Book Review: Hitched to the Gunslinger by Michelle McLean

Hitched to the Gunslinger (Gunslinger #1)
Publisher: Entangled: Amara
Pub Date: 24 August 2021
Genre: Historical Western Romance

Panda Rating:

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📖 SYNOPSIS

Gray “Quick Shot” Woodson is the fastest gun west of the Mississippi. Unfortunately, he’s ready to hang up his hat. Sure, being notorious has its perks. But the nomadic lifestyle—and people always tryin’ to kill you—gets old real fast.

Now he just wants to find a place to retire so he can spend his days the way the good Lord intended. Staring at the sunset. And napping.

When his stubborn horse drags him into a hole-in-the-wall town called Desolation, something about the place calls to Gray, and he figures he might actually have a shot at a sleepy retirement.

His optimism lasts about a minute and a half.

Soon he finds himself embroiled in a town vendetta and married to a woman named Mercy. Who, judging by her aggravating personality, doesn’t know the meaning of her own name. In fact, she’s downright impossible.

But dang it if his wife isn’t irresistible. If only she’d stop trying to steal his guns to go after the bad guys herself.

There goes his peace and quiet…

⚠️ CONTENT WARNINGS

Death of parent (off page), gambling, alcoholism (side character), gun violence, extortion, attempted murder

TL;DR: This was a fun, sassy, action-filled historical Western romance that I would recommend, especially if you love: Grouchy MMCs with a reluctant soft centre and a heart of gold. Fiercely independent FMCs who would do anything to save her home. A middle-of-nowhere town with loveable side characters that give “found family” vibes. A heartfelt sensual romance ft. a fake fiancé but a very real marriage. A story of belonging and finding the place where you can be yourself and that you can finally call home. 💜

Julie @ One Book More added Hitched to the Gunslinger to my TBR back in 2021 and I decided to pick it up at random the other day. I’m so glad I did! This was the perfect light-hearted and entertaining romance that I needed and if that’s something you’re looking for too, I’d highly recommend giving it a try! Not only is the story engaging and decently action-packed, but the characters are written with warmth and their banter is full of humour and charm. I came to adore Gray, Mercy, and their slow-burn fake fiancé romance that turned into a heartwarming love story.

Gray is an infamous gunslinger whose reputation precedes him wherever he goes much to his displeasure. He yearns for a retired life where he no longer has to kill, no one bothers him, and he’s left to live out his days in peace. Then he stumbles across Desolation, a tiny middle-of-nowhere town, and Mercy, the lady who will turn his world upside down. Gray is one of the grumpiest curmudgeons I’ve had the pleasure to read and I adored him! He’s charming, irritatingly lazy, and surprisingly endearing but he fully embraces who he is and as Mercy comes to do the same, so did I as a reader.

Mercy was a wonderful counterbalance to his character in every way. She’s a fiercely independent woman who single-handedly and successfully runs the farm she inherited. She’s smart, sassy, and has no problem holding her own, even against the slimy villain of our story, but it doesn’t hurt to have a notorious gunman on her side to continue living in peace. Becoming her fake fiancé is mutually beneficial for them and they quickly come to find what they didn’t realise they needed with each other. Gray finally finds the things he’s never had—family, friendship and a place to call home—with Mercy and the townsfolk of Desolation, and Mercy finds a strong and reliable partner who she knows will support her and will always stay by her side. What starts as two individuals being “forced” to endure each other due to circumstance and an agreement, slowly blossoms as a steady friendship, a reliable partner, and eventually, a love that endures. Their banter was top notch and it made for such a hilarious and fun read that gave me the much-needed laughter I was after.

McLean also wonderfully brings the town of Desolation to life with its quirky and charming side characters that I grew to care for so much! Jason Sunshine, Doc, Preacher, Mrs. DuVere, Martha, and even the town drunk, Frank, were all wonderful additions to a found family of sorts in the story. In a town like Desolation where everyone has hidden pasts and secrets, their acceptance and welcome were so heartwarming, especially when considering the impact it had on characters like Gray who so desperately needed it. I’m hoping that the author will give some of these side characters their own stories cos I would 100% read them!