Review: Caden’s Vow by Sarah McCarty

Title: Caden’s Vow by Sarah McCarty
Hell’s Eight Book Six
Publisher: Harlequin
Imprint: HarlequinHQN
Genre: Historical, Romance
Length: 384 pages
Book Rating: C

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through NetGalley

Summary:

His past has haunted him for a lifetime…but one woman could be his salvation

Gunslinger Caden Miller’s compadres are becoming a bit too domesticated for his liking. So he’s off to Kansas territory to carve out a living and a space of his own—alone, just the way he likes it.

Maddie O’Hare has been drawn to Caden ever since she escaped to the Hell’s Eight compound from the brothel where she was born and raised. And she’s not ready to let him go so easily…until she’s captured by his new neighbors.

When Caden discovers that Maddie is being held by a rival at a nearby ranch, his plan to rescue her backfires, and he finds himself the groom in what’s literally a shotgun wedding. As shocked as Caden is by the bizarre turn of events, Maddie’s grateful kiss holds a fiery promise that’s far more unexpected. But with old enemies catching up with him, Caden and Maddie will face a danger that tests their passion—and will either bind them together forever or break them apart for good.

The Review:

Caden’s Vow is another action packed and very steamy installment in Sarah McCarty’s Hell’s Eight series.

Caden Miller lost his family the same day as the other members of Hell’s Eight. Caden is feeling pretty restless now the several of the Hell’s Eight men settling down and starting families. He is attracted to ex-prostitute Maddie O’Hare, but he decides to leave Hell’s Eight (and Maddie) to honor a long ago vow he made to his father. Caden’s solitude is short-lived when close friend Ace brings Caden the news that Maddie is missing. With Ace’s assistance, Caden tracks down Maddie and his rescue culminates in a very unexpected wedding.

Born in a brothel and forced into prostitution as an eight year old girl, Maddie is emotionally fragile and often escapes reality by going off to a “special place” in her mind. But her time at Hell’s Eight has slowly been healing her wounds and Maddie has developed deep feelings for Caden. Struggling to find her place in life and devastated when Caden leaves her behind, Maddie decides it is time to take charge of her life and she sets out after Caden. Unfortunately, Maddie quickly runs into trouble and she is abducted by a neighboring rancher. But Maddie is stronger than anyone expects and things don’t quite go the way the kidnapper intended….

Caden is insensitive and very cruel to Maddie on occasion. He throws Maddie’s past in her face and he says horrible things to her. Caden is, of course, instantly remorseful, but that does not erase the hurtful things he says. He makes promises to her then immediately breaks them. Taking these facts into consideration, it is little wonder that Maddie finds it difficult to trust him later in the story.

In the beginning, Maddie’s self-esteem is non-existent and she finds it difficult to let go of the person she used to be. But Maddie is finally coming into her own and while she is a bit battered, she is determined to discover who she is and find a way to support herself. I truly enjoyed watching her find her inner strength and I admired that she firmly stood her ground with Caden.

I really struggled with the terrible things that Caden said to Maddie and the fact that he did it to her more than once. They spend a lot of the novel apart and I had a difficult time seeing the emotional connection between them. The story also focused mainly on Maddie and I did not feel like I really got to know Caden beyond a few superficial facts.

What made Caden’s Vow a worthwhile read for me was the growth of Maddie’s character. Her transformation was beautifully written and I loved seeing her find the self-confidence she needed to put her past behind her so she could find her self-worth.

Despite some of my reservations, I did enjoy Caden’s Vow. The Hell’s Eight series is one of my favorites and I am looking forward to seeing what Sarah McCarty has planned for Ace and Luke, the last two unmarried men in the series.

Read my reviews of the other books in this series HERE.

4 Comments

Filed under Caden's Vow, Harlequin, HarlequinHQN, Hell's Eight Series, Historical, Rated C, Review, Romance, Sarah McCarty

4 Responses to Review: Caden’s Vow by Sarah McCarty

  1. Katie Dee

    Just like you Kathy I have enjoyed the Hell’s Eight series. Sarah’s books always put you through an emotional wringer but I like that she deals with not so pleasant aspects of life. Thanks again for an honest, articulate and professional review. You do a great job and you’re putting me in the poor house with all the books I’ve been buying lately!!!

  2. Timitra

    Thanks Kathy!