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The McCade Family #1
McCade's Way
Trey McCade's never been the cuddly sort, but losing both parents and his wife in eighteen months, nearly rips his heart out. Bitter, he immerses himself in the family farm until practicality demands he look for a new wife. But Trey is understandably gun-shy and the local ladies are leery of the gruff giant.
On her own in depression-ravaged New York City, Genevieve Kelly has run out of options. Irish luck has graced her with ungainly height and bright copper hair, neither of which has potential suitors beating down her door. When the local priest says he knows a man in Virginia who is looking for a wife, she's skeptical. Yet a few letters later, Genevieve's on her way to wed a man she's never met. With the promise of a solid roof over her head and warm food in her belly, does she really need love too?
On her own in depression-ravaged New York City, Genevieve Kelly has run out of options. Irish luck has graced her with ungainly height and bright copper hair, neither of which has potential suitors beating down her door. When the local priest says he knows a man in Virginia who is looking for a wife, she's skeptical. Yet a few letters later, Genevieve's on her way to wed a man she's never met. With the promise of a solid roof over her head and warm food in her belly, does she really need love too?
210 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2013
29 people are currently reading
489 people want to read
About the author
Mara McBain
10 books193 followersMara McBain grew up in rural Indiana where she still lives with her husband of thirty - two years. Even in a population of under three thousand, she is an introvert who prefers quiet over crowds, and often only leaves the house under protest. Reading and writing are her escape and passion. In 2016, her other passion graduated from High School and joined the Army. A sergeant now, he has gifted her a new daughter and 3 beautiful grandbabies. ♥
As to her writing, if you take a peek here or on her website below, you will find a range of genres in Mara's bibliography. One book is not always like the next. She writes the story the characters whisper. So, she encourages you to look at the pretty covers, read the blurbs, and find the tales that speak to you. ♥
If you want to see the softer side of Mara,
check out her alter-ego, Anneliese Brand. ♥
As to her writing, if you take a peek here or on her website below, you will find a range of genres in Mara's bibliography. One book is not always like the next. She writes the story the characters whisper. So, she encourages you to look at the pretty covers, read the blurbs, and find the tales that speak to you. ♥
If you want to see the softer side of Mara,
check out her alter-ego, Anneliese Brand. ♥
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 20, 2013
DNF at 40 %.
As I see it I get a bit tired of the ever present terms like growling, snarling, muttering or grumbling that are commonly known among fauna lovers. Don't get me started on the widening eyes etc.
I'm still not sure but I *think* the story is set in the early 30s, since the Great Depression began in August of 1929, and I was wondering if it's a matter of common knowledge that husbands threatened their wives to hit them when they wanted to leave the house. They must have felt like prisoners. Um, excuse me for being a tiny bit sarcastic.
Being possessive is one thing, but being a quick-tempered asshole is quite another matter, and Trey's bad experience with his ex-wife doesn't excuse his shitty behavior. The man has a nasty temper, that's for sure, and it didn't appeal to me that he was so choleric all the time. Also, giggling women are quickly becoming a huge pet peeve of mine. I caught myself rolling my eyes over and over again. And when Wade (Trey's uncle) entered the picture I had to deal with an abusive father.
Something else that really irritated me was the constant use of the endearment darlin'. These two don't know each other but Trey called her darlin' all the time.
I guess I just didn't feel "it." Anyways, the author was not able to draw me into the story and my interest petered out rather quickly. For lack of a better word, I just felt bored, listless or whatever. It wasn't my cuppa. Onto the next one…
As I see it I get a bit tired of the ever present terms like growling, snarling, muttering or grumbling that are commonly known among fauna lovers. Don't get me started on the widening eyes etc.
I'm still not sure but I *think* the story is set in the early 30s, since the Great Depression began in August of 1929, and I was wondering if it's a matter of common knowledge that husbands threatened their wives to hit them when they wanted to leave the house. They must have felt like prisoners. Um, excuse me for being a tiny bit sarcastic.
Being possessive is one thing, but being a quick-tempered asshole is quite another matter, and Trey's bad experience with his ex-wife doesn't excuse his shitty behavior. The man has a nasty temper, that's for sure, and it didn't appeal to me that he was so choleric all the time. Also, giggling women are quickly becoming a huge pet peeve of mine. I caught myself rolling my eyes over and over again. And when Wade (Trey's uncle) entered the picture I had to deal with an abusive father.
Something else that really irritated me was the constant use of the endearment darlin'. These two don't know each other but Trey called her darlin' all the time.
I guess I just didn't feel "it." Anyways, the author was not able to draw me into the story and my interest petered out rather quickly. For lack of a better word, I just felt bored, listless or whatever. It wasn't my cuppa. Onto the next one…
August 15, 2013
My other love besides really dark reads are Alpha males *grins*. It's rare that I find the perfect combination, so if you were thinking of adding this to your TBR list, I'll be blunt.
Alpha, cocky, bordering on or actually is a jerk, oh and high handed. So I really liked this book!!!
Gen leaves a depression ravaged New York City with the promise of a new and better life. She's marrying a man she has never seen or met before, all she has are the letters they have written to each other. When she meets Trey at the train station he's hardly the man she was expecting.
