James' rating: 5 out of 5 stars of 'Noble Salt'!

A lot of feelings in this one and I do mean a lot. Mixed feelings, actually. I teared up while reading the story and especially at the ending. It was beautiful and a well deserved HEA.

I'm rusty with haikus but...

A breathtaking tale
Anent Jane and Gus's quest with
Outlaw Noble Salt

Noble Salt aka Butch Cassidy, or Robert LeRoy Parker, which I actually prefer, really was just an absolutely extraordinary man. He has become one of best and most complex characters I have read. I love him. Jane, honestly, she had been through a lot. I loved her for her strength and her perseverance. Her prickliness became a shield which unfortunately became necessary.

Gus. Oh my gods. I just loved that little dude. He was so... Gus. He had a unique innocence and at the same time a necessitated maturity. I could just keep listening to him. Oh, wait. Another one coming...

Outlaw Noble Salt
Finds eternal happiness
With Jane and young Gus

Okay okay fine, moving on. (Told ya I was rusty. Gus would love it though 😌)

There was emotions just blasting out of the book in succession. So much grief and chaos, so much anger and pain, abundant drizzles of humor and love to balance it out and finally ending with an immensely sweet dose of happiness.

An emotional cannon that will put you through the ringer.

Thank you Amy Harmon and Lake Union Publishing for a consuming ARC!

4.25⭐
thanks to netgalley and the publisher for my copy of this book!

if i'm being honest, most arcs i request are based on how pretty the cover is. and thankfully, amy harmon writes as beautifully as this book's cover. everything i know about the old west i likely only learned from watching wynonna earp or back to the future, so i had very little idea who butch cassidy was... anyway! i was pleasantly surprised to find that the outlaw noble salt involved more romance than expected. overall it was a lovely story with likable characters to root for. something about "he was good even though he did bad things."

This was a very dramatic, sometimes a little cheesy, but overall cinematically epic tale of love and redemption. I was so impressed by the author’s ability to transport me to the Wild West and across america and Europe and had me believing that Butch Cassidy truly was this hero she’d built him into. And what a hero! He is a swoony feminist of a dreamboat. And the Sundance, Van, Gus, and Jane are somewhat predictable pieces that fit into the puzzle that is this plot. But it was such a nice story! It was definitely a few-good read and it has Hollywood film written all over it!

Rated 4.5 Stars

The Outlaw Noble Salt was pretty good. I quite enjoyed it. It kept me engaged my emotions and fully immersed even though it was slow moving.

I was wholly invested in these characters lives and rooting for them from pretty early on. The author managed to make me empathetic to what in essence shouldn't be empathetic but I couldn't help falling for these characters and wanting the best for them despite what they had done.

This book had a chokehold on me, on my emotions. It was rage inducing at times and oh so beautiful at others. It was also sweet. I loved it and highly recommend it.

🤍 Thank you netgalley for the earc of this masterpiece, @amy.harmon.author is just brilliant! 🤍

The story of Butch Cassidy takes a whole new turn in this gritty, addictive, and emotional novel from Amy Harmon.

A tale of an outlaw, beaten and battered by the choices he’s made and running to make a new life, and the woman who stops him in his tracks.

This book played out like a movie, the heart-pounding moments, the emotions made me feel like I was in the room with the characters, and the swooniest love story.

Throughout all the pain and heartbreak that come with this journey, the thread of hope woven intricately throughout was masterful and oh so beautiful.

Read if you enjoy:
• single mom
• reimagined history
• an outlaw and a singer
• breathtaking writing
• tearjerker

Also 10/10 recommend reading and chatting about this book with friends like @authorjoannabarker and @and.a.good.book

★ ★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: kissing
TW: some very heave triggers, please dm for details

*thank you to NetGalley and Lake Union Publishing for a copy of this eARC in exchange for my review*

I didn’t know that historical fiction could feel like this. Amy Harmon’s storytelling ability is so seamless that it doesn’t even feel like reading. Is there anything better than a book that drenches you in the plot without making you feel lost? I was swept away by vivid characters and realistic settings that made me feel like I was really there.

Noble Salt. Butch Cassidy. Robert LeRoy Parker. What a man. He makes me think of that quote from Anne of the Island by L.M. Montgomery—“I wouldn't want to marry anybody who was wicked, but I think I'd like it if he could be wicked and wouldn’t.” Even with his checkered past as the outlaw leader of the Wild Bunch, here we see him as a man who truly wishes to be good, knowing that he can’t outrun his wrongdoings.

This beautiful fictionalization of Butch Cassidy’s love life is full of adventure and hope. I absolutely loved Jane Toussaint. In fact, I almost always love a prickly female protagonist because sometimes we (the prickly ones) need reminding that we can be loved in spite of and even because of our barbs.

Augustus Toussaint rounds out our little trio of main characters as the perfect little gentlemen. Too smart for his own good, he is a beacon of hope and joy in this story—his innocence and charm winning over everyone he meets.

This brilliant story had some incredible twists and turns. The timeline threw me off a little at first, but was overall really nice. One night when I was about halfway through, I suddenly realized how the book was going to end, and that was a little disappointing because I’m not the kind of person who guesses at the endings. But the ending itself was not disappointing—honestly, it was just very emotional. And I loved it.

What Harmon did here was weave us a story about two realistically unhappy people finding love in an unlikely way. This was my first Amy Harmon book, and I cannot wait to read more! Absolutely stunning. A new favorite.

I could write that I am surprised how good this book is, how emotional, how extraordinary, exciting, and thrilling.
But I won't write all that :-) because when it comes to a book by Amy Harmon, it's always phenomenal.
I swear she can only write amazing books.
Her books leave such a lasting impression.
You always have to think about her stories long after you have finished her books.

If you are a fan of historical fiction, then this book, and all of Amy Harmon's books, is a must-read for you. I love all her books.

This book is a story about the Wild West and about the famous Butch Cassidy.

An incredible, fascinating and thickly real-fact-filled story about his life and his adventures.
It's also a fascinating story about the love of his life.
A very unique, exciting and emotional love story.

I seem to be going through a chaos of emotions with my books lately.
This book is a rollercoaster of brutal and heartbreaking, but also heartwarming feelings.
In other words, I cried like a baby again! 

This is such a beautiful book.
It's incredibly fascinating and uniquely written.
The story and the writing style will take you back to the times of The Wild Bunch and Butch Cassidy.
You will experience so many brutal, raw and authentic emotions.
You will experience so many mixed feelings while reading this book.
You will love and hate this story.

By the end, you will wish the beautiful book had never ended.

This is my new favorite Amy Harmon book. I was absolutely obsessed with this book and I am always amazed at how well Amy researches her characters and time periods. She researched Butch Cassidy and all the legends surrounding his life and death and wove them expertly into her story. I always enjoy reading her author’s note and getting a little peek into her thought process and what drove her story-writing process.

I grew up in Southern Utah and grew up hearing the legends and tales of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance kid. This book absolutely renewed my interest in the outlaw and his history. I was researching Butch Cassidy and the Wild Bunch alongside reading this book. I was so fascinated with the American old west time period.

Amy wrote such a beautiful story about a morally gray man who was absolutely an outlaw, but also seemed to have a bit of a moral compass , albeit a bit shaky one. I loved how deeply he loved in this book. His love for Jane and Gus was so beautiful and heart-warming.

I loved this book so much and was crying by the end of it. So beautiful and complex and just so well-done!

