I really get in the mood for historical Western romances in the summer and nobody does them better than Kaki Warner. Around a year ago, I reviewed book one in the Runaway Brides trilogy, Heartbreak Creek. I enjoyed it but it wasn’t quite as good as Warner’s Blood Rose trilogy that I ADORED. I felt kind of meh about continuing on with the series but since I bought them, I felt I should read them. I’m so glad I decided to give the trilogy another chance because Colorado Dawn was a five star read. This review will be spoiler free.

I like to give a heat level rating for all books with romance. If you’re curious about my rating system, you can check it out here.

Synopsis:

The next in Kaki Warner’s sweeping new series about unlikely brides who make their way west-discovering newfound freedom and rediscovering love…After only three letters and one visit during her six-year marriage to a Scottish Cavalry Officer, Maddie Wallace decides to build a life without him. Accepting an assignment from a London periodical to photograph the West from a female perspective, she sails from England, determined to build a new life as an independent woman.

After injury ends his military career, Angus Wallace returns home to find his wife gone, his family decimated by fever, and himself next in line to an earldom. His new mission is clear–find his wife and sire heirs. His search takes him across an ocean and half a continent, but he finally tracks her to Heartbreak Creek, Colorado. There his biggest challenge awaits–to convince his headstrong wife to return home as his viscountess.

Amidst statehood struggles, claim jumping, and railroad disputes their passionate battle rages…until word comes that Angus has become the earl. Now they must decide between a life in the mountains of Colorado, or in the glittering ballrooms of London…and between duty and desire.

My Thoughts:

• Rating- ⭐⭐
• Heat Level- 🔥

I honestly don’t know where to start because I truly loved everything about this book. It takes place in Colorado in 1870. Warner always manages to capture the setting and transport you there. A lot of attention is given to describing the mountains, the gorgeous sunrises and the different towns. Those details really help to create an immersive story but as always, the characters are what really shine.

I love, love, love Maddie and Angus. I love them separately and I especially love them together. Their banter and romantic scenes were just… *chef’s kiss* This is a second chance romance and that’s a trope I always enjoy. Warner’s characters are flawed and realistic so their stories are never smooth or fluffy. It was obvious that Maddie and Angus were going to end up staying together but their journey to that point definitely wasn’t easy or predictable.

Maddie is strong and independent, but her character still makes sense in the 1800s setting. I really don’t enjoy when it feels like an author just plopped a modern woman into a historical setting. Both Maddie and Angus depend on each other for different things. Speaking of Angus, he might be my favorite leading man of all Warner’s books so far. He’s charming, funny, brave and Scottish😏

I would say that this book is primarily a romance but the rest of the storyline is just as strong. The setting, the characters and the writing were all exactly what I wanted. I even loved the animal characters. This was overall a fantastic story and I’m excited to read the next in the series, Bride of the High Country.

Final Thoughts:

I never would have thought that the Western fiction genre would become one of my favorites but here we are. If you’re wanting to try this genre out or just read a really good historical fiction romance, I can’t recommend Kaki Warner’s books enough. What are your favorite books in this genre? Thanks for reading and have a great day!