The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

The Sisters Brothers by Patrick deWitt

Oregon City, 1851. The Commodore has ordered that Hermann Kermit Warm must die and if the Commodore has ordered it, it must be so. And the Commodore has the perfect men in mind for the job---brothers Eli and Charlie Sisters, two assassins known to never miss the mark. Though Eli doesn't share Charlie's love of whiskey and killing, he can't conceive of a life without it. However, Warm and his comrade Morris aren't about to make things easy on the Sisters brothers, and the journey from Oregon City to Sacramento leaves Eli questioning not just his way of living, but his association with the Commodore. 

328 pages.

Western Christmas: Yuletide Lawman / Yuletide Reunion by Louise M. Gouge and Renee Ryan

SUMMARY: Both these novellas have women bouncing back after being jilted and falling in love again, just in time for Christmas.

REVIEW: These were gentle Christmas / light romance reads more than Westerns. I found the characters to be somewhat wishy-washy, so was disappointed.

MY RATING: 2 out of 5                           286 pages

Logan (Montana Creeds, #1) by Linda Lael Miller

Logan by Linda Lael Miller
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

A book fairy recently gifted many books to my personal library, so I decided to give this one a try.

This is a classic formula romance novel with a western feel and an HEA. I liked it, but there were a few things that just didn't sit right with me. Either they weren't explained well, or they just weren't believable. The storyline and pacing of the plot was spot on for this type of story, but the pacing in the relationships between characters felt off to me, both too slow at times and too fast at others.

Despite that, Miller does a good job of evoking a certain time and place, and the she writes characters that I pay attention to, even when their words and actions don't always align. Also, there are two children and three dogs in this book, and she does an absolutely amazing job of writing all five. I think that may be one of my favorite things about this novel, because it can be very difficult to write children (and even pets). As a result, a lot of romance novels seem to have children that don't behave and/or speak like children, which is unsettling.

I enjoyed this story, but I may not rush to pick up the next one. I think this is the sort of book that you just have to be in the right mood for, and it can't be the kind of mood where you want to overthink and over-analyze everything, which is frequently my mood. Go figure. As a result, I think I'll spread these books out and pick up the next one when I just feel ready for a good, mindless read.

Book 132 read in 2018

Pages: 374

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman

Summary: "Ten years after the events of Vengeance Road, Reece Murphy, who has been forced to join the Rose Riders gang, must work with aspiring journalist Charlotte Vaughn to get free."

Whew! This is how a companion novel should be done! Shout out to Becky for helping me find this series. 

I am eagerly anticipating the next installment, and anxiously hoping that more YA western novels will be written soon. This series is a treat!

374 pages

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Summary: "When her father is killed by the notorious Rose Riders for a mysterious journal that reveals the secret location of a gold mine, eighteen-year-old Kate Thompson disguises herself as a boy and takes to the gritty plains looking for answers--and justice."

After binge-watching Godless on Netflix, I was in the mood for a western story. Vengeance Road was the perfect fix! A fun, vengeful and fast-paced story full of gritty characters and settings.

You can definitely judge this book by its awesome cover, as the adventure waiting inside is just as awesome. 

327 pages

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman

Retribution Rails by Erin Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I LOVE THIS SERIES! Book two is excellent!

We definitely need more YA Westerns in the world.

Pages: 374

Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson

Into the Bright Unknown by Rae Carson  (Book 3)
My rating: 3 of 5 stars

This was disappointing and unnecessary. The plot was thin. The storyline was boring. It’s also a bit preachy, which I wasn’t in the mood for. I don't mind when books have lessons or make a good point, but I hate that feeling like it is forced upon me...like the author is hitting me over the head with it. When that happens, it disrupts the story more than it helps or makes a point.

I gave this 3 stars, because I still love the characters and setting (and typically love everything Rae Carson). In reality, it’s more of a 2.5.

Unfortunately, this lacks intrigue, action, emotional resonance, and a satisfying conclusion. There's a happy ending. I just didn't enjoy it. In fact, by that point, I didn't even care anymore.

The longer you read, the more tedious and cliché the story becomes. The displays of power are lackluster. Most of those questions I’ve been carrying with me since book one remain unanswered, which is both disappointing and a missed opportunity. Any answers you do get are vague and along the lines of –-because it just is what it is, grasshopper.

I honestly can’t really understand why this book was necessary, other than it was part of the publishing contract. It definitely did not grow the series or contribute positively towards it. Almost everything I loved about the previous books was missing in this addition.

If you really like period pieces and/or happy endings, enough to overlook things like plot and character development, then you’ll probably still enjoy this. It just wasn’t enough for me. My overall impression of this story is – meh.

And I'm pretty sad about that.

Pages: 432

Robert B. Parker's Blackjack by Robert Knott

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Appaloosa continues to prosper, drawing carpetbaggers, gamblers, thieves, and a new casino:  problems for all.

Audio:  8 hours 10 minutes
Print:  324 pages

The Valiant Women by Jeanne Williams

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

A romantic saga set in Arizona territory with action featuring Apache, Mexico, and Texas territory before the Civil War and many families and plots. 

Audio:  15 hrs. 55 min.

Print:  516 pages

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman

Vengeance Road by Erin Bowman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

YA needs more Westerns, because this was fun. Actually, it was more of a bloody shoot ‘em up story full of hardship and revenge. Fun makes it sound cute, which it is not. This novel is historical with a rich setting.

The author even writes period dialect for the main character in a way that’s successful, convincing, and not a distraction, which is a challenge most people don’t succeed at. I was worried at first but settled in fast.

I was happy to hear there would be a companion novel, because it’s a nice change of pace for YA. It goes to show that genres go through ups and downs, in terms of popularity and availability, and I’m glad to see Westerns reemerging in YA. (WALK THE EARTH A STRANGER by Rae Carson is another great example of a historical novel with a Western flair, and a paranormal twist)

Also, I adore the cover of this book.

Pages: 336

The Riddle of Ramrod Ridge by William Cold MacDonald

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

They rescue a Mexican being forced to talk.  He and many others want the $30,000 that disappeared in thin air.

Audio:  7 hrs. 9 min.
Print:  192 pages

Outlaw Tales of Missouri: True Stories of the Show Me State's Most Infamous Crooks, Culprits, and Cutthroats by Sean Mclachlan

(Posted for Paul Mathews)

Missouri never had to settle for average gunmen when they had Jesse James and Cole Younger to call its own.

Audio:  3 hrs. 52 min.
Print:  176 pages

"End of the Trail" by Jane Elliot

Will Connors is trying to raise cattle on a small ranch out west with his wife and small son when he rescues a badly injured man on his land.  He and his wife nurse the man back to health without knowing that he's John Anderson, an outlaw wanted for murder.  Anderson soon leaves without trouble, and Will and his family go on with their lives.  Fast forward a few years and Will is partially crippled, widowed, and living alone still trying to raise cattle.  Guess who shows up?  John Anderson.  Will he take advantage of the man who once rescued him, or has he changed his ways?  This was a gentle character study of two loners and the hard times faced in the west, which could be made easier with the right person.  140 pages (Kindle edition).

The Riddle of Ramrod Ridge by William Colt MacDonald

Posted for Paul Mathews

Sharpshooter Scott and his companions are on the hunt for $30,000 in gold that disappeared in thin air.  Deacon Trunbull and his sidekicks are up to no good and after the gold, whatever it takes. 

Audio:  7 hrs. 9 min.

Print:  192 pages

Once a Ranger by Dusty Richards

Posted for Paul Mathews

Former Texas Ranger with a good crew and a very loving wife. This man can keep a secret. He goes long and far to catch the bad guys. There is a Friday night dance and a second gang of outlaws later in this book. 

Audio:  8 hrs. 30 min.

Print:  272 pages

The Loner Series by J.A. Johnstone

All posted for Paul Mathews

The Loner
Book 1 in "The Loner Series"

Conrad and his wife went back out west and she was kidnapped, held for ransom, and killed in this first book of five.

Audio:  8 hrs. 25 min.
Print:  320 pages 

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The Devil's Badland
Book 2 in "The Loner Series"

The woman he didn't marry claims he killed her father and is behind the kidnapping and the plot to have him killed.

Audio:  7 hrs. 55 min.
Print:   312 pages




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Dead Man's Gold
Book 3 in "The Loner Series"

They are hunting for artifacts from the church, both the good and the bad people.  The Kid comes to help the good people.

Audio:  7 hrs. 40 min.
Print:  315 pages



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The Big Gundown 
Book 4 in "The Loner Series"

The bad guys rob trains with their big gun, but when they shell the town the Kid is in, he has to join them to defeat them.

Audio:  7 hrs. 15 min.
Print:  315 pages






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Rattlesnake Valley 
Book 5 in "The Loner Series"

They fought on sea and now on land; in Rattlesnake Valley, they are still fighting.  Kid Morgan is on one side, but there's more than hate behind this feud.

Audio:  7 hrs. 10 min.
Print:  314 pages