THE VIGILANTE'S BRIDE by Yvonne Harris

Emily McCarthy has lived in Aldersgate Home for Girls since she lost her parents. Now that she's of age they need room at the school, so they arrange for her to marry a wealthy rancher named Bart Axel. They wish her well and put her on a stage heading for her new home.

Luke Sullivan has been part of a group who enforces Range Laws. Just before exacting judgment to one particular man he confesses to Luke that Bart Axel cheated his father out of his land. Luke decides to give up his lifestyle and head for New Hope where he grew up. While on his way there he finds out that the stage is carrying Axel's money. He decides he's going to get back what Bart stole from his father. Then he finds out the beautiful woman on the stage is on her way to marry Bart. Feeling like he can't leave her to that fate he takes her too! Bart is a powerful rancher who wants Emily for his own and Luke Sullivan out of the way. Will he be successful???

This is the first book I've read from this author and let me tell you, you will be unable to put it down! I have to say that the cover is what first drew me to the story. Love the man in black! As soon as you open the book you are involved in the story. The harsh realities of living in territories where law was exacted by groups of vigilantes was quite interesting. The author did a wonderful job of making you feel like you were there. Sometimes I could even taste the dust and hear the hooves! The characters were complex and very well drawn. I thoroughly enjoyed our lead couple. Their banter was believable and sometimes funny. But...there were moments that melted the pages... like their first kiss...ooh la la! Very well written! I loved watching Emily's quiet and gentle faith slowly change Luke's heart. The secondary characters were also well drawn. You learn something about the Crow Indians along the way as well. This book had it all from gun fights and cattle rustling to sweet romance. I highly recommend The Vigilante's Bride and look forward to this authors next endeavor. A thank you goes to the author and publisher for this complimentary copy for my review.