This is a captivating read for fans of historical fiction, family drama, and literary fiction who appreciate complex characters, vivid storytelling, and captivating explorations of themes such as love, passion, vengeance, and the societal pressures of early 20th century Texas.

I’ve never heard 0f this story.
Sneed did a good job of intertwining historical fact with creative fiction.
What Lena did broke all social conventions.
I couldn’t believe Beal was acquitted twice for the murders of two different men.
You just can’t make this stuff up.

Had high hopes for this book, loved the setting of 1900’s Texas. The author has an effortless writing style, very easy to follow. Details are well placed and thoughtful to the story. Would have enjoyed more scene/ world building.
Unfortunately I would not recommend due to the vulgar sexual language. I am no prude and love a good steamy novel but this not that. It jumped too quickly into sex, without building enough desire and temptation. The sex scenes described do not place well with the 1900’s era and society at the time. But the worst was having to read about his “funneled anus” and “loose-packed balls”. Gross!
Disappointing, this could have been a good read!

This uses the historical period perfectly and enjoyed the romance going on. I thought the writing was wonderfully done and was invested in what was happening. Clara Sneed has a strong writing style and can’t wait to read more from her.

This book was not very good. It focused on cheating and adulteration with no real plot. The characters were crappy, and there was no one to root for. The book was difficult to get through, it had a lot of slow parts to it.

Thank you to NetGalley, to the author, and to the publisher for this complementary ARC in exchange for my honest review!!!