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According To Hoyle
By the close of 1882, the inhabitants of the American West had earned their reputation as untamed and dangerous. The line between heroes and villains is narrow and indistinct. The concept that a man may only kill if backed into a corner is antiquated. Lives are worth less than horses. Treasures are worth killing for. And the law is written in the blood of those who came before. The only men staving off total chaos are the few who take the letter of the law at its word and risk their lives to uphold it. But in the West, the rules aren't always played according to Hoyle. US Marshals Eli Flynn and William Henry Washington are escorting two prisoners to New Orleans for trial when they discover there’s more to the infamous shootist Dusty Rose and the enigmatic man known only as Cage than merely being outlaws. When forces beyond the marshals’ control converge on the paddlewheeler they have hired to take them downriver, they must choose between two playing by the rules at any cost or trusting the very men they are meant to bring to justice.
260 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 21, 2011
23 people are currently reading
898 people want to read
About the author
Abigail Roux
37 books4,972 followersAbigail Roux was born and raised in North Carolina. A past volleyball star who specializes in sarcasm and painful historical accuracy, she currently spends her time coaching high school volleyball and investigating the mysteries of single motherhood. Any spare time is spent living and dying with every Atlanta Braves and Carolina Panthers game of the year. Abigail has a daughter, Little Roux, who is the light of her life, a boxer, four rescued cats who play an ongoing live-action variation of 'Call of Duty' throughout the house, a certifiable extended family down the road, and a cast of thousands in her head.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews
May 11, 2011
SMashing historical adventure from Abigail Roux... Phenomenal characterizations and slam-bang action. Thoughtful and deftly engineered, the book features two nineteenth century couples finding their way towards a wry HEA that is as perfect as it is funny. The richness and complexity of the plotting works as a kind of extended magic trick, seducing the reader into a balls-out showdown that kept me reading far into the wee hours. I can't think of any real criticisms! A few minor anachronisms to quibble over to which only the most curmudgeonly soul could take exception. With calm mastery and grasp of the challenge, Roux has crafted a tight, compelling western more than worthy of the title.
Amazing M/M movel that should be considered a must read. THIS is what a romance novel should be, and makes annoying half-written piffle look embarassing by comparison.
CANNOT wait for the sequel.
Amazing M/M movel that should be considered a must read. THIS is what a romance novel should be, and makes annoying half-written piffle look embarassing by comparison.
CANNOT wait for the sequel.
February 5, 2019
"According to Hoyle" is a very well-written romantic western that also delivers on thrills and suspense. The characters are three-dimensional, engaging, and filled with nuance, the writing is superb, and the pacing is smooth and swift. Abigail Roux has done a wonderful job with placing this story in the 1800's Wild West, bringing the lifestyle, customs, and people alive.
Read
February 13, 2017Impossible for me to follow in audiobook format. DNF.
June 23, 2015
I am both sorry and glad for waiting this long to read this story. I hope there will be a sequel. The four protagonists got under my skin.
Two US Marshals Eli Flynn and William Henry Washington get a prisoner escort assignment of their lives and they don't even know it. It is wonderful and frustrating to read about Flynn trying not to show more than he thinks would be wanted or accepted. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for him, he has very perceptive company.
I loved this story. It is not only a historical romance. Not that I'd mind a historical romance. It's just that According to Hoyle is more about the characters' personalities and the way they are dealing with their issues than anything else. For example,
And a dog. It is an adventure with a hint of romance. The readers who expect lots of sex will be disappointed.
The bickering between Flynn and Dusty Rose can be frustrating at times, but the moment they realize they must work together they are unstoppable. I love how Cage, who doesn't speak, gets a strong voice too. It would have been great if Wash had been more pronounced.
Two US Marshals Eli Flynn and William Henry Washington get a prisoner escort assignment of their lives and they don't even know it. It is wonderful and frustrating to read about Flynn trying not to show more than he thinks would be wanted or accepted. Unfortunately (or fortunately) for him, he has very perceptive company.
I loved this story. It is not only a historical romance. Not that I'd mind a historical romance. It's just that According to Hoyle is more about the characters' personalities and the way they are dealing with their issues than anything else. For example,
'Flynn had always been a stickler for the rules and regulations, even back in the Union army. He played life according to Hoyle, and that was how he liked it. Wash, on the other hand, was a firm believer in seeing both sides of a story and finding the truth behind them.'This assignment will show Flynn that the world cannot be black and white only.
'Flynn had never been concerned with those shadows, not until he’d met Rose and Cage. Damn it.'According to Hoyle is a western historical adventure about outlaws, their reputations, corruption and lost relics featuring not only two, but four great protagonists.
And a dog. It is an adventure with a hint of romance. The readers who expect lots of sex will be disappointed.
The bickering between Flynn and Dusty Rose can be frustrating at times, but the moment they realize they must work together they are unstoppable. I love how Cage, who doesn't speak, gets a strong voice too. It would have been great if Wash had been more pronounced.
March 24, 2011
3.5 stars, but I'm rounding down because I wouldn't read this one again or pursue sequels.
If there’s one word to describe this novel, it’s complex. It starts with the basic plot, the tale of two US marshals responsible for transporting three criminals for their judgments. Flynn and Wash are a little bit older, a little more world-weary, each fascinating in his own right. Their prisoners are a trio of diversity – the mute Cage, the thug Hudson, and the dandy gunslinger Dusty Rose. Men are out to kill Rose, ever since he refused to get involved in a heist of a mysterious artifact, but Flynn is determined to deliver him, regardless of how unsure Wash is. In the midst of all this is the man who actually took on the artifact job, the evil Stringer. The story winds along from fascinating development to fascinating development, spurred by characters that rise above Western archetypes to become fully fleshed, entertaining people.
And yet, I can with all honesty admit I won’t be picking up the second book. I’m also less likely to purchase future work by this author, even though I’ve enjoyed her work in the past.
It bugs me to admit that. This book has a ton of great stuff going for it. The setting is richly explored, as vivid and realistic as the men who inhabit it. The men themselves aren’t flat caricatures or easy to predict. They’re full of surprises, as the best characters can be. The plot itself is intriguing enough to keep pulling me along, and if the artifact never really got explored well, I was okay with that, because it was about the journey to get there, not the actual goal. So in light of all that, why isn’t this a keeper?
It all comes down to authorial voice. The prose chokes on its own verbosity, with redundant adverbs and dialogue tags dragging down any sense of pace and destroying my enjoyment.
