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When
OUTLAW HEARTS was first published in 1993, I desperately wanted
to write a sequel about the further adventures of Jake and Randy. However, my
publisher had other ideas. Still, Jake Harkner lived in my heart and mind
almost constantly. His story wasnt finished, which is why he continued to
haunt me. Little did I know that, 20 years later, a new publisher (Sourcebooks)
would fall in love with OUTLAW HEARTS and not only reissue that
book but also request THREE sequels and a short story (to date)?
The Outlaw Hearts
Series is the saga of outlaw/ gunfighter (later turned lawman) Jake Harkner.
These books combine for an incredible love story, as Jake's strength comes from
one woman, Miranda Harkner, who gives Jake the family he never thought he would
have. Jake and Randy's deep devotion to each other helps them rise above life's
struggles caused by Jake's past reputation, and helps Jake come to terms with
the one devastating sin from his past that has haunted him all his life. Most
of all, these books tell the story of a man who deep inside is an abused little
boy who wants nothing more than to be loved.
Just a note about
these gorgeous covers: Jake Harkner is in reality cover model Nathan Kamp, and
these breath-taking covers were designed by the very talented Jon Paul Ferrara.
I feel so honored that Jon Paul designed the covers for OUTLAW
HEARTS, DO NOT FORSAKE ME. LOVE'S SWEET
REVENGE, and THE LAST OUTLAW. If you're interested in how
this gorgeous art is created, please visit his website, "Jon Paul Studios."
By the way, the
first book, OUTLAW HEARTS, came from an idea I had about 30 years
ago while standing in the bathroom fixing my hair. I had nothing to write on so
I scribbled the idea on the back of a check book with an eyebrow pencil. Now,
there is an entire Outlaw Hearts series. All from a few words on the back of a
check book. Wish I still had that check book. I'd frame it!
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT THE
OUTLAW HEARTS SERIES:
"I must tell you that
I just finished reading your book OUTLAW HEARTS. I read a lot of western
romance novels by many different authors, but your book brought me to tears
more times than I can count!I could literally FEEL the fierce love and
determination that Miranda Hayes possessed for her outlaw Jake. Her faith in
God unwavering. I felt his pain as he doubted his ability to love, to be the
good, kind man that God meant him to be. Thank you for writing such a good
novel and transporting me back in time." -- Peggy Seck, 11 September
2019
"I discovered Jake and
Miranda by reading THE LAST OUTLAW 1st. Since then I have been able to purchase
the other three books through our used book store or Amazon. I have thoroughly
enjoyed the Outlaw Hearts series. . . .There was times I felt the terror, agony
and frustration that Jake and Miranda went through to be together. It was not
only a book about love and endurance but about how important FAMILY really is
to all of us. Regardless of your circumstances anyone can rise above them.
Thanks for a great heart warming series." -- Bill, 23 September 2018
"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
3 sequels!! . . . 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.
To order in paperback and in all e-reader formats, please see
my E-book List page!
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OUTLAW HEARTS:
United by chance, bound by fate, consumed by passion.
In June,
2015, Sourcebooks reissued my 1993 book OUTLAW HEARTS, in both
print and e-reader formats! Jake Harkner is one of my all-time favorite heroes!
A young widow whos lost everything and a
decent man on the wrong side of the law find love amid hardships and challenges
in this epic Western romance by an award-winning writer noted for her realistic
and carefully researched novels. First published by Bantam in 1993. --
Library Journal, 15 June 2015
"An epic saga. A story that spans a lifetime and
tells of two totally mismatched individuals who fell in love, then walked
through fire to remain together. ... Outlaw Hearts is what true
romance should be. These two didn't have it easy but they fought to be
together. Forever meant something. ... Ms. Bittner writes such rage and passion
into this book that it comes alive. I understood Jake's fears, his anger and
his desire to make a better life for him and Miranda and their children. I was
brokenhearted when his past kept coming back and ruined what he had built. And
I cheered when they once again triumphed. This is a long book but it seemed too
short when I had read the final word. ... A True gift to the romance world. Do
Not Forsake Me, A Sequel is coming out July 7, 2015 and I find myself already
screaming because it's not here yet. Because believe me when I tell you,
Romance doesn't get any better than this!" -- Shauni, "Bodice
Rippers, Femme Fatales, and Fantasy" (Read entire review here.)
Miranda Hayes has
lost everything-her family, her husband, her home. Orphaned and then widowed,
desperate to find a safe haven, she sets out to cross a savage land
alone...until chance brings her face-to-face with notorious gunslinger Jake
Harkner.
