WHAT'S NEW?

Coming 5 September 2017: THE LAST OUTLAW

"Bittner revisits the Harkner family of Colorado ranchers in this refreshing and impressive fourth volume (after Love’s Sweet Revenge) of her 19th-century Outlaw Hearts saga. While visiting Boulder, Jake Harkner’s wife, Randy, is taken hostage by bank robbers. Jake is a former outlaw and lawman, so he takes down the robbers, but he’s shot in the crossfire. Randy fears for his life, desperate to save the husband she loves—and whom she needs to protect her, as she was assaulted by outlaws months earlier and is still traumatized by the ordeal. As Randy helps Jake recover from his wounds, she slowly regains her own strength. They return to their family ranch, where they enjoy the love and support of their children and extended family, and Jake gladly promises to retire. But when Jake receives a request to strap on his guns one last time to help an old friend save a young girl, he feels like he can’t refuse. Bittner’s skill with character development is on fine display. Jake and Randy, who began the series as a typical romantic couple, are now grandparents, yet their love continues to grow and mature as they endure trials and triumphs. Bittner has achieved what few authors can: making her fourth installment just as fresh and alluring as the first while keeping the same protagonists at the center of the story." -- Publisher's Weekly, July 2017.

"The last book in the unforgettable Outlaw Hearts series is as powerful a story as readers could want. Bittner strives to gift fans with stories of strength, undying love, family ties and a portrait of the West that sears into their hearts. The underlying power stems from her “leap off the pages” characters and a depth of emotion that touches the soul. As the country moves into a new century, Jake Harkner and his family are busy building a new life in Colorado. Even with his beloved Randy, their children and grandchildren, Jake is haunted by the past. Randy has been Jake’s rock, and now she desperately needs his strength to heal her own wounds. But the past will not rest, and Jake finds himself rescuing his family from bank robbers and becoming a reluctant hero still unable to wipe out his notorious history. Then Jake is caught up in rescuing a kidnapped girl. He must return to Mexico where he will face his demons or die, leaving his family to fight their own battles with the fear that Jake might never return." -- RT Book Reviews Top Pick -- 4 ½ stars

        "Times have changed, and the old Wild West is a thing of the past. Nestled in his beautiful Colorado ranch, surrounded by family, infamous former outlaw Jake Harkner’s hung up his guns for good and finally found a measure of peace—but dark memories haunt the woman who has always been his strength, and not even Jake is certain he can save his beloved Miranda this time.

     "All he can do is swear to remain by her side. But it takes more than a hope for peace to outrun a past defined by violence, and it isn’t long before Jake is embroiled in a rescue mission he simply can’t refuse. Life has brought him back full circle as he rides into Mexico to save a young girl from a dreadful fate…leaving Miranda behind one final time, fearing the other half of her soul is destined to die the way he’s always lived—by the gun. "

      When asked my Sourcebooks editor when I would get final edits on THE LAST OUTLAW, her reply was, "I hunted and hunted for some big flaw, but this book is so strong! It was emotional and moving and epic - what a beautiful story!" It doesn't get any better than that for a writer - and now you know you have a great story coming! I am so proud of this one. Proud of Jake. Unbelievable growth. A face-off with his ugly childhood. Such a true hero in this one (something he would never admit himself!). The story involves Peter and Jeff again - and Gretta MacBain from LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE - big time! And a whole new level of love and trust between Jake and Randy - their relationship is more beautiful than ever. A real tear-jerker ending - in a good way! I wish this book was coming out next month instead of in September!

    Pre-order THE LAST OUTLAW from Amazon.com!    

New: QR Code!

       If you have the app on your phone, this graphic will immediately take you to the page on my web site where you can one-click order my books!

Now Available: CAPTURE MY HEART

       My new Indian romance, CAPTURE MY HEART, is now available for order in both Kindle and trade paperback formats from Amazon.com! I know you will love Two Wolves -- and thank you, long-time fan Barbara Christian, for helping me choose a name for the hero! Two Wolves, aka Peter James Matthews, is a half Cheyenne army scout, who is not only tall, dark, and handsome, but intelligent, educated, and respected in both of his worlds! The heroine is Claire Stewart, the red-haired, strong, determined daughter of a Denver freighting supply business owner, who inherits her father's business -- and his debts. The two team up to try to prove that so-called "Indian" attacks on wagon trains and settlers are actually the work of someone trying to keep the hatred against the Cheyenne burning hot. This whole story is filled with non-stop adventure, steamy romance, and real history!

       "Claire Stewart has inherited her father’s freighting business based in 1864 Denver, Colorado. Determined to prove she is capable of running the business on her own, Claire must compete against a wealthy businessman who wants to bring her down.

