Review: An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller

Title: An Outlaw’s Christmas by Linda Lael Miller
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 288 pages
Book Rating: B+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

With his wild heart, Sawyer McKettrick isn’t ready to settle down on the Triple M family ranch in Arizona. So he heads to Blue River, Texas, to seek a job as marshal. But in a blinding snowstorm he’s injured—and collapses into the arms of a prim and proper lady in calico.

The shirtless, bandaged stranger recuperating in teacher Piper St. James’s room behind the schoolhouse says he’s a McKettrick, but he looks like an outlaw. As they wait out the storm, the handsome loner has Piper remembering long-ago dreams of marriage and motherhood. But for how long is Sawyer willing to call Blue River home?

As the gray skies clear, Piper’s one holiday wish just might bring two lonely hearts together forever.

The Review:

An Outlaw’s Christmas is a heartwarming historical romance that will delight fans of Linda Lael Miller’s McKettrick series. Sawyer McKettrick journeys to Blue River, TX to take over his cousin Clay’s position as marshal. Arriving in the middle of a blizzard, he is greeted by a bullet from an unknown assailant. He collapses in the schoolhouse yard, where he is discovered by school teacher Piper St. James. A prim and proper lady through and through, Piper rescues Sawyer despite the very real risk of ruining her reputation. But Piper soon discovers the greatest danger is to her heart…

Piper and Sawyer are fabulous characters and I absolutely adore both of them. Piper is no shy and retiring miss. She is a bit of rebel and she has strong convictions that she stands up for no matter the consequences. Piper is also quite compassionate and caring. She might be prim and proper, but Piper is pretty feisty. She has a temper and she does not hesitate to speak her mind.

Sawyer is a McKettrick through and through. Stubborn and strong-willed, there is no changing his mind once he decides on a course of action. He has a mysterious reputation and he is reluctant to give up any personal information. Sawyer has certainly met his match in Piper, and with a lot of determination and perseverance she manages to learn his secrets.

Although love comes quickly to Piper and Sawyer, it never feels forced or rushed. Their romance is sweet and touching. Despite their mutual desire for each other, Sawyer is always a perfect gentleman. And when Piper’s reputation is threatened, he gallantly comes to her rescue.

An Outlaw’s Christmas is a feel good romance that is fast-paced and engrossing. Linda Lael Miller delivers yet another moving story about love and family that perfectly expresses the spirit of Christmas. A perfectly charming love story that fans of historical westerns do not want to miss.