He didn’t want to be an outlaw…
Can this shy runaway redeem him?
When Celia’s father is implicated in a robbery, she can’t stay and suffer the wrath of the townsfolk. Her refuge is brooding Roy Hagan -- he’s tough enough to protect her. But life with an outlaw is no place for a sheltered young woman like her. Unless Roy can change -- and prove that beneath his steely exterior lurks a heart of gold…
Good book with likable characters. Celia was a young woman who was somewhat ostracized by the people of the town. She has a scar on her face, and the local bishop constantly talked about it being the devil's mark. Her father worked at the bank and was slowly dying of a tumor. He wanted nothing more than to see Celia settled before he died. He pushed her into participating in the town box social, but when her turn came no one bid on it until a stranger jumped in.
Roy Hagan was a member of an outlaw gang. He and two others spent time in town over several days, checking out the bank. Roy couldn't help noticing the beautiful woman who seemed so shy. Though under orders not to do anything to draw attention, Roy found himself bidding on Celia's box.
I liked that first encounter, as Roy rescued Celia from humiliation. It's clear from the beginning that, in spite of being an outlaw, Roy has a good heart. There was an immediate connection between them, an acknowledgment that both are outcasts. I liked the way that Roy's attitude about her scar gave her the confidence to open up to him. He also opened up a little about himself, though Celia was not surprised to have her suspicion about his outlaw status confirmed. She also suspected why he was there but didn't care.
Things got complicated when the robbery occurred. Roy was disguised so that no one would recognize him as the stranger in town. During the holdup, Roy prevented the gang leader from shooting and killing Celia's father but ended up wounded himself. He escaped and found a place to hole up and heal. Meanwhile, suspicion fell on Celia's father, and people believed that he was in on the robbery, creating more trouble for them both. Celia was left alone when her father was arrested and tried as an accomplice. I loved the scene when Roy went back to the town to check on her. Though he saw trouble ahead because of it, he offered Celia the opportunity to get away. I did not expect the way they did it, and I enjoyed Celia's satisfaction.
The journey to the outlaw camp gave Roy and Celia the chance to get to know each other. Roy was cynical and a bit bitter, having ended up as an outlaw by accident. He believed that he will die an outlaw, that there is no way out for him. But that didn't stop him from yearning for what could be if his life was different. Celia was drawn to Roy. She saw the good in him and was firmly convinced that there was a way that they could be together. I liked seeing the effect that Roy had on Celia, helping her break down the walls that had kept her emotions locked up. There were intense moments, such as the snake bite scene, and sweeter moments as the two grew closer and shared dreams of the future. I ached for both of them as each dreamed of a future together but faced the reality of having to part.
The intensity picked up with the arrival at the outlaw hideout. The death of the gang leader brought the man behind him to the camp. His absolute control of all aspects was made abundantly clear, and both Roy and Celia could feel the menace. Celia was stuck at the camp until arrangements were made for her departure. The time spent with Roy solidified her love for him and her determination to find a way for them to be together. I liked Roy's honesty with her about how difficult that life would be. There was trouble looming on the horizon, and things came to a head when Roy and Celia decided it was time for her to leave. The escape was intense with several twists and turns that kept me guessing about the outcome. I loved the strength and ingenuity the Celia displayed as she got them both to safety.
I loved the decision Roy and Celia made about their future together. It was satisfying to see their return to town and the changes that had occurred while they were gone. The specter of Roy's past was never far from their minds, though, as they worried if it would catch up to them. There was a twist at the end that changed their lives in a wonderful way. There was a thread left hanging regarding Roy's friend Dale, and I can't wait to read his story.
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