The Lieutenant's Bargain

(Fort Reno #2)

Hattie Walker dreams of becoming a painter, while her parents want her to settle down. As a compromise, they give her two months to head to Denver and place her works in an exhibition or give up the dream forever. Her journey is derailed when a gunman attacks her stagecoach, leaving her to be rescued by a group of Arapaho . . . but she's too terrified to recognize them as friendly.

Confirmed bachelor Lieutenant Jack Hennessey has long worked with the tribe and is tasked with trying to convince them that the mission school at Fort Reno can help their children. When a message arrives about a recovered survivor, Jack heads out to take her home--and plead his case once more.

He's stunned to run into Hattie Walker, the girl who shattered his heart--but quickly realizes he has a chance to impress her. When his plan gets tangled through translation, Jack and Hattie end up in a mess that puts her dreams in peril--and tests Jack's resolve to remain single.

My Review: 10/10

I am a fan of Ms. Jennings and all of her books, but I definitely do have favorites. And this book was the best one I've read since A Most Inconvenient Marriage (one of my absolute favorites).

This book had everything. Adventure and believable danger, history, humor, and a sweet love story. The misunderstandings were hilarious to read and as I put myself in the character's places, their feelings and choices (and mistakes) were so relatable.

I loved Hattie. I loved that she was bold and naive. I loved that she was selfish and self-involved sometimes. I loved that her character had room to grow and mature. I loved the way her priorities changed. And I loved that she relied on her wits and faith to save her from beginning to end.

I think I loved Jack even more. I loved his ego and pride. I loved when he was intentionally funny and stuck his foot in his mouth. I laughed out loud at some of his private reflections. I loved his honor and integrity. And I loved the way he loved Hattie.

Most of all, I loved the rich history and side stories of tensions and change in Indian Territory. I thought it was sensitive and respectful and so well done. And I was particularly moved by Tom Broken Arrow.

I cannot recommend this book enough.