It’s a symptom I got mired in with this author’s collaborative work, too. They have a very popular series that I could barely get through the first book of because of its overuse of dialogue tags and adverbs. That same symptom is on display in this, though admittedly, the dialogue tag abuse isn’t quite as severe (it wasn’t uncommon in the collaborative work to find three, four, even five tags within a single paragraph of spoken dialogue, all from the same person, sometimes even repeating a tag). Still, it’s very much in evidence:
“What? Why?” Rose questioned incredulously. “Who gives a Boston dollar if they get the gold? Let them have it!”
“No,” Flynn gritted out. “If we do that, then you’ll go and save your man and absquatulate while the rest—”
“Ab—what now?” Rose interrupted in confusion.
“Run off! Disappear!” Flynn hissed in utter frustration.
“Well, if you mean run off then say run off!” Rose whispered in the same frustrated tone.
“You’ll save your man and run off, then!” Flynn shot back as he covered his head with his hands in aggravation.
“Are you more concerned about me escaping or about retrieving those men?” Rose questioned angrily.
The majority of the dialogue is characterized with these sorts of tags, and often with some sort of addition to it, either an adverb, a prepositional phrase, or a dependent clause. It ends up creating a repetitive and redundant reading experience, slowing down pacing when I needed it to be more urgent or throwing me out of the story by reminding me that I’m reading in the first place.
The adverb abuse is just as bad. They litter the dialogue tags as well as the rest of the prose. Finding sentences like this, Cage blinked rapidly at him and Gabriel smiled crookedly., is not uncommon. Their prevalence just reminds me that I’m being told a story, not shown it, and I crave getting details that will put me in the action rather distance me even further.
Do I think this is a deal breaker for other readers? Absolutely not. The fact that the plot and characters are so interesting will be more than enough for a lot of people to not even notice things like this. It wouldn’t even be a deal breaker for me if it happened a couple of times within the text. My problem arises from its frequency. I tripped over redundancies and weak verbs (the single most common reason for the adverbs) on nearly every page, so while I can certainly give the story its appropriate kudos for the characters and basic ideas, I can’t rate it any higher than I have because of the technical issues.
If there’s one word to describe this novel, it’s complex. It starts with the basic plot, the tale of two US marshals responsible for transporting three criminals for their judgments. Flynn and Wash are a little bit older, a little more world-weary, each fascinating in his own right. Their prisoners are a trio of diversity – the mute Cage, the thug Hudson, and the dandy gunslinger Dusty Rose. Men are out to kill Rose, ever since he refused to get involved in a heist of a mysterious artifact, but Flynn is determined to deliver him, regardless of how unsure Wash is. In the midst of all this is the man who actually took on the artifact job, the evil Stringer. The story winds along from fascinating development to fascinating development, spurred by characters that rise above Western archetypes to become fully fleshed, entertaining people.
And yet, I can with all honesty admit I won’t be picking up the second book. I’m also less likely to purchase future work by this author, even though I’ve enjoyed her work in the past.
It bugs me to admit that. This book has a ton of great stuff going for it. The setting is richly explored, as vivid and realistic as the men who inhabit it. The men themselves aren’t flat caricatures or easy to predict. They’re full of surprises, as the best characters can be. The plot itself is intriguing enough to keep pulling me along, and if the artifact never really got explored well, I was okay with that, because it was about the journey to get there, not the actual goal. So in light of all that, why isn’t this a keeper?
It all comes down to authorial voice. The prose chokes on its own verbosity, with redundant adverbs and dialogue tags dragging down any sense of pace and destroying my enjoyment.
It’s a symptom I got mired in with this author’s collaborative work, too. They have a very popular series that I could barely get through the first book of because of its overuse of dialogue tags and adverbs. That same symptom is on display in this, though admittedly, the dialogue tag abuse isn’t quite as severe (it wasn’t uncommon in the collaborative work to find three, four, even five tags within a single paragraph of spoken dialogue, all from the same person, sometimes even repeating a tag). Still, it’s very much in evidence:
“What? Why?” Rose questioned incredulously. “Who gives a Boston dollar if they get the gold? Let them have it!”
“No,” Flynn gritted out. “If we do that, then you’ll go and save your man and absquatulate while the rest—”
“Ab—what now?” Rose interrupted in confusion.
“Run off! Disappear!” Flynn hissed in utter frustration.
“Well, if you mean run off then say run off!” Rose whispered in the same frustrated tone.
“You’ll save your man and run off, then!” Flynn shot back as he covered his head with his hands in aggravation.
“Are you more concerned about me escaping or about retrieving those men?” Rose questioned angrily.
The majority of the dialogue is characterized with these sorts of tags, and often with some sort of addition to it, either an adverb, a prepositional phrase, or a dependent clause. It ends up creating a repetitive and redundant reading experience, slowing down pacing when I needed it to be more urgent or throwing me out of the story by reminding me that I’m reading in the first place.
The adverb abuse is just as bad. They litter the dialogue tags as well as the rest of the prose. Finding sentences like this, Cage blinked rapidly at him and Gabriel smiled crookedly., is not uncommon. Their prevalence just reminds me that I’m being told a story, not shown it, and I crave getting details that will put me in the action rather distance me even further.
Do I think this is a deal breaker for other readers? Absolutely not. The fact that the plot and characters are so interesting will be more than enough for a lot of people to not even notice things like this. It wouldn’t even be a deal breaker for me if it happened a couple of times within the text. My problem arises from its frequency. I tripped over redundancies and weak verbs (the single most common reason for the adverbs) on nearly every page, so while I can certainly give the story its appropriate kudos for the characters and basic ideas, I can’t rate it any higher than I have because of the technical issues.
January 23, 2011
I really loved this book. The interaction between the marshals and the prisoners is priceless. While it did not have an overabundance of smexing, I really enjoyed the slow build up and realization of attraction between the various characters. I would love to read another book with these four in it (sequel, Abigail??). Also, what the hell was in the box?!?!
January 26, 2015
Full Review on Prism Book Alliance
This was a slow starter for me in all aspects, with a lot of set up, multiple locations and several different sets of characters in each. This isn’t all that unusual in some stories and I’m always willing to go along for the ride, to see what happens and why they’re all important. It held my interest thanks to the excellent physical descriptions of both place and people. It was very easy for me to see everything in my imagination. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of the dock on a sunny day, swinging my legs back and forth, waiting for something to happen.
About a quarter of the way through and not much had or was happening. I most wonderful story was developing though between two of what could be called supporting characters, Gabriel and Cage. Gabriel the Englishman with his adventurous past, great sense of self-preservation and ability to read any person or situation, and Cage, the Army scout with a great deal of intelligence and history, both ignored because of his being mute. These two greatly interested me despite them having inhabited maybe a dozen pages up to this point.
I hadn’t yet bought into Flynn, Wash and John. Well, maybe John a little. These are the main characters arguably.
