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These friends with benefits are about to become parents…and all bets are off! A Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws story from New York Times bestselling author Brenda Jackson.

From friends to lovers to…

having a baby?

Maverick Outlaw is a man who knows his own mind—and he knew from the beginning that a fling with longtime friend Sapphire Bordella would be more than just sizzling, mind-blowing sex. That is, until Phire says they should go back to being just friends—and then announces that she’s pregnant with Maverick’s child and her father expects her to marry someone else! Maverick may not be ready to give his heart, but nothing will stop him from claiming what’s his…

From Harlequin Desire: A luxurious world of bold encounters and sizzling chemistry.

You’ll be swept away by this bold, sizzling romance, part of the Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws series:

Book 1: The Wife He Needs
Book 2: The Marriage He Demands
Book 3: What He Wants for Christmas
Book 4: What Happens on Vacation...
Book 5: The Outlaw's Claim

211 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 25, 2022

225 people are currently reading
178 people want to read

About the author

Brenda Jackson

899 books3,606 followers
In 1994, Brenda Jackson’s first novel, Tonight and Forever, was released. Since then she has had more than 100 novels and novellas published (the first African-American author to accomplish such a feat) and has over 3 million books in print.

A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Brenda is the first African-American author to have a book published by Harlequin Desire and the first African-American romance author to make the New York Times and USA TODAY bestseller lists within the series romance genre.

In 2012, Brenda received the Romance Writers of America’s Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award—one of the highest literary awards a romance author can receive. In 2013, she was recognized by the mayor and the city of Jacksonville as being a Trailblazer in the literary field.

In 2010, she collaborated with Five Alive Films to turn her Truly Everlasting title into a feature film. Brenda’s 2011 novel A Silken Thread is scheduled to be filmed with Debbie Allen attached as director in 2015.

Email Brenda at authorbrendajackson@gmail.com or visit her on her website at brendajackson.net.

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5 stars
654 (68%)
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213 (22%)
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62 (6%)
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16 (1%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews
Profile Image for Tina Loves To Read.
3,482 reviews1 follower
October 31, 2022
This is a Cowboy Romance, and this is the 5th book in the Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaws Series. I have read and reviewed the other books in this series before picking up this book. I think this book can be read as a standalone without any problems. I really loved the storyline, and the characters in this book. This is a friends with benefits relationship becomes more, and there is a lot of drama and some suspense mixed into it. I loved every second I spent reading this book. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Harlequin Desire) or author (Brenda Jackson) via NetGalley, so I can give an honest review about how I feel about this book. I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.
Profile Image for Andrea Smith.
381 reviews4 followers
September 13, 2022
The Outlaws Claim
3.5 Stars

Not going to lie, Brenda Jackson typically writes strong female leads with partners that match. So this book wasn't what I was expecting. This book gives me historical romance or arranged marriage vibes, which is a genre I don't care about.
Sapphire hasn't had the greatest of childhoods. Her dad is controlling and abusive. I found her insecurities and lack of backbone so flustering. Maverick is a rich playboy that acts like a man-child. Maverick and Sapphire both seemed immature to me. They play head games with each other 75% through the book. I wanted a typical HEA I'd come to love from a Jackson book, and this was dark and sad by comparison.

Overall, it's a solid, well-written book, but it's just OK. I'd recommend this book to readers that enjoy a historical romance with lots of conflict. This won't stop me from picking up her next book or re-reading Double Dare, my favorite Brenda Jackson book. Thank you, NetGalley and Harlequin Romance, for an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Isha Coleman.
8,982 reviews173 followers
September 13, 2022
An epic finish to a long standing mystery provides the backdrop for a romance unlike any other. From naughty to delicious, Maverick and Phire are a tempting inferno. Emotions run deep, secrets run wild and romance is unpredictable. Jackson ties up loose ends of an intriguing puzzle with a seductively tangled dance of love. The Outlaw's Claim sets out to capture a reader's heart and successfully does so.
Profile Image for Brenda  Larnell.
442 reviews26 followers
September 21, 2022
Wow! So the Outlaw mystery is finally revealed in this book. The Empress of Romance, Brenda Jackson cleverly brings er’body together in one room, and we finally find out why Bart is so guarded about his family. I LOVED IT! You will too, if you’ve been following the Westmoreland Legacy: The Outlaw Series..
Let me not forget the stars of this story, the FWB (Friends with Benefits) who set the tone for storyline., Maverick Outlaw and Sapphire Bordella. Their love journey will ultimately bring all that was secret to light. No tea! You got to read the story for yourself. Take notes, because it’s complicated.
I highly recommend this one, BJ fans.
175 reviews
January 22, 2023
I actually liked this book. It had a few romantic scenes but nothing to overbearing like other books in the series. It is tied at number 2 favorite in this series. I especially loved the twist with the chosen fiance and the child's father as a fiance. Good book. Hope to read more without too many explicit scenes.
Profile Image for DeeReads.
2,284 reviews
December 26, 2022
Maverick and Phire's FWB relationship turned into so much more when a baby came into their relationship. Loved it!💗💗💗💗💗
Profile Image for Susan.
4,809 reviews126 followers
November 9, 2022
Good friends with benefits story. Maverick and Phire met when he was on a business trip to Paris. Their attraction was immediate and intense, and they had a successful arrangement for two years. Neither one was interested in anything serious. Maverick enjoys his freedom too much to settle down, and Phire was burned by love and doesn't want to risk her heart again.

