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Corbins #1
Banner O'Brien
This vibrant and heartrending historical series from #1 New York Times bestseller Linda Lael Miller follows a female doctor in 1880s Pacific Northwest as she searches for success and romance.
In 1886, lovely Banner O’Brien overcame every obstacle and won her coveted medical diploma. Determined to leave her past—and the nightmares—behind, she escapes Oregon to accept a job with Dr. Adam Corbin in the Washington Territory.
Skilled and handsome, Dr. Corbin is also arrogant and rumored to be violent. Banner is both unnerved and intrigued by this moody man but soon, she is facing an unexpected challenge—win this mysterious man’s heart.
In 1886, lovely Banner O’Brien overcame every obstacle and won her coveted medical diploma. Determined to leave her past—and the nightmares—behind, she escapes Oregon to accept a job with Dr. Adam Corbin in the Washington Territory.
Skilled and handsome, Dr. Corbin is also arrogant and rumored to be violent. Banner is both unnerved and intrigued by this moody man but soon, she is facing an unexpected challenge—win this mysterious man’s heart.
336 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
231 people are currently reading
781 people want to read
About the author
Linda Lael Miller
553 books3,229 followersThe daughter of a town marshal, Linda Lael Miller is a #1 New York Times and USA TODAY bestselling author of more than 100 historical and contemporary novels, most of which reflect her love of the West. Raised in Northport, Washington, Linda pursued her wanderlust, living in London and Arizona and traveling the world before returning to the state of her birth to settle down on a spacious property outside Spokane.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
Linda traces the birth of her writing career to the day when a Northport teacher told her that the stories she was writing were good, that she just might have a future in writing. Later, when she decided to write novels, she endured her share of rejection before she sold Fletcher’s Woman in 1983 to Pocket Books. Since then, Linda has successfully published historicals, contemporaries, paranormals, mysteries and thrillers before coming home, in a literal sense, and concentrating on novels with a Western flavor. For her devotion to her craft, the Romance Writers of America awarded her their prestigious Nora Roberts Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007.
Long a passionate Civil War buff, Linda has studied the era avidly for almost thirty years. She has read literally hundreds of books on the subject, explored numerous battlegrounds and made many visits to her favorite, Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, where she has witnessed re-enactments of the legendary clash between North and South. Linda explores that turbulent time in The Yankee Widow, a May 7, 2019 MIRA Books hardcover, also available in digital and audiobook formats.
Dedicated to helping others, “The First Lady of the West” personally financed fifteen years of her Linda Lael Miller Scholarships for Women, which she awarded to women 25 years and older who were seeking to improve their lot in life through education. She anticipates that her next charitable endeavors will benefit four-legged critters.
More information about Linda and her novels is available at www.lindalaelmiller.com, on Facebook and from Nancy Berland Public Relations, nancy@nancyberland.com, 405-206-4748.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
March 3, 2025
This is the first of a four book series that I found bound together in a fundraiser bargain bin. They were sold as a set for $1.00. Having read Linda Lael Miller's work before, I thought wow - how lucky can I be? I've enjoyed her Stone Creek and McKettrick family series' novels. But this one? It was totally different. And not in what I deemed a good way.
Originally published in 1984, I was surprised to read how often the main characters... you know, enjoyed each other. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
The story begins in December of 1886 in the Washington Territory. Sub-character Temple Royce has just delivered FMC Dr. Banner O'Brien to Dr. Stewart Henderson's vacated house in Port Hastings. Banner is under the impression that she will be replacing Dr. Henderson while he recuperates from injuries at a family member's house. Banner was also needing to escape her prior residence because she knew her dangerous ex-husband (Sean Malloy) had been spotted in the area. Her reasons for wanting to stay away from him are explained soon enough to the reader. Dr. O'Brien graduated from the New York Infirmary after studying under Dr. Emily Blackwell (a real life physician and true historical fact.)
Not long after Banner arrives, MMC Dr. Adam Corbin walks into her temporary residence and demands to see her credentials. In addition to thinking he's brash and a bully (because he was the one who broke Dr. Henderson's jaw - with good reason), she also finds him extremely handsome. Dr. Corbin tells her to be ready to go on patient rounds with him early the next morning.
After not even knowing Dr. Corbin for 24 hours, Banner finds herself falling in love with the man. (Insta-love #1.) Later, Adam's younger brother Jeff meets Banner and the reader learns that Jeff has fallen for her after their first five minute conversation. (Insta-love #2.) And of course, Dr. Adam Corbin is fighting his own lustful thoughts of Banner after not knowing her very long. (Insta-love #3.) Adam calls Banner "O'Brien" or "Shamrock". (His nickname for her.) Banner is also described as a feisty, beautiful red head and green eyed woman. (Imagine a very young Maureen O'Hara.)
I didn't like the MMC at first. He was temperamental, moody, and what I would call a real cad. (Or as the author wrote, "rake" or "rounder".) He gave Banner whiplash with how often his demeanor changed from being frustrated to always apologizing to her. He wanted her badly. So badly, that one night after knowing her only a week, AND after getting totally hammered, he proposes to her and they get married. On a ship. That houses a brothel. Go figure.
Adam to Banner on said ship: "One way or another, O'Brien, I'll have you tonight. You might as well have the paper to make it legal."
'Banner was dizzy; her head swam and her blood sang and her womb was melting within her. She'd tried to reason with Adam, hadn't she? She'd told him about her previous marriage, she'd pointed out his drunken state. What more could she do?'
Umm... said no? And what's up with a "melting womb"? I know this author can do better, so that's why I'm a bit disappointed in this particular scene.
Then, going forward the reader has to endure all of those love making scenes in addition to the mystery and danger that surrounds the Corbin family. These two main characters did it everywhere: the floor, a bench in the kitchen, an examination table in the hospital wing, a carriage seat, in the back of a wagon, standing up, yada, yada, yada.
In between all of the "yadas", the reader learns about mysterious trips Adam makes up the mountain every three weeks. He takes food and supplies but doesn't stay more than a day or two. This has been going on for a few years and he always returns in a foul mood. Rumor has it that he keeps a mistress on the mountain he sees while on these trips. Once Banner hears these rumors, she confronts him about it but he only asks her to trust that he's not being unfaithful. She never fully comes to trust him until the end of the book when everything is wrapped up.
This book not only has romance, mystery, ambush, and fighting, but is also somewhat educational. The reader learns about the Klallum Indian tribe that exists along the river coast (who Adam and Banner treat medically), and the Chinese men who were brought to the Washington Territory to primarily work as laborers in gold mines and on railroad construction. The cargo ships carried these immigrants for a fee of $100 each to transport them unless a revenue cutter happened to be nearby. Then they were thrown overboard into the freezing water so the cargo ship's owner would not be fined and jailed.
🪁 -Rated it 1.5 rounded up to 2 stars. (The main characters' relationship was too volatile throughout most of the book and they had too much sex. If there is such a thing?)
🪁 -Minimal foul language - especially when you compare it to how much "yada" was going on.🙄
🪁 -Bingo box #61 (Surgeon or Doctor.)
🪁 -9/100
Lastly, to end on a good note, I will read the remaining three books in the series. I'm not giving up on this author and hoping Jeff, Keith, and Melissa's stories make the bargain purchase redeemable!
Originally published in 1984, I was surprised to read how often the main characters... you know, enjoyed each other. But I'm getting ahead of myself...
