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Malloy Family #12
The Gem
Life gives you what you want. But you have to fight for what you need.Charlie Chastain is an oddity, and it doesn’t bother her a bit. Her life in Ft. Laramie—hunting game, up to her elbows in carcasses, stitching hide clothing—suits her independent spirit.So what if she’s not a great beauty like her sisters? No one will force her into society’s mold, much less a dress. But to say she is completely happy would be a lie—and no one understands that better than the only man in her life she trusts. Elijah Sylvester.Aside from serving as the fort’s resident fix-it man, Eli has spent a lifetime fighting bullies who consider him stupid, a throwaway. He fights his feelings for the woman who makes his heart hammer, but considers him nothing more than a friend.When Charlie’s restless feet send her off on a new adventure, Eli saddles up so she doesn’t go unprotected. But their trip takes a dangerous turn and suddenly the hunters become the hunted. And by the time Charlie realizes how much Eli means to her, it could be too Contains a cussing, stubborn, trouser-wearing woman who knows how to use a gun, and a gifted man who knows how to load, prime, and fire up her heart. Could inspire a need to purchase chaps. Hey, we won’t judge.
178 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2015
7 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Beth Williamson
73 books414 followersBeth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010, and a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
August 7, 2015
There are some historical romance series where each book works wonderfully as a standalone, but in this case, it was readily apparent that I was jumping into a story already in progress. This was the first of a number of problems I encountered while reading. It wasn’t a bad book, but there was very little subtlety and an awful lot of telling instead of showing.
Charlie is an oddity among women in the Wyoming territory. She rejects all things feminine and makes her living hunting and selling meat. She never wants to marry and intentionally isolates herself from those around her. Her behavior stems from a Very Bad Thing that happened to her 10 years ago, while traveling West with her sister. This was where it would have done some good to have read whichever book where those events took place. They are referenced, but for much of the book, no one came out and said exactly what happened. Even when Charlie broke down and told all to the hero, I felt like I didn’t have the whole story.
So let me backtrack a little. Like I said, Charlie is isolated. But she has one friend, the town handyman Eli. Apparently, everyone knows they love each other except for Charlie. After 10 years of pining, Eli is finally ready to give up on his feelings for her. A chance encounter that had her walking in on his bath has made things awkward between them and the strain leads him to begin courting another woman; This, as a new soldier shows interest in Charlie.
I had issues with Charlie’s behavior. I get that sexual abuse has long lasting consequences, but I just didn’t believe that seeing Eli naked would flip her switch the way it did. I didn’t believe the depths of her emotional immaturity, and how reckless and just plain stupid her actions were at times. And I didn’t really enjoy the plot device of added love interests to the mix.
There are some lecherous bad guys in the story with a grudge against Eli, which adds some danger to the plot. And there is a push from Charlie to get out of the town she associates with her abuse. But the story just didn’t do it for me. The romance never engaged me emotionally and I was never able to connect with the heroine. Maybe this will be better for those who have read the previous books in the series.
Rating: C-
*ARC provided by publisher
Charlie is an oddity among women in the Wyoming territory. She rejects all things feminine and makes her living hunting and selling meat. She never wants to marry and intentionally isolates herself from those around her. Her behavior stems from a Very Bad Thing that happened to her 10 years ago, while traveling West with her sister. This was where it would have done some good to have read whichever book where those events took place. They are referenced, but for much of the book, no one came out and said exactly what happened. Even when Charlie broke down and told all to the hero, I felt like I didn’t have the whole story.
So let me backtrack a little. Like I said, Charlie is isolated. But she has one friend, the town handyman Eli. Apparently, everyone knows they love each other except for Charlie. After 10 years of pining, Eli is finally ready to give up on his feelings for her. A chance encounter that had her walking in on his bath has made things awkward between them and the strain leads him to begin courting another woman; This, as a new soldier shows interest in Charlie.
I had issues with Charlie’s behavior. I get that sexual abuse has long lasting consequences, but I just didn’t believe that seeing Eli naked would flip her switch the way it did. I didn’t believe the depths of her emotional immaturity, and how reckless and just plain stupid her actions were at times. And I didn’t really enjoy the plot device of added love interests to the mix.
There are some lecherous bad guys in the story with a grudge against Eli, which adds some danger to the plot. And there is a push from Charlie to get out of the town she associates with her abuse. But the story just didn’t do it for me. The romance never engaged me emotionally and I was never able to connect with the heroine. Maybe this will be better for those who have read the previous books in the series.
