Rating: 4.5/5 Stars
Genre: Historical Fiction/Romance

Infamous outlaw Butch Cassidy has had enough of the outlaw life and wants to make a clean break and live a peaceful life. The problem is he is too well known at this point to go unrecognized. Ironically, on the evening he is about to leave the country to hide for a while, he is mistaken for a doctor and introduces himself as Noble Salt helping the child of a famous singer, Jane Toussaint. When they run into each other in Paris many years later it feels like fate. Jane asks Noble (although she admits to knowing his real identity by now) to accompany her and her son, Augustus, on her singing tour in the US and be their bodyguard. Butch reluctantly agrees as he feels a strong connection to Jane and Augustus, but he is concerned about what is waiting for him when he finally returns home.

I was totally not expecting this to be a romance, but it was beautiful!! Lots of familiar tropes for romance book readers, but with a historical twist on them (e.g., bodyguard romance, cowboy romance, one bed, he falls first, slow burn, and more!). I loved learning more about Butch Cassidy, the Sundance Kid, and the Wild Bunch. Jane and Butch/Noble had a lot of emotional baggage, but Butch Cassidy was so patient and gentle you couldn't help but fall in love with him, even if he made some not so great choices in the past! Augustus was such a sweet addition to the story, too (and had some nice representation for the time period--he has a birthmark that caused significant disfiguration to his face--and how they dealt with that. Love a mama bear!). The writing was absolutely stunning, though I did trip over the switching of POVs at times. It is written in third person, which doesn't bother me, but it would often focus on one person for a little while and then switch within the same chapter and sometimes I would miss where it switched and realize a sentence or two in it was a different person was being referred to. This did not deter from the overall story though! Still highly recommend!

Thank you NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for the opportunity to read this eARC in exchange for my honest review.

Known as an outlaw to many but also as fair and kind to others, Butch Cassidy was a man who made certain choices and was ready to take responsibility for them. Yet, when Butch assumes a new identity during an unexpected encounter, he is willing to sacrifice and protect two people extremely dear to him.

“You can never leave it all. Not something you’re raised on. It’s part of you. You don’t ever get rid of it. Most things aren’t all good or all bad.”

In starting this story, I had known about the legend of Butch Cassidy and was intrigued to read the author’s narrative interpretation. Butch did not disappoint, as he had a certain quiet and steady magnetism. Of course, Sundance was his opposite and together they made me laugh. As for Jane Toussaint, she also brings complex layers into her relationship with Butch, and this highlights the actions of these characters. Lastly, Augustus is such a little treasure.

Overall, the journey these characters take is one with highs and lows, but ultimately are true to themselves. Though the pacing was a bit measured in the beginning, it all comes together nicely.

Famed outlaw Butch Cassidy on the run…. Will he be running forever? Does he meet his end? Does he find happiness? I didn’t have much detailed knowledge of Butch Cassidy going into this read, aside from name recognition and outlaw status. Amy Harmon has always ensured that within her fictional tales, there is historical fact, her research is thorough and I’m always ready for it!

This was an adventure!! I found myself rooting for the outlaw, who perhaps isn’t all that bad! It was a little different from what I was expecting as it had a quicker pace compared to previous Harmon tales but I thoroughly enjoyed the ride! I was engaged throughout rooting for the all characters!!! Love shown in different ways, the Noble way.…the writing was fabulous as expected, certain parts had me tearing up!

This is not a wild west novel but a tale full of adventure, mischief, realization and love….if you are up for an adventure, it’s a must read!

DNF

I never thought the day would come that I would DNF an Amy Harmon book but here we are.

I just could not get into this one. I tried, I really did, but nothing was drawing me into the story or characters like previous books that I have read and loved by her.

The Outlaw Noble Salt is story of love and second chances, and it's one of Harmon's best yet!

The infamous Butch Cassidy is tired of living the life of an outlaw, and despite the fact that he's never actually hurt anyone, the authorities are determined to make an example of him. When he crosses paths with singer Jane Touissant and her young son, it just might be the chance at redemption he's longed for.

This sweeping love story was absolutely EPIC!!!! I loved every second of it! Harmon's writing is gorgeous and packs such an emotional punch. The characters are compelling and three dimensional, the pacing was spot on, and she brings the reader right into the story and these characters' lives. She's truly one of the best and I eagerly await whatever gift she delivers next. 10/10! Wonderful.

