Charlotte Johnson spent most of her adult life working as a bartender and occasional card dealer in the Holy Moses Saloon. And in all those years, she had made it crystal clear to anyone who pushed that she wasn’t one of the upstairs girls. But one night, she was forced to defend herself against a persistent customer who refused to take no for an answer. As a last resort, she hit him over the head with a spittoon bucket. It wasn’t the first time she’d defended herself this way, but this time something went terribly wrong. Now, the man was dead. She was shocked by his death, but not nearly as shocked when the dead man’s brother hired a crooked judge to sentence her to three years in a women’s prison. She had no choice but to run.
A widower with three angry children hell-bent on punishing him for their mother’s death, U.S. Marshal, Jeremy Maxwell, feels like a man twice his age. He’s painfully aware he's walking a fine line between a responsible father and a dedicated lawman. So, when a stranger arrives in his town in trouble and needing help, he’s convinced she’s the answer to his prayers. Her kind heart and beguiling eyes are what he’s been searching for. But soon, his lawman’s intuition tells him there’s something she’s not telling, and although the man in him wants to protect this woman no matter what, the lawman in him knows he has a duty to learn her secrets.
It’s simple. All he has to do is decide what matters most. His sense of duty or the love of this woman who may very well be the ruin of everything he holds dear.
Renowned as a best-selling author of Western historical and contemporary romance, Peggy McKenzie, also writes sexy, steamy Western contemporary romance as Nikki Malone, is a storyteller who has elevated love to legendary heights. Her passion for narratives steeped in the rich tapestry of the old West, brimming with adventure, second chances, and, above all, romance, has defined her literary journey.
The spark was ignited when she found herself captivated by the timeless love story of Miss Kitty and Marshal Dillon. Inspired, Peggy embarked on a mission to craft tales that resonated with her own unique voice and perspective. In 2016, she unveiled her debut novel, marking the beginning of a prolific career that has seen the publication of twenty-five captivating works...and counting.
Formerly a cowgirl hailing from the heart of Oklahoma, she thrived in the adrenaline-fueled worlds of barrel racing and team roping, Peggy now calls East Texas home. Nestled right in the heart of cowboy country, this locale serves as the perfect backdrop for her literary explorations. It is here that she immerses herself in the essence of rugged, flawed heroes and the resilient, courageous women who dare to love them.
Peggy McKenzie doesn't just write stories; she crafts experiences. Open one of her books, and you won't simply read a tale; you'll live it. For Peggy, the pages of her books are where love becomes legendary.
Open one of her books and discover... "where love becomes legendary!”
"Heartwarming sweet romance at its best." Sylvia McDaniel-USA Today Best-Selling Author
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It is clearly laid out that Charlotte has never had relations with a man. Yet, 48 hours after meeting Marshall Jeremy Maxwell lustful thoughts begin to be laid out in detail, and soon stolen kisses and groping ensue. SENSITIVE QUOTE WARNING FOR PERSPECTIVE ⚠️ "those blue eyes made her feel things she probably shouldn’t be thinking about considering her current situation. But his smile made her knees weak. His full lips had a playful look about them when stretched across even white teeth, and she found herself shivering with anticipation as she imagined what they would feel like caressing her skin down her neck and across—" Seriously?! 😑
The Marshall loves his children more the anything, but often refers to them as hellions. In one scene he considered choking the 11 y/o. which seemed at odds with his character & I found it annoying at best. "Jeremy could choke his son, but he was sure it would be a non-productive waste of time. The hellion refused to even try to get along with anyone these days." ⚠️⚠️ Plenty of lewd descriptions like this: "Liberty laughed and the sound sent a ripple of sensations deep into his gut that drifted lower to settle in the area south of his gun belt."
Throughout the book we are told characters pray, but that is the extent of any faith. No Bibles, scriptures, mention of God or Jesus, so why even bother? "she prayed that wouldn’t be long at all because she really hated to lie."
MANY typos throughout plus modern speech thrown into 1889; "She knew it sounded lame,"
THE ENDING, uuugh! The author skips right over reconciliation. Charlotte is heartbroken & leaving Texas. Jeremy is all fired up and hurt until he finally admits to himself he loves her. Then out of nowhere skip to: they're married, she's 5 months pregnant and she's just now arriving back home to Colorado where her friends have been anxiously waiting. 😡 For the love of Pete! What kind of conclusion skips the reconciliation?
Several uses of hell as a curse word, damn and one use each of ass & bastard
While the author may claim "Heartwarming sweet romance at its best" in her bio, she then shares after the book: Most of my books are considered some form of sweet romance, but every now and then, I like to gift those readers who crave a little more intimacy between the hero and heroine. If you wish to read behind-the-door scenes, join my newsletter for more information how to get bonus content." 🤢🤮
I downloaded this book because an author I follow forwarded a list of freebies from a blog she follows. She warned to check the list carefully & I thought it would be historical "sweet" content. Clearly I was wrong.
I am giving it 2 stars instead of 1 only because several of the scenes with the children pulled at my heartstrings. I do NOT recommend this book or author. For quality historical westerns that truly are sweet, I recommend Karen Witemeyer.
I downloaded this book when it was offered at zero cost (thankfully) on Amazon. All opinions are mine alone without expectation or compensation.
Jeremy and Charlotte. Hes a US Marshall, a widower with 2 children, whom blame him for their mothers death. He feels like hes being torn in two by his guilt for her death and being a good law man. Shes a card dealer and bartender. Hes a law man. Shes hit on all the time but always says no and fends them off by herself. But one man ends up dead and she runs thinking shes responsible. They meet when she arrives in his town. Being a man he wants to protect her. Being a lawman he feels that shes holding secrets and has to protect his town. Whats a man to do. This story has great charecter and world building. Has great charecter chemistry. Its well written full of emotion.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Charlotte works as a bartender in a saloon, and she fends for herself to explain the meaning of NO to men as she is not one of the upstairs girls. One day she hits a man in his head killing him in self-defense. Jeremy is a U.S. Marshal who is having a difficult time with his three kids who blame him for their mother’s death. This story was full of mystery, suspense, fun, and love. The kids made me laugh all the time and Willie made me cry. Poor thing! This story was a bit slow but worth every word. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Charlotte Johnson’s life changed in an instant one night after taking the trash out after her shift at the Holy Moses Saloon and not in a good way. She was judged and found guilty even though it was an accident. So her friends helped her flee and come up with an alias and Liberty Buchanan was born. She ended up in Texas, while meeting Marshal Maxwell, and getting a job becoming a nanny for his three children, as things progressed and her history finally caught up with her there.
I've read her other books. But I'm in love with this book. This will make you laugh. Cry. And celebrate the love with these amazing characters... Well done! When's the next book.?
A little disappointed with how the book ended. The ending overall was a happy one yes, but it felt randomly cut off. Then followed by an epilogue that felt almost forced, as if an after thought…
Charlotte is on the run and Jeremy needs help. However, their different circumstances may bring their budding relationship to ruin. This was a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This fast pace action thriller held my attention and interest throughout. Community kept her safe and sought justice, heartwarming. And a romance that needed a few knocks on the head.
I enjoyed this story. Was Charlotte and Jeremy the answer to each others problems? There was suspense, fun times and more in this book. Received a free copy.
Woman is running from a bad judge who took a bribe from the brother of the man she accidentally killed. She was found innocent but the judged sentenced her to prison anyway. She ends up in the home of a Marshall taking care of his children.