The Innocent and the Outlaw

Outlaws of the Wild West #1

by Harper St. George

This man is dangerous in more ways than one… 

The stepdaughter of a bank robber, innocent barmaid Emmaline Drake knows Hunter Jameson is trouble the second he walks into her saloon. Though his gaze holds her captive, she vows to keep her distance. 

When Hunter kidnaps Emmaline to retaliate against her stepfather, she escapes to the brothel where she was born. In desperation, she auctions off her virginity… But when she looks out into the gathered crowd of men, there's only one she sees. Hunter has tracked her down and is about to place his bid for her…!

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Historical Fiction, Harlequin, Enemies To Lovers

264 pages, Kindle Edition

First published June 30, 2016

About the author

Harper St. George was raised in rural Alabama and along the tranquil coast of northwest Florida. It was a setting filled with stories of the old days that instilled in her a love of history, romance, and adventure. By high school, she had discovered the historical romance novel which combined all of those elements into one perfect package. She has been hooked ever since.

She lives in the Atlanta area with her husband and two children. When not writing, she can be found devouring her husband's amazing cooking and reading. She would love to hear from you. Please visit her website at harperstgeorge.com

Reviews

[Angela Hates Books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hey I did it! I read a book in February! After being completely shattered in my personal life, I’ve picked up enough pieces to finish a book. Woohooooo! Thanks Harper St George for this very Stockholm Syndrome heavy book that made my poor sad heart beat again. (Did I mention sadness? It should be noted that I’m very sad IRL and it’s reaaally affecting my already pretty grouchy reviews.)

So Emmy gets kidnapped because why not and Hunter kidnaps her because he *has* to not because he *wants* to because obvs crimes aren’t illegal or bad if your heart isn’t really in it, amiright? And obvs our girl Emmy is all, “This dude is really hot despite him tying me up against my will and there’s a lot of chemistry happening,” ya know, despite all the kidnapping. But here’s the thing, I’m fully aware that a kidnapping trope is insane and horrifying IRL but goodness do I gobble this shhh up in fiction. Like yeah bruh, tie her up. She likes it even if she says she doesn’t. I personally prefer my heroines to fight a bit more, Emmy was very repentant in her retaliations and her escaping. But, hey, it’s a western fairy tale, so we are gonna take it.

If you don’t like kidnapping, why are you even here? Get outta here, partner, this book ain’t for you. If you like kidnapping and you don’t want to spend too much time questioning what this means about your morals and life choices, this book is for youuuuuu.

[SuperWendy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stockholm Syndrome that sets in so fast your head will spin and extremely messy power dynamics. Also a heroine born in a brothel, who lives with her outlaw gang leader stepfather, who always has his outlaw cronies around their home and yet somehow this girl is still a virgin? Oh, and our hero is an outlaw but don't worry - he's not all bad. Even if he does kidnap the heroine and interrogate her - but that's OK to0 since she gets tingly feelings around him. The only thing I liked about this book was the brothel madam who apparently gets her own romance in book three of this trilogy. I may pick up that book even though I really did not like this one.

[*Book*Crazy* · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this one!

[Candace N · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought The Innocent and The Outlaw by Harper St. George would be a good read but oh my god, good does not cover it! It wowed and captivated me right from the beginning. It’s engaging, unpredictable, fast paced, and full of action. It’s beautifully written, overflowing with emotion and full of strong, alluring characters! I was mesmerized! The hero and heroine were amazing, had great chemistry and oh boy was there some steamy moments! This book really is the whole package! A book I will gladly read again!! I loved it!

[Carly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick easy read. Very entertaining and fun!!! The ending was a little rushed but overall a good book.

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Emmaline calls Hunter "Pretty Boy" when she first meets him, but he still is an outlaw and kidnaps her. She is determined to get free and rescue her younger sisters. Hunter is determined to keep her.
I loved this western book, although it is a little steamier than I usually read. I won a copy of this book in a contest by the author, but my review is voluntary. I plan to read more books from this new-to-me author because I have become a fan!

[Jeanne · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 20%. The stupid girl is hanging from ceiling hooks, arms about to pop out of their sockets and all she can think about is how handsome her captor is. I love a good western/historical romance but this is just stupid.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Innocent and the Outlaw #1 in "Outlaws of the Wild West" by Harper St. George is an exciting new Western Historical series. What a great read!

Fast paced, well written with well-developed, engaging, and captivating characters. The storyline is unique, interesting and exciting.
I worried a bit about the heroine, Emmaline Drake, the innocent step-daughter of a bank robber, who works in a saloon, then it goes from bad to worst. She was born and raised in a brothel.

Hunter Jameson, an outlaw, who wants revenge against her step-father and so retaliates by kidnapping Emmaline.
The chase is on. Emmaline escapes to the brothel and plans to auction the one thing that is actually hers alone...her virginity. And of course, Hunter finds her and yes, bids on her.

"The Innocent and the Outlaw" is so much more than it appears on the surface. The characters have alot of depth, as their relationship grows, their passion flares, and their troubles follow them. But can an innocent and an outlaw, find peace, healing, and a HEA. Can their blossoming love survive, and bring healing to two wounded souls? Can they survive the bitterness, and the desire for revenge to find their HEA?
An enjoyable and satisfying read! I would highly recommend to fans of Western Historical Romance, Outlaws, danger, a bit of suspense and the wonder of love. I look forward to reading the next installment of "The Outlaws of the Wild West".
Received for an honest review from the author.

Rating: 4.5
Reviewed by: AprilR

[Nessa · Rating 4 out of 5]

THIS WAS SURPRISINGLY GOOD! I DIDN'T EXPECT MUCH FROM IT INITIALLY BUT IT FAR EXCEEDED MY EXPECTATIONS AND I ENJOYED EVERY MOMENT.

HERO is not the man he seems yet he also runs with the outlaws. Loyal to his half brother, he gives his aid to search for their youngest brother who was caught by the enemy. In order to do that, the brothers needed information and it leads them to a tavern where he meets our heroine. From the start he doesn't even plan to hurt her, just to question her but one thing led to another. Taking her as his own captive, their odd relationship blossoms with just a single glance, and a single touch. But, Hunter is caught between his brother and the woman he loves. What I love best about him was his fierceness and also determination to keep and make Emmaline his. He protects her and also acts like an alpha male around her. Yums!

HEROINE is caught in a world of unsavoury people mainly because her stepfather happens to be one of them. As the oldest girl in the family, she protects her young sibilings and when suspicious men came into the tavern she works at, asking questions...she makes a run for it only to be caught by Hunter, and taken as his captive. The chemistry between the two were tangible, I loved every interaction, every conversation and of course the passion.

OVERALL it was like a classic Harlequin romance except better than the usual it has to offer.

[Debby · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new series begins and promises to be absolutely amazing.

Emmaline Drake does not have an easy life. Working as a barmaid helps but only provides a small amount of money. She has learned to recognize trouble when she sees it and knows the man who just walked in spells trouble with a capital T. Hunter Jameson has no problem kidnapping her as a bargaining chip against her bank robber stepfather. But Emmaline is resourceful and escapes, running to the brothel where she was born. With very little options, she decides to auction off her virginity. The only problem is that Hunter has tracked her down and plans to place the highest bid.

Hunter and Emmaline were fantastic together. Each one had a few misconceptions about the other making for some amazing scenes. One thing neither one counted on was love and it was that that changed everything for them.

Harper St. George is an amazing writer. She took two opposites and put them together, stirred a lot and then watched to see what happened as everything settled. A wonderful romance, it has action, adventure, more than a few secrets and, of course, delicious romance. Add this one to your list. It is not one to be missed if you love westerns with an ending that leaves you with a smile.

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading from author Harper St. George and it was fantastic! I love Historical Westerns and this is definitely one of the best I've read. Can't wait to read the next two books in this series!

Born in a brothel and raised by her stepfather a bank robber, Emmaline Drake hasn't had an easy life. Hunter Jameson is an outlaw who wants revenge on Emmaline's stepfather and ends up kidnapping her.

This story was fast paced and full of action, intrigue, drama and oh yes definitely a romance! Hunter and Emmaline had great chemistry and the secondary characters in this story were excellent. This was a book I didn't want to put down and was sad to see it end. Fortunately this is the first in the Outlaws of the Wild West series and we have two more stories that follow. I'm so looking forward to reading Castillo and Zane's stories! Harper St. George just became an auto buy for me!

