Hitched to the Gunslinger (Gunslinger #1) by Michelle McLean

ABOUT THE BOOK

Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.

His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.

But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.

There goes his peace and quiet…

MY REVIEW

It’s a deal. Free room and board for a fake fiancé. However, the fake fiancé is an unsociable, ill-mannered retired gunslinger and the free barely edible food is provided by a stubborn and sassy woman with a plan to keep her land from being taken.

Gray is tired. Tired of looking over his shoulder for the next wanna-be gunfighter to challenge Quick Shot Woodson to a gunfight. Tired of being alone because everyone he cared about is dead because of him. So he chose the town of Desolation. A perfect place for a retired gunfighter to hang up his hat and wait to die. Unfortunately, Gray’s stubborn horse, Birdie, has other ideas as her nose for apples leads him to the headstrong and mesmerizing Miss Mercy Douglas who is literally going to be the death of him.

Mercy is desperate to save her land. Desperate enough to announce that a complete stranger and notorious gunslinger is her fiance to keep the dangerous Josiah Banff, the biggest landowner in the area, away from her. Little did she know Gray would take her up on it, though he didn’t impress her with his grumpy demeanor and constant napping. What did she get herself into?

Where has this author been all my life? Ms. McLean’s writing is delightful and her characters are relatable and extremely entertaining. I couldn’t stop laughing at Gray’s sarcastic quips and playful banter with the oh, so feisty and independent Mercy. The sparks fly with these two as their constant arguing becomes a whole lot hotter with their steamy looks and suggestive remarks. Gray is my favorite endearing character with his love for napping, for daisies, and for the only woman who gets under his skin. His past is heartbreaking losing his parents at a young age and accidentally becoming one of the most infamous gunslingers in the country. He never once went looking for a fight until Mercy and the townspeople of Desolation needed his help. Mercy is a force to be reckoned with and she’s not afraid of anything. Especially, a gruff, uncivilized man who has a great sense of humor and a sexy smile. With a price on Gray’s head, they work together with the kind and colorful people of Desolation to rid the town of a dangerous enemy determined to destroy them both.

I love the townspeople including Doc, Preacher, Martha, and Mrs. DuVere, as well as Jason Sunshine with his sunny disposition and uncanny knack of being there whenever Gray needs him.

I highly recommend this incredibly funny, smart, and unique historical romantic comedy set in a town full of lively characters who have each other’s backs. It’s a story of restoration and peace, love and redemption, and finding a home to hang your hat.

Thank you to Ms. McLean for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.

Gunslinger Series

1. Hitched To The Gunslinger (2021)
2. A Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony (2022) – My review

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

I love my historical romances with a bit of mystery, suspense, and humor, and of course, always with a happily ever after. And as I’m a bit of an eclectic nut, I also write contemporary romantic comedies as Kira Archer. I am represented by Janna Bonikowski of The Knight Agency.

On my website you will find all the little tidbits you may wish to know about me and my books and what’s going on at the moment. I love to hear from readers so please check out my contact page or all the various ways to give me a shout out Please also consider subscribing to my newsletter. I like to share exclusive excerpts and give stuff away over there