Title: The Bounty
Author: Beth Williamson
Published in 2006 by Samhain Publishing
Genre: Western
IBSN: 1-59578-070-X
Owen Hoffman hunts for Nicole, ‘Nicky’, Malloy. He wants her found and brought in for justice for the death of her brother and for stealing a small portion of his fortune. He knows she is not the one who killed her brother but rather himself. He has hunted for her for three years and his search has been fruitless. No one can even seem to get her scent, so he decides to hire the one bounty hunter that will return her to him. He knows that Tyler Calhoun is notorious for bringing in any outlaw.
Tyler Calhoun, bounty hunter, has been enlisted to bring in a lady outlaw. He is the best that money can buy and she is one subtle outlaw. Her name, Nicky Malloy and he has no idea why someone is willing to pay so much money to bring her in but the three thousand dollars sounded good and he loved a good challenge. Since she is a woman, it shouldn’t be hard to track her down, now three months later his job is still not finished.
Tyler won’t rest until he brings in the killer and thief that he has been hired to capture. After Hoffman raises the anti to six thousand dollars to bring her in, Tyler is no idiot; he would search effortlessly until he found her, but had he just made a deal with the devil? After three long months when he figures he will never locate her, he comes face to face with her. Surely the others are wrong; she can’t be any hardened outlaw. To him, she sure doesn’t appear as one. When he is trapped with the gang that she hangs out with, he is surprised that she finds a way to set him free, but he vows he will find her again and this time he will keep her in his possession until he brings her back in for justice. Her other brothers have to make a slip once in awhile.
Nicky Malloy can’t believe her luck. Her beloved brother is murdered and who gets pinned the blame, none other than her. She refuses to be framed for a killing she didn’t do. Three long years she has dodged the law and every bounty hunter they sent her way. If it’s a fight they want, it’s a fight they will get. When the last bounty hunter sent out for her finally captures her, she intends to show she will escape his clutches no matter how handsome he may be and how he makes her heart hammer inside her chest.
Tired of running, the guilt begins to plague Nicky. She knows that she was responsible for the murder of her twin even though she didn’t pull the trigger. Her rash impulsiveness had helped with his killing. As she hides out with some others, when Tyler shows up to take her back, she can’t allow the others to harm him; so she decides to set him free then heads out. Thinking that he will leave her alone for her kindness, she soon learns that he is once again hot on her trial and will stop at nothing to bring her to the law and Owen.
Nicky never imagined one bounty hunter would be as stubborn as she. Just as she refuses to give up, he does the same. She is wanted in Oklahoma all the way to Wyoming and as Tyler refuses to give up his search for her, she continues to trek ahead of him at every turn as they encounter dangers as well as an intense attraction for the other. She fights every way she can to escape because she doesn’t wish to hang from a noose and if he has his way, she knows Owen will do exactly that. Not to mention the two cowboys that continue to follow them in an effort to gain the bounty for themselves. As their urges collide they give in to their passion and find love in the process. As they finally reach Wyoming, Tyler is torn with turning in Nicky or keeping her all to himself.
The Bounty is a whirlwind western that keeps the reader on the edge of their seat. Nicky is full of spit and vinegar, spunky as all get out. Tyler is the sexy, good-looking bounty hunter that oozes with sex appeal. The chemistry between the two is like a huge firewall blazing with flames. Nicky’s character is strong and she’s not afraid to stand up for what she believes. The two are very likeable characters that make this one magnificent tantalizing read. One cannot help but feel their emotions, their needs and every sensation they emit. They create one believable story that mesmerizes and dialogue that flows easily.
Ms. Williamson pens a great western way of life as the trek begins for Nicky. One can almost taste the dry dirt, the cotton-like taste in the mouth, and feel the tiredness from the long horse ride. She paints one engaging read that is so visual. The in-depth secondary characters bring the old west alive in this great book. I am glad that Nicky is not one of the docile type women but instead strong throughout the book. Then when she is paired with Tyler, Ms. Williamson allows the feminine quality in Nicky to be seen with her moving scenes with him. She pens a romance that practically knocks the socks off! The Bounty is one western romance that shouldn’t be missed. Filled with dynamite action that is captivating, be sure to get a copy of The Bounty today at Samhain Publishing, where you will be completely satisfied.
Sincerely good reading,
Linda
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