So back to Gabriel and Cage, the two most interesting people in this story. Why is that? They’re the two treated to true character development. They get a slow and steady climb of discovery between them, as well as by me about them.
As for the main characters, the few things revealed about them were continually repeated, leaving their storylines and supposedly changing relationships to remain rather flat. In the moments and scenes with an opportunity to achieve progress in building these characters, they’re left alone, not taken advantage of, and instead we get the repetition about their history, thoughts and goals. That’s half of this book.
On to the second half…
Unfortunately, not much has changed. It’s not even the plot that keeps things from getting exciting, though not much happens in that arena until close to the end. It’s that lack of progress in the interactions between these people. Flynn tells Rose to shut up. Rose teases and calls Flynn on his BS – this is one of the bright spots, but it too is repeated without much variation. Wash is all heart and strength but never really given meaningful opportunities to show them beyond asking pointed questions or showing kindness in removing hardware. The brightest part of all is that of Cage, as well as the connection he and Rose find impossible to ignore.
My curiosity was never fully engaged. I wasn’t provided enough of a foothold to deeply invest in the characters except in fleeting moments, that potential left underutilized.
Bucking this trend are the few action scenes. They’re well-choreographed and exciting, but once they were over, not much had been learned or changed as a result. The repetition and flat landscape returned.
It’s not that this is a badly written book, it’s not. The prose flows with an easy cadence, nothing sloppy or unnatural. But the personality and style of it are so evenhanded, there’s no chance for changes in rhythm or pace, except for those couple of scenes. There’s a difference between palpable restraint as displayed by the characters and the untapped energy of a story itself feeling restrained.
I love historicals, love this time period, love westerns, and love a diverse cast of characters, which this is in some ways. In this case, all of these ingredients didn’t result in much of a reading experience for me.
This was a slow starter for me in all aspects, with a lot of set up, multiple locations and several different sets of characters in each. This isn’t all that unusual in some stories and I’m always willing to go along for the ride, to see what happens and why they’re all important. It held my interest thanks to the excellent physical descriptions of both place and people. It was very easy for me to see everything in my imagination. I felt like I was sitting on the edge of the dock on a sunny day, swinging my legs back and forth, waiting for something to happen.
About a quarter of the way through and not much had or was happening. I most wonderful story was developing though between two of what could be called supporting characters, Gabriel and Cage. Gabriel the Englishman with his adventurous past, great sense of self-preservation and ability to read any person or situation, and Cage, the Army scout with a great deal of intelligence and history, both ignored because of his being mute. These two greatly interested me despite them having inhabited maybe a dozen pages up to this point.
I hadn’t yet bought into Flynn, Wash and John. Well, maybe John a little. These are the main characters arguably.
So back to Gabriel and Cage, the two most interesting people in this story. Why is that? They’re the two treated to true character development. They get a slow and steady climb of discovery between them, as well as by me about them.
As for the main characters, the few things revealed about them were continually repeated, leaving their storylines and supposedly changing relationships to remain rather flat. In the moments and scenes with an opportunity to achieve progress in building these characters, they’re left alone, not taken advantage of, and instead we get the repetition about their history, thoughts and goals. That’s half of this book.
On to the second half…
Unfortunately, not much has changed. It’s not even the plot that keeps things from getting exciting, though not much happens in that arena until close to the end. It’s that lack of progress in the interactions between these people. Flynn tells Rose to shut up. Rose teases and calls Flynn on his BS – this is one of the bright spots, but it too is repeated without much variation. Wash is all heart and strength but never really given meaningful opportunities to show them beyond asking pointed questions or showing kindness in removing hardware. The brightest part of all is that of Cage, as well as the connection he and Rose find impossible to ignore.
My curiosity was never fully engaged. I wasn’t provided enough of a foothold to deeply invest in the characters except in fleeting moments, that potential left underutilized.
Bucking this trend are the few action scenes. They’re well-choreographed and exciting, but once they were over, not much had been learned or changed as a result. The repetition and flat landscape returned.
It’s not that this is a badly written book, it’s not. The prose flows with an easy cadence, nothing sloppy or unnatural. But the personality and style of it are so evenhanded, there’s no chance for changes in rhythm or pace, except for those couple of scenes. There’s a difference between palpable restraint as displayed by the characters and the untapped energy of a story itself feeling restrained.
I love historicals, love this time period, love westerns, and love a diverse cast of characters, which this is in some ways. In this case, all of these ingredients didn’t result in much of a reading experience for me.
September 3, 2023
Die Hard, but with US Marshall's, hauling dudes to court on a steamboat. That these military dudes are robbing. But not during Christmas. So Die Hard 2. Did I mention there is a lot of shooting, prison escapes, and....that's enough. You got to read it for yourself
June 28, 2018
3.5 Stars
I really should have perused the reviews for this before I started listening to the audiobook...because my friend Eugenia pretty much nailed my own thoughts on the book. The narration was just so...meh...that it took me forever to finish it. I think I'll put this one on the "re-read maybe" shelf and someday, possibly, read (rather than listen) to see if my opinion on the tale improves. (If nothing else, I could use it for the Re-Read Challenge if I do.)
I really should have perused the reviews for this before I started listening to the audiobook...because my friend Eugenia pretty much nailed my own thoughts on the book. The narration was just so...meh...that it took me forever to finish it. I think I'll put this one on the "re-read maybe" shelf and someday, possibly, read (rather than listen) to see if my opinion on the tale improves. (If nothing else, I could use it for the Re-Read Challenge if I do.)
January 14, 2015
Very different from what I usually read from Roux, According To Hoyle is very much about the story and not so much about the romantic relationship(s). A great romp through the west is what I found. The times were tough and the situations sticky. As always Roux injects her humor and character charisma.I liked the story and the flow very much. I just wish it DID have more romance.
September 26, 2016
great story - and oh my gosh, how adorable these two couples!
May 1, 2019
An incredibly entertaining Western romp populated by outlaws, marshals, mysterious Indian artefacts and violent showdowns, Abigail Roux's According to Hoyle was a totally enjoyable read.
A couple of US marshals, Eli Flynn and William "Wash" Washington, are in charge with escorting famous gunslinger Gabriel "Dusty" Rose and the mysterious soldier only known as Cage, to their trial. Their apparently straightforward task will be complicated along the way by the consequences of their prisoners' shady past and by some strange government business.
On this typically-Western backbone and with the enthusiasm of an old-fashioned Western classic by John Ford or John Houston, Roux constructs a story that is paced relentlessly and keeps the reader glued to the page.
The action scenes are well constructed and very nicely choreographed, with the labyrinthine paddle steamer sailing the Mississippi River providing an unusual and exciting location.
