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Annie and the Outlaw
Outlaw Angel
Harley-riding hellion Gabriel Donner had broken every rule, sinning enough for at least two lifetimes. And it would take just as long to right all his wrongs and earn his way to heaven. But his time was running out....
Then Gabriel rode to the rescue of an old-fashioned damsel in distress. Sweet Annie O'Brien desperately needed a guardian angel, and in her innocent eyes, his biker shades and outlaw leather shone like a halo and wings. Clearly Annie offered him salvation. Or did she? Loving her would be heaven, losing her, pure hell. And lose her he must. Unless time somehow stood still, erasing his past...and rewriting Annie's future.
251 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 1, 1994
45 people are currently reading
185 people want to read
About the author
Sharon Sala
279 books2,299 followersBiography
Sharon Sala is a Native Oklahoman and still lives within a two hour drive of where she was born.
First published in 1991, she is a New York Times/USA Today, best-selling author with a 135 plus books published in seven different genres, including Romantic suspense, Mystery, Young Adult, Western, Fiction, Women’s Fiction and Non-Fiction.
Industry Awards include:
Eight-time RITA finalist. (Romance Industry award)
The Janet Dailey Award.
Five-time Career Achievement winner from RT Magazine.
Five time winner of the National Reader’s Choice Award.
Five time winner of the Colorado Romance Writer’s Award of Excellence.
Heart of Excellence Award.,
Booksellers Best Award.
Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award RITA, presented by RWA.
Centennial Award from RWA for recognition of her 100th published novel.
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 25, 2010
The last chapters of this book made me bawl like a baby. I haven't fully recovered from it yet, so all I'm going to say is: loved it, loved it, loved it! This book will never leave my keepers shelf. *sighs*
February 6, 2017
Very sweet and novel storyline, but suffers from its rambling length.
Two lost souls who are fated to meet to heal each other. Both have secrets of shocking proportions, which makes happilys impossible. So they tip toe around emotions, promising nothing but today and the present to each other.
She is a 29 yo teacher being harassed sexually and otherwise by uncontrolled and malicious teenage students. The H intervenes one day and runs them off. The h is grateful and offers him a job as her bodyguard at school till the term is over. He agrees and moves in with her. Fireworks are expected and inevitable. They become lovers but keep their secrets to themselves.
I liked the H more. He is this hot badass biker with history. And this ‘history’ is so more literal than can be imagined. The leather and mirrored glasses hid a remarkable man- immensely tender, caring and protective. He is the more accepting and giving one, while the h is more prone to clamming up and creating distances. But maybe it’s understandable, as he has had ‘more time’ to understand and accept life, fate.
The paranormal slant is unique and even far out, but it holds up well. I‘ve read a similar story before and guess what, that H’s name was also…Gabriel!
Two lost souls who are fated to meet to heal each other. Both have secrets of shocking proportions, which makes happilys impossible. So they tip toe around emotions, promising nothing but today and the present to each other.
She is a 29 yo teacher being harassed sexually and otherwise by uncontrolled and malicious teenage students. The H intervenes one day and runs them off. The h is grateful and offers him a job as her bodyguard at school till the term is over. He agrees and moves in with her. Fireworks are expected and inevitable. They become lovers but keep their secrets to themselves.
I liked the H more. He is this hot badass biker with history. And this ‘history’ is so more literal than can be imagined. The leather and mirrored glasses hid a remarkable man- immensely tender, caring and protective. He is the more accepting and giving one, while the h is more prone to clamming up and creating distances. But maybe it’s understandable, as he has had ‘more time’ to understand and accept life, fate.
The paranormal slant is unique and even far out, but it holds up well. I‘ve read a similar story before and guess what, that H’s name was also…Gabriel!
Read
October 28, 2014Never again and this is why. Pseudonyms OK for authors. Not okay for readers. Sorry, I don't think so.
