The Devil's Backbone

By: Kirsten Bohling

Narrated by: Lisa Roumain

Length: 15 hrs and 54 mins

Publisher's summary

There’s never been an evil man that Cassidy Callaghan couldn’t sniff out. Her life in 1870s Nevada is built on justice… and revenge. Every bounty she ropes in is a stone turned over in her search for the one man she hasn’t been able to find.

Jack Ransom, the man who murdered her parents.

Outlaw turned lawman James Moone dutifully stands guard, always awaiting Cassidy’s return. She’s got a sour disposition and a worse temper. Moone is the only man in the West who’d call her a friend. One who’s won her hard-earned trust. He’s loved her longer than he realized, thorns and all, and is determined to protect her from the truth of his past—and Jack Ransom—whether she likes it or not.

When Cassidy finally gets her shot at Ransom, she commits to playing the role of a lady she isn’t. As his favorite, it’ll be easy to stab him in the heart. Especially if she holds it in the palm of her hand.

Moone fears she’s gone too far, too deep into her role—too far from her plan. He’s convinced if he doesn’t break her free from it, he’ll lose her forever. But Cassidy isn’t about to let anything stand in her way. Not corsets, danger, betrayal—or a complicated craving.

©2024 Lake Country Press & Review (P)2024 Kirsten Bohling

This book is Everything!

I had previously read this book physically and it is my Roman Empire book that I feel like everyone needs to read, Then I found the opportunity to also listen to this as an audio book and this was just as good if not better as an audiobook. I can not express enough how good this book is and how much I need for book 2 & 3 to come out in this series.

The story of Cassidy Callaghan, James Moone, & Jack Ransom and the ever evolving dynamic between these three is just chef's kiss. If you love romance, rom-com, cowboys, mafia, mystery and all of the things this book is for you. Do not miss the opportunity to listen to this masterpiece. I might wind up listening to this book monthly until book 2 comes out.

The Western Romance of my dreams

This book drew me in with the beautiful cover art. There’s nothing I love more than a badass female main character. Cassidy takes no shit and I love her for it! I was immediately drawn in from the first chapter. The story was action-packed and full of rage fueled revenge. The narrator did a really good job at capturing all of the emotions of the characters. I felt every joy and sorrow of the main characters. The relationship that developed between Cassidy and Moone was swoonworthy. There were so many ups and downs in their relationship throughout the story. I loved how it ended. Without giving anything away, it felt very true to the personalities and backgrounds of Cassidy and Moone. I recommend this book to romance fans looking for an adventurous story.

A spellbinding winner!

Storyline was amazing. It takes you through a roller coaster of emotions! You are left wanting more and wondering who really is the devil in the story. Well done! Would love to see it as a movie! I am looking forward to the next book.

Wild West Romance Adventure

The Devil’s Backbone is a Wild West historical romance and the first book in a new series. The story is told through dual POV and multiple timelines, making for very intricate storytelling. The book also features several popular romance tropes, including One Bed, Touch Her and Die, Found Family, Love Triangle, and Slow-burn Romance. The story is filled with adventure, steamy romance, gunslinging battles, and witty, captivating banter. There are also some darker themes explored in this book, including unresolved childhood trauma, toxic relationships, and revenge plotting, making the story multi-layered.

The main characters in this book are all complex, flawed, and extremely compelling. Cassidy Callaghan, the bisexual protagonist, is the epitome of a spitfire. Her resounding belief that she doesn’t need anyone and can singlehandedly avenge her parents murders makes her quite flawed. She's also bad-tempered, wild-mouthed, and stubborn to such an extent that may make her unlikeable to readers. James Moone, the town's deputy with a dark past of his own, is Cassidy’s perfect opposite and sidekick. Not only does he keep her in check during their heated banter, but he is determined to protect her from the ghosts of his own past and the dangerous Jack Ransom, whether she likes it or not. James is much more likeable than Cassidy, and he ticks all the boxes of a strong, swoon-worthy fictional male character!

Despite the intense chemistry between Cassidy and James characters, their romantic relationship is very slow-burning. To be somewhat critical, there are some repetitive conversations where they express their feelings for each other and the dangers of pursuing them. By the time their steamy romance begins, there is a definite sense that it won’t last. On the positive, this is the perfect setup for their relationship further evolving in future books in the series. After some exciting conflicts, the book ends with many things unresolved and a new adventure beginning, perfectly paving the way for an exciting second book in this planned trilogy!

Overall, this book is an excellent read for those who enjoy Wild West adventures, steamy romance stories, and strong protagonists. The romance in this book gives off a high-stakes feel that is commonplace in contemporary romantasy novels, and it’s safe to say that this book could be enjoyed by a wider audience than your average western romance. If all of this sounds enriching, don’t hesitate to give this book a read or listen. The audiobook is so expertly and beautifully narrated by actress/audiobook narrator Lisa Roumain that it’s unquestionably the recommended format for enjoying this one!