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Malloy Family #8

Hell for Leather

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Exile…or love. Life…or death. His demons will force him to choose.



The Malloy Family, Book 8

Gunslinger Kincaid has traded his black clothes and pistols for a homespun shirt and trousers. Now he’s Cade Brody, a man with dark hair, dark eyes and an even darker past. The blood money he’s earned bought him a small piece of property in New Mexico territory, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. But it can’t buy him peace.

Sabrina Edmonds, a tough, no-nonsense widow, runs the post office and store in the small town of Eustace. She’s made her way in life with an independent streak a mile wide. Sabrina doesn’t want to get involved with Cade, but she finds herself drawn to the dark stranger who hides in his mountain retreat.

Cade wants nothing more than to be left alone, but an elusive wild child who delights in tormenting him, and a town full of people determined to befriend him, conspire to intrude upon his self-imposed exile. Then there’s Sabrina, who should be afraid of him—but isn’t.

Not even when the deadly demons of his past catch up with him.



This book has been previously published and repackaged.



This title contains lots of smart-ass remarks, a kick-ass heroine, a dark hero and some kickin’ hot sex.

232 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2008

9 people are currently reading
144 people want to read

About the author

Beth Williamson

73 books413 followers
Beth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010, and a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)

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5 stars
68 (38%)
4 stars
57 (32%)
3 stars
38 (21%)
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9 (5%)
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4 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
Profile Image for Auntee.
1,356 reviews1,474 followers
April 7, 2009
This was a very sweet, quick read, about a former gunslinger who is trying to turn his life around and who just wants to be left alone, and the feisty widow who comes into his life and gives him everything he thought he could never have. There were plenty of "awww" moments for me--I just felt so bad for him at times--he was way too down on himself and was really lacking in self esteem. I really wished that I had read the author's Malloy family series before this, especially the books where the character was first introduced ("The Gift", "The Tribute") but since I didn't, I will definitely seek those books out. The author does give you the necessary background on his past, so this book can be read as a stand-alone, even though it is clearly an offshoot of the 'Malloy Family' series.

The story takes place in 1889 New Mexico, with the former gunslinger 'Kincaid'(now calling himself Cade Brody) trying to (literally) bury his past as a hard-drinking, womanizing gunslinger-- burying his pistols and his clothes in the dirt near his newly acquired New Mexico log cabin. After spending months with his friend Brett Malloy and his family, he realizes he needs to move on with his life and find a different path. So with his 'blood money' he buys a secluded cabin in a little valley with plans to be a hermit (sort of). But of course he needs supplies for the coming winter, so he ventures into the small town of Eustace, not knowing how his life is all about to change, in ways he'd never dream. When he meets the beautiful widowed shopkeeper Sabrina Edmonds, it's lust at first sight--an instant connection for both of them. But he's determined nothing will come of it--he's not good enough for this feisty, independent woman, no matter how much she tempts him. He won't get his hopes up. And he just wants to be alone--doesn't he?

Sabrina doesn't know why she's drawn to this dark, morose stranger. Okay, he's wildly attractive, and they do seem to have a spark. Everyone in the small town seems to be against him though, and tries to warn her away from him. But if anyone ever needed someone to care for him, it's Cade, even though he tries to deny it. Sabrina's determined to follow her heart for once, and grab happiness while she can. But will stubborn Cade let her in?

I really loved these two together. Cade is your wounded hero with a horrible, horrible past. You just want to grab hold of him and give him all the love he clearly needs. But he's also the kind of hero who feels he's not worthy of love. It would take a very strong person to get through to him, and Sabrina is just that person. She's intelligent, feisty, and tough, with a huge heart with a lot of love to give. And she wants to give it to Cade, no matter what the smalll town of busybodies thinks. She's got a sister warning her off of him, a rejected suitor and his precocious daughter standing in her way, and other townsfolk warning her to stay away from the 'dark' man. There's a young abandoned preteen who helps bring the couple together in an unusual way, and I can just imagine her story being written in a few years. The book comes to a heartwarming conclusion when the town who once was against Cade, stands up together and fights for him. It brought a few tears to my eyes, seeing that Cade finally had a 'family' and some people he could count on. Very sweet. And when Sabrina told him she loved him...(*sigh*)

While there was plenty of sexual tension, there wasn't a whole lot of love scenes (maybe two or three), but they were sweet and hot, but fell just short of being erotic. Which was fine, because they worked within the context of the story.

This was a very enjoyable, easy to read book, and I'm sure I would have given it another half star if I had a little more background on Cade by reading the previous Malloy books. I'm definitely interested enough to read more if this becomes a series--4 stars.
Profile Image for Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks.
584 reviews68 followers
June 14, 2012


Since discovering the Malloy Family series, and meeting dark character, gunslinger, Kincaid, I have been wishing he had his own story. Thank goodness, he does!!!!

Kincaid, fed up with his lifestyle, but not believing he fits in anywhere, heads for a New Mexico town where he buys a cabin to call home, something he has never had. Kincaid plots his own death and buries the remembrances of it, his black clothing and his guns and takes the name Cade Brody for his new life.

When Cade makes a trip into town to buy supplies for his new homestead, he meets widow, Sabrina Edmonds and is pretty much thrown for a loop immediately. Cade says he wants to be alone, but his actions speak otherwise and Sabrina is quite receptive to those actions.

In addition to Sabrina turning him inside out, Cade is confused by the appearance of turnips daily on his porch and other strange goings on around his cabin. Some townspeople say it's a ghost, but when Cade discovers the truth he seeks out the help of Sabrina to see what can be done about the "ghost".

When Cade's past comes in search of him he finds he has more in his corner than he thought, even when his past is revealed. This story proves that if you strive to overcome the strife in your past, you only have a bright future ahead with the help of those who care for you.

Once again Beth Williamson has done it. Yes, I am a huge fan, I haven't read a book of hers I didn't like, and there's just something about the dark bad boys that attract me. Great plot, awesome characters, yet another strong female make for a wonderful tale. I would love to see this couple in the future. Thank you Beth Williamson for continuing to make me happy and keeping up until the wee hours of the morning.
Great Read!!!!!

~KIMBERLY~
244 reviews207 followers
March 30, 2010
I realy enjoyed this quick read from Beth Williamson which is an off shoot from the Malloy Family books...... I first met KIncaid a few months ago so was keen to find out what happens to him!

When Gunslinger Kincaid decides to hang up his holster he takes himself off to New Mexico to bury Kincaid and start a fresh. Whilst his intention is to lay low and lead a solitary life he finds himself falling for the local shopkeeper (the widow Sabrina), and despite his best efforts to stay away, finds that fate plays her hand at bringing him back into town at every available opportunity and this is the story of how he falls in love. Sometimes sad, sometimes fuuny and everything I've come to expect from Beth Williamson, if you've read and enjoyed her other books then you'll probably like this one too!
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
August 7, 2015
4.5 stars

Everyone should get a second chance with Cade and Sabrina that is just what they get along with a young lady who has lost everything. The author gives you a story with meaning that stays with you after you finish the read. As you get to know Cade and all he has went through the author makes you wish you had read past books in this series to find out all that lead up to this book. I can understand why he needed his own story he is a wonderful character who just wants to start over. As he kills his old self and takes on a new life he finds not all things are easy. There is one sassy woman who has gotten his attention along with an even sassier child between the two they drive him up a tree. What he finds is he wouldn’t have it any other way. Now he must show this town what he is made of as he makes this his new home. He has a lot to learn and if the town has anything to say about it this will be a very fast lesson.


Cade is a well know gunslinger by the name of Kincaid he wants a normal life but his past always finds him. He makes one last stand as he plots his own death and buries his things from his old life from his guns to his clothes he takes a new name to start his new life. He moves to a small town where the people aren’t sure of him, buys a cabin up in the hills far away from everyone. As he starts his new life he goes to town to buy supplies where he meets new people who make him feel uneasy. The towns people isn’t sure of him either some are jealous others are afraid and some just want to make him theirs. Cade has never had a family just a lot of painful memories of growing up. He has a lot to learn and a lot to overcome before he can be the man he wants to be. There is one lady who is willing to give him her all if he learns these lessons, heck she is even willing to teach him them. I really like Cade he did the best he could with what he had to endure from a young age. He really is a wonderful man and character, I think he has always had good in his heart he just was trying to get by doing the best he could with what he had been given. When push comes to shove he is a stand up guy who will stand his ground in many ways. What he truly wants is a place to call his own, a woman to love and that loves him, well he just wants a family. I do not really even think he knows this until it hits him over the head. The author goes into his past which will break your heart as she paints a very painful past of abuse of the worse kind.


Sabrina has had a pretty hard time of it from the man she married and lost. This part will break your heart as the author gives you a story inside a story that is very painful. Sabrina has a big heart as you will come to find she has done a lot of forgiving. What she truly wants is a man to call her owns one that loves her with all his heart, something she really never had. She loves her town and the people in it but she isn’t one to back down from a fight. She will stand her ground not only for her town but for the people she loves. I just loved this strong mind woman who really stand up for those she believes in. She has no trouble taking anyone down a peg or two. She can be stubborn but kind, she will walk a mile for you but in return you will walk a straight line. She has poor Cade tied in knots and pushes him to give his self a chance not only at his new life but at love.


