***This book contains adult content and is recommended for readers 18+. This book is a historical romance set in 1890 Kansas. Pre-order price guarantee of $2.99 will only be available for a limited time after release.*** After a devastating event that changed both their lives, Alexandra and her brother Hugh turn to stealing in order to get revenge on the man that destroyed their lives. But neither of them are prepared for the day when everything changes, and the lawless life they’ve been carrying out is irrevocably altered. When he agreed to accompany the shipment of money into Kansas for his latest benefactor, Jarett never thought that anyone would dare to try and steal it from him. He realizes he was greatly mistaken when he comes face to face with two thieves, and the robbery goes horribly wrong. Now on the hunt for the boy that shot him, he is determined to uncover the bandits and have his revenge before moving further west. Jarett isn’t ready for the stonewall he comes face to face with when dealing with the townspeople though. Nor is he prepared for the enigmatic Alexandra Harris when she appears in the mercantile. Determined to get closer to Alexandra, he’s thrown off by her insistent refusal of him. Fighting against her growing attraction to a man she knows would prefer to see her hung if he uncovered the truth, Alexandra tries to stay far away from Jarett. The more they are forced together though, the more she realizes that the man she considers her enemy is the only one that could save her ravaged heart… If he doesn’t kill her first.
Brenda K. Davies is the USA Today Bestselling author of the Vampire Awakening Series, Alliance Series, Road to Hell Series, Hell on Earth Series, and historical romantic fiction. She also writes under the pen name, Erica Stevens. When not out with friends and family, she can be found at home with her husband, son, dogs, cat, and horse.
I had never read this author before reading A Stolen Heart. This book was truly a breath of fresh air. I loved the characters, the romance, and the enemies to lovers theme. I will definitely read more from this author in the future!
It's my first Brenda K. Davies's book and I thought it's going to be another cheap cowboy romance. Oh boy, how wrong I am. I'm instantly in love. Brenda's writing reminds me a lot of Linda Howard's. It's straightforward and simple yet packed with story and I don't even stop reading until the very end of the book.
Jarett made me all quivered inside. He's such a man, yet his gentleness is my undoing. I love Alex, she's a brave young woman. Not only brave, she's a daredevil! Let's just say, this book caught me off guard because I didn't expect it to be this good. The only thing that I don't like is the closure between Alex and Suzanne and the rest of town folks. I always wonder, if Alex's "bullied" by people, why Hugh didn't defend her sister? He's only trying to guard her image, but never actually defend her or at least scold Suzanne. Jarett too, he never once raise his voice to that bitch and I hate it!
Overall, I really look forward to read another book from Brenda K. Davies with this theme because so far, this book is the only one. Please hurry, ma'am! :)
I received this ARC from the author for an honest review.
I was drawn into this story from the very first page because it started with a sequence that went right to the heart of the story. I loved the characters because they seemed so real and a part of their surroundings without fading into them. The dialogue felt modern in tone but still seemed to fit the time and people who were using it. This was just a really great story that held me enthralled and in a world that was part of a time I could only imagine. Each element flowed into the next keeping it moving as you met new characters and found out more information about the inhabitants of the town.
Alexandra and her brother Hugh live on a ranch in Kansas, and the year is 1850. They have had many tragedies befall them and others on the surrounding ranches which all lead back to one man who is terrorizing them all in the name of greed and lust. Alex and Hugh have opted to play Robin Hood to thwart their own Sheriff of Nottingham, but he has countered with someone to take them down.
Jarett is a hired man who is to protect a shipment from thieves who have struck several times in the past. The unfortunate thing is that even though other robberies have been free of injuries, this time things become bad for both sides. Jarett wants revenge and stays around to find the person who almost made him sing soprano. Not an easy thing in a town that hates the man he works for.
When Jarett meets Alexandra he starts to loose some of that focus as he finally meets a woman who makes him think about more than just a one night stand. The road to happiness is not easy for either, but getting there is half the battle.
I loved that the point of view seemed to switch between or mains so that you could have a better idea of what they were thinking. This had everything you could want in a story set on the frontier. There are ranchers, horses, cattle rustling, barn burning, fallen women (saloon workers), corrupt sheriff, a vicious land baron, and some pretty hot sex for the time. Jarett is the kind of man any woman would be glad to have, even an independent one like Alexandra.
If you love stories with cowboys, horses, and holding on to what you worked for, then you will love this. I recommend this highly!
Historical Romance is not my choice of genre but after reading the different series by this author, I decided to give it a chance and I'm glad I did. It was a well-written story with terrific characters. I was transported back in time to 1890 to a small ranching town with the mercantile, tavern, barn raisings, and more. Where women were made to be seen and not heard. Alexandra broke this mold with her fiery spirit. I loved the suspense, plot twists and the tender love affair of Alexandra and Jarett. I highly recommend this book.
I don't normally like westerns, but I've read all of Brenda Davies other books, and absolutely loved them all, so figured I'd give this one a go. Not my favorite of hers simply because I don't love westerns. It was suspenseful and romantic though and I still liked it. If you like her other books, I'd recommend it.
Alexandra Harris is anything but a proper lady. In a time where women always need an escort, are never alone with a man, always wear dresses, and do women's work, she does just the opposite. She can work like a man, dresses like a man, and goes to see Henry by herself every week. Henry was a friend of her father's before he died. Although her reputation is non-existent, Alex stopped caring two years ago when her father passed. After that, all she cared about was getting even with the man who had made everyone's life a living hell if they happened to own land in the area. Murdoch was more than just ambitious. He was willing to do whatever it took to get what he wanted. Some of the farmers had already sold out and left because they could no longer get by, or they no longer wanted to deal with disappearing or dead cattle and livestock, and burned barns. The community knew who was to blame, but there was never enough evidence and the sheriff was in Murdoch's pocket. Alex and her brother, Hugh, had started robbing some of Murdoch's shipments of money and distributing it among the farmers to help them get by. What they didn't know this time was that there was a new hired gun to help get the money through and he was very good. In the end, the new guy, Jarrett, and Alex were both shot. She shot him in the upper thigh and he shot her in the arm. Since neither were fatal shots, both recover just fine. But Jarrett is after revenge. He wants to bring in the boy (who he doesn't know was actually Alex) that shot him and caused all of this trouble. Bad news is that red heads are not common in this area, so Alex and Hugh have to be very careful and keep their heads down for a while. All the while, Megan, Alex's best friend, is watching the events unfold and knows once again that Alex is in trouble. She believes none of the rumors in town about her friend and knows all of the story behind her anger. It is a deep and sad story that Jarrett will come to know as well. And as he does, he will gradually fall for this beautiful woman who makes his blood run hot. But Jarrett has competition from a few men in town, and one of them is dangerous. And Alex loves to live dangerously without ever thinking of her own safety. It will be a stroke of luck if he can tame her enough to make her see just how much danger she puts herself in.
I don't read many western style books, and I was surprised to see this particular author write a book like this, but it was really good! It has some adult themes so it is not for anyone under the age of 18, but there is also a great story line to it as well. Back in the Old West, women were expected to be proper and act like delicate flowers. Alexandra is a tough-as-nails woman and is not about to change just because people talk bad about her. Her world is full of secrets and heartache. The only people she has are Hugh, Megan, Daryl (Megan's husband), and Henry. That is, until Jarrett comes along. Unfortunately he is the most protective of them all after more of Alex's story is revealed to him. He has to learn that the harder they tighten the reins on her, the more she resists. Even her brother thinks he has her in hand to a degree, but Alex knows what Hugh is up to. Jarrett must pick a side, since his employer was the one causing all of the trouble. And he must find a way to protect Alex from those who would do her harm, physically or mentally.
Alex and Hugh are alone in the world attempting to keep their ranch going after losing their father. The truth of his death is a secret very few know, and the man responsible is determined to push ranchers from their land in order to gain power and wealth. Missing cattle, destroyed property, and destruction wreak havoc at night. By stealing from the man responsible, Alex and Hugh are able to recoup a portion of what the ranchers lose due to his interference. Unfortunately, things change when Murdock hires Jarett to guard his money. Both he and Alex pay the price for underestimating one another. Jarett's pride is wounded, and he is determined to find the masked thief that shot him and received the same in turn. What neither of them bargained for was attraction that would supersede thoughts of revenge.
Admittedly, I was leery about reading a story set in the Old West. Thoughts of John Wayne or Clint Eastwood movies meandered through my head before I began reading. My devotion to reading everything Brenda K Davies writes nudged me onward, and of course I was hooked immediately. The characters in her stories are written with such clear distinction. The emotions are so well-explained that they take me along on the roller coaster ride as they struggle to overcome bitterness. Even better still are the moments when Jarett and Alex succumb to the passion they've fought only to find out they fit so perfectly together.
Who will continue this story? Paul? Charlie? As Anne Shirley would say (aka: Anne of Green Gables), there is much "scope for the imagination" left at the end of this tale to weave other stories that will be just as well-written and full of life as this one.
A Stolen Heart certainly is worth reading, and I look forward to reading everything Brenda offers in the years to come!
Are you looking for a book with angst, action,and steam? Add an irresistible lone rider named Jarrett and you've got yourself an all nighter!
Alex and her brother have been on their own for awhile, but when a stranger comes into town, Jarrett, they are in danger of their secrets being revealed and their freedom lost.
I freaking loved it! There is just something about Brenda's style of writing that makes it easy for you to imagine the book like you were watching it on the big screen. I was immediately drawn into the story and could not stop reading till all was revealed.
My heart was in my throat and I had to remind myself to breath on many occasions. I felt so much for all involved, not just the main characters. Like I was one of the townspeople. And then there is Jarrett...oh my heavens! A few times I must admit I imagined myself wrapped in those massively strong arms and pulled against his solid chest *wink*. Ugh that man gives me goosebumps!
I highly suggest you grab yourself a copy and get comfortable because you will not want any interruptions!
During another robbery to get her revenge on her father's killer, Alexandra shoots the guard of the money wagon, as he shoots her. After healing from said wound, Jarett stays in town to catch the boy that shot him, and ends up enbroiled in a long standing town wide feud. Whne ALex reveals to Jarett to root of that feud, he stays to help, and in the process gets to know Alex. And he realises that maybe, just maybe, she didnt steal money, she stole his heart.
Unless I can pinpoint why a book doesn't grab me, I struggle to write a decent review, so apologies, this aint a good one.
I enjoyed the tale, I did, it flows and ebbs, not at all rushed. just enough hints to keep you going, and wanting to find out whats gonna happen. ENough steam to make it sexy, enough action to make it exciting. Its written from both ALex and Jarett's point of view, it should have been amazing! but it wasn't.
I just dont know what was missing, or why, while an okay read, its wasn't a fab read.
A Stolen Heart by Brenda K. Davies Brenda K Davies deserves an award for this book--wowzars! A old fashioned western, this book brings a ton to the table. Beautiful and rebellious Alex, along with her brother Hugh, seek out to get revenge against Murdock, the man who turned their lives upside down. This, along with keeping their ranch afloat is their only mission and goal in life. Then there's Jarrett; just passing through this small town and helping assist the man who is reeking havoc on the town...the one and only Murdock. Until he runs into Alex that is. Two people set out to put an end to one another, an undeniable attraction...what could possible go wrong? This book is the entire package. Mystery, love, gun slinging, cowboys, an obsessive lust crazy villain, a murder covered up as a suicide and SO much more. I know most girls are oogling over Jarrett, but I want to know more about Hugh!!!! A protective brother that would do anything for his family--yes please! Do yourself a favor and grab this book wink emoticon 5 ♥♥♥♥♥
Good read. When I read a book word for word and do no skip pages then I know it's an interesting story. When two siblings. a brother and sister, turn to stealing in order to get revenge on the man that destroyed their lives neither are prepared when everything changes. He was employed as a guard to make sure a shipment of money arrived to it's destination. When he comes faces to face with the thieves the robbery goes horribly wrong. One of the thief shots him to protect the other and in doing so starts of a chain of events. Once he recovers from his wound he goes in search of the thieves. She was dressed as a boy when she shot him and he is now looking for a male when in actual fact the thief was a female. Eventually he discovers the truth and when he is told the full story he helps them.
Warning, this book will leaving you drooling and falling in love with Jarett! I was not sure if I would like this book as it is not my normal genre, but shortly after reading I realized that I was enjoying it, really enjoying it! It had enough action and drama to keep me glued and enough sex and romance to keep me hot! I love the way the author describes the characters, I could picture each of them clearly as I read. Alex is a strong female, however we get to see a glimpse of her frailty and weakness to help the reader identify with her. You won't be disappointed! I'm eager to read more about all the characters in Stolen Heart. This book will make a great series but is great as a standalone with an HEA!
If you're craving a romance that's equal parts danger and desire, A Stolen Heart by Brenda K. Davies delivers in spades. Alexandra and her brother are on a mission for revenge, but things get complicated quickly when they cross paths with the rugged and relentless Jarett.
This enemies-to-lovers tale is packed with sizzling chemistry, sharp tension, and enough twists to keep you hooked from start to finish. Alexandra's secret could destroy everything, but the real question is: Will Jarett uncover the truth before their passion consumes them?
Get ready for a thrilling ride through the Wild West that you won't want to miss!
I normally do not read anything but Paranormal but anything Brenda K Davies writes, I WILL read, without even glancing at the blurb! Alex and Jarrett are perfect together.I have to say, I would love for Hugh to get his own story.. there was just something about him that peeked my interest... I loved the whole wild wild west theme.. No matter what Genre you normally read I HIGHLY suggest you pick this up...
( I received this as an ARC from the author for an honest review )
Quick, GRAB this and you have your bedtime read!! The new couple of the month and year. Old west, gunslinger, ranchers, robber, sex, family, love, sex........did I mention sex?? :) Seriously, this is a great read, keeps you going long after you say one more chapter. Price is right, length is fantastic. GRAB it, then check out her other books!!!
I haven't read an historical be for a long time but when I saw this one I decided to buy it and have a read. I am so glad that I did as it was an excellent read. The characters were strong and engaging, they drew you in from the very beginning. The story flowed really well and at no point was I bored. Jarrett and Alex were perfect together and their journey together was a delight to enjoy. I hope to read more about the other characters.
I received an ARC of this book . I had so much fun reading it . Since the beginning I was captivated by every word , it's an easy very addictive book . Kept me on my toes all the time !! I love the story from Alex and Jarett their friendship and love . Highly recommended if you love sexy hot cowboys !
I recieves this book from the wonderful author for my honest review. What can I say, O have read every book from this author and she has yet to fail me. This genre was different from her other books but I loved it! Alex and Jared where drawn together from the beginning! They where a amazing couple who where strong and charming.
I am not one who usually reads historical romance, but Brenda K. Davies is one of my favorite authors so I decided to give it a chance. A Stolen Heart was nothing like I had expected. it had tragedy, mystery, suspense, comedy and of course romance. I loved this book and highly recommend it.
This is an awesome read, You'll fall in love with the story of Alex and Jarett. Right from the start you are drawn in and kept in the pages of this book. I couldn't put it down, I didn't want it to come to an end. 5 stars isn't enough for me.. I think it's pure gold..
From the beginning it reminded me so much of an old movie I'd watched; it almost felt like de jar vue. I soon got wrapped up in the passion and romance, mystery and suspense. All in all a great read.