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Sarah Sawyer #1
Somewhere Between Love and Justice
Sarah Sawyer has spent the last ten years reliving a nightmare. Stripped of her innocence at the tender age of thirteen, she's grown into a woman with nothing to lose and one thing on her mind. Justice. With her horse, her guns and a plan, the gunslinger takes to the trails of the old west in search of those who wronged her family. A trusted friend shares the quest for justice, but wants so much more. However, another silently holds Sarah's heart. Little does Sarah know, the woman, Jo, who graces her dreams has a past of her own and has spent the last year wishing for the return of the mysterious gunslinger who stole her heart. When Sarah's path takes a disastrous turn, the pair reunite. Now the gunslinger has to decide if she will open herself up to love or let her thirst for vengeance lead her down a path of no return. Choosing between love and justice was never part of her plan.
364 pages, Paperback
First published August 4, 2015
100 people are currently reading
621 people want to read
About the author
S.W. Andersen
11 books100 followersS.W.'s latest, "A Call To Justice," is the third book in the Sarah Sawyer gunslinger series.
From old west gunslingers to a love that transcends time and space, S.W. Andersen offers a variety of romantic adventures, including the best selling lesbian romances, "Love By Design," and "Switchback."
Having been raised by her mother, a strong female character in her own right, she has always been attracted to stories that depicted independent, determined, capable women. A romantic at heart, her characters are rooted in hope and perseverance.
She has spent a large part of her life around horses and rodeos and has always had an affinity for the cowgirl lifestyle. Her love of the mountains, westerns and stories involving strong female characters were the driving forces behind the Sarah Sawyer series.
From old west gunslingers to a love that transcends time and space, S.W. Andersen offers a variety of romantic adventures, including the best selling lesbian romances, "Love By Design," and "Switchback."
Having been raised by her mother, a strong female character in her own right, she has always been attracted to stories that depicted independent, determined, capable women. A romantic at heart, her characters are rooted in hope and perseverance.
She has spent a large part of her life around horses and rodeos and has always had an affinity for the cowgirl lifestyle. Her love of the mountains, westerns and stories involving strong female characters were the driving forces behind the Sarah Sawyer series.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
September 7, 2020
A wordy but very beautifully well written old timey wild western novel about extreme loss, vengeance, and most importantly: love.
Sarah Sawyer is a damaged individual of 23, she witnessed her parents grisly murder at 13 and was kept as a slave for a few years after, until she could escape. As an adult, she vows revenge against the gang that killed her parents, and kept her a victim. She never wants to feel that way again.
She has a sometimes dalliance with a female Marshall called Jessie who understands her need for vengeance and the lone 'no strings' lifestyle. Her own father had a run-in with the same gang.
But Sarah's heart actually belongs to Jo. A saloon owner with a secretive past that she met 2 years ago. She is the only person she has felt any real stirring of emotion and true feeling with since her childhood, and that scares her. It also makes her question everything about her life, and her need for revenge.
Could Sarah ever settle down? Could she love and receive love so pure? Is she even deserving of that? These questions and more resound throughout the text and inner monologues of Sarah, and you really get to know her and care for her situation. She see's herself as damaged, sometimes even soulless because of the revenge she has enacted, yet feeling no guilt for taking out the ones responsible for her and her parents circumstances.
All 3 characters, plus many other side characters lives will entwine with their pasts in unexpected and yet healing ways.
The writing and prose I felt was quite beautiful at times, there was some epically swoon worthy love quotes! Although sometimes it got a little repetitive with Sarah's self analyzing head talk... However, I congratulate the author on making us truly feel for these characters and their situations and circumstances and letting us get inside their heads. So I can't complain.
There was even some surprises along the way, I did not see coming.
It almost reminded me of a procedural in some ways, with Sarah planning for her last final showdown with the last remaining gang member. Her friends all willing to saddle up and help. The mystery surrounding what happened that fateful day 10 years ago, and how they are all connected. Good Vs Bad for Justice.
A Kindle Unlimited Read I would highly recommend you check out, if you're into lady gunslingers, emotional circumstances and empathetic characters.
I believe there is a sequel, and I would gladly read that too, since I enjoyed this so much!
Sarah Sawyer is a damaged individual of 23, she witnessed her parents grisly murder at 13 and was kept as a slave for a few years after, until she could escape. As an adult, she vows revenge against the gang that killed her parents, and kept her a victim. She never wants to feel that way again.
She has a sometimes dalliance with a female Marshall called Jessie who understands her need for vengeance and the lone 'no strings' lifestyle. Her own father had a run-in with the same gang.
But Sarah's heart actually belongs to Jo. A saloon owner with a secretive past that she met 2 years ago. She is the only person she has felt any real stirring of emotion and true feeling with since her childhood, and that scares her. It also makes her question everything about her life, and her need for revenge.
Could Sarah ever settle down? Could she love and receive love so pure? Is she even deserving of that? These questions and more resound throughout the text and inner monologues of Sarah, and you really get to know her and care for her situation. She see's herself as damaged, sometimes even soulless because of the revenge she has enacted, yet feeling no guilt for taking out the ones responsible for her and her parents circumstances.
All 3 characters, plus many other side characters lives will entwine with their pasts in unexpected and yet healing ways.
The writing and prose I felt was quite beautiful at times, there was some epically swoon worthy love quotes! Although sometimes it got a little repetitive with Sarah's self analyzing head talk... However, I congratulate the author on making us truly feel for these characters and their situations and circumstances and letting us get inside their heads. So I can't complain.
There was even some surprises along the way, I did not see coming.
It almost reminded me of a procedural in some ways, with Sarah planning for her last final showdown with the last remaining gang member. Her friends all willing to saddle up and help. The mystery surrounding what happened that fateful day 10 years ago, and how they are all connected. Good Vs Bad for Justice.
A Kindle Unlimited Read I would highly recommend you check out, if you're into lady gunslingers, emotional circumstances and empathetic characters.
I believe there is a sequel, and I would gladly read that too, since I enjoyed this so much!
dnf
August 12, 2021DNF @ 8% - didn't get very far before I realized this wasn't a book for me. I was not enjoying the writing and too many things were not adding up for me. If the premise sounds interesting to you, please do check it out. I can be overly picky at times so it might suit you just fine.
May 29, 2022
4 stars
This was a fun, well written western with likeable MCs and a reasonably believable story. It wasn't the most historically accurate thing, but it was entertaining
This was a fun, well written western with likeable MCs and a reasonably believable story. It wasn't the most historically accurate thing, but it was entertaining
dnf
September 8, 2022DNF @ 9%
I really didn't click with the writing style at all, and the MC talks like a cowgirl from a bad spaghetti Western.
I really didn't click with the writing style at all, and the MC talks like a cowgirl from a bad spaghetti Western.
August 21, 2015
The book takes you on this western journey filled with horses, cowgirl boots, gunslinging Stetson wearing beautiful hardcore cowgirls of the west. I loved how Sarah is portrayed as perfection personified yet you see cracks and flaws that make her human. Her passion and her willingness to risk her heart for Jo makes you have faith in love. May we all find a lover like Jo and someone worth loving like Sarah in our lives. Absolutely a riveting read. UNPUTDOWNABLE.
October 6, 2017
This is good read from SW Andersen. I think it's very well written, especially for a debut novel. Sweet romance with a fair amount of action.
August 5, 2020
Quite the adventure!
Sarah is out for justice after suffering traumatic events as a child. She travels searching for those that have wronged her and hurt her with a friend. On her travels, Sarah finds herself back in old territory and reunites with Jo. Jo has been desperately hoping Sarah would come back after she stole her heart, but as the two of them fall in love there is more to come between them. When the secrets and pasts are revealed, Sarah has to make choices between love and getting the justice on the one person that caused all her pain but will Jo have an impact on her decision.
This was an exciting adventure with a western theme that suited the plot. I loved Sarah’s determination to get justice for pain caused and how she was prepared to stop at nothing to make sure this was achieved. The story had everything from romantic moments where Sarah’s more vulnerable side was shown, to full blown adventure when she was on her mission. With Jo and Jessie in her life she had support, but she also managed to find herself embroiled in quite threatening situations that affected them all.
After everything Sarah had already been through it was great to learn how strong she was. She also had a kind and softer side that occasionally surfaced and made her even more loveable. I adored how she was with Jo and you could tell they had a genuine connection. Sarah doesn’t trust many people, but the few she did like Jo and Jessie meant she was fiercely loyal and prepared to show that.
I am excited to learn this is part of a series as I think there is still so much of Sarah’s story to be told. This really was just the start of delving into her character and all that she is. I don’t think Sarah’s future is without consequence though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happened next.
I highly recommend this book. It is a great western themed romance to really sweep you up in all the excitement and adventure!
Sarah is out for justice after suffering traumatic events as a child. She travels searching for those that have wronged her and hurt her with a friend. On her travels, Sarah finds herself back in old territory and reunites with Jo. Jo has been desperately hoping Sarah would come back after she stole her heart, but as the two of them fall in love there is more to come between them. When the secrets and pasts are revealed, Sarah has to make choices between love and getting the justice on the one person that caused all her pain but will Jo have an impact on her decision.
This was an exciting adventure with a western theme that suited the plot. I loved Sarah’s determination to get justice for pain caused and how she was prepared to stop at nothing to make sure this was achieved. The story had everything from romantic moments where Sarah’s more vulnerable side was shown, to full blown adventure when she was on her mission. With Jo and Jessie in her life she had support, but she also managed to find herself embroiled in quite threatening situations that affected them all.
After everything Sarah had already been through it was great to learn how strong she was. She also had a kind and softer side that occasionally surfaced and made her even more loveable. I adored how she was with Jo and you could tell they had a genuine connection. Sarah doesn’t trust many people, but the few she did like Jo and Jessie meant she was fiercely loyal and prepared to show that.
I am excited to learn this is part of a series as I think there is still so much of Sarah’s story to be told. This really was just the start of delving into her character and all that she is. I don’t think Sarah’s future is without consequence though, so it’ll be interesting to see what happened next.
I highly recommend this book. It is a great western themed romance to really sweep you up in all the excitement and adventure!
March 1, 2024
Decent western in a world that did not seem to care about bi women or lesbians.
Westerns are one of the iffiest for me since it is often very heteronormative and religious. I appreciated that this was not a typical western. The characters felt a little more average lesfic in their words and dress, but with a western backdrop.
While the ending had some action, it did not feel satisfying enough compared to the buildup that happened throughout the book. There was also some really weird descriptions regarding the one character of colour. She was referenced to have Spanish decent and as a Spaniard but I think she was just supposed to be Latinx?
Overall not bad if you want a different setting for your lesfic. I am not sure on historical accuracy of the novel, but it seems like maybe a few liberties were taken. I will also note that there are some descriptions of physical force/altercation between the two lovers. I was not a fan of it, but I could see where it was coming from. Basically, if you like dangerous women and horses this might be for you.
Westerns are one of the iffiest for me since it is often very heteronormative and religious. I appreciated that this was not a typical western. The characters felt a little more average lesfic in their words and dress, but with a western backdrop.
While the ending had some action, it did not feel satisfying enough compared to the buildup that happened throughout the book. There was also some really weird descriptions regarding the one character of colour. She was referenced to have Spanish decent and as a Spaniard but I think she was just supposed to be Latinx?
Overall not bad if you want a different setting for your lesfic. I am not sure on historical accuracy of the novel, but it seems like maybe a few liberties were taken. I will also note that there are some descriptions of physical force/altercation between the two lovers. I was not a fan of it, but I could see where it was coming from. Basically, if you like dangerous women and horses this might be for you.
