A Bandit's Stolen Heart (Blood Blade Sisters) (Entangled Scandalous)

by Michelle McLean

[Angie]

I am now convinced that Western Romances are indeed my thing. At least Historical ones like A Bandit's Stolen Heart. The small California town of Bethany Ridge is failing thanks to the awful sheriff. If it weren't for the masked bandit, Blood Blade, most of the townsfolk would be starving. But what they don't know is that Blood Blade is really Cilla Richardson, and her younger sister Lucy is her accomplice. The girls are like Robin Hood in a sense, where they only steal back what has already been stolen, and return the items to their rightful owners. They also do raids for supplies, but make sure to never hurt anyone. Cilla can't just sit back and watch her friends and neighbors crumble, especially when it's her half-brothers fault.

A Bandit's Stolen Heart was so much fun! I loved reading about bandits and unlawful sheriffs! And a train heist! And gold! Cilla and Lucy were going about their latest job when they meet Leo, who was driving the wagon they were robbing. They take him back to their ranch, where they learn that he's the brother of their older sister's husband who has disappeared. Leo came to town hoping that Blood Blade could help him, but instead he winds up helping the Richardson sisters keep their house. In order for the house to stay in their possession, Brynne must be married, but her husband is nowhere to be found. Otherwise, their bastard (literally and figuratively) brother gets the house and the ranch. Leo can't let that happen, and agrees to marry Brynne while Cilla helps him track down his brother.

Of course, a romance has to blossom between Cilla and Leo and it's a big mess! They have feelings for each other, but they can't act on it because he's suppose to be married to her sister. Cilla is convinced that Brynne's husband is not coming back, so she'll need Leo for protection, even though they were hoping the marriage would be a temporary ruse. So much tension! They're both willing to give up their happiness for what's best for Brynne and her baby, but aahhh! KISS ALREADY! I was definitely invested.

The plot of A Bandit's Stolen Heart was also great. Cilla is determined to take down her brother and save her town, which is not an easy task. Frank is seriously horrible! He continuously raises taxes to pay for his goons, who are suppose to protect the people but are the ones harassing them in the first place. He's also willing to murder to frame Blood Blade who's undermining his authority. Of course he doesn't know the bandit is his sister, but it's not like he'd care anyway. He is just downright nasty and I was cheering so hard for Cilla to expose him! Lots of excitement!

I really enjoyed A Bandit's Stolen Heart. There wasn't as much romance as I was hoping for, but the dangerous plot more than made up for it! I'll definitely need to read more books set in the Wild West!

Read more of my reviews at Pinkindle Reads & Reviews.