Bound for Eden

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review

This was interesting to read and kept my attention, although I didn't really grow to love any of the characters. They were okay and I empathized with Alex and her family, but I just couldn't get to that next level.

Alex is dressing as a boy in order to get away from the Grady brothers who are after her for stealing their gold and also because Silas wants her to marry him. Her siblings Victoria and Adam are present as well and Alex is determined for them to get them to safety. The thing is, as a boy Alex looks younger– like 12 apparently, so this is the weird part for me. How did practically no one guess she was actually a she and older!?
She is in charge of her siblings, they listen to her, she acts responsible for them! I just... it takes some suspension of belief. Because we are led to believe Luke is mister amazing and smart, but she's hiding easily... even though– UGH! I'm not saying I don't like stories where the girl pretends to be a guy to hide–I usually like them, and for the most part I liked this as well, but towards the end I thought it was just getting ridiculous.
Honestly, Luke is so slimy to me. He is supposed to be this naturally charming guy, flirting without meaning to, and making women of all ages lose their minds. We learn not much else about him or why Alex would fall for him. So, I was disappointed.

So, the book is about getting away from the Grady brothers who are following them even on the Oregon trail. I thought this added to the story in a good way, showing some of the brutalness of that life. It was nice that a romance was given some action or just something else besides the romance.

I will recommend this to people looking for historical romances or westerns.