The characters are really delightful. All four men are well portrayed and nicely rounded. Flynn is a stickler for rules - he is the one obsessed with doing things 'according to Hoyle' - and his severity provides the perfect counterpoint for Wash's more lenient and tolerant attitude.
The two outlaws are equally well constructed: Rose is a true dime novel hero. Dashing and quick-witted, he sticks out amongst frontiermen and rough characters thanks to his mysterious British upbringing and culture. Cage is also very fascinating. Apparently mild and defenceless, mute and shy, he grows as a character throughout the story.
The bad guys, especially Stringer, are equally rewarding.
The constant banter between Flynn and Rose and the counterpoint provided to it by Wash and Cage's alliance is really lovely and full of humorous touches.
The ending is satisfying but certainly very open and with a distinct sense of 'more to come'. As of 2016 (as one can see in the author's GR page), Abigail Roux was planning to write two more novels about these four characters. I hope she hasn't shelved that plan just yet and that we'll get to read more about Flynn, Wash, Rose and Cage!
Truly recommended.
A couple of US marshals, Eli Flynn and William "Wash" Washington, are in charge with escorting famous gunslinger Gabriel "Dusty" Rose and the mysterious soldier only known as Cage, to their trial. Their apparently straightforward task will be complicated along the way by the consequences of their prisoners' shady past and by some strange government business.
On this typically-Western backbone and with the enthusiasm of an old-fashioned Western classic by John Ford or John Houston, Roux constructs a story that is paced relentlessly and keeps the reader glued to the page.
The action scenes are well constructed and very nicely choreographed, with the labyrinthine paddle steamer sailing the Mississippi River providing an unusual and exciting location.
The characters are really delightful. All four men are well portrayed and nicely rounded. Flynn is a stickler for rules - he is the one obsessed with doing things 'according to Hoyle' - and his severity provides the perfect counterpoint for Wash's more lenient and tolerant attitude.
The two outlaws are equally well constructed: Rose is a true dime novel hero. Dashing and quick-witted, he sticks out amongst frontiermen and rough characters thanks to his mysterious British upbringing and culture. Cage is also very fascinating. Apparently mild and defenceless, mute and shy, he grows as a character throughout the story.
The bad guys, especially Stringer, are equally rewarding.
The constant banter between Flynn and Rose and the counterpoint provided to it by Wash and Cage's alliance is really lovely and full of humorous touches.
The ending is satisfying but certainly very open and with a distinct sense of 'more to come'. As of 2016 (as one can see in the author's GR page), Abigail Roux was planning to write two more novels about these four characters. I hope she hasn't shelved that plan just yet and that we'll get to read more about Flynn, Wash, Rose and Cage!
Truly recommended.
October 30, 2016
This was an amazing story and the narrator was perfect for a Western. ;)
***
"According to Hoyle" - in accord with the highest authority; in accord with a strict set of rules.
I admit I had to look up this phrase. I'd never heard it before and I appreciated how Roux incorporated it into this story. It was brilliant, really. Especially when you think about whether or not life is black and white or shades of gray.
According to Hoyle is historical - a western really - set in the west following the Civil War. Our four main characters are 2 Marshals and the 2 prisoners their charged with getting to trial. Along the way, Wash and Flynn have to decide whether living "According to Hoyle" makes sense or whether, in fact, there are some things in life that don't necessarily fit within the strict confines of law or societal norms.
Highlights
~ Western setting - we see Denver, Lincoln, Junction City, St. Louis, all as the marshals transport their prisoners to trial in Louisiana. Roux captured the west, its dust, its cool plains nights, beautifully.
~ Well-developed characters that evolve as the story moves along. In each one of them we see they are more than meets the eye and the circumstances they find themselves in cause them to question some things as well as proves each one to be selfless with those they care about. Not only is the law questioned - whether there are shade of gray and if all things defined as punishable on a surface level really are when examined closely, but feelings, dare I say love, are questioned, examined, wondered at outside the bounds of what society considers acceptable.
~ The suspense/mystery. In true western fashion, there is a hold up of sorts. There were guns and bandanas and dynamite. It was all very exciting and kept me guessing.
~ The narrator. Mason Lloyd was absolutely perfect! His gruff voice and range was spot on for a western. He kept the voices distinct, the pacing even, and the suspense tight. Truly, I think he enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
I'll definitely be reading (or listening) to more Roux!
***
"According to Hoyle" - in accord with the highest authority; in accord with a strict set of rules.
I admit I had to look up this phrase. I'd never heard it before and I appreciated how Roux incorporated it into this story. It was brilliant, really. Especially when you think about whether or not life is black and white or shades of gray.
According to Hoyle is historical - a western really - set in the west following the Civil War. Our four main characters are 2 Marshals and the 2 prisoners their charged with getting to trial. Along the way, Wash and Flynn have to decide whether living "According to Hoyle" makes sense or whether, in fact, there are some things in life that don't necessarily fit within the strict confines of law or societal norms.
Highlights
~ Western setting - we see Denver, Lincoln, Junction City, St. Louis, all as the marshals transport their prisoners to trial in Louisiana. Roux captured the west, its dust, its cool plains nights, beautifully.
~ Well-developed characters that evolve as the story moves along. In each one of them we see they are more than meets the eye and the circumstances they find themselves in cause them to question some things as well as proves each one to be selfless with those they care about. Not only is the law questioned - whether there are shade of gray and if all things defined as punishable on a surface level really are when examined closely, but feelings, dare I say love, are questioned, examined, wondered at outside the bounds of what society considers acceptable.
~ The suspense/mystery. In true western fashion, there is a hold up of sorts. There were guns and bandanas and dynamite. It was all very exciting and kept me guessing.
~ The narrator. Mason Lloyd was absolutely perfect! His gruff voice and range was spot on for a western. He kept the voices distinct, the pacing even, and the suspense tight. Truly, I think he enhanced my enjoyment of the story.
I'll definitely be reading (or listening) to more Roux!
March 11, 2012
This was different and great. I grew up watching Western movies because my father is a fanatic and even if my favorite movies in the genre are Sergio Leone's movies, which were different than those of American directors, the imagery of the Wild West has a very definite taste that this book was able to convey. I must confess that there are a few moments when I had a feeling there was less historical accuracy, or simply it sounded just a tad too modern, but I'm not an expert, and anyway I was impressed by this story, by the setting.
The point of views are those of Marshall Flynn and one of the outlaws he has to deliver, the mute Cage. The other two protagonists are Marshall Washington and Gabriel "Dusty" Rose, a man whose reputation precedes him. Flynn is in love with Wash, but he doesn't know if he can share his feelings with his friend, or if he is able to. Gabriel flaunts his preference for man and we see that he is attracted to the quiet Cage and day after day they get closer. While Wash is very tolerant of this blooming romance, Flynn is less romantic and more concerned with delivering his prisoners, but he can't help being affected by what he sees, because it's what he desires.