The story begins in December of 1886 in the Washington Territory. Sub-character Temple Royce has just delivered FMC Dr. Banner O'Brien to Dr. Stewart Henderson's vacated house in Port Hastings. Banner is under the impression that she will be replacing Dr. Henderson while he recuperates from injuries at a family member's house. Banner was also needing to escape her prior residence because she knew her dangerous ex-husband (Sean Malloy) had been spotted in the area. Her reasons for wanting to stay away from him are explained soon enough to the reader. Dr. O'Brien graduated from the New York Infirmary after studying under Dr. Emily Blackwell (a real life physician and true historical fact.)
Not long after Banner arrives, MMC Dr. Adam Corbin walks into her temporary residence and demands to see her credentials. In addition to thinking he's brash and a bully (because he was the one who broke Dr. Henderson's jaw - with good reason), she also finds him extremely handsome. Dr. Corbin tells her to be ready to go on patient rounds with him early the next morning.
After not even knowing Dr. Corbin for 24 hours, Banner finds herself falling in love with the man. (Insta-love #1.) Later, Adam's younger brother Jeff meets Banner and the reader learns that Jeff has fallen for her after their first five minute conversation. (Insta-love #2.) And of course, Dr. Adam Corbin is fighting his own lustful thoughts of Banner after not knowing her very long. (Insta-love #3.) Adam calls Banner "O'Brien" or "Shamrock". (His nickname for her.) Banner is also described as a feisty, beautiful red head and green eyed woman. (Imagine a very young Maureen O'Hara.)
I didn't like the MMC at first. He was temperamental, moody, and what I would call a real cad. (Or as the author wrote, "rake" or "rounder".) He gave Banner whiplash with how often his demeanor changed from being frustrated to always apologizing to her. He wanted her badly. So badly, that one night after knowing her only a week, AND after getting totally hammered, he proposes to her and they get married. On a ship. That houses a brothel. Go figure.
Adam to Banner on said ship: "One way or another, O'Brien, I'll have you tonight. You might as well have the paper to make it legal."
'Banner was dizzy; her head swam and her blood sang and her womb was melting within her. She'd tried to reason with Adam, hadn't she? She'd told him about her previous marriage, she'd pointed out his drunken state. What more could she do?'
Umm... said no? And what's up with a "melting womb"? I know this author can do better, so that's why I'm a bit disappointed in this particular scene.
Then, going forward the reader has to endure all of those love making scenes in addition to the mystery and danger that surrounds the Corbin family. These two main characters did it everywhere: the floor, a bench in the kitchen, an examination table in the hospital wing, a carriage seat, in the back of a wagon, standing up, yada, yada, yada.
In between all of the "yadas", the reader learns about mysterious trips Adam makes up the mountain every three weeks. He takes food and supplies but doesn't stay more than a day or two. This has been going on for a few years and he always returns in a foul mood. Rumor has it that he keeps a mistress on the mountain he sees while on these trips. Once Banner hears these rumors, she confronts him about it but he only asks her to trust that he's not being unfaithful. She never fully comes to trust him until the end of the book when everything is wrapped up.
This book not only has romance, mystery, ambush, and fighting, but is also somewhat educational. The reader learns about the Klallum Indian tribe that exists along the river coast (who Adam and Banner treat medically), and the Chinese men who were brought to the Washington Territory to primarily work as laborers in gold mines and on railroad construction. The cargo ships carried these immigrants for a fee of $100 each to transport them unless a revenue cutter happened to be nearby. Then they were thrown overboard into the freezing water so the cargo ship's owner would not be fined and jailed.
🪁 -Rated it 1.5 rounded up to 2 stars. (The main characters' relationship was too volatile throughout most of the book and they had too much sex. If there is such a thing?)
🪁 -Minimal foul language - especially when you compare it to how much "yada" was going on.🙄
🪁 -Bingo box #61 (Surgeon or Doctor.)
🪁 -9/100
Lastly, to end on a good note, I will read the remaining three books in the series. I'm not giving up on this author and hoping Jeff, Keith, and Melissa's stories make the bargain purchase redeemable!
July 26, 2024
Ridiculous, Middle School-Level Melodrama
This was the most ridiculous book I've ever read. And that is saying something because I have read a lot of ridiculous books in my time. (Looking at you, Fifty Shades of Grey!) It amazes me that this novel has a heroine who is an educated doctor and a divorcee, and yet she behaves with the emotional maturity of a third-grader. Then, there's the hero, who has more mood swings than a woman on PMS who is out of chocolate.
Then, there is the plot and the villain. I could never really find out who the villain was. It kept seeming to change. Nor could I figure out what the plot was. In fact, this whole book read like something an 8-year-old would write. Everyone overreacts to everything. The "banter" between the hero and the heroine is more like inane chatter with a series of threats mixed in. Then, there are the secrets, secrets which could've easily been resolved within the first chapter. By the time the couple were still squabbling about them two-thirds of the way in, I was screaming at both of them to just shut up.
Lastly, there is the part where the hero rapes the heroine, physically assaults her on more than one occasion, and pretty much calls her a whore any time he gets angry with her. (Oh yeah, ladies! This one is a keeper.) The writer seemed to believe that after each assault (verbal, mental or physical), it should be perfectly appropriate and reasonable for the "headstrong" heroine to melt into a puddle of goo just because her husband kisses her. Honestly, I wanted to beat the hero upside the head and throw the book across the room. Unfortunately, I could do neither because the hero (thankfully) doesn't exist, and the book was on my phone. Save yourself the trouble, and just avoid "Banner O'Brien."
PS--If you decide to go against my advice and buy the book anyway, I suggest you play the "Banner O'Brien" drinking game. Every time the hero calls the heroine "O'Brien," you take one shot. Every time the hero calls the heroine "Shamrock," take two shots. Believe me, you'll be blackout drunk by the end of the third chapter.
This was the most ridiculous book I've ever read. And that is saying something because I have read a lot of ridiculous books in my time. (Looking at you, Fifty Shades of Grey!) It amazes me that this novel has a heroine who is an educated doctor and a divorcee, and yet she behaves with the emotional maturity of a third-grader. Then, there's the hero, who has more mood swings than a woman on PMS who is out of chocolate.
Then, there is the plot and the villain. I could never really find out who the villain was. It kept seeming to change. Nor could I figure out what the plot was. In fact, this whole book read like something an 8-year-old would write. Everyone overreacts to everything. The "banter" between the hero and the heroine is more like inane chatter with a series of threats mixed in. Then, there are the secrets, secrets which could've easily been resolved within the first chapter. By the time the couple were still squabbling about them two-thirds of the way in, I was screaming at both of them to just shut up.
Lastly, there is the part where the hero rapes the heroine, physically assaults her on more than one occasion, and pretty much calls her a whore any time he gets angry with her. (Oh yeah, ladies! This one is a keeper.) The writer seemed to believe that after each assault (verbal, mental or physical), it should be perfectly appropriate and reasonable for the "headstrong" heroine to melt into a puddle of goo just because her husband kisses her. Honestly, I wanted to beat the hero upside the head and throw the book across the room. Unfortunately, I could do neither because the hero (thankfully) doesn't exist, and the book was on my phone. Save yourself the trouble, and just avoid "Banner O'Brien."
PS--If you decide to go against my advice and buy the book anyway, I suggest you play the "Banner O'Brien" drinking game. Every time the hero calls the heroine "O'Brien," you take one shot. Every time the hero calls the heroine "Shamrock," take two shots. Believe me, you'll be blackout drunk by the end of the third chapter.
