"The Gunslinger's Guide to Avoiding Matrimony" follows in the same hilarious footsteps of the previous book in the series. This is a light-hearted, funny romance with cute main characters, a refreshing story with the most clumsy and unlucky hero I have ever read. Adam Brody, a gunslinger, has used up all his luck staying alive and has finally decided to retire from his unlawful ways. But settling down in the town of Desolation is not as easy with the new laws which have made it compulsory to find a job or get married within 30 days. 

Adam is all set to enjoy his retirement (and a job) until he accidentally marries Nora Schumacher, who desperately needs a husband to save her land. Adam refuses to legalise the wedding, and Nora refuses to back off. Adam (who had forgotten entirely about his rotten luck and incompetence at any actual work) decides to ignore Nora and take up work; or at least he tries to. It's hilarious how he fails at every single job in the town, and no matter how hard he tries, he can't ignore Nora either. 

It is cute watching two very mismatched people fall in love with funny scenarios all around them. My only issue with this story was the lack of communication between Adam and Nora to lengthen the plotline and the third-act breakup. First, it seemed forced, and second, the scenario did not match Adam's personality. I get that he wanted to make sure she leaves him for her safety, but there are some things you just don't say, no matter the reason for "noble idiocy". 

Overall, it is a cute, entertaining romance filled with lovely characters and a lot of laughs. I can't wait to read more books in this series.

The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony" by Michele McLean presents a delightful twist on the classic gunslinger narrative, blending humor and romance seamlessly. At the heart of the story is Adam Brady, a determined gunslinger whose plans for a solitary life are unexpectedly upended when he inadvertently finds himself entangled in the complications of matrimony.

McLean crafts a lively tale set against the backdrop of Desolation, the town where notorious men seek refuge, introducing readers to a vibrant ensemble of characters. The return of familiar faces from the first book, such as Sheriff Gray Woodson and his wife Mercy, adds a sense of continuity to the Gunslinger series.

The narrative unfolds with a perfect mix of humor and heart, as Adam navigates the challenges of employment and an unplanned marriage to Nora Schumacher. The concept of Desolation as a haven for criminals provides an intriguing backdrop, and the author skillfully weaves a found family dynamic into the plot.

The story explores the tension between Adam's desire for a solitary life and the unexpected connections he forms, raising questions about the true meaning of family and love. "The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony" is not only a fun and entertaining read but also a testament to the complexities of human relationships in an unconventional setting.

McLean’s writing style adds a spicy flavor to the narrative, keeping the reader engaged with witty dialogue and unexpected twists. The characters, including the strong-willed Nora, contribute to the story's charm. As Adam grapples with conflicting emotions and choices, readers are taken on a journey that combines romance, humor, and the thrill of the Wild West.

In the end, Desolation proves to be more than just a backdrop; it becomes a character in itself, a place where the protagonists confront their pasts and forge unexpected bonds. "The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony" successfully reads as a standalone novel within the Gunslinger series, offering a satisfying blend of familiar faces, humor, and a touch of spice.

I found this book to be very funny.
Adam and Nora were made for each other. I loved the bickering scenes, and every time Adam was fired from a new job.
Unfortunately, this has spots of the book that I also hated.
For instance, Nora's father is just like everyone who has an addiction, they have to hit rock bottom to realize they have a problem.
Overall, this book was a sweet and funny read.

This was a fabulous book. It was funny and had wonderful pacing. I would read this author again. I would recommend this book to others.

This is my second read by this author. After reading her first book in this series, "Hitched to the Gunslinger", I knew I had to read about Adam's love interest. This takes place in the town of Desolation and Adam upon arriving finds himself in a dilemma. According to town rules, you must marry or find a job. Adam is so unlucky, Lol. Poor thing and well, Nora needs to remain hitched so she can keep her land. In the end, Adam realizes Nora is the best thing that has ever happened to him. The town folk does their very best to make him realize that as well. Great read!

I was so excited to pick this up and read it because I really enjoyed the first one! It was fun to revisit the town of Desolation and its cast of quirky characters. In this case a new gunslinger, Adam Brady, has come to town looking to retire. What he didn't know is that in order to stay there he either has to get married or get a job. He mistakenly gets married (even though he said he never would). In order to get out of it he tries to get a job in town, but something always seems to go wrong. (insert townspeople trying to nudge him in the direction of Nora Schumacher, his wife.

This was an easy, fun read that kept me laughing all along the way!

I've read a few reviews talking about how unrealistic this book is but ... I mean, it's a romantic comedy. It's not supposed to be realistic. It's fun, humorous, and sweet. There's a lot of bickering and mishaps as Adam tries to find a job so he doesn't have to stay married to Nora in order to stay in Desolation. It also means that the two of them start to get to know each to get to know each other better and find out that maybe, just maybe, marriage to each other isn't a bad thing ... if Adam's past doesn't come calling. Which of course it does. Hijinks, fun, and heart all mix together to create a fun read in McLean's second book in the Gunslinger series.

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 2 in the Gunslinger series. This was a fun little read. There was a pretty good storyline and the characters were fun I did like the comic read and look forward to more in the series.

Although The Gunslinger’s Guide to Avoiding Matrimony is the second title in the Gunslinger series, it can quite easily be read as a standalone, each could really. While you might run into some familiar faces, Adam’s and Nora’s story doesn’t depend upon having read Hitched to the Gunslinger first (but you’ll be tempted to go back for more fun). I had an absolute blast in Desolation with this couple and some very quirky residents of this wild west sanctuary-styled town.

Adam has a marshal on his trail and a burning desire to leave this outlaw life behind, and where better to do that than the town of Desolation where any gunslinger can safely retire… or so Adam had thought, but there are a few new rules here now about either get a job or get married. Neither appeals to Adam but he’ll find himself accidentally married during a mass marriage ceremony in town to one very independent woman with a mind of her own and a need for the legalities of a husband… just not the man himself.

In fact, Nora and Adam were made for each other. Their banter is always mock serious with some flirting tossed in, their goals aren’t all that different in the end, and the sizzling chemistry between them can’t be ignored either. Yet they both are determined to go their separate ways… but Nora would prefer the husband just not being in the picture but still legal while Adam doesn’t want the marriage but Nora isn’t all that bad to be around. They are funny, sincere, and stubborn as is humanly possible yet somehow they need to figure out what exactly it is that they want because falling in love wasn’t in either of their plans that’s for certain.

When trouble comes looking for Adam he makes a decision that the entire town is about to step in to change his mind, and his situation because that’s what these quirky residents of Desolation do, look after their own.

I had such a good time here, and if you love a well-written, funny, sexy romantic comedy from the historically wild, wild west… then you’ve found your perfect match as well.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

This romantic comedy has us returning to Desolation. The gunslinger, Adam Brady, settled on Desolation because he thought it would make an excellent place to lay low. Little did he know that when he encountered Nora Schumacher, that she had another agenda on her mind, and he sort of fell into it. If he didn't want to be married, then he had to find a job. That was easier said than done because those jobs were not easy to find, or at least keep.
We see the return of some of the characters from the first book, but this could easily be read as a stand alone.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Written well but I didn't get into it. Realized I never got back to it and figured I should submit a review for what I read. Love the idea just not my cup of tea right now.

This was such a fun and delightful novel! I loved the town of Desolation and it’s characters.
Many thanks to Entangled Publishing and to NetGalley for providing me with a galley in exchange for my honest opinion.

Thanks to NetGalley for this eARC. The opinions expressed here are my own.

I will say that westerns are a new one for me and Gunslinger didn't shut the door on it all for me. This was my first time reading Michelle McLean also.

The premise was pretty unique and the concept piqued my interest! I love rom-coms, but found the story moved a tad slow. I would have preferred the start to move along a bit faster I love a good marriage of convenience, but the chemistry just seems to be a bit off for them and the build is a bit slow. The book had some great and funny moments, I'd be willing to read the first in the series!

THE REVIEW
Adam Brady is running from trouble, which always seems to find him. Luck is not his friend. He is trying to avoid the sheriff and the target on his head and simply enjoy a quiet, simple life.

Nora Schumacher is seen as ‘one of the guys’ in her small town and deals with her drunken father every day. She is desperate to keep her father from selling her grandfathers land, so she can inherit it when she turns 30 or get married. With her father getting worse, she decides marriage is the way to go.

When Adam and Nora stumble upon each other at the town meeting, they inadvertently get married! Nora is relieved as it solves her problem, but Adam is mortified and refuses to acknowledge the marriage. So, per town rules, he must find a job within 30 days. However that proves difficult when Nora’s friends are determined to make it hard for Adam so he will keep the marriage with Nora and help her save her farm.

I had a really hard time with this book because I just could not get behind the plot. The accidental marriage, setting Adam up to fail at every job, the manipulation from both to them…it was just too much and I couldn’t enjoy the story. I didn’t believe the feelings between Nora & Adam which didn’t help matters. It just all felt so silly. I’ve heard that the first book was better, but maybe I’m just not a ‘western romance’ type of reader…I’ll have to revisit that genre another time.

TROPES
Historical Romance, Western America, Criminal Hero, Gamma Hero, Damaged/Tortured Heroine, Independent Heroine, Virgin Heroine, Working Heroine, Forced Proximity, Three Star, Two Flame

What a great premise for a western romance! Gunslingers are welcome in town but they have to get a job or get married immediately, Adam has no intention of getting married but that's exactly what happens on his first day in the town of Desolation. Nora spends most of her time taking care of her alcoholic father but when she ends up married to Adam things change drastically. I really enjoyed the banter between Adam and Nora when they try to learn to get along. Highly recommended.

This is a western rom-com with plenty of laugh-out-loud moments. Adam is anxious to quit his gunslinger lifestyle, so he heads for the town of Desolation where he can put his past behind him as long as he either gets a job or gets married. When he arrives there is a mass wedding underway and Adam unknowingly gets married to Nora, who needs to have a husband to save her ranch. Adam proceeds to try to get out of the marriage and find a job that he can hold onto while Nora works to hold onto him. There are lots of laughs and great supporting characters.

I received a free copy of this book from NetGalley for my honest voluntary review. I enjoyed this unique western, which is the second book in a series of two, and plan to read the first book.

This was a steamy, fun, read. This is my first western romance. I will definitely be back for more! While reading this book, I felt like I was back in the time of cowboys and Indians. Also, will the real Adam Brady please stand up?!?! I didn't get to read book one but I will be going back. This book will make you want to go back in time and find yourself a gunslinger.
Definitely give it a try.

Who would have thought the town he picked to settle down in would have a new rule: Gunslingers welcome—if they get a job…or marry. Well, as he is helping a sassy woman get her father into her wagon, he finds himself accidentally hitched to the woman during the big town wedding celebration. This is a fun read, even with all the problems and obstacles to overcome it's interesting to see how these two independent people handle it.
I was gifted a copy through NetGalley, my opinion and review are voluntary.

This is the book I had no idea I needed but am oh, so happy I found. I was grinning a few pages in, laughing out loud before the end of Chapter One, and head over heels in love the rest of the way.
If you're in the mood for a feel-good western with snappy dialogue, laugh-out-loud humor, sweet emotion, meddling townspeople, characters you can cheer for, and a story that unfolds in your mind like a movie on the big screen, this is the book for you.

It seems that many of the books being marketed as "Rom-Com" these days are anything but. That is not the case with this one. Labeled as a "Clever Western Romantic Comedy," it's a story that delivers on all points. The pace never slows, McLean's comedic chops are on full display, the characters are engaging, and the "OMG, what's next?" storyline kept me eagerly flipping pages from start to finish. I lost count of the number of times I had to stop and share lines I was laughing over. One of my favorites is this exchange between Adam and Nora when Adam declares, "Darlin', I've wanted you from the moment you dropped a body at my feet." It says so much about this couple and their hilarious "courtship."

While the humor is plentiful, McLean balances it nicely with a depth of emotion that tugs at the heart. There were more than a few "ahs" to go along with all of the "hahas." I also loved how she wove the citizens of Desolation in and out of the story, showing us bits and pieces of their personalities and dropping hints here and there that make me want to know more about them. Here's hoping they all have a story planned for down the road because I want more, more, more of Desolation and those who call it home.

This is the second book in Michelle McLean's Gunslinger series. It can be thoroughly enjoyed as a standalone (as evidenced by my unrelenting laughter) though the main couple from book one, Hitched to the Gunslinger, do have large roles. If you're like me, you'll be downloading Gray and Mercy's story the minute you finish this one.

This is the second book in Michelle Mclean's Gunslinger's series, and I am so happy I got the chance to read this book, it did not disappoint. It is a dual perspective with a marriage of convenience trope. It is a fun western, set in a small town known for picking up the occasional law breaker. It follows Adam is a gunslinger looking to retire and there is only one place he can go Desolation but now this town full of retired outlaws has a couple of new rules to keep this rowdy bunch in line either you get a job or get married, and Adam has no intention of marrying he would just put them in danger but he can’t seem to hang on to a job for the life of him. In comes Nora who is determined to have a husband to save her home not that they need to know that, so when Adam and Nora end up hitched by accident, she is determined to hang on to him for dear life, literally. This book was a hilarious, fun twist on western. The writing is good, the story moves at a good pace as well as the development of the relationship of the characters. I love Nora. She is such a strong female character and I feel like the dynamic between her, and Adam was perfect. Adam is so endearing, and clumsy, he can’t seem to get out of his way. Just a fun and relaxing book to dive into. It was a great second book and I hope the series continues. Please go check this book out!
Trigger warnings: Blood, Assault
I received an advance ebook, via Netgalley. This review is my own honest opinion.