Here's my original review so those who will cannot accuse me of being a drive-by troll. If anything I was a silly fangirl. I wrote this way back when. Ahhh, innocence was bliss.
What, a series book with no secret babies, no ranches, no cops or cuddly toddlers? No such thing you say? Then you haven't read Annie & The Outlaw an old fashioned love story deeply rooted in emotion and centered around two wonderfully real characters. I don't think I can do this beautiful story justice in a review but I'll give it a shot.
Please note this all happens in the prologue and is not a spoiler: We first meet Gabriel Donner back in the 1800's moments before his life comes to an abrupt end. Hung for the sin or robbery Gabe enters the Gates of Hell. But Hell can't take him because of his last minute act of selflessness to a pregnant woman in distress. Heaven doesn't want him because of his shady past. He is given a second chance to right his wrongs and is sentenced to spend 150 years on earth.
Gabe's time on earth is just about over when he meets up with Annie, a school teacher, who is being terrorized by some of her students. Gabe looking like a criminal with his long hair, spurs and big Harley frightens off the bullies. A bit frightened of Gabe but left without much choice Annie decides to hires him as a personal bodyguard. He's the closest thing to a Guardian Angel she figures she's gonna get.
Annie has as a devastating secret she refuses to share with anyone, especially Gabe whom she has fallen deeply in love with. As their lives become entangled their secrets threaten to tear them apart and threaten their love. What they need is a miracle. Is their love strong enough to overcome what the Gods have in store for them?
Sharon Sala not only tugs at your heartstrings she rips them to shreds. ANNIE & THE OUTLAW is a tear jerker to be sure, with extraordinary characters you'll fiercely care about. This is the kind of book you don't soon forget after the last page is turned. You'll cry, you'll snicker, you'll stomp your feet at the injustice of it all and then you'll come out feeling emotionally drained and completely satisfied. I whole heartedly recommend it.
I didn't have one single nitpick while reading this book which is an amazing feat for me!
Here's my original review so those who will cannot accuse me of being a drive-by troll. If anything I was a silly fangirl. I wrote this way back when. Ahhh, innocence was bliss.
What, a series book with no secret babies, no ranches, no cops or cuddly toddlers? No such thing you say? Then you haven't read Annie & The Outlaw an old fashioned love story deeply rooted in emotion and centered around two wonderfully real characters. I don't think I can do this beautiful story justice in a review but I'll give it a shot.
Please note this all happens in the prologue and is not a spoiler: We first meet Gabriel Donner back in the 1800's moments before his life comes to an abrupt end. Hung for the sin or robbery Gabe enters the Gates of Hell. But Hell can't take him because of his last minute act of selflessness to a pregnant woman in distress. Heaven doesn't want him because of his shady past. He is given a second chance to right his wrongs and is sentenced to spend 150 years on earth.
Gabe's time on earth is just about over when he meets up with Annie, a school teacher, who is being terrorized by some of her students. Gabe looking like a criminal with his long hair, spurs and big Harley frightens off the bullies. A bit frightened of Gabe but left without much choice Annie decides to hires him as a personal bodyguard. He's the closest thing to a Guardian Angel she figures she's gonna get.
Annie has as a devastating secret she refuses to share with anyone, especially Gabe whom she has fallen deeply in love with. As their lives become entangled their secrets threaten to tear them apart and threaten their love. What they need is a miracle. Is their love strong enough to overcome what the Gods have in store for them?
Sharon Sala not only tugs at your heartstrings she rips them to shreds. ANNIE & THE OUTLAW is a tear jerker to be sure, with extraordinary characters you'll fiercely care about. This is the kind of book you don't soon forget after the last page is turned. You'll cry, you'll snicker, you'll stomp your feet at the injustice of it all and then you'll come out feeling emotionally drained and completely satisfied. I whole heartedly recommend it.
I didn't have one single nitpick while reading this book which is an amazing feat for me!
August 21, 2009
This was so damned sad! *Wipes away tears* I had no idea this was going to be so emotional! I loved it to bits.