Each of the four men is more than what they show to the world. Flynn harbors his secret love; Wash is a man of the law, but he is also compassionate and a romantic at heart; Cage hides his past; Gabriel is a puzzle, from his cultivated accent to his cold killer instinct, but also ready to give his heart away. As the story goes on, the confines between the marshals and the outlaws blurs and slowly melts away in the face of a common enemy and danger, even if they remain what they are, because there is no enlightenment or corruption. There is though the sharing of curiosity and the sense of adventure, that contains - hopefully - the seed for a sequel.
Even if there is more action than romance, the feelings of the protagonists are always important and they lead their actions and color their motives, so I didn't feel the romance was lacking and I also think the infrequent sex was perfectly substituted by the sizzling anticipation. I hope - beg - for a sequel.
The point of views are those of Marshall Flynn and one of the outlaws he has to deliver, the mute Cage. The other two protagonists are Marshall Washington and Gabriel "Dusty" Rose, a man whose reputation precedes him. Flynn is in love with Wash, but he doesn't know if he can share his feelings with his friend, or if he is able to. Gabriel flaunts his preference for man and we see that he is attracted to the quiet Cage and day after day they get closer. While Wash is very tolerant of this blooming romance, Flynn is less romantic and more concerned with delivering his prisoners, but he can't help being affected by what he sees, because it's what he desires.
Each of the four men is more than what they show to the world. Flynn harbors his secret love; Wash is a man of the law, but he is also compassionate and a romantic at heart; Cage hides his past; Gabriel is a puzzle, from his cultivated accent to his cold killer instinct, but also ready to give his heart away. As the story goes on, the confines between the marshals and the outlaws blurs and slowly melts away in the face of a common enemy and danger, even if they remain what they are, because there is no enlightenment or corruption. There is though the sharing of curiosity and the sense of adventure, that contains - hopefully - the seed for a sequel.
Even if there is more action than romance, the feelings of the protagonists are always important and they lead their actions and color their motives, so I didn't feel the romance was lacking and I also think the infrequent sex was perfectly substituted by the sizzling anticipation. I hope - beg - for a sequel.
May 6, 2012
I really enjoyed this even though I'm not a huge Western fan. I did have a hard time the first 25% keeping people and plot straight and some of the plot points don't really go anywhere which surprised me. I'm used to a much tighter book from this author. I'll temper that by saying perhaps there is a sequel which I would eagerly read.
I enjoyed the way Flynn and Wash interacted - and I appreciated Flynn not breaking character. He maintained his own internal consistency (which we get a look in on). Wash shone as the tough guy with a romantic heart.
Gabriel was o.k. for me - his humor and wit are what make him special. Cage though he is my favorite. What a solid core - unwilling to compromise but not arrogant with it. I'd of loved more backstory of his previous life as it would really have made him come alive but I'm happy with what we got. Honor and redemption anchor this one strongly. The plot was awesome and it was the focus - I had no issue with the sexual tension that was built throughout the book. I cannot believe I'm saying this but I'd of been fine without any sex at all in this one. GASP. I know. Can you believe that? I rounded up to give 5 stars. It was just that good even with a few smaller issues!
I enjoyed the way Flynn and Wash interacted - and I appreciated Flynn not breaking character. He maintained his own internal consistency (which we get a look in on). Wash shone as the tough guy with a romantic heart.
Gabriel was o.k. for me - his humor and wit are what make him special. Cage though he is my favorite. What a solid core - unwilling to compromise but not arrogant with it. I'd of loved more backstory of his previous life as it would really have made him come alive but I'm happy with what we got. Honor and redemption anchor this one strongly. The plot was awesome and it was the focus - I had no issue with the sexual tension that was built throughout the book. I cannot believe I'm saying this but I'd of been fine without any sex at all in this one. GASP. I know. Can you believe that? I rounded up to give 5 stars. It was just that good even with a few smaller issues!
February 16, 2011
A nice break from stories full of sometimes excessive sex or scenes that try to be shocking. Not that there's anything wrong with that, but sometimes you want something different. Just an entertaining, well written story with fun banter, tension, some action and wonderful characters all around, I even liked the dog.
August 5, 2011
This was such a well written book with great pace, character development and plot. I enjoyed the adventures and revelations throughout the book and was very sad to see it end. I'm absolutely ready for the next adventure. The relationships that were forged between these four men were great to see grow in either friendship or love. Such a great read!
August 25, 2015
...still trying to turn pages...It can't be over!!!!
Yep, it was that kind of book for me. I want a sequel, yesterday. I settled into this story with its stunning characters, twisty plot, authentic western backdrop, and overall splendiferous storytelling. Secret agents, gunfighters, adventure on the plains and down the river, good-guy marshals, mysterious artifact, and people who may or may not be more than they seem in this hard, gritty, tale that made me a happy western romance fan.
So what is all the fuss about? Well...
The story opens with US Marshal Eli Flynn and his fellow marshal, William Henry 'Wash' Washington sent to pick up prisoners and transport them for their appointment with court and probably the noose. Flynn sees the world in black and white and Wash tends to be more open to other possibilities. Flynn's views are tested almost from the moment he encounters the infamous and yet mysterious Dusty Rose, gentleman gunfighter and another prisoner. The prisoners make him uneasy because of their open attraction to each other, but also as the facts stop adding up about the pair. He will do his job regardless of how interesting he finds the prisoners, but they make him think hard about his own secret attraction for his riding buddy, Wash.
While Wash and Flynn along with their prisoners head toward New Orleans others seek out a powerful artifact and will do whatever it takes to possess it. And of course everyone's paths intersect. When the dust clears, who will still be standing? And who will find themselves in possession of what he treasures most?
I gushed quite a bit in the opening paragraph, but that is because I got that quality of story this author is so good at in her earlier books particularly her contemporary romantic suspenses. The light humor, witty dialogue, tough situations, and startling twists along with the engaging slow developing romances (I say plural there b/c you get a twofer in this one)were perfect. The icing on the cake were the historic western settings.
There are four main protagonists and two antagonists with the possibility of a third. The characters are written in such a way that the reader thinks they know these guys and that would be true, but there are layers. Gah, the layers are the best part. Flynn shares narration with Cage and the two villains who get short scenes until near the end. Flynn is a cranky sort because he is struggling to accept his inclinations about men and trying to hide his attraction to his best friend, Wash, even while he is needled by the knowing Dusty Rose who sees the truth. Wash seems a good sort who is competent, but also gentle. Rose is a little something of everything and he couldn't be nailed down which was quite fun. Now, Cage is a mute so I was really glad to get his narrative so I could know what he was thinking even though he couldn't speak. He is patient, avoids conflict, and is used to being abused for his disability. He is surprised that Rose and then both marshals tended to treat him like a regular person.
