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"Haunted by war, a thief finds salvation in the arms of an angel."
"Devils on Horseback," Book 2
On the surface, Jake Sheridan is an easygoing man whose problems roll off him like water off a duck s back. Truth is, Jake holds so many past demons inside him, he daren t let them out for fear he ll never get them all back in.
He and the Devils are hired to help rebuild a town ransacked by marauders. Everywhere they turn, they encounter secrets enough secrets to turn the town to dust if they don t uncover the truth.
Only one person in town isn t glad to see Gabrielle Rinaldi, the miller s daughter. A strong and independent woman who is used to being disrespected for speaking her mind, she makes no secret that she doesn t believe hired guns are the answer to the town s woes. Yet she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and charming Jake.
In spite of himself, Jake falls hard and fast for Gabby. But she s wary of handing her heart to a man who lives by his guns.
When tragedy strikes, Jake and Gabby must fight to find a way to save the town and their hearts.
"This title has been revised for rerelease."
" Get ready for a silver-tongued, red-haired Devil to meet his match in a miller's daughter who will turn him upside down and sideways.""
"Devils on Horseback," Book 2
On the surface, Jake Sheridan is an easygoing man whose problems roll off him like water off a duck s back. Truth is, Jake holds so many past demons inside him, he daren t let them out for fear he ll never get them all back in.
He and the Devils are hired to help rebuild a town ransacked by marauders. Everywhere they turn, they encounter secrets enough secrets to turn the town to dust if they don t uncover the truth.
Only one person in town isn t glad to see Gabrielle Rinaldi, the miller s daughter. A strong and independent woman who is used to being disrespected for speaking her mind, she makes no secret that she doesn t believe hired guns are the answer to the town s woes. Yet she finds herself drawn to the enigmatic and charming Jake.
In spite of himself, Jake falls hard and fast for Gabby. But she s wary of handing her heart to a man who lives by his guns.
When tragedy strikes, Jake and Gabby must fight to find a way to save the town and their hearts.
"This title has been revised for rerelease."
" Get ready for a silver-tongued, red-haired Devil to meet his match in a miller's daughter who will turn him upside down and sideways.""
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2008
12 people are currently reading
174 people want to read
About the author
Beth Williamson
73 books413 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 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 7, 2009
In all honesty, I liked this book, the second book in the 'Devil's on Horseback' series, but I was so hoping that I would love it. Maybe my expectations were too high, because I enjoyed the first book in the series so much, and I was eager to read Jake's story. It had all the elements that I enjoy--I liked the setting of post Civil War Texas, the characters were interesting, the storyline was fairly unique, the romance was pretty hot, and there was even some action in it. But something was missing that would have made it a 5 star read--I kept waiting for something to happen, and by the time it did, the book was nearly over, and I felt like it was just getting started.
Jake, Gideon, Zeke, and Lee are all former Confederate soldiers, and they call themselves 'Devils on Horseback. Now with the war over they're trying to make a living in the post Civil War South, doing odd jobs or whatever can put food in their bellies, and their journey brings them to small town Tanger, Texas. Tanger's in desperate need of some lawmen, since marauders have hit their town, shooting it up, ransacking it, killing people and stealing young women right off the streets. The somewhat shady mayor hires the Devils to help rebuild the town, but really he wants their expertise as gunslingers. Most of the people remaining in town are glad to see them, except for the miller's daughter, fiesty and outspoken Gabrielle Rinaldi. Gabby's a woman ahead of her time--she wears pants and is quite outspoken with her opinions. She doesn't think that hiring gunslingers is the answer to the town's problems, and she lets the Devils (and everyone else) know her opinion. And she also wonders where the mayor is going to get the money to pay these 'Devils'. So, she may disagree with everyone else in town, but she has to admit that she could use some help getting her father's mill repaired. And she can't deny to herself that she is fascinated by one of the Devils, handsome and charming ladies' man Jake.
Jake appears to be happy-go-lucky, but he's harboring a world of hurt inside. He's battling a bunch of inner demons, and he's very afraid that one day he just may lose it. He had a hellish childhood (born illegitimate and scorned by his father) where he had to lie and steal food to provide for his mother and sisters, and then a hellish war where he was abused in a Yankee prison, and now he's a wanted man (trumped up charges) trying to stay one step ahead of a vindictive Army Captain who wants his head on a platter. No wonder he's a mess mentally. But then he lays eyes on the beautiful, feisty, Gabrielle, is instantly attracted, and there goes his heart. And even though Gabby is attracted to his beautiful smile and mesmerizing eyes, and thinks he's charming, smart and funny, he makes her nervous. She doesn't want to fall for a man like him--she thinks he's just too 'big' for her small world--she's used to being in control of herself and her life, and he threatens that control. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and before long Jake and Gabby are smokin' up the sheets (actually, the grass).
Well, even though the Devils are in town, supposedly protecting it, the marauders hit again and again, until finally the Devils decide to hunt them down. They suspect someone in town is tipping off the marauders, and they're determined to find out who and why. Things come to a head when the Devils and Gabby take off to track the marauders down, and find out who the ringleader is behind all the mayhem, murder and destruction. It looks like there may be a future for Jake and Gabby if they can successfully capture the ringleaders and put Tanger back together again, however, there is the small problem of Jake being wanted by the law. And guess who's waiting for them back in Tanger...
I'll have to admit, this one kept me interested enough to keep turning the pages, even though at times I got the feeling nothing much was happening. I thought Tanger was one wacky town--the people there had a lot of secrets, and at times the happenings there were almost soap opera-ish. But like I said, just as the book took off with so much action and killings ( I didn't know if there would be any characters left by the time the story was done) it was over. I could have used another 50 pages or so. It left me with some unanswered questions, which I suppose will be answered in the next book, "Zeke".
For those interested, the romance between Jake and Gabby got pretty hot, yet I wouldn't call it erotic. There actually were only a handful of scenes, yet they were creative and passionate. And although Jake wasn't my physical ideal (red-headed and freckled) I really liked him and hoped he would cut himself a break. I thought he was entirely too hard on himself (referring to himself as a coward because he was scared a lot) especially after all he'd been through. And I liked how Gabby handled him and helped him find his nerve again. I thought these two were well suited and probably would have a happy future together, so I was very pleased when they each found what they had been looking for.
If you enjoy a western romance with a couple of characters strong enough to overcome some tough obstacles, then I think you'll enjoy "Jake". I'm sure I will continue with this series and I will give "Zeke" a try next--4 stars.
Jake, Gideon, Zeke, and Lee are all former Confederate soldiers, and they call themselves 'Devils on Horseback. Now with the war over they're trying to make a living in the post Civil War South, doing odd jobs or whatever can put food in their bellies, and their journey brings them to small town Tanger, Texas. Tanger's in desperate need of some lawmen, since marauders have hit their town, shooting it up, ransacking it, killing people and stealing young women right off the streets. The somewhat shady mayor hires the Devils to help rebuild the town, but really he wants their expertise as gunslingers. Most of the people remaining in town are glad to see them, except for the miller's daughter, fiesty and outspoken Gabrielle Rinaldi. Gabby's a woman ahead of her time--she wears pants and is quite outspoken with her opinions. She doesn't think that hiring gunslingers is the answer to the town's problems, and she lets the Devils (and everyone else) know her opinion. And she also wonders where the mayor is going to get the money to pay these 'Devils'. So, she may disagree with everyone else in town, but she has to admit that she could use some help getting her father's mill repaired. And she can't deny to herself that she is fascinated by one of the Devils, handsome and charming ladies' man Jake.
Jake appears to be happy-go-lucky, but he's harboring a world of hurt inside. He's battling a bunch of inner demons, and he's very afraid that one day he just may lose it. He had a hellish childhood (born illegitimate and scorned by his father) where he had to lie and steal food to provide for his mother and sisters, and then a hellish war where he was abused in a Yankee prison, and now he's a wanted man (trumped up charges) trying to stay one step ahead of a vindictive Army Captain who wants his head on a platter. No wonder he's a mess mentally. But then he lays eyes on the beautiful, feisty, Gabrielle, is instantly attracted, and there goes his heart. And even though Gabby is attracted to his beautiful smile and mesmerizing eyes, and thinks he's charming, smart and funny, he makes her nervous. She doesn't want to fall for a man like him--she thinks he's just too 'big' for her small world--she's used to being in control of herself and her life, and he threatens that control. But the heart wants what the heart wants, and before long Jake and Gabby are smokin' up the sheets (actually, the grass).
