Book review: Beneath a Fugitive Moon by Elizabeth Clements

Blurb:

Beautiful Jolene Reynolds is on a quest. Is there a man in this world who will love her, kiss her, and treasure her like her father does her mother? It seems that every bachelor in the territory is interested in her—and though the clock is ticking, she has to wonder…is it truly a pursuit of the heart, or is it because of what she’ll inherit? When handsome Mike Sutton rides back into her life her search is over—at least, in her own heart. Mike intrigues her with his laughing eyes and quick wit…but surely, if he felt the same interest, wouldn’t he try to steal one kiss? So…why hasn’t he?

Deputy U.S. Marshal Mike Sutton has been besotted with Jolene for two solid years—and now, he’s got her all to himself. But his honor won’t let him make the most of the perfect situation. He’s promised his best friend, Chase, that he’ll safeguard Jolene until her father’s return from his art show back East—and he’s not about to let Chase down. Though he’s faced deadly outlaws without flinching, he’s on shaky ground emotionally when he holds Jolene in his arms. Young, beautiful, and educated—she’s too good for him. One kiss could be his undoing.

Trouble that has been simmering comes to a dangerous boil, forcing Mike and Jolene to become fugitives—and depend only on one another. Can they finally be honest with their feelings and find love BENEATH A FUGITIVE MOON…

Saddle up! Author Elizabeth Clements is blessed with a true Western voice, which lassoes the reader and takes them on an emotional ride. —Deborah Macgillivray, author of the Dragons of Challon series

My Review:

When you dive into this story, be prepared for twists to flip what you expect around.

Jolene lives up to her mother's example and reputation by being a very strong and determined woman.  She knows she's ready to find a husband and build a family on a foundation of love (just as she's seen in her parents' lives) and she sets out to accomplish that.  Despite the lengths she needs to go to and no matter how determined she is, she still is young and has a vulnerability to her that shines through.  I loved getting to meet Molly and see Jolene's friendship with her grow.

Mike is unique in how widely his personality varied from confidence with dealing with threats and outlaws to his mix of insecurity in handling Jolene and his yearning for her.  He's at a loss to know how to balance the quickly growing feelings he has for his girl, win her love, and yet respect the close friendship he has with her father.  He's also young and despite being a US Marshall, still has a soft innocence to him that grew from a heart-breaking past.

This story was heavier on their relationship with hints of outside drama till closer to the end when the excitement built up a little more and carried the story through to a sweet finish.  I really liked watching Mike and Jolene dance around each other and then celebrated with them when they finally worked through their uncertainties to earn their hea.  Some parts of their story made me pause and wonder - but knowing that they fit each other well and would make it through their doubts and struggles kept me going.

I'm looking forward to the last of the trilogy to see how all the loose ends are tied up and the next couple gets their hea.  The hints for Molly and Josh have me intrigued and wanting more!

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