[Harlequin Books]

"St. George’s newest series, Outlaws of the Wild West, pairs a woman desperate to ave what is left of her family from the justified revenge of a notorious gang with a dangerous man intent on her family’s destruction. Despite the well-used “captive falling for her captor” scenario, readers will find the sexy adventures of Emmaline and Hunter reason enough to stay up late" (RT Book Reviews).

Miniseries: Outlaws of the Wild West

[Joan Osborne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining Western Romance

This is the first book that I have read by this author and I will definitely be looking for more from her. I found myself immersed in the story and thoroughly enjoyed the romance between Emmaline and Hunter. Emmaline was a feisty and brave heroine so deserving of a happily ever after and Hunter was everything a hero should be. I recommend this entertaining Western romance highly.

[Ann · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steamy

This is a well done romance with all of the required elements and a little more. Emmaline never dreamed of falling in love with an outlaw particularly one who kidnaps her so he can exchange her for his brother's brother. A well written fast read romance lovers should try.

[Andriana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Loved the heroine and her inner strength, the hero wasn't quite as thrilling imo (handsome, yes, but I wasn't entirely clear what made him just so wonderful). Decent writing, although I got a little bored by some of the story here. Still, would be up for reading another by St. George.

[Harlequin Historical]

Miniseries: Outlaws of the Wild West

[pj · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

Really like the book! I love green eyes and the way they were mention in this book. a very good read i would recommend this book.

[Cassandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Perhaps a little slow in the beginning but good book.

[Deirdre · Rating 3 out of 5]

Emmaline Drake is the step-daughter of a bank robber and the daughter of a former prostitute. She's currently working as a barmaid when she meets Hunter Jameson and she knows that he's trouble.  This is proved when he kidnaps her to exchange her for his step-brother's life.  She eventually escapes back to the brothel where she was born determined to forge a better life for herself and her step-sisters. The only commodity she has is her virginity which she decides to auction off, not expecting that Hunter will be her highest bidder.  Can they overcome the roadblocks on the way to love?
 
Interesting but somehow underwhelming.

[Sandra R · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. Well written romance set at the end of the 1800's. Lots of outlaw/cowboy action and a slow burn steamy romance that was tasteful and nicely done. Lots to like about this story, but I didn't feel as connected to the main characters as I could have been - but I will certainly be reading more from this author. 🙂

[Carleigh McFarland · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very quick and easy romance read (did it in the span of six hours). Was not as attached to the characters as I was to them in the Heiress, but I also understand that this is a harlequin title not a book of the month selection. Still a good romance and I like her writing style. I’ve already bought the second one too! Will definitely read her viking series eventually too!

[silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

The one thing I cannot wrap my head around, is that the MC's father, the same one who abandoned his first family to married a girl solely for her pedigree and for the social status, is the same father who would eagerly, no questions asked, approve and pay for his son's wedding to a girl whose step-father is an outlaw, and who is dirt poor.

Strange.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good. Loses steam after the first half.

[Caitlyn Cornell · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book!!! They were so cute!!

[Lacey]

No.

[K. King · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved the setting—it’s nice to read a historical romance not set in England. The initial kidnapping plot was intriguing, but after a while, it all got too messy. There was just something about this book that wasn’t clicking for me. I would read a few chapters, put it down, and nothing would call to me to pick it back up.

[Jean · Rating 2 out of 5]

It’s been a while since I’ve picked up a Harlequin, but I really enjoyed Harper St. George’s Gilded Age Heiresses series, so I decided to give her western romances a whirl. This is exactly what I’d expect from a historical romance: good characters, a dash of intrigue, miscommunications, and some spice. It was a fun read, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.

[Kerry · Rating 2 out of 5]

Stockholm syndrome, while one of One Direction’s best songs, is not for me! Not my fav.

[Sandra Newton]

Wonderful read

Emmaline and Hunter's story is very emotional, sexual, mysterious and breathtaking. Poor and the daughter of an outlaw is kidnapped by another outlaw. A Cinderella story with many twist and turns. I loved this story and highly recommend you read and enjoy. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