Customer Reviews

When a Texan Gambles

5 star:		(16)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I like Jodi Thomas's books--they are well written, interesting and she seldom makes a misstep with the heroine or the hero. I look forward to having the time to read them, but I don't feel as if I have to stop my life for them. She deftly sidesteps traps--for example, there are children in the book, but they don't take it over. Most of this book is the two people on the run, either from the scads of people who want to kill Gatin or to reach a sadistic murderer before he can strike again. Sometimes when an author shows a villain, too much explicit violence is shown which haunts the reader (at least, this one!), But not so in this book. Although this book is part of a trilogy (the third is not out yet), you can read it on its own. Both Sarah and Gatlin are orphans who yearn for someone to love and to be loved and the process of their falling in love was fun to read. The only criticism I have is the ongoing (two books now) flight from the man the three women thought they had murdered. I suppose this will be wrapped up in the third of the trilogy, but it made this book seem unfinished. On the whole, a very, very good book!

I've read the first two books in this series and, since I am not a reviewer and you can read the eitors' reviews, I can only give you my humble opinions: This is a wonderful story. Great characters. I loved this book so much, that I wish Jodi would make it at least 4 in the series as I would love to read more about that wild Texas Ranger, JACOB. I can't wait for Lacy's story. She's hillarious.

In 1883 after confessing that she killed nasty Zeb Whitaker with two other women, Sarah Andrews is placed in a wedding raffle by Sheriff Riles. Shockingly the last person that anyone would expect to enter the contest, bounty hunter Sam Gatlin wins. He pays her fine, gets her out of jail, and marries her. Sarah expects he will abandon her like her husband and baby who died while heading west and the wagonmaster who kicked her off the train.

However, before they can leave town, Levi Reed stabs Sam in the back. He asks Sarah to pull out the knife and to get them out of town as he is a sitting duck for anyone who wants a reputation. She pulls off the impossible, but on the trail meets three children claiming Sam as their father though he denies it whenever he awakens. As she nurtures him back to health, they fall in love, but to have a long term relationship he paradoxically must die because so many wannabees will try to gun him down.

The second "Wife Lottery" tale (see THE TEXAN'S WAGER) is a superb western romance that moves at a fast pace, is filled with plenty of action and contains a strong cast. The key, besides the fully developed lead protagonists, are the townsfolk, the kids, and those foes wanting to kill the hero. Each one enhances the understanding of the inner values of a pair who are on the surface seem inappropriate together yet share similar ethics. Readers will look forward to the final novel in what is so far a delightful series focusing on players with principles.

Harriet Klausner

Very rarely do I come across a main character that I don't like but unfortunately I didn't like Sarah. At the beginning she was a very weak "fragile" woman & you quickly became known to the fact that she thought everything in a relationship had rules. She thought it was o.k. for a husband not to love his wife but that it was a rule that she had to love him. She had rules such as a couple can't touch certain body parts in bed & stuff like that. I got so sick of her rules & then in led into her asking Same if he could do stuff again sometime. After the first kiss she would say, "Is it o.k. if I ask you to do that again sometime". This because the question she asked after everything. "Would you mind if I asked you to touch me again sometime". It just got on my nerves. Overall this was a good book if you can look past a very annoying Sarah. There wasn't as much adventure in this book as the first in the series but the story was still very well written.

By the way I noticed another reviewer was saying they hoped there would be a story about the ranger & I've read off of Jodi's website that she is writing a story about Two Bits (Nell) & the Ranger. It's going to be called The Texan's Reward. She states that she's finishing it up so hopefully we will see it soon.

The second book of the trilogy, Sarah and Sam are very real, human characters. This is the best book she's written by far. I laughed out loud every time Sarah reminded Sam that she was fragile. Don't miss this book. You won't regret it.

Sam Gatlin was a famous bounty hunter and he knew bounty hunters never got married! Still, Sarah Andrews was beautiful and with the sheriff raffling her off to the highest bidder; Sam Gatlin had no choice. He bought her! Then he paid her fine, took her out of jail, and married her. In a few days, he would let her know how their marriage was going to be. But, for now, Sam would deliver her to safety. He would settle her and then ride away. Sarah Andrews, angel extraordinaire, deserved that much. Yet, feisty Sarah Andrews continued to take chunks out of his heart; she twisted feelings he thought were long dead; and suddenly the word FOREVER began to haunt him!

Quietly, Sarah reflected on her life. She had nothing, except one ugly dress, and a drunk for a husband. What kind of man chose a wife from a jail cell? She didn't know Sam Gatlin but Sarah Andrews was positive he was the devil himself. Trouble followed him everywhere! A man, so mean, someone stabbed him in the back! Yet, something about him drew her. He promised to take care of her and she believed him! However, if the need arose, she would defend herself. Once before, a man had tried to force her! So when Sarah Andrews was ready, her husband would know! All she wanted was some respect.

*** Reviewer's Comments:

They call author Jodi Thomas the "The Queen of the Texan Romance" and whenever I finish one of her books, I sincerely applaud the sentiment. Ok . . . not every book she writes is phenomenal, but usually every book she writes is entertaining! Generally, her romances are sweet, touching, and her characters lonely and tormented. In other words, Jodi Thomas writes poignancy!

WHEN A TEXAN GAMBLES is book two in Jodi Thomas' "Wife Lottery series" and as a road romance, it does journey a tad long. However, WHEN A TEXAN GAMBLES is light, enjoyable, and it achieves page-turner status easily. Thomas fills this story with gentle humor and delightful characters. The heroine's jubilant spirit and the hero's gruff, lenient style flow smoothly. All right, I am a devoted Jodi Thomas fan. Generally, her novels are heartwarming and poignant. Sadly, in an era, when poignancy is so out fashion, Jodi Thomas still draws me in!

Grade: B+

MaryGrace Meloche.

I believe the one who has written that Sarah was weak did not fully understand that she had lost trust for men as well as never had real love or basic trust from anyone after her mother's death.

She was striving to earn the Captain's respect for her as well as learning to trust him as well as his feelings for her.

This was an exciting book to read with quite a bit of action.

I like the way Jodi incorporates children into her books. The two I have read of hers have children for a brief period in the storyline. I recommend that this book be read in order that the series is written. Now, I have started Lacey's story.

Jodi Thomas is a jewel of an author, her books are always great and so hard to put down. This one is no exception. I have all her books and always rush to get her new one when they are released. This books is so good, if you enjoy reading historical romance you don't want to miss this one.

This is also a fast read for me...full of action, wonderful character and perfect couple! I thought Sarah is a bit weak, frail & fragile as she keeps saying it...but she is face with a different circumstances that has to made her tough & strong...its really fun to read this book!! Hero also alpha & wonderful...

Bravo Jodi Thomas!!

I had a peek for the 3rd in this series!! and I thought that will be the weakest, uninteresting plot for Lacy...but I guess I'm wrong!! It's most interesting from the three...the Hero is so cold...oh...

I wasn't sure I was going to like Sarah. In book one I thought she came across as a weak character. Wrong! She was a bit bossy and annoying in the beginning and it took her some time to thaw but she was a delight as the book wore on. I felt sorry for Sam though. It seemed like he was the only one developing any feelings for the longest time but when Sarah came around it was well worth it. The were a cute couple. This was a great series and I hated to say goodbye to everyone.

The only thing I wold have liked to have seen was Lacey and Bailee tied into this story, even if just briefly.