More Than I Bargained For

Author Regina Jennings' 2nd book in her Fort Reno series captures the readers attention from page 1 with her humor and charming storytelling.

Hattie Walker's longing for independence has a two month ultimatum tied to it. She has sixty days to prove to herself she's a talented and renowned artist. Failure means return home to Van Buren and marrying as per her parents wishes.  Her plans are disrupted when her stagecoach is attacked and she's rescued by a group of Arapaho Indians...not realizing they are friendly and mean her no harm.

Lieutenant Jack Hennessey hears word that a stagecoach has been robbed and a young woman is the lone survivor and witness. He saddles up to rescue her. Imagine his surprise when the "survivor" turns out to be the only woman he's ever loved and  never stopped carrying a torch for....Hattie Walker.

Wanting to impress her, Jack asks the Arapaho to arrange for a prisoner transfer; making it look very ceremonial.  Needless to say, something gets lost in translation and they both get more than they bargained for. 

The Lieutenant's Bargain had everything that hooks me as a reader: An interesting storyline, relatable and complex characters, and wit. Ms. Jennings builds Jack and Hattie's relationship in an intriguing way.  The key moments shared from their childhood, that helped shape them into who they would become as adults, was unique and very well done. She expertly keeps the reader interested with the 'will they won't they' ploy. 

A couple of elements of this story which stood out to me and I enjoyed was seeing how both Jack and Hattie communicate differently. Jack is better at using letters to convey his feelings and Hattie is able to capture moments and memories through her art. 

Another component of the story I liked was how the main characters realized their sins and shortcomings and how they dealt with them head-on versus simply acknowledging them and not taking action to change. 

 The Lieutenant's Bargain is written to be a stand alone. If you haven't read book 1 in the series (Holding the Fort) you won't be lost.  However, if you have, you'll enjoy being reunited with some of the main characters. 

If you are a fan of Ms. Jennings' novels you need to add The Lieutenant's Bargain to your list of books to read in 2019 or try to squeeze it in these last days of 2018!

Reading is adventure,

Emilee 

~~ The Lieutenant's Bargain was provided to me by the author herself and Bethany House in return for my honest opinion. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and the author .I was not required to write a positive review. All viewpoints expressed are my own. ~~