Then Phire told Maverick she wanted to end their arrangement. She said she was ready to look for love and settle down. In truth, she had fallen in love with Maverick and needed to get out while she still could. I liked that Maverick respected her wishes but wanted to shake him for not recognizing his feelings. Instead, he spent the following months missing her.

When Maverick gets a call from Phire asking to meet with him, he drops everything to do so. He's stunned to hear that her father has forced her to return to Texas from Paris and is trying to force her to marry the man of his choice. Simon uses a ruthless method of blackmail to ensure Phire's cooperation. Phire informs Maverick that she will not be able to talk to him any longer, but they indulge in one more passionate night together. They believe that is the end until Phire ends up pregnant.

Once Maverick learns of Phire's pregnancy, he becomes determined to claim Phire for himself. Phire resists because she loves him and believes he does not return her love. Maverick frequently frustrated me with his oblivious attitude and focus on the baby when he should have been concentrating on Phire. I understood her resistance to his marriage demands - she wanted to be desired for herself, not the baby she carried. I was happy when he finally had that "aha" moment. Unfortunately, he and Phire make their problems last longer by not talking about their feelings. The week they spent together on his cousins' ranch was wonderful and heartbreaking because of it.

Phire's father, Simon, is a piece of work. Controlling and abusive, he uses Phire's love for her aunt against her. I could feel Phire's fear for her aunt's welfare every time Simon made one of his threats. His choice of groom intrigued me as Jaxon appeared to be too nice a man to go along with Simon's plans. As the book continued, Simon became more desperate to force her hand. He finally went too far, and I loved seeing what happened to him. I especially enjoyed the intricate plan hatched by Maverick and the others.

The question of Outlaw patriarch Bart's vehement opposition to admitting their connection to the Westmorelands has run through the series. None of the family could understand why he refused to acknowledge something so obviously true. A stunning revelation from an unexpected source puts an end to the mystery. I laughed out loud at the significant effect this had on Maverick.

I loved the ending and seeing Maverick and Phire finally get the future they wanted. The ending was terrific, with a couple of teasers for future books. I can't wait to see what is in store for the Outlaw sister, Charm.

#netgalley
Profile Image for WellReadRuby.
539 reviews113 followers
October 27, 2022
Omg!! I don't care how many of these books come out. I will read them again and again and again!! Sapphire (Fire) and Maverick were frustrating but worth the journey! Friends to lovers trope with the splash of a terrible parent! I felt for Fire because it's hard to fall for your best friend and not know if the feeling was mutual. She was trying to protect her heart. Maverick, after everyone told him to speak his true feelings finally got the picture and did that! Claimed what was his! Fire's dad got what he deserved as well. The best thing about this book is we finally get resolved on the Westmoreland/Outlaw family connection and we also got updates on so many of the Westmorelands! I loved that! The epilogue in this book has me excited about two things! One Jackson and Nadia's book! Two, the book for Charm and what Bart is hiding from her! I also hope that book is a double romance with Charm/Dillon and Claudia/Bart.
Profile Image for Frankie.
1,035 reviews75 followers
July 1, 2023
Sexy, smart and swoon-worthy!

I think I did a bit of a blooper when I came into this book, as I hadn't read any of the previous books from the series and I did feel as though I had missed out on something. But saying that, I did enjoy reading The Outlaws Claim and I will certainly be looking out for the other books in The Outlaws series, I just wish I had started with at the start instead of book five.

As well as this being my first book in the series, this is actually my first-ever book by Brenda Jackson. Why?? Who knows! I think I must have been walking around with my eyes shut, ah well I will certainly read more from her.

Despite not reading the previous books and not quite knowing who everyone was, I did enjoy meeting these gorgeous cowboys. I have recently gotten into Cowboy romances (I blame watching Yellowstone back to back and falling in love with Rip) and I am really enjoying these stories, and seeing as the publisher has stopped publishing historical western romances, I am going to have to get my fill of new-age cowboys instead, aren't I?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it's packed to the rafters with emotion and little intrigue, and utterly tantalising and gloriously gorgeous cowboys (yes, I am smitten) I liked the narrative and how the story was told, it's sweet and cute but there is a lot of depth in the plot and the characters are likeable (or downright swoon-worthy, drop to my knees in absolute love-able) I liked how they developed and grew over the course of the story.

For my first foray into Brenda Jackson's work, I am now hooked, The Outlaws Claim is a relatively short but fast-paced story, with a few twists and turns and lots of grizzling, tempting emotion. I just I had read the other books before this!
----------------
Thank you to the publisher for my arc copy.
@chicksroguesandscandals
Profile Image for JigsawGirl.
4,168 reviews
September 8, 2023
This was a DNF for me. I think I will go back and read this author's earlier work if I need a fix. I keep being disappointed by most of the new books coming from her. It was hard to believe this book was written in 2022.

I wish I had a dollar for every time it was said or thought how Maverick only wanted Phire because of the baby. Or that they were best friends. Or that he didn't love her or she didn't want him. Or everything was about the baby. Or how many times she mentioned the baby. I could probably make a serious dent in my student loan debt.

Phire was too weak willed and pitiful to stand up to her father, but had the audacity to get upset at Maverick for trying to control her. REALLY?? She was so fricking irritating and childish. If she called him "Maverick the Outlaw" one more time, I was going to scream!!!

The fact that neither one of these adults could open their mouths to communicate was ridiculous. She doesn't want to be honest with him, but xes is always on the table for her.

I really tired, but I couldn't take any more without pulling out my hair. I wish this author wrote more things along the lines of the Perfect series. What I did read of this book I would rate at 1.5 stars. I listened to the audio book but had to stop about 60% in.
Profile Image for Mary.
921 reviews3 followers
February 25, 2024
Maverick and Phire had a very sweet love affair, FWB. Her father was a real piece of work. Glad to se Bart finally admits he is related to the Westmorelands. Love these Outlaws and Westmorelands. Looking forward to Charm’s story.
Profile Image for Beyond the Pages with Eva K.
3,068 reviews167 followers
October 31, 2022
Quick Summary: A FWB, lust-to-love-at-first-sight romance

My Review:
The Outlaw's Claim by Brenda Jackson was a runaway hit with this reader. With a friends to lovers approach, this hot and bothered romance sizzled from beginning to end.

About the Leads:
Maverick was a self-proclaimed playboy who knew what he wanted and what he didn't want. Marriage was not in the cards for him. While on a trip abroad, he met Phire. The two clicked right away. Neither wanted anything more than what they had in the moment. So, what changed?

Sapphire was determined to live her life the way she wanted. She didn't want any emotional entanglements, especially after what she had been through. She just wanted to have a good time, with no strings attached. Soon, however, a stranger walked into her bar and turned her into a wanton. She and her very own outlaw struck sparks together. So, what changed?

Will a FWB relationship be enough for these destined BFFs?

My Final Say:
This book had multiple layers to it. It was entirely captivating. There was so much to unpack that I am certainly willing to invest the time it takes to learn more about the brothers, the cousins, and the father of the Outlaw clan.

Rating: 4/5
Recommend: Yes
Audience: A

Appreciation is extended to the author, to the publisher, and to NetGalley, who provided access to this title in exchange for an honest review. The words I have shared are my own.
Profile Image for Judy & Marianne from Long and Short Reviews.
5,476 reviews177 followers
July 28, 2023
There’s love out there, if they’re willing to chase it.

I liked this story by Brenda Jackson. I’d had this author’s books recommended to me many times and finally took the leap. I’m glad I did. The story engrossed me right away and I had to know what would happen next. The writing is crisp and the characters vivid. This is the fourth book in the series, but I didn’t feel lost. In fact, I felt dropped in the middle and caught right up.

Phire, aka Sapphire, has been infatuated with Maverick for years, but she’s convinced he won’t love her. One night of passion leads to a blessed surprise. She was his friend, then it became something more…then didn’t. I liked the push-pull between the characters and the way they were both so determined not to accept their feelings. It made for great tension.

If you’re looking for a hot book that’s great for an afternoon (or two) reading, then check this one out. I’ll be looking for more in the Westmoreland series. You should, too.
789 reviews4 followers
October 25, 2022
At long last, answers!

This was such a heartwarming story full of lies, betrayal, land and wealth theft and finally the truth not only being known but admitted to. The final Outlaw son Maverick goes through the rigors of finding and falling in love and all that comes with it! This story shows it does not pay to mistreat or misuse any member of the Outlaw/Westmoreland family unless you are prepared to suffer the consequences. Thank you for the revelation about Bart Outlaw too. All of your fans Mrs. Jackson are going to love reading this story to get answers to questions we have had since this series began. I can hardly wait for Charm's story because I believe it will be further revelations into the lives of this family we have come to love as part of the Westmoreland family!!! This is positively an excellent series that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Profile Image for Kelly Murphy.
321 reviews
November 9, 2022
I didn’t see that coming

Wow, I definitely didn’t see some of the surprises in this installment of the Outlaw series. Old Bart is growing on me each new book. Seeing the brothers fall in love is so heartwarming. I wonder where Ms Jackson will go with the Westmoreland’s once Charm is married off? Either way this story was really good. I love a baby story so I was in it from the beginning. The way this couple fought and was determined to maintain their friendship despite really being in love was great. I believe not all books need that but of drama to where they break up and then come back together. This story proves my point. Communication even in the midst of misunderstandings are important. I will say this without giving the story away, that father and his servants made me want to lay hands on them lol. This is definitely a must read.
325 reviews2 followers
October 29, 2022
Claiming the Love of Family

Wow, this installment of the Outlaws was so awesome. That fine Maverick has some amazing chemistry with Sapphire (Phire) whom he has a long distance relationship with for a years. The dynamics of their relationship changes once they navigate through their true feeling while finding out the truth about their families. Throw in those Westmorelands and the story becomes even more exciting. Mrs. Jackson did an awesome job with this story and make me excited to see what happens with the conclusion of the Outlaws in Charm’s story. Kudos Mrs. Jackson on being an amazing author and keeping us entertained for over 20 years with this wonderful family. I will hate to see it come to an end! Much love and congratulations.
156 reviews
February 4, 2023
The Outlaw's Claim was hot with lots of drama Maverick had met Phire three years ago when he was on a business trip in Paris. The two were attracted to each other from the start so they began a FWB relationship that created a close friendship. Phire decided to end things when she fell in love with him. This story had a lot going on and I loved all the drama especially with Bart and the mystery with him and his family finally coming together with Jaxon as the key to it. Phire became pregnant with her, and Maverick baby and the couple got there HEA, but this story also opened up another secret that Bart's been keeping about his only daughter Charm! Can't wait for Charm's story! BJ always delivers and I'm never disappointed as a reader!
Profile Image for Mattie.
1,989 reviews8 followers
March 1, 2023
I didn't like it. Hero didn't fight for heroine and easily let her go. Even though they were just FWB, hero wasn't with other women for 2 years, but after they broke up he went back to womanizing ways and was with lots of other women during the year separation, even had a burner phone for those women. She was clearly different from other women, the fact he went to Paris so much to be with her and especially with how long he stayed with her, yet he just went back to sleeping with lots of other women within months of them breaking up.

Heroine broke up with him because she loved him but never told him, then she ignored his calls during the year separation. She gave into her father's manipulations and I found her to be so weak. P.
Profile Image for Anita (Hearts and Whodunits).
1,015 reviews18 followers
April 12, 2023
Maverick Outlaw knows his own mind. He knew from the beginning that a fling with friend Sapphire Bordella would be more than just sex. That is, until Phire says they should go back to being just friends, and then announces that she’s pregnant with Maverick’s child and her father expects her to marry someone else! Maverick may not be ready to give his heart, but nothing will stop him from claiming what’s his.
This was a fantastic western romance filled with memorable characters, a page-turning plot, and a happily ever after. There were some hot sex scenes, but it was tastefully written and seemed a part of the plot. I definitely want to read more of this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Harlequin for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
Profile Image for Frankie.
1,035 reviews75 followers
October 14, 2022
Sexy, smart and swoon-worthy!

I think I did a bit of a blooper when I came into this book, as I hadn't read any of the previous books from the series and I did feel as though I had missed out on something. But saying that, I did enjoy reading The Outlaws Claim and I will certainly be looking out for the other books in The Outlaws series, I just wish I had started with at the start instead of book five.

As well as this being my first book in the series, this is actually my first-ever book by Brenda Jackson. Why?? Who knows! I think I must have been walking around with my eyes shut, ah well I will certainly read more from her.

Despite not reading the previous books and not quite knowing who everyone was, I did enjoy meeting these gorgeous cowboys. I have recently gotten into Cowboy romances (I blame watching Yellowstone back to back and falling in love with Rip) and I am really enjoying these stories, and seeing as the publisher has stopped publishing historical western romances, I am going to have to get my fill of new-age cowboys instead, aren't I?

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this, it's packed to the rafters with emotion and little intrigue, and utterly tantalising and gloriously gorgeous cowboys (yes, I am smitten) I liked the narrative and how the story was told, it's sweet and cute but there is a lot of depth in the plot and the characters are likeable (or downright swoon-worthy, drop to my knees in absolute love-able) I liked how they developed and grew over the course of the story.

For my first foray into Brenda Jackson's work, I am now hooked, The Outlaws Claim is a relatively short but fast-paced story, with a few twists and turns and lots of grizzling, tempting emotion. I just I had read the other books before this!
Profile Image for Page Passion .
863 reviews9 followers
June 11, 2023
Profile Image for Tamarah Brown.
191 reviews15 followers
October 31, 2022
Book 5 in the series and we have arrived at the last Outlaw brother. Maverick Outlaw has bear witness to his four brothers finding their happy ever after. However, Marriage isn’t in his immediate future. However, this all changes when he gets a call from his best friend and FWB Sapphire “Phire” Bordella. She wants to meet up with Maverick to relay some unfortunate news about her upcoming arranged marriage setup by her father Simon Bordella. Maverick decides he can’t let this happen. Without giving away the whole book Maverick and Sapphire continue to navigate the changes in their relationship despite the interference from Simon Bordella along with their mutual stubbornness. I also enjoyed how my lingering questions were answered and better understanding of Bart Outlaw’s cantankerous attitude. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I am looking forward to reading Charm’s story.
718 reviews
October 29, 2022
Another fantastic book

This is the 5th book in the series and it didn’t disappoint. This is Maverick’s story, he and the h are best friends, there relationship turned to a FWB because the h was in love with him. An unexpected pregnancy brought their feelings to the front. An unexpected cousin and a deceitful father made the plot awesome, we finally found out the reason why Bart didn’t want to acknowledge the Westmorelands. This was a fantastic book. Looking forward to the next book in the series. Great epilogue.
26 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2022
Bart Woohoo!!!

Brenda, The whole Westmoreland and friend book are awesome. I have waited and waited on Bart to finally admit, he has Westmoreland blood in his veins. While reading all of their books, Bane was the brother I admired the most, just because he stood on what he believed in and nothing could change that. All your books are extraordinary and I admire your writings and the gift you were blessed with. Keep writing and we will keep reading. If you haven't read her books, print off her list and start from the beginning.
Profile Image for Yvonne Daniels.
2,702 reviews21 followers
August 27, 2023
Awesome

Oh my this book will easily steal your heart. It's a powerful combination of emotions and excitement that's so full joy and romance. I really enjoyed both of these characters they are so amazing and together they are just pure perfection. Add in some drama with tons of emotions plus some intriguing twists and turns then you have a story that's full of feelings and so beautiful. This story is truly delightful and you will enjoy how the relationship is built naturally and it never seemed forced and it all works so well. I Highly Recommend Reading it.
1,249 reviews9 followers
November 2, 2022
Excellent read

Excellent read, I loved the characters and storyline. Maverick and Sapphire (Phire) are friends with benefits relationship turned to love. This is their journey to love and happiness with a few up and downs. I’m glad we finally got the full history of the outlaw/Westmoreland family tree. It was great to catch up with the Westmoreland’s. I can’t wait for the next installment.
Profile Image for Darlene.
13 reviews
November 6, 2022
The Outlaws Claim

I am very glad that Maverick did not fight the fact that he was in love with his FWB. I have to say I was hoping for more in this story. My curiosity has been settled. We all now know why Bart was the way he was in denial of his family being related to the Westmorelands. Now I would like to know who is Sapphires biological father? I would have loved for this story to have expanded in more details. I would recommend this story to everyone who loves romance.
215 reviews3 followers
November 18, 2022
Brenda Jackson never disappoint!

This was an excellent read. I loved Maverick and Sapphire love story. Best friends with benefits. What an irony. I was happy they found each other. I liked Jason also and we finally learn about Bart. I can't wait until Charms story is released and Jason's story also. Disliked Simon , there was nothing that I liked about him. I recommend reading this book, I've read all in this series and enjoyed everyone of them.
Profile Image for Steph B.
99 reviews
January 12, 2023
Another gem from Brenda Jackson

Absolutely loved Phire and Maverick's story. Their relationship and interactions were so realistic, believable and passionate! Great conflict between them and her father Simon Bordella. Loved the introduction of Jaxon Ravnell. Didn't see his connection to family coming. Updates on many of former Westmoreland and Outlaw characters was a bonus. And so many questions pondered in previous books were answered. A must read. Definitely recommended.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 99 reviews

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