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Frontiers of the Heart #4
Bound for Glory
An unwilling legend and the woman who made him one face off in this epic conclusion to the Frontiers of the Heart series.
He has many names. They call him Deathrider, White Wolf, The Plague of the West. He's the ice-eyed killer of the plains; the ghost of the trail; the restless spirit who haunts the frontier from California to Missouri, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. They say he seeks vengeance for his murdered people; they say he never sleeps; they say he moves silently through the night and changes form to run with the wolves. And that he is as beautiful as Lucifer.
At least, so they say. Ava Archer wouldn't know; she's never seen him. But that doesn't stop her from writing about him. The Plague of the West is her bread and butter, and after more than a dozen dime novels, she thinks she probably knows Deathrider better than he knows himself, even if she wouldn't recognize him on the street. If only rumors of his death would stop getting in the way of a good story....
Those damn stories make Nathaniel Rides With Death's life an absolute misery. Thanks to his unwanted notoriety, he's hunted like an animal by an endless stream of gunslingers looking to make a name for themselves. When someone close to Nate is shot by one of the gunslingers, Nate decides it's time to hunt down the novelist at the root of all his troubles. He has a plan to end this farce once and for all....
He has many names. They call him Deathrider, White Wolf, The Plague of the West. He's the ice-eyed killer of the plains; the ghost of the trail; the restless spirit who haunts the frontier from California to Missouri, leaving a trail of bodies in his wake. They say he seeks vengeance for his murdered people; they say he never sleeps; they say he moves silently through the night and changes form to run with the wolves. And that he is as beautiful as Lucifer.
At least, so they say. Ava Archer wouldn't know; she's never seen him. But that doesn't stop her from writing about him. The Plague of the West is her bread and butter, and after more than a dozen dime novels, she thinks she probably knows Deathrider better than he knows himself, even if she wouldn't recognize him on the street. If only rumors of his death would stop getting in the way of a good story....
Those damn stories make Nathaniel Rides With Death's life an absolute misery. Thanks to his unwanted notoriety, he's hunted like an animal by an endless stream of gunslingers looking to make a name for themselves. When someone close to Nate is shot by one of the gunslingers, Nate decides it's time to hunt down the novelist at the root of all his troubles. He has a plan to end this farce once and for all....
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 3, 2019
15 people are currently reading
116 people want to read
About the author
Tess LeSue
4 books43 followersWhen not galloping through the Wild West, Tess is not-so-mild-mannered academic Dr Amy Matthews.
Amy is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Flinders University and also writes fiction and non-fiction under the name Amy T. Matthews and Amy Barry. She clearly has too much time on her hands.
Tess LeSue writes raunchy and adventurous historical romances, with strong and sassy heroines and heroes to make your knees go weak. Set against vast and dramatic backdrops, these are love stories to sweep you back in time, and off your feet.
Her historical Western, Bound for Eden, was runner up for Romance Writers of Australia’s 2016 Emerald PRO award and will be published by Harlequin/MIRA in 2016.
You can find Tess on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tess-LeSue-1...
Amy is Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing at Flinders University and also writes fiction and non-fiction under the name Amy T. Matthews and Amy Barry. She clearly has too much time on her hands.
Tess LeSue writes raunchy and adventurous historical romances, with strong and sassy heroines and heroes to make your knees go weak. Set against vast and dramatic backdrops, these are love stories to sweep you back in time, and off your feet.
Her historical Western, Bound for Eden, was runner up for Romance Writers of Australia’s 2016 Emerald PRO award and will be published by Harlequin/MIRA in 2016.
You can find Tess on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Tess-LeSue-1...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 3, 2019
BOUND FOR GLORY by Tess LeSue met all my expectations and surpassed them beyond what I could imagine. It was hard for me to envision Deathrider’s story, even though I’ve craved it since reading the first book where he appeared. I knew it would take a tough woman to out-fox and out-talk him. Ava Archer is exactly what he needed.
See the full color version of this review, plus all the clickable links at TheZestQuest.com.
But first, he had to suffer a lot, and go through one dark moment after another, with his sarcastic humor and dog as his sidekicks most of the way. When Deathrider’s humor no longer serves him, and anger replaces it, Two Bears, Deathrider’s father, fills in the gaps with his hilarious banter. Oh my, did I love Two Bears. He cracked me up.
Deathrider, aka Plague of the West, is hellbent on saving his friends no matter the odds. The man’s devotion to others is commendable. He proves his endurance in this book beyond comprehension.
Tess LeSue has earned her rare spot on my keeper shelves. FRONTIERS OF THE HEART is the best western series I’ve read. Fans will appreciate seeing all their favorite characters from the series in the final chapters of this book.
I reviewed the first three books for Romance Junkies, but another reviewer beat me to requesting this last book, so I’m reviewing it on my personal site, The Zest Quest.
Even though I think this book stands well on its own, I would hate to see someone miss the buildup to this climax. Do yourself a favor and read this series in order. It’s one of the best historical series I’ve experienced.
Here are quotes from my RJ reviews and links to them for your convenience…
“BOUND FOR EDEN is so ridiculous and addictive that I carried the book with me everywhere until I finished. I laughed so hard at Deathrider. He’s the absolute best caricature of a Native American who befriends white settlers. He’s the best friend who knows you so well that he’s the thorn in your side for life.” Review by Dorine ~ courtesy of Romance Junkies.
“BOUND FOR SIN by Tess LeSue is easy to recommend for its well-rounded entertainment. You’ll laugh, cry, and be enchanted by the western historical detail that makes you stick to this book like glue. I really can’t get enough of the FRONTIERS OF THE HEART series. I’m completely addicted, especially to read more about Deathrider, my favorite character.” Review by Dorine ~ courtesy of Romance Junkies.
“BOUND FOR TEMPTATION by Tess LeSue riles up the west as the naughty heroine disguises herself as a nun, launching one crazy plan after another… Thanks to Deathrider, Tom Slater is on the run from bounty hunters. The darn fool used Tom’s fairly good name when the heat became too much around Deathrider’s reputation. A reputation earned mostly by a dime novelist who found the crazy Indian perfect fodder for her creative adventures. Now the “real” Tom Slater can’t go anywhere without having his life threatened. It’s no wonder Tom prefers cows over people.” Review by Dorine ~ courtesy of Romance Junkies.
The riot continues in BOUND FOR GLORY.
Ava Archer is a pistol. I wanted to hate her for her poison pen, but she’s so stinking adorable that I couldn’t imagine anyone better for Deathrider. Their journey is fraught with challenges, but their HEA is pure bliss. Of course, there are more villains than you can shake a stick at this time around, but one in particular was beyond nasty and believable. Rooting for Ava to best that nasty piece of work was so much fun.
Thank you, Tess LeSue, for giving me exactly what I craved. BOUND FOR GLORY is beyond perfect, ending this series with all the laughter and love I could stand. Fabulous! I highly recommend all four books. THIS is how western romance should be written. It’s funny, entertaining, dangerous, crazy-wild like a horse race, and full of characters you wish to meet. You will be smitten.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital advanced copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
See the full color version of this review, plus all the clickable links at TheZestQuest.com.
But first, he had to suffer a lot, and go through one dark moment after another, with his sarcastic humor and dog as his sidekicks most of the way. When Deathrider’s humor no longer serves him, and anger replaces it, Two Bears, Deathrider’s father, fills in the gaps with his hilarious banter. Oh my, did I love Two Bears. He cracked me up.
Deathrider, aka Plague of the West, is hellbent on saving his friends no matter the odds. The man’s devotion to others is commendable. He proves his endurance in this book beyond comprehension.
Tess LeSue has earned her rare spot on my keeper shelves. FRONTIERS OF THE HEART is the best western series I’ve read. Fans will appreciate seeing all their favorite characters from the series in the final chapters of this book.
I reviewed the first three books for Romance Junkies, but another reviewer beat me to requesting this last book, so I’m reviewing it on my personal site, The Zest Quest.
Even though I think this book stands well on its own, I would hate to see someone miss the buildup to this climax. Do yourself a favor and read this series in order. It’s one of the best historical series I’ve experienced.
Here are quotes from my RJ reviews and links to them for your convenience…
“BOUND FOR EDEN is so ridiculous and addictive that I carried the book with me everywhere until I finished. I laughed so hard at Deathrider. He’s the absolute best caricature of a Native American who befriends white settlers. He’s the best friend who knows you so well that he’s the thorn in your side for life.” Review by Dorine ~ courtesy of Romance Junkies.
“BOUND FOR SIN by Tess LeSue is easy to recommend for its well-rounded entertainment. You’ll laugh, cry, and be enchanted by the western historical detail that makes you stick to this book like glue. I really can’t get enough of the FRONTIERS OF THE HEART series. I’m completely addicted, especially to read more about Deathrider, my favorite character.” Review by Dorine ~ courtesy of Romance Junkies.
“BOUND FOR TEMPTATION by Tess LeSue riles up the west as the naughty heroine disguises herself as a nun, launching one crazy plan after another… Thanks to Deathrider, Tom Slater is on the run from bounty hunters. The darn fool used Tom’s fairly good name when the heat became too much around Deathrider’s reputation. A reputation earned mostly by a dime novelist who found the crazy Indian perfect fodder for her creative adventures. Now the “real” Tom Slater can’t go anywhere without having his life threatened. It’s no wonder Tom prefers cows over people.” Review by Dorine ~ courtesy of Romance Junkies.
The riot continues in BOUND FOR GLORY.
Ava Archer is a pistol. I wanted to hate her for her poison pen, but she’s so stinking adorable that I couldn’t imagine anyone better for Deathrider. Their journey is fraught with challenges, but their HEA is pure bliss. Of course, there are more villains than you can shake a stick at this time around, but one in particular was beyond nasty and believable. Rooting for Ava to best that nasty piece of work was so much fun.
Thank you, Tess LeSue, for giving me exactly what I craved. BOUND FOR GLORY is beyond perfect, ending this series with all the laughter and love I could stand. Fabulous! I highly recommend all four books. THIS is how western romance should be written. It’s funny, entertaining, dangerous, crazy-wild like a horse race, and full of characters you wish to meet. You will be smitten.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of TheZestQuest.com. A digital advanced copy was provided by the publisher for an honest review. Thanks in advance for following links and sharing this review on social media.
April 30, 2024
Bound for Glory is the the fourth and final book in the Frontiers of the Heart series.
Deathrider aka Plague of the West featured throughout the previous books and I’ve been itching to get to his story and I wasn’t disappointed. The author saved the best till last!
Tess LeSue sure knows how to write a rip-roaring tale about the Old Wild West.
This book was crazy good! The banter between Deathrider and Ava Archer had me cracking up, they were hysterical. A fascinating historical western romance filled with adventure, witty banter, razor-sharp dialogue, delightful protagonists and repulsive characters. Loaded with twists and crammed-full of suspense. I loved every minute.
If all historical western romance were penned in this way I wouldn’t find much time to read other genres, haha, only kidding. But damn, Tess LeSue is good. Her voice is exceptional, funny and immediately grips the readers attention.
If you’re looking for a book featuring a hero with icy blue eyes and with a name such as Plague of the West I highly recommend you track down this book. I also recommend reading the other three in order to fully appreciate the story.
Library loan
Deathrider aka Plague of the West featured throughout the previous books and I’ve been itching to get to his story and I wasn’t disappointed. The author saved the best till last!
Tess LeSue sure knows how to write a rip-roaring tale about the Old Wild West.
This book was crazy good! The banter between Deathrider and Ava Archer had me cracking up, they were hysterical. A fascinating historical western romance filled with adventure, witty banter, razor-sharp dialogue, delightful protagonists and repulsive characters. Loaded with twists and crammed-full of suspense. I loved every minute.
If all historical western romance were penned in this way I wouldn’t find much time to read other genres, haha, only kidding. But damn, Tess LeSue is good. Her voice is exceptional, funny and immediately grips the readers attention.
If you’re looking for a book featuring a hero with icy blue eyes and with a name such as Plague of the West I highly recommend you track down this book. I also recommend reading the other three in order to fully appreciate the story.
Library loan
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December 9, 2019This didn't work for me. Didn't connect with the heroine Ava. Wasn't a fan of the fact that her writing caused huge problems for Nate, especially since she made up/embellished a bunch of it. Also, the couple didn't even meet up until after the 40% and I just was having a hard time staying interested.
January 6, 2020
I don't know about you, but I've been waiting for Deathrider's story from the moment he was introduced in the first book. He was such an elusive, mysterious character that would show up randomly and then disappear in the blink of an eye. He's a hunted man because of some books a deranged author made up about him. So, imagine my excitement when we not only get his story, but his leading lady ends up being none other than the author herself!
Granted, neither of them knows who the other person truly is. Ava come across who she assumes to be an Apache in the middle of the desert. He's horribly beaten, blind, and in extremely rough shape. Being on the run herself, she takes pity on him and decides to help him get to safety before continuing on her way. She has no clue that the man in her custody is the same man she has written about, and caused so much trouble for.
I really liked that this story was written in both Ava's and Deathrider's POVs. We got to see what lead up to Deathrider's unfortunate state in the middle of the desert, as well as got a better understanding of Ava's character and how she struggles with the massive response her books have caused. I was curious how I'd like someone who caused so much undue hatred and animosity towards a complete stranger, but getting to read the book in her perspective really helped show that she truly thought what she was writing was fact. She wasn't making these things up, but rather, her sources that she thought she could trust were making them up. The fact that she wants to find and warn Deathrider about the latest rally of hunters, kind of helped me to forgiver her a bit.
Now I will admit that it did take me a bit to warm up to this book. For a good portion of it we follow Ava as she goes about her business, and we follow Deathrider as you see just how much Native American's are hated and treated by the white people who took over the lands. While I found Deathrider's portions to be a bit more engaging, I was pretty bored with Ava's side until the two finally meet up and start their journey together.
Like I said before, I've been waiting for Deathrider's story from the very beginning. The fact that he's been through so much because of one woman's idiotic writings, was crazy. The poor guy had been through the wringer and was on the run from the moment we met him. I suppose it was only fitting that he find his happily every after, and closure from the one person who started it all.
Granted, neither of them knows who the other person truly is. Ava come across who she assumes to be an Apache in the middle of the desert. He's horribly beaten, blind, and in extremely rough shape. Being on the run herself, she takes pity on him and decides to help him get to safety before continuing on her way. She has no clue that the man in her custody is the same man she has written about, and caused so much trouble for.
I really liked that this story was written in both Ava's and Deathrider's POVs. We got to see what lead up to Deathrider's unfortunate state in the middle of the desert, as well as got a better understanding of Ava's character and how she struggles with the massive response her books have caused. I was curious how I'd like someone who caused so much undue hatred and animosity towards a complete stranger, but getting to read the book in her perspective really helped show that she truly thought what she was writing was fact. She wasn't making these things up, but rather, her sources that she thought she could trust were making them up. The fact that she wants to find and warn Deathrider about the latest rally of hunters, kind of helped me to forgiver her a bit.
Now I will admit that it did take me a bit to warm up to this book. For a good portion of it we follow Ava as she goes about her business, and we follow Deathrider as you see just how much Native American's are hated and treated by the white people who took over the lands. While I found Deathrider's portions to be a bit more engaging, I was pretty bored with Ava's side until the two finally meet up and start their journey together.
Like I said before, I've been waiting for Deathrider's story from the very beginning. The fact that he's been through so much because of one woman's idiotic writings, was crazy. The poor guy had been through the wringer and was on the run from the moment we met him. I suppose it was only fitting that he find his happily every after, and closure from the one person who started it all.
November 22, 2019
Bound for Glory is the fourth book in the Frontiers of the Heart series. It can be read as a stand alone, but characters from the previous books appear in this one.
I loved this story!! It grabbed from the first chapter where we meet our main characters, Deathrider (he has many names) and Ava Archer. Their fist encounter was very entertaining since she does not know what to do with this man who is naked and all beat up in the middle of a desert. She's in no condition to help him but she does. Her inner turmoil on what to do was fun to read.
I had no idea what to expect from this book, since it is the first one I read from the this author, but it did not disappoint. This book had great storytelling from beginning to end. I had a hard time putting it down! It had lots of action and a love story between two people who swore that they disliked each other from the very beginning. Their bantering was a delight to read because you could tell that their chemistry was off the charts. They both went through a lot in order to survive in the worst conditions ever. They were both close to dying and yet they kept strong. I liked how their romance slowly evolved in the story.
I highly recommend reading it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
I loved this story!! It grabbed from the first chapter where we meet our main characters, Deathrider (he has many names) and Ava Archer. Their fist encounter was very entertaining since she does not know what to do with this man who is naked and all beat up in the middle of a desert. She's in no condition to help him but she does. Her inner turmoil on what to do was fun to read.
I had no idea what to expect from this book, since it is the first one I read from the this author, but it did not disappoint. This book had great storytelling from beginning to end. I had a hard time putting it down! It had lots of action and a love story between two people who swore that they disliked each other from the very beginning. Their bantering was a delight to read because you could tell that their chemistry was off the charts. They both went through a lot in order to survive in the worst conditions ever. They were both close to dying and yet they kept strong. I liked how their romance slowly evolved in the story.
I highly recommend reading it!
Thank you to the publisher for providing me with an ARC through NetGalley for an honest review.
April 26, 2025
Wonderful ending to the 4 book series. Very satisfied with how everything turned out. ☺️
October 27, 2019
I have been lucky enough to have read a few of the Frontiers of the Heart series as this one was perfect! A.A. Archer (Ava) is ready to stop writing because she has made enough money with her tales of Deathrider but just when she thinks she can relax for a bit she is thrown right back into it. There is a Hunt on and the one who brings back Deathrider back alive wins the prize money and they drag Ava along to prove it. When she escaped Kennedy Voss she finds a naked man near death and her efforts to save him are comical.
Deathrider can’t believe he is blind and naked when Ava comes across him and they don’t exchange names so Ava doesn’t know it’s him and he doesn’t knows it’s her A.A. Archer the woman who basically ruined his life. The exports they get into right till the very end made this book very entertaining and also wrapped up a few things, I really felt for a woman traveling in those days and Ava rose to the challenge every time.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
Deathrider can’t believe he is blind and naked when Ava comes across him and they don’t exchange names so Ava doesn’t know it’s him and he doesn’t knows it’s her A.A. Archer the woman who basically ruined his life. The exports they get into right till the very end made this book very entertaining and also wrapped up a few things, I really felt for a woman traveling in those days and Ava rose to the challenge every time.
Reviewed on behalf of Once upon an Alpha
November 4, 2019
Ava is a writer back in the old west. She writes about a man that is a legend they call him Deathrider. Some of what she writes its true some made up. Now there is a hunt to capture him. When Ava and Deathrider meet they don’t know who each other really is. The adventure and trouble they get into will keep you very entertained.
November 12, 2019
Deathrider who is also know by many other names including the Plaque of the West, White Wolf, and by his people, Nathaniel. He has a reputation for being the bogeyman of the Wild West. Countless stories about his fearsome crimes gives chills and thrills to Ava Archer’s readers. Just because she never met him, that does not keep the plucky Miss Archer from telling his story. Ava finds how just exactly what payback means when a contest is set up to capture this most dangerous half-breed man with eyes of ice and a black heart.
Deathrider is tired of people blaming him for things he did not do; but finds it almost impossible to fight such a bad reputation. When he finds himself in a desperate situation, none other than Ava Archer is his rescuer although neither one knows it at the time. They have a long, difficult journey with this most famous outlaw in a sad state. Several others are after Deathrider to win some prize money besides Ava who feels responsible for the whole mess in the first place.
There are quite a few adventures before and after Ava meets up with Deathrider. Since he is in a bad way for much of the journey, Deathrider is at Ava’s mercy once again. Their relationship develops during numerous trials and tribulations although it is mostly a rocky one. This is a very slow burn romance which actually is a lesser part of the story. Fans of the old West tales with humor, some romance, and Native American content will most likely enjoy it. This is number 4 in the Frontiers of the Heart series and can be read as a standalone; however, the epilogue will make less sense to first time readers.
Deathrider is tired of people blaming him for things he did not do; but finds it almost impossible to fight such a bad reputation. When he finds himself in a desperate situation, none other than Ava Archer is his rescuer although neither one knows it at the time. They have a long, difficult journey with this most famous outlaw in a sad state. Several others are after Deathrider to win some prize money besides Ava who feels responsible for the whole mess in the first place.
There are quite a few adventures before and after Ava meets up with Deathrider. Since he is in a bad way for much of the journey, Deathrider is at Ava’s mercy once again. Their relationship develops during numerous trials and tribulations although it is mostly a rocky one. This is a very slow burn romance which actually is a lesser part of the story. Fans of the old West tales with humor, some romance, and Native American content will most likely enjoy it. This is number 4 in the Frontiers of the Heart series and can be read as a standalone; however, the epilogue will make less sense to first time readers.
December 23, 2019
Rating: 4.5 stars
I adore a good enemies to lovers romance, and a mistaken identities trope, and this book has BOTH!
I was really glad to FINALLY get Deathrider's story, after basically falling in love with him in the first books in the series. It was also really fun to read about Ava, aka A.A. Archer, the novelist who's been writing penny dreadfuls about the worst of the west - including Deathrider! He's gotten into a lot of hot water about the misinformation she's printed in her stories about him, so he's got a right to be angry. And Ava is so fierce yes with this marshmallow center, I just adore her. She cannonballs through life and is sooooort of a completely destructive force of nature, but she doesn't mean to screw up the lives of basically all the people she writes about, haha. And one thing I really admire is as soon as she learns that she's ignorant or damaging in some way, she takes immediate action to educate herself and course correct.
Their interactions in the desert before they know who the other one is are just excellent. And then once one of them learns the other's identity while the other party is still in the dark... OOOH BOY. (Sorry, that's a weird sentence but it's SO FUN that I don't want to spoil who figures it out first!)
I didn't love how the timeline of the opening chapters skipped around so much. There's a present day chapter, then 1 month earlier (than present day), then 3 days later (than the 1 month earlier), then 2 days earlier (than the 3 days later)... and it got to be kind of confusing as to where we were in the timeline. Thankfully it settled down after those opening chapters! I also didn't love the epilogue, which basically has all the characters and significant side characters from the first three books smashed into some weirdness I didn't really care about and that baaaaaarely touched on the main story. Basically if you haven't read the first three books in the series, you can completely skip the epilogue because it's not integral to the main book.
Deathrider's father, Two Bears, might have been my favorite character in this book, and there's a bit with Ava and Two Bears and some haggling with ponies that is HILARIOUS, but I really can't say any more than that without spoiling things, so you'll just have to read it yourself!
This is the fourth book in the Frontiers of the Heart series, and while it can technically be read as a stand alone there are a LOT of spoilers for the first three books. You're really better off reading this one in order if you don't want to have basically all of the major plot points for the first three books spoiled. However, if you don't care about that aspect, you can read this as a stand alone without the background of the earlier books in the series and get along just fine.
I adore a good enemies to lovers romance, and a mistaken identities trope, and this book has BOTH!
I was really glad to FINALLY get Deathrider's story, after basically falling in love with him in the first books in the series. It was also really fun to read about Ava, aka A.A. Archer, the novelist who's been writing penny dreadfuls about the worst of the west - including Deathrider! He's gotten into a lot of hot water about the misinformation she's printed in her stories about him, so he's got a right to be angry. And Ava is so fierce yes with this marshmallow center, I just adore her. She cannonballs through life and is sooooort of a completely destructive force of nature, but she doesn't mean to screw up the lives of basically all the people she writes about, haha. And one thing I really admire is as soon as she learns that she's ignorant or damaging in some way, she takes immediate action to educate herself and course correct.
Their interactions in the desert before they know who the other one is are just excellent. And then once one of them learns the other's identity while the other party is still in the dark... OOOH BOY. (Sorry, that's a weird sentence but it's SO FUN that I don't want to spoil who figures it out first!)
I didn't love how the timeline of the opening chapters skipped around so much. There's a present day chapter, then 1 month earlier (than present day), then 3 days later (than the 1 month earlier), then 2 days earlier (than the 3 days later)... and it got to be kind of confusing as to where we were in the timeline. Thankfully it settled down after those opening chapters! I also didn't love the epilogue, which basically has all the characters and significant side characters from the first three books smashed into some weirdness I didn't really care about and that baaaaaarely touched on the main story. Basically if you haven't read the first three books in the series, you can completely skip the epilogue because it's not integral to the main book.
Deathrider's father, Two Bears, might have been my favorite character in this book, and there's a bit with Ava and Two Bears and some haggling with ponies that is HILARIOUS, but I really can't say any more than that without spoiling things, so you'll just have to read it yourself!
This is the fourth book in the Frontiers of the Heart series, and while it can technically be read as a stand alone there are a LOT of spoilers for the first three books. You're really better off reading this one in order if you don't want to have basically all of the major plot points for the first three books spoiled. However, if you don't care about that aspect, you can read this as a stand alone without the background of the earlier books in the series and get along just fine.
December 4, 2019
Bound for Glory by Tess LeSue is the 4th and final book in her western historical romance Frontiers of the Heart series. We meet our heroine, Ava Archer, who is a famous author, who writes about the wicked west and her tales of the infamous, Deathrider or Plague of the West. Ava has written many tales in her books about the dangerous Deathrider, who kills at will, and even rapes women along the way. But Ava bases her stories on the gossip of others, and has never really met him. Deathrider (Nathaniel), whose life is a mess, based on the untrue stories written by a woman who has ruined his life, with her false stories about him; constantly running from those hunting him.
Ava finds herself in the middle of a hunt, that will bring all the criminals to win a large monetary prize, if they bring back the real Deathrider. Ava is pushed to also join the hunt, especially when a true evil man, Kennedy Voss, wants her. As she tries to avoid him, she comes across a naked man, who is in bad shape and blind. Despite her need to move on, Ava agrees to help the desperate man to get him to the next town. Unbeknown to both of them, they will be surprised when their true identities is revealed. The injured man is Deathrider, whom Ava thinks is an apache, and Nathaniel, has no idea she is the woman who has caused all his grief. When Kennedy Voss catches up with them, he forces Ava to join hands with him and pretend that ‘apache” is Deathrider (which he truly is), and they can claim the prize. There were many comical parts during this adventure, especially when they both discover who the other is.
What follows is a fun adventure with some danger, excitement and the humorous banter between Nathanial and Ava. I really liked them together, even though we did not think they could their relationship would ever work. Will Deathrider ever be able to forgive Ava?
I do not want to give spoilers, as it is a fun sotry that you need to read. It was a very exciting and intense but satisfying conclusion. Bound for Glory was a sweet fun historical western that was adventurous, romantic and humorous, with a great couple. The adventure was not only wild crazy, but a lot of humor along the way. When they meet dangerous criminals during their travels, the situation becomes tense, and they manage to escape. Though their relationship grows, Nathaniel discovers more about Ava that threatens to ruin any possibility of them being together. But Tess LeSue writes a wonderful conclusion, also giving us a glimpse at the previous books couples. Very well done.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Ava finds herself in the middle of a hunt, that will bring all the criminals to win a large monetary prize, if they bring back the real Deathrider. Ava is pushed to also join the hunt, especially when a true evil man, Kennedy Voss, wants her. As she tries to avoid him, she comes across a naked man, who is in bad shape and blind. Despite her need to move on, Ava agrees to help the desperate man to get him to the next town. Unbeknown to both of them, they will be surprised when their true identities is revealed. The injured man is Deathrider, whom Ava thinks is an apache, and Nathaniel, has no idea she is the woman who has caused all his grief. When Kennedy Voss catches up with them, he forces Ava to join hands with him and pretend that ‘apache” is Deathrider (which he truly is), and they can claim the prize. There were many comical parts during this adventure, especially when they both discover who the other is.
