Katie's Resolve

The Reclusive Man #8

by Angela Lain

The wild man; he lived alone and he expected he would die alone.

Left for dead by his brothers, trust did not come easily to Declan Connelly. He lived on the edges of society with his dogs and horses, engaging only when necessary to ensure his survival. For almost two years, this small cabin in the foothills of the mountains in Colorado had been his haven, until he made a necessary foray in to town and saw… her.

Katie Burrows had accepted her lot, at the age of twenty-six she was an old maid and she was her father’s help mate. What did she care that the citizens of Boulder saw her male attire and thought her an oddity? She worked in the forge, she shod horses, what else could she wear? Then the wild man rode into town, and one look changed everything.

Katie wanted to know his story, and she couldn’t resist meddling in his life. The result was something neither could ever have expected.

131 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 13, 2022

About the author

My name is Angela and I live in the countryside in Norfolk, UK, with my husband (who is an engineer and always busy) and my horse. My two children have left home, but I help my daughter with her horses and her whippets. I tend both house and garden rather reluctantly and I write and read. For years I had woven stories in my head, when travelling and watching the world go by, when lying in bed trying to sleep, or just when I was transported by a place or an event. I finally started to put the stories on paper while I sat through several endless nights when my young daughter was ill. The result was several handwritten manuscripts, hard labour over a typewriter and eventually a single romance novel accepted and published back in 1990. Then I gave up, too much family life and a business to run. Finally both children have left home and I am less busy, and now the revolution has happened. Computers. The internet. Self-publishing. I felt able to inflict my creations on the world once again. I write both historical and contemporary romance, although I personally prefer the historical; I enjoy the research. The stories are not erotica, but they are (as one of my lovely reviewers said) a little bit naughty. I don’t leave at the bedroom door. My stories are plot driven, they might get it on, but sex is part of the characters’ lives, not the main purpose. I like a bit of adventure, excitement and danger. My characters have been involved on the Oregon trail, in Indian raids in the west, and in the Crimean war. They have been variously stranded in snow storms, caught in tornadoes and kidnapped by ruffians (one of the young ladies, that is, the heroes are too tough). One thing they always get is their happy ending. I don’t like a book without a happy ending, so I really cannot write one.

Reviews

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautiful story made even more so by the fact that it was the last story written by Angela Lain, the author, before her untimely death. This is the story of Declan Connelly and Katie Burrows. Declan who had been abandoned by his brothers is content to live back in the mountains in a cabin with only his horse and dog to keep him company. He only ventures to town when he absolutely has to and upon one of those trips he meets Katie, the daughter of the local blacksmith who works along side her father. She wears men's clothing to do her job and has drawn the ire of the town's people for her "impropriety" of dress. When the couple meet, Katie is intrigued by Declan, dubbed the "Wild Man' and sets off to learn all she can about him. The attraction between the couple is instantaneous but is it enough to become a HEA? Be sure and read this great story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Sherry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Katie's Resolve

This is another great book in the Reclusive Man series. It's very well written, with a wonderful storyline. I loved the characters of Katie and Declan and how attracted they were to each other from the beginning. Even though Declan had felt abandoned by everyone and had lived as a recluse, he starts coming out of his shell and finally starts living again. I highly recommend this book, especially if you like historical western romance.
This was the last book written by the amazing Angela Lain. May she rest in peace.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

'Because you were waiting for me'

Declan thinks he is damaged beyond repair, he likes his solitude and has nothing to offer anyone else....until he comes to Katie's defense, with no judgement and giving the respect due any female.
Declan has a heart of gold, it may be buried deep and a little dented but it is there and Katie uncovers it for all to see.
He is convinced he is going to be alone for the rest of his life, with no wife and no family...but fate has other plans, no matter how much Declan resists them!
A lovely addition to the Reclusive Man series, I read this on Kindle Unlimited.

[BROWN2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great Read

Declan and Katie’s story is unique. Beautifully written to let you feel the pain of loss Declan is living with. Katie is a strong woman who deals with prejudice because she works as a blacksmith. The ending ties so many things together leaving you with a smile.

[Patty Plaza · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good read

I liked the storyline, even though the story is a little unbelievable because she left with him unmarried.
One thing that threw me off was the change of the last name for Mr. Brooks, it was changed to Mr. Burrows and never changed back. That was a bit annoying

[Rosie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely

Wonderful read. Kept my interests through the whole book. The only loose end was Ronan. I hope the will be cleared up in a future book.

[Betty Foor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story Great

When there are errors I tend to mark lower rating. I do submit those errors. Story line was great and a fun read.

[Lea & Sandra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Declan's resolve

Declan has resolved to live away from others but a meeting with Katie and her father sets a whole new perspective in motion.

[Patricia Braddy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book

I enjoyed reading any book by this Author and hope to read more books by this Author soon.
The Reclusive man.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

great book

This was a great book and what a fantastic author. I highly recommend this book and author. I can’t wait to read the next book by this wonderful author.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a hard review to write. Angela Lain has given us such interesting characters and it is sad to know we’ll get no more. I was left wanting Ronan’s story. I really enjoyed this one and wish her family well.