       "Two Wolves, half Cheyenne, scouts for the U. S. Army. He is determined to prove that white men have been committing raids against their own kind in order to fuel the fires of hatred of Colorado citizens against the Cheyenne. When he rescues Claire from just such an attack, he is struck by her fiery independence and youthful beauty. Most of all, he admires her brave attempt to save her father’s business and to help Two Wolves prove that her attack was by white men, led by the very businessman who is her competitor.

       "Through events that keep forcing these two together and cause Two Wolves to risk his life in Claire’s defense more than once, a bond develops that turns into a steamy attraction between a tiny, red-headed young white woman and a powerful, brave, handsome Indian warrior. This attraction leads to a hot, forbidden romance that develops into a memorable “against-all-odds” love story.

       "Set against the true history of atrocities committed by the Colorado militia against peaceful Cheyenne, CAPTURE MY HEART brings to light the struggle of the southern Cheyenne to survive amid more and more white settlement; and it shows the courage of Indians and certain brave whites alike in trying to keep the peace during one of the most difficult periods in Colorado history."

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT CAPTURE MY HEART:

     "Rosanne Bitter continues to capture my heart with each new story she writes, and I find myself always wanting more, never wanting the story to end." -- Michelle Reed

     "Once again it is not hard to see why Rosanne Bittner is the 'Queen of the Western Historical Romance.' ... Two Wolves and Claire's story will have you weeping , laughing and constantly cheering them on for the justices they both so deserve. " -- Glenda Kinard

     "Capture My Heart is an extraordinary book of true historical events during an unsettling time in Colorado's history. ... Gripping, exhilarating, and breathtakingly beautiful. Rosanne has penned another extraordinary book." Tonya Lucas

     "I have read alot of Ms Bittner's books and this one is a keeper!! I hope there will be sequel about this family??!!! Two Wolfes and Clair are unforgettable!!" -- Nancy, via Amazon.com

    Order CAPTURE MY HEART!    

     NOTE to my readers: I have an idea for a sequel to CAPTURE MY HEART and I'm calling it A WARRIOR'S PROMISE. After the Sand Creek massacre in southern Colorado, Two Wolves' Native American blood heats up and passionate anger fills his heart. Can he keep from becoming a full-fledged warrior who rides with the vengeful Cheyenne?

     I am currently working on this and several other ideas while waiting to hear from Sourcebooks on a new proposal, so right now I can’t predict which book will come next. Just be assured I am ALWAYS working on SOMETHING and won’t let you down!

2017 Reissues:

       2017 will also see the reissue of several more of my older novels in e-reader formats and hopefully print-on-demand. I'm not sure yet of all the details, but I do know that MONTANA WOMAN, EMBERS OF THE HEART and SONG OF THE WOLF will soon be reissued by Amazon with all new covers!

Join my Street Team/Read THE TOUCH OF LOVE!

       I am so tremendously blessed with my wonderful readers. Through 37 years and 64 completed novels, my readers keep me going. They mean everything to me – and many of them have actually become good friends. The support I get from them is overwhelming. To all of my faithful supporters, I am making available my novella THE TOUCH OF LOVE, a 46-page novella about Robert Kingsley, the half-Indian boy raised by Rising Eagle of my Mystic Indian trilogy, which was previously only available by download from Mightywords.com. In action, it falls between MYSTIC VISIONS and MYSTIC WARRIORS (Books 2 & 3). .

    Read THE TOUCH OF LOVE    

The Outlaw Hearts Series:

            
(Note: Please click on any of the covers above for more information about that book, or see my new Outlaw Hearts Series page!)

    Pre-order THE LAST OUTLAW      Pre-order CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S ARMS   

    To order in all e-reader formats, please see my E-book List page!     

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE OUTLAW HEARTS SERIES:

     "The first book in the series was my first romance book I [ever] read, and all these years later it's still my top favorite! What's cool, is 20+ years after first publishing OUTLAW HEARTS, Rosanne Bittner was given the opportunity to have it reissued and write 2 sequels!! Now she's currently working on a 4th (and last) book for Jake and Randy. You do *not* want to miss these if you are a fan of western romance! She knows how to steal your heart and breath and give it back in the most amazing way!" -- Michelle R., 26 July 2016.

     Outlaw Hearts Series page    

Coming 3 October 2017: CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S ARMS Anthology, with my story A CHICK-A-DEE CHRISTMAS!

       "Stay toasty this holiday season with heart-warming tales of the Wild West! This Western Christmas anthology features bestselling authors including: Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Linda Broday, Anna Schmidt, Margaret Brownley, and Amy Sandas. Each story features rugged cowboys, the women who've lassoed their hearts...and the Christmas miracles that bring them together."

