Title: Fools Rush
Author: Ciara Knight
Genre: Historical Western Romance
Age Group: Adult
Rating: 4 stars
Purchase: Amazon
Review copy provided by Enchanted Book Promotions in exchange for an honest review.
To avert an impending life of servitude, Bethany Cook seeks freedom on a wagon train bound for gold country. Disguised as a young boy she secures work as a travel companion with Thomas Nolan, a rich New Yorker who is on his own quest to distance himself from the nightmare of a fraudulent marriage.
A cross-country journey by Thomas’ side proves more difficult than Bethany anticipated when he becomes obsessed with her true identity—the golden haired beauty he shared one night of passion with. Bethany attempts to confess the truth, but a bounty hunter exposes her as a devious woman that lied to Thomas for months for her own evil gain. Her life and her heart now rest in the hands of Thomas, who must decide if he can forgive and marry her or leave her to the fate she’s brought upon herself.
I don’t read a lot of westerns, but I wanted to review Fools Rush because despite not reading a lot of westerns, that doesn’t mean I don’t want to, and I liked the premise about the main character hiding her true identity. I wasn’t dissapointed at all, in fact, I think I’ve (re)discovered my love for the wild, wild west.
Bethany is pretty awesome. She’s headstrong and stubborn at times, but she’s also independent, loyal, hard-working, and caring for others. She’s actually quite honest, despite having to pose as a young boy. It’s life that forces her to be dishonest but in her heart, she wants nothing more than to tell the truth, especially to Thomas. I did find her journey, her quest for freedom, inspiring.
Thomas is the brooding hero – he has had so many troubles in his life, so much heartbreak and betrayal, he fears he might never love again, or even trust someone. Despite that, he too is very caring and strong. Surprisingly, he kind of reminded me of heroes from gothic novels, the brooding yet strong type. It was strange but refreshing to see one of those turn up in a western!
I liked how the relationship wasn’t instantly there. Thomas and Bethany have a lot of hurdles to overcome if they want to be together…and if you want to find out if they do get their happily ever after, well, I suggest you start reading.
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