Hunted by the law
and haunted by a brutal past, Jake has spent a lifetime fighting for everything
he has. He's never known a moment's kindness...until fate brings him to the one
woman willing to reach past his harsh exterior to the man inside. He would die
for her. He would kill for her. He will do whatever it takes to keep her his.
Spanning the
dazzling West with its blazing deserts and booming gold towns, Jake and Miranda
must struggle to endure every hardship that threatens to tear them apart. But
the love of an outlaw comes with a price...and even their passion may not burn
bright enough to conquer the coming darkness.
What Readers Are Saying About OUTLAW
HEARTS:
"5
stars just isn't enough for this wonderful book. The Queen of Western
Historical Romance, Rosanne Bittner, never ceases to amaze her readers with her
picturesque ways of telling a story. We are so blessed to be living during a
time when the greatest western story teller, graces us with her majestic works
of written art!!!!!! Outlaw Hearts is a fabulous piece of extraordinary work.
It is filled with regrets, revenge, romance, and reunion. Jake and Miranda's
(Randy's) love and courage remind us of what true devotion and love can
conquer. 5 stars just isn't enough for this wonderful book. Rosanne, you have
done it again. Excellent book!!!!" -- Tonya Lucas, 17 June 2015
"My
favorite love (epic) story ever!!! Rosanne Bittner has a way of
weaving a story into your heart so that you can't help but love the characters
and feel like you truly know them! I love that their story wasn't just about
them meeting, falling in love, then getting married at the end with a
quick-peek epilogue into their future. She takes us through 20+ years of
marriage, and introduces grandkids, making the story (to me) feel so much more
complete! I love how not only we saw good times for them, but we also get to
experience the real struggles that they faced together - and how their love was
able to push through it all! I didn't realize . . . how one could "fall in
love" with a fictional hero - but Jake definitely "stole" a part
of my heart. And Randy - well, I'll just say that I'd love to have her strength
and attitude! This is one of Rosanne Bittner's stories you don't wanna miss!!!
I really cannot wait for this book to be available on my kindle!" -- An
Amazon.com customer.
"A good
woman is hard to find, and worth far more than diamonds...
Outlaw Hearts is a romance between a very dangerous man and
a strong resilient woman that has seen her share of heartache. Jake is tired of
his outlaw existence, always staying one step ahead of bounty hunters or
constantly being on guard for the next man that will try to make a name for
himself by being the one to gun down the notorious Jake Harkner. Randy has lost
the last of her family except for a brother that went West years ago, she has
no reason to stay on a farm she can't work by herself. She has made the
decision to go West and hopefully reunite with her brother. . . . This book may
be about the redemption of a man but it is Randy that holds this book together.
Her unconditional faith in a man that has lived a faithless life, trust in a
man that trusts no one, and love for a man that believes he is loveless is
simply amazing. . . . But the major theme is love, love of self and family.
"If you want a true to life
gritty shoot em up bang bang you will find it in Outlaw Hearts. This is
not window dressing, this is the real deal. Nobody escapes unharmed, the gun
battles are the best I have read in Western fiction. Jake is one cold ruthless
MF, he makes Clint Eastwood look like a pussy cat. He is also a man of few
words, but when he speaks everyone listens because they know the next thing
talking will be his guns. His history is tragic, it takes a special woman like
Randy to help him heal a lifetime of hurt. The book spans 22 yrs of a marriage
between a God fearing woman that refuses to give up on her man, and a man that
will do anything including killing all threats to protect the family he never
believed he could have. Jake is a hard man make no mistake but he is completely
in love with Randy.
"If you like authentic American
West romances with in depth characterizations Rosanne Bittner is your
author." -- Ms. Daisy "Ava" on Amazon.com.
"I wish
the rating system went above 5*'s. I wish there was something
to say that would do this book and author justice. Bittner is the western-civil
war-frontier diva. No one does it better. Her characters are so real. They are
filled with all of the emotions the human soul can have. This 500 pages held me
in constant thrall. The uniqueness is the depth of the characters, especially
jake. He is tormented and his despair leads him into a horrible and unhappy
life. Enter Miranda, who is almost too good to be true. Although this is not
about religion, the depth of her belief in Jake and her belief that God will
indeed help him is inspiring. It's a story that brings real hope and an
awareness that we are each responsibile for what we make of our lives. That we
can bring about change and that forgiveness and love are the most important
gifts we can be given..And that unless we intervene, mistakes will repeat
themselves. If you only read one book a year.......make it this
one........thank you Roseanne . You are a gifted, compassionate writer."
-- An Amazon.com customer.
"Being
totally disabled I do a lot of reading, about two or three books a week...I've
read books by Louis L'Amour, Zane Gray, Max Brand...I thought that I have read
all the good Westerns until I read Outlaw Hearts Your book belongs at
the top with the best of them. I am quite interested in reading more of your
books." -- Steven
"My
88-year-old mom has become one of your fans. I can't tell you how many books I
have brought her and how many she has rejected, in my search to find 'a good
book set in the Old West'...When she read your Outlaw Hearts, she
declared it to be one of the best books she had ever read. Thank you for your
novels. They are certainly giving much joy to one very senior citizen!" --
Marilyn
"Thank you
for the enjoyment and tears that your novels have provided me through the
years. My favorites are Outlaw Hearts and Wildest Dreams.
Sometimes, novels don't give enough of the long lasting romance that romantics
need to sustain that good feeling. You take us to the bitter end! Thank you for
the pleasure of sharing your characters with me." -- Gigi
OUTLAW
HEARTS has also been translated into Chinese --
click here to see the Chinese cover!
Order OUTLAW HEARTS
To order
in all e-reader formats, please see my E-book List
page!
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DO NOT FORSAKE
ME:
Fate brought them
together. His past may tear them apart.
"In this long-awaited
sequel to Outlaw Hearts, notorious outlawturnedU.S. marshal Jake
Harkner and wife Miranda have settled in Guthrie, OK, with their children Lloyd
and Evita, now grown and building families of their own. No longer a fugitive
with a price on his head, Jake has found some peace yet continues to struggle
to forgive himself for his past misdeeds and worries for the safety of his
family, as many of his former associates wish him dead. Miranda, whose intrepid
and loyal character will bind readers to her from the series start, is the only
one who can keep Jake from falling back into his old life. Bittner wonderfully
juxtaposes Mirandas poise and inner strength with Jakes hard,
ruthless exterior to fuel a never-ending passion. Their unlikely romance
catches the attention of earnest Chicago journalist Jeff Trubridge, whos
determined to write a book that reveals the real Jake Harkner, and his outsider
role becomes essential when a band of killers plot a final attempt to destroy
Jake and the family he cant live without.
Verdict: Against the backdrop of a raw Western
landscape, this postCivil Warera romance delights the senses.
Through Jake, Bittner (Desperate Hearts) explores the complex issues of
childhood abuse, self-forgiveness, the bonds of family, and loves promise
to be true no matter the price." -- Annalisa Pesek of Library
Journal
"DO NOT FORSAKE ME is Bittner's proudest
accomplishment to date, and it's easy to see why. She's consolidated her
strengths to write a rolicking historical adventure that appeals to both
genders, and readers old and new." -- RT Book Reviews, July 2015.
"[A] refreshing view of enduring love that survives
the dangers of the Old West. Jake is a man of his time who feels deeply
possessive of Miranda, and though Bittner takes pains to describe her as a
strong woman, shes also quite willing to yield to her man. Theres
plenty of drama, including gunfights and multiple brushes with mortality, amid
great storytelling that readers will savor." -- Publisher's Weekly, 12 May
2015 (Read entire review here.)
NOMINATED BY ROMANTIC TIMES FOR BEST HISTORICAL ROMANCE FOR
2015
Miranda Hayes'
life was changed the day she faced down infamous gunslinger Jake Harkner...and
walked away with his heart. Their fates have been intertwined ever since.
Hunted by the law, fleeing across a savage land, their desperate love
flourished despite countless sorrows. Now, twenty-six years later, their family
has finally found some measure of peace...balanced on the knife's edge of
danger.
Jake has spent his
years as a U.S. Marshal atoning for sins, bringing law to the land he once
terrorized. But no matter how hard he fights the demons of his brutal past, the
old darkness still threatens to consume him. Only Miranda keeps the shadows at
bay. But when outlaws looking for revenge strike a fatal blow, Jake risks
losing the one woman who saw past his hard exterior and to the man inside.
He always knew
there'd be the devil to pay. He just never realized he might not be the one to
bear the ultimate price.
What Readers Are Saying About DO NOT
FORSAKE ME:
"My husband left to go
back to work early Sunday morning, and with the weather being as rainy and
dreary as it was, I quickly did the chores I had to get done and then I
snuggled down on the couch with my two fur babies (dogs) and Jake and Randy. .
. . I couldn't put it down.... I just *had* to know what happened next! And
what a ride you took me on, lady!! *swoon* Between feeling the intense love and
desire from Jake, the sweet enduring love and devotion from Randy, the giggles
from Little Jake (EEK! YES YES YES I definitely vote for a Little Jake as an
adult book!), the nail-biting-edge-of-my-seat feels from the adventures and
trials and scares.... I was all over the place and loving every second!
