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Lesser Evils
To protect her sister, Abby Fraser became an outlaw. Handcuffed and lost in the desert, she’s rescued by Dalton Laine, a gun-slinging rancher. He claims to have rescued her out of the goodness of his heart, but Abby soon realizes she’s not the only one keeping dangerous secrets.
Dalton spent the last five years dedicated to revenge. Throwing in with a pretty spitfire wasn't part of the plan. Neither was the hope she makes him feel. Now Dalton begins to wonder if there may be a future for him after all.
He provides her a convenient alibi, pretending to be her husband and hiring her on at his ranch until it's safe for her to move on. That's all it was supposed to be.
But the worst secrets never stay buried and sometimes the past has a life of its own— especially if you don’t kill it dead enough.
Dalton spent the last five years dedicated to revenge. Throwing in with a pretty spitfire wasn't part of the plan. Neither was the hope she makes him feel. Now Dalton begins to wonder if there may be a future for him after all.
He provides her a convenient alibi, pretending to be her husband and hiring her on at his ranch until it's safe for her to move on. That's all it was supposed to be.
But the worst secrets never stay buried and sometimes the past has a life of its own— especially if you don’t kill it dead enough.
- GenresHistorical Fiction
297 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 12, 2019
10 people are currently reading
2 people want to read
About the author
N.L. LaFoille
2 books14 followersNicki is a mother of one, author of Nautical Miles and Lesser Evils. She enjoys traveling with her family around the U.S. and the world from her home base in Michigan. A seasoned seamstress, she teaches sewing through National Sewing Circle and the worldwide-distributed magazine and leader in all things sewing, Sew News.
Learn more about Nicki here.
Learn more about Nicki here.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
November 5, 2019
*I received a free e-book version of Lesser Evils in exchange for a honest review.*
"The world around me seemed distant, like looking through the wrong end of a monocular. I felt more dead than alive, hollow and disconnected from myself. The sound of hooves on the hard desert floor grounded me, steady and hypnotic, clip clop clip clop and I drifted away again. -Abby (N.L. Lafoille)"
I knew the kind of story I would be reading before I started so I was really excited to dive in. This type of pioneer times/romance/mysterious handsome and helpful stranger kind of thing is RIGHT up my alley. Within the 1st chapter, I was hooked. Not only do we start with multiple perspectives - we also get backstory interspersed. The scene is set: our main girl Abby is on the run and she's now found herself hurt and in the middle of the wild. In times when towns and people are sparse, she is in danger with no idea of where to go and no food/water/literally anything helpful. Oh no!
Luckily 😂 a good looking stranger saves her and she's now still on the run, BUT not alone! Both Abby and Dalton have to come to terms of what it means to travel together and forge ahead with what they both want in their different ways (which, you can't blame them for - who doesn't want love, acceptance, and safety?).
This book has danger, not cheesy romance, some real human interaction and a lovely group of side characters who bring the story to life. It's a little bit "Wild West" meets Little House on the Prairie meets modern feminism.
Favourite character: Abby hands down. I honestly thought it would have been the dashing tough outlaw man but really Abby doesn't mind getting her hands dirty, wants to be a strong independent woman and she's got enough introspection to realize when she can't do something about a situation and it sucks,but all she can really do is keep chugging on. Otherwise she'd just be a mess all the time and who wants to live like that?
Throw in a little bit of a love triangle and we have a DRAMA. It's actually really realistic and I appreciated that it wasn't very love at first sight for Abby and she wasn't caught up in hormones/crushes.
They are too cute! If you like romances, you'll want to read this one!
"'Will you stay?' he asked. For all he clomped about and growled at me, it sure seemed like he wanted me around. I couldn’t understand it. But it was pointless to pretend that I didn’t want to be here too, despite his surly attitude. 'For a while,' I said, a little sharper than necessary, embarrassed that my plans to remain detached had fallen apart, as had all of my plans up to date. -Dalton and Abby (N.L. Lafoille)"
"The world around me seemed distant, like looking through the wrong end of a monocular. I felt more dead than alive, hollow and disconnected from myself. The sound of hooves on the hard desert floor grounded me, steady and hypnotic, clip clop clip clop and I drifted away again. -Abby (N.L. Lafoille)"
I knew the kind of story I would be reading before I started so I was really excited to dive in. This type of pioneer times/romance/mysterious handsome and helpful stranger kind of thing is RIGHT up my alley. Within the 1st chapter, I was hooked. Not only do we start with multiple perspectives - we also get backstory interspersed. The scene is set: our main girl Abby is on the run and she's now found herself hurt and in the middle of the wild. In times when towns and people are sparse, she is in danger with no idea of where to go and no food/water/literally anything helpful. Oh no!
Luckily 😂 a good looking stranger saves her and she's now still on the run, BUT not alone! Both Abby and Dalton have to come to terms of what it means to travel together and forge ahead with what they both want in their different ways (which, you can't blame them for - who doesn't want love, acceptance, and safety?).
This book has danger, not cheesy romance, some real human interaction and a lovely group of side characters who bring the story to life. It's a little bit "Wild West" meets Little House on the Prairie meets modern feminism.
Favourite character: Abby hands down. I honestly thought it would have been the dashing tough outlaw man but really Abby doesn't mind getting her hands dirty, wants to be a strong independent woman and she's got enough introspection to realize when she can't do something about a situation and it sucks,but all she can really do is keep chugging on. Otherwise she'd just be a mess all the time and who wants to live like that?
Throw in a little bit of a love triangle and we have a DRAMA. It's actually really realistic and I appreciated that it wasn't very love at first sight for Abby and she wasn't caught up in hormones/crushes.
They are too cute! If you like romances, you'll want to read this one!
"'Will you stay?' he asked. For all he clomped about and growled at me, it sure seemed like he wanted me around. I couldn’t understand it. But it was pointless to pretend that I didn’t want to be here too, despite his surly attitude. 'For a while,' I said, a little sharper than necessary, embarrassed that my plans to remain detached had fallen apart, as had all of my plans up to date. -Dalton and Abby (N.L. Lafoille)"
November 4, 2019
***4 stars***
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
I’ve recently really started to get into historical fiction/romance, before I hadn’t seen the appeal (oh how the mighty have fallen), so when offered to review I jumped at the chance.
This was set in Texas over the summer of 1892, where we meet our heroine, Abigail (Abby) who is close to death in the desert. Here, we are introduced to our hero, Dalton who saves Abby from certain death. We learn quite early on that their pasts are very much entwined, so they cannot escape each other despite their mutual annoyance of each other. I honestly loved the fact that this isn't an insta love story.
Abby doesn’t believe she is a good person, although she was totally completely justified in her action, she can’t shake the feeling she is undeserving. I loved the fierceness and snarky nature of Abby (we understand later on why this is) where I often found myself laughing out loud at her remarks. She is independent as she is fragile (a fine balance) and is fiercely protective of those around her, it is hard not to like her. Our hero, Dalton was the moody, brooding cowboy with a hidden heart of gold. I think I would have liked to seen a little bit more of a character development from him.
I liked how it had multiple pov’s, both of our heroine and hero and then later with people we don’t know of but add another layer of mystery to this story. I liked Cordelia (Cordy) as a secondary character and sweet Buck, people who are hated on just because of the colour of their skin.
Why this isn’t a full 5 stars?
Well at some points, I had to keep reminding myself that this is a historical fiction, which is strange I know but some scenes felt quite contemporary that it wasn’t until someone spoke that I was reminded it was still set in the 19th century.
Also, it felt like somethings which happened within the book had to happen for the author to drive the plot, like there was a lot of conflict introduced which was quickly resolved, apart from the hero’s quest for vengeance (which plays a big part of the story. Like the author thought something needed to happen because we hadn’t seen any action recently – it very much felt like a rollercoaster ride.
Overall, I did enjoy so a strong 4 stars from me. I’ll be looking forward to see this author grow!
I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
I’ve recently really started to get into historical fiction/romance, before I hadn’t seen the appeal (oh how the mighty have fallen), so when offered to review I jumped at the chance.
This was set in Texas over the summer of 1892, where we meet our heroine, Abigail (Abby) who is close to death in the desert. Here, we are introduced to our hero, Dalton who saves Abby from certain death. We learn quite early on that their pasts are very much entwined, so they cannot escape each other despite their mutual annoyance of each other. I honestly loved the fact that this isn't an insta love story.
“I wanted to reassure her she needn’t be frightened of me, but then I remembered what I’d done. Remembered who I was now.”
Abby doesn’t believe she is a good person, although she was totally completely justified in her action, she can’t shake the feeling she is undeserving. I loved the fierceness and snarky nature of Abby (we understand later on why this is) where I often found myself laughing out loud at her remarks. She is independent as she is fragile (a fine balance) and is fiercely protective of those around her, it is hard not to like her. Our hero, Dalton was the moody, brooding cowboy with a hidden heart of gold. I think I would have liked to seen a little bit more of a character development from him.
"S'alright. Not fair, but I can either feel sorry for myself or I can get on livin'. The world is too beautiful and life too short to waste one day on hate."
I liked how it had multiple pov’s, both of our heroine and hero and then later with people we don’t know of but add another layer of mystery to this story. I liked Cordelia (Cordy) as a secondary character and sweet Buck, people who are hated on just because of the colour of their skin.
Why this isn’t a full 5 stars?
Well at some points, I had to keep reminding myself that this is a historical fiction, which is strange I know but some scenes felt quite contemporary that it wasn’t until someone spoke that I was reminded it was still set in the 19th century.
Also, it felt like somethings which happened within the book had to happen for the author to drive the plot, like there was a lot of conflict introduced which was quickly resolved, apart from the hero’s quest for vengeance (which plays a big part of the story. Like the author thought something needed to happen because we hadn’t seen any action recently – it very much felt like a rollercoaster ride.
"I know who you are, I know what you've done. It changes nothing about the way I feel."
Overall, I did enjoy so a strong 4 stars from me. I’ll be looking forward to see this author grow!
November 5, 2019
*review in exchange for a free ebook*
4.5 stars
The blurb intrigued me, and I'm glad that I chose to read the book. It was slow to start and took quite some time to set the pace (almost until 60%). But it served the purpose of establishing almost every character in the book.
The book opens with Abby escaping from prison, rather the gallows for murdering a man.
We aren't given the details but there are enough hints to guess what would have happened.
Dalton's appearance, disappearance, and re-appearance, followed by them escaping to his farm were action-filled. We also get to see how they try to take care of each other.
There is no love at first sight or intense passion. Instead, it's a slow, simmering flame that gradually grows and fills them.
Cordy and Buck were amazing characters, and I loved them totally. From mistrust to gradually getting to each other and building strong bonds, Cordy, Abby, and Buck took one step at a time.
I wasn't sure about Emily's character as she seemed to have little role to play. Jake was supposed to be fun, but I was already into Abby and Dalton's budding love.
Yet, Jake presented Abby with a choice, and I liked she contemplated it before listening to her heart. John was a steady character, despite the limited role he played in the book.
Jennie was a character I wasn't sure I liked. At least, until she realized her mistake and wished to become stronger like her sister. She grew up from being a self-centered and protected younger sister to a woman who could take responsibility for her actions.
Dalton was the kind of guy you'd invariably come to like and love. No matter how many ghosts he dealt with, his concern for Abby was genuine. He was always there for her. The POV alternated between Abby and the third person for Dalton. Eli (Butcher, the villain in more ways than one), Sherrif, and Jennie had one chapter each with limited third person POV to show their side of the story.
The transition from one POV to another was smooth and easy to follow. There was little humor in the book; just enough to keep the readers from falling into the dark.
I was tempted to give 5 stars but the second half of the book sounded more like a contemporary story than a historical. The language was more suited to the 19th century (or so). The first half though was closer to said period.
The ending too took its sweet time and I liked it. Many books get ruined by rushed endings.
Epilogues are a personal favorite, so I would have loved one. That said, the ending was smooth, like softly closing a book with a smile.
Abby is strong-willed yet vulnerable. She's not a superwoman and is ready to acknowledge her faults.