I would love to see a sequel and there was just enough left open to give me reason to hope. The story left things in a good place for all the heroes.
All in all, I was thoroughly satisfied even as I could have kept reading and reading. I would definitely recommend this one and particularly to those who enjoy m/m westerns blended with romance and suspense.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Yep, it was that kind of book for me. I want a sequel, yesterday. I settled into this story with its stunning characters, twisty plot, authentic western backdrop, and overall splendiferous storytelling. Secret agents, gunfighters, adventure on the plains and down the river, good-guy marshals, mysterious artifact, and people who may or may not be more than they seem in this hard, gritty, tale that made me a happy western romance fan.
So what is all the fuss about? Well...
The story opens with US Marshal Eli Flynn and his fellow marshal, William Henry 'Wash' Washington sent to pick up prisoners and transport them for their appointment with court and probably the noose. Flynn sees the world in black and white and Wash tends to be more open to other possibilities. Flynn's views are tested almost from the moment he encounters the infamous and yet mysterious Dusty Rose, gentleman gunfighter and another prisoner. The prisoners make him uneasy because of their open attraction to each other, but also as the facts stop adding up about the pair. He will do his job regardless of how interesting he finds the prisoners, but they make him think hard about his own secret attraction for his riding buddy, Wash.
While Wash and Flynn along with their prisoners head toward New Orleans others seek out a powerful artifact and will do whatever it takes to possess it. And of course everyone's paths intersect. When the dust clears, who will still be standing? And who will find themselves in possession of what he treasures most?
I gushed quite a bit in the opening paragraph, but that is because I got that quality of story this author is so good at in her earlier books particularly her contemporary romantic suspenses. The light humor, witty dialogue, tough situations, and startling twists along with the engaging slow developing romances (I say plural there b/c you get a twofer in this one)were perfect. The icing on the cake were the historic western settings.
There are four main protagonists and two antagonists with the possibility of a third. The characters are written in such a way that the reader thinks they know these guys and that would be true, but there are layers. Gah, the layers are the best part. Flynn shares narration with Cage and the two villains who get short scenes until near the end. Flynn is a cranky sort because he is struggling to accept his inclinations about men and trying to hide his attraction to his best friend, Wash, even while he is needled by the knowing Dusty Rose who sees the truth. Wash seems a good sort who is competent, but also gentle. Rose is a little something of everything and he couldn't be nailed down which was quite fun. Now, Cage is a mute so I was really glad to get his narrative so I could know what he was thinking even though he couldn't speak. He is patient, avoids conflict, and is used to being abused for his disability. He is surprised that Rose and then both marshals tended to treat him like a regular person.
I would love to see a sequel and there was just enough left open to give me reason to hope. The story left things in a good place for all the heroes.
All in all, I was thoroughly satisfied even as I could have kept reading and reading. I would definitely recommend this one and particularly to those who enjoy m/m westerns blended with romance and suspense.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2014
this was an ok story for me. i loved dusty rose. i actually enjoyed all 4 of the MC's. Flynn was a smart ass but was loyal and true!
just not sure the story was that exciting for me.
just not sure the story was that exciting for me.
February 5, 2020
A delightful reread, I always enjoy going back to Roux's works. I'm still screaming over that damn box and the need for a sequel.
November 7, 2019
The American West in 1882 is a dangerous place, and US Marshals Eli Flynn and William Washington know that better than most. Nevertheless, transporting a couple of prisoners - a mute soldier known only as Cage and the infamous gunslinger and gambler known as Dusty Rose - to New Orleans for trial is just a routine mission... until the paddlewheeler taking them downriver is hijacked by armed gunmen and the only hope to get out alive is for marshals and prisoners to trust each other and work together in the face of overwhelming odds.
Westerns aren't really a genre I care for at all, so I didn't expect to love this anywhere near as much as I did - but it was just utterly delightful. Wildly entertaining, with plenty of suspense and action, great, well-developed characters, and two lovely romances to boot. Now if only there was a sequel... I need more Gabriel Rose in my life, he's all kinds of awesome and I adore him so very much.
Westerns aren't really a genre I care for at all, so I didn't expect to love this anywhere near as much as I did - but it was just utterly delightful. Wildly entertaining, with plenty of suspense and action, great, well-developed characters, and two lovely romances to boot. Now if only there was a sequel... I need more Gabriel Rose in my life, he's all kinds of awesome and I adore him so very much.
August 2, 2018
Luved it! The audio was awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Yes, this is a historical, but it didn't feel that way, exactly. It felt so real and current, I didn't want to stop listening. I would love another book in this world. Some of the actions were farfetched but not so much that it ruined my enjoyment. I highly recommend and give this 4.25 stars.
September 7, 2016
A Western suspense story that takes the reader into the world of lawmen, outlaws, secret government agents, mysterious treasure, raw and wild towns, riverboat showdown, and a trail of growing friendship and romance for four hard-bitten men.
This is not my first encounter with this book, but it is my first time getting the audio version. Mason Lloyd was a new to me narrator. He did a remarkable job with four main characters and a handful of minor characters, three perspectives. I thought he matched well for this style of story. He transitioned between thoughtful and descriptive times and equally well when big action scenes were taking place.
The story opens with a prologue of a meeting in Denver. Gabriel 'Dusty' Rose and Bat Stringer, gunmen are summoned by government agent, Baird. Baird wants them to steal a native artifact from the army for him. Rose is suspicious and wants no part. Stringer takes the job. Baird can't have loose ends so tells Stringer to take Rose. Rose gets away.
Not long after that, US Marshall's Flynn and Wash are sent for a prisoner pick-up. Flynn is none to pleased about the whole thing with Wash's arm still hurt from his last assignment and one of the prisoners being the infamous gunman Dusty Rose. Rose is jailed with a pair of army prisoners who are being sent to St. Louis for trial. One of the men is a mute man named Cage. Not far along the trail, Rose and Cage grow friendly especially since Rose is kind to the man who cannot speak and seems to understand him without the words.
Rose's wit rubs Flynn and the others raw and he is uncomfortable with Rose's openness about preferring men. Flynn's own mind is in conflict because of his feelings for his own trail partner. He and Wash went off to war together and then into the Marshalls. He struggles against the feelings that want Wash as more than a friend. He'll be happy to get rid of the prisoners and get back to normal.
Unfortunately, first Wash and then Flynn grow more and more convinced that things aren't as simple as they appear. Rose gives them glimpses into the broader situation and they are forced to figure out what to do with what they know. Before they can make up their mind, the issue blows up in their face and they are all left scrambling for their lives. Trust in each other is crucial and Flynn finally figures out his heart, but may have left things too long. Cage is confronted by his past and Rose must prove that he truly is the best if all of them are to make it out of the situation alive.
This has a great sense of setting and place. The tone is just right. A strong western story that feels like the real deal through and through. All four main characters are painted well and interact well as a group and in their partnerships. The author gave a fifth perspective with Stringer so the reader got many views at the situation since Flynn and Cage were the other narrators.
The suspense was a nice addition that kept me guessing. I had a good idea what was going on until a twist and reveal out of no where made me realize there was more to it. The ending was fantastic and left me breathless and glued to the story. I loved how it ended at a spot that can be seen as a complete story or the jumping board for more to come. Incidentally, if I get my wish, there will be more to come with these characters and an ongoing story.
To wrap it up, fantastic book experience that I would recommend to any m/m Western Romance lovers who don't mind an action-suspense element.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review.
This is not my first encounter with this book, but it is my first time getting the audio version. Mason Lloyd was a new to me narrator. He did a remarkable job with four main characters and a handful of minor characters, three perspectives. I thought he matched well for this style of story. He transitioned between thoughtful and descriptive times and equally well when big action scenes were taking place.
The story opens with a prologue of a meeting in Denver. Gabriel 'Dusty' Rose and Bat Stringer, gunmen are summoned by government agent, Baird. Baird wants them to steal a native artifact from the army for him. Rose is suspicious and wants no part. Stringer takes the job. Baird can't have loose ends so tells Stringer to take Rose. Rose gets away.
Not long after that, US Marshall's Flynn and Wash are sent for a prisoner pick-up. Flynn is none to pleased about the whole thing with Wash's arm still hurt from his last assignment and one of the prisoners being the infamous gunman Dusty Rose. Rose is jailed with a pair of army prisoners who are being sent to St. Louis for trial. One of the men is a mute man named Cage. Not far along the trail, Rose and Cage grow friendly especially since Rose is kind to the man who cannot speak and seems to understand him without the words.
Rose's wit rubs Flynn and the others raw and he is uncomfortable with Rose's openness about preferring men. Flynn's own mind is in conflict because of his feelings for his own trail partner. He and Wash went off to war together and then into the Marshalls. He struggles against the feelings that want Wash as more than a friend. He'll be happy to get rid of the prisoners and get back to normal.
Unfortunately, first Wash and then Flynn grow more and more convinced that things aren't as simple as they appear. Rose gives them glimpses into the broader situation and they are forced to figure out what to do with what they know. Before they can make up their mind, the issue blows up in their face and they are all left scrambling for their lives. Trust in each other is crucial and Flynn finally figures out his heart, but may have left things too long. Cage is confronted by his past and Rose must prove that he truly is the best if all of them are to make it out of the situation alive.
This has a great sense of setting and place. The tone is just right. A strong western story that feels like the real deal through and through. All four main characters are painted well and interact well as a group and in their partnerships. The author gave a fifth perspective with Stringer so the reader got many views at the situation since Flynn and Cage were the other narrators.
The suspense was a nice addition that kept me guessing. I had a good idea what was going on until a twist and reveal out of no where made me realize there was more to it. The ending was fantastic and left me breathless and glued to the story. I loved how it ended at a spot that can be seen as a complete story or the jumping board for more to come. Incidentally, if I get my wish, there will be more to come with these characters and an ongoing story.
To wrap it up, fantastic book experience that I would recommend to any m/m Western Romance lovers who don't mind an action-suspense element.
My thanks to Riptide Publishing for the opportunity to listen to this story in exchange for an honest review.
January 23, 2015
4.5 stars.
This book is in interesting, well-paced, historical m/m romance between two pairs of lovers in 1880's western US. There is a complicated plot, and few romantic interludes until the closing chapters.
It seems, in the West, everybody's got a secret (or six) to hide. Gabriel "Dusty" Rose is a well-known English gunman living out his exile in the western states in company of any of many Native American tribes. He's hunted out for use by the Secret Service for information about a Native artifact he may (or may not) have, but he doesn't wish to cooperate and is subsequently jailed for trial--it seems folks are always attacking Gabriel, hoping to be faster on the draw than the legendary killer. Gabriel and two other inmates Cage and Hobson are picked up for transit by two US Marshals--Eli Flynn and "Wash" Washington.
Flynn and Wash are solid lawmen. They believe in trials and punishment, though Wash is clearly not convinced that the law is always 'right'. These men have been friends for many years, even since the War Between the States, and enjoy each other's company. Flynn has a deeper affection for Wash than he will acknowledge, however Gabriel--a consummate judge of character--clearly notices. Not that Gabriel cares--he prefers men and doesn't hesitate to make this plain.
Interestingly, the BULK of the story is told from the POV of Cage, a mute prisoner who has deep secrets and is likely to be hanged for burning diseased Army blankets, and Flynn, who cannot fathom the open affection he witnesses between Gabriel and Cage.
The transport of the prisoners is delayed by weather, fighting, and difficult terrain. Just when it seems Cage and Gabriel will be separated, losing the one true connection either of them had mustered in some time, there's a switch, and the foursome of Flynn, Wash, Gabriel and Cage end up going downriver on a paddle boat bent for trouble. When it is seized by river thieves, Flynn must depend upon Gabriel, an uncommon killer, to help him save Wash--and all the rest of the passengers. (But, mostly Wash)
They four men build a tight comaraderie over the course of this book--and the resolution is clearly meant to build into a new adventure. Flynn's constant exposure to Gabriel's insightful, if unwelcome, commentary causes Flynn to investigate his feelings about Wash, and leads to the best connection of his life. Cage has terrible secrets, which come to light in captivity, but it's Gabriel's affection that wins out.
The book reads a lot like a Maverick/Indiana Jones plot, lots of foreshadowing, governmental intrigue, and double-crosses, with a dash of romance here and there. I did vey much enjoy the ride, and I'd likely go back for more. I had wished for more steam, and to better understand this Native artifact, but it seems that will be reserved for the next story.
This review reflects the revised, re-released 2014 version of ACCORDING TO HOYLE which I received for review on NetGalley.
This book is in interesting, well-paced, historical m/m romance between two pairs of lovers in 1880's western US. There is a complicated plot, and few romantic interludes until the closing chapters.
