Rancher Brady Wilkins hitched a ride on the stage, hoping to get home quickly and warn his family that Sancho Ramirez, the man who killed his youngest brother, has been released from prison. Pregnant Jessica Thornton is also on that stage; on the run from her brother-in-law who raped her. Jessica is searching for her brother in New Mexico when the stagecoach skids off the mountain road. Several injured passengers are transported to Brady's ranch while they recuperate. The doctor says Jessica must rest until her baby is born. While Brady and his brothers work to protect the people at the ranch from Ramirez, he gets to know Jessica and doesn't want her to leave after she gives birth.
I've had this book for several years and am just getting around to reading it. After so many historical romances being set in Regency England, I was happy to get back to the wild west. Kaki Warner's debut novel is a wonderful character driven historical romance. Both Jessica and Brady are burdened by guilt from their pasts. Thankfully the learn to trust each other and share those burdens. I loved both of these characters and their slow-burn romance. I also enjoyed the supporting characters including Brady's two brothers. The only part I didn't enjoy was near the end when Brady breaks their relationship "for her own good". Ugh. Not a good move.
Even with the bad turn near the end of the book, I still loved it and plan to continue the series. My rating: 4.5 Stars.
This was a new author for me & can't wait to read more of her books. I loved this book, the story flows very well, and the people are multi-dimensional & fun. I enjoyed the fact that Jessica & Brady fell in love over the course of the book; I was hooked as I followed their love story unfolding. Unlike most stories that within the first few chapters they have sex and are in love without knowing why.