The Midnight Twelve by Hairann
Outlaw Seven #1

Staying up till 2am to finish a book happens sometimes and this time it did. Why? Well, I was so totally immersed in the story and characters that I had to find out what would happen next. And, though there was an ending of sorts for this story there is still more to be told. I am eager to find out what happens to Ezra, Colleen/Cole and the intriguing character introduced that is interfering with the stagecoaches as I do believe their paths will intersect in the future.

Neither of the main characters have had an easy life. They became orphans at a young age and as a result both have issues from childhood to deal with. Ezra became focused on the revenge of his parents murders and this required him to become tough enough to get answers that he hoped would eventually lead him to the head honcho responsible for the murders he witnessed. Colleen/Cole ended up in an orphanage where she was bullied, mistreated, never heard a kind word and was never understood. She did what she had to to survive and each of her experiences but did not break her as she learned to accept who s/he was while trying to find a place for herself in life.

When Ezra and Colleen meet they begin to form a bond based on, I believe, their ability to see something in one another that helps them feel a bit better or more whole. They find someone to trust and that is huge in both of their lives. Ezra is accepting and understanding as he learns more about the person who becomes his companion on the trail and Colleen/Cole finds strength and support in Ezra and the acceptance she has never had before. They learn to share and care and save one another in ways that are both physical and emotion although they are not at a point where they are more than very good friends by the end of the first book in what may be a series of three, four or more books.

What I liked:
* The way this book made me stretch and think and grow
* The way I was given a look through the eyes of people that experienced life in ways I never will
* Colleen/Cole’s indomitable spirit and unwillingness to give up
* Ezra’s acceptance of Colleen/Cole as she was
* The way the story drew me in and kept me involved from beginning to end
* Meeting a new-to-me author that I hope to read more books by
* My ability to relate to the characters and their story – I cared about them and am rooting for them to find a HEA in the future.

What I did not like:
* What I was supposed to not like: murder of parents, treatment of Cole in the orphanage, evil men and women, intolerance, etc…

Did I like this book? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Definitely

Thank you to NetGalley and Nine Star Press for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars ( )