Gambling on the Outlaw by Margaret Madigan

Title: Gambling on the Outlaw, a Nevada Bounty novel

Author: Margaret Madigan

Publisher: Entangled Publishing, Entangled Select Historical

Published: June 23rd, 2015

Rating: 4/5

The great first novel in this new series introduces some strong characters living in the Wild West, where money and power seem to have precedence over law. The feisty, determined females are the real heroes in this story of overcoming corruption and greed, putting family first. A fast paced, enthralling read which is full of complicated dealings, threats, danger and turmoil. I’ll certainly look out for further books in this series and by this author in future and highly recommend this to anyone who likes historical thriller elements to their romantic reading!

Beth Cadwell is a widow. Her card shark, gambling husband was killed over a game of cards. Now she’s living out on their Nevada ranch along with three other feisty women who are local misfits. A neighbouring rancher and cattle baron, Clay Dearborn, is determined to marry her so he can add her land to his own but Beth isn’t convinced he’d be a good husband, especially as he’s determined to tame her and take control of everything in her life, including herself.

There’s been a horrific stagecoach robbery in the area. All the people on board were killed, including Clay’s brother, and the posses are out looking for the murderer who Clay claims is Isaac Collins. Isaac used to work for Clay as a ranch hand, before that he’s been in the Civil War, then a hired gun. He has a short temper but he’s the innocent scapegoat for this crime. Feeling betrayed and that he has nothing left to lose, Isaac attempts to revenge himself by killing Clay. He isn’t successful and ends up being shot and seriously injured. He makes it back to Beth’s ranch, only to pass out. Can the ladies save him? How can he clear his name? Will Clay force Beth to marry him? Where does love fit in to this? You’ll have to read it yourself to find the answers!

Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley too, for letting me read an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book is available from a variety of sources including

amazon.co.uk           amazon.com          barnes and noble