Dalton is similar even if he thinks otherwise. He's an extension of her in will and temperament but with increased stability that age brings.
Overall, this is a beautiful story of two broken people who try in their own ways to move ahead in life and find the courage to accept love and start building a happier life again.
4.5 stars
The blurb intrigued me, and I'm glad that I chose to read the book. It was slow to start and took quite some time to set the pace (almost until 60%). But it served the purpose of establishing almost every character in the book.
The book opens with Abby escaping from prison, rather the gallows for murdering a man.
We aren't given the details but there are enough hints to guess what would have happened.
Dalton's appearance, disappearance, and re-appearance, followed by them escaping to his farm were action-filled. We also get to see how they try to take care of each other.
There is no love at first sight or intense passion. Instead, it's a slow, simmering flame that gradually grows and fills them.
Cordy and Buck were amazing characters, and I loved them totally. From mistrust to gradually getting to each other and building strong bonds, Cordy, Abby, and Buck took one step at a time.
I wasn't sure about Emily's character as she seemed to have little role to play. Jake was supposed to be fun, but I was already into Abby and Dalton's budding love.
Yet, Jake presented Abby with a choice, and I liked she contemplated it before listening to her heart. John was a steady character, despite the limited role he played in the book.
Jennie was a character I wasn't sure I liked. At least, until she realized her mistake and wished to become stronger like her sister. She grew up from being a self-centered and protected younger sister to a woman who could take responsibility for her actions.
Dalton was the kind of guy you'd invariably come to like and love. No matter how many ghosts he dealt with, his concern for Abby was genuine. He was always there for her. The POV alternated between Abby and the third person for Dalton. Eli (Butcher, the villain in more ways than one), Sherrif, and Jennie had one chapter each with limited third person POV to show their side of the story.
The transition from one POV to another was smooth and easy to follow. There was little humor in the book; just enough to keep the readers from falling into the dark.
I was tempted to give 5 stars but the second half of the book sounded more like a contemporary story than a historical. The language was more suited to the 19th century (or so). The first half though was closer to said period.
The ending too took its sweet time and I liked it. Many books get ruined by rushed endings.
Epilogues are a personal favorite, so I would have loved one. That said, the ending was smooth, like softly closing a book with a smile.
Abby is strong-willed yet vulnerable. She's not a superwoman and is ready to acknowledge her faults.
Dalton is similar even if he thinks otherwise. He's an extension of her in will and temperament but with increased stability that age brings.
Overall, this is a beautiful story of two broken people who try in their own ways to move ahead in life and find the courage to accept love and start building a happier life again.
November 8, 2019
“...I was coming to realize a quick death has its merits.”
LESSER EVILS is one of those books that grabs you at the very beginning, and makes you hold on tight through all the twists and turns.
This historical Western romance begins with Abby Fraser, who escapes hanging at the very last minute, only to find herself close to death as she wanders through the Texas desert. Fortunately for Abby, a cowboy comes across her just as she drifts into hazy darkness and takes her to his ranch to recover.
Dalton Laine is a man of deep character, both more and less than a “knight of the range”. His innate kindness has a practical side, and his quiet demeanor conceals a deep sadness as well as a thirst for retribution. Abby, on the other hand, is outspoken and sassy—too much of a spitfire to earn the designation of “lady”, and too independent to care. Both characters are well-drawn and appealing, even as their questionable pasts and inner demons are examined.
The point of view in this novel is a unique one—or at least one I haven’t encountered before. Abby’s first person account alternates with Dalton’s third person; the distinction worked for me because Abby’s story starts in her present, while Dalton’s begins five years in the past.
The descriptive elements of this book, especially with scenery and wardrobe, are very good. The plot clips along nicely as these two characters move toward one another while encountering natural disasters, believable villains, and even attempted bribery. The twist at the end of the book is both exciting and satisfying.
On the negative side, there are some anachronisms that occasionally took me out of the story.
Overall, this was a very satisfying read and I’ll keep it on my bookshelf. Ms. LaFoille created a complex plot and excellent characterizations, so I’m giving LESSER EVILS 4 stars.
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book by the author, with the provision that I write an honest review.
LESSER EVILS is one of those books that grabs you at the very beginning, and makes you hold on tight through all the twists and turns.
This historical Western romance begins with Abby Fraser, who escapes hanging at the very last minute, only to find herself close to death as she wanders through the Texas desert. Fortunately for Abby, a cowboy comes across her just as she drifts into hazy darkness and takes her to his ranch to recover.
Dalton Laine is a man of deep character, both more and less than a “knight of the range”. His innate kindness has a practical side, and his quiet demeanor conceals a deep sadness as well as a thirst for retribution. Abby, on the other hand, is outspoken and sassy—too much of a spitfire to earn the designation of “lady”, and too independent to care. Both characters are well-drawn and appealing, even as their questionable pasts and inner demons are examined.
The point of view in this novel is a unique one—or at least one I haven’t encountered before. Abby’s first person account alternates with Dalton’s third person; the distinction worked for me because Abby’s story starts in her present, while Dalton’s begins five years in the past.
The descriptive elements of this book, especially with scenery and wardrobe, are very good. The plot clips along nicely as these two characters move toward one another while encountering natural disasters, believable villains, and even attempted bribery. The twist at the end of the book is both exciting and satisfying.
On the negative side, there are some anachronisms that occasionally took me out of the story.
Overall, this was a very satisfying read and I’ll keep it on my bookshelf. Ms. LaFoille created a complex plot and excellent characterizations, so I’m giving LESSER EVILS 4 stars.
Note: I was provided with a copy of this book by the author, with the provision that I write an honest review.
November 3, 2019
I have received a copy of this book for free in return to leave a full honest review once I read.
I give it a full 5 stars. I enjoy a good historical romance story but I have never been fond of westerns but I gave it a chance and found myself loving this amazing western historical romance.
Abigail is a strong willed woman and stubborn. Her passion is caring and protecting only thing in life that matters and that is her younger sister Jennie. But that all changed when she thought she killed a man and she ran from the law ran deep in the desert heat.
Dalton is a rough and tough type of guy he had gotten himself into some troubles in the past he tried to leave the gang but they didn't let him go to easily. All Dalton wanted was to leave and be happy with his new bride and family to be but that all changed when Butcher (Eli Glenn) decided to change fate. Ever since Dalton's main goal was to seek revenge. But life had and unexpectedly took a bump on the way when he found Abby laying in the desert.
Dalton wouldn't leave her behind so he took her with him to a nearby town to seek her help and that's when he learns how troublesome Abby will be. I can keep writing bout the whole story but I dont want to give anything away. Its amazing how two people running and seeking revenge who have no clue who they were until they met had so much in common . I feel in love with all the Characters but two Eli Glen is number one and the second one Im sure you can figure it out once you read it.
This story kept me engaged and on my toes at all times it defiantly took me for an emotion roller coaster ride!
Great Job! I highly recommend this read!!!!!!!!
I give it a full 5 stars. I enjoy a good historical romance story but I have never been fond of westerns but I gave it a chance and found myself loving this amazing western historical romance.
Abigail is a strong willed woman and stubborn. Her passion is caring and protecting only thing in life that matters and that is her younger sister Jennie. But that all changed when she thought she killed a man and she ran from the law ran deep in the desert heat.
Dalton is a rough and tough type of guy he had gotten himself into some troubles in the past he tried to leave the gang but they didn't let him go to easily. All Dalton wanted was to leave and be happy with his new bride and family to be but that all changed when Butcher (Eli Glenn) decided to change fate. Ever since Dalton's main goal was to seek revenge. But life had and unexpectedly took a bump on the way when he found Abby laying in the desert.
Dalton wouldn't leave her behind so he took her with him to a nearby town to seek her help and that's when he learns how troublesome Abby will be. I can keep writing bout the whole story but I dont want to give anything away. Its amazing how two people running and seeking revenge who have no clue who they were until they met had so much in common . I feel in love with all the Characters but two Eli Glen is number one and the second one Im sure you can figure it out once you read it.
This story kept me engaged and on my toes at all times it defiantly took me for an emotion roller coaster ride!
Great Job! I highly recommend this read!!!!!!!!
November 13, 2019
This is the first book that I have read from N.L. LaFoille and it certainly will not be the last. LaFoille kept me engaged from the first page to the last. Just when I was swept away by the love story, LaFoille introduced other characters and twists to elevate the narrative beyond the initial romance. Lesser Evils was an absolute pleasure to read.
October 25, 2019
It's an amazing love story of Dalton and Abigail. Abigail was running from law and dalton was running against law. Both met by chance only to be together forever. A beautiful read with various twist and turns all through the story. The language is beautiful and narration is superb. Author has done a tremendous job. The various incident keep us glued to it till end. I really loved the way Abigail's character shaped up . An amazing read !!
November 1, 2019
A story that was very slow to start kept me interested and had a great ending.
About 2 people very much alike in character but neither thought they were worth loving
About 2 people very much alike in character but neither thought they were worth loving
November 27, 2019
If your looking for a historical western romance with a lot of adventure this is just the right book for you! The female leading lady is very strong and is trying to outrun her past until she meets the cowboy Dalton Laine who just like her is trying to seek revenge on his dark past. This really was a great book it was a little slow at first but it started to pick up and was a very exciting read from start to finish ! Although their was some time jumps and point of view changes happening which can be confusing at times but the story and heart of the characters make up for that!
November 12, 2019
A gritty romance. I loved this book.
Original and refreshing,Lesser Evils has a wonderful sense of time and place to complement a host of great characters.
Two souls lost in despair and hatred are thrown together by fate: Abigail, an outlaw fleeing handcuffed in the deserts is found dying by Dalton Laine an embittered avenger who rescues her.
This is no fairy tale rescue; the characters aren’t sweet and charming as we see when they arrive at Laine’s ranch and are met by Cory, his housekeeper and Buck a young Indian boy who is under his care. It is not a warm welcome for Abigail and she wonders why the brooding, surly Laine has taken her in. But prickly as they all are they are totally engaging and likeable.
She is expected to work and work hard but she is no wilting flower goes for it. Gradually the four become a unit and Abigail and Laine grow tentatively closer but secrets in their past threaten their fledgling relationship. As their past catches up with them events take a drastic turn. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen.
N.L. LaFoille has created a world that we can see clearly in our mind’s eye. The isolation of the ranch and the harshness of the environment provide the perfect backdrop, giving us an insight into how character was forged in those places. I also loved the sense of time. Sometimes it came as a surprise that months had passed or at that a letter took so long to arrive. This all added to the sense of authenticity.
Lesser Evils is a great read, I couldn’t put it down and would recommend it to anyone.
I look forward to reading more by N. L LaFoille.
Original and refreshing,Lesser Evils has a wonderful sense of time and place to complement a host of great characters.
Two souls lost in despair and hatred are thrown together by fate: Abigail, an outlaw fleeing handcuffed in the deserts is found dying by Dalton Laine an embittered avenger who rescues her.
This is no fairy tale rescue; the characters aren’t sweet and charming as we see when they arrive at Laine’s ranch and are met by Cory, his housekeeper and Buck a young Indian boy who is under his care. It is not a warm welcome for Abigail and she wonders why the brooding, surly Laine has taken her in. But prickly as they all are they are totally engaging and likeable.
She is expected to work and work hard but she is no wilting flower goes for it. Gradually the four become a unit and Abigail and Laine grow tentatively closer but secrets in their past threaten their fledgling relationship. As their past catches up with them events take a drastic turn. I couldn’t wait to find out what would happen.
N.L. LaFoille has created a world that we can see clearly in our mind’s eye. The isolation of the ranch and the harshness of the environment provide the perfect backdrop, giving us an insight into how character was forged in those places. I also loved the sense of time. Sometimes it came as a surprise that months had passed or at that a letter took so long to arrive. This all added to the sense of authenticity.
Lesser Evils is a great read, I couldn’t put it down and would recommend it to anyone.
I look forward to reading more by N. L LaFoille.
November 20, 2019
This is a wonderful western romance novel. I really enjoyed each character. This is a well written book and I recommend it as a must read.
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews