The Outlaw's Daughter by Margaret Brownley

May 25, 2020 Leslie aka StoreyBook Reviews rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020-netgalley, books-to-review, 2020

Look no further for a sweet western romance that will bring joy to your heart but has a small element of danger and mystery.

This may be the third in the series but the stories do not overlap and you can read these in any order. This story focuses on Ellie-May who has lost her husband. Neal, to heroic events. However, Texas Ranger Matt Taggert has different ideas about Neal and thinks that he might have robbed a stagecoach and is trying to get to the truth about the events that happened that da Look no further for a sweet western romance that will bring joy to your heart but has a small element of danger and mystery.

This may be the third in the series but the stories do not overlap and you can read these in any order. This story focuses on Ellie-May who has lost her husband. Neal, to heroic events. However, Texas Ranger Matt Taggert has different ideas about Neal and thinks that he might have robbed a stagecoach and is trying to get to the truth about the events that happened that day and where the stolen money has gone. To top things off, Ellie-May's father was a criminal and she has been branded by the local citizens that she must be just as bad as her father. This is sad but not uncommon thinking for people, even today.

While reading this story, I could not help but admire Ellie-May for all that she has endured during her life. She is not afraid to stand up for what is right or to protect her family. She is like most single parents, doing what she can to keep the family safe, clothed, and fed. Don't mess with her family if you value your life! Matt may be a tough Texas Ranger, but he is running from demons of his own, and could the answer lie with Ellie-May? Only time will tell.

There is a variety of supporting characters and two that grabbed my heart were Anvil and Jesse. Anvil was a down and out homeless person that Neal befriended and brought home to join their family. That kindness has made Anvil a part of their family for life and he would do anything to protect them. I admired his character and there are even some humorous parts regarding the neighbor, Mrs. Butterwood. Jesse is a teenager that wants to be a Texas Ranger like Matt. Matt takes him under his wing since Jesse's father has his own issues. If you have sons or know teenage boys, you know that they can inhale food like there is no tomorrow. This is a sense of amazement for Matt and perhaps he just doesn't remember his childhood. But the bond that grows between these two is special and will warm your heart.

Sadly this is the last in this series according to the author's notes. I enjoyed the time in Haywire and I hope you do too. Make sure to read the author's notes at the end for a few other interesting tidbits.

We give this book 5 paws up. ...more

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May 06, 2020 Robin Loves Reading rated it really liked it

Shelves: kindle, netgalley, 2020-april-june, 2020-books, 2020-challenge, robin-loves-reading-2020-challenge, romance, pages, reading-challenge

Matt Taggert is a Texas Ranger bent on finding out the truth behind a stage-coach robbery. At the same time, he thoughts are never far away from his brother, who is a man running from the law. When he heads to a small town and meets a woman named Ellie-May, he does his best to prove that her now deceased husband was responsible for the robbery.

Meanwhile Ellie-May has never had it easy. For starters, as the title suggests, her father was an outlaw, thus leaving her to a lifetime of taunts and dis ...more

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Jun 02, 2020 Maida rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, historical, western, small-town, lsbbt, series, comedy, netgalley, ebooks

The characters are sympathetic, the storytelling is topnotch, and the romance is sweet.

See my full review at maidamalby.com

Content advisory: 6 year-old child in peril, handled firearm; alcoholism and child neglect by a secondary character.

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Jun 01, 2020 Lynn Poppe rated it really liked it

I’m always in for a historic romance of the western variety, especially one with great characters, some gun slinging, and a lovely romance.

Both the primary and secondary characters in The Outlaw’s Daughter are well-developed, multi-dimensional, and authentic. Ellie-May Blackwell is our heroine. She’s a widow of the town hero, trying to eke out a living on the family farm while raising her two children, Lionel and Alicia. To say that Ellie-May is in dire straits is an understatement. Money is in I’m always in for a historic romance of the western variety, especially one with great characters, some gun slinging, and a lovely romance.

