Outlaw Hearts

by Lori G. Matthews

Outlaw Elle Barstow spends her days robbing stagecoaches and her nights bedding women—all while keeping her heart safely locked away.

But everything changes when Isabella “Izzy” Collins enters her life. Banished by her family, the fiery suffragette from Boston is reluctantly traveling west to marry a man much older than herself.

When Elle rescues Izzy during a stagecoach robbery gone wrong, she plans to ransom Izzy for a hefty reward. But Elle soon finds herself drawn to the captivating woman who challenges her every instinct.

As Izzy insists on learning how to survive in the wild, Elle’s plan begins to unravel, and she faces a new peril—the growing attraction that threatens to melt her hardened heart.

Outlaw Hearts is a thrilling lesbian romance set against the breathtaking backdrop of the Wild West, where love proves to be the most dangerous adventure of all.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Lesbian, Westerns, LGBT, Romance, Fiction

300 pages, Paperback

Published October 22, 2024

About the author

Lori G. Matthews lives outside of Philadelphia with her wife and three cats. Her first brush with literary fame came at the age of thirteen when her composition, an amusing tale told from the perspective of a soccer ball, was the only one read aloud by her teacher. To this day, she still loves to write lighthearted comedies because laughter truly is the best medicine. When she’s not writing, Lori plays ice hockey, hikes, bikes, and bird-watches. But her favorite place to be is on the golf course, where she’s proudly earned the nickname Long and Wrong.

Reviews

[Cherie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a story about Elle Barstow whose parents are murdered in front of her as a child.in the 1870s. She grows up in a small New Mexico desert town that is a criminal hangout. Elle and her gang rob stagecoaches and turn over the proceeds to the town boss Rose. One day Elle finds Izzy Collins about to be taken prisoner by another gang and rescues her. Izzy is on her way from Boston to marry an older rich man in the area. Elle plans to hold Izzy for ransom.

Even though this was fairly predictable I enjoyed the writing style and storytelling of Lori Mathew’s. There was a lot of banter and great well developed side characters. Izzy finds herself being attracted to women while in Boston and her family is shocked and sends her away. So when she meets Elle she becomes attracted to her as time goes on. Elle teaches her to ride a horse and shoot a gun. Elle is constantly trying to deny her attraction to Izzy.

Highly recommended to those who enjoy a good western story.
ARC received from Net Galley for an honest and voluntary review.
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[Lady Olenna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this western romance because it was light, funny and well rounded. The mood of the story didn’t dip too much into seriousness which was a nice change of pace for my reading. There was enough believable conflict that made the story interesting and intriguing for me to finish.

The characters’ banter injected a lot of levity into the story and the city girl character, who’s trying to assimilate living as a cowgirl was cute and funny. The side characters were well developed and added flavour to the story. It’s just all around a pleasant read.

[Bookish · Rating 5 out of 5]

Straight to my faves pile.

[Aleana · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love historical western romance and this didn’t disappoint. Izzy is shipped off to be married after getting caught kissing an another woman while traveling her stagecoach gets held up by a ruthless outlaw. Izzy is recuse by Ellie who is outlaw herself when she learns she can ransom a small fortune for her. Izzy convinces Ellie and her crew to teach her how to survive and in the process starts to respect the woman who proven herself with determination and starts to wonder should they continue with their plans. Ellie didn’t plan to fall for Izzy who opens her heart. I love every character and how they slowly starts to care for Izzy and I like how the author shows the harsh reality of living in western era.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the Publisher via Netgalley and voluntarily leaving my review.

[currentlyreadingbynat · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm a big fan of Lori G. Matthew's books and this was another that I really enjoyed. She writes some really funny dialogue and again, this was seen within her newest. Outlaw Hearts is a fun, lighthearted western romance that delivers an entertaining mix of adventure, humour, and slow-burn attraction. The contrast between city girl Izzy, who’s been sent off to marry after being caught kissing another woman, and rugged outlaw Ellie, who sees her as nothing more than a ransom opportunity at first, makes for an engaging dynamic. The banter between them, along with Izzy’s attempts to adapt to a rougher way of life, adds plenty of charm and levity to the story.

One of the book’s strengths is how it balances humour with enough tension and conflict to keep things interesting. The side characters, especially Ellie’s crew, are well-developed and add richness to the setting, making the outlaw camp feel like a found family. While the romance is slow to build, the growing respect and understanding between Izzy and Ellie feel natural and well-paced.

Overall, this is an enjoyable, easy read that doesn’t take itself too seriously but still captures the grit and challenges of the western era. If you like historical sapphic romance with a mix of action, humour, and heart, Outlaw Hearts is definitely worth picking up.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Bella Books for a copy of this novel. ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.

[bookster · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

[cloverxheart · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked the setting and now I want to read more books like this.
I loved all the characters and I wish we got to see even more of certain side characters.
The romance had me invested but got a little boring at times.
The first 100 pages were my favorite and I wish we got more detail about that part of the story.
I didn't really enjoy the last 40-50 pages, that part of the story dragged on unnecessarily and I wasn't even rewarded with a perfect ending.
The ending was more about Izzy and that horse, which I didn't really care about since I think the "bond" they had wasn't written very well.
I would have liked an epilogue set like 1-2 years later and about all the characters and what they're doing.
Overall I would definitely recommend.

[Marilyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun read, with a nice balance of action and dramatic tension along with romance. I love any story with horses.

[Joanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this! I am always a sucker for a lesbian historical cowboy story and this was an enjoyable one! It was well-written, and the characters had good chemistry. A few more sex scenes would've been fun but what we got was still nice! I did think the historical aspect was well handled, there wasn't any significant focus on race but the few bits here and there were decent. I would like to check out more from this author!

Thank you to Netgalley and Bella books for sending me an arc in exhange for an honest review!

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

Genuinely had me laughing out loud in lots of spots

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun, outlaw, western, action romance. With a little "Saturday afternoon matinee" mixed in for color.
The characters are interesting, the action descriptive and the romance warm.
I was given this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Scriptmonkey · Rating 2 out of 5]

First--2-star review of this book (insert Golf clap here) (insert "I hate golf" comment here) (placeholder to remind me to adjust previous placeholders here).

The title is apropos--if quite common--and the cover art conveys the setting very well.

Like a baboon grooming a friend to calm the nerves, I shall begin with nitpicking.

In the prologue, young Elle practices her quick draw and shootin' skills (clearly setting up her later life). However, minutes later (book time) she hears a gunshot and thinks, "They wouldn't fire a gun unless there was trouble!" But didn't you---you were just--ah well.

The real nitpick is the history. Matthews gets a good deal right--at least from a timeline plausibility point of view. She alludes to the Meiji Restoration with the proper year. Helena Duels? Yep. Billy the Kid and Jesse James were, at least, alive during the 1878 setting. Tommy Bond did play for her favorite team at the time and did have a 40-win season--but more on that later and by later I mean right now.

Baseball plays a far bigger role in a sapphic historical western than you might expect even if it had been called the "National Pastime over 30 years at this point. The main reason for its inclusion is, presumably, to give Izzy something that she is actually good at (better than) the gang. Izzy's favorite team is the Boston Red Stockings (not to be confused with the Boston Red Sox who came later, this team eventually becomes the Atlanta Braves).

Unfortunately for Izzy, the Red Stockings had officially been called the Red Caps for two years at this point (again being 1878). Izzy lists all the teams in the National League but seems to have missed the news that many of those teams folded a year or two before and that baseball's popularity was relatively low.

She also gushes about her favorite player, Tommy Bond (not the actor who played Butch in the Little Rascals). He did have a 40-win season as Izzy said (in 1877) but acts like this was a feat he accomplished a while ago--not the previous season. Again, what she didn't seem to be aware of is that had another that same year (and another the year following, which she couldn't have known).

As for "The Old West", while Jesse James, Billy the Kid, and Wyatt Earp were alive--only Billy operated out of the New Mexico territory. She notes Jesse was more of a Missouri guy--but he's also arguably the most famous outlaw of all time, so I get why he's mentioned. Wyatt Earp was almost certainly in Kanas throughout the period of this book--but as with Jesse, he's the most famous "law man"--and he's only mentioned. Yeah, like I said, I get it. This builds the credibility of Elle and her gang (or Rose and the town for Wyatt), but if you're going to have them interact with these people, I wish it was more consequential. It was more groan inducing than "ooo, cool" for me.

At some point, Elle and/or Izzy enjoy some oatmeal cookies. Heavens to Fannie Farmer, the first recipe for oatmeal cookies wasn't even published until 1896. Not saying someone couldn't have made them but...

Okay, enough nitpicking, let's get to the real problems and they are problems encountered by so many in the romance genre: The main characters.

Elle being the Artful Dodger to Rose's Fagin is fine. Elle being presented as having a mostly Robin Hood moral code in a world where the outlaws, including her mentor, are murderous--unlikely.

Worse, while her initial plan to collect a bounty on Izzy made sense (even if the idea should have been hideous to her), it became improbable and aggravating over time. Izzy saved her life. She (and her gang) obviously liked her. Elle repeating her "she's just a payday" mantra was wholly unbelievable--especially because Izzy wasn't made of peanuts rolled over a sweet caramel center. What?

Elle also falls for the broad trope of "I suffered a traumatic loss--now I won't get close to anyone" syndrome. Except, she has--and she did. I don't mean Izzy. I mean Raven and her gang. She had already created a family. She and Raven became blood sisters. I'm assuming Elle didn't have romantic feelings toward her parents, so why does it crop up when it is romantic/sexual? I don't want to say so the story can happen--but it's so the story can happen.

Late in the story, Elle has a letter intended for Izzy (long after she assumes Izzy is gone from her life) and she didn't open it because it wasn't addressed to her. Yeah, she wouldn't want to break the law--she's a respectable stagecoach robber.

Still, overall Elle isn't so bad, Izzy on the other hand...

In the book and in glowing reviews, Izzy's stubbornness is presented as charming or adorable or just so damn Izzy. However, much like there is a thin line between love and hate, there is a thin line between stubborn and stupid, and Izzy crosses it repeatedly.

She's told to lay low, and she decides to ad-lib her backstory and play the piano and sing. It's done (mostly) for comedy but comedy often comes from stupid.

She's told to lay low again and she immediately goes to town, goes on a shopping spree, and has a nearly disastrous encounter with Rose. When Rose asks where she's from originally, Izzy warns herself to be careful, then says, "Boston!" which is exactly where she's from.

She's told not to go out into the wilderness because she'll get lost. She immediately goes out into the wilderness, leaving her coat, gun, and any food behind--and gets lost. She's not obstinate, she's a fool. These are the kind of things one of Adam Sandler's or Will Ferrell's idiot characters would have done.

As to that last point, that brings up a dramatic storytelling problem. In a movie or TV show (or another book), a character getting lost in the wilderness would be "A THING" and it sets up to be one--except Elle finds her on literally the next page.

Later, she's kidnapped by Jed. This is MUCH worse than being lost in the wilderness. Now, while it does lead to Elle being injured, again she is found on the next page despite having been taken many miles away to a different town. Izzy was not sexually assaulted (a good, if unlikely thing) but she isn't even hurt.

To pile on, the event was precipitated by another recurring problem in this story: stuff inexplicably happening. Major events result from moments that had no build up. For the Jed kidnapping it was basically, "One day Elle leaves for the day and comes back and Izzy is missing. Gasp!" Earlier, Elle and Izzy go on a trip to Santa Fe. This should have been a huge event to build to, but it just "happens" so the romantic getaway/sex can happen.

And, you know, the sex scenes were not that good. Elle's sex scenes with Miriam were hardly less described than the ones with Izzy. Moreover, Miriam (a brothel whore) was treated like one and then summarily dismissed. It's suggested that Miriam's affection for Elle was purely transactional, but their interactions and Miriam's sudden departure to marry a man suggest otherwise. A missed opportunity for drama and depth here.

The ending scene itself with Luna was intended to be touching but it, like Elle's insistence that Izzy was just a payday, was unnecessary. In the five months they were officially together, Elle never said Luna followed her home and Izzy couldn't tell that Luna wanted to be with her? Izzy was committing the same error that Elle and Izzy's parents had, trying to force what they thought was best upon her. Does no one learn anything? Must it always be explicitly spelled out with the bluntness of a slap to the face?

Criminally underused: Matsu. For whatever story-padding reason, Lori gives Matsu a lesbian samurai backstory that sounded, let's face it, far more fun and interesting than the main story. Since this book was recently released, maybe that story will come? I doubt it, but it sounds like one with more visceral tragedy and depth than this one could imagine--especially since Elle forgives the person who ordered the death of her father (and by extension her mother), making that major event a tad irrelevant.

[Christina · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars. I loved the setting and the cameos of familiar Wild West characters. Great world building, with some suspended disbelief but the story is good enough to be forgiven.

[Sandi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Outlaw Hearts is a historical western romance with plenty of action and intrigue, Izzy, a progressive suffragette, is shipped off by her embarrassed father to marry an older man after she is caught kissing another woman. On the way to meet her new espoused her stagecoach is held up by a ruthless outlaw, and Izzy finds her safety and virtue threatened at his hands, Elle, an outlaw herself rescues Izzy from his clutches, and in doing so realises she can make a small fortune from Izzy's ransom.

While held captive by Elle and her gang, Izzy coerces them into teaching her how to survive in the wild west. Izzy proves herself with her fortitude and determination and slowly, each member of the gang develops a deep respect for the plucky young woman.

The dynamics between Izzy and Elle soon develop into something more meaningful and leaves Elle and the gang questioning their decision to ransom Izzy.

The author has created a host of varied and lovable characters that bring depth and validity to the story. Each one has a purpose in progressing the plot and defining the quandry Elle finds herself in. Strong women play an important part in the story from Elle's best friend and ally, Raven, to the matriarchal Rose, whose intentions appear to be anything but pure.

The writing style is precise and purposeful, creating a world that acknowledges the harsh realities of the wild west while celebrating the simple beauty to be found such as in Izzy's relationship with Luna and her unfolding romance with Elle..

A thoroughly enjoyable read.

[Smut Report]

Heat Factor: Once they start, they can’t keep their hands off each other, but the writing isn’t super explicit

Character Chemistry: They are low-key obsessed with each other

Plot: Izzy convinces Elle to kidnap her in order to avoid being a mail order bride, but Elle’s only in it for the ransom money…or is she?

Overall: This ticks all the Sapphic Western boxes

Who loves a good Western? Holly does. (It’s probably all that cowboy music my dad played when I was growing up.) Who loves a good sapphic romance? Holly does. Those two things together? Sign me up. And this one was excellent. It’s got all the cowboy shenanigans (stagecoaches, gunfights, wild horses, etc). It’s got a slow burn with a ton of angst due to some dishonest beginnings. It’s got a great found family. And it’s got a multiweek grovel, and boy was it needed.

Read our full review at The Smut Report

I voluntarily read and reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. We disclose this in accordance with 16 CFR §255.

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[Kaye · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella (Izzy) Collins, an outspoken suffragette, is shipped out west by her family as a mail order bride. She is used to the finer things of Boston. Her stagecoach is robbed and she ends up being rescued by the Outlaw Elle Barstow and her small gang. Izzy sees this as a chance to get away from an arranged marriage to an older widow. Elle sees Izzy as a way to get a ransom from her family or the intended.

Izzy is determined to learn to shoot and ride and Elle is willing to teach her, keeping her close. There are of course gunfights and western mayhem but there is a lot of humor too. Matthew writes very funny dialogues. (Her comedic banter is something that stands out to me from reading her previous books.) The camaraderie in the gang is tight, like a found family. And each character adds some extra to the story.

The story is told from both MC’s POVs. I like that Izzy, while inexperienced, is not unaware that she is drawn to women. There are sparks, and yearning. I wished the intimate scenes were more descriptive and maybe add more. But I caught the feelings between the pair. And I love the beautiful cover for the book. If you enjoy romances set in the wild west this is a very fun one to read. Thank you to NetGalley and Bella Books for the digital copy and I am leaving an honest review. (4.5 Stars)

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I have to mention that I am a big Lori G. Matthew’s fan and absolutely loved her other two books, so I was very much looking forward to her newest release. One thing I wasn’t too sure of was how she was going to marry her very humorous style with a more serious theme, but I am happy to say I had no reason to worry. This book was awesome!

Damsels in distress, sexy gunslingers, and witty banter oh my! This book absolutely blew me away with how Matthew’s was able to use her wry humor and hilarious banter to somehow make the characters more relatable and well rounded. The mood of the story wasn’t too serious, which was a nice change of pace for a western. There was enough believable conflict and action to drive the plot, and more than enough character development, chemistry and romance to make me swoon!

Overall this was a great story by Lori G. Matthew’s that I highly recommend. And as a side note, if you haven’t already read I Dare you to Love me and #Cassinova I recommend that you buy them immediately! 4.5 stars

[Emily Fritz · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a story and what characters! This is a book about two very independent (and stubborn!) women who are throw together by chance. Elle is an outlaw who has cut off any access to her heart and Izzy is just opening hers as she begins to realize what she really wants.

The story is a slow burn, but definitely worth the action packed trip to get to the end. I knew where the story was headed and I still couldn’t stop reading. I also really enjoyed the last half of the book. I’ve read my fair share of sapphic happy endings, but this one was different. Elle and Izzy have to work through a lot to get their happy ending. The story expertly shows the actual work that goes into relationships and how a couple can overcome their past (individual and together) to make something new and lasting.

Oh…and the last line of the book…absolutely perfect.

[Jennabeebs79 · Rating 3 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2

Outlaw Hearts is a captivating read, filled with vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue, dynamic characters, and a constant undercurrent of suspense. I found it difficult to put down, eager to see how everything would unfold. When Elle and her crew rescue Izzy from a stagecoach robbery, it sets off a chain of events that will forever change their lives. The amusing moments of teaching Izzy how to survive the unforgiving terrain are matched by her inability to maintain a low profile. Despite Elle’s tough exterior and Izzy’s inexperience with love, the two women find it increasingly difficult to stay away from one another. It’s a tale of trust, loyalty, and compassion amidst adversity. Get your copy now!

Check out my full review at TheLesbianReview.com

[Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isabella (Izzy) Collins, lives a charmed life with her family in Boston, until something unfortunate happens (according to her family). Izzy is sent west to marry an older man. On the way there, she meets Elle Barstow when a stage coach robbery goes wring. Elle the outlaw has a plan but the captivating Izzy has her rethinking her plan. With a beautiful background, lovely horses and danger abound, the reader is brought into the challenging adventures of living in the open country where rules are limited and fighting is the norm. This is an entertaining read for those that enjoy romance and the wild, wild west.

ARC provided by Bella Books via NetGalley

[Cathy Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've never been drawn towards books form the Old West but I thought I give Outlaw Hearts a go.....I am so glad I did.

This is a cracking book thoroughly enjoyed the whole story, I really couldn't put it down once I started it.

The main characters Elle and Izzy along with secondary characters all of which have well written roles through out the story.

Would I recommend: Yes, Yes, if you're looking for sweet, nasty and a cowgirl then this is the one for you

[Celia Dolores · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books I’ve read this year. Loved the characters, solid story and the setting. The book was also pretty funny at times. Easy read, finished the book in two days. Would recommend to anyone!

[Chelles · Rating 4 out of 5]

Elle and Izzy meet under unusual circumstances, but each see an opportunity in the other. For Izzy, Elle is the key to her freedom/independence. Elle sees a cash prize for her services.
Historical romance out in ol' West. Gun fights, Saloons, horses, outlaws, and ladies that can handle their own.

[Vibeke · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great WLW western audiobook

[Rtz · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked it. It's laid back and easy to read. Perfect for a time away from our reality.

[AharonMc · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic Western Sapphic romance. Outlaws, found family, toaster oven, coming of age, gun fights, horses, saloons, humor, angst, spice.

[carolyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

very cute!

[Savannah Horowitz · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very cute light hearted love story

[AndPeggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A charming and captivating western adventure romance.

[mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending was a bit too rushed, but the characters were gripping and the climax was well done