On the other hand, the writing could have been better. Portions of the story went nowhere. Also, God was a great big jerk in this story. *looks anxiously for any lightning bolts* Sorry, Big Guy but it's true. Taking Gabe away at that moment was just mean. But I forgive you because you made up for it in the end. And what a beautiful, rewarding ending it was. *continues to sob happy tears*
I am definitely hunting down a copy of this for my very own because this little gem needs to be on my keeper shelf.
On the other hand, the writing could have been better. Portions of the story went nowhere. Also, God was a great big jerk in this story. *looks anxiously for any lightning bolts* Sorry, Big Guy but it's true. Taking Gabe away at that moment was just mean. But I forgive you because you made up for it in the end. And what a beautiful, rewarding ending it was. *continues to sob happy tears*
I am definitely hunting down a copy of this for my very own because this little gem needs to be on my keeper shelf.
November 13, 2025
Rating: 2.3 / 5
On the one hand, I reallllly liked the idea of this...
...but on the other hand, the execution of it was really only "so-so", and ultimately it felt like the story dragged more than it enchanted.
___________
The premise revolves around Gabe, a young man who is being hanged at the beginning of the story for...crimes that are unknown to us, but that apparently make him bad enough to be lynched by a crowd, so...yeah. (Bank robbery, I think?)
But, since he came in clutch and saved a pregnant woman at the very end, apparently the devil doesn't want him anymore and so passes him along to God, who's of course more fair, but admits that Gabe doesn't have enough brownie points to make it to heaven yet. Gabe asks for the duration of two lifetimes to make up for his misdeeds though, and I guess 150 years is it for him.
Fast forward to almost the end of those 150 years and Gabe meets Annie, a young schoolteacher who's being harassed by some super-bad students. She "hires" Gabe to protect her on a whim and of course they're attracted to each other, but...
...yeah, that's where the story starts to fall apart thereafter.
Part of the reason, I think, it because of the timing. Like...everything that's exciting happens within the first 30%, leaving the author scrambling for how to fill up space in the other 70%. There's a "twist" regarding Annie that's pretty much all-but-told to readers beforehand, and that ends up being the conflict for the second half of the book, but...yeah, I didn't like it. For all that the whole safety plot was rushed regarding Annie and her student, as well as her romance with Gabe, I did enjoy both of those plots and could get behind them--for entertainment value if not for realism, honestly.
But, *sighs* alas, it becomes more of an "appreciating life" thing afterwards rather than just a romance, and a whole "so painful to have to leave her/him" thing, and I just wasn't into that plot as much.
So...good start, I guess, but tripping all along the way until you finally get to an ending.
On the one hand, I reallllly liked the idea of this...
...but on the other hand, the execution of it was really only "so-so", and ultimately it felt like the story dragged more than it enchanted.
___________
The premise revolves around Gabe, a young man who is being hanged at the beginning of the story for...crimes that are unknown to us, but that apparently make him bad enough to be lynched by a crowd, so...yeah. (Bank robbery, I think?)
But, since he came in clutch and saved a pregnant woman at the very end, apparently the devil doesn't want him anymore and so passes him along to God, who's of course more fair, but admits that Gabe doesn't have enough brownie points to make it to heaven yet. Gabe asks for the duration of two lifetimes to make up for his misdeeds though, and I guess 150 years is it for him.
Fast forward to almost the end of those 150 years and Gabe meets Annie, a young schoolteacher who's being harassed by some super-bad students. She "hires" Gabe to protect her on a whim and of course they're attracted to each other, but...
...yeah, that's where the story starts to fall apart thereafter.
Part of the reason, I think, it because of the timing. Like...everything that's exciting happens within the first 30%, leaving the author scrambling for how to fill up space in the other 70%. There's a "twist" regarding Annie that's pretty much all-but-told to readers beforehand, and that ends up being the conflict for the second half of the book, but...yeah, I didn't like it. For all that the whole safety plot was rushed regarding Annie and her student, as well as her romance with Gabe, I did enjoy both of those plots and could get behind them--for entertainment value if not for realism, honestly.
But, *sighs* alas, it becomes more of an "appreciating life" thing afterwards rather than just a romance, and a whole "so painful to have to leave her/him" thing, and I just wasn't into that plot as much.
So...good start, I guess, but tripping all along the way until you finally get to an ending.
August 31, 2012
Annie and the Outlaw is a very sweet Silhouette sensation romance first published in 1994. Outlaw Gabriel Donner is given a second chance by God to redeem himself in the time span of two lifetimes (150 years) and he falls in love with the homespun schoolteacher Annie O'Brien... who is harbouring a secret, she is terminally ill.
Yes, its predictable and super sweet... but I bumped it up to a four star read because the hero is hot in an Western outlaw turned 20th century biker way and I cried at the HEA.
Yes, its predictable and super sweet... but I bumped it up to a four star read because the hero is hot in an Western outlaw turned 20th century biker way and I cried at the HEA.
November 14, 2017
What a tender heartwarming story! An outlaw forced to live two lifetime's as punishment for his crimes. A young school teacher who needs a bodyguard. A journey for the two of them to find love and make sacrifices in the face of death. This story tugs at your heartstrings! I absolutely loved it!
Read
August 27, 2019Another reprint from Sharon Sala (this book has been reprinted and is part of a series).
The story is a paranormal book but there are no elements to the storyline. Gabriel Donner is an outlaw from the 1800's who is given a second chance to redeem his life. He has progressed from a horse and gun to a Harley, as he travels across the USA. Helping people where he can, while not certain if he is doing what needs to be done.
When he sees Annie O'Brien being threatened by young students, he steps in and helps her. Its is the start of a relationship, that can't go anywhere but, it would be wonderful if it could. This is a lovely romance.
The story is a paranormal book but there are no elements to the storyline. Gabriel Donner is an outlaw from the 1800's who is given a second chance to redeem his life. He has progressed from a horse and gun to a Harley, as he travels across the USA. Helping people where he can, while not certain if he is doing what needs to be done.
When he sees Annie O'Brien being threatened by young students, he steps in and helps her. Its is the start of a relationship, that can't go anywhere but, it would be wonderful if it could. This is a lovely romance.
August 5, 2023
I need to just enjoy these category romances , especially these old ones, for what they are. But I’m rolling my eyes a bit. Hero saves her from getting gang raped (basically) she faints and while she’s unconscious he kisses her and then when she wakes up she has him move in with her to be her bodyguard. I mean, such a crazy dateline episodes in the making here! Then he traps her and kisses her and now telling her how uncomfortable she’s making him. They just met. Insanity 😂 either it got better or I just learned to suspend my belief enough that I ended up enjoying this pretty much! Nothing mind blowing but fun!
July 2, 2025
awesome
Just another fantastic, emotional novel written by Sharon Sala.
I had no idea where this story was going, but knew to trust that this story teller would have a twist that would make this story worth reading. WOW!!
Just another fantastic, emotional novel written by Sharon Sala.
I had no idea where this story was going, but knew to trust that this story teller would have a twist that would make this story worth reading. WOW!!
April 3, 2025
Oh my. Good book. Trigger Warning : cancer
June 28, 2014
A heartfelt story that digs in deep to your heart and soul.
With realistic characters that you ache to succeed. Gabriel Donner- a man who sinned enough for two liftimes, was put to death in the mid-1800s but because of a very special act, his soul wasn't able to be claimed by the Devil but the sins prevented him from Heaven. So instead God bless or cursed him with a second chance.
Now present day, Gabriel Donner still lives and finds sweet Annie O'Brien who was in need of his help.
There are a lot of ups and downs for these two as romance blooms. Just when they think life was good, tragedy strikes.