"This was definitely Jake's story - healing,
forgiveness, redemption, beauty. . . . Ben! I totally saw him as Jake's
redemption/salvation. A way for Jake to really heal from his past. While Randy
is his strength, his air, (oh my word was I swooning over his description of
her, and how he treasured Randy!) his kids are his redemption and healing
balm.
"I also loved a few of the flashbacks you
shared -- and it was really interesting to see them from Jake's perspective -
same feels, just deeper...
"I loved how you ended it -- they're going
to get their peace -- but because they are Harkners, you know they still gotta
have a bit of work to do to get their reward. After all, this is Jake and Lloyd
we're talking about! troublemakers.... and we wouldn't love them any other
way!!
"Thank you for the escape you provided with
Jake and Randy - I love them even more now than before. And I'll anxiously but
patiently wait till September for Love's Sweet Revenge! It'll be here before we
know it!" -- Michelle, 20 July 2015
"Omg this has got to be the best book Rosanne
Bittner has written so far. I hated for it to end. I love loved it!!! Jake and
Miranda just get even more precious!!!! And oh his grandson 'Little Jake' is a
pistol ball. Get it asap and read or devour it as I 'did!! You definitely will
not be disappointed!!!" -- Glenda Kinard, 10 July 2015
"I think I have a new author to follow in Roseanne
Bittner: the writing and characterization is wonderfully done with characters
that dance above the norm for romance: mid 40s and 50s. . . Bittner
takes the reader on a journey that is emotional, easy to relate to and mixes
those with the elements and incidents that are true to the life and environment
of the time: not always pretty, neat or clean." -- Gaele, via Amazon.com
(Read Entire Review here)
"Well now, I might have found a new author to binge
on. . . Do Not Forsake Me was a wonderful read. I'd say it's more family saga
than romance but I loved it. From the characters--who were in their 40s-50s and
married 26 years-- to the locale of the frontier to the danger surrounding this
family at every turn. A legendary outlaw turned lawman who so many want to take
down just to claim they were the ones to kill the legend. A reporter wanting to
tell the story of the real man behind that legend. It was just fascinating at
every turn." -- Anna, via Amazon.com (Read Entire Review here)
"Reading Do Not Forsake Me was like sitting in a
warm embrace. . . Ms. Bittner deals with love and forgiveness beautifully. She
shows again and again that true strength is not about the physical but comes
from within. . . This series is what romance books are all about and Do Not
Forsake Me lives up to it's predecessor, showing both new readers and those who
read this years ago, Roseanne Bittner just gets romance." -- Shauni, via
Amazon.com (Read Entire Review here)
"What really peaked my interest in continuing with
this second book however is that the events that are chronicled in this
fictional tale actually are very much true to what life was like for the men
and women who lived and died in the western territories of the 1800s. . .
This is a story filled with adversity, courage, love, honor and
heartache." -- Jackie Burris, via Amazon.com (Read Entire Review here)
Click here to read more reviews on Amazon.com!
Order DO NOT FORSAKE ME
To order
in all e-reader formats, please see my E-book List
page!
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LOVE'S SWEET REVENGE:
Their Passion Shaped a Nation
"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
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!
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
To order
in all e-reader formats, please see my E-book List
page!
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THE LAST
OUTLAW
"Bittner revisits the
Harkner family of Colorado ranchers in this refreshing and impressive fourth
volume (after Loves Sweet Revenge) of her 19th-century Outlaw Hearts
saga. While visiting Boulder, Jake Harkners wife, Randy, is taken hostage
by bank robbers. Jake is a former outlaw and lawman, so he takes down the
robbers, but hes shot in the crossfire. Randy fears for his life,
desperate to save the husband she lovesand 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 cant refuse.
Bittners 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
Jakes 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
Harkners hung up his guns for good and finally found a measure of
peacebut 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 isnt long before Jake is embroiled in
a rescue mission he simply cant 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 hes always livedby 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!
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT
THE LAST OUTLAW:
"Very rarely does
a writer come along that touches one's heart and soul as deeply as Rosanne
Bittner. There is definitely a reason she's called the Queen of the Western
Historicals because she can continue to write such heart moving sagas. The
Last Outlaw is such an emotionally charged book that is almost impossible
to put down. Will Jake and Randy finally finally get the peace they have so
desperately wanted for over 30+ years? Can Jake finally make peace and have
closure with his past that has forever haunted him? One simply must read The
Last Outlaw to find out. I don't believe I have ever read a book that
touched me emotionally as The Last Outlaw did. The Harkners are a family
that will never leave ones heart and soul!!.The touching moments Jake has with
his grandchildren and in theses moments it's hard to believe that Jake could
ever have been the big bad Outlaw he has been in the past. I truly hated for
this book to end. I didn't want to leave those beautiful mountains of the
J&L Ranch." -- Glenda, 5 September 2017.
"The Outlaw
Hearts saga continues with an intense guns a-blazing opening, as only Rosanne
Bittner can deliver. The Last Outlaw is everything her readers expect
from such an amazing family. Just as Ms. Bittner's epic Savage Destiny series
engulfed our hearts and souls, The Outlaw Hearts saga equally encompasses our
hearts and feeds our souls. Jake and his beloved Randy have seen it all,
survived it all, and once again will be tested in the most traumatic ways. Jake
wants more for his young son and daughter, and grandchildren, he wants them not
to follow the life he has lead. From Outlaw, to U.S. Marshal, to rancher, Jake
only wants to be the family man he's always craved, but will he get the chance,
as he's needed once again to right a wrong and face a demon a lifetime in the
making? How much more can the Harkners endure and can they survive this newest
turn of events? Jake's sweet disposition and interaction with his grandchildren
is precious and so worth witnessing. Even an Outlaw like Jake has an achilies
heal when it comes to these little Harkners. This was truly an amazing book
that will help heal our hearts after Loves Sweet Revenge's traumatic
ending. Rosanne Bittner's The Last Outlawis phenomenally written with a
heart-felt, nail-biting, emotional conclusion. So saddle up and hang on tight,
The Harkners will encompass your heart and feed your soul." -- Tonya,
5 September 2017.
Order THE LAST
OUTLAW
To order
in all e-reader formats, please see my E-book List
page!
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CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S
ARMS Anthology, with my story A CHICK-A-DEE CHRISTMAS!
Jake Harkner is an
ex-outlaw with a ruthless nature, but when it comes to his grandchildren, his
heart is as big as the sky. Jake learns how to channel his anger into love and
patience in this story about his sweet granddaughter, Sadie Mae, and a young
man Jake helps lead away from a path of lawlessness. A life and death situation
leads to a lesson in love and forgiveness in A CHICK-A-DEE CHRISTMAS.
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 cant 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. (Click
here to read more about my challenges writing this short story.)
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING ABOUT A
CHICK-A-DEE CHRISTMAS/ CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S ARMS:
"Just when I was
feeling the blues after reading The Last Outlaw and saying good-bye to the
Harkers and especially Jake, here was an exciting and gritty, but heartwarming
Harker family Christmas. The Harkers go Christmas shopping, find trouble, Jake
brings home an angry, bitter stray man, and then they all pray for a Christmas
miracle for little Sadie Mae. This was a lovely reunion with a cast of
characters I love. The spotlight on Jake and his grandchildren was just
precious." -- Sophia Rose
"This is the
first time I've come across the Harkner family but reading this has made me
want to continue on and read the Outlaw series.... I really enjoyed this little
read and I'm looking forward to reading Jake's story from the beginning."
-- Deborah
"This is a
collection of six novellas by different authors all set in the West in the
1800s during the Christmas season. Although not usually a fan of
novellas, I thoroughly enjoyed these very engaging, positive stories and was
amazed at how well the characters and story lines were developed in just a few
chapters. Highly recommend!" -- Nancy
"Rosanne
Bittner's story is the wrap up I was wanting. It shows the softer side of Jake.
The love he has for his family, especially his grandchildren. The sense that he
could help a young man, that he saw as a person just like himself at that age,
where you can go bad, or take another path and do good." -- Veda
Order CHRISTMAS IN A COWBOY'S ARMS
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BLAZE OF GLORY
A
man haunted by his outlaw past.
The woman who loves him.
A tight-knit family he holds dear.
Old enemies out to kill him.
Jake Harkner
loves hard. He also fights hard, determined to protect the woman and the family
of whom he has always felt unworthy, but they are the only light in his inner
darkness. Now Jake lives in changing times. New laws tell him he can no longer
deal his own kind of justice with the guns that made him infamous. Jakes
passion for the woman who understands him more than any human being on earth
might be the only thing that keeps him alive.
Hot. Gritty. Old West Meets New
West.
An unforgettable love story.
What readers are saying about BLAZE OF
GLORY
Order BLAZE OF GLORY
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Outlaw Hearts Series
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