December 14, 2016
Linda Lael Miller fans frequently recommend BANNER O'BRIEN as one of the author's best books. I beg to disagree. Although high-strung, temperamental characters are mainstays of romance novels, the hero and heroine in BANNER O'BRIEN seemed entirely **too** high-strung and temperamental. **Both of them.** Mutual suspicion and mistrust kept Adam and Banner fighting with each other -- often physically -- from beginning to end. In fact, the only thing holding them together seemed to be lust: They'd fight, then they'd have sex, and then the whole cycle started over again. Perhaps I'm alone in this, but the heroine's constant accusations about the hero's suspected infidelity became tedious, bordering on distasteful.
Minor characters were delightful, however, especially the hero's family.
Minor characters were delightful, however, especially the hero's family.
December 20, 2011
Just awful. Abusive, misogynist and too immature of a book to actually make sense.
The heroine is TSTL the hero is a jerk and it doesn't get any better. I'd write a further diatribe on why this book sets women back a few hundred years but I'm sure you can read a better diatribe.
Didn't make it past 157 and wondered how I made it that far.
The heroine is TSTL the hero is a jerk and it doesn't get any better. I'd write a further diatribe on why this book sets women back a few hundred years but I'm sure you can read a better diatribe.
Didn't make it past 157 and wondered how I made it that far.
March 9, 2024
3.5 stars
After reading Flethcer's Woman, this was a breath of fresh air. (We did get a brief cameo from Flethcer) There was one secret with Adam that got a bit frustrating because I didn't like seeing Banner anguish about it. But overall, I thought it was a pretty good LLM book. I liked seeing them both work together at the hospital and seeing patients. Adam did have some highs and lows for me but Banner was great through out the book.
After reading Flethcer's Woman, this was a breath of fresh air. (We did get a brief cameo from Flethcer) There was one secret with Adam that got a bit frustrating because I didn't like seeing Banner anguish about it. But overall, I thought it was a pretty good LLM book. I liked seeing them both work together at the hospital and seeing patients. Adam did have some highs and lows for me but Banner was great through out the book.
July 9, 2012
I was dissapointed in this book. I usually really really enjoy Linda Lael Miller's books and I was excited to find this copy of one of her ealier novels that I had not read. The story seemed choppy to me without much development in the character's relationships. I also did not like the way the "hero" treated the heroine after they were married. And the heroine was kind of weak and silly, which was unexpected because she is a Doctor. And you would think, for a woman to be a Doctor in the 1880's, she would be fairly strong-willed.
August 3, 2013
this is a terrible book....it doesn't promise a "HAPPY EVER AFTER" after the book ends...WWWHHHHYYYYY?...Adam will SURELY cheat on her if they will be separated for 3 mos atleast
there was a part on the book, near the end, on which Banner asked him if he'll do to her what his father did to his mother, and if he'll remain faithful to her even if they'll be separated for some "doctor's congress thing..."
he says (quote) "I WANT TO SAY I WILL....BUT I CANT(there was so much more about i cant stay faithful reasoning but i forgot about it)" whalah...so we have an idea of the future they will have...infidelities every time he goes away for some reason. I won't count the time when he had miserable time in a bawdy bar thinking about his wife, Banner, and planning of eventually shagging a whore, what if the news that Banner has been jailed did not reach him at that time?...
besides that, his parents are madly in love with each other, yet, when his father goes along with his son, Jeff i think,on a voyage to Hawaii, he got involved with a Hawaiian girl, and in that place he also got the leper disease. so he staged a fake death and ask for that Hawaiian girl to be with him and be his shaggy all the time. i thought Daniel loves his wife.......
there was a part on the book, near the end, on which Banner asked him if he'll do to her what his father did to his mother, and if he'll remain faithful to her even if they'll be separated for some "doctor's congress thing..."
he says (quote) "I WANT TO SAY I WILL....BUT I CANT(there was so much more about i cant stay faithful reasoning but i forgot about it)" whalah...so we have an idea of the future they will have...infidelities every time he goes away for some reason. I won't count the time when he had miserable time in a bawdy bar thinking about his wife, Banner, and planning of eventually shagging a whore, what if the news that Banner has been jailed did not reach him at that time?...
besides that, his parents are madly in love with each other, yet, when his father goes along with his son, Jeff i think,on a voyage to Hawaii, he got involved with a Hawaiian girl, and in that place he also got the leper disease. so he staged a fake death and ask for that Hawaiian girl to be with him and be his shaggy all the time. i thought Daniel loves his wife.......
April 22, 2014
I do believe I read this entire series years ago in the reprints. They felt familiar.
After re-reading this series I need an "insta-love" shelf because that is what happened in each of these books. I bought it somewhat but the constant fighting was a bit much, especially in this one. I was tired of Banner always thinking that Adam had another woman.
Still an intriguing story and kept my interest.
After re-reading this series I need an "insta-love" shelf because that is what happened in each of these books. I bought it somewhat but the constant fighting was a bit much, especially in this one. I was tired of Banner always thinking that Adam had another woman.
Still an intriguing story and kept my interest.
December 12, 2008
Linda Lael Miller was one of my favorite authors during the late eighties/early nineties, and I decided to read some of her earliest novels again. The books in the Corbin Brothers series were some of my favorites of her early works, so I started this time with Banner O'Brien, the first in the series. I enjoyed rereading this book, but I didn't like it as much as I did twenty years ago. The hero and heroine and their interactions seemed dated, and not quite what you would find in a more recent historical romance.
Banner O'Brien is a woman living in a man's world during 1886. She is a medical doctor who agrees to practice medicine in a small community in the Washington Territory when she suspects that she is being trailed by her vindictive exhusband. Banner O'Brien doesn't hardly know what to make of Dr. Adam Corbin when she meets him. They are instantly attracted, but he is a very overbearing and secretive man. When Banner and Adam marry after he has overimbibed, their lives become more complicated. Adam knows that Banner wasn't an innocent on their wedding night, but he doesn't remember what she told him about her history. He is very distrustful of Banner and she resents him for not retaining the information she shared. Adam refuses to reveal his reasons for trekking into the mountains faithfully every three weeks so Banner is convinced that he has another woman there. Their marriage is plagued by mistrust and disagreements, but they share a strong passion. As their feelings for one another grow, they must learn to trust one another and to share the secrets they hold.
Both the hero and heroine of this book were annoying at times, but I still liked them. The hero repeatedly told the heroine that he loved her and had no other women, and it was frustrating when she continually doubted him. The hero had a secret that would shatter his family if revealed, so he kept it to himself and let his new wife believe the worst of him. I was a little bit diappointed that I didn't love this book as much as I did when I read it the first time, but I enjoyed revisiting these characters, and I plan to continue the series.
Banner O'Brien is a woman living in a man's world during 1886. She is a medical doctor who agrees to practice medicine in a small community in the Washington Territory when she suspects that she is being trailed by her vindictive exhusband. Banner O'Brien doesn't hardly know what to make of Dr. Adam Corbin when she meets him. They are instantly attracted, but he is a very overbearing and secretive man. When Banner and Adam marry after he has overimbibed, their lives become more complicated. Adam knows that Banner wasn't an innocent on their wedding night, but he doesn't remember what she told him about her history. He is very distrustful of Banner and she resents him for not retaining the information she shared. Adam refuses to reveal his reasons for trekking into the mountains faithfully every three weeks so Banner is convinced that he has another woman there. Their marriage is plagued by mistrust and disagreements, but they share a strong passion. As their feelings for one another grow, they must learn to trust one another and to share the secrets they hold.