Rating: C-
*ARC provided by publisher
July 23, 2015
I loved the Malloy series and loved reading about the Chastain sisters. Beth Williamson does such a fantastic job on this family. Love triumphs over trajedy in these tales of the pioneer West. Charlie was my favorite with her sassy tomboy ways. What a great finale.
December 28, 2018
*4.5 stars*
Feel good historical western romance…
Charlie and Eli had all the chemistry in this rebellious, rollicking addition to the Malloy Family series. Not in your face heat but feelings wrapped in lively dialogue and actions that spoke louder than words.
Charlie was a tomboy in an age where women were ‘ladies’ and let their men deal with the ‘boy’ jobs. She dealt with trauma in her life the best she could do and if that confused or puzzled others, including her family, they had to deal with it. From her wardrobe to her lifestyle, she was going to do things her way – even if that put her at odds with her sisters. They loved her and so did Eli, all keeping a respectful, if watchful, distance...
Eli was a friend to Charlie, even if he wished for more. He had his own challenges to deal with, which probably added to the empathy he felt for her. While Eli may not understand her need to do her own thing, he certainly cared enough about Charlie to make sure she was safe doing it.
I loved their awkward honesty, especially Eli, putting himself out there to ensure she was safe. Each tough and dangerous situation – whether family or life-threatening drama – meant they had to make a choice. Were they going to face them as friends or lovers? Luckily, they might get to have both…
Family-oriented with intriguing characters and great storytelling this was a wonderful addition to a
much-loved series!
Feel good historical western romance…
Charlie and Eli had all the chemistry in this rebellious, rollicking addition to the Malloy Family series. Not in your face heat but feelings wrapped in lively dialogue and actions that spoke louder than words.
Charlie was a tomboy in an age where women were ‘ladies’ and let their men deal with the ‘boy’ jobs. She dealt with trauma in her life the best she could do and if that confused or puzzled others, including her family, they had to deal with it. From her wardrobe to her lifestyle, she was going to do things her way – even if that put her at odds with her sisters. They loved her and so did Eli, all keeping a respectful, if watchful, distance...
Eli was a friend to Charlie, even if he wished for more. He had his own challenges to deal with, which probably added to the empathy he felt for her. While Eli may not understand her need to do her own thing, he certainly cared enough about Charlie to make sure she was safe doing it.
I loved their awkward honesty, especially Eli, putting himself out there to ensure she was safe. Each tough and dangerous situation – whether family or life-threatening drama – meant they had to make a choice. Were they going to face them as friends or lovers? Luckily, they might get to have both…
Family-oriented with intriguing characters and great storytelling this was a wonderful addition to a
much-loved series!
August 17, 2019
Awesome series!!
I loved this entire series. I would like to see it continue with Jo, Iz, and Charlie's children. Cousins can be as great as main characters .
I loved this entire series. I would like to see it continue with Jo, Iz, and Charlie's children. Cousins can be as great as main characters .
June 27, 2015
Western Romance
This book is part of a series; it can be read as a stand alone.
Miss Charlotte Marie Chastain, better known as Charlie, is not your ordinary frock wearing, every hair in place female. Miss Charlie is just a little odd and a tomboy of the first order; she does everything she can to not appear weak, dependent or female, wears pants, hunts, and swears like no-bodies business. Charlie has a hidden trauma that has cast shadows over her life and made her what she has become. Elijah (Eli) Sylvester, better known as Fixit around the fort because he can fix anything is considered slow, dim, a throwaway by most except Charlie. Eli spent his whole life being bullied. Eli is not slow nor dimwitted, he is actually very smart though shy, and he is Charlies best friend. Eli has loved Charlie for years; Charlie is clueless. That is, until she walks in on Eli naked. Wowzer, that was an eye opener for Charlie, both physically and mentally. Watching Charlie blooms from an unaware, emotionally stunted, awkward teenager in a 25 yr old body was amazing. Growing pains are hard in the teenage years, but for a 25 yr old this was especially hard; the trauma Charlie hides has stunted her emotional and mental growth for ten years. I felt I was watching a butterfly emerge from the cocoon. The author did a wonderful job portraying Charlie's and Eli's emotions. I could feel their uncertainty and insecurity, as well as their wonder and amazement.
Suddenly Charlie seems to have a suitor in the Forts Army Captain, she is amazed and uncertain, and to top it off, Eli (her Eli) is stepping out with Jane Flanagan. Charlie's world has flipped on its axis. Suddenly Charlie is seeing Eli in a different manner, she is seeing him as a man as well as her best friend. Charlie and Eli have many adventures ahead. Near sexual attacks, marriage, adventures to other places when in reality Charlie is still running from the past, her fear, and insecurities. The love scene are dynamite, get ready to sweat.