September 19, 2018
I'm going to forego the problems with grammatical editing. It's not important to me. Let me convey that Miss Andersen has written a compelling story from the points of view of the main characters: Sarah, Jo, and Jessie; all strong independent women who've continued living in a world and time that believe women are property and helpless.
The scenic descriptions carried me to western locations I enjoyed moving through with her word use. The emotions of the characters were shown and not told; a feat in itself.
Because it was a western Miss Andersen capably wrote effective dialogue.
I'm on to the next one and know it will be as good a read.
Read the book. It'll do your heart good!
The scenic descriptions carried me to western locations I enjoyed moving through with her word use. The emotions of the characters were shown and not told; a feat in itself.
Because it was a western Miss Andersen capably wrote effective dialogue.
I'm on to the next one and know it will be as good a read.
Read the book. It'll do your heart good!
August 12, 2019
Wow!
As this is the first book by this author, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised. The story was wonderful, full of twists and unexpected turns. The characters were strong, determined women who made you root for them. Their journeys were never easy but, then, when is real life ever easy? Wonderful job! I look forward to reading more of this authors work!
As this is the first book by this author, I wasn't sure what to expect. I was very pleasantly surprised. The story was wonderful, full of twists and unexpected turns. The characters were strong, determined women who made you root for them. Their journeys were never easy but, then, when is real life ever easy? Wonderful job! I look forward to reading more of this authors work!
Read
August 17, 2016Sold me on westerns! ;)
S. W. Andersen is one of my favorite authors. This debut book is worth the read even if you're not into westerns. I loved this one! I also love a good and well written f/f love story. Plus, it's packed with adventure, suspense, and vengeance. This is definitely a must read.
S. W. Andersen is one of my favorite authors. This debut book is worth the read even if you're not into westerns. I loved this one! I also love a good and well written f/f love story. Plus, it's packed with adventure, suspense, and vengeance. This is definitely a must read.
February 2, 2018
A great thrilling and loving adventure!
I enjoy books depicting women in western adventures. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading it is hard to put it down because you want to know what is going to happen next.
Would highly recommend this book and looking forward to reading the sequel.
I enjoy books depicting women in western adventures. This book keeps you on the edge of your seat. Once you start reading it is hard to put it down because you want to know what is going to happen next.
Would highly recommend this book and looking forward to reading the sequel.
June 22, 2022
Somewhere Between Love and Justice by S.W. Andersen is the first installment of the Sarah Sawyer series. And, subsequently, my first western romance. Color me excited that my first is also a queer romance!
I was excited to dig into this book. The blurb painted a picture of a heroine searching vengeance, only be tripped up by a burgeoning romance. Sarah Sawyer’s family was brutally murdered ten years ago, and she’s dedicated every waking moment to avenging their deaths. When she reunites with Jo, however, those plans begin to seem a bit lofty in the face of what could be a forever-ever-after happiness with the woman who has stolen her heart. This Western takes you on a journey of romance and secrets that’ll leave you guessing the entire way.
S.W. Andersen clearly put a lot of thought into the many layers of this story. Every single character was connected in some way — some far greater than others. It was interesting to watch it all play out. I found myself taking guesses as I was reading, which is always fun for me, as a reader!
I would love to give this book a five star rating, but there were some things that took away from my personal enjoyment. I feel like I was reading a lot of “sameness” throughout the entire book. I got to a point where I ended up skipping paragraphs entirely when I Sarah’s past referenced (only the chapters pointing out that she was once innocent and this tragedy made her less-so).
This book is also written with multiple POV (which, I usually enjoy), but there were some scenes I felt were unnecessary to the overarching plot. There’s one in specific that, as I look back on it, I wonder what the overall plot purpose was. I don’t know that I would have minded them as much if it weren’t for the aforementioned sameness in many of the passages.
I rooted for Sarah and Jo (and Jessie, and Jade who I ship now, thank you very much for asking). My heart did strange things while reading this book. At points, it didn’t know whether it wanted to break or soar. This was a beautiful debut by S.W. Andersen, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves western romances!
