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Night Riders #2
Texas Bride
She's the one woman he could never have . . . Handsome and devilishly charming Owen Wheeler has always had a way with women, but the war has left him a changed man. He's no longer interested in breaking hearts. Now on the trail of a fellow Night Rider turned traitor, he will stop at nothing to ensure that justice is done. There's nothing about fiercely independent--and plain--Hetta Gwynne that should make Owen long to trade his vendetta for peace, but something about her makes him feel like the man he always wanted to be. Owen can see a chance for a real future at Hetta's side . . . if only he could convince her to let down her guard and trust in the passion neither of them can deny.
The war has changed them all, and each of the Night Riders must decide what is more important: love or revenge?
366 pages, Paperback
First published December 20, 2002
13 people are currently reading
184 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
October 7, 2017
This is the first time I have read a book from this author and honestly if I am to judge by this one I won't be reading more. The story line itself was good but the author beat it to death that the main character Hetta believed herself to be ugly and couldn't move past that and Owen was so traumatized by his mother's bad behavior he couldn't get over his past either. The fact that they both had parents who were lousy is not my objection but the fact that it was repeated over and over and over again.
Other than that if the story had moved along better I would give this a higher rating. There are some great characters in the book and I did like the fact that Owen had compassion to help out others like Ben who was disabled from the war, Myrl who had been the town drunk, and even Hetta with her total lack of self confidence. The story improved when Hetta finally moved past her issues of feeling ugly and unloved and of course ended with a happily ever after.
Other than that if the story had moved along better I would give this a higher rating. There are some great characters in the book and I did like the fact that Owen had compassion to help out others like Ben who was disabled from the war, Myrl who had been the town drunk, and even Hetta with her total lack of self confidence. The story improved when Hetta finally moved past her issues of feeling ugly and unloved and of course ended with a happily ever after.
September 30, 2017
“Texas Bride” is Leigh Greenwood’s second novel in his Night Riders series that follows the group of soldiers who have made it their life’s mission to hunt down Laveau diViere after he betrayed their unit to the enemy that resulted in many deaths. Owen Wheeler has just finished up helping his cousin and the other men with a cattle drive when he tracks down information that diViere is in the small town of Pinto Junction Texas. Owen discovers that the people of Pinto Junction believe diVere to be some sort of hero and that he is renting a local rundown ranch. Owen also is informed that there have been quite a few incidents of rustling in the area except for the cattle at the ranch diVere is renting. Hetta Gwynne is forced to leave the ranch that she had grown up on after a lightning strike burns down part of her house and seek employment from her wealthy friend, so when she answers the door and sees Owen she assumes that he is a man like her father and she does everything in her power to put distance between them. The more time that Hetta and Owen spend together the more they each realize there is more to each other than meets the eye, and when Owen decides to help Hetta rebuild her ranch they discover that there may be something to build on. Between building a ranch and hunting down rustlers Mr. Greenwood has created a love story that engages the reader by immersing them into an adventure of a lifetime. I was given an advanced copy of this book, and all of the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
December 1, 2017
A group of ex-Confederates who rode together vow to get revenge on the man who turned traitor and got good people killed each get their story in the some times gritty, but passionate Night Riders series. This time its handsome, smooth-talking Owen Wheeler, who sets out to track an evil man who's now rustling cattle into Mexico, but instead lands himself into trouble of the female variety.
Texas Bride is book two in the Night Riders series. While it does continue the story arc of revenge as the Night Riders seek to capture and hang Laveau, the main romance line of the story is standalone.
I found Texas Bride a disconcerting reading experience. I enjoyed it on one level, but there was also part of me that wanted to fling it across the room. I did some growling and swooning in turns.
First of all, Owen Wheeler is a cutie and a charmer, but lord love a duck, he's also pretty messed up when it comes to women. However, that's fair since his lady love, Hetta, is a man hater. What are the odds that both of them had a terrible parent who destroyed their ability to see good or trust in the opposite sex and swear off relationships? Well...
Owen had a promiscuous and cold-hearted yet beautiful mother who only wanted riches and men to fall all over themselves for her. Hetta had a father who hated her existence and made it clear she was worthless and ugly and the source of his problems. And these two meet. The sparks fly and we have a story of push and pull as they see the good in the other eventually, but not in themselves. I loved seeing them stand up for each other and really work to help the other one heal. Owen was able to work his magic on helping to heal a whole town, in fact. Owen sees himself a certain way when it comes to the guys from his former military unit and his cousin. He feels guilt over something and it eats at him just like his anger toward what Laveau has ton and is doing lights a fire of revenge.
The overall plot was captivating and I was very into it, the characters, the situation, and the southern Texas Reconstruction era setting. The author put some great historic detail into the background and his characters fit in well with the times.
And, I love the insertion of some comic relief on the part of the secondary characters surrounding Owen and Hetta like her best friend and her supposed sweetheart who seemed to be dragging his feet about his courting.
The rustling part of the plot had some good complications like the fact that a whole town thinks Laveau is their hero saving them from the Army and the Reconstruction crowd who will take all they have left and he promises to save them from the rustlers who are bleeding them dry. Owen had to tread carefully thwarting Laveau's efforts and getting proof against him. It was pretty exciting at first particularly when his lady interest appears to be in possible cahoots with his enemy.
So you're probably wondering what's not to like.
This book had a great start and a great finish, but a frustrating center when it comes to the romance pair. I get the fact that Hetta is an emotional abuse survivor. I'm not making light of that nor how much time it takes to heal from it if ever. That said, I got exhausted reading the same ol' monologue in Hetta's head for 70% of the book. (Yep, I looked when she finally got her epiphany- 70% on the nose) It was an exhausting romance to read particularly since Owen's issues really kicked into high-gear just as soon as Hetta gets sorted out. Meanwhile, not a lot moves forward with the rustling and the manhunt for Laveau until the last ten percent.
In summary, it was another lovely experience with an author who continues to wow me with his romantic westerns, but I would definitely prefer less time spent inside this heroine's head while she was rehashing the same stuff- as realistic as that probably is. I do look forward to seeing the next Night Rider get his adventure in romance and hopefully get closer to ending that evil slime Laveau.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Texas Bride is book two in the Night Riders series. While it does continue the story arc of revenge as the Night Riders seek to capture and hang Laveau, the main romance line of the story is standalone.
I found Texas Bride a disconcerting reading experience. I enjoyed it on one level, but there was also part of me that wanted to fling it across the room. I did some growling and swooning in turns.
First of all, Owen Wheeler is a cutie and a charmer, but lord love a duck, he's also pretty messed up when it comes to women. However, that's fair since his lady love, Hetta, is a man hater. What are the odds that both of them had a terrible parent who destroyed their ability to see good or trust in the opposite sex and swear off relationships? Well...
Owen had a promiscuous and cold-hearted yet beautiful mother who only wanted riches and men to fall all over themselves for her. Hetta had a father who hated her existence and made it clear she was worthless and ugly and the source of his problems. And these two meet. The sparks fly and we have a story of push and pull as they see the good in the other eventually, but not in themselves. I loved seeing them stand up for each other and really work to help the other one heal. Owen was able to work his magic on helping to heal a whole town, in fact. Owen sees himself a certain way when it comes to the guys from his former military unit and his cousin. He feels guilt over something and it eats at him just like his anger toward what Laveau has ton and is doing lights a fire of revenge.
The overall plot was captivating and I was very into it, the characters, the situation, and the southern Texas Reconstruction era setting. The author put some great historic detail into the background and his characters fit in well with the times.
And, I love the insertion of some comic relief on the part of the secondary characters surrounding Owen and Hetta like her best friend and her supposed sweetheart who seemed to be dragging his feet about his courting.
The rustling part of the plot had some good complications like the fact that a whole town thinks Laveau is their hero saving them from the Army and the Reconstruction crowd who will take all they have left and he promises to save them from the rustlers who are bleeding them dry. Owen had to tread carefully thwarting Laveau's efforts and getting proof against him. It was pretty exciting at first particularly when his lady interest appears to be in possible cahoots with his enemy.
So you're probably wondering what's not to like.
This book had a great start and a great finish, but a frustrating center when it comes to the romance pair. I get the fact that Hetta is an emotional abuse survivor. I'm not making light of that nor how much time it takes to heal from it if ever. That said, I got exhausted reading the same ol' monologue in Hetta's head for 70% of the book. (Yep, I looked when she finally got her epiphany- 70% on the nose) It was an exhausting romance to read particularly since Owen's issues really kicked into high-gear just as soon as Hetta gets sorted out. Meanwhile, not a lot moves forward with the rustling and the manhunt for Laveau until the last ten percent.
In summary, it was another lovely experience with an author who continues to wow me with his romantic westerns, but I would definitely prefer less time spent inside this heroine's head while she was rehashing the same stuff- as realistic as that probably is. I do look forward to seeing the next Night Rider get his adventure in romance and hopefully get closer to ending that evil slime Laveau.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 12, 2017
Texas Bride is the second book in Leigh Greenwoods In The Night Riders Series. This Western Romance takes place in South Texas, 1867. Owen Wheeler is looking for the bandit that betrayed his unit causing twenty-five soldiers to lose their lives. In the mist of this mission, he came across Miss Hetta Gwynne one spirit lady. With a western romance, you expect a dashing hero and a hereon in distress to make up the story. But, this story was totally different from what you normally get from a Historical Western Romance. It was light toned with fun banter between Hetta and Owen. You got to see how their attraction for each other flourished during the telling of the story.
There were even some secondary characters that you would come to like. The only drawback for this story was the comment on how plain Hetta was and much a lady’s man Owen was. Otherwise, the plot line of rustlers with a little history thrown in, made Texas Bride an okay read to past the time, on a Sunday afternoon.
There were even some secondary characters that you would come to like. The only drawback for this story was the comment on how plain Hetta was and much a lady’s man Owen was. Otherwise, the plot line of rustlers with a little history thrown in, made Texas Bride an okay read to past the time, on a Sunday afternoon.
October 13, 2017
I think I would have liked Texas Bride, more if Hetta's being plain looking wasn't brought up so often. We get it, she thinks she is plain looking and so does everyone else. And Owen is too good looking, so he must be something other than he claims. Once I got to the point that I skimmed when these parts came up (often) then the story was enjoyable.
May 14, 2016
Great plot with rustlors, romance and following a traitor and thief. Leigh is one of my favorite writers. The heroin is determined that she can control events happening around her. Sometimes she succeeds but other times she fails. Some arguing is funny and hits close to home. Others are serious.
December 4, 2017
Sweet historical romance from leigh greenwood. I wasn't wow over by the story. The heroine being plain was just mentioned too many times.
This was an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
This was an ARC from Netgalley in exchange of an honest review.
October 28, 2018
Reviewed by Angie
Book provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Historical romance is my absolute favorite genre. Add “western” into the mix and I’m already swooning.
We are introduced to Owen Wheeler in the first book of this series as the charming, handsome cousin to Cade Wheeler, Captain of the Night Riders, a Confederate Army group that has been dealt the ultimate betrayal when one of their own turns traitor and is responsible for the deaths of many of the group.
The traitor? Well, he just happens to be the owner of the neighboring ranch to Cade’s. Cade, Owen, and the surviving members of the Night Riders have made a pact that they will find and hang Laveau diViere without question as justice for the brothers in arms that they lost.
Picking up where the first book ended, Owen is tracking DiViere and has information that he was last spotted heading towards the town of Pinto Junction, Texas. Owen manages to get himself into some hot water when he thwarts some of the townsmen who were picking on a young man who was injured in the war and left with no self esteem and a bad limp.
Owen and Hetta butted heads from the absolute beginning when he inquired about renting a room from Ida Moody, Hetta’s friend and employer. Both are stubborn and don’t exactly care for the other. Of course this means that they are perfect for each other! I’m not even joking about that. Hetta and Owen complement each other so well.
Owen has a very high moral code, even if he is a bit of a scoundrel when it comes to the ladies. Within the first twenty pages of the book Owen befriends a drunk named Myrl while playing poker, then saves a young former Johnny Rebel who was injured in the war and walks with a limp.
Throughout most of the book the author continuously lets us know that Hetta isn’t Owen’s type as she’s “plain”. Not ugly, just “plain”. Hetta’s looks – or lack of them – seemed to be the one thing the author wanted us, the reader, to know; just as Owen’s good looks are a focal point as well. Owen’s saving grace was the fact that he wanted to teach Hetta to stand up for herself and that she wasn’t in love with William, whom she was somewhat engaged to.
Both Owen and Hetta have baggage that keeps them from wanting to settle down and have a good life. Hetta’s father was a rather abusive husband and father, who took great pleasure in letting his daughter know how much he hated her and what a waste she was. Owen’s mother was a promiscuous woman who didn’t care a fig about her son and daughter and slept her way around. Both are damaged. Both had horrible upbringings.
While I did find the redundancy rather annoying, Greenwood paints a beautiful picture of a man who is drawn to the misfits of Pinto Junction and a woman who goes after what she wants; to restore her family’s ranch and fend for herself…while Owen steps in and helps her as much as she lets him.
Leigh Greenwood is one of those authors that has gone from being on one of my Amazon wish lists, to being a one-click purchase. He has a great sense of what works and what won’t work. Even though the constant talk about how plain she is and how she’d be lucky to find a man would grated on my last nerve with his being afraid to commit because of his adulterous mother.
But I absolutely loved it! Definitely a 4 star book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
Book provided by Netgalley
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book
Historical romance is my absolute favorite genre. Add “western” into the mix and I’m already swooning.
We are introduced to Owen Wheeler in the first book of this series as the charming, handsome cousin to Cade Wheeler, Captain of the Night Riders, a Confederate Army group that has been dealt the ultimate betrayal when one of their own turns traitor and is responsible for the deaths of many of the group.
The traitor? Well, he just happens to be the owner of the neighboring ranch to Cade’s. Cade, Owen, and the surviving members of the Night Riders have made a pact that they will find and hang Laveau diViere without question as justice for the brothers in arms that they lost.
Picking up where the first book ended, Owen is tracking DiViere and has information that he was last spotted heading towards the town of Pinto Junction, Texas. Owen manages to get himself into some hot water when he thwarts some of the townsmen who were picking on a young man who was injured in the war and left with no self esteem and a bad limp.
Owen and Hetta butted heads from the absolute beginning when he inquired about renting a room from Ida Moody, Hetta’s friend and employer. Both are stubborn and don’t exactly care for the other. Of course this means that they are perfect for each other! I’m not even joking about that. Hetta and Owen complement each other so well.
Owen has a very high moral code, even if he is a bit of a scoundrel when it comes to the ladies. Within the first twenty pages of the book Owen befriends a drunk named Myrl while playing poker, then saves a young former Johnny Rebel who was injured in the war and walks with a limp.
Throughout most of the book the author continuously lets us know that Hetta isn’t Owen’s type as she’s “plain”. Not ugly, just “plain”. Hetta’s looks – or lack of them – seemed to be the one thing the author wanted us, the reader, to know; just as Owen’s good looks are a focal point as well. Owen’s saving grace was the fact that he wanted to teach Hetta to stand up for herself and that she wasn’t in love with William, whom she was somewhat engaged to.
Both Owen and Hetta have baggage that keeps them from wanting to settle down and have a good life. Hetta’s father was a rather abusive husband and father, who took great pleasure in letting his daughter know how much he hated her and what a waste she was. Owen’s mother was a promiscuous woman who didn’t care a fig about her son and daughter and slept her way around. Both are damaged. Both had horrible upbringings.
While I did find the redundancy rather annoying, Greenwood paints a beautiful picture of a man who is drawn to the misfits of Pinto Junction and a woman who goes after what she wants; to restore her family’s ranch and fend for herself…while Owen steps in and helps her as much as she lets him.
Leigh Greenwood is one of those authors that has gone from being on one of my Amazon wish lists, to being a one-click purchase. He has a great sense of what works and what won’t work. Even though the constant talk about how plain she is and how she’d be lucky to find a man would grated on my last nerve with his being afraid to commit because of his adulterous mother.
But I absolutely loved it! Definitely a 4 star book. I can’t wait to read the next book in this series.
February 11, 2020
Owen our hero is the most drop dead good looking guy in Texas. That's saying a lot. I've spent time in Texas it's the epicenter for hot guys. Apparently it was the same 150 years ago.
Anyway a large part of the story is Owen thinking about how good looking he is. The town thinking how good looking he is. The heroine (who's plain )thinking how good looking he is. The town, the heroine and Owen himself wondering how he could possibly be attracted to the heroine because after all she is PLAIN.
Our intrepid hero is a little on the shallow side. There is a story woven in between all this but it's basically there to give the characters somewhere to hang out and talk about his royal cuteness. So I gave it 2 stars because I don't give a damn about vain men obsessed with their looks. Just mho.
P.S. No clue why it's called Texas Bride. They aren't married in the book though by the end they are planning it. Also somebody should have tipped the off the cover artist that the girl was supposed to be plain. The girl on the cover is a real beauty. Even by Texas standards.
Anyway a large part of the story is Owen thinking about how good looking he is. The town thinking how good looking he is. The heroine (who's plain )thinking how good looking he is. The town, the heroine and Owen himself wondering how he could possibly be attracted to the heroine because after all she is PLAIN.
Our intrepid hero is a little on the shallow side. There is a story woven in between all this but it's basically there to give the characters somewhere to hang out and talk about his royal cuteness. So I gave it 2 stars because I don't give a damn about vain men obsessed with their looks. Just mho.
P.S. No clue why it's called Texas Bride. They aren't married in the book though by the end they are planning it. Also somebody should have tipped the off the cover artist that the girl was supposed to be plain. The girl on the cover is a real beauty. Even by Texas standards.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 5, 2017
I received a complimentary copy of this book from NetGalley and I am voluntarily reviewing it.
I am torn for rating. While the premise of the story is a good one, it was a painful process. For 2/3 of the book the reader is constantly being extolled of the Owen’s handsome features plus his wanton ways with women. We also had drummed into us continually about Hetta’s plainess. I truly felt sorry for her. For the longest time I didn’t care for Owen but his actions towards Hetta did show that subconsciously he cared a great deal for Hetta. The author, I felt, did drag out the process for that turning point. I knew it was there but again it was painful. Not everyone is a beauty and poor Hetta had it drummed into her by everyone it seemed. I am glad that I read this. I will have to go back and read the first book.
I am torn for rating. While the premise of the story is a good one, it was a painful process. For 2/3 of the book the reader is constantly being extolled of the Owen’s handsome features plus his wanton ways with women. We also had drummed into us continually about Hetta’s plainess. I truly felt sorry for her. For the longest time I didn’t care for Owen but his actions towards Hetta did show that subconsciously he cared a great deal for Hetta. The author, I felt, did drag out the process for that turning point. I knew it was there but again it was painful. Not everyone is a beauty and poor Hetta had it drummed into her by everyone it seemed. I am glad that I read this. I will have to go back and read the first book.
December 13, 2017
BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY BUY ............. and BUY!
Texas Bride
by Leigh Greenwood
Each time I have read this author, I think of another one that also had a similar style. I need to tell you that as a romance it got 5, on character heroine.... the repetitiveness of her browbeating herself in her thoughts got 2 ...... Now for the rest of the story..................
WOW! A book that is romance, humor, sexy, spicey, lovely...... showing the harsh as well as the soft sides of life and love and our hearts. Each read of this book just opens up more emotions. The characters will not disappoint you in nor will the plot line. Humorous secondary characters as well as gentle irritation and chuckles. I truly adored the story and the writing. So as you can see from above.... BUY the book! Its a keeper and a great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
Texas Bride
by Leigh Greenwood
Each time I have read this author, I think of another one that also had a similar style. I need to tell you that as a romance it got 5, on character heroine.... the repetitiveness of her browbeating herself in her thoughts got 2 ...... Now for the rest of the story..................
WOW! A book that is romance, humor, sexy, spicey, lovely...... showing the harsh as well as the soft sides of life and love and our hearts. Each read of this book just opens up more emotions. The characters will not disappoint you in nor will the plot line. Humorous secondary characters as well as gentle irritation and chuckles. I truly adored the story and the writing. So as you can see from above.... BUY the book! Its a keeper and a great read. I was given this book in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom
December 21, 2017
This is amusing and dramatic. Owen is stubborn, bold, determined, funny and entertaining. Hetta is naive, easily led and stubborn. The conversations they have with themselves about love, fidelity and each other are fascinating, they try so hard to hate each that they're confused about why like like each other. I found Owen irresistible, just blindly doing and not knowing why. Add in the drama of rustlers and a traitor, and you have a great storyline. The supporting characters are lively and interesting.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
November 27, 2017
Book Info
Paperback
Expected publication: December 5th 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published December 2002)
Original Title Texas Bride
ISBN 1492648809 (ISBN13: 9781492648802)
Series Night Riders #2
Characters Owen, Hetta Gwynne settingUnited States of America
Other Editions (2)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
NIGHT RIDERS
They were a crack team of Confederate raiders, striking behind enemy lines under cover of darkness, operating with one mind, one heart. Until one of their number betrayed them all. In the aftermath of tragedy, they swore they would lire to hunt down the traitor. But to each, life would bring first a woman and then a revelation: Far sweeter than revenge is love.
OWEN
He was the good-looking one, the one who'd always counted on his charm to get by. But the war had changed them all, leaving Owen painfully aware that looks could kill as surely as bullets. On the trail of the traitor, he no longer prided himself on his ability to break hearts, especially when the heart belonged to a girl as plain-featured and plain-spoken as Hetta Gwynne. Hetta made it clear she had no interest in winning a man, only in winning back her ranch. But after tasting her surprisingly heated kisses, Owen realized it was his own heart that was in danger of breaking unless he could change her mind.
2 strong-willed people whose upbringing left them both with mental scars. Scars that still color their judgements of other men and women making it hard to give their trust to someone who is in any way like the parent who carelessly caused them pain.
Adding the combination of this being a historical western setting, with a small fictional Texas town and inhabitants at it's core, was irresistible. Adding a romantic connection between Hetta and Owen just sweetened the story for readers like myself who are a sucker for wishing the so-called underdog to come out on top.
In Hetta's case the poor Plain Jane proved to be more than her lack of looks or wealth to the most unlikeliest of contenders for her hand, Owen Wheeler.
However not only did Hetta’s character manage to overcome her plain facial appearance but Owen proved to be much more than a pretty face himself.
As someone who enjoys watching characters develop as their outer persona peels away a little at a time. Slowly unveiling the inner self they hide as a means of preserving a battered heart. A heart that finally finds that one special person who will care for it like it were their own, leaving them free to love unreservedly for the first time.
I thought that the different elements that made up the meat of this book were neatly woven together, the rustling, the hunt for the mastermind behind it and the romance playing out for Hetta and Owen all worked to provide readers a good second look at a member of the Night Riders.
Even for readers like myself who did not start with first book in the series thought this second offering worked well as a stand alone anyway.
Paperback
Expected publication: December 5th 2017 by Sourcebooks Casablanca (first published December 2002)
Original Title Texas Bride
ISBN 1492648809 (ISBN13: 9781492648802)
Series Night Riders #2
Characters Owen, Hetta Gwynne settingUnited States of America
Other Editions (2)
Source:Netgalley EARC
Buy book from
Amazon
B&N
BOOK BLURB
NIGHT RIDERS
They were a crack team of Confederate raiders, striking behind enemy lines under cover of darkness, operating with one mind, one heart. Until one of their number betrayed them all. In the aftermath of tragedy, they swore they would lire to hunt down the traitor. But to each, life would bring first a woman and then a revelation: Far sweeter than revenge is love.
OWEN
He was the good-looking one, the one who'd always counted on his charm to get by. But the war had changed them all, leaving Owen painfully aware that looks could kill as surely as bullets. On the trail of the traitor, he no longer prided himself on his ability to break hearts, especially when the heart belonged to a girl as plain-featured and plain-spoken as Hetta Gwynne. Hetta made it clear she had no interest in winning a man, only in winning back her ranch. But after tasting her surprisingly heated kisses, Owen realized it was his own heart that was in danger of breaking unless he could change her mind.
My Thoughts
2 strong-willed people whose upbringing left them both with mental scars. Scars that still color their judgements of other men and women making it hard to give their trust to someone who is in any way like the parent who carelessly caused them pain.
Adding the combination of this being a historical western setting, with a small fictional Texas town and inhabitants at it's core, was irresistible. Adding a romantic connection between Hetta and Owen just sweetened the story for readers like myself who are a sucker for wishing the so-called underdog to come out on top.
In Hetta's case the poor Plain Jane proved to be more than her lack of looks or wealth to the most unlikeliest of contenders for her hand, Owen Wheeler.
However not only did Hetta’s character manage to overcome her plain facial appearance but Owen proved to be much more than a pretty face himself.
As someone who enjoys watching characters develop as their outer persona peels away a little at a time. Slowly unveiling the inner self they hide as a means of preserving a battered heart. A heart that finally finds that one special person who will care for it like it were their own, leaving them free to love unreservedly for the first time.
I thought that the different elements that made up the meat of this book were neatly woven together, the rustling, the hunt for the mastermind behind it and the romance playing out for Hetta and Owen all worked to provide readers a good second look at a member of the Night Riders.
Even for readers like myself who did not start with first book in the series thought this second offering worked well as a stand alone anyway.
[EArc from Netgalley]
December 5, 2017
Texas Bride (Night Riders #2) by Leigh Greenwood is a great read. A romantic western that is well written, has an entertaining storyline and complex and likable characters. I really liked Hetta and Owen. They strike sparks from the start and I found their banter often amusing. A highly entertaining and enjoyable book. I'm posting a voluntary review after reading an ARC copy of this book.
November 28, 2017
Entertaining historical depiction of the Confederate Army's Night Riders. Filled with romance with a strong and independent female who brings humor and character to the story.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
This ARC book was complimentary, provided by the Publisher and NetGalley. I am voluntarily providing my honest review.
September 7, 2020
I liked it for the most part. It was just that the storyline about her not being beautiful got a little to repetitive. Owen had a lot of patience towards Hetta. She was a little too stubborn and set in her ways that it took Owen quite a while to convince her that he was attracted to her.
May 28, 2018
The first few of Leigh Greenwood’s books were really good but this series hasn’t held my interest.
August 9, 2024
It was okay. Repetitive throughout but I’ve read worse.
June 7, 2025
Liked this one even better than the first.
February 12, 2018
Review will be posted on romancing-the-book.com shortly.
March 25, 2013
Easy read.
January 7, 2018
Owen is on a mission to capture and bring to justice a man from his past. Hetta is a unique woman who thinks all men are the same. Leigh Greenwood's Night Riders series continues with the story of Hetta and Owen. Both are scarred by similar family dysfunctions. Owen is also on the trail of Laveau who is evil and betrayed his group of Night Riders during the Civil War. Everyone in Pinto Junction thinks Laveau is their savior and is keeping the Army and rustlers away. Hetta meets Owen when he shows up at her best friend's house to rent a room. When he realizes that Hetta doesn't like him he sets out to change her mind about him and Laveau and show her what her true nature is. Owen and Hetta bring out the best in each other through working with each other to rebuild her ranch with Meryl and Ben the two men who Owen has befriended. When Laveau comes back to town and threatens Hetta and Owen they set out to find the rustlers and prove Laveau wrong and apprehend him as well with the help of two of Owen's friends. All the while falling in love with each other. Texas Bride is the 2nd book in the Night Riders series and well worth the read. Can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series.
March 11, 2018
Owen Wheeler is new in town. He’s on the heels of a former Night Rider turned traitor. His early interactions are with Hetta Gwynne, a woman who helps run a rooming house.
I didn’t like this book. My problem is the interactions between Hetta and Owen. I’m not sure what the author was going for (witty arguments maybe?), but my impression was a shrew vs a rogue.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
I didn’t like this book. My problem is the interactions between Hetta and Owen. I’m not sure what the author was going for (witty arguments maybe?), but my impression was a shrew vs a rogue.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
May 30, 2018
Set in Texas, filed with good old fashioned romance, and a stunning cast of characters, Texas Bride is a perfect summer read for those who love cowboys and the West way of living.
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