When Trey sees Gen, he definitely is surprised at the beauty before him. He speaks without thinking, but he's never been a man to worry about such things... He has a jealous streak and an ugly bride would have helped prevent him worrying about competition. LMAO!!!! I was laughing here!
You aren't ugly, but you'll do.
I should have known better than to trust a priest to judge a woman.
Gen is a meek little thing, she grew up in a house hold where her father wasn't scared to use his fist to get a point across. Her mother didn't help her, when she gave her advice like, it's a woman's job to follow her husbands orders!
Back to Trey, this man has been burned. His previous marriage was a disaster and he's defensive, making Gen pay for another woman's transgressions.
"I can understand you being scared, but we might as well get this conversation out of the way," he said, his voice dropping into that low bass that fascinated and terrified her all at once. His pale eyes narrowed on her face. "Sex is going to be a part of our marriage darlin'; a big part. I will do everything I can to make it pleasurable for you, but make no mistake, it's going to happen. Phony headaches and tears aren't going to ingratiate you to me. In fact, crocodile tears are a good way to piss me off. I don't play games, Gen"
You're about to take a vow to obey. You might want to get some practice in.
Did I mention how much I enjoyed this book? Well I did! Add in some drama, a few secrets, pregnancy scares, long lost kids and an uncle from hell!!! I was in soap opera heaven!!!
May 22, 2013
Grammarcide.
"Never would she of thought..."
"...her smile more tentative than he would of liked."
^^I cannot express how much that bothers me.^^
How's the story?
The heroine is a simpering, self-abusing fool, and the hero is an insecure, immature, emotionally abusive prick.
At one point, Trey threatens to beat her if she leaves the house.
But it's OK because "a person's past colored them."
"Just as she would always cringe at a loud male voice and the smell of cheap whiskey, Trey might always bristle at any male in her vicinity."
Lord, give me strength.
"Never would she of thought..."
"...her smile more tentative than he would of liked."
^^I cannot express how much that bothers me.^^
How's the story?
The heroine is a simpering, self-abusing fool, and the hero is an insecure, immature, emotionally abusive prick.
At one point, Trey threatens to beat her if she leaves the house.
But it's OK because "a person's past colored them."
"Just as she would always cringe at a loud male voice and the smell of cheap whiskey, Trey might always bristle at any male in her vicinity."
Lord, give me strength.
April 21, 2013
OMG, thank God that is over and done with. Painful, painful, painful. Won't give it one star as I did finish it but it was hard work. It was "blah". Usually I love my bad-ass Alpha males, Trey annoyed the shit out of me. He was overbearing, aggressive, insulting - he actually snapped his fingers at her 95% in to get her to leave a church social. And she was actually afraid of him for most of the book. He forbid her to leave the house, to speak to other men... and the giggling, the friggin' giggling. Little girls giggle, grown women usually don't or if they do it is totally annoying. Then he decided to chuckle. Maybe one of the problems was that the book before this one was excellent and my hopes were high that this one would be too. I have no idea what era it was supposed to be set in. Cover sort of said 1800s to me in the Wild West but it did not come across as that. Ah, well, you win some, you lose some. I definitely lost some with this one. Wish me luck with my next read.
March 29, 2013
I don’t normally go for cowboys or westerns. I’m usually a fan of the dangerous bad boys in romances or erotica. I’ll be the first one to admit it, but I had to give this one a try. I’ve read almost everything Mara McBain has ever written, and I love her hot biker books in the Trinity Falls series. That said, Cole McCade might just make me change my mind. That man not only had me sweating picturing him slinging bales of hay, but he had me laughing as well.
Trey is a gruff man. We learn that right off the bat. One of my favorite parts of this book was when Gen steps off the train. He sums her up, squints, and I wear you almost expect him to spit to the side before he offers her the curt assessment of “You ain’t ugly, but you’ll do.” LOL What now? That’s not the first time either. The man has a habit of saying things that make everyone around him do a double take.
At times, you feel for Gen. She’ starting her life over with a man she barely knows who seems upset that she isn’t the plain Jane he was expecting. He harbors some deep emotional scars tied to his past, yet beneath that stern, growly, and massive exterior is a man who isn’t that bad. He’s hardworking, fair, and deeply committed to his values. Not to mention he can be sexy as hell. She tries. She tries hard to fit in and make the man happy. She’s loyal, steadfast, and definitely not one of those TSTL heroines.
Cole. *swoon* I loved this character. He adds comic relief and is a great ally for Gen. When things get bad, he keeps her going. He also needles his brother, providing some great exchanges between the two that had me laughing out loud. He’s the polar opposite of Trey in many ways—but when push comes to shove, (and it does thanks to some annoying relatives) the brothers stick together.
Wade. *que villainous music* I won’t give his story line away, but I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to kill a character more. The man is infuriating in sooooo many ways!
I loved the descriptive setting. I truly felt immersed in this world. The characters were all well-developed and rounded, and the plot had lots of interesting twists and turns that held my meager attention span—like greedy relatives showing up out of the blue, past lovers resurfacing, and even a staggering question of parentage that may just undo everything the characters have done.
Overall, this was a beautifully written romance with subtle but smoking love scenes (good Gawd), lots of conflict, and engaging characters. (Not to mention hot cowboy lovin’) At its core lies a story of loyalty, friendship, and family. If you’re a fan of any of these things, it’s definitely worth a read.
Trey is a gruff man. We learn that right off the bat. One of my favorite parts of this book was when Gen steps off the train. He sums her up, squints, and I wear you almost expect him to spit to the side before he offers her the curt assessment of “You ain’t ugly, but you’ll do.” LOL What now? That’s not the first time either. The man has a habit of saying things that make everyone around him do a double take.
At times, you feel for Gen. She’ starting her life over with a man she barely knows who seems upset that she isn’t the plain Jane he was expecting. He harbors some deep emotional scars tied to his past, yet beneath that stern, growly, and massive exterior is a man who isn’t that bad. He’s hardworking, fair, and deeply committed to his values. Not to mention he can be sexy as hell. She tries. She tries hard to fit in and make the man happy. She’s loyal, steadfast, and definitely not one of those TSTL heroines.
Cole. *swoon* I loved this character. He adds comic relief and is a great ally for Gen. When things get bad, he keeps her going. He also needles his brother, providing some great exchanges between the two that had me laughing out loud. He’s the polar opposite of Trey in many ways—but when push comes to shove, (and it does thanks to some annoying relatives) the brothers stick together.
Wade. *que villainous music* I won’t give his story line away, but I don’t think I’ve ever wanted to kill a character more. The man is infuriating in sooooo many ways!
I loved the descriptive setting. I truly felt immersed in this world. The characters were all well-developed and rounded, and the plot had lots of interesting twists and turns that held my meager attention span—like greedy relatives showing up out of the blue, past lovers resurfacing, and even a staggering question of parentage that may just undo everything the characters have done.
Overall, this was a beautifully written romance with subtle but smoking love scenes (good Gawd), lots of conflict, and engaging characters. (Not to mention hot cowboy lovin’) At its core lies a story of loyalty, friendship, and family. If you’re a fan of any of these things, it’s definitely worth a read.
April 28, 2013
A REAL GEM
Set in the Great Depression era of the thirties in the US this is the story of Trey McCade a farmer from Virgina, and Genevieve Kelly who is living in a shanty town in New York. When Genevieve's father dies leaving her alone, the local priest tells her of Trey who's a farmer in Virginia looking for a wife. Trey has lost his wife and parents in a very short span of time..
Trey and Genevieve exchange letters, he's looking for an ugly wife, Genevieve who's taller than average with bright red hair, considers herself very plain, and feels that she fits Trey's requirements. For his part Trey is offering a safe and secure home.
When Genevieve arrives in Virginia, she is confronted by Trey who at around 6' 7" is a giant of a man. He towers over Genevieve's 5' 7". His first words to her are "your not ugly, but I'll guess you'll do" made me laugh.
I have read numerous mail order bride stories before, but nothing quite as good as this. Trey McCade is gruff, speaks his mind, expects to be obeyed immediately, and has a jealous streak a mile wide. He's all alpha. Fans of Linda Chance's heroes will love this guy. But we soon learn his bark is worse thn his bite. Genevieve is by turn feisty and submissive, she's so grateful to Trey for literally rescuing her from her meagre existance, she tries to keep her opinions to herself. Not always very successfully. The books I've read before with this theme are pretty tame compared to this book. This is definitely what I would call spicy. With an interesting cast of side characters, especially Treys handsome brother Cole. Who I hope is getting his own tale. Make this an excellent read.
Highly recommend
Set in the Great Depression era of the thirties in the US this is the story of Trey McCade a farmer from Virgina, and Genevieve Kelly who is living in a shanty town in New York. When Genevieve's father dies leaving her alone, the local priest tells her of Trey who's a farmer in Virginia looking for a wife. Trey has lost his wife and parents in a very short span of time..
Trey and Genevieve exchange letters, he's looking for an ugly wife, Genevieve who's taller than average with bright red hair, considers herself very plain, and feels that she fits Trey's requirements. For his part Trey is offering a safe and secure home.
When Genevieve arrives in Virginia, she is confronted by Trey who at around 6' 7" is a giant of a man. He towers over Genevieve's 5' 7". His first words to her are "your not ugly, but I'll guess you'll do" made me laugh.
I have read numerous mail order bride stories before, but nothing quite as good as this. Trey McCade is gruff, speaks his mind, expects to be obeyed immediately, and has a jealous streak a mile wide. He's all alpha. Fans of Linda Chance's heroes will love this guy. But we soon learn his bark is worse thn his bite. Genevieve is by turn feisty and submissive, she's so grateful to Trey for literally rescuing her from her meagre existance, she tries to keep her opinions to herself. Not always very successfully. The books I've read before with this theme are pretty tame compared to this book. This is definitely what I would call spicy. With an interesting cast of side characters, especially Treys handsome brother Cole. Who I hope is getting his own tale. Make this an excellent read.
Highly recommend
April 3, 2013
OMG. I am having a hard time imagining the era of this book I don’t think it is contemporary but not depression era either. The train ride form NY to WVA took 2 days? It has an old world; head of the family feel which is refreshing.
I think Trey is abrupt in his approach to Gen but right off you can see he has a good heart. I could have slapped him when he told Gen "You aren’t ugly but you'll do" If that didn't warrant a slap across the back of his head I don’t know what would. Even so I wouldn't mind having one like him.
I couldn't put this book down. Absolutely loved the characters, Cole was the best fun loving antagonist and perfect counter balance to the responsible Trey. Occasional hot love scenes. "Every house has sounds, If they don't like the sounds in this one ones in mine they can find somewhere else to sleep. In other words they can GET Out. Absolutely Love it.
The ex-wife had to be explained away but really, she could have been left out along with the uncle and his family. They just were unnecessary characters.
I would have loved more of Trey and Gen and their growing relationship and not just her acceptance of him but his acceptance of her.
Next. Cole and Adri I would love to see their story
Im reading this book again tonight.
I think Trey is abrupt in his approach to Gen but right off you can see he has a good heart. I could have slapped him when he told Gen "You aren’t ugly but you'll do" If that didn't warrant a slap across the back of his head I don’t know what would. Even so I wouldn't mind having one like him.
I couldn't put this book down. Absolutely loved the characters, Cole was the best fun loving antagonist and perfect counter balance to the responsible Trey. Occasional hot love scenes. "Every house has sounds, If they don't like the sounds in this one ones in mine they can find somewhere else to sleep. In other words they can GET Out. Absolutely Love it.
The ex-wife had to be explained away but really, she could have been left out along with the uncle and his family. They just were unnecessary characters.
I would have loved more of Trey and Gen and their growing relationship and not just her acceptance of him but his acceptance of her.
Next. Cole and Adri I would love to see their story
Im reading this book again tonight.
August 5, 2013
I actually liked this book, the premise while not new was a little unusual for the time frame (Depression Era) or maybe not. The story line was a little predictable, but all-in-all I found it to be an enjoyable read. That's all I really care about; does the story make me happy or make me feel something. It doesn't have to be the greatest work of American literature ever written.
The female lead, Genevieve Kelly, while quite beautiful is a mixture of feisty and timid, but this is due to a miserable upbringing in the gritty world of New York City. The male, main character Trey McCade vacillated between gruff and overbearing then sweet and loving, but we learn what makes him that way and he finally redeems himself. Oh, and yes, I could definitely see Chris Helmsworth as Trey McCade. Yum!
The female lead, Genevieve Kelly, while quite beautiful is a mixture of feisty and timid, but this is due to a miserable upbringing in the gritty world of New York City. The male, main character Trey McCade vacillated between gruff and overbearing then sweet and loving, but we learn what makes him that way and he finally redeems himself. Oh, and yes, I could definitely see Chris Helmsworth as Trey McCade. Yum!
August 29, 2013
I liked it. It's not fantastic, but I ejoyed it all the same! :D
A nice story where the hero is so afraid to get "burned" by love again that it becomes almost funny !
He wants to completely control the heroine and he gets that's idiotic and completly wrong, but he cannot help himself! Otherwise he's great! I liked him and his possessiveness - it was his defense mechanism. Obviously it didn't work! *wink*
The heroine is sometimes a doormat, but she's also very dear and stubborn. She's the perfect woman for our hero: she goads him, she challenges him, she respects and appreciate him and, more important, she loves him.
I would love to read what happens with the hero's brother - must be good! :D
A nice story where the hero is so afraid to get "burned" by love again that it becomes almost funny !
He wants to completely control the heroine and he gets that's idiotic and completly wrong, but he cannot help himself! Otherwise he's great! I liked him and his possessiveness - it was his defense mechanism. Obviously it didn't work! *wink*
The heroine is sometimes a doormat, but she's also very dear and stubborn. She's the perfect woman for our hero: she goads him, she challenges him, she respects and appreciate him and, more important, she loves him.
I would love to read what happens with the hero's brother - must be good! :D
April 1, 2013
This is the first book I have read from Mara McBain. Overall I liked the book a touch more then average. The author had a good plot that was more complexed then your average novel in this genre. There were a few times that the book dragged but quickly go back on track. This time period is one that there aren't many book about. It is rather interesting because there is a large gap between the contemporary world and the old ways.
November 6, 2017
I read the reviews before I bought the book. Most of the bad reviews dealt with the heroine not being strong enough or the hero being too gruff. I have to think that those people either don't know much about the time period the book is set in or simply don't care. They seem to want every book to star Zena Warrior Princess and a Metrosexual hero. This book isn't that.
The hero is strong, protective, extremely hard working and most assuredly flawed. He's controlling, grumpy, tends to speak without thinking and is jealous as hell. He is also the king of his little kingdom in Virginia and expects everyone to jump when he speaks or, as the case occasionally is, snaps his arrogant fingers.
The heroine comes from extreme poverty. Living in a shanty town, starving and with an abusive father. She's naturally afraid when her husband gets angry. She tries very hard to please. The book is written about a time when the wedding vows included obedience and it was taken seriously.
I wont comment on the story line as I don't want to ruin it for anyone except to say that it was engaging, moved forward at a decent clip and kept me entertained. There were few editing errors and only one time in the story when I stopped reading and said, "Wait, what?" She went to get a box of tissues and I wondered to myself if they had tissues during the Great Depression. Also, I should add that while she keeps expecting him to beat her because of growing up with her abusive father, he never hits her.
I recommend this book and will read more of the author.
The hero is strong, protective, extremely hard working and most assuredly flawed. He's controlling, grumpy, tends to speak without thinking and is jealous as hell. He is also the king of his little kingdom in Virginia and expects everyone to jump when he speaks or, as the case occasionally is, snaps his arrogant fingers.
The heroine comes from extreme poverty. Living in a shanty town, starving and with an abusive father. She's naturally afraid when her husband gets angry. She tries very hard to please. The book is written about a time when the wedding vows included obedience and it was taken seriously.
I wont comment on the story line as I don't want to ruin it for anyone except to say that it was engaging, moved forward at a decent clip and kept me entertained. There were few editing errors and only one time in the story when I stopped reading and said, "Wait, what?" She went to get a box of tissues and I wondered to myself if they had tissues during the Great Depression. Also, I should add that while she keeps expecting him to beat her because of growing up with her abusive father, he never hits her.
I recommend this book and will read more of the author.
May 30, 2013
A DNF for me. Hero was said to be possessive but he came off as an ass in the chapters I read. Blew hot & cold. Would tell her not to leave the house or he'd beat her then come back and "make up" with her later so he'd be able to get his sexytimes....then a repeat of pissed off and stalking away until he came back and repeated sexytimes.
She was even worse. Supposedly a strong, opinionated woman, yet when he growled or spoke harshly to her, she cringed/flinched/bit her trembling lip/etc yet fell into his arms each time he wanted her in bed.
Bah!
She was even worse. Supposedly a strong, opinionated woman, yet when he growled or spoke harshly to her, she cringed/flinched/bit her trembling lip/etc yet fell into his arms each time he wanted her in bed.
Bah!
August 28, 2017
This was quite old fashioned and I honestly couldn't place the date.. am glad they have electricity and trucks though. Trey (H) is this ott alpha but he never really crosses the line as he is faithful and he wasn't physically abusive or verbally abusive (a few jerk comments here and there). I just wished that the heroine actually gained more self-confidence but hey, the story showed how they fell in love and they were happy together so it's ok. Wish there was an epilogue.
May 13, 2020
A mail order bride in desperate situation marries dominant H, who is still angry about his unfaithful first wife. He transfers his anger to the h, and while she accepts him as he is, follows them to the letter, it causes some damage. He's rather uncaring of her well being, she's judged by him, yet she's so sweet that he can't resist and he slowly changes, but she suffered. There are too many OTT characters who all cause her trouble, just one would have been enough. Just OK.
June 22, 2013
While reading the first few sentences of this novel, I said to myself, "What! Who gets married like this!" Then it dawned on me that the story was taking place during the Depression Era, which made the male lead's behavior and female lead's patience and quiet resilience understandable. If I were to liken McCade's Way to a fairy tale, it would have to be The Beauty and The Beast, my favorite fairy tale.
Actually, this is a modern version of the Beauty and the Beast, the story time of the late 1920's and early 1930's excluded. The story starts with the scene showing Genevieve Kelly on the train. We learn that earlier, In New York City, while Genevieve Kelly is fighting with hunger and survival, the local priest, through the church, has found her a husband, Trey McCade, in Virginia, and Genevieve now is on her way to go to that man and the city he lives in. Genevieve and Trey have communicated through mail only and have never seen each other, at all. When they meet, their first impressions of each other are that of surprise bordering on shock.
On the inside, Trey McCade is an honest, straight, and fair person, and in his heart, he is a family man, but his behavior toward Genevieve is somewhat verbally abusive. This roughness in him, however, is directed at everyone else around him because his past experiences have wounded him deeply.
Genevieve is a girl who is afraid of her own shadow, for being also wounded because of an abusive father, although she shows considerable courage at times. Will Genevieve manage to tame the beast in Trey and will those two grow to like and love each other, despite their own shortcomings plus the people and incidents around them? These facts are what the reader has to find out.
The author, Mara McBain, is a master of creating scenes, as every scene in this novel is constructed and attached to the main storyline with care. The transitions between the scenes are smooth to give the story an effortless flow. In addition to that, the tension inside the characters and events arouse the curiosity of the reader for what will follow next.
The description of the setting and other details are beautifully written, and the sex scenes are offered with taste without taking away from their fire and intensity.
This novel, in my opinion, surpasses all that is expected of the romance genre and becomes a gem to be enjoyed for its own merits.
Actually, this is a modern version of the Beauty and the Beast, the story time of the late 1920's and early 1930's excluded. The story starts with the scene showing Genevieve Kelly on the train. We learn that earlier, In New York City, while Genevieve Kelly is fighting with hunger and survival, the local priest, through the church, has found her a husband, Trey McCade, in Virginia, and Genevieve now is on her way to go to that man and the city he lives in. Genevieve and Trey have communicated through mail only and have never seen each other, at all. When they meet, their first impressions of each other are that of surprise bordering on shock.
On the inside, Trey McCade is an honest, straight, and fair person, and in his heart, he is a family man, but his behavior toward Genevieve is somewhat verbally abusive. This roughness in him, however, is directed at everyone else around him because his past experiences have wounded him deeply.
Genevieve is a girl who is afraid of her own shadow, for being also wounded because of an abusive father, although she shows considerable courage at times. Will Genevieve manage to tame the beast in Trey and will those two grow to like and love each other, despite their own shortcomings plus the people and incidents around them? These facts are what the reader has to find out.
The author, Mara McBain, is a master of creating scenes, as every scene in this novel is constructed and attached to the main storyline with care. The transitions between the scenes are smooth to give the story an effortless flow. In addition to that, the tension inside the characters and events arouse the curiosity of the reader for what will follow next.
The description of the setting and other details are beautifully written, and the sex scenes are offered with taste without taking away from their fire and intensity.
This novel, in my opinion, surpasses all that is expected of the romance genre and becomes a gem to be enjoyed for its own merits.
May 26, 2013
The book has the feel of a 19th century mail-order romance, but with cars and some modern conveniences thrown in. Trey brings his first wife Catherine home and she hates everything about country life and never settles down, cheating on Trey and crushing his core beliefs. He gets a divorce, but he allows the poison to invade every aspect of his life. His beloved mother dies and Trey seems to forget that other women might be like her and not like the faithless, manipulative Catherine. He decides that he needs a wife and this one will be kept at a distance as he never intends to be open to that pain again. Trey is a giant of a man and can be hard to like at times. Situations trigger his memory and he barks without thinking things through, later even forgetting what he said in a moment of anger.
Genevieve has survived great hardship. Her mother died after the bakery that had been owned by her family for generations was lost to cover her father's gambling debts. He was a violent drunk with no regard for anyone but himself. Genevieve grew up with her weak mother telling her that it was always the wife's role to accept and try to make do. Genevieve wholeheartedly believes that she is plain and undesirable, after all who wants a tall girl with carrot coloured hair.
She takes a leap of faith when the priest tells her of a man who needs a wife to help on his farm. She heads west on the train with a shabby suitcase and a few shabby belongings, ready to embrace the new opportunity.
And so this compelling story starts. These are not soft characters in a routine romance. Trey is a hard man and difficult to understand. Gen is fascinated and terrified by him in equal measure. She is strong in so many ways, but bows to the wishes of her husband. There is a spark between them from the start. Trey gives Gen a sense of security and she slowly makes little holes in his armour and allows him to release the loving man hidden deep within. At times you are cross with her for being so subservient and with him for seeming so unkind, but that is what makes this love story worthwhile. They are real people with real flaws and have to work hard to reach that perfect partnership in marriage.
The secondary characters all add interest to the story and there are no redundant cardboard cut-outs.
Genevieve has survived great hardship. Her mother died after the bakery that had been owned by her family for generations was lost to cover her father's gambling debts. He was a violent drunk with no regard for anyone but himself. Genevieve grew up with her weak mother telling her that it was always the wife's role to accept and try to make do. Genevieve wholeheartedly believes that she is plain and undesirable, after all who wants a tall girl with carrot coloured hair.
She takes a leap of faith when the priest tells her of a man who needs a wife to help on his farm. She heads west on the train with a shabby suitcase and a few shabby belongings, ready to embrace the new opportunity.
And so this compelling story starts. These are not soft characters in a routine romance. Trey is a hard man and difficult to understand. Gen is fascinated and terrified by him in equal measure. She is strong in so many ways, but bows to the wishes of her husband. There is a spark between them from the start. Trey gives Gen a sense of security and she slowly makes little holes in his armour and allows him to release the loving man hidden deep within. At times you are cross with her for being so subservient and with him for seeming so unkind, but that is what makes this love story worthwhile. They are real people with real flaws and have to work hard to reach that perfect partnership in marriage.
The secondary characters all add interest to the story and there are no redundant cardboard cut-outs.
June 19, 2013
Book was pretty formulaic, although the characters were all rather broken. Genevieve obviously suffers from battered woman or battered child syndrome, but it's not really played out very well in my opinion. She's "submissive" but she really isn't. Maybe the author just wanted to paint her as a survivor.
But it's not the formulaicness of the book that bothered me. It's Genevieve's giggling. First, she's too old to have her laughter be described as giggling. She's also lead too tough of a life for her laughter to be described as giggling. Further, she scared out of her mind of her husband one minute, then the next she's giggling at him. Sounds a little deranged to me.
Also, Genevieve isn't the only character that is so poorly developed that you aren't able to sympathize. Trey is beyond strange to me. His brother, Cole, is also strange. I don't know why Adrienne is in the book. At least Wade and his family served some sort of plot purpose. And what has Catherine been doing all this time? Who did she leave with when Trey divorced her? And was she really raped by Wade or was it a consensual relationship? That's what's wrong with this book. I don't know what really happened. Perhaps Trey is ok with not really knowing if he was betrayed by Catherine or if it was his jealousy that led to their eventual divorce. But as a reader, I have a right to know what happened. And while I understand the difficulty with secondary characters (i.e. develop them only to the extent that they are interesting but still secondary characters), this author did such a bad job with them that I think it would have been better to leave them out entirely. After all, Trey seems to envision a life where Genevieve only sees and speaks to him. So maybe we shouldn't be introduced to other characters either.
But it's not the formulaicness of the book that bothered me. It's Genevieve's giggling. First, she's too old to have her laughter be described as giggling. She's also lead too tough of a life for her laughter to be described as giggling. Further, she scared out of her mind of her husband one minute, then the next she's giggling at him. Sounds a little deranged to me.
Also, Genevieve isn't the only character that is so poorly developed that you aren't able to sympathize. Trey is beyond strange to me. His brother, Cole, is also strange. I don't know why Adrienne is in the book. At least Wade and his family served some sort of plot purpose. And what has Catherine been doing all this time? Who did she leave with when Trey divorced her? And was she really raped by Wade or was it a consensual relationship? That's what's wrong with this book. I don't know what really happened. Perhaps Trey is ok with not really knowing if he was betrayed by Catherine or if it was his jealousy that led to their eventual divorce. But as a reader, I have a right to know what happened. And while I understand the difficulty with secondary characters (i.e. develop them only to the extent that they are interesting but still secondary characters), this author did such a bad job with them that I think it would have been better to leave them out entirely. After all, Trey seems to envision a life where Genevieve only sees and speaks to him. So maybe we shouldn't be introduced to other characters either.
February 27, 2017
This book was a mix of 5 stars and 2 stars for me.
I loved the overall story and how alpha Trey was and how he truly did care for Gen even though he fought against it because of his hang-ups from his first marriage. HOWEVER!! His hang-ups do NOT allow for him to cross the line from alpha protective to abusive/controlling. Which I felt happened often enough throughout the book to be uncomfortable by it. Does he back off and relax some? Yes.... but I'm not sure if he ever was freed from the abusive/controlling tendencies.
Gen came from a bad situation and landed in a somewhat bad situation (see my conflict above) - so she was a mix of strong, but yet, almost doormat for Trey. I don't agree with how she excused/brushed some of Trey's actions away, but I also like how she wasn't always afraid of him and willing to stand up to him.
Did they work together well, learning to give what the other needed? Yes. Do I wish that Trey wouldn't have crossed the line? Yes. Do I wish that Gen would have stood up to Trey more and not allow him to kowtow her? Yes.
So why the conflict and 3 stars? Because while I was not impressed with some of Trey's actions, I still find myself drawn back to the story for whatever reason. I think if I close my eyes to Trey's OTT alpha actions/abuse, I could love the story fully - and because this is fiction, I can do that.
I loved the overall story and how alpha Trey was and how he truly did care for Gen even though he fought against it because of his hang-ups from his first marriage. HOWEVER!! His hang-ups do NOT allow for him to cross the line from alpha protective to abusive/controlling. Which I felt happened often enough throughout the book to be uncomfortable by it. Does he back off and relax some? Yes.... but I'm not sure if he ever was freed from the abusive/controlling tendencies.
Gen came from a bad situation and landed in a somewhat bad situation (see my conflict above) - so she was a mix of strong, but yet, almost doormat for Trey. I don't agree with how she excused/brushed some of Trey's actions away, but I also like how she wasn't always afraid of him and willing to stand up to him.
Did they work together well, learning to give what the other needed? Yes. Do I wish that Trey wouldn't have crossed the line? Yes. Do I wish that Gen would have stood up to Trey more and not allow him to kowtow her? Yes.
So why the conflict and 3 stars? Because while I was not impressed with some of Trey's actions, I still find myself drawn back to the story for whatever reason. I think if I close my eyes to Trey's OTT alpha actions/abuse, I could love the story fully - and because this is fiction, I can do that.
December 21, 2016
This is one I enjoyed and couldn't say why.
The heroine Genevieve or Gen is a girl down on her luck in New York after losing her parents . She meets a priest who tells her of a man named Trey he knows who looking for a wife in Virginia. Gen and Trey write each other and agree to marriage.
The hero Trey was betrayed and used by his ex-wife and now doesn't trust women easily. He is also looked at as the fault for his broken marriage in the town even though she cheated. Gen is extremely shy and is a heroine that lived in abusive household. They both have pasts issues that have a effect on how they deal with each other at first but once they see that they both want it to work and that they truly care and love each other they get better and so does their relationship. Trey could be a complete ass sometimes but he was also extreme protective and treated Gen good once he didn't let past stuff get in the way. Gen was definitively more submissive type.
The main thing I didn't like was the heroine BFF Adrienne who was way to opinionated for someone having their own romantic issues that brought her to their farm in the first place. She irritated the hell out of me.
So with this book some won't like the hero, some won't like the heroine and I can understand but this one that worked for me
The heroine Genevieve or Gen is a girl down on her luck in New York after losing her parents . She meets a priest who tells her of a man named Trey he knows who looking for a wife in Virginia. Gen and Trey write each other and agree to marriage.
The hero Trey was betrayed and used by his ex-wife and now doesn't trust women easily. He is also looked at as the fault for his broken marriage in the town even though she cheated. Gen is extremely shy and is a heroine that lived in abusive household. They both have pasts issues that have a effect on how they deal with each other at first but once they see that they both want it to work and that they truly care and love each other they get better and so does their relationship. Trey could be a complete ass sometimes but he was also extreme protective and treated Gen good once he didn't let past stuff get in the way. Gen was definitively more submissive type.
The main thing I didn't like was the heroine BFF Adrienne who was way to opinionated for someone having their own romantic issues that brought her to their farm in the first place. She irritated the hell out of me.
So with this book some won't like the hero, some won't like the heroine and I can understand but this one that worked for me
August 5, 2013
3.5 Stars
Trey McCade is not my favourite hero, but captivating enough to hold my interest.
Genevieve was getting on my nerves, to submissive character
This book read fairly smooth. I enjoyed the story line and it was overall quite predictable.
November 7, 2023
This is set in during the 1930s Dust Bowl era. It's hard to tell, though, because all the characters are "old fashioned," so it seems like the Old West era, but they sometimes drive cars and have running water.
Ok, whoever said this was a guilty pleasure was correct! The H is mostly a good guy. But his first wife cheated on him, so he gets EXTREMELY jealous when his new wife Gen says one word to another man. He's very OTT suspicious of her.
On the other end of the spectrum, the h, Gen, originally grew up in the apartment above the family bakery, then during the Great Depression they were living in a homeless encampment. She answered a mail order bride ad when she got to the point of eating only every few days. So she is OTT grateful for literally anything H provides. Her father was abusive, so she is also OTT grateful that H doesn't smack her around when he's angry. So she feels guilty if, for example, a man comes to the door and she has to speak to him, which her husband has forbidden.
It's all very OTT.
But, not gonna lie, I liked it anyway! I think I just enjoy these "Beauty and the Beast" types of stories.
Ok, whoever said this was a guilty pleasure was correct! The H is mostly a good guy. But his first wife cheated on him, so he gets EXTREMELY jealous when his new wife Gen says one word to another man. He's very OTT suspicious of her.
On the other end of the spectrum, the h, Gen, originally grew up in the apartment above the family bakery, then during the Great Depression they were living in a homeless encampment. She answered a mail order bride ad when she got to the point of eating only every few days. So she is OTT grateful for literally anything H provides. Her father was abusive, so she is also OTT grateful that H doesn't smack her around when he's angry. So she feels guilty if, for example, a man comes to the door and she has to speak to him, which her husband has forbidden.
It's all very OTT.
But, not gonna lie, I liked it anyway! I think I just enjoy these "Beauty and the Beast" types of stories.
June 22, 2021
A real head scratcher
Supposedly set in the 1930s, it read more 19th century. Hero was an abusive asshole. Sorry, but he was. Any man who uses his physical size and strength to intimidate another person is an abuser. He had his wife so fearful of his temper and threats, she cringes from him. Except in bed. Them a she’s all in. Gross. And who in the heck thinks it’s okay to not interfere when a toddler and mother are being physically abused under your own roof by a family member ?????? Those scenes were just disgusting.
Supposedly set in the 1930s, it read more 19th century. Hero was an abusive asshole. Sorry, but he was. Any man who uses his physical size and strength to intimidate another person is an abuser. He had his wife so fearful of his temper and threats, she cringes from him. Except in bed. Them a she’s all in. Gross. And who in the heck thinks it’s okay to not interfere when a toddler and mother are being physically abused under your own roof by a family member ?????? Those scenes were just disgusting.
July 17, 2024
It was ok
I didn't like the H, he was ok
In the past i have loved gruff stoic H but this one was like my way or highway, he was way too rude and emotionless for me, even the ILY in the end was not what i wanted for the h.
The h was doormat in a way, she was sweet and had suffered in life so she was fine with the way the H was treating her and which was the way in the end and realistically this is life but that's not what i wanna read in stories.
I didn't like the H, he was ok
In the past i have loved gruff stoic H but this one was like my way or highway, he was way too rude and emotionless for me, even the ILY in the end was not what i wanted for the h.
The h was doormat in a way, she was sweet and had suffered in life so she was fine with the way the H was treating her and which was the way in the end and realistically this is life but that's not what i wanna read in stories.
February 13, 2020
The Hero was an asshole acouple of times and I wish the heroine would have stood up for herself more.
I also would have liked if the Uncle’s wife left him.. I felt bad for their little daughter.
Overall a decent read. I probably won’t read the next one. I wasn’t really interested in reading about heroine’s best friend with her brother in law.
I also would have liked if the Uncle’s wife left him.. I felt bad for their little daughter.
Overall a decent read. I probably won’t read the next one. I wasn’t really interested in reading about heroine’s best friend with her brother in law.
October 16, 2018
KU read. I really ended up loving this story. I love a good marriage of convenience/arranged marriage story. This one was great. I loved the characters & wish there was more. I see me coming back to read this again in the future
March 5, 2019
Loved it!
I love this book! I like Coles story too but sure wish Nate had one. Even though Trey is difficult I love his strong character and Gen is so desperate for love but strong too! One of my favorite go to books!
I love this book! I like Coles story too but sure wish Nate had one. Even though Trey is difficult I love his strong character and Gen is so desperate for love but strong too! One of my favorite go to books!
May 14, 2020
Trey and Gen
This is a story of romance, passion, desire, and loyalty to the marriage vows, that they have made to one another. Real love the couple share is a fantastic story of two people Trey a hardworking farmer, with his brother Cole, and his male order bride Gen.
This is a story of romance, passion, desire, and loyalty to the marriage vows, that they have made to one another. Real love the couple share is a fantastic story of two people Trey a hardworking farmer, with his brother Cole, and his male order bride Gen.
May 17, 2021
Enjoyed
H how can I read a book without ordering
H how can I read a book without ordering
October 27, 2022
so well written
The story keeps you interested all the way through. Excellent read. Will read more from author. Loved the growth between the MCs
The story keeps you interested all the way through. Excellent read. Will read more from author. Loved the growth between the MCs
January 12, 2025
I loved this in its first half, but then abruptly lost interest.
The entry of the friend and the ridiculous dialogue and dynamics from that point on killed it for me.
The entry of the friend and the ridiculous dialogue and dynamics from that point on killed it for me.
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