Both the hero and heroine of this book were annoying at times, but I still liked them. The hero repeatedly told the heroine that he loved her and had no other women, and it was frustrating when she continually doubted him. The hero had a secret that would shatter his family if revealed, so he kept it to himself and let his new wife believe the worst of him. I was a little bit diappointed that I didn't love this book as much as I did when I read it the first time, but I enjoyed revisiting these characters, and I plan to continue the series.
October 15, 2016
Banner O’Brien
Linda Lael Miller
1984
This book may be updated in newer versions. It was reprinted in 2012 possibly to make it more palatable for today’s audiences.
The book I read was from 1990. The cover I have was a misrepresentation of the book. I see it, with it’s gold and purple and think two things. Either the book is centered around Louisiana’s traditional Mardi Gras festival or it could possibly be a Medieval story. In actuality the story is centered in Washington/ Oregon.
This, of course makes no real difference in the scheme of things. The 90’s was a confusing decade. Confusing for the ones who had to go through it, and also for anyone studying it. The cover from the original in 1984 is excellent. Also, the cover for the newer version is also pretty sweet, although I think Adam had dark hair.
Blurb from the back of the book:
In 1886, lovely Banner O’Brien overcame every obstacle and won her coveted medical diploma. Still, she longed to escape from Oregon… and the nightmares that left her shaking, screaming one man’s name.
Banner fled to the Washington Territory to accept a position with Dr. Adam Corbin. – Arrogant, handsome and, rumor said, violent. Although Banner respected his skills, she was unnerved by the very nearness of this moody, powerful man. His past was a mystery that would challenge her to the utmost… for Banner was determined to win Adam Corbin’s heart.
This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Lael Miller. Once I picked it up, I found it hard to put down. It began great. Fantastic story about a woman trying to work in a man’s world. A world that had no place for a woman in any profession. Not only the fairer sex, but Chinese immigrants and Native American people were looked down upon in a most unsettling realistic prospective of the way the old west was.
I enjoyed the innocent interest that both the H/H took towards each other. It was cute, and Adam had a very sexy appeal to him. But at an early stage Adam’s character turned. He was no longer the handsome sweet hero. Instead, wonderful characteristics were handed off to Adam’s brother, Jeff.
Adam Corbin became arrogant. Swift with his anger and pride. He was demanding,jealous and rude. He became the worst kind of prick.
I cannot tell you that I put the book down, because I didn’t. LLM is an exceptional writer, and as much as I started to despise Adam’s behavior, I wanted to read on. This story does have triggers, even for me.
Banner started off as a very strong character and then disappointed me by… by what? Acting probably very close to what any woman in this time period would have.
It was the late 1800’s in America. She cried, she whined, she acted like a dumb girl who didn’t know how to get out of a paper bag. So am I angry with her? No. I’m one of those people who snivel that the new romance writers walking all over history, making women too strong. Able to do things and act in ways that were in no way possible. I have held my nose up at the truth being snuffed out by the new “offended” society. So when a possible real situation for the times comes up in the book, what do I do? I get offended. Damn my eyes! There is no alternate universe when he takes Banner over his knee more than once and spanks her.
Yes! I was pissed. I lurched in my chair, uncomfortable with the way she was being treated, and how she handled it. I wanted her to do more than kick his shin, by God, I wanted her to hobble him for life! When he said all those terrible things to her, I wanted her to punch him in the face. And when he would say “I’m sorry”, I wanted Banner to tell him to go fuck himself and walk away.
But, women did nothing of the sort. Women were objects. Things to be owned. Once you married one of these barbarian men, they could treat you any way they wanted to. Woman’s suffrage was real, people. Hiding it behind strong skirts of heroines of today’s romance, is fun, but there were some rough men out there, and women had to be strong in themselves to put up with the crap. If you actually loved your husband and he loved you back, you were a lucky girl. Be happy that all he did was take you over his knee, because apparently a horse whip was okay to use when you feel your wife disobeys.
So with that being said, did I like our hero, Adam? Hell no.
Was it probably a reality based example of the men who lived and worked in America in the 1800’s? I bet that he was a treasure. Did he love Banner? Yes. Was he a good man? For the times, yes. He was very good. Do I condone the violent behavior? Hell no. Granted, he only took her over his knee a few times. But I hated him for that, and the horrible things he said and did to humiliate her. To bring that sort of feelings out of a reader, is excellent.
There were more than a few things that bothered me in this book. The suckling he did to her breasts was odd. I get that he needed to be comforted. But it was (to me) about 5 on the scale of yuck.
Also, every time Banner and Adam fought, he forced himself on her. The domination, overpowering, and force he inflicted on her was degrading. He would grab her and force himself on her whenever he felt like it. It didn’t matter who was around either. He even made her not wear undergarments. It was frustratingly dishonorable. It also painted a picture of a different man than the one who we were first introduced to. It makes me wonder if Jeff Corbin will turn into the same type of monster that Adam did.
Of course by the end of the story, he acts a little more humble and amiable. Banner was never afraid of him. Angry, hurt, humiliated, frustrated, yes. But never was she scared.
Jeff Corbin does get his own story. Since Jeff and Adam never really got to solve the differences between them, and with the big mystery at the end of the book, it may take a lot to bring Jeff back around. I hope to God that Jeff is not the big Dickhead that Adam turned out to be .When I read his book, I will let everyone who cares, know, what kind of a man Jeff becomes.
So to conclude, Linda Lael Miller is an excellent writer, and I think that I owe it to myself to check out some of her other books. If you have major triggers for dominant men, who do not behave as they should with a lady, please pass this one up. Everyone else…. Tell me what you think! It was a major hit back in the day. Would it be in this day and age? I think her characters are a little rough for today’s audience. I would hope that we as readers can flow through it, and still enjoy the classic, if not harsh romance of the past.
Jeff’s book is called Corbin’s Fancy. I do not own it. Dang it. I will be looking for it. I can purchase it from Amazon if I get desperate.
From Wikipedia ~
Linda Lael Miller is a best selling American author of more than 100 contemporary and historical novels. She has also written under the pen name Lael St James.
From her Website: http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/booksh...
oddly, unless my eyes are super bad, I do not see Banner O’Brien on this list. So this may not be a complete list.
All Books (By Date – most recent first)
Always A Cowboy
Arizona Wild (formerly published as Deadly Gamble)
Once a Rancher
The Cowboy Way
Montana Creeds: Tyler
Montana Creeds: Dylan
Christmas in Mustang Creek
Sierra’s Homecoming
Montana Creeds: Logan
Used-to-Be Lovers
The Marriage Season
Big Sky Country
McKettricks of Texas: Austin
The Marriage Charm
McKettricks of Texas: Garrett
Snowflakes on the Sea
Mixed Messages
McKettricks of Texas: Tate
Deadly Deceptions
Deadly Gamble
The Marriage Pact
The Bridegroom
The Rustler
Big Sky Secrets
Big Sky Wedding
Big Sky Summer
Big Sky River
An Outlaw’s Christmas
Big Sky Mountain
McKettrick’s Heart
There and Now
McKettrick’s Pride
McKettrick’s Luck
Caroline and the Raider
Don’t Look Now
Holiday in Stone Creek
Secondhand Bride
A Lawman’s Christmas
High Country Bride
The Creed Legacy
Creed’s Honor
My Darling Melissa
Moonfire
The Last Chance Cafe
Springwater
Ragged Rainbows
A Creed in Stone Creek
Fall in Love Like a Romance Writer
The McKettrick Legend
McKettrick’s Choice
Memory’s Embrace
The Christmas Brides
Willow
Desire and Destiny
Courting Susannah
Springwater Christmas
The Vow
Lauralee
Wanton Angel
My Outlaw
Corbin’s Fancy
Daniel’s Bride
Taming Charlotte
Princess Annie
The Legacy
Angelfire
At Home in Stone Creek
A Creed Country Christmas
The Bridegroom
State Secrets
When I’m With You
A Stone Creek Christmas
A McKettrick Christmas
The Rustler
A Wanted Man
Here and Then
Glory, Glory
More Than Words Volume 4
The McKettrick Way
Sun, Sand, Sex
The Man from Stone Creek
Sierra’s Homecoming
One Last Look
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Never Look Back
Daring Moves
Wild About Harry
Escape from Cabriz
Shotgun Bride
Mixed Messages
Bridget
Megan
Skye
The Women of Primrose Creek (Omnibus)
Used-to-be Lovers
Christy
Springwater Wedding
Two Brothers: The Lawman/The Gunslinger
One Wish
Heart’s Desire
Knights
Pirates
Yankee Wife
Emma and the Outlaw
Lily and the Major
Just Kate
The Leopard’s Woman
Linda Lael Miller
1984
This book may be updated in newer versions. It was reprinted in 2012 possibly to make it more palatable for today’s audiences.
The book I read was from 1990. The cover I have was a misrepresentation of the book. I see it, with it’s gold and purple and think two things. Either the book is centered around Louisiana’s traditional Mardi Gras festival or it could possibly be a Medieval story. In actuality the story is centered in Washington/ Oregon.
This, of course makes no real difference in the scheme of things. The 90’s was a confusing decade. Confusing for the ones who had to go through it, and also for anyone studying it. The cover from the original in 1984 is excellent. Also, the cover for the newer version is also pretty sweet, although I think Adam had dark hair.
Blurb from the back of the book:
In 1886, lovely Banner O’Brien overcame every obstacle and won her coveted medical diploma. Still, she longed to escape from Oregon… and the nightmares that left her shaking, screaming one man’s name.
Banner fled to the Washington Territory to accept a position with Dr. Adam Corbin. – Arrogant, handsome and, rumor said, violent. Although Banner respected his skills, she was unnerved by the very nearness of this moody, powerful man. His past was a mystery that would challenge her to the utmost… for Banner was determined to win Adam Corbin’s heart.
This is the first book I’ve read by Linda Lael Miller. Once I picked it up, I found it hard to put down. It began great. Fantastic story about a woman trying to work in a man’s world. A world that had no place for a woman in any profession. Not only the fairer sex, but Chinese immigrants and Native American people were looked down upon in a most unsettling realistic prospective of the way the old west was.
I enjoyed the innocent interest that both the H/H took towards each other. It was cute, and Adam had a very sexy appeal to him. But at an early stage Adam’s character turned. He was no longer the handsome sweet hero. Instead, wonderful characteristics were handed off to Adam’s brother, Jeff.
Adam Corbin became arrogant. Swift with his anger and pride. He was demanding,jealous and rude. He became the worst kind of prick.
I cannot tell you that I put the book down, because I didn’t. LLM is an exceptional writer, and as much as I started to despise Adam’s behavior, I wanted to read on. This story does have triggers, even for me.
Banner started off as a very strong character and then disappointed me by… by what? Acting probably very close to what any woman in this time period would have.
It was the late 1800’s in America. She cried, she whined, she acted like a dumb girl who didn’t know how to get out of a paper bag. So am I angry with her? No. I’m one of those people who snivel that the new romance writers walking all over history, making women too strong. Able to do things and act in ways that were in no way possible. I have held my nose up at the truth being snuffed out by the new “offended” society. So when a possible real situation for the times comes up in the book, what do I do? I get offended. Damn my eyes! There is no alternate universe when he takes Banner over his knee more than once and spanks her.
Yes! I was pissed. I lurched in my chair, uncomfortable with the way she was being treated, and how she handled it. I wanted her to do more than kick his shin, by God, I wanted her to hobble him for life! When he said all those terrible things to her, I wanted her to punch him in the face. And when he would say “I’m sorry”, I wanted Banner to tell him to go fuck himself and walk away.
But, women did nothing of the sort. Women were objects. Things to be owned. Once you married one of these barbarian men, they could treat you any way they wanted to. Woman’s suffrage was real, people. Hiding it behind strong skirts of heroines of today’s romance, is fun, but there were some rough men out there, and women had to be strong in themselves to put up with the crap. If you actually loved your husband and he loved you back, you were a lucky girl. Be happy that all he did was take you over his knee, because apparently a horse whip was okay to use when you feel your wife disobeys.
So with that being said, did I like our hero, Adam? Hell no.
Was it probably a reality based example of the men who lived and worked in America in the 1800’s? I bet that he was a treasure. Did he love Banner? Yes. Was he a good man? For the times, yes. He was very good. Do I condone the violent behavior? Hell no. Granted, he only took her over his knee a few times. But I hated him for that, and the horrible things he said and did to humiliate her. To bring that sort of feelings out of a reader, is excellent.
There were more than a few things that bothered me in this book. The suckling he did to her breasts was odd. I get that he needed to be comforted. But it was (to me) about 5 on the scale of yuck.
Also, every time Banner and Adam fought, he forced himself on her. The domination, overpowering, and force he inflicted on her was degrading. He would grab her and force himself on her whenever he felt like it. It didn’t matter who was around either. He even made her not wear undergarments. It was frustratingly dishonorable. It also painted a picture of a different man than the one who we were first introduced to. It makes me wonder if Jeff Corbin will turn into the same type of monster that Adam did.
Of course by the end of the story, he acts a little more humble and amiable. Banner was never afraid of him. Angry, hurt, humiliated, frustrated, yes. But never was she scared.
Jeff Corbin does get his own story. Since Jeff and Adam never really got to solve the differences between them, and with the big mystery at the end of the book, it may take a lot to bring Jeff back around. I hope to God that Jeff is not the big Dickhead that Adam turned out to be .When I read his book, I will let everyone who cares, know, what kind of a man Jeff becomes.
So to conclude, Linda Lael Miller is an excellent writer, and I think that I owe it to myself to check out some of her other books. If you have major triggers for dominant men, who do not behave as they should with a lady, please pass this one up. Everyone else…. Tell me what you think! It was a major hit back in the day. Would it be in this day and age? I think her characters are a little rough for today’s audience. I would hope that we as readers can flow through it, and still enjoy the classic, if not harsh romance of the past.
Jeff’s book is called Corbin’s Fancy. I do not own it. Dang it. I will be looking for it. I can purchase it from Amazon if I get desperate.
From Wikipedia ~
Linda Lael Miller is a best selling American author of more than 100 contemporary and historical novels. She has also written under the pen name Lael St James.
From her Website: http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/booksh...
oddly, unless my eyes are super bad, I do not see Banner O’Brien on this list. So this may not be a complete list.
All Books (By Date – most recent first)
Always A Cowboy
Arizona Wild (formerly published as Deadly Gamble)
Once a Rancher
The Cowboy Way
Montana Creeds: Tyler
Montana Creeds: Dylan
Christmas in Mustang Creek
Sierra’s Homecoming
Montana Creeds: Logan
Used-to-Be Lovers
The Marriage Season
Big Sky Country
McKettricks of Texas: Austin
The Marriage Charm
McKettricks of Texas: Garrett
Snowflakes on the Sea
Mixed Messages
McKettricks of Texas: Tate
Deadly Deceptions
Deadly Gamble
The Marriage Pact
The Bridegroom
The Rustler
Big Sky Secrets
Big Sky Wedding
Big Sky Summer
Big Sky River
An Outlaw’s Christmas
Big Sky Mountain
McKettrick’s Heart
There and Now
McKettrick’s Pride
McKettrick’s Luck
Caroline and the Raider
Don’t Look Now
Holiday in Stone Creek
Secondhand Bride
A Lawman’s Christmas
High Country Bride
The Creed Legacy
Creed’s Honor
My Darling Melissa
Moonfire
The Last Chance Cafe
Springwater
Ragged Rainbows
A Creed in Stone Creek
Fall in Love Like a Romance Writer
The McKettrick Legend
McKettrick’s Choice
Memory’s Embrace
The Christmas Brides
Willow
Desire and Destiny
Courting Susannah
Springwater Christmas
The Vow
Lauralee
Wanton Angel
My Outlaw
Corbin’s Fancy
Daniel’s Bride
Taming Charlotte
Princess Annie
The Legacy
Angelfire
At Home in Stone Creek
A Creed Country Christmas
The Bridegroom
State Secrets
When I’m With You
A Stone Creek Christmas
A McKettrick Christmas
The Rustler
A Wanted Man
Here and Then
Glory, Glory
More Than Words Volume 4
The McKettrick Way
Sun, Sand, Sex
The Man from Stone Creek
Sierra’s Homecoming
One Last Look
I’ll Be Home for Christmas
Never Look Back
Daring Moves
Wild About Harry
Escape from Cabriz
Shotgun Bride
Mixed Messages
Bridget
Megan
Skye
The Women of Primrose Creek (Omnibus)
Used-to-be Lovers
Christy
Springwater Wedding
Two Brothers: The Lawman/The Gunslinger
One Wish
Heart’s Desire
Knights
Pirates
Yankee Wife
Emma and the Outlaw
Lily and the Major
Just Kate
The Leopard’s Woman
March 13, 2017
I was optimistic about this book to begin with, it's hard to find a good historical western book, this however is not one. The Heroine and hero are both unlikeable, and there is so much drama that could be avoided. A lot of the sex seems to be questionable as to whether it's mutually wanted, until he kisses her or her breast that is. He pretty much forces her to marry him, and I was very disappointed she didn't scream or put up a fight because she "loved" him, after five days of knowing him. This was not realistic at all. Also, the villain was terrible, why would I want to be in his mindset? There was nothing redeeming about him at all and it was not necessary to jump to his perspective. It would have been slightly better if it just stuck to Banner's point of view. I could not finish this book, I painfully made it about halfway and I skimmed ahead and then resolved not to continue wasting my time reading this book. I will definitely avoid this author in the future, I only decided to read one of her books because she was listed as similar to Pamela Morsi. She writes nothing like Pamela Morsi.
March 23, 2016
This must be the worst of Linda Lael Miller's books. I had hoped that this was the beginning of another great series but I definitely won't be reading the other siblings' books. It started out with promise but Banner and Adam got thrown together way to early in the story and I constantly wondered what could possibly develop from this point on. And, I was correct - the only thing that seemed to happen was Banner and Adam fighting/arguing on one page and suckling (yes, that word came up repeatedly) her bosom on the next. I honestly can't tell you anything around a story as there wasn't really one. I got to a point where I'd had enough of Banner's accusations of "another woman" and was hoping for her to be more of the woman she surely must have been in order to become a doctor in those days. I don't even understand the appeal he had to her - he was just such a horrid character. In fact, there never was any chemistry or feeling of falling in love in this book. I finished the book purely because I didn't have anything else to read with me at the time.
October 17, 2021
I read this book back in the 1980’s. I can see, with the 2020 lens, the monumental problems with the text but it is also where a lot of my buttons got installed.
-a competent woman in a man’s profession
- insta love - I mean it only takes a week
- big secrets that no one can ever know
- men who can’t with feelings do they punch their brother in the face and their mom has to threaten them with her riding crop
- a woman on the run from a dangerous ex
- a drunk encounter that one party has no memory of.
- surprise twins
You cannot read this book without remember it was published in 1984. The works was not the same place.
-a competent woman in a man’s profession
- insta love - I mean it only takes a week
- big secrets that no one can ever know
- men who can’t with feelings do they punch their brother in the face and their mom has to threaten them with her riding crop
- a woman on the run from a dangerous ex
- a drunk encounter that one party has no memory of.
- surprise twins
You cannot read this book without remember it was published in 1984. The works was not the same place.
January 7, 2015
oooookay. well first I'd say that LLM has a thing for fast marriages. And you know what they say "Marry in haste, repent at leisure" ;)
In this case the marriage is very fast but it seems working. The problem here is the heroine. She's a doctor(!). Now a woman at the end of 1800, doctor, I expect some backbone here!
And instead she was a sort of whiney thing :( I didn't like her and when I don't like the heroine, my judgement about the book is not good. Sorry.
Onto the next one.
In this case the marriage is very fast but it seems working. The problem here is the heroine. She's a doctor(!). Now a woman at the end of 1800, doctor, I expect some backbone here!
And instead she was a sort of whiney thing :( I didn't like her and when I don't like the heroine, my judgement about the book is not good. Sorry.
Onto the next one.
July 10, 2012
I love reading her books but this one that I like much. It seemed like the same parts of the story were said time and again. Not one of my top books.
March 13, 2025
Banner O'Brien by Linda Lael Miller
.
Cover (Pocket Books printing): 5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 (lots of brief scenes combined in count. Numerous shorter scenes in book)
Ending:
.
Series or Stand Alone: Could be a stand alone but some character cross over and a side plotline that leads into book two.
.
Washington Territory, Late Frontier (1886)
Refined Medical Doctor
Determined Lady Doctor
Insta-Love
Hidden Former Life
Close Proximity
Danger & Peril
Mutual Secrets
Divorced Heroine
American Western HR
Jealous Heroine
High Angst x 2
Protective Hero
Women's Suffrage
Heroine in STEM
Close Family Bonds
Hidden Past
Family Centered Series
.
Sometimes, I read books and finish with the overall thought of "What the hell did I just read?" That's exactly how I feel about Banner O'Brien. This book is utterly out of control. There is so much drama, and just when you think nothing else could possibly go wrong, it does. The plotline isn't ever really all that bonkers - it's just super dramatic! There is a wild plot twist that I ABSOLUTELY did not see coming. Looking back, there is exactly one hint that could have been a clue. However, this would have taken a massive out-of-the-box approach to the information along with knowledge of some rather obscure, niche historical information. Even though I actually DID have this weird historical knowledge, I definitely did not see the plot twist coming. Anyway...
Banner seems dead set on doing foolish (downright stupid) things over and over again. She HAS to get herself into some sort of trouble. Banner constantly accuses Adam of infidelity, and while it's not totally unfounded, the repetitive nature of this grew tiresome. I had such high hopes for a female doctor in an American Western historical, but Dr. Banner O'Brien certainly couldn't hold a candle to Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman! (But who could?)
Adam is such an asshat. Listen, I like an alphahole/alpha hero, but I wouldn't be sad if Adam got severe diarrhea in public. He has few likable qualities, and aside from his financial wealth and physical appearance, I'd rather be alone for the rest of my life than suffer through with a man-child like him.
Adam and Banner probably shouldn't be together. Honestly. I loath the whole "but they will never be bored together" approach to tumultuous couples. I prefer to see some more harmony and a united front by the end of the book.
Rates 3.5/5 instead of 3/5 just because the plot twist was so shocking and brilliant.
As for steam, this book was surprisingly steamy in terms of the total number of scenes. I was expecting maybe three scenes, but because Banner and Adam are CONSTANTLY fighting and then "making up," there are a great seal of stramt scenes. The scene tends to be on a more brief side and uses more of the non-explicit terms that were more commonly used at the time the book was originally published. FYI- Adam REALLY likes to suckle to the point that I would say that it is definitely a "kink" within their relationship. Warning: scenes that could been viewed as dub-con/non-con. Personally, I viewed it as genuine hate s*x, which we just don't see very often in more modern written HR.
Content Warning (spoilers likely, likely not a complete list. There could be a lot with this book considered no longer PC):
*courtesy warning that some intimate scenes could be viewed as non or dub con*
.
.
.
.
.
Racism- specifically Native Americans and Chinese immigrants (NOT MCs)
Use of racial slurs
Dub con/possible non con
Hero is intoxicated first time the couple is intimate
Injuries and disease descriptions that some readers may find off putting
Heroine slaps Hero several times
Hero spanks Heroine several times
M*rder- several
Marital infidelity- not MCs
Bodily injury and harm
Brutal beating
St*bbing
B*llying
Explosion
De*th
Pr*stitution
Small pox epidemic
Pregnancy
M*rder/Su*cide
Pregnancy
Childbirth- very brief
.
Cover (Pocket Books printing): 5/5
Story: 3.5/5
Steam: 🔥 🔥 🔥 🔥 (lots of brief scenes combined in count. Numerous shorter scenes in book)
Ending:
.
Series or Stand Alone: Could be a stand alone but some character cross over and a side plotline that leads into book two.
.
Washington Territory, Late Frontier (1886)
Refined Medical Doctor
Determined Lady Doctor
Insta-Love
Hidden Former Life
Close Proximity
Danger & Peril
Mutual Secrets
Divorced Heroine
American Western HR
Jealous Heroine
High Angst x 2
Protective Hero
Women's Suffrage
Heroine in STEM
Close Family Bonds
Hidden Past
Family Centered Series
.
Sometimes, I read books and finish with the overall thought of "What the hell did I just read?" That's exactly how I feel about Banner O'Brien. This book is utterly out of control. There is so much drama, and just when you think nothing else could possibly go wrong, it does. The plotline isn't ever really all that bonkers - it's just super dramatic! There is a wild plot twist that I ABSOLUTELY did not see coming. Looking back, there is exactly one hint that could have been a clue. However, this would have taken a massive out-of-the-box approach to the information along with knowledge of some rather obscure, niche historical information. Even though I actually DID have this weird historical knowledge, I definitely did not see the plot twist coming. Anyway...
Banner seems dead set on doing foolish (downright stupid) things over and over again. She HAS to get herself into some sort of trouble. Banner constantly accuses Adam of infidelity, and while it's not totally unfounded, the repetitive nature of this grew tiresome. I had such high hopes for a female doctor in an American Western historical, but Dr. Banner O'Brien certainly couldn't hold a candle to Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman! (But who could?)
Adam is such an asshat. Listen, I like an alphahole/alpha hero, but I wouldn't be sad if Adam got severe diarrhea in public. He has few likable qualities, and aside from his financial wealth and physical appearance, I'd rather be alone for the rest of my life than suffer through with a man-child like him.
Adam and Banner probably shouldn't be together. Honestly. I loath the whole "but they will never be bored together" approach to tumultuous couples. I prefer to see some more harmony and a united front by the end of the book.
Rates 3.5/5 instead of 3/5 just because the plot twist was so shocking and brilliant.
As for steam, this book was surprisingly steamy in terms of the total number of scenes. I was expecting maybe three scenes, but because Banner and Adam are CONSTANTLY fighting and then "making up," there are a great seal of stramt scenes. The scene tends to be on a more brief side and uses more of the non-explicit terms that were more commonly used at the time the book was originally published. FYI- Adam REALLY likes to suckle to the point that I would say that it is definitely a "kink" within their relationship. Warning: scenes that could been viewed as dub-con/non-con. Personally, I viewed it as genuine hate s*x, which we just don't see very often in more modern written HR.
Content Warning (spoilers likely, likely not a complete list. There could be a lot with this book considered no longer PC):
*courtesy warning that some intimate scenes could be viewed as non or dub con*
.
.
.
.
.
Racism- specifically Native Americans and Chinese immigrants (NOT MCs)
Use of racial slurs
Dub con/possible non con
Hero is intoxicated first time the couple is intimate
Injuries and disease descriptions that some readers may find off putting
Heroine slaps Hero several times
Hero spanks Heroine several times
M*rder- several
Marital infidelity- not MCs
Bodily injury and harm
Brutal beating
St*bbing
B*llying
Explosion
De*th
Pr*stitution
Small pox epidemic
Pregnancy
M*rder/Su*cide
Pregnancy
Childbirth- very brief
June 26, 2025
First of all, Linda Lael Miller is one of my favorite romance authors, and her writing is always well-developed and though out. I was impressed with the number of side-plots in the book and I never once thought "Man, this is just filler, I wish the book would end already."
Second, I was disappointed in a few instances:
- Banner is a doctor, but there were many times were it felt like she had zero clue on what was expected of her or how to actually be a doctor. It is written that she had all of these great qualifications (from New York I believe) and this led the reader to believe that she had at least attended patients before, yet she wasn't able to have a clear enough head to even give an injection at one point.
- I started out liking Adam, at first he seems like an intelligent doctor, if a bit roguish and rough around the edges. But towards the end of the book, he seemed to have had a change in personalities. Similar to other reviewers, I felt all of his good qualities were shifted from Adam to his brothers, Jeff and Keith.
- This was a case of instant-love (of which I have no problem with), but then it became clear that it was a relationship built entirely on lust. At no point did it feel like true love. The majority of the book was constant arguments followed by bedroom activities. There was also no trust (at all!) between the two main characters.
I did enjoy:
-the big secret. The secret itself actually lived up to the whole big to-do it was made into between the main characters
-the side characters were just as (and sometimes more) interesting and developed as the main characters
-the pacing of the story was perfect and I was never bored with the sequencing of events
Second, I was disappointed in a few instances:
- Banner is a doctor, but there were many times were it felt like she had zero clue on what was expected of her or how to actually be a doctor. It is written that she had all of these great qualifications (from New York I believe) and this led the reader to believe that she had at least attended patients before, yet she wasn't able to have a clear enough head to even give an injection at one point.
- I started out liking Adam, at first he seems like an intelligent doctor, if a bit roguish and rough around the edges. But towards the end of the book, he seemed to have had a change in personalities. Similar to other reviewers, I felt all of his good qualities were shifted from Adam to his brothers, Jeff and Keith.
- This was a case of instant-love (of which I have no problem with), but then it became clear that it was a relationship built entirely on lust. At no point did it feel like true love. The majority of the book was constant arguments followed by bedroom activities. There was also no trust (at all!) between the two main characters.
I did enjoy:
-the big secret. The secret itself actually lived up to the whole big to-do it was made into between the main characters
-the side characters were just as (and sometimes more) interesting and developed as the main characters
-the pacing of the story was perfect and I was never bored with the sequencing of events
September 12, 2022
I’m on holiday reading romance novels. Got this out out of the library. Sometime in 1880s, Banner O’Brien, a woman, has gotten her medical license and is moving to Washington for her first medical job.
Maybe spoilers, but honestly, don’t read this book.
She’s sexually harassed on the ship by the man who recruited her and then sexually harassed by the other doctor who is residing in the town. (She liked the doctor, so it’s ok?)
Anyway, he drunk drives them to a brothel where they get married by the justice of the peace after knowing, and basically annoying each other for a week.
She cries a lot in this book. Literally, he says something mean to her, she cries. She forgets to clean an injection site with alcohol, she cries. She thinks he has a mistress, and cries. Honestly, she is either crying, or tearing up for most of the novel. She’s so fragile and has so little backbone, I honestly can’t imagine that she ever made it through medical school.
Also, we find out that the first man who sexually harassed her, Royce, murders a bunch of people by throwing them off of his ship, and nothing happens to him. Oddly, she didn’t cry about that…
I like a good, bad romance novel as much as the next person, but this one was just bad.
Maybe spoilers, but honestly, don’t read this book.
She’s sexually harassed on the ship by the man who recruited her and then sexually harassed by the other doctor who is residing in the town. (She liked the doctor, so it’s ok?)
Anyway, he drunk drives them to a brothel where they get married by the justice of the peace after knowing, and basically annoying each other for a week.
She cries a lot in this book. Literally, he says something mean to her, she cries. She forgets to clean an injection site with alcohol, she cries. She thinks he has a mistress, and cries. Honestly, she is either crying, or tearing up for most of the novel. She’s so fragile and has so little backbone, I honestly can’t imagine that she ever made it through medical school.
Also, we find out that the first man who sexually harassed her, Royce, murders a bunch of people by throwing them off of his ship, and nothing happens to him. Oddly, she didn’t cry about that…
I like a good, bad romance novel as much as the next person, but this one was just bad.
February 24, 2022
If you like steamy, "I hate you! (but, I really mean, I really, really LOVE you!!) romances with lots of soap opera drama, this book will not disappoint. :) Which that subgenre isn't usually my cup of tea, but the drama, characters, and subplots kept me entertained.
The back blurb on my edition was pretty far off, which is my only complaint. Whoever wrote it must have a different idea of what a "sweet" romance was, as the sassy/smartassy main couple was either bickering, crying, or doing the thing that husbands and wives do 80% of the time. And despite the amount of coupling, the writing was both passionate without being overly specifically descriptive about body parts.
I had a few guesses about the twist at the very end, but the defining detail about it was a surprise. The prose was very beautiful, too. Word of warning, though, that some parts haven't aged well, so if you are into high political correctness, you'll probably want to skip it.
The back blurb on my edition was pretty far off, which is my only complaint. Whoever wrote it must have a different idea of what a "sweet" romance was, as the sassy/smartassy main couple was either bickering, crying, or doing the thing that husbands and wives do 80% of the time. And despite the amount of coupling, the writing was both passionate without being overly specifically descriptive about body parts.
I had a few guesses about the twist at the very end, but the defining detail about it was a surprise. The prose was very beautiful, too. Word of warning, though, that some parts haven't aged well, so if you are into high political correctness, you'll probably want to skip it.
January 11, 2022
Strong women
I enjoy Linda Lael Miller’s stories. The characters are strong, and in this book there were several strong women. Banner is a survivor who put herself through medical school despite being a woman. After leaving an abusive husband, she finds love with Dr. Adam Corbin.
I will say that I was disappointed with the chauvinism of Adam and I don’t think the story benefitted from the numerous lengthy love scenes. It was a quick read, but I’m not sure I’ll read any more in this series.
I enjoy Linda Lael Miller’s stories. The characters are strong, and in this book there were several strong women. Banner is a survivor who put herself through medical school despite being a woman. After leaving an abusive husband, she finds love with Dr. Adam Corbin.
I will say that I was disappointed with the chauvinism of Adam and I don’t think the story benefitted from the numerous lengthy love scenes. It was a quick read, but I’m not sure I’ll read any more in this series.
October 29, 2022
The Corbins fight hard and love just as hard. Banner comes to town to take over for a doctor who was injured. She finds he was injured by another doctor. Adam shows up to welcome the new doctor and finds it is a woman. He will have to evaluate her before he will let her see any patients. The other doctor was incompetent, and he won't let another quack see any patients. He doesn't expect the feisty woman to worm her way into his life and heart. When trouble comes to their door, Adam will do everything to protect the woman he has come to love. Can they make a life together?
February 7, 2024
Originally published in the early 1990s, this book’s language and character demeanor does not hold up well. I found myself cringing while reading this book and did not find the characters redeemable in their outdated ideas of how to treat their partners. While I do realize this book was written thirty years ago and historically set in the Western Territories, it still left a lot to be desired.
May 26, 2024
I read this back in the 90’s. I don’t remember the storyline at all but I thought I would revisit it.
I can’t believe I liked it then! I know I did because I went on to read the rest of the series. That I remember.
I thought the hero was horrible. He was a bully and abusive to Banner. And she, being educated and a doctor, was so weak and submissive to Adam.
I gave it a 2 because the beginning seemed promising. It quickly went downhill though. I guess my tastes have changed…..for the better!
I can’t believe I liked it then! I know I did because I went on to read the rest of the series. That I remember.
I thought the hero was horrible. He was a bully and abusive to Banner. And she, being educated and a doctor, was so weak and submissive to Adam.
I gave it a 2 because the beginning seemed promising. It quickly went downhill though. I guess my tastes have changed…..for the better!
September 28, 2017
The story was a good read but sometimes it gets a little rough with trying to hang on with a lot of characters in it. To me, it felt like it was bouncing in different directions and hard for me to focus. It's like trying to multitask. I like the two main characters but hard for me to keep up with many characters interacting in the story.
December 8, 2022
Hmmm, in my quest for historical Western romances, I grabbed this book as I've read some contemporary romances from Ms. Miller and liked them. However, this one wasn't for me.
Banner and Adam, the heroine and hero, are both doctors, but more the arrogant, abrasive types. So they fight - a lot. The story didn't feel that realistic to me either.
Banner and Adam, the heroine and hero, are both doctors, but more the arrogant, abrasive types. So they fight - a lot. The story didn't feel that realistic to me either.
July 20, 2017
I cant. He was supposed to be this brooding male who she was going to have to swoon to win over and he falls in love withing the 1st chapter. No thanks. I am a die hard Miller fan but I can't get into this one.
October 22, 2019
Good but really annoying thing was that Adam said he was faithful and would never cheat but then goes to the brothel twice to do just that? WTF? Later she asks him could he be faithful if they were apart for a time and he says he doesn’t know! Also WTF???
April 7, 2020
Fantastic
Read the first book in the series and it was great. Read another one of her series and loved it so thought I'd try another one. So far not disappointed. She certainly knows how to write a love story.
Read the first book in the series and it was great. Read another one of her series and loved it so thought I'd try another one. So far not disappointed. She certainly knows how to write a love story.
January 14, 2022
Disappointed. This book was hard to follow, convoluted, and filled with too many repetitive sex scenes. A Few such scenes are ok, but they should add to the story not do the same thing over and over again.
Any book by Linda Lael Miller is on my absolute buy list normally, because she is a phenomenal writer, but I would encourage readers to skip this one.
Any book by Linda Lael Miller is on my absolute buy list normally, because she is a phenomenal writer, but I would encourage readers to skip this one.
August 19, 2024
I struggled with some of the actions in the book but the book gives a good feel for the times and struggles of that period. It especially highlights what a woman, even an educated one, faced in this period of time.
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