After Sundown by Shelly Thacker is a captivating romance novel set in a remote Colorado town named Eminence. The story follows the intense and complex relationship between US Marshal Lucas McKenna, who is on a mission to bring to justice the woman who murdered his brother, and Annie Sutton, the pregnant mistress of the deceased. As the plot unfolds, readers are drawn into a tale of human weakness, triumph, and romance, skillfully woven by the author. The book intricately balances drama, suspense, and romance, keeping readers on the edge of their seats as they witness the evolution of Lucas and Annie's relationship amidst challenging circumstances.

Shelly Thacker's writing style shines in After Sundown, with readers praising her ability to create vivid and believable characters, such as the kind-hearted Annie and the determined Lucas. The author expertly blends elements of mystery, passion, and understanding, delivering a story that is both heartwarming and engaging. Through delightful descriptions and attention to historical detail, Thacker transports readers to the captivating world of Eminence, where the characters navigate love, justice, and redemption in a beautifully crafted narrative.

Characters:

The characters are complex and relatable, showcasing a mix of strength, vulnerability, and moral dilemmas in their interactions.

Writing/Prose:

The prose is well-crafted, balancing descriptive detail with engaging narrative, making the reading experience immersive.

Plot/Storyline:

The story follows Annie's journey from being a mistress to fleeing and finding love while dealing with the aftermath of a tragic accident.

Setting:

Set in a remote Colorado town, the setting enhances the story's themes of community and belonging.

Pacing:

The pacing is fast and dynamic, blending action with emotional moments to maintain reader interest.

Notes:

The story follows Annie, a young woman who becomes a mistress to a wealthy banker, James McKenna.

Annie finds out she is pregnant with James's child, leading to a dramatic turn of events.

James brushes Annie off after learning about her pregnancy, leading to a confrontation where he is killed.

The plot revolves around Annie's attempts to escape the consequences of her actions after the incident.

Lucas, James's brother, is a US Marshal tasked with bringing Annie to justice, but he begins to question his own morals.

The novel features a strong heroine who is both vulnerable and resilient, contrasting with modern portrayals of women in historical fiction.

Set in the remote Colorado town of Eminence, the story provides a sense of community and familial ties among the characters.

Romance develops slowly between Annie and Lucas, marked by tension and chemistry, despite initial animosity.

The book combines elements of love, drama, and suspense, keeping readers engaged until the end.

Shelly Thacker's writing style is praised for its detail and ability to immerse readers in the story without overwhelming them.

Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings

Content warnings include discussions of murder, abuse, and the consequences of violence.

Has Romance?

The romance is a central focus, featuring emotional depth and sexual tension between the protagonists.

explicit steam level

From The Publisher:

A legendary lawman gets stranded with the beauty who killed his brother...

U.S. Marshal Lucas McKenna has brought down some of the most notorious outlaws in the West. Now he's on a personal mission: hunting the woman who killed his brother. Antoinette Sutton is running for her life. The evidence against her is overwhelming-and no one will believe the truth about what happened. Lucas captures the dark-haired beauty in Colorado, but before he can take her back to Missouri to stand trial, the two are snowbound in a remote mining town. During the firelit nights of a Rocky Mountain winter, lawman and prisoner are caught in a dance of danger…and desire.

An RWA RITA Award Finalist: Best Historical Romance of the Year

" Refreshing . Capable and strong characters, true emotion...this is a much better offering in the western romance department than many I have read, and if you've been looking to try a novel in this genre, I recommend this one." -AllAboutRomance.com

" Fast-paced and poignant . One of the best romances of the year." - The Oakland Press

"Shelly Thacker's handling of complex emotions is as impressive as her storytelling ability. This fresh, intriguing, sensual tale is just what romance readers are looking for. 4-1/2 stars (highest rating)" - RT Book Reviews

" One of the best western historical romances I've ever read! There were scenes that brought tears to my eyes, others that made me laugh, tense moments, and plenty of tenderness and sexiness . Buy this book. You won't be disappointed." - Goodreads reviewer

"I loved this book! I loved their chemistry, I loved the sweetness. This book made me cry happy tears . I am now going to read everything else Ms. Thacker has written." - Goodreads reviewer

" I've read a lot of western romance, but this one has beat them all! I give this story a Triple A, Blue Ribbon, Best Western Romance award. I will carry this story in my heart for some time to come." - Goodreads reviewer

What can you read after
After Sundown?

See the list (12 books)

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After Sundown

Shelly Thacker

Book 1 in the series:Lawless Nights