The theme of this book is acceptance and letting go of old wounds to form a whole life full of love and commitment for Charlie and Eli. Charlie must face her old wounds to move forward and have a complete life. I found I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to know what happened next to Charlie and Eli, when would they find happiness, when could Charlie move on with her life without the trauma of ten yrs ago shading everything she did, what was the trauma that haunted her, why was another man following Charlie in the shadows seemingly guarding her?
I found the pacing of the story was spot on and the characters were so loveable and believable. I wanted to reach out and hug Eli and Charlie. I loved this book and look forward to the next installment. I would recommend this book for young adult to adult due to sexual content.
This book is part of a series; it can be read as a stand alone.
Miss Charlotte Marie Chastain, better known as Charlie, is not your ordinary frock wearing, every hair in place female. Miss Charlie is just a little odd and a tomboy of the first order; she does everything she can to not appear weak, dependent or female, wears pants, hunts, and swears like no-bodies business. Charlie has a hidden trauma that has cast shadows over her life and made her what she has become. Elijah (Eli) Sylvester, better known as Fixit around the fort because he can fix anything is considered slow, dim, a throwaway by most except Charlie. Eli spent his whole life being bullied. Eli is not slow nor dimwitted, he is actually very smart though shy, and he is Charlies best friend. Eli has loved Charlie for years; Charlie is clueless. That is, until she walks in on Eli naked. Wowzer, that was an eye opener for Charlie, both physically and mentally. Watching Charlie blooms from an unaware, emotionally stunted, awkward teenager in a 25 yr old body was amazing. Growing pains are hard in the teenage years, but for a 25 yr old this was especially hard; the trauma Charlie hides has stunted her emotional and mental growth for ten years. I felt I was watching a butterfly emerge from the cocoon. The author did a wonderful job portraying Charlie's and Eli's emotions. I could feel their uncertainty and insecurity, as well as their wonder and amazement.
Suddenly Charlie seems to have a suitor in the Forts Army Captain, she is amazed and uncertain, and to top it off, Eli (her Eli) is stepping out with Jane Flanagan. Charlie's world has flipped on its axis. Suddenly Charlie is seeing Eli in a different manner, she is seeing him as a man as well as her best friend. Charlie and Eli have many adventures ahead. Near sexual attacks, marriage, adventures to other places when in reality Charlie is still running from the past, her fear, and insecurities. The love scene are dynamite, get ready to sweat.
The theme of this book is acceptance and letting go of old wounds to form a whole life full of love and commitment for Charlie and Eli. Charlie must face her old wounds to move forward and have a complete life. I found I couldn't put the book down, I wanted to know what happened next to Charlie and Eli, when would they find happiness, when could Charlie move on with her life without the trauma of ten yrs ago shading everything she did, what was the trauma that haunted her, why was another man following Charlie in the shadows seemingly guarding her?
I found the pacing of the story was spot on and the characters were so loveable and believable. I wanted to reach out and hug Eli and Charlie. I loved this book and look forward to the next installment. I would recommend this book for young adult to adult due to sexual content.
June 27, 2015
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I just love the Malloy family and have to say Charlie is one feisty wicked girl in this one. I loved that even though she is a girl she fights just like any man. I laughed and rooted in this book for the chemistry Elijah and Charlie have is hysterical. One minute they are solid as friends and one sneak peek of hotness makes Charlie all flustered. Beth Williamson created these two charcters with such completeness towards one another it was easy to love Elijah and Charlie. Another Malloy book by Beth Williamson always makes a great surprise and boy Charlie is one girl you don`t want to mess.
I just love the Malloy family and have to say Charlie is one feisty wicked girl in this one. I loved that even though she is a girl she fights just like any man. I laughed and rooted in this book for the chemistry Elijah and Charlie have is hysterical. One minute they are solid as friends and one sneak peek of hotness makes Charlie all flustered. Beth Williamson created these two charcters with such completeness towards one another it was easy to love Elijah and Charlie. Another Malloy book by Beth Williamson always makes a great surprise and boy Charlie is one girl you don`t want to mess.
September 17, 2016
Pretty good store
Not wonderful but a quick decent read but the series is pretty good over-al! I recommend starting at the first story rather than in he middle.
Not wonderful but a quick decent read but the series is pretty good over-al! I recommend starting at the first story rather than in he middle.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews