The Bounty

Malloy Family #1

by Beth Williamson

What happens when a bounty hunter finds his prey only to discover she's his mate?

Nicky Malloy is on the run--from guilt, fear, and a murder charge. After three years, the notorious bounty hunter Tyler Calhoun catches up with the elusive lady outlaw. The intensity of their dislike for each other is only matched by the growing passion they cannot seem to control. A loner by nature, a cold hard hunter by choice, Tyler fights his feelings for his prisoner the only way he knows how--by denying them. He's not prepared for how deeply his feelings will run, or how hard it will be to hold her life in his hands.

Pursued by two hapless cowboys bent on taking Nicky in themselves, Nicky and Tyler are forced to turn to each other for aid, trust, and comfort as their journey progresses on its rocky road. Caught in a web of lies and murder, they hold on to each other as they travel to Wyoming to confront the man that brought them together. Tyler has to decide if his love for her is worth more than the bounty he was sent to find.

Warning, this title contains the following: explicit sex, graphic language, some violence.

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Westerns, Historical, Erotica, Western Romance, Adult

242 pages, Paperback

First published April 18, 2006

About the author

Beth Williamson, who also writes as Emma Lang, is an award-winning, New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of both historical and contemporary romances. Her books range from sensual to scorching hot. She is a Career Achievement Award Nominee in Erotic Romance by Romantic Times Magazine, in both 2009 and 2010, and a quarter-finalist in the 2014 Amazon Breakthrough Novel Award Contest.
Beth has always been a dreamer, never able to escape her imagination. It led her to the craft of writing romance novels, fueled by Reese’s and tenacious pursuit of the perfect story. She’s passionate about purple, books, and her family. She has a weakness for shoes and purses as well as bookstores.
Life might be chaotic, as life usually is, but Beth always keeps a smile on her face, a song in her heart, and a cowboy on her mind. ;)

Reviews

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tyler Calhoun has just been hired to capture a bounty named Nicky and he is determined to bring the outlaw in. He's the best at what he does and he's made quite a name for himself, so when he finds out that Nicky is actually Nicole, he's insulted that someone with his considerable skills would be sent out after a woman. The reward covers up any ruffled feathers though and he's soon on his way, sure that this will take no time at all. When next we meet Tyler, he's being tortured by a group of bandits, facing certain death, only to be rescured by the very woman he's hunting. While Tyler is definitely grateful, he's soon back on her trail. He catches up with her and is determined to bring her in. Nicky is equally determined to not go back. She faces painful memories back home, plus a hangman's noose. She's going to make their trip as annoying and painful as possible for this overgrown bounty hunter and of course that just means the sparks are going to fly.

Eh. Kind of undecided on this one. It's definitely not erotica. Not even close. They don't even have sex until well into the story. The Old West setting that Beth Williamson created certainly felt believable, but other than that, I didn't really enjoy this book. I liked Tyler, he was okay. Nicky wasn't too bad either. I think I got mad at everyone's actions, to be honest, but then I don't like this type of book to begin with so I am definitely biased. I don't like the man being a bounty hunter who is sent to drag the murderous outlaw back to justice, who is in fact a nubile young woman (and always a virgin) who falls in love with her jailer/bounty hunter, and despite knowing she is probably innocent, the bounty hunter still drags her back to face certain death, realizing along the way that he loves her. Yawn. I've read this book before and this one is nothing new. Though there is an injection of the paranormal in the fact that Tyler swears he hears Nicky calling to him when she is in trouble. That was interesting but it didn't really go anywhere. What really set my teeth on edge is when right in the beginning, Tyler meets up with two men who try to warn him off the task of collecting a bounty on Nicky. It turns out that these men were Nicky's brothers. Now I'm sure their manly growling was tough and ferocious but it still didn't change the fact that Nicky's family never really got off their butts to go look for her. I just couldn't wrap my mind around that fact and since I suspected that those men were Nicky's brothers right from the beginning, it immediately soured the rest of my reading.

So I'm undecided on this one. It was okay. Nothing new or special. I liked Tyler and I liked Nicky. I just didn't like the parts they were forced to play. I'll try the next book in this series someday.

[Adrienne · Rating 4 out of 5]

i haven't read a book like this in a long time::it reminded me of what i've been missing::in a strange way it was like the chapeters that made up the jane smileys' *the all true travels and adventures..* that i read a few years ago::or one of johanna lindseys' westerns ::

altho' tagged as *erotic* i didn't find this book particulary so::i think maybe it's been given that tag b/c of one particular scene :: tbh i've read *standard* romance with more sex scenes:: i think there are only three or four *bedroom scenes* in the book and non have been overly explicit::there's no excessive use crude language or anything like that::this was not a problem for me as i hadn't gone into reading the book for the erotic content::rather i'd wanted to read it b/c it was an historical western with a theme that appealed to me that may have alot of sex scenes:: i'm quite adaptable when it comes to reading::i enjoyed the way the story is written::it's what i like to call a *snap shot* story i.e you only really know what is happening at that particular moment in time::with not much additional info about what has happened in the past::or what's going on elsewhere::i loved both the characters in this story alot::and can understand why they react to each other in the way they do::the setting is desolote and the mood created by the writting conveys that::for me:: it's a touching sometimes intense love story between an emotionally broken bounty hunter *tyler* and *nicole* an outlaw who tyler has been employed to locate and this is why the sex an' steam doesn't matter::b/c the raw emotion makes up for it:: yes! i was there with tyler and nicky riding thru the rain and mist separated by silence::i was there during the thunderstorm::i was there during the last third of the book when you suddenly realize that there are three ways this could all end up and an element of doubt creeps into your mind about an hea::the way some of the scenes between tyler and nicole played out for me were heartbreaking and call me hormonal but yes! i sat up til midnight in bed crying for the both of them::unable to put the damn book down::the difference between the emotional fragility and the physical strength of both of them is well written::here are two tough people whose hearts are breaking::so if you want an emotional read and you love historical westerns then this may be one you'd like to try::

theres a taster of *the prize* at the back of my copy so now i'm looking forward to the reading next book in the series:if the next one fits the erotic tag then so be it but if it doesn't::well i'm not too fussed as beth williamsons *mallorys* now have a place on my bookshelf::

[Ruth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great first book for this series. Practically all the introductions to the rest of the Malloy Family were saved until the plot had more-or-less resolved itself, rather than intruding on the romance between the hero and heroine, but it was still enough to spark my interest in the rest of the series. How is Ray going to get away from his awful wife? Who are the rest of the Malloys not introduced yet?

The hero and heroine are both great. They are both survivors, and strong characters in their own right. The fireworks between them are realistic, as are the pouty silences. The tension between them is beautifully written. You know they are going to have a HEA, but I particularly enjoy how the author has managed to realistically convey that they do love each other, even if they don't trust each other. It's not like they admit to themselves that they love the other, and then everything is fabulous and wonderful - oh no, it's more complex than that. The heroine I particularly like - she's survived completely on her own, making her own way, with no help except that which she wins for herself, but she's not lost sight of who she is. She exudes confidence, and vulnerability at the same time. The hero is fabulous, of course. And, I'm sorry if I offend anyone, but he even makes a moustache attractive...

This isn't cowboy erotica. Yes, there is schmoozing and sex, but it's pretty tame, and this story is firmly planted in the western romance genre. Great story. Really looking forward to reading the rest in the series.

[Lisa Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

Maybe I'm rating the books in this series a little higher than they should be...but, I justify that by stating I truly enjoyed them as a whole. Each one is a short, quick read; however, taken together I think you get more out of them, as each character is explored and distinctly different.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon & on iBooks today (8/4/2020)! 🎁

[Lori ◡̈]

No rating, DNF early on. Not my type of storyline and I could tell it was not going to go well.

None of the characters introduced seemed likeable. The bad guy was a creepy creep. The hero was a stubborn bounty Hunter that’s gonna drag the girl back to receive his prize whether she’s innocent or not (too much angst for me) and the heroine kissed the hero and untied his hands as she found out he was searching for her. The kiss was so out of left field. And came across as idiotic to me. On to the next book….

[SheLove2Read · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finally a good western!

[Dennis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good Western Historical

This is a very good historical set in 1800s Western US. It is somewhat steamy and it has has a good plot with Nicky an outlaw and Tyler a bounty hunter trying to bring her in. There is a quite nice HEA at the end and I liked it. I think you will like this book too.

[Romancing the Book · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed by Jen

Nicky Malloy is on the run and Tyler Calhoun is the bounty hunter hired to bring her to justice. Nicky's managed to evade the law for 3 years, but with Tyler on her trail she knows her time is limited. And as they travel to Wyoming and his reward, sparks fly and both Nicky and Tyler begin to believe that a happily ever after might be within their reach.

I picked up the ebook version of this book a while ago after seeing Beth Williamson promo this erotica western series. I'd been looking for more historical erotica and thought it sounded good. Besides, it's the first book in a series and we all know by now how much I love reading series. At any rate, this book sat on my ebook shelf for months and months. But then, recently I saw it waiting for me and decided to start reading. And I am glad I did.

I liked the characters of Nicky and Tyler. Nicky is haunted by the events that led her to go on the run and Tyler is jaded from his childhood and career path. But both were able to get past the obstacles and embrace life. I enjoyed the plot. I haven't run across many women fugitive stories and this one was well done. And now I'm anxious to pick up the next book in the series (which follows Nicky's rather large family), The Prize. I highly recommend if you like some spice in your historical western romance reading. And the whole series is available in ebook and print.

[Kayla West · Rating 3 out of 5]

May Contain Spoilers!!!

I wanted to like this, I really did, the beginning few chapters were written so well and it seemed like the story was going to be good one, but then we got to Nicky kissing Calhoun for the first time and things began to go downhill. The romance aspect started way too soon to establish a proper connection between the two characters. Nicky was hot and cold, one minute denying she would ever use her body to gain the advantage and the next thinking of doing just that.
And then the whole marriage thing was just so ridiculous. I think it probably would have made more sense in context if the romance aspect had been less prominent until later in the plotline.
The story almost feels as if some of the book was written primarily for the lustful scenes. It felt forced and drawn-out to the point of slowing the story to a standstill.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was pleasantly surprised by this book. I liked Nicky and her rebellious ways. I liked that she couldn't step aside when Calhoun was being hurt, even though he was there to capture her. I just liked Calhoun. I liked that he was unwilling to knowingly put her in harm's way (even though it unintentionally happened several times, he lambasted himself for it each time).

Frankly, I didn't know I was in the mood for a Western until I started reading this one.

Good stuff, man. Good stuff.

-Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal

The Bounty was a free Kindle book I downloaded on 09/03/13 for the Why Buy the Cow? reading challenge.

[LilMisGrayBrisk · Rating 3 out of 5]

While this was an easy read, I found it to be boring. I thought Nicky and Tyler were fine as characters, but I had trouble warming up to them. I didn't think they had any chemistry and Tyler got on my nerves with his stubbornness.

[Raine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and it made me cry when reading all of the hardships that Nicky had to go through. Tyler was wonderful as the bounty hunter trying to bring Quinn in for the reward.

I will definitely be continuing on with the series. Up next is Jack Malloy...

[Eastofoz · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not enough development between the h/h to make the reader care about their relationship. You do however want to read about the secondary characters in the follow up stories.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved everything about this one. Original concept, wonderful characters, good plot, and hot sex.

[Jessica Alcazar · Rating 5 out of 5]

SERIOUSLY!...awesome book. I was either crying or LMAO! gotta love beth. Tomorrow I go to the book store and buy the rest of the Malloy's stories. I CANNOT WAIT! :)

[Catherine Edward · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bounty starts with Tyler Calhoun accepting advance from Owen Hoffman to bring in an outlaw, who's on the run for 3 years. Little does he know that it was a woman he's after. When he learns the bounty was a female, he contemplates his decision to accept the offer. Then in the end money is money. Owen is ready to double the payment if needed. It's just a woman. How hard it's gonna be?

Tyler realizes his mistake soon enough. Nicki Malloy isn't just a woman. He follows the bread crumbs to a wretched place and finds himself at the hands of danger. Injured and weak, he's awestruck when a woman frees him that night, kisses him with a fierce need and leaves him to his devices.

When he finds her again, he ties her and loads her to the horse back, starting a long journey to Cheshire, her home town. There's desire that burns with him. And Nicki makes it her mission to irritate him by talking his ears off. Despite their initial differences, there's thick sexual tension in the air. Tyler is torn between his personal desire toward the outlaw and his duty as a bounty hunter.

The rest of the story holds the answers to questions like, why did Nicki become an outlaw? Why is Owen Hoffman after her? etc.,

This is an enjoyable read with a fast to medium paced story. I loved the writing style and the sexual tension in initial chapters was great. But there were certain things I couldn't connect with. Especially, there's a scene were Nicki is taken by two thugs. Tyler is too far and Nicki pleads in her mind for him to come and rescue him. And for some reason, Tyler hears her voice in his mind. If this was a fantasy/paranormal genre it would have made sense. That stood out for me. Then there were a few other things I couldn't connect with.

If I overlook these things, this is a good read.

[Tisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great story plot. from enemies to friends, then lovers.
Know as the best bounty hunter is to collect a feisty lady for murder & take her back to Wyoming to the victim's brother for an amount of $6K
what Tyler doesn't know is the Nicky was set up. She was to marry Owen twice her age. Nicky is willing to get the marriage but wants to have a prank with her wedding cake. Nicky and Logan her twin due to just that. What they find out is that his family is known for criminal activities, trafficking, rape. They rescue the woman they find locked up. Unfortunately, Nicky & Logan get caught and are chased by Owen's brother & hired hand.
While they separate, the brother attempts to rape Nicky & she stabs him. while she witnesses the hitched kill Logan in cold blood. Nicky cannot go home, her family & siblings will blame her for me telling & not keeping with the marriage contract.
She is on the run for three years Which is where Tyler comes in. Owen wants revenge, rape &murder, Nicky.
Nicky has to run from the bounty hunter by being a man. thought Jessie (Nicky)Cannot fool Tyler, though she is clever when Tyler almost gets killed, Nicky rescues him but that doesn't stop the bounty hunter from completing his job for his client.
Nicky gets captured & is going to go back to Wyoming where she & her family could be killed. Not unless she can convince Tyler to protect her. Instead of turning herself in.
Though between their sassy agreements & her escapes things don't look good.
Tyler has never met a woman like Nicole. He has been a bounty for over 7 yrs. though something about this job seems fishy. What could it be? What is she hiding? It doesn't matter I just have a job.
Then why am I falling for this woman?
Read the story to see what happens to Nicky & Tyler. Enemies to lovers.
Some fisty love scenes.

[TeriD · Rating 5 out of 5]

My favorite kind of read

What a lovely, enjoyable read! I absolutely loved our heroine, Nicky and our Hero, Tyler is her perfect match. He is a bounty hunter on the trail of Nicky, who is painted as a murderer and thief. Many have tried to find & capture her, but Tyler was the only one to succeed. Except, he got more than he ever bargained for or dreamed of. Their time together while making their way back home was funny, exciting, sweet, steamy, nerve wracking, sad, exciting, steamy....this little gem hiding on my Kindle was wonderful. With an engrossing storyline, engaging writing, a strong heroine and a delicious Hero, I'm definitely putting this one in my favorites list to reread. I whole heartedly recommend!

[Danielle Nicholson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was such an excellent read! I love books like this that are so good ya just can't put it down!

I owe a HUGE thank you to my friend Susanne for such a gift! It's because of her, I read this book!

I love you Ms. Susanne! Thank you for sharing such a precious treasure with me.

FYI- I WILL be looking at the bookstore for the rest of this series!

[Stephanie Bolen · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can we say Stockholm Syndrome

Yes by all means fall in love with a man that keeps you shackled. He hit her. Sorry don't care the circumstances I don't care if she broke something or he's sorry after. No. The language is wrong and the modern dirty talk and western setting aren't good bed fellows. The characters were unique but again sorry this ain't a love story.

[Terryan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The hero is a bounty hunter and she is the outlaw. He will be paid to bring in the female but looses his heart to her instead. Good story. Would be good if a story followed with Logan her twin brother. I know he is suppose to be dead but maybe a body is never found and Logan is lost as he had a head injury, could have amnesia.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Unusual Western Romance

I really enjoyed the start of this story, the ballsy heroine on the run from the hunky bounty hunter. It all went a bit 'Mills and Boon' at the end, but a lively and engaging read nonetheless!

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book a lot! Tyler is a bounty hunter who is hired to catch a woman who has been on the run from the law for years. He thinks that it will be an easy job! What surprises him is how resourceful Nicky is. In the end will he catch his bounty or his bounty catch him??

[kattie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bounty Hunter

I Loved this story very much. I did not want to put it down. I recommend that everyone read this book. Kattie 5/13/2017.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic

Great start to exciting series. I recommend this author. Really brings Western romance to life. I plan on reading the rest of the Malloy series.

[Linda H. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best western romance!

Wonderful storyline and characters. Enjoyed every conflict , and difficult situation described. Keep me glue to the story, till the end.

[Laura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome!

Loved it! I Literally read this, start to finish, in one sitting because that’s how good it was. Keep doing it Beth, you just get better.

[Pam Bailey · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good one.

I like the main characters Nikki and Tyler, the outlaw and the bounty hunter. There are plenty of plot twists and drama to keep this story a page turner.

[Kristy Day · Rating 5 out of 5]

A steamy bounty hunter gets his prize

A great read. Not typical for a romance and definitely a sweet read. I appreciate the language and scenes match with the characters.