Prepare to be captivated by 'The Outlaw Noble Salt' – a riveting tale that seamlessly blends adventure, intrigue, and a dash of romance. Author Amy Harmon’s vivid prose transports readers to a richly imagined world filled with daring escapades and unforgettable characters. From the fearless outlaw navigating treacherous landscapes determined to defy tyranny, every page brims with excitement and suspense. But it's not just the action that makes this book shine – at its core, 'The Outlaw Noble Salt' is a story about friendship, loyalty, and the resilience of the human spirit. With its clever twists and turns, this novel is sure to keep readers on the edge of their seats until the very end. An absolute must-read for fans of epic adventures!

Nicely written and engaging tale that was not what I expected. I almost passed this one by but I'm glad I didn't. Yes there's imagined history for Butch etc but it's nice to see a fleshed out character. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC.

Wow! This was my first Amy Harmon book and I really liked it. Lots of fiction intermingled with the historical side, and I’m not normally a historical fiction girlie but I really enjoyed it all. The characters were complex (even the side characters) and the storyline was interesting.

My only complaint is that the plot moved along pretty slow; I found I was skimming some portions. But overall, definitely worth reading.

Ending was so good! 👏🏼

I love Amy Harmon’s writing. Her stories are always a rip-roaring adventure filled with heart, humor, and enough twists and turns to keep you hooked until the very end and Outlaw Noble Salt wasn’t any different and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!

Now, we all know the legend of Butch Cassidy, the infamous outlaw who terrorized the West with his band of outlaws, the 'Wild Bunch.' But what if there's more to the story than meets the eye?

So in this rendition, Butch Cassidy isn't just a hardened criminal. He's a man trapped in a life of his chosen, struggling to find redemption in a world that's stacked against him. When he crosses paths with Jane Touissant, an opera singer with a very fierce spirit, he sees a kindred soul—a good woman caught in the web of unfortunate circumstances. What ensues is a romance sizzling with heat and chemistry and tender moments that made my heart swoon.

But as much as I loved Jane and Noble Salt, Jane's son, Gus is the heart of the story. Now that kid is something else. He's got this way of seeing the world that's both innocent and wise beyond his years. His curiosity knows no bounds, and his adorableness is off the charts. He just added a whole new dimension to Noble and Jane's adventures, turning them into a somewhat makeshift family on the run.

Overall, this was a story of redemption filled with depth and emotion. Amy Harmon really weaves a tale of longing and connection that'll leave you breathless, rooting for Butch, Jane and Gus’s adventures every step of the way.

Thank you to Lake Union Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC!

In The Outlaw Noble Salt, Amy Harmon whisks readers away on a thrilling journey through the American West and beyond, weaving a tale of risk, redemption, and love that grabs hold from the get-go.

Right off the bat, Harmon's storytelling hooks you in with its perfect mix of suspense and heart. We follow Butch Cassidy, the legendary outlaw, as he grapples with his past and tries to carve out a new future. When he crosses paths with Jane Touissant, a renowned singer, their lives become intertwined in ways they never imagined.

“I call you honey because that’s the way you make me feel. Soft and warm and golden.”

What really makes The Outlaw Noble Salt shine is Harmon's knack for creating characters you can't help but root for. Butch and Jane are compelling on their own, but the side characters add depth and richness to the story, making it all the more immersive.

As Butch and Jane's journey unfolds, there are twists and turns aplenty, keeping you guessing until the very end. And let me tell you, that ending? It's unexpected and bittersweet, hitting you right in the feels.

“I love you. Always have. From the moment I saw you, you owned me.”

In the end, The Outlaw Noble Salt is a gripping and beautifully crafted novel that seamlessly blends romance, adventure, and historical fiction. Amy Harmon once again proves she's a master storyteller, leaving readers captivated until the last page. Whether you're a fan of the Wild West or just love a good love story, this book is a must-read.

Amy Harmon is a gem!!!!

This historical fiction of Butch Cassidy is thought provoking, emotionally charged, and adventurous. I love how as a reader I felt as if I was right there with the characters living this. The Outlaw Noble Salt is a must read !!

Excellent as always! This story was a slow burn that pulled me in and chugged along. It was very well done. Thanks to the publisher for the review copy all opinions are my own.

"Do you know my name? Perhaps you should forget it I'm a wanted man.".

"The Outlaw Noble Salt" was a step out of the normal romance books I choose to read. To say it was a pleasant surprise would be an understatement. Amy Harmon pulls you into the world of the wild west and a slow burning love story of the most famous of the outlaws, Butch Cassidy. You can feel the dust under your feet in the flat of Utah and smell the patisserie in the streets of Paris.

All Butch Cassidy wanted to do was turn away from the troubles his youth. The criminal world he lived in continued to pull him back as he tried to shake off the friends and family and escape that life.

"I'm tired. I want to be left alone, and I'd like to have a different life than the one I've lived. It's a new century. When I was a child, I spoke as a child, I understood as a child, I thought as a child. Now that I have become an adult, I have put away childish things."

Until, he had a chance encounter with a young mother and famous singer, Jane Toussaint. The encounter with Noble Salt (aka Butch Cassidy) was short but very memorable and one they would remember when reunited years later.

Their paths crossed once more six years later in the streets of Paris as the songbird was looking for security for her American tour. She knew Noble Salt -Butch Cassidy's past, but chose him regardless, knowing that despite what the world said he was a good man. The close quarters of travel to America and the longing that Butch felt for her from the time he heard her sing years ago brought a protectiveness for her that was leading to love. He had thought of her many times over the years.

"Tell me you love me. Even if it's not the truth. I'll cherish the lie."

This fictional story of "The Outlaw Noble Salt" was heartbreaking, full of hope and a beautiful story of find ourselves and each other right where we are. There are characters that you want to hate, but love. And, there are characters that you relate to at a core level. Amy Harmon has written some amazing books and this one now lands at the top of the list for me.

A historical fiction based on what romantics would have hoped had happened to Butch Cassidy after he gave up his bad boy ways... Full of adventure, romance, loveable characters (yes, even the bad guys), and historical charm. I loved this one and couldn't put it down.

This is my first read by Amy Harmon and I can't wait to check out her backlog... one of the perks of finding a new-to-you favorite when they've been writing hits for years!

Growing up, I had heard the legend of Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid but I had never given much thought to their lives beyond the crimes they committed as outlaws in the Wild West. Amy Harmon humanizes the outlaws in this story and gives them purpose. Butch Cassidy, wanting to leave his outlaw reputation behind him, takes on the name Noble Salt and is hired to protect opera singer Jane Toussaint and her son Augustus. Butch/Noble is immediately enamored with Jane and Jane with Noble but in the end he realizes he cannot outrun his outlaw reputation and he must save Jane even if he cannot save himself.

Overall, this is another great read from Amy Harmon. I say that about all of her books but it is true. She is one of the most consistent authors for me. I know I can always count on a gripping and emotional story from her and she always delivers.

Another beautiful book by Amy Harmon. I admit I'm not a big Western fan but this blew all my misgivings out of the water!
Jane is a perfect foil for Noble. "No, I call you honey because that's the way you make me feel. Soft and warm and golden." Sigh.
"You opened me up," he whispered to his sleeping wife. "And took my heart from my chest. Now how will I live?" Thank you for making Butch Cassidy a real person to me and not just a person in history books.
"Nobody really knew what was right or wrong in these matters. The wrestle between what was fair and what was lawful , what was merciful and what was good was a universal one. He couldn't unravel it himself half the time." I will definitely recommend this book to any historical fiction lover!! Thank you to netgalley for the book to read and review. I enjoyed every minute of it!!

Amy Harmon never disappoints and I loved her latest, The Outlaw Noble Salt! It had me hooked from the first page until the last. It is well researched and very descriptive making me feel like I was inside the book. Definitely recommend for another classic Amy Harmon novel!

Thank you to netgalley for the arc in exchange of an honest review.