind of romance I usually read and I will admit when I first opened it up I couldn't get into it, I set it aside and waited.. and waited.. I kept looking at it on my kindle, then skipping over it for something else. I even met Ms. Bittner at RT and told her I would be reviewing it but still I waited.. Then when I finally sat down to read it, I couldn't put it down.
Outlaw Hearts is what true romance should be. These two didn't have it easy but they fought to be together. Forever meant something.. Ok, Miranda "Randy" Had to sometimes mentally smack Jake upside the head because he was afraid of ruining her life.. but I digress.
Miranda Hayes was a simple widow, getting ready to sell her ranch and head for Nevada to find her brother, when misfortune hit. A known killer/rapist/robber was in town, standing right in front of her. Startled she shot him. I don't think anyone was more surprised than Miranda, well maybe Jake. Somehow he escaped town and found a nice little place to hide out in before he bled to death. Yeah it was Miranda's place and this poor woman felt so guilty she nursed him back to health. Slowly learning just who the man was inside.
Jake Harkner was a truly bad man. He ran guns for the confederacy, guns he stole from the Union, which often ended up with someone dead. After the war he rustled, robbed and yes killed a few people. But the worst thing ever said about him was he murdered his father. He was most certainly the hardened criminal he was reported to be. Until he found himself nursed back to health by the woman who shot him. How insane is that?? Forced to remain with a woman of true spirit and compassion Jake found himself opening up. We discover that maybe he wasn't such a horrible man.. not misunderstood but lost. Pushed in a direction at a young age, he had no clue how to get out.
When Miranda left for Nevada Jake knew she needed him and found a way to be by her side.. Life's trials were not easy for these two. Miranda was definitely the stronger of the two characters. Jake was hard and embittered but Randy had a belief in them that could not be shaken. And believe me there was plenty that could have shaken things too far..
Ms. Bittner writes such rage and passion into this book that it comes alive. I understood Jake's fears, his anger and his desire to make a better life for him and Miranda and their children. I was brokenhearted when his past kept coming back and ruined what he had built. And I cheered when they once again triumphed.
This is a long book but it seemed too short when I had read the final word.
A True gift to the romance world. Do Not Forsake Me, A Sequel is coming out July 7, 2015 and I find myself already screaming because it's not here yet. Because believe me when I tell you, Romance doesn't get any better than this!
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of Outlaw Hearts, provided by netgalley and is scheduled to be released on June 2, 2015
May 30, 2015
When I picked up this book, I had no idea it was a re-release from more than 20 years ago, but if I hadn't caught the copyright date, I feel quite sure I would have recognized something was amiss anyway. This book has a ton of 5 star reviews and it does have some good things to recommend it. But it's way too long and in many ways, it felt antiquated. As a result, I liked parts of it and appreciated the overall vibe, but I got restless at several points of the story.
This book is more than 500 pages and spans more than 20 years. It follows the love story and relationship between the outlaw Jake Harkner and the loyal, beautiful woman who helped him turn his life around with her love. The two meet under unlikely circumstances as Miranda shoots Jake out of fear, then nurses him back to health. She falls in love with him in no time flat (seriously, like no time) ...despite his deeply ingrained belief that he is no good and unworthy of her affection.
Their lives take many twists and turns, from a search for her brother, to running from the old crew now gunning for Jake; trying to escape the law and reinventing themselves over and over again. You'd think it would be enough to keep the story moving, but the same theme repeats through every problem. They hit a bump. Jake blames his sorry past. He wants to run away and give up. Miranda coaxes him back from the brink. Rinse and repeat.
I love a hero who doesn't think he's good enough for his heroine. It is my all time favorite trope. But it got old after hundreds and hundreds of pages. You would think that the man would eventually come to terms with the fact that his wife loves him more than life. You would think that he would learn that when he leaves her alone, she suffers. You would think those things, but you would be wrong.
Then there are the love scenes, which are so very filled with euphemisms it's laughable at times. My personal favorite was when the author kept referring to lady parts as a "love nest," followed closely by likening a man's ejaculation to putting his "life" inside his partner. I feel like it's a product of its time. I can't fault it for that, but it's kind of hard to get into the scenes when I am too busy rolling my eyes.
There is a lot of heavy handed foreshadowing. I like breadcrumbs, but don't hit me over the head with an anvil. Every time Jake warned Miranda he was afraid and she swore the past wouldn't catch up with them, you were just waiting for it to blow up. Or when she kept ruminating on what a bad idea it was to hide Jake's past from their kids. Or how he kept saying the worst thing he could think of was seeing shame in his son's eyes. They were all flashing signs that screamed "danger ahead."
Plus, their son was a total prat.
Despite all this, I can see the draw. In spite of his frequent dips in morose-ville, Jake is a good man and he loves and respects his wife in a way that cannot be denied. And while Miranda skates through too-goo-to-be-true-land, she is exactly the heroine he needs to turn his life around. I think the book as a whole is more enjoyable than the sum of its parts. I just might have enjoyed it more as two books or a heavily edited version of the one.
Just my opinion. A lot of people loved it just as it is.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by publisher for review
This book is more than 500 pages and spans more than 20 years. It follows the love story and relationship between the outlaw Jake Harkner and the loyal, beautiful woman who helped him turn his life around with her love. The two meet under unlikely circumstances as Miranda shoots Jake out of fear, then nurses him back to health. She falls in love with him in no time flat (seriously, like no time) ...despite his deeply ingrained belief that he is no good and unworthy of her affection.
Their lives take many twists and turns, from a search for her brother, to running from the old crew now gunning for Jake; trying to escape the law and reinventing themselves over and over again. You'd think it would be enough to keep the story moving, but the same theme repeats through every problem. They hit a bump. Jake blames his sorry past. He wants to run away and give up. Miranda coaxes him back from the brink. Rinse and repeat.