Thank you brilliance publishing for my gifted eARC. 💕

I absolutely loved this book - another masterpiece by Amy Harmon!
In this tale, Butch falls in love with famous singer Jane Touissant, a woman with her own demons. Together they learn to heal, to hope for a brighter future, and to experience love. Caught off-guard when he is introduced to her, Butch introduces himself as Noble Salt, the first name he comes up with. Their journey is an emotional one and I was totally invested in their story from the very first page and didn’t want it to end. The characters are well developed and relatable, and their experiences believable. As well as the history lesson, this story gives the reader a lot to think about and I found it very insightful.
While a work of fiction, this book is based on fact, and I loved the alternative ending that Amy created for Butch Cassidy. I don't know much about Butch Cassidy other than he was a notorious American outlaw, and I was compelled to find out as much as I could about him after reading this book.
I highly recommend this book and would have given it more stars if I could. Amy Harmon is a must-read author for me - I don’t even need to read the cover blurb, I know I’ll love whatever story she tells.
Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for a complimentary digital ARC for review. All opinions are my own and are unbiased.

The Outlaw Noble Salt-a standalone

By Amy Harmon- an auto-buy author for me

Rating: 5/5 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

📃 Page Count: 364

Setting: starts in Utah

Publication 4-9-24, Read 4-19-24

🙏🏾 Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for this ARC🩷! I voluntarily give my honest review and all opinions expressed are my own.

🤷🏾‍♀️ What to Expect:
✅Historical Romance/Historical Fic
✅The American West/Wild West
✅Family
✅Redemption
✅Secret identities
✅slow burn romance

⚠️SA, robbery, miscarriage, suicide(not H/h)

Summary: This is the tale of Butch Cassidy, a famous outlaw robbing banks and trains. He has a conscience, and as he attempts to change his ways he meets Jane Toussaint, a singer and her young son Augustus. It's their love story filled with secrets and adventure.

🎭The characters:

Butch Cassidy "Noble Salt"- an outlaw who robs trains and banks. He has 12 siblings, started the Wild Bunch-his gang of criminals

Jane Toussaint- a singer, orphaned and raised by her husband Oliver's family.

Augustus Toussaint-Jane's son, too smart for his own good. Loves and admires Noble. He has a purple mark on his face that people stare at.

Harry Longabaugh "The Sundance Kid"- a thief and robber, Butch's partner in crime

Oliver-Jane's manager and husband, was mean and controlling.

Van-Butch's brother, wanted to be like Butch. but was jealous and vengeful.

🤔 My Thoughts: Harmon never misses to make me feel a connection to the characters. Having read all her books, TONS is a story I knew vaguely. I haven't watched any of the movies about Butch Cassidy. He is a criminal who believes he isn't hurting anyone robbing from the rich. The Pinkerson Detective Agency wants his capture, but Butch becomes Noble Salt. I'm glad some poetic license was taken to give Butch a HEA. Jane was a complicated woman- cold and standoffish. She had her own secrets but Butch showed her kindness and protection.

Thanks to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for access to this title. All opinions expressed are my own.

A love story, set in the early 1900s featuring a widowed French singer and one of the most famed American outlaws- Butch Cassidy.


I am a big fan of Amy Harmon but this wasn't one of my favorites. It took a long time for me to feel invested in the story but I give props for a nicely written slow-burn romance. However, I appreciated the very personal author's note which conveyed what a special story this was for the author. After all, the stories of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid have always been fascinating and I can see why Harmon wanted her latest novel to focus on that aspect of American history. Of course, the romance at the centre of the story is 100% fictional but I don't see that necessarily as a bad thing.

Overall, nothing made me dislike this novel but I just didn't feel as if it would stay with me.



Publication Date 09/04/24
Goodreads Review 18/04/24

#TheOutlawNobleSalt #NetGalley

This is a harder review for me to write. I adore Amy Harmon, and this book definitely had some of her signature poetic prose and swoony love scenes… but the story was SLOW and the relationship felt very “insta love” to me. I didn’t feel myself invested in the story until about 70%. Much of the story about Butch Cassidy was all tell and no show. It just fell flat for me

I like to rate books based on how they made me feel. And wow, did this one make me feel all the things, especially at the end! Amy Harmon is a master storyteller and knows how to create an incredible book!

I fell in love with Noble Salt! I could feel his conflicted emotions as he looked back on the life he wished he hadn't chosen. I loved following his life as he fell in love and worked to make things right.

I was up late finishing it and in tears as the book concluded. That's how you know it's a good book when it makes you cry for these characters you've come to love!

Thank you to Netgalley for my advanced copy!

This was so good, I enjoyed every minute of it. I got caught up in this wonderful historical romance, which is also a re-imagining of the life of Butch Cassidy the infamous outlaw of the Wild West.
The writing was so beautiful and the characters so real, especially Butch Cassidy and Gus, Jane Touissant’s young son. I must admit I wasn’t so keen on Jane, but I warmed to her as the story progressed, and I understood why she was the way she was.
I love the Butch Cassidy film with Paul Newman and Robert Redford, so of course I made comparisons whilst listening, but it didn’t detract at all from this wonderful novel.
The narration by Rob Shapiro, a new-to-me narrator was superb. He really brought all the characters to life for me with his fantastic voice talents, making it a very enjoyable listening experience.
Highly recommended if you enjoy historical romance.

Amy Harmon writes the best books! Always creative and interesting! This one is no exception and I loved it! This is the story of Butch Cassidy when he takes on the name of Noble Salt and how he falls in love. So good!

Another masterful storytelling by Amy! I feel a bit overwhelmed with tasked with writing a review after reading something written by Amy. She has such a way with words I don't feel anything I say will do it justice. I always say I don't like Historical Fiction then she goes and makes a liar out of me. Just pick it up for yourselves and read the wonderful story of the famous outlaw with a huge heart.

4.5 STARS


"In the Wild West
Every man in an outlaw
Or he wants to be "

Once again Harmon has taken a historical figure and given him a heartbreakingly beautiful story. Having grown up with a dad obsessed with Westerns, I was thrilled for this take on Butch Cassidy. There was a perfect balance of heart and history. The romance was good as well, but I loved Noble's relationship with Gus the most. Harmon also challenged my own thoughts on laws at the time and what religion means to each of us. I teared up several times and found it to be an emotional but uplifting read.

Thank you Lake Union Publishing and Netgalley for the advance copy. All opinions are my own.

Leave it to Amy Harmon to write such a captivating story where I fall a little bit in love with an outlaw. Noble and Jane's story is so heartbreakingly beautiful. It warmed my soul. I loved every minute of it.

**4.5 stars rounded to 5"

With another incredible story, Amy Harmon has easily risen to the top of my “must-read HF authors” list. Harmon takes the story of wild west outlaw Butch Cassidy (which ended in a shroud of mystery) and gives him an imagined ending that couldn’t have been more perfect if you dreamt it.

Butch’s outlaw days are behind him. He’s done robbing stage coaches and trains and wishes for nothing more than to slip into peaceful anonymity. Not so easy to do when his face is plastered on Wanted posters across the country.

His life is upended when he meets the famous and beautiful soprano, Jane Touissant, and her precocious, endearing son Gus. Both Butch and Jane have struggled through life and are yearning for a clean slate and a new way of life. Their friendship and inevitable romance were a surprise to them both, yet exactly what they didn’t know they needed.

Can I just say, Harmon can WRITE romance! The “dreamy, swoon-worthy, pitter-patter heartbeat, melt-your-face, shed-a-tear” kind of romance. I swear I’ll never hear the word “honey” the same again. IYKYK.

With each Amy Harmon HF I read, I fall more in love with her writing, characters, and stories. Go read this book! Brava!

Thank you @netgalley for this “read now” title!

This was a beautiful and very moving book. I love Amy Harmon's writing, it completely transports you in to the story.

How do you review a book that is just so lovely and heart breaking and sweet and rough? All wrapped into one. Jane and Noble and Augustus…the perfect trio. Augustus makes the book all that much sweeter. He and Noble’s (Butch Cassidy) relationship was so sweet!

Amy Harmon somehow spins a tale so unforgettable and you will be so sad when it ends. You will want to immediately restart reading it just to feel ALL of the emotions again.

I am not typically a western/outlaw genre reader, but this story captured my attention and I didn’t want it to end. I am so sad that it’s over.

This book hit upon every emotion. Amy Harmon crafted a beautiful story of romance, heartbreak, and action. Her research is evident. The choice to use real people, rather than tell a fully fictional tale, makes the reader that much more invested. One recognizes people and places and can picture the story clearly.

Regarding the audiobook, the narration was exquisite. Rob Shapiro captures each character masterfully and his cadence and tone set each scene heightening the listener’s emotion.

This is a work of fiction that one really wishes were true.

I will never find the words to do this book justice. I absolutely adored every moment I spent in its pages. I didn’t know that I needed a Butch Cassidy tall tale, but I did.

The redemption arc of Butch was perfection. He’s made many mistakes and his early choices have lead to difficult consequences. We see the consequences, understand them, and want him to somehow free himself from them.

Amy is just so good at writing flawed characters who have to live with the choices they make. She never gives them an easy out, but she does give them moments of hope and help along the way.

I love Jane. From the moment she walked off the stage, I knew she was a force. She’s loyal, fierce, protective, and doesn’t love easily. When she does love, it is with her whole heart. Watching Noble break down her walls and earn her trust is beautiful.

In addition to the two main characters, there are a few side characters that really stood out. Augustus was my favorite, but a couple of others managed to tug at my heartstrings.

None of the characters are perfect, some are trying to be better and some enjoy their less than honest pursuits. All of them are beautifully crafted as is this entire story.

I’m looking forward to revisiting this story over and over again. I highly recommend you read this as soon as possible.

This book contains scattered strong profanity and a vague love scene.