The author gives you wonderful characters with outstanding supporting character that will keep you laughing at all the stuns they pull. One of my favorite characters is Bernice she is a sweetie and just as sassy and full of herself as Cade is. She had me laughing and smiling all through the book. She alone made this book worth reading. The author gives you some very heated passionate scenes that is sure to heat up your e reader. She gives you some very touchy issues but writes them in a classy style that breaks your heart as it gives meaning to the read. The ghost of the hills gives you much entertainment as it drives Cade nuts. Cade seeks to find the truth with a little help from Sabrina to bring this ghost tales to an end as well as helping the ghost find its rightful place. The only issues I had with this read were at times I felt the story was a little rushed. I can’t say it took away from the read just moved a little faster than I liked.


Ms. Williamson gives you a well told story that shows us no matter how bad we think we have it we can overcome and make our life better. Your past might come back to haunt you but you can overcome it if you face it and do what is right. There are people who will always care for you if you only open yourself up to let love in. She gives you characters you can relate to and fall in love with, heck I would be honored to call Cade my man knowing he could take care of me no matter what. This is the first story I have read of Ms. Williamson I won it in a giveaway. It was a book I wanted to read and was very thrilled to have won it. Ms. Williamson can now add me to her fan club she not only gives you a well written story but goes right into the heart of her characters as she helps them learn a well deserved lesson of chance, rebirth and love. I do hope to see more of these characters and how life has treated them as the author continues this series.
Profile Image for Issa.
419 reviews21 followers
May 9, 2013
3.5 stars

A decent story about a gunslinger looking for a new life and a widowed shopkeeper with an attitude. I liked Sabrina a lot, we don't always get strong female portrayals in historicals. She's smart, kind, and sexy, and just what Cade needs. I liked Cade too. He's trying to leave his past behind and his vulnerability touching. I especially enjoyed his interactions with the towns people, especially his "Ghost". Sabrina and Cade have great chemistry.

There are niggles of course. The story takes place over a short period of time and so it's more along the line of insta love. I'd prefer she'd taken the plot out several months. I also wish she hadn't make Cade as ignorant about basic living as she did. Finally, the characters of Sam and Melissa seemed misplaced and all over the map personality wise.

Nonetheless I found the story entertaining it might end up on my keeper shelf.
Profile Image for Kimberly Walter.
1,638 reviews15 followers
October 10, 2013
Gunslinger Kincaid is no longer, now he is Cade Brody with a chance at a new life without the dark past. He buys a cabin in the New Mexico territory, at the base of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. He plans on isolation, no one to bother him and he only plans to go to town Eustace when he needs vittles.
But as always things don't go his way. He gets distracted by Sabrina Edmonds, and his cabin keeps getting visitors.
Sabrina Edmonds runs the post office and general store, she is attracted to Cade, she sees in his eyes a deep pain and sadness. Sabrina knows is the one able to cure him and bring him happiness.
On an impulse Cade and Sabrina start an intimacy with some deep emotions between that they don't know what to do with.
Cade tries pushing Sabrina away but she stays strong and determined.
When danger enters the town, Sabrina stands by his side.

Hell for Leather was a good read. I really do love this series. I can't wait for more.
Profile Image for Bet Lantaff.
182 reviews17 followers
March 17, 2009
Another awesome read from Ms Williamson! This is actually part of the Malloy series but I had no idea until I was fully into the book. Now I'm going to have to get the series to see what I've missed. I normally pass on Western erotica but if the author prefers this genre, I'll have to start reading it. This is the second book by Ms Williamson (the first was the contemporary Under Fire)that I've read and I'll be sure to pick up any other book that I see with her name as the author.
Profile Image for Michele.
208 reviews1 follower
January 22, 2017
Abandoned. I like her stories whether as Beth Williamson or Emma Lang. Her characters are intriguing but the borderline pornographic episodes are distasteful and seem to her focus. I want to read her but prefer less gratuitous sex would make me a fan. Instead I will continue to avoid her. Yuck
Profile Image for Lee.
100 reviews1 follower
February 2, 2017
I'm not entirely sure what I just read. I enjoyed it somewhat, but realized the transitions between scenes and characters are not the best and found that I was lost somewhat in the story and then bam, happily ever after. Hmmm....
Profile Image for Netanella.
4,750 reviews42 followers
November 15, 2009
Sweet story about an ex-gunslinger with self-esteem issues and a spirited widow who owns the only shop in a one-horse town.
Profile Image for J. Leigh Hunter.
65 reviews7 followers
August 5, 2012
The first sex scene is hot and fast and hard; the rest seem amateurish. The writing is also a little amateurish. Hero seemed a little one-dimensional.
Profile Image for Torre.
457 reviews2 followers
August 19, 2014
Best of the series for me. Funny and just a wonderful read,,, Wish there would of been an epilogue.. Ended to abruptly... Love Cade and Sabrina..
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews

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