The Room to the West

by Lauren Biel

The Room to the West is an angsty historical romance with a time travel element. This LIGHT/MEDIUM GRAY story has medium spice levels and highly emotional content.

Sometimes to go forward, you must go back.

So what if I’m jaded? No one ever asks me how I feel, anyway. They just use me.

My clients call me Hannah. I’m an escort, but I refuse to work in a brothel. I always followed the law until I strolled alongside the lawless. I never wanted to be with a man until I met this one. What business do I have with someone over a century my senior? What could we possibly have in common? Everything and nothing at all.

Weston’s dark and brewing eyes make me forget we’re from two different eras. His past bites at our heels, and he will kill again for me.

The rugged and desolate Old West is no place for me. For either of us.
How can I choose between him and my old life? How much am I willing to give up for the only man who’s ever seen my soul?

The Room to the West is the second novel from Lauren Biel, author of Shoot Down the Stars.


This book is recommended for readers 18+ due to adult themes. Please see the copyright page for the content advisory information or head to LaurenBiel.com for a comprehensive list.


"Dark romance meets Louis L'Amour. A unique time travel romance that had you walking through the wild west with all your senses aflame." - Ann-Marie Davis, author of the Moreno Mafia series

Genres: Time Travel, Dark Romance, Westerns, Historical Romance, Romance, Time Travel Romance

224 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 14, 2022

About the author

Lauren’s stories are often emotionally raw, with lots of twists and turns. She describes her writing as “where light meets dark”, which represents how her witty humor compliments the darkness in every story. Instead of trying to mold her writing to fit in a box, she chooses to be unapologetically herself. While her focus is on Romance with dark elements, subgenre is no constraint for her. The common theme in every book is finding love when you least expect it. She enjoys putting her characters through tribulations, allowing their triumphs to be that much more poignant. Make sure you have your seatbelts secured. It’s always a bumpy ride.

When she’s not working, she’s writing. When she’s not writing, she’s spending time with her husband, her friends, or her pets. You might also find her on a horseback trail ride or sitting beside a waterfall in Upstate New York. She has a pretty normal life, yet her stories are anything but.

Reviews

[Auj · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stayed up till 3:43 am to read this book last night. I was reading until my computer died on me.

This was almost a five-star read for me, and it's frustrating to not give that last star. The heroine, Hannah/Mariah, ruined it for me. I know it's realistic, but her style of attachment (pushing the guy who loves her away because she's so scared of being loved & letting someone in emotionally) is so unlike the way I love people ( men ) that it drives me crazy.

I was practically rolling my eyes when Hannah was judging Wes for killing those men who harmed her. Sis, please. If a guy I liked killed someone who raped & abused me, I wouldn't berate him...😂 If anything, that's hot; a man is willing to kill for you.

She was just so annoying. Maybe I can forgive her because she's twenty years old and younger than me. But still, I wouldn't have done that shit at twenty. At the same time, she also went through so much sexual trauma (that thank god) I haven't been through.

I wish we had gotten Wes's age. He was probably twenty-four to twenty-eight. Too often I've read (older) historical romances where the heroine is barely eighteen and the guy is 32...and I'm likeee ...slow down a bit?? 😂

The book got worse when Hannah & Wes returned to 2022. The book was more interesting when they were living in such an uncertain, dangerous time (1885). I hated the scene where Hannah tried forcing Wes to return to his time. Girl, you've been through so much pain. You won't find another man like Wes anytime soon, if ever. He is one in a million. The sex is fantastic with him; he loves you unconditionally and treats you well. Girls like me want what you have...Please.

If you don't want to read the heroine having sex with other men, this is definitely not your book. It happens before she and the hero become intimate, and it makes sense in the context that she's a modern-day escort who accidentally travels in time to a bordello and becomes a lady of the night.

I'm exposing myself here, and I really don't care: I love men & I like reading straight romance, right, but that F/F action was...nice...I almost felt like I didn't deserve to read it 😂

As much as I like men, there's something special about being with a woman. I understand why (straight) men like being with women. I don't even know how to explain it, but being with a woman...it feels safer to explore with a woman than a man. Girls tend to be gentler; they kiss differently. They act more submissive in general. I felt more taken care of with a girl than with most of the other men I've been with. Even if a guy is trying to please me in the bedroom, I feel like I can be more honest with a woman about what isn't working with me or not.

Now I think I exposed myself here too much, and I might delete this whole section of my review. I've never read lesbian romance, but when I have read some girl-on-girl action in a book, even though a guy was the love interest/hero, I've always enjoyed reading it. It feels taboo to me in a very sexy way. Idk

Anyway, Lauren is my new favorite author, and I am so tempted to read her entire backlist now. But at the same time, I want to savor the reading experience.

[A.M. Proctor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I binge read this in one sitting because I had to know how this ended. The trigger warnings are real, but I also found some light moments that balanced the darker ones. I love that this author didn't censor history and the lack of value of a soiled dove in the old west. It takes guts to stay true to the tough stuff of our American history. But the main character, Hannah, carries a lot of heart and goodness through this book and I found myself rooting for her all the way.

[Rachel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I don't know what I expected from this book. It felt silly but serious, fun yet tropey. I'm usually not the biggest fan of westerns or time travel romance so I don't know what I why I chose this book. The main character was compelling and I liked her attitude through most of the book. If Time Travel Romance is your cup of tea, I think you'll really like this book.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debra · Rating 3 out of 5]

The time travel happened rather abruptly and very early on which wasn't expected. The story really took off from there with likeable and easily love to hate characters. This one contains time travel to the past and also from the past to the present/future. It wasn't the best time travel novel I have read but it definitely was not the worst. I would read another novel by this author for sure. This one is strictly for adults due to the content.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lacy Armstrong · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved the western scene and the unique perspective. Dark romance just fills like it belongs in western books. It was a great read, Hannah was a little indecisive and whiney about events and the way they played out but I really enjoyed the book overall.

[Connie · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 Stars
I haven't read too many western novels, but boy I'm glad I got the chance to read this one. I love how dark it was and how the author didn't shy away from the unpleasant details when it came to living in that time period. It felt more authentic. The story was a lot deeper than expected, it illustrate the emotional and physical trauma of escorting.

Highly recommend to those who enjoy reading darker subject matter and western romances.

***I would like to thank BookSirens and Lauren Biel(the author) for graciously providing a copy of the novel for me to read & review.***

[Tammy · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can only take care of you and protect you now, i cant make up for the past but i can try to replace what others have stolen from you"

ARC review-

What i really enjoyed is that i hadnt seen ANYTHING about this book i just listened when inwas send the post, saying i may like it and went for it,
Didnt have a clue what to expect

But lauren you didnt disappoint!
And im glad you did that at the end to leave room for another book but also can leave it how it is!

I did have other stuff i thought may happen, but im glad it went how it did, (except the bit i msged you about 😭) haha

Cant wait to read more of your books 💕

Defooo worth the read!!

[Ann-Marie Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Room to the West is a wild west adventure that will keep you turning pages until the very end. I was hooked on this book from the first scene and I didn't stop reading until my eyeballs were too tired to stay open!
This is my favorite kind of book—the kind that takes me to a faraway time and place. Room to the West was a magnificent adventure from start to finish. I loved the characters and the wild west setting. I couldn't put it down.

[Janalyn, the blind reviewer]

Hanna is a modern day escort and after finishing with one client, she is called to a seedy motel by another one of her regular clients. When she walks in the motel room instead of being a filthy modern day room, she walked in to a room straight out of the 1800s. It takes her a few minutes to figure out something is amiss. Which he walked back out of the door, she again walks into the saloon she will call home at least for the for seeable future. She initially starts accusing everyone of being actors in a while West show isn’t until the sheriff brings her back to the saloon and tells her women like her shouldn’t be walking around by herself. Then she finally acquiesces. The people in the saloon the women and the men aren’t likable people. The only exception or bell and a guy named Wes. Bell Will be her friend and Wes Will be her protector whether she likes it or not. When I first read the summary of this book I couldn’t wait to read it. I love anything to do about history fiction or nonfiction, but this book to me seems so unbelievable. The first thing she told the madam that she wouldn’t sleep with any guys and that she would serve drinks and work for tips and despite the fact the other girls were scared of the Madame, she agreed to Hannah’s offer. Then when she was short on the rent she told the madam that she would sleep with one person to pay the rent end it would be who she chose. Now the Madame make 1/3 of what the girls made and they were supposed to charge a dollar. Of course they enough picked a man that would pay her astronomically well if she would still only get the Madame $.75. Secondly Wes would never try to sleep with her. Instead he would hire her to wash his clothes and cook him food. Now anyone who has ever read a historical book where women were washing clothesor fixing food, then you know it is vastly different than the way we do it today. It took a very long time to heat up water to wash your clothes, let alone heat up the oven to cook a meal. Despite all that she knew how to do it. I do want to say they were a couple of rapes in the book and one of them was committed by the man who owned the saloon. I found it odd that no one ever look for them after they disappeared. One was just a well-known scoundrel but the other as I said on the saloon… Go figure. Also, after she got it in her head that she wasn’t in Kansas anymore, No one ever asked her why were you accusing us of being actors? Maybe I missed something or maybe… I don’t know. What I do know is this wasn’t the greatest book and I have read some really terrible books and I am not saying this is the worst. What I am saying is other people have like this for so maybe you will too as long as you don’t know your history all that well you should really enjoy it. I received this book from book sirens and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Please forgive any grammatical or punctuational errors as I am blind and dictate my review and anyone who uses dictation knows it makes you sound like an idiot. All opinions on my own though.

[Macabre Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Room to the West is the latest offering by new author Lauren Biel. This book was an absolute trip in the best way, both in nature and substance. Lauren's signature heavy subject matter is present, but added elements of time travel lend a whimsical vibe to the storyline, giving the characters some added lightness and intrigue that you don't find in a contemporary setting.

Hannah is a young but weathered escort, scraping her way through college by carefully choosing clients that show some redeeming qualities. During a meet-up at the Bawdy Way Motel, Hannah is transported more than 100 years into the past, back to the Bawdy Way Motel of 1885. Hannah learns the motel used to be used as a brothel and local watering hole in that time. She learns quickly she doesn't have much for prospects or means of supporting herself, and she agrees to do some work for the motel to earn room and board. Hannah is adamant not to succumb to the pressure of becoming a common prostitute, however, refusing to compromise her convictions.

Hannah forges two very important relationships while in 1885. The first is with a fellow prostitute named Belle, a beautiful blonde that does not seem cut out for the life she's fallen into. In a world where it's every woman for herself, Belle and Hannah develop a friendship and love for each other that is just honest and pure. Hannah has never been able to connect with another woman like she does with Belle, and watching their relationship grow was my favorite part of the storyline. Hannah also meets Weston, a mysterious widower with a nearby ranch. Weston respects Hannah's devotion to not taking clients in the traditional sense, but pays for her time to come and help him at the ranch. Hannah quickly finds that Weston has a much more complex backstory than at first glance, and she is pulled into a situation that is worthy of the best Western story.

I would normally not pick out a book with the synopsis this one has, but I loved Lauren's debut Shoot Down the Stars, so I gave this book a chance. I'm beyond happy I did, because this book was very enjoyable. If you are tired of the same old story formulas, I definitely recommend The Room to the West as a way to break out of that book rut.

Character development: 5/5
Dark elements: 4/5
Steamy scenes: 4/5
Overall storyline: 4.5/5
Triggers: Yes, indeed - murder, rape, suicide, assault

[Angels · Rating 5 out of 5]

We actually enjoyed the story, it had me so engrossed that we read it in one sitting. We loved Wes, he was pretty much a straight shooter for the most part, didn't shy away from the truth. Not only that, but we loved the interest he took in Hannah and saw beyond what the time period considered a soiled dove. Once Wes got to know Hannah, we loved the fact the Wes opened up about his past and that he felt strongly enough in whatever they had going on to trust her with some hard truths. We would not say that Wes did not feel possessive or protective of her because his actions spoke volumes.

In Hannah, we saw a strong and independent woman and a woman who owned up to the past and present of her life. Thought she was a spitfire for the most part. We can honestly say had Hannah not experienced and survived in the future like she did, we honestly never survived her time travel to the past long term, she was strong but, from the life we saw her living in briefly would be enough for the sane to go insane at some point.

Overall the story carries hard truths both past and present and the story didn't shy away from how the Old West could be harsh and unforgiving and back then there weren't a lot of choices for women back then. The story will have triggers, so pay attention to the plot. We loved Wes and Hannah aka Mariah as a couple and that somehow they found one another when each of them when each of them needed something more to move on from the past and heal. Belle, we are glad that Hannah had a champion in you during her trying time, and we believe for the first time ever Hannah had her first true friendship with you...

First time author for us, and we have a good feeling we will be reading her books again.

Favorite quote

"I can only take care of you and protect you now. I can't make up for the past, but I can try to replace what others have stolen from you. Just give me the chance to do it. Let me make you whole again."

[Kimberly · Rating 4 out of 5]

*A Thank you to BookSirens and the Author for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest and unbiased review*

Just a warning, this is a DARK romance so that means there is a lot of sensitive content in this book that may not appeal to others. Unless you like this genre, and have read other dark romances I suggest skipping it.

So, this book is heavy. There are a lot of elements in which can make a reader uncomfortable, but it's well worth it. I loved 'Hannah' she was a tough girl, that although a bit jaded due to her trade, still has a lot to learn and boy does she. Traveling back in time, as a woman with no money really puts you in a tough position but Hannah does find a way.

Biel does a pretty good job setting up the romance for 'Hannah' and Weston. From the very first moment they meet you can really feel the chemistry between the two that really makes you root for them to stay together even if you think it may be impossible. Biel also does a good job with the feel of what 1885 Arizona would be, something that needs to be researched a fair bit.

There were some moments where I thought enough was enough, because damn the hits felt like they kept coming, but it does make you feel more for the end of the book. I just wished Biel did stop at certain points but I think the author wanted more of a realistic feel. Some moments were just a little too dark for me, and I had to skip some scenes but I still liked the book a lot.

Overall, if this is your type of romance definitely read.

[Samantha · Rating 5 out of 5]

"I can only take care of you and protect you now. I can't make up for the past, but I can try to replace what others have stolen from you. Just give me the chance to do it. Let me make you whole again."

This is my second read by Lauren & I really enjoy her writing style. It reads like a movie to me & I can picture it all clear as day. She also knows how to bring out all the feelings. This book touches on time traveling, but that's not the main theme of the story. I would say this is a story about overcoming & becoming. About being able to go through hard times (And boy was it hard times! 1885 AZ is not a place I want to be!) & to keep going with your head held high. Only YOU get to choose what brings you down in this life. Hannah had some hard knocks & became very jaded, but there was always a little bit of hope in her. She held onto that hope with Wes & they got through some emotional situations. I do recommend heeding the TWs because this book touches on some serious situations. I have found that Lauren handles these hard situations tastefully & with a raw realness. There is also some humor & I feel like that adds a good balance. If you enjoy western, some time travel, dark romance, & some tasteful writing, then this book is for you. I definitely recommend it.

4.5 stars
Thank you to BookSirens and Lauren for allowing me to read this book. This is my honest review.

[Joyffree]

Hannah was supposed to meet a client instead she meets a madam
So what does a gal do when she literally walks back in time?
She makes the best of it...

I had a touch of trouble connecting with the main character
Hannah is an escort saving up to pay her way through college to be a teacher - I am okay with that
It was her attitude and her thought process that niggled at me
The time shift is quite abrupt and we do not get answers till much later, even then I was a bit confused

The story is an erotic romance with some highly flammable smexy moments as well as some tender ones
I did like Wes
This has both FF and MF relations

[Mayghaen D'Urso · Rating 4 out of 5]

I usually stay away from westerns in general, but as an AZ girl myself, I couldn’t resist taking a trip to the wild, wild west of 1885. I enjoyed the story; the romance between Wes and Hannah was really well done. The only thing I wish there was more of was the time travel element. The how and why were touched on, but it felt a little lacking (for me). Still a great story. One that I would/will recommend.

[Chey · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's hard to describe this book in a short summary. Hannah goes back to the wild west of 1885 Arizona and meets West.

This book was a great read and while it has dark elements, it was a fun read. Readers need to check the triggers, but it is definitely worth the read. Hannah's character was written well and her interactions with the characters really showed how out of her era she was. Her relationship with West shouldn't have worked, but the author managed to make it work really well.

I didnt like how quickly the time travel happened and how abrupt it was. It took me out of the story and I think if the author had worked it in more and built up to it, it would've worked out better.

[Johanna Sawyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was hard to read, not because it wasn’t well written but life as a prostitute is objectionable. Hannah was an object she created to distance herself from the misery she went through to earn money.

I had a lot of questions going through this book that weren’t answered clearly and the ending left me a little bereft.

I received a complimentary copy to read and voluntarily left a review.

[Jennifer Porter · Rating 4 out of 5]

**I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily**

Another great book by Lauren! I wasn't sure how I'd like this story at first because I'm not typically drawn to historical romances, but I'm glad I gave this a chance. The descriptions and way she wrote about how it was in 1885 was well done 😊.

The only thing I wish was explained a little more was the time travel aspect.

I always look forward to your books! Thank you for such great storytelling 💜

[Erin · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a crazy ride that was! The story was unique, interesting, thrilling, and highly entertaining from beginning to end. I was hooked right from the start and didn’t want the story to end. It was an emotional rollercoaster ride that delves into some dark territory but also has some sweet moments in between.

Hannah and Weston are great characters with fantastic chemistry and they both kept me turning the pages quickly to see how everything plays out for them.

I really enjoyed this story and hope that this amazing author continues Hannah and Weston’s story for us because I would love to read more about them.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG, first timer here! Not anymore!

"Let me make you whole again." SWOON!!!!!

This dark romance is so different from other dark stories! Refreshingly different!

I enjoyed both Weston and Hannah. The characters were big screen; like a Clint Eastwood western!

Some tough material, but probably so true to real life in the era written!

A fast-paced, engaging read!

Heed the trigger warnings!

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 ⭐
E-book.
The beginning was good. I went into this book blind, so what an unexpected turn it took. I never know what will happen next in a Lauren Biel story, and that remained true in this one. From lesbians to suicide to uncovered secrets, I was surprised. The ending dragged a bit, but it was sweet and I was happy with it.

[D.S. Mac · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Just give ‘er a squeeze!” I roll my eyes and touch one of the udders, but my hand recoils. Oh, I don’t like this. “There’s only one thing I like to milk,” I whisper.

😆

Okay so I loved every single second of this!
A whole array of emotions, from disgusted to shocked, to relieved, to happy filters through this great story that spans 150 years.
A pinch of twisted, a dash of sauce with a heap of gross, and a whole bunch of humour!
Very well written, well researched and a brilliant read.

“I can’t stay here,” I say. “I have to go back.”“I don’t know what’s through that door,” he says, “but I can’t stay here without you.”

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Hurricane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Time travel, check. Wild west, check. Violence and angst, check. Finding love in a hopeless place? Check! This book checks allll the boxes for me. It’s a dark AF, gritty and traumatic, so definitely mind your trigger warnings. But despite the hero being a lawless man, he’s got an ooey gooey center just for the heroine and I am here for it.

I can’t not click on a wild west romance and I am so glad I happened to click on this one! Definitely recommend for rootin’ tootin’ angsty romance lovers.

[Annette Summerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think Wes has a lot to learn yet..lol
I just finished this story. Hannah has sexual experiences in 2021 and she has more experiences when she goes back into the 1800s.
There is violent rapes and murders in this story.
It is also a heartwarming story of women who try to survive in an old Western world.
It is a quick read too. I started it today and finished it today.

[Tammy T · Rating 3 out of 5]

Enjoyable time travel, whilst the time travel is not explained in great detail its still a great read with likeable characters. It's an easy read, I read it in one sitting as I wanted to see how it would end for Hannah and Wes.

[Becca Sabala · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a first for me. I've never read a historical or even a western. But I loved the last book I read from Lauren so I wanted to give it a try!

The time travel surprised me, but it added a lot to the story.

I loved Wes and Hannah. This is definitely a dark book and not for the faint of heart. (Which are my favorite kind!)

I really hope there's another book in this because I would love more!!

[Tracey · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely my most favorite Lauren book ever. I started off with her darker stuff so this was incredibly tame compared to it but I adored it.

[Klissia · Rating 3 out of 5]

A weird time travel story but I interesting choice of point of view. A "hooker" goes to the past and its nothing romantic in this little adventure.

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a good historical and it was cool reading it from a different angle of some going back in time! This book was well researched and really took me into that world. It obviously wasn't a great time for women back then and some of the themes are quite dark but the overall story between the two main characters is sweet.

Overall I think it was a great book and something that people who like cowboy and dark romances will love!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Dora · Rating 4 out of 5]

Received this as an ARC and while the trigger warnings are very real (if you’re sensitive to any of the mentioned scenes/topics, definitely avoid this book) I found this book enjoyable. I feel like the middle of the story and the time travel aspect could be better fleshed out but it was entertaining and the story was original. I would recommend if you’re looking for a unique book that’s different from “normal” spicy romance.