Well, even though the Devils are in town, supposedly protecting it, the marauders hit again and again, until finally the Devils decide to hunt them down. They suspect someone in town is tipping off the marauders, and they're determined to find out who and why. Things come to a head when the Devils and Gabby take off to track the marauders down, and find out who the ringleader is behind all the mayhem, murder and destruction. It looks like there may be a future for Jake and Gabby if they can successfully capture the ringleaders and put Tanger back together again, however, there is the small problem of Jake being wanted by the law. And guess who's waiting for them back in Tanger...
I'll have to admit, this one kept me interested enough to keep turning the pages, even though at times I got the feeling nothing much was happening. I thought Tanger was one wacky town--the people there had a lot of secrets, and at times the happenings there were almost soap opera-ish. But like I said, just as the book took off with so much action and killings ( I didn't know if there would be any characters left by the time the story was done) it was over. I could have used another 50 pages or so. It left me with some unanswered questions, which I suppose will be answered in the next book, "Zeke".
For those interested, the romance between Jake and Gabby got pretty hot, yet I wouldn't call it erotic. There actually were only a handful of scenes, yet they were creative and passionate. And although Jake wasn't my physical ideal (red-headed and freckled) I really liked him and hoped he would cut himself a break. I thought he was entirely too hard on himself (referring to himself as a coward because he was scared a lot) especially after all he'd been through. And I liked how Gabby handled him and helped him find his nerve again. I thought these two were well suited and probably would have a happy future together, so I was very pleased when they each found what they had been looking for.
If you enjoy a western romance with a couple of characters strong enough to overcome some tough obstacles, then I think you'll enjoy "Jake". I'm sure I will continue with this series and I will give "Zeke" a try next--4 stars.
November 9, 2009
I haven't read a western romance in... I don't even remember how long. But I can say for sure that this would definitely change that.
This book had a even mix of romance and plot that made it tingle all my senses. Jake is wonderfully Irish, a soldier, and a Southern gentleman to boot. Seriously, can a man get any hotter. He had a tender side too and thought himself a bit cowardly because of a past incident. This is where Gabby balances him. She's amazing. The tough girl who has seen her share of pain and love. She's brave yet feminine and really not generally considered a beauty.
The plot is a bit crazy, with a shaddy Mayor, crazy mother, completely psychotic villainess, and an obsessive Union officer. Ok, wow, that's a little more than their fair share of insanity.
The guys are great, with their own hangups, like Gideon and his fear of women and Lee who lost a hand. There is a bit of sadness in here when a friend is brutally murdered.
Definitely worth a read. I haven't read the first one yet, but I will.
This book had a even mix of romance and plot that made it tingle all my senses. Jake is wonderfully Irish, a soldier, and a Southern gentleman to boot. Seriously, can a man get any hotter. He had a tender side too and thought himself a bit cowardly because of a past incident. This is where Gabby balances him. She's amazing. The tough girl who has seen her share of pain and love. She's brave yet feminine and really not generally considered a beauty.
The plot is a bit crazy, with a shaddy Mayor, crazy mother, completely psychotic villainess, and an obsessive Union officer. Ok, wow, that's a little more than their fair share of insanity.
The guys are great, with their own hangups, like Gideon and his fear of women and Lee who lost a hand. There is a bit of sadness in here when a friend is brutally murdered.
Definitely worth a read. I haven't read the first one yet, but I will.
July 10, 2010
Once again, this story starts with great scene-setting, which makes you understand Jake's panic and desperation. Another great heroine, with determination and sass, and more baddies than you can shake a stick at. Great story which develops really well.
June 1, 2012
4.5 Stars
September 24, 2019
Loved the DH Enterprise characters
The beginning chapter of this story is extremely poignant and the description of Jake's experience this at the heart strings and this feeling occurs at times throughout the story. We later discover more. Jake, along with his friends has been through hell as prisoners in a Yankee prison. Throughout the story you realise they only trust each other; they are family. Despite this they are men of honour and integrity, helping whenever they can.