I love a hero who doesn't think he's good enough for his heroine. It is my all time favorite trope. But it got old after hundreds and hundreds of pages. You would think that the man would eventually come to terms with the fact that his wife loves him more than life. You would think that he would learn that when he leaves her alone, she suffers. You would think those things, but you would be wrong.
Then there are the love scenes, which are so very filled with euphemisms it's laughable at times. My personal favorite was when the author kept referring to lady parts as a "love nest," followed closely by likening a man's ejaculation to putting his "life" inside his partner. I feel like it's a product of its time. I can't fault it for that, but it's kind of hard to get into the scenes when I am too busy rolling my eyes.
There is a lot of heavy handed foreshadowing. I like breadcrumbs, but don't hit me over the head with an anvil. Every time Jake warned Miranda he was afraid and she swore the past wouldn't catch up with them, you were just waiting for it to blow up. Or when she kept ruminating on what a bad idea it was to hide Jake's past from their kids. Or how he kept saying the worst thing he could think of was seeing shame in his son's eyes. They were all flashing signs that screamed "danger ahead."
Plus, their son was a total prat.
Despite all this, I can see the draw. In spite of his frequent dips in morose-ville, Jake is a good man and he loves and respects his wife in a way that cannot be denied. And while Miranda skates through too-goo-to-be-true-land, she is exactly the heroine he needs to turn his life around. I think the book as a whole is more enjoyable than the sum of its parts. I just might have enjoyed it more as two books or a heavily edited version of the one.
Just my opinion. A lot of people loved it just as it is.
Rating: B-
*ARC provided by publisher for review
August 1, 2015
Bittner brings the Old West to life for readers of all kinds in this novel. Her unique look at mining towns and the western settlements after the war gave me a unique perspective on the issues faced by the characters throughout. This is one of those novels that takes you apart piece by piece, breaking your heart over and over again, and then puts it back together, but changed in an unmistakable way. The story was wildly romantic. There was simply so much emotion and rebuilding of lives throughout. Bittner’s novel embodies the period Western at its finest.
I loved how this story followed the bulk of the married lives of the main characters, showing just how much love it took to make it through the trials. Romance, and life, don’t stop at the wedding. Bittner created a fantastic couple to do this with. As much as I loved getting to know Jake and Randy, this novel wouldn’t have packed half the punch without the vast and varied supporting cast. Everyone’s stories worked together to create a fantastic whole. You could really see the big picture. Clarence, the slimy weasel, stood out even among the outlaws in the novel. He was a different kind of bad news.
This was an intensely satisfying read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys western romances. But I will warn you, grab a box of Kleenex, or two.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
I loved how this story followed the bulk of the married lives of the main characters, showing just how much love it took to make it through the trials. Romance, and life, don’t stop at the wedding. Bittner created a fantastic couple to do this with. As much as I loved getting to know Jake and Randy, this novel wouldn’t have packed half the punch without the vast and varied supporting cast. Everyone’s stories worked together to create a fantastic whole. You could really see the big picture. Clarence, the slimy weasel, stood out even among the outlaws in the novel. He was a different kind of bad news.
This was an intensely satisfying read. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to anyone who enjoys western romances. But I will warn you, grab a box of Kleenex, or two.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
June 14, 2015
An untamed outlaw who turned his back on all his wild ways for the woman who chose to love him share an epic Western saga romance spanning decades and defying the odds against them. It was raw, gritty, all-consuming, and quite possibly one of the best books I'll ever read. This three part story begins with the meeting, continues with the early years and finishes many years later after joy, tragedy, happiness, loss, and abiding love weave together. I sobbed, I smiled, and I laughed, but mostly I sat amazed at this powerful Western Historical Romance.
This was my third book by this author and each time I have sat in awe of her mastery over this genre. I've read others that I love, but these raise the bar even higher. I know this author has been around a while, but I'm grateful to Sourcebooks for reissuing her stories so that I was introduced to a fast-favorite.
The story opens with Miranda Hayes burying her father on the Kansas prairie after raiders hit their farm outside Kansas City. They took all the livestock and items of importance and killed her father while she was away visiting. There is really no reason left to stay since she is alone. She is determined to sell the farm and follow her brother west to Virginia City which was the last place she received a letter. A trip into town for supplies leads her to an encounter with known outlaw, Jake Harkner, when a bounty hunter catches up with him and they shoot it out. Miranda does the unthinkable when she instinctively draws her Derringer and shoots Harkner. He gets away and she is lauded as a hero. She doesn't feel like a hero knowing full well that he chose not to shoot her when he could have and he denied the more brutal charges on the wanted poster.
Miranda discovers to her surprise and dismay that the outlaw chose her farm to hide and recuperate. She is confused by her feelings and by the opposing desires to turn him in and take care of him. Jake doesn't make it easy. He makes it clear that he may not have done the worst stuff, but he is no innocent either. He is like a wild, injured animal that watches her warily and doesn't like to show a soft side though he does in his moments of feverish weakness. She conceives of the audacious plan to have Jake take her to her brother, but Jake refuses and leaves because he's terrified of the feelings forming between them and knows he's not good enough.
Jake has lived a hardened life on the wrong side of the law and he has no idea what to do with the emotions he feels toward that strong, lovely lady who chose to help him heal and hid him from the authorities. He won't drag her into his life. However, the guilt of knowing that she will be going off on her own to Nevada weighs heavily on him because he knows what she is up against and what bad men would do to a beauty like her. Against his sense of self-preservation and judgment, he goes after Miranda to protect her on her way to find her probably worthless brother.
On the hard, dangerous journey, Jake and Miranda forge a bond and a love that sees them through the desert, illness, attacks, unscrupulous men, and Jake's past. Just when they seem to have made it, Jake's past catches up with him just like he feared and now they both have to display a strength they didn't know they had.
I want to use all superlatives as I talk about this book. I was so caught up in this story and long afterward, I still am. Jake's life was heartbreaking and it was amazing that there were any tender feelings left in him after growing up with the abuse he took and being raised by an evil fiend only seeing a brutal, outlaw upbringing and life with no kindness or love. Miranda's was a life of loss and tough as a result, but she is this enduring, hope-filled woman who stands strong for Jake. Her care and love are his first encounter with good. He wants it desperately, but doesn't want to break her or contaminate her by his bad. They have a hard life. The author doesn't pull any punches or try to romanticize what it's like for an outlaw to reform. The consequences from Jake's past are there and tragically affect him and Miranda and others for the rest of their lives. It was magnificent how the author balanced this hard, gritty life with the deep, loyal love so that there was light mixed with dark.
The historical setting and times were authentic and fantastic in the breadth of the descriptions of post-Civil war American West, the journey over the Oregon Trail and all the points of the west where Jake and Miranda called home. The surrounding characters added color and richness to the story. The activities from Mining Town life, Ranch life and life on the run, and more were amazing. The author really knows her stuff.
As to the romance itself, Jake and Miranda are not shy and I enjoyed that they are mature in how they approach their relationship and life. They are tempestuous in their encounters as their strengths both conflict and mesh together. The attraction is strong between them, but tempered by outside influences and social mores of the time. But when they do come together, its a thing of beauty. Miranda is a widow so she isn't ignorant, but Jake's experiences with women are well beyond her own. That said, Miranda matched Jake's needs with an openness that made their passion soar. Through all the hardships they endure, their love was this amazing thing that stayed true no matter what.
This was a longer story that takes place over many years and even into their middle years. I loved that. Many stories end with marriage, but this one was barely a fourth of the way along when the marriage took place and it ends over twenty years later. I haven't read a family saga like this in a long time and this one reminded me of what I've been missing.
In the end, I am left with a thirst for more of this story which thankfully has a follow-up sequel and definitely I will be hunting down more from this author. I highly recommend this story to those who want a magnificent and authentic gritty, sensual Western Historical Romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was my third book by this author and each time I have sat in awe of her mastery over this genre. I've read others that I love, but these raise the bar even higher. I know this author has been around a while, but I'm grateful to Sourcebooks for reissuing her stories so that I was introduced to a fast-favorite.
The story opens with Miranda Hayes burying her father on the Kansas prairie after raiders hit their farm outside Kansas City. They took all the livestock and items of importance and killed her father while she was away visiting. There is really no reason left to stay since she is alone. She is determined to sell the farm and follow her brother west to Virginia City which was the last place she received a letter. A trip into town for supplies leads her to an encounter with known outlaw, Jake Harkner, when a bounty hunter catches up with him and they shoot it out. Miranda does the unthinkable when she instinctively draws her Derringer and shoots Harkner. He gets away and she is lauded as a hero. She doesn't feel like a hero knowing full well that he chose not to shoot her when he could have and he denied the more brutal charges on the wanted poster.
Miranda discovers to her surprise and dismay that the outlaw chose her farm to hide and recuperate. She is confused by her feelings and by the opposing desires to turn him in and take care of him. Jake doesn't make it easy. He makes it clear that he may not have done the worst stuff, but he is no innocent either. He is like a wild, injured animal that watches her warily and doesn't like to show a soft side though he does in his moments of feverish weakness. She conceives of the audacious plan to have Jake take her to her brother, but Jake refuses and leaves because he's terrified of the feelings forming between them and knows he's not good enough.
Jake has lived a hardened life on the wrong side of the law and he has no idea what to do with the emotions he feels toward that strong, lovely lady who chose to help him heal and hid him from the authorities. He won't drag her into his life. However, the guilt of knowing that she will be going off on her own to Nevada weighs heavily on him because he knows what she is up against and what bad men would do to a beauty like her. Against his sense of self-preservation and judgment, he goes after Miranda to protect her on her way to find her probably worthless brother.
On the hard, dangerous journey, Jake and Miranda forge a bond and a love that sees them through the desert, illness, attacks, unscrupulous men, and Jake's past. Just when they seem to have made it, Jake's past catches up with him just like he feared and now they both have to display a strength they didn't know they had.
I want to use all superlatives as I talk about this book. I was so caught up in this story and long afterward, I still am. Jake's life was heartbreaking and it was amazing that there were any tender feelings left in him after growing up with the abuse he took and being raised by an evil fiend only seeing a brutal, outlaw upbringing and life with no kindness or love. Miranda's was a life of loss and tough as a result, but she is this enduring, hope-filled woman who stands strong for Jake. Her care and love are his first encounter with good. He wants it desperately, but doesn't want to break her or contaminate her by his bad. They have a hard life. The author doesn't pull any punches or try to romanticize what it's like for an outlaw to reform. The consequences from Jake's past are there and tragically affect him and Miranda and others for the rest of their lives. It was magnificent how the author balanced this hard, gritty life with the deep, loyal love so that there was light mixed with dark.
The historical setting and times were authentic and fantastic in the breadth of the descriptions of post-Civil war American West, the journey over the Oregon Trail and all the points of the west where Jake and Miranda called home. The surrounding characters added color and richness to the story. The activities from Mining Town life, Ranch life and life on the run, and more were amazing. The author really knows her stuff.
As to the romance itself, Jake and Miranda are not shy and I enjoyed that they are mature in how they approach their relationship and life. They are tempestuous in their encounters as their strengths both conflict and mesh together. The attraction is strong between them, but tempered by outside influences and social mores of the time. But when they do come together, its a thing of beauty. Miranda is a widow so she isn't ignorant, but Jake's experiences with women are well beyond her own. That said, Miranda matched Jake's needs with an openness that made their passion soar. Through all the hardships they endure, their love was this amazing thing that stayed true no matter what.
This was a longer story that takes place over many years and even into their middle years. I loved that. Many stories end with marriage, but this one was barely a fourth of the way along when the marriage took place and it ends over twenty years later. I haven't read a family saga like this in a long time and this one reminded me of what I've been missing.
In the end, I am left with a thirst for more of this story which thankfully has a follow-up sequel and definitely I will be hunting down more from this author. I highly recommend this story to those who want a magnificent and authentic gritty, sensual Western Historical Romance.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 8, 2017
Dnf at 15%
While the story was interesting, I had to stop because of the slut-shaming. I hate, hate HATE it when a hero starts shaming the women he slept with. He can do all the right things and be a perfect angel to the heroine, but that doesn't excuse his awful behaviour towards other women.
A lot of romance "heroes" don't see prostitutes as human beings with thoughts and feelings. They always think they are some subhuman, lowly creatures not entitled to respect, who only exist to show how sweet, pure and innocent the heroine is. What a load of bullshit
The author delves into the hero's abusive past to show how he ended up as a ruthless outlaw. But how can I sympathise with a hero who can't be understanding of those stuck in harsh circumstances like him? I think it's hypocritical of him to judge and shame women for being prostitutes and call them "bad women" but will still have sex with them.
What an asshole.
While the story was interesting, I had to stop because of the slut-shaming. I hate, hate HATE it when a hero starts shaming the women he slept with. He can do all the right things and be a perfect angel to the heroine, but that doesn't excuse his awful behaviour towards other women.
You’re a beautiful woman and unattached. That’s awful ripe bait for lonely men. Most will respect the lady that you are, but don’t count on all of them knowing or caring about the difference between a proper lady and one that’s not so proper. My mother was a proper lady, a good woman. I guess that’s why in spite of the life I’ve led, I’ve always respected a good woman.”
A lot of romance "heroes" don't see prostitutes as human beings with thoughts and feelings. They always think they are some subhuman, lowly creatures not entitled to respect, who only exist to show how sweet, pure and innocent the heroine is. What a load of bullshit
After all, the kind of women he had always known didn’t create much of any other kind of feeling in a man. They were just there to satisfy physical needs.
The author delves into the hero's abusive past to show how he ended up as a ruthless outlaw. But how can I sympathise with a hero who can't be understanding of those stuck in harsh circumstances like him? I think it's hypocritical of him to judge and shame women for being prostitutes and call them "bad women" but will still have sex with them.
What an asshole.
April 28, 2011
What drives men into evil, and having done evil deeds, can he truly change? These questions were at the heart of this book, which I call a romance with some reservation. It was romantic -- but if you go into it expecting the simple, straightforward HEA structure, you might find yourself a bit thrown off by this different approach that watched love grow, deepen, get tested, and survive over a quarter century of life, and covering two generations of men.
Miranda first meets Jake in a store in Kansas City, where she shoots the outlaw wanted for bank robbery, murder, and rape. Through a strange twist of fate, she ends up nursing him back to health, in both body and spirit. He tells her things about his past he had never told anyone, and he earns the precious gift of her forgiveness.
But Jake is a wanted man, and life isn't easy. I don't want to spoil this journey by talking about all the twists and turns it takes, though I will say that I struggled through parts in the middle, when the story almost seemed over, but wasn't. I would say that there are three definite parts to this story, and each kind of slows down at first before rising again to a new climax. This could almost have been three books, but even though, at the time, I found the structure a little strange, in retrospect, I think it was wonderful because it told a different type of love story -- one more meaningful and lasting.
I highly recommend this novel to romantics at heart.
www.christineamsden.com
Miranda first meets Jake in a store in Kansas City, where she shoots the outlaw wanted for bank robbery, murder, and rape. Through a strange twist of fate, she ends up nursing him back to health, in both body and spirit. He tells her things about his past he had never told anyone, and he earns the precious gift of her forgiveness.
But Jake is a wanted man, and life isn't easy. I don't want to spoil this journey by talking about all the twists and turns it takes, though I will say that I struggled through parts in the middle, when the story almost seemed over, but wasn't. I would say that there are three definite parts to this story, and each kind of slows down at first before rising again to a new climax. This could almost have been three books, but even though, at the time, I found the structure a little strange, in retrospect, I think it was wonderful because it told a different type of love story -- one more meaningful and lasting.
I highly recommend this novel to romantics at heart.
www.christineamsden.com
March 26, 2022
even though this was 556 pages, oh so worth it for this love story. I mean, western romance? Yes please. This family has already been through so much so I can’t even imagine what’s in store for book 2. I’ll definitely continue this series.
November 19, 2015
This is a beautifully written saga. There is a second book out called Do Not Forsake Me.
I just love the H/h. Miranda (Randy) does not allow gossip or labels given to Jake Harkner and instead trusts her own instincts and gut feelings when it comes to trusting and giving this man a chance. She gives him love and loyalty like he has never known before not even from his parents. He had a horrible upbringing. She is a destitute widow traveling alone under very dangerous conditions. Jakes goes after her and together they brave the hardships and the hostile treatment that goes along with loving an outlaw (bad boy). This is what true love truly should be. Jake is my kind of man, he is strong, protective, possessive and just plain awesome. I just love this book. I want to read the second installment ASAP. Anyone who loves romance, especially historical western romance will really enjoy this series.
There is going to be a third installment called Loves Sweet Revenge to be released September 2016 by Rosanne Bittner.
I just love the H/h. Miranda (Randy) does not allow gossip or labels given to Jake Harkner and instead trusts her own instincts and gut feelings when it comes to trusting and giving this man a chance. She gives him love and loyalty like he has never known before not even from his parents. He had a horrible upbringing. She is a destitute widow traveling alone under very dangerous conditions. Jakes goes after her and together they brave the hardships and the hostile treatment that goes along with loving an outlaw (bad boy). This is what true love truly should be. Jake is my kind of man, he is strong, protective, possessive and just plain awesome. I just love this book. I want to read the second installment ASAP. Anyone who loves romance, especially historical western romance will really enjoy this series.
There is going to be a third installment called Loves Sweet Revenge to be released September 2016 by Rosanne Bittner.
June 26, 2015
The Queen of Western Historical Romance, Rosanne Bittner, never ceases to amaze her readers with her picturesque ways of telling a story. We are so blessed to be living during a time when the greatest western story teller, graces us with her majestic works of written art!!!!!!
Outlaw Hearts is a fabulous piece of extraordinary work. It is filled with regrets, revenge, romance, and reunion.
Jake and Miranda's (Randy's) love and courage remind us of what true devotion and love can conquer. 5 stars just isn't enough for this wonderful book. Rosanne, you have done it again. Excellent book!!!!
Outlaw Hearts is a fabulous piece of extraordinary work. It is filled with regrets, revenge, romance, and reunion.
Jake and Miranda's (Randy's) love and courage remind us of what true devotion and love can conquer. 5 stars just isn't enough for this wonderful book. Rosanne, you have done it again. Excellent book!!!!
January 7, 2016
The Queen of Western Historical Romance, Rosanne Bittner, never ceases to amaze her readers with her picturesque ways of telling a story. We are so blessed to be living during a time when the greatest western story teller, graces us with her majestic works of written art!!!!!!
Outlaw Hearts is a fabulous piece of extraordinary work. It is filled with regrets, revenge, romance, and reunion.
Jake and Miranda's (Randy's) love and courage remind us of what true devotion and love can conquer. 5 stars just isn't enough for this wonderful book. Rosanne, you have done it again. Excellent book!!!!
Outlaw Hearts is a fabulous piece of extraordinary work. It is filled with regrets, revenge, romance, and reunion.
Jake and Miranda's (Randy's) love and courage remind us of what true devotion and love can conquer. 5 stars just isn't enough for this wonderful book. Rosanne, you have done it again. Excellent book!!!!
June 4, 2015
I loved Outlaw Hearts, it was the 4th or 5th book of her I read. An Epic not to be missed. It's still one of my all time favorite books.
April 21, 2020
This was an epic read! I can’t remember the last time a story gripped my attention so strongly! I started this book yesterday thinking I’ll read a few chapters before bedtime. Ha! It was 40% later before I grudgingly gave in to sleep. Reading during work and finishing up when I got home, Jake and Miranda’s saga swept me off my feet and kept me entranced until the last page! Their story spanned decades and all I can say is I’m glad I gave this one a chance because I would have missed out on a very moving tale.
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March 29, 2015
This was the best western romance I have ever read by one of the greatest authors I truly enjoy. You will laugh, cry, get angry and wonder how you ever went without truly reading this. The characters were very well written and what an adventure. I felt so much for the Jake Harkner who was an outlaw and gun toting man who lives by his own rules. Jake has been on his own since he was a kid and began a career with the most disgusting men. He has killed to survive with only his wits to save him. Now he on his way to another state, but stops in Kansas City, MO to refurbish his supplies at a general store. He hope he isn't recognized, but with the guns strapped low on his hips, he takes a chance.
At the same time, Miranda Hayes, a widow is visiting the same store, sees the bearded man with the guns. Jake is confronted by a man who says that he will be glad to kill the outlaw for the reward money for rape, murder and thievery. but Jake defends himself and kills the man, not before sustaining a bullet by Miranda in self defense. Jake flees the area and a posses gives chase.
Even though Amanda is upset, her friends try to get her to stay for the night, but she only wants to get home. She arrives but there, she finds a unconscious Jake lying on her bed in her cabin. He's lost a lot of blood, but Amanda feels like she should help him, she doesn't know why.
Jake and Miranda have a whole lot of time to get to know each other. She wants to get to the man beneath the hard exterior, and show him that he can be loved, if only Jake can accept her at her word. It's a long trial for both of them, but things have a way of giving each of them the love that will be forever.
I really appreciate Net Galley for this book in which I gave an honest review.
At the same time, Miranda Hayes, a widow is visiting the same store, sees the bearded man with the guns. Jake is confronted by a man who says that he will be glad to kill the outlaw for the reward money for rape, murder and thievery. but Jake defends himself and kills the man, not before sustaining a bullet by Miranda in self defense. Jake flees the area and a posses gives chase.
Even though Amanda is upset, her friends try to get her to stay for the night, but she only wants to get home. She arrives but there, she finds a unconscious Jake lying on her bed in her cabin. He's lost a lot of blood, but Amanda feels like she should help him, she doesn't know why.
Jake and Miranda have a whole lot of time to get to know each other. She wants to get to the man beneath the hard exterior, and show him that he can be loved, if only Jake can accept her at her word. It's a long trial for both of them, but things have a way of giving each of them the love that will be forever.
I really appreciate Net Galley for this book in which I gave an honest review.
January 24, 2021
I read this book a long time ago as a young teen, loving the story then, and recently decided to try to find the book and re-read it again... and let me tell you - I fell in love with Jake and Randy all over again!!! While I have found several favorite books over the years, Jake and Randy's story will always remain at the top!
Rosanne Bittner has a way of weaving a story into your heart so that you can't help but love the characters and feel like you truly know them! I love that their story wasn't just about them meeting, falling in love, then getting married at the end with a quick-peek epilogue into their future. She takes us through 20+ years of marriage, and introduces grandkids, making the story (to me) feel so much more complete! I love how not only we saw good times for them, but we also get to experience the real struggles that they faced together - and how their love was able to push through it all!
I didn't realize until "meeting" several of Rosanne Bittner's heros how one could "fall in love" with a fictional hero - but Jake definitely "stole" a part of my heart. And Randy - well, I'll just say that I'd love to have her strength and attitude!
This is one of Rosanne Bittner's stories you don't wanna miss!!!
Reread June/July 2015 for Do Not Forsake Me's release. Still over the top in love with Jake and Randy!
Rosanne Bittner has a way of weaving a story into your heart so that you can't help but love the characters and feel like you truly know them! I love that their story wasn't just about them meeting, falling in love, then getting married at the end with a quick-peek epilogue into their future. She takes us through 20+ years of marriage, and introduces grandkids, making the story (to me) feel so much more complete! I love how not only we saw good times for them, but we also get to experience the real struggles that they faced together - and how their love was able to push through it all!
I didn't realize until "meeting" several of Rosanne Bittner's heros how one could "fall in love" with a fictional hero - but Jake definitely "stole" a part of my heart. And Randy - well, I'll just say that I'd love to have her strength and attitude!
This is one of Rosanne Bittner's stories you don't wanna miss!!!
Reread June/July 2015 for Do Not Forsake Me's release. Still over the top in love with Jake and Randy!
June 4, 2015
From time to time I exit the world of Regency and enter the world of western romance, and when I took this book on I never thought it would be as long, or as good as it was.
First, as an Outlander fan, I’m a sucker for “thick books”. I feel that they give me more of the world these characters live in.
This amazing western romance had a feel of a saga because it spans over 20 years of our hero and heroine’s life. I just couldn’t help but fall in love with the world and the characters Ms. Bittner created within these 500 pages. Some of you may get put off by the length of the book, but I’m thinking most will appreciate it and fall in love with this uncompromisingly frank, raw and heartwarming story of love and redemption. I did.
If the above book blurb isn’t sufficient enough to hook you, let me add that the story is filled with strong, three-dimensional and very complex characters; its plot is solid and intriguing; the pace of the romance is realistic and the chemistry between the leads jumps off the pages; the world through which the author takes her readers is unflinchingly real.
For some the pace might have been a bit faster, but for me, I found myself reading it slower help me enjoy this world longer.
This is a book that will stay with you for a very, very long time.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
First, as an Outlander fan, I’m a sucker for “thick books”. I feel that they give me more of the world these characters live in.
This amazing western romance had a feel of a saga because it spans over 20 years of our hero and heroine’s life. I just couldn’t help but fall in love with the world and the characters Ms. Bittner created within these 500 pages. Some of you may get put off by the length of the book, but I’m thinking most will appreciate it and fall in love with this uncompromisingly frank, raw and heartwarming story of love and redemption. I did.
If the above book blurb isn’t sufficient enough to hook you, let me add that the story is filled with strong, three-dimensional and very complex characters; its plot is solid and intriguing; the pace of the romance is realistic and the chemistry between the leads jumps off the pages; the world through which the author takes her readers is unflinchingly real.
For some the pace might have been a bit faster, but for me, I found myself reading it slower help me enjoy this world longer.
This is a book that will stay with you for a very, very long time.
Melanie for b2b
Complimentary copy provided by the publisher
April 25, 2015
Outlaw Hearts by author Rosanne Bittner is beyond wonderful! I have been reading her books for many years. Ms. Bittner is beyond amazing as a story teller. She pulls you into her stories in such a way that you will feel as if your right there living it with the characters.
With this book you get so much detail of the Old West that you can literally see every detail in your mind as you read. This is a lengthy story which just adds to how awesome it is! Just AMAZING!
I found this story to flow beautifully and the characters were highly developed. If you love the Old West and a lover of wonderfully descriptive stories I highly recommend this author and book!
With this book you get so much detail of the Old West that you can literally see every detail in your mind as you read. This is a lengthy story which just adds to how awesome it is! Just AMAZING!
I found this story to flow beautifully and the characters were highly developed. If you love the Old West and a lover of wonderfully descriptive stories I highly recommend this author and book!
November 1, 2018
Dnf at 64%
I am in awe at how much I despised this book. I feel like I wasted so much time dragging myself along with their PAINFULLY LONG BORING POINTLESS STORY AND THERE IS LITERALLY NO END. At my dnf point it’s like 15 years later from when they first met and that was at SIXTY FOUR PERCENT meaning there’s a whole 46% of bs I have to get through??? Oh my god I have no idea how this has such a high rating. Peace✌🏼
I am in awe at how much I despised this book. I feel like I wasted so much time dragging myself along with their PAINFULLY LONG BORING POINTLESS STORY AND THERE IS LITERALLY NO END. At my dnf point it’s like 15 years later from when they first met and that was at SIXTY FOUR PERCENT meaning there’s a whole 46% of bs I have to get through??? Oh my god I have no idea how this has such a high rating. Peace✌🏼
August 24, 2022
3.5 stars
This was something different from the regency romance books that I usually read. At first, I found it similar to another book I’ve read before: Hitched to the Gunslinger.
But it was slightly different. This book moves into the life that happens after Jake and Miranda got married.
Firstly, the characters. A misunderstood man who had a tough front and did not know love, finally meeting a woman who loved him unconditionally? Check, I’m in. It was very heartwarming to see Miranda just loving Jake through the ups and downs. Constantly reminding Jake deserves to be loved and can love others as well, despite his horrible past.
Their marriage was the exact definition of sticking with each other through thick and thin. It was strong, with Miranda’s determination, never giving up, and Jake’s love and protectiveness of Miranda and their family. They would literally die for each other.
Secondly, the plot and romance. I didn’t expect this story to be so sad at times that it had me tearing me. All the times Jake and Miranda had to be separated broke my heart over and over. Their love was really amazing. It just shows that no matters how many obstacles came their way, no matter how far they were apart, they were able to weather it together.
I also didn’t expect the book to include stories about Jake’s and Miranda’s children. It did however drag the story down a little as I had wanted the story to focus on Jake and Miranda. I really enjoyed their lovemaking scenes, they were always very romantic and bittersweet.
As much as I enjoyed the book, there was a few issues I had (1) I found that Jake’s self loathing went a little too far. He was always thinking he was not good enough and Miranda had to remind him countless times. He kept needing her to tell him, which honestly annoyed me a little. Like how much does he need to hear from Miranda to finally feel he deserved all the happiness? For god’s sake, Miranda married him, had his children, waited for him 2 years, then waited again for 4 years. How many more signs did he need to see to realize she was so in love with him?
(2) Miranda had a habit of comparing Jake’s lovemaking and her first husband’s lovemaking. Why would she think of her first husband’s lovemaking when she was making love with Jake?
(3) the story got draggy towards the end with all the action & the children’s stories. I skimmed the last few chapters.
All in all, it was a pretty good book that had me at the edge of my seat, wanting to find out what happened next. The love was on another level, an everlasting love.
This was something different from the regency romance books that I usually read. At first, I found it similar to another book I’ve read before: Hitched to the Gunslinger.
But it was slightly different. This book moves into the life that happens after Jake and Miranda got married.
Firstly, the characters. A misunderstood man who had a tough front and did not know love, finally meeting a woman who loved him unconditionally? Check, I’m in. It was very heartwarming to see Miranda just loving Jake through the ups and downs. Constantly reminding Jake deserves to be loved and can love others as well, despite his horrible past.
Their marriage was the exact definition of sticking with each other through thick and thin. It was strong, with Miranda’s determination, never giving up, and Jake’s love and protectiveness of Miranda and their family. They would literally die for each other.
Secondly, the plot and romance. I didn’t expect this story to be so sad at times that it had me tearing me. All the times Jake and Miranda had to be separated broke my heart over and over. Their love was really amazing. It just shows that no matters how many obstacles came their way, no matter how far they were apart, they were able to weather it together.
I also didn’t expect the book to include stories about Jake’s and Miranda’s children. It did however drag the story down a little as I had wanted the story to focus on Jake and Miranda. I really enjoyed their lovemaking scenes, they were always very romantic and bittersweet.
As much as I enjoyed the book, there was a few issues I had (1) I found that Jake’s self loathing went a little too far. He was always thinking he was not good enough and Miranda had to remind him countless times. He kept needing her to tell him, which honestly annoyed me a little. Like how much does he need to hear from Miranda to finally feel he deserved all the happiness? For god’s sake, Miranda married him, had his children, waited for him 2 years, then waited again for 4 years. How many more signs did he need to see to realize she was so in love with him?
(2) Miranda had a habit of comparing Jake’s lovemaking and her first husband’s lovemaking. Why would she think of her first husband’s lovemaking when she was making love with Jake?
(3) the story got draggy towards the end with all the action & the children’s stories. I skimmed the last few chapters.
All in all, it was a pretty good book that had me at the edge of my seat, wanting to find out what happened next. The love was on another level, an everlasting love.
August 18, 2024
This is a long book at 556 pages and it didn’t drag for even a minute. It spans about 25 years and starts a saga that begins with Miranda Hayes, who is pretty much a farm girl in Kansas, and Jake Harkner, a tried and true outlaw who killed his father and is now wanted in Missouri for robbery, murder, and rape.
Miranda’s father died and her brother left home long before then. She thinks he’s in Virginia City, Nevada and is selling everything so she can go look for him. She wasn’t counting on shooting a man in the general store or doctoring him up after he inadvertently ended up at her place. What a way to meet the love of her life.
Jake is a hardened criminal. He ran with a rough crowd and did some bad things and refused to believe there was even one good thing about him.
But Miranda was able to get past the scruff and the gruff to see the real man. She touched his heart and his soul and helped him get his life turned around.
This was just the beginning of an epic love story. There were some huge highs and lows that made me laugh and cry. I wanted them to find their peace and happiness, but just when I thought they had it, something dreadful would happen. My poor heart.
Miranda had perseverance and had so much faith in Jake, especially when he didn’t have any in himself and wanted to give up. She kept him going when he had nothing left to give. She gets Heroine of the Year award.
This was an amazing story with a lot of action and adventure, some steam, but ultimately it is about true love, loyalty, and forgiveness.
Such a great read.
Miranda’s father died and her brother left home long before then. She thinks he’s in Virginia City, Nevada and is selling everything so she can go look for him. She wasn’t counting on shooting a man in the general store or doctoring him up after he inadvertently ended up at her place. What a way to meet the love of her life.
Jake is a hardened criminal. He ran with a rough crowd and did some bad things and refused to believe there was even one good thing about him.
But Miranda was able to get past the scruff and the gruff to see the real man. She touched his heart and his soul and helped him get his life turned around.
This was just the beginning of an epic love story. There were some huge highs and lows that made me laugh and cry. I wanted them to find their peace and happiness, but just when I thought they had it, something dreadful would happen. My poor heart.
Miranda had perseverance and had so much faith in Jake, especially when he didn’t have any in himself and wanted to give up. She kept him going when he had nothing left to give. She gets Heroine of the Year award.
This was an amazing story with a lot of action and adventure, some steam, but ultimately it is about true love, loyalty, and forgiveness.
Such a great read.
August 3, 2020
This was a really long book that spanned more than 20 years, so yes. It deserves a long review. But after reading something so filled with angst, love, hate, tension, and more love...it's a lot to write about. The main characters in here were Jake, an outlaw with an awful past, and Miranda, an unbelievably strong woman who started off alone in the world. After shooting Jake, she ends up patching him back up, due to twists of fate. And then, love blossoms. Randy had to be so strong throughout this story. Jake spent a lot of it feeling unworthy and making mistakes. It followed the couple as they had children, struggled, hid from the law, and then had to deal with things finally catching up to them. I have to say, I was really growing to hate their son Lloyd for a bit. Still, I definitely understand why people love this book so much. While it did have its slow moments and I kind of wanted to shake both Jake and Lloyd at times, this was a very emotional journey through the old West, filled with outlaws, romance, strife, and faith.
January 23, 2016
Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 512 pages
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published February 1st 1993)
original title Outlaw Hearts
ISBN 1492612812
edition language English
other editions (2)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
At twenty, Miranda Hayes had known more than her share of heartache and loss. Widowed by the war, orphaned by a vicious band of rebel raiders, she was a woman alone in a harsh, unyielding frontier. Then she clashed with the notorious gunslinger Jake Harkner, a hard-hearted loner with a price on his head, and found within herself a deep well of courage...and feelings of desire she'd never known.
Hunted by lawmen and desperadoes alike, haunted by his brutal past, Jake had spent a lifetime on the dusty trail--and on the run. Until he met a vibrant, honey-haired beauty who was determined to change his violent ways, who loved him enough to risk her life to be his woman...an outlaw's woman.
From the vast plains of the Midwest across the Oregon Trail to the sun-drenched valleys of southern California, from the blazing Nevada desert to the boomtowns of Colorado, Miranda and Jake struggled to endure amid the perils of a lawless wilderness. In a world of heart-stopping danger and burning desire, could their hard-won love survive the shadows that stalked their happiness?
This turned out to be a wonderful western romance that takes place over a time span that is over 20 years in the telling. The initial meeting between Jake Harkner and Miranda Hayes was not exactly cordial but over the course of time the pair fall in love, the kind of love that lasts a lifetime and beyond!
Life in the 1800’s was not easy for anyone but especially for a woman alone it was more hazardous than not, Miranda was truly courageous in following her heart rather than taking the easy way out and marrying a man simply so he could provide her with protection rather than marrying for love.
Jake is a hardened outlaw, a man whose past forged his future, but who also has a core of honor that will allow him to let no harm come to a woman or child if he has any say in the matter. This becomes a burden when he finds himself trying to break away from his former criminal associates, so not only is he on the run from the law but also the very confederates with whom he rode for years before they crossed a line he could not stomach.
Two very different people from two very different backgrounds who meet by sheer accident, an accident that changes both of them in ways they never would have dreamed or hoped for.
After facing hardship after hardship Jake and Miranda’s stirring tale spanning over 20 years is passionate and heartwarming as well! Just when you think their ordeals are behind them forever the past almost tears them apart once again leading the reader through some of the most harrowing ordeals that anyone real or fictional could hope to face, also some of the most emotionally upsetting of the entire book.
First time reading author but certainly not the last, anxious to crack open the pages of book 2 Do Not Forsake Me which thanks to Netgalley have an early copy to read prior to July 7th, 2015 release so can find out what Jake and Miranda experience next.
Mass Market Paperback, 512 pages
Expected publication: June 2nd 2015 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published February 1st 1993)
original title Outlaw Hearts
ISBN 1492612812
edition language English
other editions (2)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Book Buy Links
Amazon
B&N
BOOK SYNOPSIS
At twenty, Miranda Hayes had known more than her share of heartache and loss. Widowed by the war, orphaned by a vicious band of rebel raiders, she was a woman alone in a harsh, unyielding frontier. Then she clashed with the notorious gunslinger Jake Harkner, a hard-hearted loner with a price on his head, and found within herself a deep well of courage...and feelings of desire she'd never known.
Hunted by lawmen and desperadoes alike, haunted by his brutal past, Jake had spent a lifetime on the dusty trail--and on the run. Until he met a vibrant, honey-haired beauty who was determined to change his violent ways, who loved him enough to risk her life to be his woman...an outlaw's woman.
From the vast plains of the Midwest across the Oregon Trail to the sun-drenched valleys of southern California, from the blazing Nevada desert to the boomtowns of Colorado, Miranda and Jake struggled to endure amid the perils of a lawless wilderness. In a world of heart-stopping danger and burning desire, could their hard-won love survive the shadows that stalked their happiness?
My Thoughts
This turned out to be a wonderful western romance that takes place over a time span that is over 20 years in the telling. The initial meeting between Jake Harkner and Miranda Hayes was not exactly cordial but over the course of time the pair fall in love, the kind of love that lasts a lifetime and beyond!
Life in the 1800’s was not easy for anyone but especially for a woman alone it was more hazardous than not, Miranda was truly courageous in following her heart rather than taking the easy way out and marrying a man simply so he could provide her with protection rather than marrying for love.
Jake is a hardened outlaw, a man whose past forged his future, but who also has a core of honor that will allow him to let no harm come to a woman or child if he has any say in the matter. This becomes a burden when he finds himself trying to break away from his former criminal associates, so not only is he on the run from the law but also the very confederates with whom he rode for years before they crossed a line he could not stomach.
Two very different people from two very different backgrounds who meet by sheer accident, an accident that changes both of them in ways they never would have dreamed or hoped for.
After facing hardship after hardship Jake and Miranda’s stirring tale spanning over 20 years is passionate and heartwarming as well! Just when you think their ordeals are behind them forever the past almost tears them apart once again leading the reader through some of the most harrowing ordeals that anyone real or fictional could hope to face, also some of the most emotionally upsetting of the entire book.
First time reading author but certainly not the last, anxious to crack open the pages of book 2 Do Not Forsake Me which thanks to Netgalley have an early copy to read prior to July 7th, 2015 release so can find out what Jake and Miranda experience next.
[EArc from Netgalley in exchange for honest review]
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