The Outlaw's Secret

by Stacy Henrie

Lawman in Disguise

Getting taken hostage by a gang of train robbers wasn't in dime novelist Essie Vanderfair's plans, but interviewing these men could make her career soar. Especially since the gang includes legendary outlaw Tex Beckett, better known as the Texas Titan. Tex is famed for his protection of women and children, so she'll be fineright?

Keeping the gang in line was hard enough before a stubborn, beautiful writer interfered. Now Tex is scrambling to keep Essie safe, to gather evidence against the gang and most of all to hide his dangerous secrets. First, that he's a detective working undercover. And second, that he's not the Texas Titan at all, but Tex's twin brother, Tate Beckett. "

Genres: Romance, Love Inspired, Love Inspired Historical, Historical, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Harlequin

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

Published February 7, 2017

About the author

Stacy Henrie, a USA TODAY bestselling author, has always had a love for history, fiction, and chocolate. She earned her B.A. in public relations before turning her attentions to raising a family and writing inspirational historical romances. Wife of an entrepreneur husband and a mother to three, Stacy loves to live out history through her fictional characters. In addition to author, she is also a reader, a road trip enthusiast, and a novice interior decorator. Her books include Hope at Dawn, a 2015 Romance Writers of America RITA finalist for excellence in romance.

Reviews

[Heidi Robbins (Heidi Reads...) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the premise of this fast-paced story on the Western frontier! Tate is in dangerous and desperate circumstances, being undercover, alone, in a band of outlaws, impersonating his brother- who is still out there somewhere. Tate is not the hardened detective I expected, but is compassionate and turns to his faith for strength. Essie seems a bit naive when she assumes she will be safe with a group of lawless men, but uses her skills from being raised on a ranch and the research from writing her books to help the gang when they come up against obstacles. She has a sympathetic heart and learning the sad history of each outlaw makes her see them as individuals rather than criminals. I liked that she and Tate develop a close bond as they are drawn to each other and help each other on the trail. There is plenty of action as the group moves from one location to another, and one scrape to another. I was glued to the pages to find out when Essie would discover Tate's secret, when they would give in to the chemistry building between them, and if the real Tex would make an appearance. Another great western from Stacy Henrie with suspense, action, and romance!

(I received a complimentary copy of the book; all opinions in this review are my own)

[Lisa (Bookworm Lisa) · Rating 4 out of 5]

The profession of a dime novelist is highly competitive. Essie has to "up her game" to be published. When train robbers stop the train she is on, she sees it as a golden opportunity. Besides, one of the robbers is Texas Titan, and he is known for treating women and children well.

Essie is brilliant at remembering things. She uses situations from books to get her out of tricky situations. She thinks quickly. She adapts well and has a positive personality.

Texas Titan is undercover. He isn't really Tex, but his twin brother. Essie's interference is messing up his opportunity to bring the bad guys to justice. There is also the problem that he finds her intelligent and attractive. Not a good combination when trying to keep your wits about you.

The characters are fun to read. They chemistry and a bad situation to fall in love. There were several instances that brought a smile to my face and I wanted how to know they were going to get out of the mess they were in. This is a fun book that is set in the "Old West". There are outlaws, lawmen, and a feisty heroine.

[Aimee · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is just something about the old west and rough, strong men with a strong sense of chivalry. It's pure yummy-ness. This is a new book in the Harlequin Love Inspired Historical line- which means it's clean! I love these books.

Tate Beckett is posing as his brother- a known outlaw- to try to capture a notorious gang of bandits. Tate has taken it upon himself to right the wrongs of his brother and perhaps ease his guilt about why his brother left in the first place. Tate has a strong sense of right and wrong and he is determined to do his job well. He surely doesn't count on Miss Essie showing up and worming her way into his well laid plans or his heart.

Essie is full of spunk and joy. I loved her sense of adventure and drive to succeed. I also loved her self doubt and insecurities which made her human and real.

This was such a fun adventure. The story started off with a bang and took off from there. I settled right in and enjoyed the ride!

[Katie (hiding in the pages) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie writes dime novels and when her rival starts producing better books, her publisher threatens to quit publishing for her. In a effort to write something sensational, she volunteers to be taken hostage by a group of outlaws that are robbing the train she's on so that she can interview the gang and get firsthand information to use in her novels.

I am not a brave woman at all and right from the start, our heroine had me gasping for breath with almost every choice she makes. She's got pluck and is determined to write her best novel yet, no matter the cost. The way she interacts with this rag-tag gang, interviews them, and exudes natural charm had my heart riding an emotional roller coaster. I was scared to death for her at times, flying high with happiness at others, and my heart was pounding for various reasons intermittently (romance, danger, etc.). I greatly admire a woman such as Essie and wish I would throw my fears to the wind like she does--nothing much seems to phase her.

"Tex" captured my heart as surely as he captures Essie's. He's a good man and the lengths he goes to in order to do his job justice is incredible. The outlaws ooze evilness, yet, through Essie's prodding, it's made clear that most of them aren't what they seem....kind of.

I love a romance that makes me swoon and this one does just that. Not only are the romance and characters well done, the setting is fantastic too. I felt myself transported back to the late 1800s and loved being a part of that time--when I wasn't shivering in my boots with fear. I also really enjoyed Essie's writing moments, which are often thoughts--she's an interesting character with a vivid imagination and has me engrossed in her ideas. I'm definitely looking forward to what this author writes next!

Content: mild violence; mild religious elements; mild romance.

*I received a copy through Prism Book Tours. This didn't influence my thoughts at all--all opinions are my own.*

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh y’all. You’re gonna love this book!

A wide-eyed, determined dime novelist finagles her way into being held hostage by an infamous gang of train robbers so she can interview them for her next book.

I could probably stop there and you’d have a great idea of how funny parts of this book are. Essie is just so cute, and the dime novel she writes in her head along the way is lots of fun.

But there’s a hitch that changes everything – she’s falling in love with the man she believes to be the notorious Texas Titan. A man who is actually Tex’s twin brother Tate, an undercover detective with the Pinkertons. The romance between Essie and Tate is sweet and tender – with lots of great chemistry and a couple of fantastic kisses too.

While it starts out lighter and more humor-filled, as the novel progresses and Essie interviews the various members of the gang, the mood of the book shifts slightly to one of poignancy. Each outlaw is there for a reason, rarely just because they want to make trouble, and their stories of tragedy will make you want to research other infamous outlaw gangs of history to learn their stories as well.

Bottom Line: The Outlaw’s Secret has it all – action, adventure, romance, humor, faith and depth. It will make you smile and it will twist your heart too. It will make you hold your breath – for the kisses and again for the nail-biting action. Essie is such a fun heroine, and Tate is most definitely swoonworthy. Another fun and sweet novel by Stacy Henrie that I highly recommend!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.)

See my review at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Melanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Outlaw's Secret was so fun! The main character, Essie, is a dime novelist and, looking for inspiration, decides to travel with outlaws...little does she know, one of the "outlaws" is really an undercover Pinkerton detective! This made for a very fun and entertaining story.

I loved how right from the first chapter the story held my attention. I liked both of the main characters and the romance was also written well. I loved that this historical romance had suspense and dangerous scenes. It made the story even more gripping.

All in all, I loved The Outlaw's Secret and definitely recommend it! I cannot wait to read the next book, The Renegade's Redemption.

*I received a complimentary eBook copy for my honest review. I was not required to write a positive review, only my honest opinion. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.*

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

From page one readers will fall in love with this adventurous western romance. The story is about Essie Vanderfair, a dime novelist, and her adventure with a gang of outlaws, including famous outlaw Tex Beckett. But all is not as it seems and Essie and Tex may get in each other’s way. Stacie Henry has masterfully written a story that readers will be enthralled with from page one until the very end. This is a fairly quick and easy read that will inspire the romance in all of us! Henry has a distinct way of writing that will draw readers in as they leave the world of reality behind and enter the enjoyable and entertaining world of the Wild West.

Genre: historical, western, clean romance, inspirational
Publisher: Love Inspired Historical
Publication date: February 7, 2017
Number of pages: 28

Content Rating: PG
Book Rating: 5 stars

A review copy of this novel was provided by Prism Book Tours. A review was not required and all views and opinions expressed are my own.

[Tori · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fast, fun read

[ASC Book Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an exciting, unique, and entertaining read!
-I LOVE LOVE LOVE THE FAITH SCENES IN THIS BOOK! I LOVE the prayers! I LOVE the Bible references!
-These characters are so very deep and interesting
-I LOVED the feel of a classic dime novel
-A great western adventure
-I love these characters so much I would love for each of them to get their own story furthering my time with them! LOL!
-The pace is set well with not going to fast or to slow, but growing and flowing on a steady rhythm
-Stacy always gives just enough description so you can just picture everything like watching a movie in your mind but never bogs things down with too much detail

Proverbs 3:5-6

[Bertina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just Love the Old West

[Julie (Let's Read Good Books)]

DNF @ 10%

The heroine is TSTL - I can't even. Asking to travel with a bunch of criminals as "research" for her book - there is just. No. Way. Next!

[Chesney · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Quick fun read.

[Monique · Rating 5 out of 5]

Even though her family is disappointed in her career choice, Essie Vanderfair is determined to be a successful dime novelist, but she needs a story her publisher will love. Little did she know that she would get her inspiration on a train ride. Instead of being scared, when the train she is on is attacked by outlaws, Essie rejoices because she will be able to get real outlaws’ stories, and her bestselling book; an added bonus is that the infamous Texas Titan is among them. And ambitious, optimistic Essie offers to tag along in her quest for success. What she didn’t realise is that her name is also synonymous with ransom; she is the granddaughter of a wealthy man, and Fletcher, the gang’s leader made the connection. From the start, Essie is intrigued by the good looking Texas Titan who doesn’t quite seem to fit her idea of a train robber, but he does have a secret: Tate Beckett is a Pinkerton agent and the real outlaw’s twin brother. Tate is torn: he wishes Essie would go away, as she could ruin his undercover mission, yet he could so easily fall in love with her, if things were different…

It dawned on me when I started the book, that I had not even read the blurb! To me, a new book by Stacy Henrie guarantees a great read, and again I was not disappointed. This time around, Ms. Henrie offers us an exciting story set in 1892 America. While the book begins in rather hilarious fashion, with wide-eyed Essie and her idea of adventures and the perplexed outlaws whose hearts she melts, almost everyone’s, when Fletcher shows his true colours, things take a dangerous turn. I loved those characters, even if at first Essie seems a bit of an airhead, she is true to herself and simply adorable. Tate is a fascinating character, who grew quite a bit along the way.

THE OUTLAW’S SECRET goes from frivolous fun at the beginning and subsequently turns into a nail biter, and Ms. Henrie is equally at ease in the sunny parts as well as in the dark passages, and naturally with this rather unusual romance. I found interesting how Faith played a real part in the story, that God may not grant you what you’re praying for, because you’re praying for the wrong thing. Tate realised where he had erred when he opened up his heart and really heard what Essie was saying. Essie and Tate’s is a wonderful romance, built on trust and honesty, but they had me worried for many pages! I devoured THE OUTLAW’S SECRET, and I am thrilled at what Ms. Henrie has in store for us later on this year with more adventures from the Old West!


I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.

[C.M. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good easy read. Loved how the author made all the characters, even the villains, sympathetic.

[Sabrina · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this book 3.5 Stars. The cover was clearly indicative that it was a western/romance. It was a really fun book. The characters were likable and flawed just enough. There was somewhat of a story line inside of the story and I was concerned it would detract from the actual story but it flowed well enough although I’m not sure that it added much to the overall picture. There wasn’t anything I especially loved or dislike about the book, it was just a cute, fun read that didn’t require a lot of brainpower which was perfect for me as a mother of two babies.

[Madison Ford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Essie Vanderfair is a dime novelist on the search for ideas for a new novel that would save her publishing deal. While on a train in Wyoming train robbers hold up the train. She sees her opperunity to change her future and thinking no harm could come to her, decides to tag along with the gang. Little does she know the leader may know something about her that could put her in serious danger.

Tate Beckett is a dective on a mission to put the train robbers behind bars and also find his twin brother who he didn’t part ways with on a good note. He poses in the gang as his brother Texas Titian who is a well known outlaw.

Short review:
The Outlaw’s Secret is a cute western romance if your into outlaws and books with a strong and fearless female character. It is a well written book with lots of action. You will fall in love with Tate and Essie, but keep your heart open because you haven’t met the other half. I would suggest reading book 2 right after finishing this one.

My Rating:

5/5 🌟

Reading my full review & lessons I took from the book on my blog:
https://thesonoranreads.wordpress.com...

[Jasmine · Rating 5 out of 5]

She finds more than she bargained for...

I haven't read very many Love Inspired Historicals, not sure why since I love history so much. But since getting the chance to read Stacy Henrie's previous Love Inspired Historical I've come to enjoy her books. The Outlaw's Secret delivers humor, romance, faith, and some wonderfully exciting moments where death is only a step away from both hero and heroine.

I think the the whole dime novelist idea is what really caught my attention. The term was not unfamiliar to me, though the idea of a lady dime novelist was, well, a novel idea. It's also neat to read fiction with authors as main characters, kind of an author's views on, and into, the world of writing. Of course, it didn't hurt that The Outlaw's Secret is a western, one of my favorite historical genres.

Fans of Stacy Henrie and of western historicals will surely not be disappointed in the thrilling pages of The Outlaw's Secret.

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher. All opinions are entirely my own.)

[Megan Olds · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is a fun spin on a Western, with a strong heroine, a unique concept and plotline, and a Christian emphasis. It is a little cheesy — like, what a way to meet one’s eternal companion for Essie and Tate…! — but it does contain some unexpected things in it as well. And I personally appreciate the writerly perspective as well as the question that is raised in it about the reasons behind what we dedicate our lives to — the psychology, missions, passions, and/or lifestyles behind it — and whether they’re the right ones.

Overall, Stacy Henrie has a clear voice in the Latter-day Saint literary community, and I look forward to reading more from her!

[Bonnie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Outlaw's Secret by Stacy Henrie is a very good book. Takes place in 1892 Wyoming. Tate Beckett is the twin brother to Tex Beckett who is an outlaw. Tate is a detective working undercover as his brother to get in with an outlaw gang to help the sheriff capture the gang. When they hold up a train, Novelist Essie Vanderfair is on the train and plans to go with the gang to interview each of the five outlaws for her next book. Later she learns who Tate really is and ends up helping him get the sheriff and capture the gang. They end up getting married. A good read.

[Billie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Essie Vanderfair was taken hostage by a gang of train robbers. She is a dime novelist and decides that this might be a boost to her career. One member of the gang includes a famous outlaw, Tex Beckett. Tex is determined to keep Essie safe and hide his secrets. He is really an undercover detective. This is a nice clean western romance that makes a great summer read. I received a complimentary copy of this book from Goodreads Giveaways in exchange for an honest review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading this book! I'd love to give it 4 1/2 stars. It would be wonderful to have ratings somehow more then 1-5 stars because somehow that just doesn't fit perfectly for most books. It's been awhile since I read this so I can't give it a just deserved review I just remember really enjoying reading it!

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Western with lots of loveable outlaws.

[Teri-K · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice story. Some amusing situations at first. Spunky heroine. Totally unrealistic, but that's not why I read these stories, is it?

[Mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read. I really enjoyed this one

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked the basis of this story.

[Harlequin Books]

"Strong drama, action, vivid settings and solid character development combine to take the reader on a wonderful journey in Henrie’s latest. Relationships do not feel rushed, and details on real-life historical events are included" (4 stars @ RT Book Reviews).

[Joy Melville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This author has snagged my attention - will be watching for more from her!

[D.]

My mother-in-law gave me this to read, and it was pretty awful. I'm not even going to rate it because it feels unfair. This not my type of book to begin with. But that plot, oh my goodness... 😅