I was excited to dig into this book. The blurb painted a picture of a heroine searching vengeance, only be tripped up by a burgeoning romance. Sarah Sawyer’s family was brutally murdered ten years ago, and she’s dedicated every waking moment to avenging their deaths. When she reunites with Jo, however, those plans begin to seem a bit lofty in the face of what could be a forever-ever-after happiness with the woman who has stolen her heart. This Western takes you on a journey of romance and secrets that’ll leave you guessing the entire way.
S.W. Andersen clearly put a lot of thought into the many layers of this story. Every single character was connected in some way — some far greater than others. It was interesting to watch it all play out. I found myself taking guesses as I was reading, which is always fun for me, as a reader!
I would love to give this book a five star rating, but there were some things that took away from my personal enjoyment. I feel like I was reading a lot of “sameness” throughout the entire book. I got to a point where I ended up skipping paragraphs entirely when I Sarah’s past referenced (only the chapters pointing out that she was once innocent and this tragedy made her less-so).
This book is also written with multiple POV (which, I usually enjoy), but there were some scenes I felt were unnecessary to the overarching plot. There’s one in specific that, as I look back on it, I wonder what the overall plot purpose was. I don’t know that I would have minded them as much if it weren’t for the aforementioned sameness in many of the passages.
I rooted for Sarah and Jo (and Jessie, and Jade who I ship now, thank you very much for asking). My heart did strange things while reading this book. At points, it didn’t know whether it wanted to break or soar. This was a beautiful debut by S.W. Andersen, and I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves western romances!
November 26, 2020
Okay - so yes there were a bunch of typo/grammatical issues peppered throughout the book. And sure, it could have been fewer pages if the same sentiment was repeated 467 different ways. But, beyond those minor things, the heart of the story was a good one.
I wasn't sure what to expect about a western spin - but I was pleased. You have to suspend reality on what would "actually" happen during the "wild wild west" time period. But, isn't that why we read cheesy HEA lesfic.....to suspend reality and pretend for just a moment that things are whimsical with a small dose of angst?
The story line is solid and while it is predictable in parts, what the characters will do once they have all of the knowledge kept me turning page after page. It's hard to review it without giving away any of the plot so I will leave it simple ---- it's good.
The main characters are great together and you really get the sense of desire to belong to something/someone from Sarah (despite her attempts to fight those feelings). What is great is that the supporting characters are equally entertaining and play off of the MCs quite well.
Look - I'm not great at writing reviews so don't miss out on this just because I suck at writing :)
I wasn't sure what to expect about a western spin - but I was pleased. You have to suspend reality on what would "actually" happen during the "wild wild west" time period. But, isn't that why we read cheesy HEA lesfic.....to suspend reality and pretend for just a moment that things are whimsical with a small dose of angst?
The story line is solid and while it is predictable in parts, what the characters will do once they have all of the knowledge kept me turning page after page. It's hard to review it without giving away any of the plot so I will leave it simple ---- it's good.
The main characters are great together and you really get the sense of desire to belong to something/someone from Sarah (despite her attempts to fight those feelings). What is great is that the supporting characters are equally entertaining and play off of the MCs quite well.
Look - I'm not great at writing reviews so don't miss out on this just because I suck at writing :)
August 27, 2020
It didn't wow me
The plot is solid it keeps you rooting for Sarah and hoping she gets justice but the Author constantly repeats what we've already learned and it became drawn out. I loved Jo and I loved how she made a better life for herself I also loved how one decision created a ripple effect amongst their chosen family which is why I can't understand Sarah's anger for Jo after finding out her troubles as well.
The story is good with solid potential but it needs editing and it's a bit of a turn off with the repetition
The plot is solid it keeps you rooting for Sarah and hoping she gets justice but the Author constantly repeats what we've already learned and it became drawn out. I loved Jo and I loved how she made a better life for herself I also loved how one decision created a ripple effect amongst their chosen family which is why I can't understand Sarah's anger for Jo after finding out her troubles as well.
The story is good with solid potential but it needs editing and it's a bit of a turn off with the repetition
February 18, 2019
Decent read
You know how there are more bad lesbian movies than good? Fortunately, there are quite a few books that are worth the time.
This is a steady read. I struggled with the past tense, first person narrative. The characters “inner voice” were all written the same. I still liked it and plan on reading the sequel.
This is not as good as Jae’s Oregon series.
You know how there are more bad lesbian movies than good? Fortunately, there are quite a few books that are worth the time.
This is a steady read. I struggled with the past tense, first person narrative. The characters “inner voice” were all written the same. I still liked it and plan on reading the sequel.
This is not as good as Jae’s Oregon series.
December 16, 2019
Must read
Found out about this book from Les Fic email. Was easily sucked into the story from paragraph 1. The book carries romance, action, and a much deeper message. Will read more by this author!!
Found out about this book from Les Fic email. Was easily sucked into the story from paragraph 1. The book carries romance, action, and a much deeper message. Will read more by this author!!
April 24, 2020
3 J’s
Sarah had a serious mission guiding her. Jo, you go girl. This is the first time reading this Author, but it won’t be my last. I’m now her Number One Fan. Off to my next Adventure.
Sarah had a serious mission guiding her. Jo, you go girl. This is the first time reading this Author, but it won’t be my last. I’m now her Number One Fan. Off to my next Adventure.
July 13, 2021
Awesome book
I loved this book. The more you read the more it pulled you in. I could hardly put it down because I had to find out how it turned out. I was sad there towards the end but it turned out to be a wonderful end. Can't wait to read the next book.
I loved this book. The more you read the more it pulled you in. I could hardly put it down because I had to find out how it turned out. I was sad there towards the end but it turned out to be a wonderful end. Can't wait to read the next book.
February 4, 2023
Proper gun toting, horse riding, outback living, bar owning cowgirls!
A great western packed with strong cowgirl main characters! Loads of action, angst and guns. It makes for an exciting, well worth it read.
A great western packed with strong cowgirl main characters! Loads of action, angst and guns. It makes for an exciting, well worth it read.
March 19, 2023
Wonderful western story!
The journey of Sarah and Jo both through their heart renching past and present is filled with pain, joy, and revenge. Their love story is beautiful written and I enjoyed reading it. I could hardly stop and look forward to reading the next book.
The journey of Sarah and Jo both through their heart renching past and present is filled with pain, joy, and revenge. Their love story is beautiful written and I enjoyed reading it. I could hardly stop and look forward to reading the next book.
March 13, 2017
Disappointing
I had all the "twist" figured out in the first third of the book. When Jo told Sarah about sister dying and her leaving when her sister died I knew Jo was an O'Shea.
I had all the "twist" figured out in the first third of the book. When Jo told Sarah about sister dying and her leaving when her sister died I knew Jo was an O'Shea.
March 2, 2019
DNF because I just don't care about any of this 30% in.
April 12, 2021
Great.
I really enjoyed Somewhere Between Love and Justice. Such a moving story to come from such a horrible set of incidents.
I really enjoyed Somewhere Between Love and Justice. Such a moving story to come from such a horrible set of incidents.
June 11, 2021
Loved this damn story!!
Okay. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Made me so dang happy to read this story. Please keep writing. Loved it!!!!
Okay. Made me laugh. Made me cry. Made me so dang happy to read this story. Please keep writing. Loved it!!!!
July 16, 2021
I could not put this book down! So exciting! Excellent read full of adventure.
October 25, 2021
Good Western with a good plot twist
Seeking Revenge
Seeking Revenge
March 8, 2022
I'll give this a 3.5. Both dark and sweet with lovable characters. No big surprises in the story and some parts were a bit slow, but overall a charming read.
August 10, 2024
What a deep debut from S. W Andersen. Congratulations. The effect of childhood trauma and revenge drives these characters into connecting and fun romance. I couldnt work out a time era but a cowgirl could live in any era
January 21, 2018
Loved this book. The characters are so diverse yet so connected by love
I will read this series again!
I will read this series again!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews