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The Legacy of Lucky Logan #1
Bargain at Bravebank
A deal gone bad…
…and Van Delano is left to die in the desert.
But most folk said he’d been cursed with a double-barreled shotgun of mulishness.
So when his first attempt at bargaining for his kidnapped sister’s freedom lands him with a dead horse, a bullet in his leg, and miles of desert between him and the nearest town… he’s not about to give up.
He’ll fight and claw, cheat and steal, even kill, if he has to… he made his sister a promise and he’s damn sure gonna keep it.
Doesn’t matter if most folk say she’s dead.
Doesn’t matter if the outlaw queen of the Western Territories is playin’ him.
Doesn’t matter if his new metal leg makes him a wanted man, hunted by both the superstitious and the greedy.
He’s a man out for his own redemption, and the only way to pay that debt is to track down his sister and get her free… no matter the cost.
For fans of The Coilhunter series, Make Me No Grave and the Red Dead Redemption games... saddle up for this gritty, gun-blazin', gadget-laden re-imagining of the Old West.
…and Van Delano is left to die in the desert.
But most folk said he’d been cursed with a double-barreled shotgun of mulishness.
So when his first attempt at bargaining for his kidnapped sister’s freedom lands him with a dead horse, a bullet in his leg, and miles of desert between him and the nearest town… he’s not about to give up.
He’ll fight and claw, cheat and steal, even kill, if he has to… he made his sister a promise and he’s damn sure gonna keep it.
Doesn’t matter if most folk say she’s dead.
Doesn’t matter if the outlaw queen of the Western Territories is playin’ him.
Doesn’t matter if his new metal leg makes him a wanted man, hunted by both the superstitious and the greedy.
He’s a man out for his own redemption, and the only way to pay that debt is to track down his sister and get her free… no matter the cost.
For fans of The Coilhunter series, Make Me No Grave and the Red Dead Redemption games... saddle up for this gritty, gun-blazin', gadget-laden re-imagining of the Old West.
- GenresSteampunk
273 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 10, 2020
22 people are currently reading
46 people want to read
About the author
J.R. Frontera
22 books26 followersJ. R. Frontera has been telling stories in some form or another since she could hold a crayon and draw. Her love of science fiction and fantasy originated with her early exposure to the worlds of Star Wars, Star Trek, Lord of the Rings, and Dune. Exploring the potential and pitfalls of humanity in future or fantastical worlds is a temptation she's just never been able to resist. She writes dark scifi, funny scifi, weird westerns, romantic fantasy, and pretty much every other genre in-between under the same name.
She co-founded a local writing group known as The Wordwraiths and is co-owner of their publishing imprint Wordwraith Books. In January 2017, after noticing a lack of writing resources tailored to fit within the specific restraints of motherhood, she helped start the Writer Mom Life podcast alongside fellow author Daphne James Huff.
She has been writing and learning the craft and business of writing for over twenty years, and fully embraced indie authordom in 2013. She has taken writing workshops with Stephen Mertz, Angela James of Carina Press, and the late Ann C. Crispin. She has short stories published in five anthologies, and her science fiction and fantasy shorts have placed in three out of four years in the Story in a Bag contest at the ConQuesT convention held in Kansas City, Missouri.
When she's not writing, momming, podcasting, or working at her full-time day job, she's often horseback riding, playing videogames, or cosplaying. She lives in rural Missouri with her husband, son, four ducks, three cats, one horse and one dog. You can find out more about J. R. Frontera and her books by visiting her website at jrfrontera.com.
She co-founded a local writing group known as The Wordwraiths and is co-owner of their publishing imprint Wordwraith Books. In January 2017, after noticing a lack of writing resources tailored to fit within the specific restraints of motherhood, she helped start the Writer Mom Life podcast alongside fellow author Daphne James Huff.
She has been writing and learning the craft and business of writing for over twenty years, and fully embraced indie authordom in 2013. She has taken writing workshops with Stephen Mertz, Angela James of Carina Press, and the late Ann C. Crispin. She has short stories published in five anthologies, and her science fiction and fantasy shorts have placed in three out of four years in the Story in a Bag contest at the ConQuesT convention held in Kansas City, Missouri.
When she's not writing, momming, podcasting, or working at her full-time day job, she's often horseback riding, playing videogames, or cosplaying. She lives in rural Missouri with her husband, son, four ducks, three cats, one horse and one dog. You can find out more about J. R. Frontera and her books by visiting her website at jrfrontera.com.
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
May 20, 2022
If you want a mix of western grit and steampunk fun, look no further! Bargain at Bravebank follows Van Delano as he searches for his sister, missing for many years. You'll meet a vivid cast of characters, both friend and foe, throughout. It's a rip-roaring adventure that'll have you looking for the next book.
August 25, 2020
Love, love, LOVE this book. Please give this one a go because you will not be disappointed. It's basically John Wick in a western world fighting to save his sister Ethelynn. This was done right, no mistakes. Not stone left unturned and the characters and situations are believable. I loved the cliff hanger because I know book two is coming and I cannot wait for it. Also did I minion there are some small elements of steam punk that actually play a good part? Van wants to get his sister back believing 9 Finger Nan has her. He makes a deal with her but not after she shoots him in the leg, kills his horse and sends him to walk alone in the desert telling him if he survives and makes it to Brave bank, he can meet one of her men there to make a bargain for his sister. All hell breaks loose and he's got to survive to get her back. This review I wont spoil like I did the last book but if you're in the market for something new to you and with humor, action and a little anger at the bad guys then this one is for you.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 5, 2020
I am not a big into westerns but when I heard that Roger Clark was reading the audiobook for this I had to try it. I could not have been more surprised with how much I loved this book! The story unfolds so naturally and the pacing is spot on. Van is my favorite type of character, an anti-hero with a one track mind. There wasn't a dull moment to be had in this amazing story, I found myself reacting with every single chapter. Truly a book worth reading and I cannot wait for the second installment ❤️
March 21, 2020
Brillant
I've honestly never thought I'd get into a western themed book but wow!! Loved how J.R. Frontera wrote this story. I felt like I was transported back to the wild wild west. This book has everything you'd expect in a western and more. Love all the characters and cannot wait for more of Van!
I've honestly never thought I'd get into a western themed book but wow!! Loved how J.R. Frontera wrote this story. I felt like I was transported back to the wild wild west. This book has everything you'd expect in a western and more. Love all the characters and cannot wait for more of Van!
April 10, 2020
An exceptional book with some new concepts and a new type of protagonist. He gets his ass kicked as often as he kicks ass, but he always wins in in the end. He doesn’t get the girl or the horse in the end.
December 21, 2020
I don't normally read steampunk novels, but when I was asked to review this novel, I couldn't resist. I am glad, this was a great book. I couldn't put it down. The characters were wonderful. I really enjoyed this book.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my voluntary review.
December 6, 2020
J.R. Frontera knows how to keep a reader turning pages. This story is well-written, perfectly paced, and packed with action. I particularly enjoyed the author's clever use of repetition.
Even the minor characters are well-developed, though the first-person POV gives a distinct inner voice to protagonist Van Delano, putting the reader in the saddle with him on a desperate adventure to find and free his sister, driving home his inability to move on until he does. The author sprinkles in just enough description and backstory without hampering the pace.
I would have liked a few solid details upfront to better differentiate the steampunk/science fiction world of Bargain at Bravebank from a classic Western setting.
Also, I was a little frustrated for the protagonist's sake when the ending finds him in the same predicament, making the same deal, as at the beginning.
But the epilogue is an effective introduction to the next book, promising an exciting continuation to Van's story.
Even the minor characters are well-developed, though the first-person POV gives a distinct inner voice to protagonist Van Delano, putting the reader in the saddle with him on a desperate adventure to find and free his sister, driving home his inability to move on until he does. The author sprinkles in just enough description and backstory without hampering the pace.
I would have liked a few solid details upfront to better differentiate the steampunk/science fiction world of Bargain at Bravebank from a classic Western setting.
Also, I was a little frustrated for the protagonist's sake when the ending finds him in the same predicament, making the same deal, as at the beginning.
But the epilogue is an effective introduction to the next book, promising an exciting continuation to Van's story.
March 17, 2020
I weren’t lookin’ fer a rip-snortin’ gun-slingin’ steampunk adventure, but when Nine-Fingered Nan has you in her sights, you don’t get to do too much choosin’ you just better git readin’, and boy am I glad I did! Bargain at Bravebank was the first book I’ve read in ages that left me desperate for the next instalment. JR Frontera uses ‘western’ speech patterns to great effect, never overdone, easy to read and very evocative. A fast, easy, and enjoyable read, that kept me interested and engaged all the way through. Well edited and proofed, I didn’t spot a single error. I did wish that was more ‘steampunk’ to it, but then again I didn’t realise there was more to come in the series, and it looks like it’s shaping up nicely!
May 1, 2021
I really wanted to love this gritty, guns blazing Scifi Steampunk Western, but 2 things held me back...
1) I wanted more gadgets...
2) I wanted a little bit happier outcome (no, I don't require an HEA every time)... if only things had gone a bit better?!?
I AbsoDamnLutely empathized with the main character (Van Delano) as he struggles to find and save his sister! As for the narration, Roger Clark's portrayal of Van Delano was simply perfect, he captured all of Van's pain and despair in a Very nuanced performance!!!
I strongly suspect (and hope) that JR Frontera's next book will satisfy my need for more "Steampunky" gadgets, but I really wonder how long it'll take before poor Van Delano will reap any rewards for his boundless perseverance!
1) I wanted more gadgets...
2) I wanted a little bit happier outcome (no, I don't require an HEA every time)... if only things had gone a bit better?!?
I AbsoDamnLutely empathized with the main character (Van Delano) as he struggles to find and save his sister! As for the narration, Roger Clark's portrayal of Van Delano was simply perfect, he captured all of Van's pain and despair in a Very nuanced performance!!!
I strongly suspect (and hope) that JR Frontera's next book will satisfy my need for more "Steampunky" gadgets, but I really wonder how long it'll take before poor Van Delano will reap any rewards for his boundless perseverance!
November 22, 2021
A well-crafted and imaginative book. It took me some time to connect with the protagonist, but once I did I really enjoyed the story.
I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
I look forward to reading more of this author’s work.
June 16, 2024
My second book by this local to me author. Picked it up at an indie author event because I had read one by her previously so I knew it would at least be well written. I liked the story. One of the things I appreciated most about it was there was no info dump. As you read along you figured out things. It started in the middle of the action and just kept that action up for the whole story. I enjoyed the hero and am looking forward to continuing his story in the next one. This one didn't end right in the middle of an action but the conflict is not resolved. Looking forward to the next one.
March 27, 2025
You’re a dusty cowboy on a mission to find a family member and can’t seem to get away from flying bullets but that doesn’t stop ya.
Van is not your typical western book character, he has a motivation to find his long lost sister. While being a “Wild West” guy, he still has a soft spot for doing what he has to do. Along the way he is met with obstacle after obstacle.
This is the first western style book I’ve enjoyed - lucky me, it’s part of a series! I read this book in (RDR2) Arthur Morgan’s voice and I suggest you do the same because it makes the read even more fun.
Van is not your typical western book character, he has a motivation to find his long lost sister. While being a “Wild West” guy, he still has a soft spot for doing what he has to do. Along the way he is met with obstacle after obstacle.
This is the first western style book I’ve enjoyed - lucky me, it’s part of a series! I read this book in (RDR2) Arthur Morgan’s voice and I suggest you do the same because it makes the read even more fun.
October 17, 2024
…checks notes…adds more Westerns to the TBR ASAP.
It sounds weird to say this book is like a nostalgia read since I’d never read it before, but it’s like watching the new-ish True Grit. Yes it’s a new movie (remake) but has that throwback, nostalgia kind of vibe. That’s this book! It’s just good writing with a strong story. I picked this one up somewhat on a whim, and now I’m hooked. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I feel like this will become a comfort reread for me.
It sounds weird to say this book is like a nostalgia read since I’d never read it before, but it’s like watching the new-ish True Grit. Yes it’s a new movie (remake) but has that throwback, nostalgia kind of vibe. That’s this book! It’s just good writing with a strong story. I picked this one up somewhat on a whim, and now I’m hooked. I cannot wait to see what happens next. I feel like this will become a comfort reread for me.
February 3, 2025
Was honestly such a good read. Very easy and full of action. Flowed easily and the characters are all strong willed which was wonderful to see.
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews