This whole series has been top notch American Western historical. This one is even more intense than the first two for me. The whole books started on a sad note, with Austin being in jail for murder. And though the beginning of the book is his release, tho overall tone of the books is still very sad. The woman who's memory sustained him while in prison has married his best friend. Austin's only thought now is to clear his name, so he heads out to find the real murderer. On the way, he comes upon a lone run down farm and meets Loree. Loree's story is just as sad as Austin's, and the two find themselves in an oddly comfortable situation for a lone woman and man back in that time. They just seemed to fit together from the start, and even when Austin leaves, he can't forget her. Secrets are kept and left to stand as a wall between Loree and Austin. Even after their romance blossoms, Austin knows that there's something holding Loree back from loving him. I like that during nearly the whole book, there's not a pretense of 'will they or won't they' get together. The focus is more on how they open up to each other, and how a deeper love slowly builds along with trust and commitment. A wonderful end to a wonderful series! This author sure knows how to tug on my heart and writes such memorable characters! I'd recommend this to all American Western historical romance lovers.
