ARC Review: Rafe’s Redemption by Jennifer Jakes

In this Historical Western Rafe McBride is a rough- around –the- edges -cowboy. He goes into Cougar Town to buy some supplies when he stumbles upon an auction. On the auction block is Maggie Monroe. Maggie has always yearned to be her own person and have her independence. Unfortunately after her father’s death she is left in the hands of her cousin-Michael. Michael is scum and dangerous man. He only cares about drinking and gambling. When his funds run low he has the brilliant idea that Maggie to put Maggie for sale.

Rafe loves his solitude and wants nothing to do with Maggie. Although he takes her to his home he makes it clear to her that he is sending her on her way as soon as possible. Maggie is scared of Rafe and generally very distrusting of men. As a woman she has never been able to make her own decisions and choices. They come to an agreement; he will help get her home to St. Louis. She wants to salvage whatever is left of her inheritance. Because of unforeseeable situations Rafe and Maggie are not able to get her on the next train to St. Louis. As they are forced to spend more time together Maggie comes to realize that Rafe is a good guy and that unlike all the other men in her life, she can trust Rafe. Rafe begins to develop very strong feelings for Maggie as he appreciates her spunk and that she is able to stand up to him. Besides their feelings for each other they have to deal with the threats that loom over them. Michael realizes that Maggie has papers that incriminate him and he is searching for them and Maggie. We learn that Rafe has his own set of enemies. Although Rafe lives in “uncivilized” land he was originally from St. Louis. He deals with the guilty feels he has about killing one of his stepbrothers and the abandonment from his mother.

The author touches upon a lot of great issues. She describes the uncivilized lands and the rough weather. She also explains the dark side to the army and the treatment that they give to “deserters” and indigenous people of the area. She also highlights that women are not considered citizens but property of their spouse. I really liked that the author addressed these issues and actually made marriage and what it means to each character a part of their conversations.

This was a very good book. The characters were very personable; they reflected aspects of society and had intense chemistry. She also used supporting characters to add conflict or to enlighten the reader about the time period. Very recommendable!

**ARC provided by NetGalley**

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