It seems, in the West, everybody's got a secret (or six) to hide. Gabriel "Dusty" Rose is a well-known English gunman living out his exile in the western states in company of any of many Native American tribes. He's hunted out for use by the Secret Service for information about a Native artifact he may (or may not) have, but he doesn't wish to cooperate and is subsequently jailed for trial--it seems folks are always attacking Gabriel, hoping to be faster on the draw than the legendary killer. Gabriel and two other inmates Cage and Hobson are picked up for transit by two US Marshals--Eli Flynn and "Wash" Washington.
Flynn and Wash are solid lawmen. They believe in trials and punishment, though Wash is clearly not convinced that the law is always 'right'. These men have been friends for many years, even since the War Between the States, and enjoy each other's company. Flynn has a deeper affection for Wash than he will acknowledge, however Gabriel--a consummate judge of character--clearly notices. Not that Gabriel cares--he prefers men and doesn't hesitate to make this plain.
Interestingly, the BULK of the story is told from the POV of Cage, a mute prisoner who has deep secrets and is likely to be hanged for burning diseased Army blankets, and Flynn, who cannot fathom the open affection he witnesses between Gabriel and Cage.
The transport of the prisoners is delayed by weather, fighting, and difficult terrain. Just when it seems Cage and Gabriel will be separated, losing the one true connection either of them had mustered in some time, there's a switch, and the foursome of Flynn, Wash, Gabriel and Cage end up going downriver on a paddle boat bent for trouble. When it is seized by river thieves, Flynn must depend upon Gabriel, an uncommon killer, to help him save Wash--and all the rest of the passengers. (But, mostly Wash)
They four men build a tight comaraderie over the course of this book--and the resolution is clearly meant to build into a new adventure. Flynn's constant exposure to Gabriel's insightful, if unwelcome, commentary causes Flynn to investigate his feelings about Wash, and leads to the best connection of his life. Cage has terrible secrets, which come to light in captivity, but it's Gabriel's affection that wins out.
The book reads a lot like a Maverick/Indiana Jones plot, lots of foreshadowing, governmental intrigue, and double-crosses, with a dash of romance here and there. I did vey much enjoy the ride, and I'd likely go back for more. I had wished for more steam, and to better understand this Native artifact, but it seems that will be reserved for the next story.
This review reflects the revised, re-released 2014 version of ACCORDING TO HOYLE which I received for review on NetGalley.
May 1, 2017
I don't usually like historical stories, but I keep reading ones that are great. I think I'll just not flinch and instead pick up those my friends have really liked. :)
Finally a book where there's someone wearing a duster and it's appropriate!!!
Flynn is such a vindictive asshole. I know what he does, thinks and says were common for the time, but not all men were that way, and I don't like my main characters to have no compassion at all. He's that way through most of the book. I really don't like him.
I'm bored by the secondary story line with Stringer etc. there is way too much detail. I'm glad we didn't have to be in his POV very often.
That poor dog.
There were quite a few funny moments like:
The relationship between Cage and Rose was sooooo sweet. Cage was easily my favorite character.
Wash didn't feel quite believable but when he said, my heart pitter pattered a little. (I make up words. It's part of my charm...)
Wouldn't Stringer's men be uncomfortable with his being gay? Wouldn't anyone react when men started kissing in front of them? It's not that it's acceptable because Flynn is terrified of coming out.
Wow, writer has not a lot of respect for the women in that era. All they do is panic and faint and think of themselves and be stupid. Women on the frontier weren't like women on the cities. There had to have been at least some frontierswomen on the boat since she later mentions it being full of people from the West. Oh, no respect for any passengers. They all suck. Nice.
A moan and laughter require a larynx, so why is he mute?
Oh yeah, that last fourth of the book was a great thrill ride! Danger and peril and the...low seas?
I want to know ! I wish she'd written a sequel but I know that isn't likely. The mystery is supposed to be part of the fun. Not for me, though. :)
Finally a book where there's someone wearing a duster and it's appropriate!!!
Flynn is such a vindictive asshole. I know what he does, thinks and says were common for the time, but not all men were that way, and I don't like my main characters to have no compassion at all. He's that way through most of the book. I really don't like him.
I'm bored by the secondary story line with Stringer etc. there is way too much detail. I'm glad we didn't have to be in his POV very often.
That poor dog.
There were quite a few funny moments like:
Flynn once more found himself comparing the prisoner to Doc Holliday, who was not only highly educated, but also possessed a streak of common sense; a rare quality amongst college educated folks.The modes of speech/dialect were inconsistent from scene to scene. It was mostly Flynn who sounds normal one scene and then very uneducated the next.
The relationship between Cage and Rose was sooooo sweet. Cage was easily my favorite character.
Wash didn't feel quite believable but when he said, my heart pitter pattered a little. (I make up words. It's part of my charm...)
Wouldn't Stringer's men be uncomfortable with his being gay? Wouldn't anyone react when men started kissing in front of them? It's not that it's acceptable because Flynn is terrified of coming out.
Wow, writer has not a lot of respect for the women in that era. All they do is panic and faint and think of themselves and be stupid. Women on the frontier weren't like women on the cities. There had to have been at least some frontierswomen on the boat since she later mentions it being full of people from the West. Oh, no respect for any passengers. They all suck. Nice.
A moan and laughter require a larynx, so why is he mute?
Oh yeah, that last fourth of the book was a great thrill ride! Danger and peril and the...low seas?
I want to know ! I wish she'd written a sequel but I know that isn't likely. The mystery is supposed to be part of the fun. Not for me, though. :)
July 23, 2011
What a delightful read. I loved According to Hoyle. It has a wonderfully authentic old west feel to it. It's not your contemporary angst ridden faux-gay-cowboy story, which every M/M author takes a stab at, but rather it's a high octane shoot 'm up outlaw vs Marshall blowout that held my interest from the beginning to the end. I certainly hope that this isn't the last we see of these characters.
I think Ms. Roux hit a home run with According to Hoyle and I give it four stars.
December 22, 2011
While I find that frequently romance books give up on plot to just go for sex, sex and more sex, I have to confess that I have the reverse complaint for this one. I liked the plot and characterizations, but there was too little romance and sex in this one. It was a pretty good book, but if you are looking for romance, it falls short. And if you are looking for hot sex, it falls way short.
March 19, 2011
Westerns aren't normally my thing, but this one - everything from the unusual setting on a Mississippi steamer to the characters is just perfect, the tension and the characters building alongside each other. a great entertaining read that would make a fine movie, too
Recommended
Recommended
December 30, 2021
I want to know more! What happened before the book? What happened after the book? In particular, I want to know more about the character that probably would have been my fave if he had more scenes. To fan fiction!
February 28, 2011
Hope we see the Dusty, Cage & the Marshal's again.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 140 reviews