The Outlaw's Promise

Keepers of the Light #15

by Cat Cahill

Love on the run . . .

Accompanying her dearest friend back to Spruce Hill was the best decision Dinah Mullins ever made. She loves the little town and the people who live there, and she especially enjoys being out from under her aunt's thumb. She keeps busy visiting the lonely older folks in town, hoping that love might come her way soon. And come it does, when she discovers a handsome man hiding in the woods.

Charlie Keir is on the run, wanted for crimes he didn't commit. When Dinah finds him, he's in desperate need of food, water, and a ship upon which to stowaway. But when the time comes for him to leave, he finds he's fallen in love with the quick-witted, auburn-haired Dinah.

Has Dinah found love at last, or will Charlie's past put her into more danger than she ever could have imagined?

The Outlaw's Promise is a sweet and clean historical western romance set in 1870s Oregon. It may be enjoyed as a standalone or as part of the Keepers of the Light series.

105 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 12, 2021

Reviews

[Robyn Echols · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun Romance

I enjoyed this story with its outlaw sweetheart who wasn't very talented at being a bad guy. Loved the characters and enjoyed the plot. A fun read.

[Danielle Carpenter · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story is built upon a premise of light fantasy, allowing the narrative to explore the classic dynamic of romance between a good woman and an outlaw. The characters, at times, operate under a heightened sense of dramatic trust. The heroine, in a move central to the romantic fantasy genre, chooses to aid a charismatic outlaw based on his assertions of innocence, a decision that certainly drives the plot forward.

The authorities, including the sheriff and the bounty hunters, often serve primarily as plot devices to maintain tension and facilitate the romance. The behavior of the bounty hunters, specifically holding the woman hostage in her own home, escalates the danger and pushes the central couple together. While the character actions sometimes prioritize the romantic arc over strict real-world logic, the focus remains firmly on the burgeoning relationship. Ultimately, the outlaw's practical instincts emerge as a stabilizing force in the conclusion of this romantic fantasy.

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book has an unusual couple as main characters. I was intrigued from the very beginning to see how the love Dinah and Charlie developed. Dinah is a strong, witty and caring person but I was taken back with the person Charlie showed himself to be. Being an outlaw on the run I expected a rough and dangerous character. Seeing the tender and loving man he really is left Dinah longing to know more about him and find out the truth of the crimes he committed. Though they seemed more of a perfect fit for each other with each page it was hard to imagine how their love could possibly survive. This story is full of surprising twists and turns and I couldn’t stop reading until I got to the end. I loved this story!
I received an advanced copy of this book from the author but this review is my voluntary and honest opinion.

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a sweet and heartwarming story that will have you turning the pages to see how this couple work out their unusual situation. This is Dinah and Charles' story, and the character development is outstanding. Dinah discovers Charles' hiding in the woods hungry, thirsty and looking for a way to escape on a ship to escape being convicted for crimes he did not commit. Will Dinah be able to help Charles escape? Will Charles be able to protect Dinah from danger? Will they fall in love in the process? Be sure and read this story which is Book 15 in the Keepers of the Light series; I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

An enjoyable quick read with a very unusual storyline in that the hero is an outlaw, and his face is on a wanted poster. But when Dinah runs into Charlie in the woods & he shoots at her, the chemistry starts. Dinah takes risks in helping Charlie, but eventually its Charlie who comes to Dinah's rescue. A fun read, just wish it was longer. I received a complimentary ARC of this book and have voluntarily expressed my honest opinion in this review.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you, Cat Cahill, for this story with a heroine that has been very brave for the time. She has left childhood home and lives on her own, she wanders around the town and she trusts her own judgement as far as trusting people without being totally naïve. There many twists, turns and surprises awaiting you here. I totally enjoyed this book.

[Cyndi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ms. Cahill writes books that are sweet romance with a touch of suspense. This story is a beautiful example. Dinah has had lots of loves but none that have stuck. A walk I'm the forest puts her in a dangerous situation I'm more ways than one! A really good book!
I received a free download of this book from the publisher. This review is my own honest opinion.

[Kristin Carmack · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fraught with discovery at any moment means Charlie has to be very careful. He is trying to get to the coast to stowaway on a ship.
Charlie fell in with the wrong crowd and is in a mess.
Dinah happens to stumble onto Charlie's hiding spot while taking a stroll.
Let the adventures begin.
My interest was help throughout the entire story.

[Ivonne · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a cute novella, a love at first sight trope. Even though I’m not fond of this trope I enjoyed it. This’ my first read by this author and I’m looking forward to other titles.

“You have to be brave in love. It means you may get hurt, but you may also experience the greatest joy you’ll ever know.”

[Lucia Valenzuela · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading Dinah and Charlie’s story. This is a quick read that holds your interest. The characters are well depicted and easily draw you into their story.
I received a free copy of this book and this is my voluntary, honest review.

[Pat · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice story but I was a little disappointed because there is nothing about keeping a lighthouse. I wonder why it was put into this series. As I said, it is a good story about Charlie, an outlaw & Dinah who lives in Spruce Hill. It is a short book. The ending has a twist to it.

[Maria Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful and enjoyable story keeps you entertained from the start

[Delbora · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely a different western romance. It is not what one expects to read but it is definitely interesting and you cannot stop until you finish it.

[Gwen Hight · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story

This is a good story and the fifteenth book in this series about a young woman that falls in love with a wanted man and he with her

[Elsa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually like Cat's books but this one felt like it jumped the shark for me. The writing was fine and if the plot appeals to you, sure try it, but it was just a bit too much for me.

[Donna Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this story. it is super short and really sweet. I loved the premise as it was really out of the norm and kept my interest.

[Erralee Hendrian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story. The characters were interesting and the story moves along at a good pace. My interest was kept the whole time I was reading this story. The best part is that this story stands alone just fine and don't have to read the other books in the series to enjoy it.