{Release Day Review} Mercy of the Lawless: A Captive Series Prequel by J.A. Dennam (@JADennam)

A Captive Series Prequel:

​THE DAWN OF A LEGENDARY FEUD

Headed toward a lavish future, traveling bride-to-be, Jenny Bennett, is kidnapped by ruthless outlaws and falls in love with the most compelling and dangerous one of them all—only to discover he may be her father’s killer.

Tucker Cahill is an undercover Pinkerton Agent on a mission to capture an elusive outlaw who has information about his own father’s murder. Everything changes when Jenny falls under his protection, compromising his mission, his integrity, and his heart.

​Jenny Bennett knew that whatever life awaited her at the end of the dusty trail, it had to be better than the one that she left behind. It didn’t matter that she was bartered to a man twice her age in an effort to save her family.  She finally has a reason to look forward to the future.  Until her stagecoach is attacked. 
 
The men that hold her hostage are determined to get payment one way or another.  Her only salvation is the darkly handsome outlaw with a fierce all-knowing presence.  He’s always there to save her – even when she least expects it.  And even before she can find out who he really is, she’s in danger of losing not only her life but her heart as well. 

Her eyes sought and found him.  A tall man who looked more cowboy than outlaw, not that his dress was any different.  Perhaps it was his quiet nature, or that intense, watchful stare.  It bode ill to any man who dare challenge him, though she understood he was not their leader.

Just as her curiosity for the outlaw began to strengthen, his dark eyes—shadowed beneath the brim of his dusty hat—met hers.  Through the thin layer of black beard, his even teeth shone white for a moment as he rolled one of those handmade cigarettes from one side of his mouth to the other.
​
No. The cold force of that gaze was certainly not comforting.  Though it lacked the same intent as the rest of the men, she would find no champion in that one.  Still, there was something about him that told her she was safe as long as he was near.

​All William Tucker Cahill wanted was to find out who murdered his father in cold blood.  He’s posing as a criminal when a plot to rob a passing coach goes terribly awry.  Instead of getting closer to the killer, he finds a young beauty whose innocence threatens to steal his very sanity. 
 
With each passing day, their shared passion becomes something much more.  But will it be strong enough to last a lifetime?

Caged between his arms, Jenny’s pulse quickened.  That look… it was as if he caressed her all over with more than just his eyes.  Heat rose to her cheeks, eradicating the chill between them.  “You’re an insufferable man,” she said softly.  “I hate what you stand for.  You’re a murderer and a thief.” 

“I haven’t murdered anyone yet.” 

The word “yet” hung between them for a moment, but his denial was somewhat of a comfort.  “You’re a criminal, then.  Holding me for ransom, and yet…I’m scared for you, Will.  It doesn’t make sense.” 

His dark eyes moved over her face as if memorizing every inch.  “It makes perfect sense,” he murmured. 
She knew he’d kiss her before his hand came down to gently cup her face.  This time she wanted him to and she closed her eyes with expectation.  His thumb skimmed the line of her cheekbone. 
​
“One day,” he whispered, “when you slip into bed next to your husband, you will think of me and realize I was more than just your captor.” 

With Mercy of the Lawless, J.A. Dennam has penned a Western romance that I just couldn’t put down. The story was filled with just the right amount of tension to keep me on the edge of my seat. While her characters are an unexpected blend of daring and wit. 
 
There are no “damsels in distress” here.  Jenny, for all of her innocence, chooses her path with clear certainty.  She more than matches Will in intellect and in bravery.  It makes the bond between them as compelling as it is tender.  

​And I savored every minute of their journey…

*Amazon Kindle*

*Paperback*