About the Book

Book: The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender (Outlaw Hearts Book 2) Author: KyLee Woodley Genre: Christian Historical Romance Release date: May 20, 2025 An expecting widow, a rugged bounty hunter, and a set of secrets that might shatter her fragile heart. The death of Aubrey Willot’s wealthy but abusive husband left her with an unborn child, an empty chateau, and the last name of a criminal. When she learns he double-crossed a ruthless business associate, she’s forced to accept the protection of the handsome and daring bounty hunter tasked with finding her late husband’s fortune. Though Aubrey swore never to trust another man, she can’t help but be drawn to the bounty hunter’s rugged charm. After a tragic mistake cost him everything, Nathan Reed spent years running from his past. Now, he needs funds to care for his orphaned niece, and quickly. The chance to retrieve a set of stolen documents offers an opportunity he can’t resist. He’ll find those papers and claim the reward, even if it means deceiving the alluring young widow. As danger rises, Audrey’s strength, honesty, and compassion break down Nathan’s defenses, daring him to embrace a future he never imagined—a loving wife and a family of his own. But when his secrets are exposed, will his chance at redemption and Aubrey’s heart slip through his fingers?

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About the Author

KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches preschool at a lab school in Texas, where she lives with her husband of eighteen years and their three teenage children. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show, a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction. In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky Dog—a feisty feline named Hazel, and three adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.

More from KyLee

When I began writing The Bounty Hunter’s Surrender, I had little more than an idea for a pregnant widow and a kind yet wounded man who had some history as an outlaw. The series is called Outlaw Hearts, so someone had to have a history as a bad guy. At one point, Nathan Reed—the reluctant hero—wonders if he can be a “good man” and remembers the Bible verse that says, “Can a…leopard change its spots? Neither can you do good who are accustomed to doing evil.” Jeremiah 13:23 (KJV). I have always thought this verse so sad. After all, it sounds like it’s saying, “If you have been doing evil, you cannot do good.” But, of course, we also know that “…if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17 (KJV). So there is hope for Nathan! As for Aubrey Willot, well, her spiritual journey is a little different. She has already started on it when the story opens, but her greatest challenge is overcoming the fear from her past and living in the hopeful present. During her time as an abused wife, she became someone different, and now she is getting back to who God wants her to be. Here is a glimpse of Aubrey’s psyche just a few weeks after she’d entered widowhood: Aubrey dared not admit the freedom she felt since Louis’s death. She could choose her own dress without worrying about smirks, criticisms, or being told to change. She had the ability to take as much jam at the breakfast table as she pleased. On her first morning after Pa and Jesse had left, once the will was read and she learned she was the sole heir to Louis’s estate, she spread enough jam on toast to feed five people. Then, she’d cried. Sad to think that anyone would ever have to reach a place where they feel the way Aubrey does in the beginning of her story, but worry not. Her happily ever after is a sure thing. If you would like to join Nathan and Aubrey on their way to falling in love.

Interview with the Author

Do you read books in this genre? If so, who do you like to read?

Yes, I absolutely read books in my genre. If I didn’t, I’d have no business writing historical romance. My most recent read was Texas Divided by Sherry Shindelar and I must say I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of her story. What impressed me most was how Sherry intertwined the romance with the plot and the historical content of the story. It was a truly terrific read, and I highly recommend it. Some of my favorite authors are Roseanna M. White, Michelle Griep, and Jody Hedlund.

If a reader were to ask you what author you are like, what would you answer?

I cannot say, personality-wise. People are so unique, each made in God’s image, yet wonderfully different. I have heard that my style carries some of the elegance of a Tamera Alexander novel, blended with the themes and motifs found in the works of Mary Connealy and Louis Lamour.

What helps you to write? Do you eat snacks, listen to music?

If I’m stuck on a story or just feeling drained, reading really wonderful romance can inspire me. Historical research that is pertinent to my story can also spark scenes and help me map out a way to finish the narrative. Additionally, it allows me to see the world through my characters’ perspectives. I love delving into firsthand accounts and literature that would have been a part of my characters’ daily lives

If you could travel back in time, what time period would you go to?

This varies from day to day. Today, I would like to sit down for a Sunday snack with Helen Amelia Thompson Sunday (June 25, 1868 – February 20, 1957). She was a pivotal figure in early twentieth-century evangelism. Best known as the wife of Billy Sunday, she played a crucial role in organizing his large-scale evangelistic campaigns that captivated audiences nationwide. Later in life, Helen herself became an evangelistic speaker, leaving behind a legacy of faith and inspiration. I would simply love to sit down with her, hear about her day, learn what she thought of the sermon, and pray with her.

What is your favorite hymn and why?

Today the hymn There is Room at the Cross for You resonates deeply with me. My favorite lyrics are found in the first verse below. As a child, I vividly remember standing in church next to my mom, with sunlight pouring through the lofty windows, as she sang this song filled with love and heartfelt gratitude. As an adult, I too cling to the shelter of the cross and the grace that is free and sufficient. I have learned that it is truly enough, and I hold fast to the truth in this hymn’s words.”

The cross upon which Jesus died

Is a shelter in which we can hide

And its grace so free is sufficient for me

And deep is its fountain as wide as the sea.