        My Harkner family Christmas story, A CHICK- A- DEE CHRISTMAS, will be included in the CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S ARMS anthology. This story will show a softer side of Jake, and will truly round out the series. Those of you who know my books also know that I am not designed to write “short” stories. I love to dig deeply into a big cast of characters, but you can’t do that with a short story. A CHICK- A- DEE CHRISTMAS will be a very sweet 150 - page story involving Jake's little granddaughter Sadie Mae. Through an "unexpected character" (ie, one that I didn't plan but who just "showed up" as I was writing), Jake is filled with the spirit of forgiveness and joy, the celebration of the birth of Christ, and the beauty of Christmas giving.

    Pre-order CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S ARMS from Amazon.com!    

September 2016: Outlaw Hearts Series Book #3, LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE!

       "Bittner's third installment in her Outlaw Hearts Saga (after 2015's DO NOT FORSAKE ME) follows the Harkner clan in the late 1890's as they establish their ranch in Colorado and deal with threats to their family. Jake Harkner, a former outlaw turned U.S. Marshal who's now a rancher, enjoys working the land of the J&L Ranch. At 60, Jake feels blessed to have his wife Miranda by his side along with their children, Lloyd and Evie, and their families. But Jake has made many enemies over the years, and he knows that he must protect his family when he learns that one of the men who raped Evie has been released from prison. Meanwhile, Randy's afraid that he'll let his lawless side take over and she'll lose him once again to prison. Intense romance complete with the page-turning adventures of life in the old west propels this novel forward to its stunning conclusion, complete with the promise of a future installment." -- Publisher's Weekly, July 2016.

       4.5 Stars, September TOP PICK! "What a joy for Bittner's legion of fans to read the third in the Outlaw Hearts saga! Bittner writes powerful, beautiful, harsh and tender stories that take readers' breaths away with their emotional depth. Strong characters, powerful storytelling, realistic history, sexuality and passion all portrayed through the lives and loves of one remarkable family. This is a tale of tragedy and triumph and the undying power of family to overcome all odds. Bittner at the top of her form. (Plot Summary): After decades of being a hunted man, a lawman and a family man, Jake Harkner can try to live a quiet life. But he can't stop danger from following them to the Colorado ranch he, Miranda and their children have built. When men from Jake's past return to destroy his hard-earned retirement and his son Lloyd's life on the line, Jake will strap on his guns and ride into peril. When his daughter and Miranda are caught in the middle, he will risk everything to save them. But the days of one man's gun ruling the West are dying and with the new century coming, new rules apply. Still, Jake will allow no one and nothing to stand in his way." -- RT Book Reviews

Their Passion Shaped a Nation

Over the years, Jake and Miranda Harkner have endured all the dangers a wild and brutal West could throw at them. Now, settled on their ranch in the beautiful Colorado hill country, they've finally found peace. But for a man like Jake Harkner, danger is always lurking, and the world may not be ready for an infamous outlaw-turned-lawman-turned-legend to hang up his guns.

Threatened by cruel men in search of revenge, the Harkner clan must be stronger than ever before. Yet nothing can stop the coming storm. With the Old West dying around them and the rules of this new world ever-changing, Jake vows to end the threat to his family no matter what it takes...

Even if it means sacrificing himself so his beloved Miranda may live.

        Be sure to watch for the mention of a "secret character" in LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE!! I've decided that if I'm going to set books in areas and time periods in which important characters in some of my other books lived, then for the sake of realism, some of those characters from past books should be mentioned!

    Order LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE    

WHAT READERS ARE SAYING LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE:

     "The Queen of the Western Historical takes you on the grandest ride yet of her career. LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE opens to Jake and Miranda (Randy) Harkner finally enjoying the peace they have so long sought for nearly 30 years -- or have they truly found that peace for a man that has lived Outlaw then lawman? He definitely has made enemies and when they attack all he holds dear he takes care of things the only way he knows how. Then when Jake's guns can't completely fix a wrong committed he must fix in a way he never has before, drawing for the first time on the goodness and inner strength his beloved wife, daughter and son has always told him is inside of him. Although he has never seen it himself, he has to finally believe it or forever lose all that is precious to him. Can Jake learn that Love is the Sweetest Revenge of all?" -- Glenda, 30 August 2016.

     "Powerful, emotional, and superbly written. Jake Harkner, outlaw turned lawman turned rancher, and his beautiful wife of 30 years, Randy, face the most challenging time of their lives. After living peacefully the last 4 years on their Colorado ranch in the foothills of the Rockies, The Harkner family must band together in spirit to save their family's patriarch. Jake has lived his whole life trying to keep his dark side in check from an incident that occurred when he was a young boy. Randy had been his saving grace, but can her love and the love of his children and grandchildren save the infamous Jake Harkner and his Colt 44's now? The most gripping book I've ever read and an explosive ending that will leave you speechless. Can Love truly be Jake's Sweet Revenge? If you loved OUTLAW HEARTS and DO NOT FORSAKE ME, you'll be mesmerized by LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE. As Lloyd told Jake, "Revenge can be sweet, and it doesn't always mean needing a gun." -- Tonya, 4 September 2016.

     "Rosanne Bittner never ceases to amaze me. The highly anticipated new book, about the continuing story of the Harkner family, did not disappoint! I reread the first two, knowing this book was being released. I love the whole story line. I love the characters. I love the old west. I love being swept away and totally sucked in by a good book! Thank you! 5 Stars! Leaves me wanting more!"-- Suzanne, via Amazon.com, 9 September 2016.

     "Jake Wants Peace But He Will Defend His Family With His Life. Heartwarming. Intense. Gripping. Western Romance at its Best! ... Jake and Randy are at the heart of this story, but the scope has widened to include Lloyd and Katie and Evie and Brian, Jeff and Peter, along with the older grandchildren. Their story is all one. The line from Jake to Lloyd to Little Jake to show how each generation carries on the Harkers was clearly made. ... The past having bearing on the present and how each character handles it is a strong thematic element. ... The western history aspect of the story was strong and supported the romance and action plot. The author portrayed the latter years of the 1800s in Colorado, ranch life, and changes in the law and society well. There were hard hitting situations and elements. ... All in all, I was enthralled and wanted nothing more than to remain in the world of the Harkers. I'm so glad there is to be one more book for sure. Those who love sagas and Western romance really need to treat themselves to this series and this author's books."-- Sophia Rose, via Amazon.com, 6 September 2016. [Read entire review here.]

    Read more great reviews here!    

    Order LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE    

NEW For 2016 In all E-Reader Formats (Print-On-Demand hopefully coming in 2017):

       During 2016, thirteen more of my older titles have been reissued by Diversion Books with new covers. They are available first as e-books, then, later (I hope), will be out in print-on-demand trade paperbacks. I thought you might be interested in seeing the original publisher and publication date, as well as the theme involved in each title. It just struck me that many of these books, which are still in demand today, are older than some of my readers! (Click on any cover to read more about that book.)

1. IN THE SHADOW OF THE MOUNTAINS, Bantam Books, 7/91; Diversion Books, love story about the founding of Denver. Ordering Options

2. THE FOREVER TREE, Bantam Books, 3/95; High-born Spanish woman and a logger from New England. Ordering Options

3. TAME THE WILD WIND, Bantam Books, 10/96; Female owner of a stage station/ Native American. Ordering Options

4. RAPTURE'S GOLD, Zebra Books, 9/86; Female gold miner/ guide. Ordering Options

5. TENDER BETRAYAL, Bantam Books, 10/93; Civil War North/ South love story. Ordering Options

6. HEART'S SURRENDER, Zebra Books, 2/88; Cherokee hero. Ordering Options

7. LAWLESS LOVE, Zebra Books, 11/85; Outlaw/ Nun. Ordering Options

8. COMANCHE SUNSET, Zebra Books, 11/91; Comanche hero. Ordering Options

9. CARESS, Zebra Books, 7/92; Kansas/Missouri border wars. Ordering Options

10. SWEET MOUNTAIN MAGIC, Zebra Books, 3/90; Mountain Man/ pioneer woman. Ordering Options

11. UNFORGETTABLE, Zebra Books, 1/94; Orphaned female/ soldier. Ordering Options

12. SHAMELESS, Zebra Books, 2/93; Female Mexican horse thief/ American soldier. Ordering Options

13. LOVE'S BOUNTY, Zebra Books, 3/2000; Bounty Hunter/ female who hires him. Ordering Options

    More of My Older Titles Available From Diversion Books    

        GOOD NEWS: I have a limited number of signed books that you can purchase directly from me. There are some some hard-to-find older titles, including some foreign translations! Please Email Meme if you're looking for a specific book, or send a self-addressed, stamped envelope to me at P. O. Box 1044, Coloma, MI 49038 for a newsletter that lists books I have available.

"Dear Mrs. Bittner, I discovered your books about six months ago, and have been reading them non-stop. MY DILEMMA NOW, MRS. BITTNER, WHAT AM I GOING TO DO AFTER I FINISH MY LAST BOOK OF YOURS? I LOVE the period you write in (pioneers and indians) and your wonderful style of writing. I have learned more about our heritage and the wonderful Native Americans from your books than what I learned while in school. PLEASE, PLEASE, I truly hope you can give me a name or two to look into for further reading. PLEASE WRITE MORE BOOKS....I am a fan of yours for life!!!" -- from a recent email