Both the primary and secondary characters in The Outlaw’s Daughter are well-developed, multi-dimensional, and authentic. Ellie-May Blackwell is our heroine. She’s a widow of the town hero, trying to eke out a living on the family farm while raising her two children, Lionel and Alicia. To say that Ellie-May is in dire straits is an understatement. Money is in very short supply but love for her children is not. She’ll do whatever she must to protect them. Strong and self-reliant, Ellie-May is certainly a woman worth loving. Our hero is Matt Taggert, Texas Ranger. He is trying to solve a cold case stage robbery and his main suspect is Ellie-May’s late husband (the town hero). Matt has a strong moral code and is always trying to do what is right. He even tries to impart his rules for being a Ranger to Jesse, a teenager who wants to be a Ranger himself. In addition to Jesse, Matt also forms a quick bond with Ellie-May’s children, proving he is also gentle and caring towards others. The secondary characters in The Outlaw’s Daughter are also enjoyable to read. From Anvil the ranch hand, to Jesse the (teenage) Ranger, to the children, even to the local doctor, all are clearly written with purpose in the novel. Let’s hope we can read more about these characters in the rest of the series.

Ms. Brownley’s writing style is easy to read and descriptive. Her detailed writing brings the characters and setting alive. For example, here is our first glimpse at Ellie-May:
"Her sinewy body looked like it had been shaped by hard work and even harder times. … her dress had enough patches to shingle a roof."
I just love that description! Now we know that Ellie-May has seen difficulties in her life, but that she’s still getting up every day and surviving. Here’s Matt describing himself:
"Don’t feel bad. I’m like the tax man. People hate seeing me come and love seeing me leave."
This made me chuckle and think about cowboys walking away. What can I say! I do like a good cowboy walk! 😍

The Outlaw’s Daughter is a clean\wholesome romance. (If you are looking for romance that is more explicit, this isn’t the place.) The subtle nods to the growing love between Matt and Ellie-May are evident in the small touches throughout the novel. Matt returns Ellie-May’s lost glove; she brings him coffee and a blanket while he’s on a stakeout. These touches make the romance come alive throughout the novel. Another way Matt and Ellie-May show their growing feelings for each other is in sharing their childhood traumas. Opening up emotionally brings Matt and Ellie-May closer together, shows their vulnerability and reluctance to take a chance on love. Luckily for readers, Matt and Ellie-May get the happily ever after that they deserve.

The Outlaw’s Daughter is the third in the series, but it can be read as a stand-alone novel. I loved the first novel (read my review here), but I somehow missed reading the second book. Not sure what happened there, but I need to rectify that situation!

Overall, I recommend The Outlaw’s Daughter to any reader who loves historic western romance with great characters and descriptive writing.
...more

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May 25, 2020 Jenn Z at That's What She's Reading rated it it was amazing

While this is my first time reading a book from this author, it will certainly not be my last! Wow! This was an absolutely fantastic introduction to the author's long list of previous works that I can't wait to pick up! Don't let the cover fool you into thinking this is just another typical romance with a hunky cowboy! I was so surprised by the level of depth in both the story and the character development which takes what is seemingly a light, easy read to a whole new level!

A year after the dea description

While this is my first time reading a book from this author, it will certainly not be my last! Wow! This was an absolutely fantastic introduction to the author's long list of previous works that I can't wait to pick up! Don't let the cover fool you into thinking this is just another typical romance with a hunky cowboy! I was so surprised by the level of depth in both the story and the character development which takes what is seemingly a light, easy read to a whole new level!

A year after the death of Ellie May's husband Neal, Texas Ranger Matt shows up on her property to investigate Neal's possible involvement in a stagecoach robbery shortly before his death. The stolen money is still missing along with heirloom jewelry, and Matt is determined to find out what happened to it. Believing her husband is nothing but a good, decent, and honest man, she sets out to prove the Ranger wrong even if that means she must lie to protect Neal's reputation.