What follows is a fun adventure with some danger, excitement and the humorous banter between Nathanial and Ava. I really liked them together, even though we did not think they could their relationship would ever work. Will Deathrider ever be able to forgive Ava?
I do not want to give spoilers, as it is a fun sotry that you need to read. It was a very exciting and intense but satisfying conclusion. Bound for Glory was a sweet fun historical western that was adventurous, romantic and humorous, with a great couple. The adventure was not only wild crazy, but a lot of humor along the way. When they meet dangerous criminals during their travels, the situation becomes tense, and they manage to escape. Though their relationship grows, Nathaniel discovers more about Ava that threatens to ruin any possibility of them being together. But Tess LeSue writes a wonderful conclusion, also giving us a glimpse at the previous books couples. Very well done.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
June 17, 2021
I have not read the other books in the series, I got this in a library surprise ‘Romance’ bag, but I didn’t feel like I was missing anything until the epilogue which felt like 20 characters hanging out.
I liked the premise of this, a Western times lady author writing penny novels about Cowboys and bad guys on the frontier. She thinks her stories are ‘mostly true’ based on research but acknowledges there are embellishments. She could have just made them novels, but instead everyone takes them as 100% truth. Her stories inspire a ‘Hunt’ for one of the legendary villains she’s written about, Rides with Death. The worst of the worst turn up to compete. No surprise to a romance reader, Rides with Death his HIGHLY MISUNDERSTOOD. Half the villainous acts have been done to disguise real heroic acts or are done by someone else.
For 150 pages the hero and heroine are not together, but the author starts the book with them meeting, then goes back in time to start the journey of bringing them together. I thought that was a smart way to keep the reader engaged even though the 2 main characters were not together on the page for so long. They start as enemies, though they don’t know it right away. But having their identities secret helps them each learn about each other without their prior knowledge interfering, another smart move by the author.
The last 3rd of the book they are lovers, but have to figure out if they will actually be together. This all takes place during a big Native American and US negotiation. Their love story definitely took center stage over what historically ends up being the continuation of the US destroying Native American rights and legacy.
There are PLENTY of American authors writing about historical regency times England, so why can’t an Australian author write about America times old West? I guess she can. There were some cringy parts noting the racism in America at the time - which probably should have been discussed MORE, but at least it was mentioned. None of the white people know anything about Native Americans and it doesn’t feel like we’re educated any better as readers. I would like to know what a Native American own voices author would include or change in a similar setting. The more I think about it, it really felt like a white perspective of Western times, which is OK, the hero is a white lady but as she’s been touring the west for years, interviewing people, writing books, I wish she was more knowledgeable and had an inner monologue of some bad parts about the times.
I liked the premise of this, a Western times lady author writing penny novels about Cowboys and bad guys on the frontier. She thinks her stories are ‘mostly true’ based on research but acknowledges there are embellishments. She could have just made them novels, but instead everyone takes them as 100% truth. Her stories inspire a ‘Hunt’ for one of the legendary villains she’s written about, Rides with Death. The worst of the worst turn up to compete. No surprise to a romance reader, Rides with Death his HIGHLY MISUNDERSTOOD. Half the villainous acts have been done to disguise real heroic acts or are done by someone else.
For 150 pages the hero and heroine are not together, but the author starts the book with them meeting, then goes back in time to start the journey of bringing them together. I thought that was a smart way to keep the reader engaged even though the 2 main characters were not together on the page for so long. They start as enemies, though they don’t know it right away. But having their identities secret helps them each learn about each other without their prior knowledge interfering, another smart move by the author.
The last 3rd of the book they are lovers, but have to figure out if they will actually be together. This all takes place during a big Native American and US negotiation. Their love story definitely took center stage over what historically ends up being the continuation of the US destroying Native American rights and legacy.
There are PLENTY of American authors writing about historical regency times England, so why can’t an Australian author write about America times old West? I guess she can. There were some cringy parts noting the racism in America at the time - which probably should have been discussed MORE, but at least it was mentioned. None of the white people know anything about Native Americans and it doesn’t feel like we’re educated any better as readers. I would like to know what a Native American own voices author would include or change in a similar setting. The more I think about it, it really felt like a white perspective of Western times, which is OK, the hero is a white lady but as she’s been touring the west for years, interviewing people, writing books, I wish she was more knowledgeable and had an inner monologue of some bad parts about the times.
December 3, 2019
The story told in Tess LeSue's Bound For Glory illustrates how legends are created for good or for ill
through stories and word of mouth.
And how said stories can then become the bane of someone's existence. Or as in the case of Nathaniel. A threat to their very lives.
As for Ava. One could honestly say that she had no idea that her tales of Deathrider's supposed exploits would be as widely circulated or as popular as they became.
Let alone that they would serve as the impetus for a sponsored manhunt for the "outlaw" that she helped to make infamous.
By other outlaws. Who are in themselves just as infamous.
Nor did she have any way of predicting the unbelievable set of circumstances that would find her stranded in the desert. The threat of death looming, and the only person standing between the certain demise of the very man that her words doomed to the hunt.
Karma?
Hmmm...
Maybe.
But the story of survival, trust, friendship, and unlikely forever love that author LeSue weaves around these two is one that stays in the heart forever.
A big reason for this being that at their first meeting, neither of the two is aware of who the other actually is.
Only that they each are the other's sole hope for survival.
As such, readers get to see their relationship grow and change on a person to person basis.
Without the constraints of preconceived prejudices and judgement.
While being fully aware that there will be a reckoning of sorts when the truth of their identities is revealed.
When the very real history of Native American resettlement and other societal injustices that native peoples had to endure in the name of "American expansion." come into play within the story.
What could have been a rather light and almost comical "western Amazing Race" gone awry.
Becomes a poignant tale of life love and freedom.
through stories and word of mouth.
And how said stories can then become the bane of someone's existence. Or as in the case of Nathaniel. A threat to their very lives.
As for Ava. One could honestly say that she had no idea that her tales of Deathrider's supposed exploits would be as widely circulated or as popular as they became.
Let alone that they would serve as the impetus for a sponsored manhunt for the "outlaw" that she helped to make infamous.
By other outlaws. Who are in themselves just as infamous.
Nor did she have any way of predicting the unbelievable set of circumstances that would find her stranded in the desert. The threat of death looming, and the only person standing between the certain demise of the very man that her words doomed to the hunt.
Karma?
Hmmm...
Maybe.
But the story of survival, trust, friendship, and unlikely forever love that author LeSue weaves around these two is one that stays in the heart forever.
A big reason for this being that at their first meeting, neither of the two is aware of who the other actually is.
Only that they each are the other's sole hope for survival.
As such, readers get to see their relationship grow and change on a person to person basis.
Without the constraints of preconceived prejudices and judgement.
While being fully aware that there will be a reckoning of sorts when the truth of their identities is revealed.
When the very real history of Native American resettlement and other societal injustices that native peoples had to endure in the name of "American expansion." come into play within the story.
What could have been a rather light and almost comical "western Amazing Race" gone awry.
Becomes a poignant tale of life love and freedom.
December 4, 2019
For lovers of historical, romantic westerns, this is a keeper. Tess LeSue’s ability to capture the essence of the historical west by painting vibrant and lively characters is amazing. I loved this finale to the Frontiers of the Heart series!
Ava Archer rejected the relatively few options allowed her growing up by leaving home to make her own future. Ava traveled the west writing true (mostly!) western novels about the people she meets along the way, gaining unexpected fame and much needed money to finance this future. She unwittingly falls into the Great Hunt with all the worst characters in the west vying to be the one to kill the infamous Plague of the West. Ava Archer knows a great deal about the Plague, his notoriety center stage in all of her western novels.
When Ava finds herself alone with a blind, naked man in the desert, hunted by the worst of the worst (is it really the Plague?), she begins to question her motives and past decisions.
I loved Ava’s spunk and the subtle sarcastic humor thrown in throughout the story. Ms. LeSue’s ability to set the scene and eloquently describe the people who made up the west in a vivid and believable way really hooked me. 5 Star read. I did receive an ARC and the opinions are my own.
February 10, 2020
Ooh this showed up brand new in my library holds and I cracked that spine like a chiropractor.
Sadly, I didn’t think it was as good as the previous two books. It had pacing problems from nearly the start. The first chapter has the leads meeting in dire circumstances, then the next chapter goes back a month in the timeline. They aren’t together again until nearly a third of the book later.
Once they’re together again, their situation is so bad continuously that I kept thinking of that scene in the movie Speed where Keanu says relationships based on traumatic experiences don’t work, and Sandra says they’ll have to base it on sex then. They really don’t have much time to get to know each other.
The third act is something totally different again. It was more of a romantic comedy. And the scenes with Deathrider’s father Two Bears are some of the best.
Then we get to the epilogue, which I guess is nice to round out the series, but felt superfluous to this particular story.
These books have always leaned heavier on the “historical” part of historical romance, which is great. It’s meticulously researched and gets the geography right (nothing bugs me more than incorrect California geography). These details do not go unnoticed and I sincerely hope the author continues writing romances.
Sadly, I didn’t think it was as good as the previous two books. It had pacing problems from nearly the start. The first chapter has the leads meeting in dire circumstances, then the next chapter goes back a month in the timeline. They aren’t together again until nearly a third of the book later.
Once they’re together again, their situation is so bad continuously that I kept thinking of that scene in the movie Speed where Keanu says relationships based on traumatic experiences don’t work, and Sandra says they’ll have to base it on sex then. They really don’t have much time to get to know each other.
The third act is something totally different again. It was more of a romantic comedy. And the scenes with Deathrider’s father Two Bears are some of the best.
Then we get to the epilogue, which I guess is nice to round out the series, but felt superfluous to this particular story.
These books have always leaned heavier on the “historical” part of historical romance, which is great. It’s meticulously researched and gets the geography right (nothing bugs me more than incorrect California geography). These details do not go unnoticed and I sincerely hope the author continues writing romances.
January 29, 2026
Y'all this is the best book I have read in a long time. It's fast paced but a slow burn romance with an amazing climax. It took me a week to tear through this book, and made me wish I had extra hours in the day to read. If I didn't have school and work then I would've finished it in days.
Ava Archer is a fiercely independent, wild mannered woman and I grew to love her. At first I found her a little annoying, but that's the charm of Ava. She talks and talks, and LeSue really brought her to life. The plot is thick with twists and turns, romance, adventure, and an amazing build up. I got such a rush of adrenaline reading the climax-middle-portion of the book and I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
I am someone who enjoys learning about the lifestyle of the past, and this book definitely checked that for me. We can really get a feel of what life was like in the "wild west". Every character has a backstory and their own personality. The love story of this book honestly reminds me of Outlander, but with a traditional slow burn. Their love is so well written it made me fall in love with the book too. I couldn't read this fast enough. Can't wait to dive into the rest of this series!
Ava Archer is a fiercely independent, wild mannered woman and I grew to love her. At first I found her a little annoying, but that's the charm of Ava. She talks and talks, and LeSue really brought her to life. The plot is thick with twists and turns, romance, adventure, and an amazing build up. I got such a rush of adrenaline reading the climax-middle-portion of the book and I wish I could read it for the first time all over again.
I am someone who enjoys learning about the lifestyle of the past, and this book definitely checked that for me. We can really get a feel of what life was like in the "wild west". Every character has a backstory and their own personality. The love story of this book honestly reminds me of Outlander, but with a traditional slow burn. Their love is so well written it made me fall in love with the book too. I couldn't read this fast enough. Can't wait to dive into the rest of this series!
February 21, 2020
I had been waiting for this book as the character of DeathRider/White Wolf/Plague of the West/ Nathanial had made his cryptic appearance in the Slater brothers books and he just had to have his own book!! Such fun Nate meets his nemesis or Ava Archer meets her own downfall. She is the author of the DeatRider Dime novels and has made Nate's life a misery by following his adventures both real and with heaps of imagination. She doesn't recognise him and Nate uses that small detail to try to exact his revenge against the woman who has him hiding from all manner of gun slingers, women and bad situations. Loved it Tess!! ***** stars. So now what is next? Please don't be too long in writing another fun western series for us all.
July 24, 2020
I waited how long for this? Ack, Bound for Glory is a whole lot of wild goose hunt and just a little bit (the last quarter) of romance. I didn't think Ava and Deathrider were ever going to jump off the merry-go-round. And don't get me started on that 10-member ensemble epilogue. Not only did I have a hard time remember who was whom from past books (did they ALL have to be included?), I just didn't see the point. Sometimes past characters should just remain in their own stories. I hate being teased through an entire series only to have a lukewarm ending for the best hero in the lot. While I felt Ava and Deathrider made a fun and fiesty team, they were kept at odds with each other for too long for me to be satisfied with a rushed romance at the end. Darn, so disappointing.
February 15, 2020
Interesting. A different type of western / Native American romance. She is a dime novel writer and uses his name and exaggerated (by other people) activities to write her stories and earn her money. The end result is he becomes a wanted person and a race is organised to capture him. She rescues and saves an Apache's life but does not realise that he is the one they are trying to capture. At the end she realises he is not at all like the person in her dime novels so she tries to save him and amend her stories to tell the truth rather than the lies people have told her. Lots of twists and turns, humour etc. HEA ending.
December 22, 2019
I really loved about 90% of this book.
It was great to finally have Deathrider's story, and even more great that it was with Ava, the plucky reporter who has been following him across the plains.
There was a weird bit at the 85% mark where it turned into a political soup, and veered away from the love story, but then picked back up at the end to be cute again.
Overall, a great read. Totally okay to skim the political parts.
It was great to finally have Deathrider's story, and even more great that it was with Ava, the plucky reporter who has been following him across the plains.
There was a weird bit at the 85% mark where it turned into a political soup, and veered away from the love story, but then picked back up at the end to be cute again.
Overall, a great read. Totally okay to skim the political parts.
July 21, 2020
This was a story of the old west just developing, the many tribes of Indians getting a treaty that none of them liked as they had to give some of their land to other tribes too. Ava wanted to support herself so she wrote fiction, but didn’t say it was fiction and almost got her beloved, Nathaniel killed as well as others. Ava and Nate finally got together with the help of his father. It was hard to put down and I did win this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 4, 2019
This book exceeded my expectations in all sorts of good ways. Deathrider and Ava’s story is chock full of adventure, humor, excitement, surprises, romance, and of course, a happily ever after that only a good story can provide. Even the villains in this story are somewhat likable and intriguing! I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough. I highly recommend this entire series.
February 23, 2023
A fabulous end to the series featuring one of my favourite characters- Deathrider. He meets his match with Ava. The slow burn romance is well written, as is the whole adventure. I loved seeing these strong characters reveal their vulnerability.
I love the wit, banter and the fun of these books.
Disclaimer : while I know the author personally, this didn’t affect the star rating.
I love the wit, banter and the fun of these books.
Disclaimer : while I know the author personally, this didn’t affect the star rating.
October 9, 2025
3 stars— this one was my most anticipated of the series, but I was disappointed at how little time the leads spent together. When they were suddenly in love at the end it felt a little rushed. I know the author was limited by the word counts of the genre, but this story plus the romance aspect should have been 500-600 pages!
February 15, 2020
I loved how love and history come together especially between two cultures. The hell and independent woman meets a man so stubborn but yet sexy as hell. It's funny and fantastic to read it. I can't wait to read her other books.
July 13, 2020
I read this more for the plot than the romance, but I did like how the romance unfolded and ended. This wrapped the series up well, although I do hope that there's a side story about Becky at some point.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2019
Fabulous
Sorry to see this series end. Maybe another one about Micah and one last look at all the people and how they are doing. How about another series like this one???
Sorry to see this series end. Maybe another one about Micah and one last look at all the people and how they are doing. How about another series like this one???
December 16, 2019
Only my opinion
Again an another amusing, insightful, well writion tale. I was so engrossed that I did not stop to give a rating. I had to get to the next in the series.
Again an another amusing, insightful, well writion tale. I was so engrossed that I did not stop to give a rating. I had to get to the next in the series.
April 15, 2025
I got it from the library because I needed a book for the weekend. It was okay, but not great.
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