The book had been smiling, laughing and crying through out the book. The story had a satisfying end that made me breathe out a bittersweet sigh - not wanting it to truly end. The book contained a miracle or two that will leave readers breathless.
I have to thank my mom for introducing me to this amazing story.
With realistic characters that you ache to succeed. Gabriel Donner- a man who sinned enough for two liftimes, was put to death in the mid-1800s but because of a very special act, his soul wasn't able to be claimed by the Devil but the sins prevented him from Heaven. So instead God bless or cursed him with a second chance.
Now present day, Gabriel Donner still lives and finds sweet Annie O'Brien who was in need of his help.
There are a lot of ups and downs for these two as romance blooms. Just when they think life was good, tragedy strikes.
The book had been smiling, laughing and crying through out the book. The story had a satisfying end that made me breathe out a bittersweet sigh - not wanting it to truly end. The book contained a miracle or two that will leave readers breathless.
I have to thank my mom for introducing me to this amazing story.
July 6, 2018
wonderful beautifully written
Very good very touching.
The Love between Annie and Gab is beautiful.
He dose things for her to make her happy she has a timer in her head and refuses to have the surgery.
Then Gab comes into her life and she starts to see things differently.
I am not going to spoil this but will say it is a wonderful book very heart touching and you will ahead a tear.
And give a lil laugh or say YA eat her way you will enjoy it as much as I did .
Sharon Sala dose it again another winner
Very good very touching.
The Love between Annie and Gab is beautiful.
He dose things for her to make her happy she has a timer in her head and refuses to have the surgery.
Then Gab comes into her life and she starts to see things differently.
I am not going to spoil this but will say it is a wonderful book very heart touching and you will ahead a tear.
And give a lil laugh or say YA eat her way you will enjoy it as much as I did .
Sharon Sala dose it again another winner
August 6, 2011
An unfortunate title for a truly good story. Definately one of the best romance novels I've ever read but more than that a good semi-supernatural story, with very funny moments and endearing and interesting characters. But a terrible title!
January 30, 2014
My very first Sharon Sala book way back in the time I had just graduated high school. :) I loved the supernatural/angel theme and still do today. I only wish that Sharon had followed this line of writing in more of her books.
January 6, 2015
Not what I expected
The first half of this book was sooooo slow. I trudged through and just couldn't get into this book. I think the characters were okay as was the plot but man it moved slower than a snail's pace.
The first half of this book was sooooo slow. I trudged through and just couldn't get into this book. I think the characters were okay as was the plot but man it moved slower than a snail's pace.
July 15, 2010
Typical Sharon Sala fare.
July 18, 2010
Beautiful story, makes me cry more than once!
September 1, 2010
Very touching and emotional read. I really enjoyed it!
January 2, 2012
This was one of the first books I'd read by Sharon and it instantly made me a fan. Her characters really spring to life on the page and welcome you into their world.
June 6, 2012
No matter how many times I reread this, it still makes me cry like I'm reading it for the first time.
not-going-there
April 17, 2016When all the reviews say "OMG IT WAS SO SAD!!!" I am not interested. I like keeping my heart in my chest too much to knowingly allow it to be ripped out by fictional characters, dammit!
May 21, 2016
This was a great read. One of those old Heartsong love stories. Loved it! Wasn't so bad that it included GOD and a biker either!
Read
August 16, 2008Annie and the Outlaw (Silhouette Intimate Moments No. 597) by Sharon Sala (1994)
September 25, 2009
Western
April 10, 2017
With the introduction of the hero in present day so similar to a YMCA band member, I had to fight myself to keep going. Unfortunately, once your big bad hero has been cast as such in your mind, well, you can't undo that. I cringed and as I kept reading all I could hear in my head was 1970s bad porno soundtracks. I don't know if there even is sex in this book or not. It doesn't make any difference once you hear bowm chicka bowm bowm. Dunnda duh uhhh. I had to flounce.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews