A Bandit’s Broken Heart
Entangled Publishing
July 8, 2013
3 ½ stars

After losing her husband of only a month, Brynne Forrester and her three year old daughter move from California to Boston to be with Brynne’s in-laws. Brynne is content without a man in her life, and self-sufficient thanks to her life as a bandit in California. After moving in to her own home, Brynne decides she needs to fill her idle days and convinces the doctor at the clinic to let her assist him, even though she has no formal medical training. She never expected the feelings the doctor stirred deep within her.
Richard Oliver is a dedicated doctor running the clinic for those who may not be able to pay. His staff is efficient and his housekeeper doubles as his secretary. He allows Mrs. Forrester to volunteer, convinced she will be gone within a day, unable to handle the duties. He is pleasantly surprised when he is wrong. He isn’t so pleasantly surprised with her actions when his supplies are stolen. Brynne’s actions set off a chain of events that nearly costs them everything.
A Bandit’s Broken Heart is a sweet romance, focusing more on the building of the relationship between Brynne and Richard, which I find refreshing in this day and age. A strong woman, Brynne is very likable, especially with her devotion to her daughter and her ability to have fun with her. Richard takes a little warming up to but he is definitely a hero to dream about. A Bandit’s Broken Heart is a delightful read with action, romance and characters you will want to revist again.
ARC provided by Netgalley for review. ( )

When Brynne Richardson arrives in Boston to live with her in-laws, she doesn’t expect society to embrace her, a widow from California, and her daughter, but she doesn’t expect them to be quite so cold either. She knows she’s different from those from Boston, but she’s determined to make it work, for her daughter and her younger sister, Lucy. Brynne isn’t used to sitting around drawing rooms and talking about the latest gossip, so when she learns of the clinic, she decides she can put her knowledge and skills to good use. Richard Oliver sees her just as all the other “volunteers”, someone who knows nothing of medicine but rather is looking to get close to him. When he learns that she’s not at all interested in him romantically and actually has medical knowledge that can really help his clinic, he finds himself drawn to Brynne. As Brynne and Richard begin working together, they find that they simply cannot risk the attraction between them. But when Brynne’s roots and wild west ways start to show through, can they weather the storm together or is what they feel for each other not strong enough to make it?

I loved the second book in the Blood Blade Series by Michelle McLean. It is excellently written and the characters and plot are well-developed. I enjoyed reading about Brynne trying to be accepted but also to not lose who she is in the process. The mystery behind Mr. Taggart keeps the story interesting and suspenseful enough to keep you enthralled in the story without it overshadowing the romance between Brynne and Richard. I can’t wait to read the next book in the Blood Blade Sisters Series to find out what happens with Lucy! This book was received from the publisher for the purpose of an honest review.

Rating: 4

Heat Rating: Mild

Reviewed By: AprilP

Review Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More ( )