I really liked the characters of Jake, Lee, Zeke and Gideon. They are all so different, yet all carrying mental scars, especially Jake.
The actual storyline is not particularly good, but worth it for Jake's happy ending.
The beginning chapter of this story is extremely poignant and the description of Jake's experience this at the heart strings and this feeling occurs at times throughout the story. We later discover more. Jake, along with his friends has been through hell as prisoners in a Yankee prison. Throughout the story you realise they only trust each other; they are family. Despite this they are men of honour and integrity, helping whenever they can.
I really liked the characters of Jake, Lee, Zeke and Gideon. They are all so different, yet all carrying mental scars, especially Jake.
The actual storyline is not particularly good, but worth it for Jake's happy ending.
August 12, 2021
Wonderful story
I loved this story so much danger, murder, mystery and excitement. Strong women for powerful cowboys. I highly recommend you read this story and the others in this series and all title's by Beth🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
I loved this story so much danger, murder, mystery and excitement. Strong women for powerful cowboys. I highly recommend you read this story and the others in this series and all title's by Beth🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟💖💖💖💖💖
August 19, 2019
Another winning storyline
Book 1 caught my attention, book 2 captured my attention. I'm on to book 3 and hoping it is as good as the first 2.
Book 1 caught my attention, book 2 captured my attention. I'm on to book 3 and hoping it is as good as the first 2.
July 22, 2014
OH MY, The Devils have come to town! LOL One less Devil [Nate], but Devils none the same. They've come to settle in Tanger, Texas looking for work doing whatever may be needed of them. And it seems like they've come to the right place because the town has been raided and pillaged and come to find out the young women are being abducted as well!!!
There was a lot going on in this book and it ALL left me wanting more. Yet another example of how the books needed more explaining and/or background. Things just seemed to happen from one chapter to the next. It was just missing something ..... it had the potential for off the scale WOW factor, but it failed. And again, I enjoyed what i read, I just was left wanting more.....
Gabby was an awesome heroine! She just took the bull by the horns and ran with everything. She was right there with them trying to save the town and it made for exciting storyline and sparks!
Again, both of their backgrounds had sooooo much that should have been told to us in detail, but yet it wasnt. I really hated that! It's rare I say this, but all these books lacked length!
There was a lot going on in this book and it ALL left me wanting more. Yet another example of how the books needed more explaining and/or background. Things just seemed to happen from one chapter to the next. It was just missing something ..... it had the potential for off the scale WOW factor, but it failed. And again, I enjoyed what i read, I just was left wanting more.....
Gabby was an awesome heroine! She just took the bull by the horns and ran with everything. She was right there with them trying to save the town and it made for exciting storyline and sparks!
Again, both of their backgrounds had sooooo much that should have been told to us in detail, but yet it wasnt. I really hated that! It's rare I say this, but all these books lacked length!
October 1, 2009
Jake is physically and mentally scarred from his hellish time serving in the Civil War. Gabby is going through hell after raiders injured her father and continue to periodically assault the small Texas town she lives in. They meet while Jake is on the run from an obsessed Union Army officer who is hellbent on putting Jake back into the hell he escaped from. Jake and his friends agree to help rebuild the small town and find the women whom the raiders have kidnapped each time they assault the town.
For the historical western romance lovers, this would be a great book. I really don't care for this genre but I still enjoyed the book. The secondary characters were strong enough to help carry the story, sometimes carrying the story on their own. The reader can get a sense of Jake's fears and Gabby's need to stand on her own. All in all, this was a good story that I would recommend.
For the historical western romance lovers, this would be a great book. I really don't care for this genre but I still enjoyed the book. The secondary characters were strong enough to help carry the story, sometimes carrying the story on their own. The reader can get a sense of Jake's fears and Gabby's need to stand on her own. All in all, this was a good story that I would recommend.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2013
A historical western by Beth Williamson that is very interesting to read. Alot can happen to 4 exarmy personal, who are riding the range. and you never know where your woman might pop up from........
August 12, 2015
Jake was filled treachery, danger within the town of Tanger,TX but between two people who shouldn't have met there is wicked hot passion. It was an enjoyable adventure.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews