Outlaw Hearts by Lori G. Matthews is a wonderful historical sapphic romance set in the Wild West.
Outlaw Elle Barstow lives a rugged life robbing stagecoaches and avoiding emotional entanglements. Her world shifts when she crosses paths with Isabella “Izzy” Collins, a strong-willed suffragette heading west to marry an older man.
After Elle rescues Izzy during a robbery, she plans to ransom her, but their growing connection complicates things. As Izzy learns to survive in the wild, Elle grapples with her feelings for the woman who challenges her tough exterior.
Set amongst the beautiful and rugged backdrop of the Wild West, Outlaw Hearts is a thrilling lesbian romance about love’s transformative power.
Writing
The Wild West is not for the faint of heart. It’s a rugged, lawless, and often isolated landscape. The vivid descriptions of the striking, untamed oasis in Outlaw Hearts made me feel as though I were right there alongside Izzy, Elle, Raven, and the guys. The dusty New Mexican town of Loma Parda springs to life with its unruly inhabitants, weathered buildings, and dirt-covered streets. A lawless place, it becomes deeply significant to the endearing characters who call it home. The villains are vividly portrayed, capturing the sense of death and destruction that trails in their wake. The humor helped lighten some of the heavier themes in the narrative, and I appreciated how key historical moments were seamlessly integrated into the story.
Pros And My Favourite Parts
Izzy Collins knows she doesn’t want to marry a man twice her age, but when her parents force her onto a stagecoach bound for a life she doesn’t want, she realizes just how trapped she is. Everything changes when Elle and her crew rescue her. Thrust into an unfamiliar world, Izzy eagerly embraces the challenge of learning how to survive in the harsh, untamed landscape. Despite her terrible aim and tendency to ignore instructions—often causing as much frustration as amusement—Izzy lightens the burden for everyone around her. Her stubborn, fiery spirit and genuine nature make her truly admirable.
Elle Barstow’s childhood was far from perfect. Tragic circumstances left her orphaned at just ten years old, and she spent years grappling with guilt as she followed the course set before her. Known as the fastest draw in the West and feared by many, Elle presents a tough, no-nonsense demeanor. Yet beneath that hardened exterior, she’s a fiercely loyal, compassionate (though she’d never admit it), and slightly vulnerable woman.
Elle’s hardened heart doesn’t stand a chance against the beautiful and strong-willed Izzy. It was a joy to witness Elle’s gradual softening—the rare smiles and quiet chuckles brought on by Izzy’s antics, a striking contrast to her usual stoic demeanor. Their slow-burn romance allows plenty of time for them to truly get under each other’s skin. Izzy’s refusal to stay in the background in Loma Parda, her interior design attempts in Elle’s house, and her growing presence in Elle’s once-quiet life make for an entertaining and heartfelt dynamic.
Raven, Elle’s blood sister, is the one person Elle trusts above all others. Her powerful right hook and unwavering support highlight the deep bond they share. Meanwhile, Shorty and Willie’s loyalty and respect for Elle reflect not only her fairness and integrity as a leader but also her strength as a friend.
Heads Up
Some violence.
The Conclusion
Outlaw Hearts is a captivating read, filled with vivid descriptions, engaging dialogue, dynamic characters, and a constant undercurrent of suspense. I found it difficult to put down, eager to see how everything would unfold. When Elle and her crew rescue Izzy from a stagecoach robbery, it sets off a chain of events that will forever change their lives. The amusing moments of teaching Izzy how to survive the unforgiving terrain are matched by her inability to maintain a low profile. Despite Elle’s tough exterior and Izzy’s inexperience with love, the two women find it increasingly difficult to stay away from one another. It’s a tale of trust, loyalty, and compassion amidst adversity. Get your copy now!
Excerpt from Outlaw Hearts by Lori G. Matthews
“You should be safe now. We ran them off, so you can go back to your coach.” Elle tipped her hat and walked away.
A sudden vision of her upcoming nuptials to an old man she’d never met flashed in Izzy’s mind. Without thinking, she shouted, “Take me with you!”
Elle froze.
Raven shook her head. “We can’t take you. Go on back to the coach.”
“No! Please, don’t leave me here.”
Raven narrowed her eyes at Elle, code for, Don’t you dare. Elle agreed. “Uh, I’m sorry, I don’t know your name.”
“Isabella Collins. Or just Izzy is fine.”
“Or, soon to be Mrs. J.B. Jackson,” Raven chimed in.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Collins. I’m Elle Barstow, this is Raven Blackfeather.” Elle paused before continuing, “We can’t take you with us.”
“Why not?” Elle, not used to being questioned, widened her eyes. “Because.”
“Because why?”
“Because we don’t have time to mollycoddle you,” Raven said.
“You won’t have to. Please take me with you.”
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Bits and Bobs
ISBN number: 978-1642476040
Publisher: Bella Books
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