Complicating this situation is the fact that Ellie May's father was an outlaw and the town has never let her forget that she is just as guilty as her father simply for being his daughter. Ellie May's strength of character shines throughout the story. She never feels like she quite belongs, and now being the widow of a "hero" only heightens that sense of being a fraud. Faced with the prospect that her husband may have been involved in heinous events, she doubles down to protect not just his character, but the lasting legacy that type of accusation will have on her children's future. Choices have ramifications to the generations hopefully to come, and Ellie May will do whatever it takes to ensure her children are given a better shot at life than she received.

As much as these types of stories tend to become more about the good guy versus the bad guy, I loved the story's exploration of living within the shades of gray. Matt's work with the Texas Rangers has no doubt largely shaped his outlook on life in terms of right and wrong. For him and the other men representing and enforcing the law there can be no in-between. And as much as he tries to adhere to that ideal, he begins to realize that it isn't that easy given that his family shares a complex relationship with the law just as much as Ellie May's does. Getting to know her more and the story of her life, he begins to question his fidelity to the Rangers and the work that he can adequately offer. Watching the internal struggle these characters face within themselves was moving, compelling, and truly heartwarming, especially once enough trust was built between them to confide in one another.

Though this is the third and final book in the series, it is a complete stand alone and can be read without fear of missing anything from the previous books. I look forward to picking up the previous titles as time allows and returning to this wild Texas frontier.

Many thanks to Lone Star Book Blog Tours and the author for providing me with a physical copy of the book. This is my honest and thoughtful review. ...more

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Jun 03, 2020 Jenn Belden rated it it was amazing

*Thanks to the author for providing me a copy of the book via NetGalley and Lone Star Lit. All opinions are my own*

The Outlaw’s Daughter by Margaret Brownley is a sweet historical/western romance. She always works a bit of magic in that she can create light, easy reads that are really well developed in story and characters, with a clean romance.

I have a lot of admiration for Ellie-May, our heroine. She’s tough as nails and fiercely protective of her children – and over the course of the book, he *Thanks to the author for providing me a copy of the book via NetGalley and Lone Star Lit. All opinions are my own*

The Outlaw’s Daughter by Margaret Brownley is a sweet historical/western romance. She always works a bit of magic in that she can create light, easy reads that are really well developed in story and characters, with a clean romance.

I have a lot of admiration for Ellie-May, our heroine. She’s tough as nails and fiercely protective of her children – and over the course of the book, her character grows, learns to trust, and finds love.

Texas Ranger Matt Taggert is another interesting, complicated character, trying to redeem himself, and has to temper his growing attraction to Ellie-May with the fact that he’s investigating her heroic husband for robbery.
The supporting characters are a delight as well, from the loyal old farmhand Anvil to the straight-talking, men’s clothes wearing Mr. Buttonwood (whose interest in and interactions with Anvil are a hoot), and feisty young Jesse James (not the outlaw), an improbable name for a wannabe Texas Ranger.

There’s a subtle lesson here about not assigning the sins of the father to the child. Ellie-May grew up being punished for her father’s crimes, branded untrustworthy for no other reason than her birthright. She regains some respectability in the eyes of the town simply due to her marriage, but we see the ugliness that she’s endured at the hands of some of her townfolk even as an adult.

This is a story of redemption and of self-forgiveness. Ellie-May sees her husband’s reputation redeemed (even if she and her ranch hand, Anvil, were the only ones who knew it was at risk.) Jesse James is found not to be the storyteller that the Sheriff makes him out to be. And then there's Jesse's father and Matt who both need to find forgiveness for themselves.

If you’re used to bodice-ripping western romances, well, you won’t find it here. Brownley does a good job developing chemistry and tension between Matt and Ellie-May, but the relationship manifests in the sweet, innocent way befitting of the era.

Honestly, this book was perfect in every way. It has a strong plot, well-developed characters, conflicts that feel natural to the period, and was just an engaging read. Five stars from me! I’m very sorry to see this series end. ...more

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Jun 04, 2020 Christena rated it it was amazing

“What gets us into trouble is not what we don’t know. It’s what we know for sure that just ain’t so.”
– Attributed to Mark Twain
Straight up – romance novels are not my favorite, but I was introduced to author Margaret Brownley last year in a Christmas story compilation. I immediately fell in love with her writing style which makes reading her romances a pleasurable venture. Margaret’s writing has a conversational tone that made me not want to put down her Christmas story or this current book, The ...more

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Apr 03, 2020 Jessica Grogan rated it liked it

Another delightful read in the series. Again found myself enjoying the mystery more than the romance but still enjoyed the story overall.

*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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May 29, 2020 Belle Whittington rated it it was amazing

Shelves: lone-star-book-blog-tours-books

Check out the full review and ENTER TO WIN autographed copies of The Haywire Brides by Margaret Brownley on my blog: https://booksandbroomsticks.blogspot....

Hey, Y’all! Well, here we are, almost at the end of May. Summer is right around the corner, and I’m still staying the heck at home, away from germs and the people who carry them. This gives me more time with my books, both reading and writing ‘em, and it gives me time to do other things like this:

Yes. I actually did this to my own do ...more

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May 25, 2020 Lorilei Gonzales rated it it was amazing

The Outlaw’s Daughter by Margaret Brownley is the third book of the Haywire Brides series, but it is the second book of the series that I have read (I read Cowboy Charm School and loved it). Just so you know, I wasn’t concerned about missing the second one because a great author like Brownley can provide exposition as necessary or write a story that reads like a standalone. However, I do intend on reading The Cowboy Meets His Match when I have a free moment.

The first chapter might make you take The Outlaw’s Daughter by Margaret Brownley is the third book of the Haywire Brides series, but it is the second book of the series that I have read (I read Cowboy Charm School and loved it). Just so you know, I wasn’t concerned about missing the second one because a great author like Brownley can provide exposition as necessary or write a story that reads like a standalone. However, I do intend on reading The Cowboy Meets His Match when I have a free moment.

The first chapter might make you take another glance at the cover to make sure you are reading the right book. The tone is so serious without a hint of physical attraction between Texas Ranger Matt Taggert and the titular character, Ellie-May Blackwell, but that is Brownley’s style. She sets up that meet-cute in true grit fashion, with two strangers who are wary of each other for very good reasons. Even as some barriers break down and feelings start to surface, the bleakness of Ellie-May’s situation is not lessened just because love is in the air.

That is what I really enjoy about Brownley’s brand of western romance and what separates her from other authors in the genre. She doesn’t throw in a hardship or villain or two to make the story interesting. Brownley acknowledges that the time period was hard for everyone but especially so for a woman like Ellie-May. The author doesn’t hand out rose-colored glasses just because Ellie-May has a second chance at love. She creates interesting characters who have been grown in this harsh environment, showing us how some people will take what they think they’re entitled to and how others will do what they have to do to survive while still keeping their moral integrity intact. Striving to be the latter is a struggle and Brownley shows that it is not always easy to accomplish.

Brownley’s flavor of romance also tastes realistic, which to me is much more gratifying than the cloying love stories that flood the genre. The boy meets girl, boy loses girl, boy wins girl back motif is a common one in romance, but the stakes are usually comically low and they cheapen the love story. This is not the case with The Outlaw’s Daughter. Love and respect are hard earned, as they should be.

I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a great story with love and the Wild West in the mix as well. It reads like a standalone; so don’t worry if you haven’t read the first two books. But if you’re about to put this book in your shopping cart, you might as well save yourself another trip or delivery wait by adding the other two now. You’re welcome. ...more

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May 30, 2020 Melissa rated it it was amazing

Shelves: romance, historical-fiction, western

I don’t read a ton of romances, but when I do I always enjoy the vicarious thrill of that first meeting between characters you know are destined for a fantastic journey together, and in Margaret Brownley’s third installment in her Haywire Brides series, The Outlaw’s Daughter, we get that, and more.

In Matt Taggert, we get the rugged hero every woman secretly dreams about – he’s handsome, he’s stable, and he’s got a strong moral code that sometimes brings him into conflict with his own family. Tha I don’t read a ton of romances, but when I do I always enjoy the vicarious thrill of that first meeting between characters you know are destined for a fantastic journey together, and in Margaret Brownley’s third installment in her Haywire Brides series, The Outlaw’s Daughter, we get that, and more.

In Matt Taggert, we get the rugged hero every woman secretly dreams about – he’s handsome, he’s stable, and he’s got a strong moral code that sometimes brings him into conflict with his own family. That’s the kind of dilemma that really intrigues me because it’s typically internal – the character has to work it through on their own, or with the help of one close friend.

In Ellie-May, we are given a strong woman who is smart, compassionate, and kind, but also lives in the real world. She’s a fiercely protective mother, and also a good friend, as her relationship with Anvil demonstrates really well. Sure, he’s an employee, but she never treats him as a lesser being.

The plot was a carefully crafted balance of family drama (the truth about Ellie-May’s dead husband and later, the truth about Matt’s brother) romance (Ellie-May and Matt are a perfectly executed example of the classic will-they/won’t-they dance), leavened by moments of warm humor and cozy homespun scenes.

While this is an historical novel, author Brownley makes the language feel fresh and accessible, and makes her characters jump off the page. They are vivid and dimensional and you can almost smell the saddle oil and the heady aromas of home cooking.

While I haven’t read a lot of westerns, this spring I’ve made myself be more open to the genre, and one of the things I’m finding is that these “period” novels are full of strong women characters who are the kinds of people I’d love to have as friends. In The Outlaw’s Daughter, Margaret Brownley has given us not just a great story, but a heroine worthy of being a friend. Read this book.

Goes well with beef stew and homemade bread. ...more

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May 27, 2020 Kimmie rated it really liked it

The Outlaws Daughter is the third book in the Haywire Brides Series by Margaret Brownley. It can be read as a standalone (I haven’t read the other in this series yet and got along just fine), I will be going back and reading the rest of the books in this series though.

I loved Texas Ranger Matt Taggert in this book! His balance between doing his job and his feelings for Ellie-May was interesting to see. I thought that there was good chemistry between the two main characters and that Matt sho ...more

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May 27, 2020 Katie P. rated it it was amazing

Shelves: arcs, ew-netgalley, netgalley

This and more reviews -> Book Bustle

This is the third installment of the Haywire Brides series by author, Margaret Brownley. Though I had not read any of her other works, I can tell from the finely crafted prose that Margaret is a fantastic author! Romance is not my genre of choice, but this novel combines history, Texas Spirit, a little bit of mystery, and a healthy dose of elegantly written romance that made my heart soar! This novel can be read as a standalone, though I would recommend readin This and more reviews -> Book Bustle

This is the third installment of the Haywire Brides series by author, Margaret Brownley. Though I had not read any of her other works, I can tell from the finely crafted prose that Margaret is a fantastic author! Romance is not my genre of choice, but this novel combines history, Texas Spirit, a little bit of mystery, and a healthy dose of elegantly written romance that made my heart soar! This novel can be read as a standalone, though I would recommend reading the other two novels because this was so well done!

The first few chapters set up the narrative: a widowed mother, struggling to get by after the death of her husband and a Texas Ranger asking about her late husband around town, attempting to implicate him in a stage coach robbery. Brownley includes the little details that shaped their lives until this point, from the death of parents when they were young, to personal tragedy, or accusations of crimes that were never committed. These details are woven into the narrative with such ease that the reader is already engrossed in the story while picking up these small pieces of information. I enjoyed Ellie-May's character development and I felt I could really see the world through her eyes throughout the book. Each of the characters, even those who appear briefly, have a depth to them that I so appreciated as a reader! Ranger Taggert is not just a tough cowboy seeking justice, he's also a caring, respectful man who wants to do his job and ensure the safety of Ellie-May and her children. Each character has a similar range of depth and I thoroughly enjoyed them!

Another thing I enjoyed was the conflict. The struggle in this story always feels organic, from snake bites to allegations of criminal activity to raids on the plains. Some historical romances include conflict that feels forced or out of place, but not this novel! The author combines well written conflict with beautifully laid out plot to create a narrative that is smooth, interesting, and kept me hooked from start to finish! At one point, I'd forgotten I was reading a romance novel!

Having studied this time period in history, I didn't expect the author to include so many historically accurate details for Texas in 1887. The author describes the hardships of owning a farm and ranch so accurately. The Outlaw's Daughter reads like an old western film, full of grit and surrounded by relics of the wild west!

This novel is a great introduction to Margaret Brownley's writing and it is a fun read for the long time fan! I would recommend this book to any fans of historical romance, particularly western romance! I really enjoyed this book and will be patiently awaiting the next book in the series ( I do hope there is another)! In the meantime, I'll be picking up the previous two books and I would encourage you to grab all three from your favorite retailer!

I received a galley copy of this title in exchange for an honest review. ...more

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Jun 04, 2020 Maryann rated it really liked it

Although I'm not normally a fan of romance novels, I couldn't help but get caught up in this story of Ellie May, The Outlaw's Daughter, and Matt, the Texas Ranger who has a case to solve. A case that involves Ellie May's dead husband, who is the major suspect in a stage robbery. Then there's Jesse, the young boy who's instrumental in helping Matt solve the case.

Of all the characters, I think I liked Jesse the most. His determination in wanting to be a Texas Ranger, and what he was willing to do Although I'm not normally a fan of romance novels, I couldn't help but get caught up in this story of Ellie May, The Outlaw's Daughter, and Matt, the Texas Ranger who has a case to solve. A case that involves Ellie May's dead husband, who is the major suspect in a stage robbery. Then there's Jesse, the young boy who's instrumental in helping Matt solve the case.

Of all the characters, I think I liked Jesse the most. His determination in wanting to be a Texas Ranger, and what he was willing to do to convince Matt of that, was like a persistent fly buzzing around a picnic table. But he was a very endearing persistent fly. I also really liked Matt maybe even a little more than I was drawn to Ellie May, which is probably okay because in a romance the reader is supposed to like the hero a lot. That's what helps keep the reader engaged, hoping that the heroine will figure out how wonderful the hero is, too. Don't get me wrong, Ellie May is great, and I loved how she was introduced as such a strong woman, facing down the Texas Ranger with her shotgun when she found him in her barn.

The flavor of the west and how hard it was to have a successful farm was very vivid in the story, and my heart ached for Ellie May as she tried to keep her little farm going after her husband died. And I even learned a new old saying, "Too poor to paint and too proud to whitewash." Apparently using whitewash was just an advertisement of how poor a person was and folks were reluctant to make that so obvious. I didn't know that.

The relationship between Matt and Jesse that brought out Matt's paternal instincts was touching, yet not sappy, which fit the two characters so well. It also fit men of that time, men who were even more reluctant to talk about emotional things than men today. That made Matt and Jesse very real and believable and I really enjoyed the parts they played in this story.

Some of the plotting was a little thin, and I had to suspend disbelief in a couple of places to accept some of the things that characters did, but it was worth it. I really did want to find out whether Ellie May's dead husband, Neal, had been the stagecoach robber. Being a robber was in stark contrast to the man who charged into a burning building to save the children, but yet, there were all those clues, and the bag of money. And I certainly wanted to see Roberts, who had purported to be a friend of her late husband but was really part of the stagecoach hold up, get his comeuppance. Unless that involved him telling everyone that Neal had been his partner in the robbery.

I invite you to read this terrific historical novel and meet all these people and find out whether Neal was a good guy or not.

I received a copy of this book from Lone Star Literary for my honest review. ...more

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Jun 05, 2020 Marsha Keeper Bookshelf rated it really liked it

Shelves: series, keeper-bookshelf, western-historical-romance

Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

“The Outlaw’s Daughter” is the third, and it seems the final story in ‘The Haywire Brides’ series. I’ve read all three and enjoyed each one, but this is a series that doesn’t need to be strictly read in order so if you’ve missed any don’t worry you’ll feel right at home – but I’m betting you’ll want to go back to the earlier books when you can.

Ellie-May certainly hasn’t had an easy life, being the daughter of an outlaw sort of made that an impossibility from the start Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

“The Outlaw’s Daughter” is the third, and it seems the final story in ‘The Haywire Brides’ series. I’ve read all three and enjoyed each one, but this is a series that doesn’t need to be strictly read in order so if you’ve missed any don’t worry you’ll feel right at home – but I’m betting you’ll want to go back to the earlier books when you can.

Ellie-May certainly hasn’t had an easy life, being the daughter of an outlaw sort of made that an impossibility from the start. But she’s found peace, formed a family and life was turning around when her husband died leaving her and her children in dire straits. She’s proud, determined, and stubborn – she and her children will survive on their farm if it’s the last thing she does. When Matt comes to town seeking Ellie-May’s husband as a suspect in a cold case robbery he will destroy every little bit of normalcy and respect that Ellie-May has gained. Unfortunately, for them both in many ways, sparks fly between them quickly but neither want to acknowledge that attraction since they’re on opposite sides right now. Watching them bicker, banter, and fall in love… and deal with the ramifications of that love was a delightful, amusing, and at times, frustrating journey. Two more stubborn people for different reasons would be very hard to find.

“The Outlaw’s Daughter” is rich with interesting secondary characters, a story that feels so natural and realistic, and a couple to root for in finding their happy ending… eventually. I had fun with Matt and Ellie-May’s story, met lots of great characters, and I’m sorry to see this series close. But then, there is always the next series to look forward to. If you love a good Western Historical Romance with lively characters and a story to get caught up in then you should give ‘The Haywire Brides’ series a try. I’m betting you’d enjoy yourself.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.* ...more

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May 06, 2020 Lindsay pinkcowlandreads rated it really liked it

Shelves: arc, kindle-books

A year old stage robbery has brought Texas Ranger, Matt Taggert to the small town of Haywire. While investigating his lead he he discovers that his prime suspect died just days after the stage coach robbery and is the tow’s local hero… not only that, he has left behind a beautiful widow and 2 children.

Ellie-May is no stranger to public scorn, as the daughter of an outlaw , she knows what the Rangers accusations against her deceased husband will do to her family and children. For the sake of her ...more

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Apr 05, 2020 Amy Vida rated it it was amazing

I received a free copy of the Outlaw''s Daughter in exchange for an honest review. This is exactly what I've been looking for in a good historical romance novel. Margaret Brownley checked all of the boxes for a well thought out, realistic plot, with wholesome and real characters.

It's been a long time since I read a novel that took the time to develop a relationship. In this case Matt came into a small town to investigate Ellie-Mae's deceased husband for a robbery that occurred a year ago. Ellie ...more

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Jun 05, 2020 Celia rated it really liked it

Anyone who reads my book blog knows that I am a sucker for the romance genre. It is simply just the most fantastic genre and I absolutely love it. Everyone who reads my blog also knows that I am not a fan of westerns - I can't describe it really. But, let me tell you reader, that apparently all I need to like a western, is to have some romance mixed in with my western.

The Outlaw's Daughter is an incredibly sweet western romance that mixes in some all around goodness with a bit of something extr ...more

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May 20, 2020 Yvette rated it liked it · review of another edition

Margaret Brownley's Haywire Brides books are delightful, sweet Historical Romance reads that include a mystery and humor. While The Outlaw's Daughter is no exception, it also has a new depth to the story. The plot and the circumstances of the characters carry more sober gravity than the previous entries in the series.

The mystery plot-line that threatens the reputation of Ellie-May's deceased spouse is interesting and, along with her lonely childhood as the outcast daughter of an outlaw, creates ...more

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Mar 09, 2020 Mary Gallo rated it it was amazing

This was my first time reading this author and I was impressed with how she was able to place the reader into the scene without being over descriptive. I felt I was in that drought-dry town and experiencing the story happening right before my eyes. I enjoyed the hero and heroine, both who has some angst, but were not driven by it. The side stories added to the total book instead of taking away from the plot. This idea of an outlaw's daughter trying to gain some respectability in a small town wit ...more

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Jun 01, 2020 Valri Western rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

I thoroughly enjoyed Matt and Ellie-May's story! I adore historical western romance and this is a great addition! Throw in some suspense and it's a gold mine! I can't imagine how hard it would be to be a widow with 2 young children on a struggling ranch in those days. How would you get enough money to hold on? Widows didn't have many options at that time. Ellie-May is struggling, all right but when Matt Taggert Texas Ranger comes around asking questions about her husband being a suspect in a sta ...more

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May 29, 2020 Lori D rated it it was amazing

Shelves: american-west, historical-western, netgallery, love-the-author, great-cover, adventure, edelweiss

Haywire, Texas 1887
"Hold it right there mister! Matt Tagger froze in place. The woman's voice sounded serious, as did the metallic click announcing she was armed."
"You can put your shotgun down, ma'am, he said. I mean you no harm."
"Name's Taggert. Matt Taggert, Texas Ranger, he said."
Their first meeting was at gunpoint. Ella-May Blackwell's gun that is... He was looking for her husband in relation to a crime. Then she told him he was dead.
Matt was searching for proof that Neal Blackwell had comm ...more

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May 03, 2020 Michelle rated it really liked it

Shelves: firstreads, reviewed, 2020-read, netgalley

Matt and Ellie-May's story is sweet and cute, with all the adorableness of kids wrapped up pretty.

I loved the themes of forgiveness (when are you going to stop punishing yourself for something out of your control) and trust. I felt Ellie-May's struggle to protect her children and give them safety and security, and totally loved her going all mama-bear over her cubs. With her history, she needed someone gentle but protective and strong in her life, and that's what she finally found in Matt. I ado ...more

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Mar 25, 2020 Janilyn Kocher rated it it was amazing

This is the first book I have read by Brownley. It has all the necessary elements for a romantic western. Ellie May has always been ostracized due to her father's illicit activities. She gained respectability when she married Neal Blackwood. Now his posthumous reputation is besmirched when Texas Ranger Matt Taggart investigates a robbery that he accuses her husband of committing. The ending is predictable, but the action in between is good. Thanks to NetGalley and Sourcebooks for the early read. ...more

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May 09, 2020 Jo rated it liked it

Many thanks to Ms Brownley and the publisher for the nice read.

Met Ellie-May, who was an outlaw's daughter like the title said, lived in a small town who knows who she is. Being bullied because of whose daughter she was the whole life, until she met her husband. Then a Texas Ranger came to look for her now deceased husband, claiming that he did something bad. And that was not the life she'd ever imagined for her kids to grow up with.

The interaction of Ellie-May and Matt the Ranger was somehow ...more

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Dec 23, 2020 ShariB rated it really liked it

This is Ellie-May and Texas Ranger, Matt Taggert’s story, book 3 in The Haywire Brides series; a standalone, happily ever after, no cheating, historical western romance with some heat.
This well written western romance kept my interest throughout, the characters are well rounded with great interplay between the hero and heroine. Ellie-May kept her faith in her husband’s innocents against all the odds against him. Nice build to the romance.
Now, I am going to read the first two books in the series. ...more

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Mar 10, 2020 Donna rated it liked it

The outlaw's daughter was never accepted by the town’s people. She seemed to never gain their approval until she married her husband, Neal. Now Neal is dead after becoming the town hero. A handsome Texas Ranger, Matt Taggert, is in town and believes that Neal was a bank robber. He and Elle May feel a powerful attraction that that may not come to fruition because of her husband’s and her own pasts. Enjoyable story about a great time with strong women in our American history. ...more

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Mar 24, 2020 Sarah Burich rated it really liked it

What a great book! A mother’s love never fails her kids so they don’t have the same kind of childhood as she had. I loved how this book ended with her husband getting his name back to his hero status. And the girl still got the guy in the end!

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May 26, 2020 Shirley Linn rated it it was amazing

This is the third book in the series. It was another wonderful story with endearing characters. It had action, mystery and humor. Overall, it was a delightful story and I would definitely recommend it.

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