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Bridegroom Brothers #3
The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart
Bound by a Secret
When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.
Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?
When Katrine Brinkerhoff's cabin is attacked, only sheriff Clint Thornton's heroism saves her. She owes Clint her life—and her help catching the men responsible. All she has to do is trust in Clint's plan to protect her family. But she can't let herself care too deeply, not when her past carries secrets that would drive him away.
Infiltrating the murderous gang is a dirty job, yet Clint is determined to see it through. The brigands will face justice—and they will never harm Katrine again. Clint would give his life to keep the beautiful settler safe…but will he be willing to risk his heart?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2014
28 people are currently reading
273 people want to read
About the author
Allie Pleiter
115 books619 followersAn avid knitter, coffee junkie and firm believer that “pie makes everything better,” Allie Pleiter writes both fiction and non-fiction working on as many as four novels at a time. The bestselling author of over fifty books, Allie has enjoyed a twenty-year career with over 1.5 million books sold. In addition to writing, Allie maintains an active writing productivity coaching practice and speaks regularly on the creative process, publishing, and her very favorite topic—The Chunky Method of time management for writers. Visit her website at www.alliepleiter.com to learn more.
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
May 29, 2023
The first half of this book seemed to drag. I'm not sure if it was actually the story or the fact I started on book 3 of the series and wasn't so connected to the characters at the beginning. The second half of the book was really good and entertaining. The problem was never the characters themselves who were interesting and varied.
May 12, 2020
Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart is a good read. The violence is believable for those who study the history of Oklahoma Territory, however, the story is predictable. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the book and will read more books by Allie Pleiter.
April 28, 2020
I probably would have given this three stars, but the epilogue was so predictable, I wanted to gag!
June 6, 2020
My two favorite people have found their happy ever after! Every page was full of action and surprises. I am very sad to say goodbye to Brave Rock, but I know I will visit there again.
August 1, 2014
If you look at my reviews, it’s no secret that I’ve read several of ALLIE PLEITER’s books. And yes, I have a few of my favorites. And yes, I prefer her historical over her contemporary. I have yet to read an author who has the ability to change her voice with each genre she writes, the way MS PLEITER, can.
I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was when I spotted the upcoming cover for THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART (LOVE INSPIRE HISTORICAL/BRIDEGROOM BROTHERS) by ALLIE PLEITER. My heart started to race, not just from the choice of the picture, but the title. You see, I am a cowboy/western/ranch, freak. Yes, I will admit to it.
As I began to read THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART, I was immediately drawn in. Not just drawn in to the first paragraph, or even the first chapter, but from the first page to the last.
Sheriff Clint Thornton is all about the law. When a team of bad guys attempt to harm his good friends sister, Clint will stop at nothing to insure Katrine’s and her brothers safety.
Katrine Brinkerhoff will never forget what the good Sherfiff did for her. But the lie he insist they keep to protect her brother, is nothing short of heart wrenching.
Clint and Katrine’s growing attraction is left unspoken. After all, they both have secrets that won’t allow their feelings for one another to take root.
MS PLEITER did an amazing job with THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. I didn’t think her writing could get any better or different then what I’ve read in the past, but was I wrong.
Being a HUGE fan of western settings, I tend to be judgmental. I place THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART right at the top of my list of beloved cowboy stories. Up until now, two others of MS PLEITER’S novels were my favorite PLEITER books. They have just moved down a notch, being replaced with this amazing novel as number one.
MS PLEITER did an remarkable job with the plot, incorporating her typical witty lines that will leave you in wonder. The characters are distinct and three-dimensional. From start to ending I was captivated. Some books start out great, then fade a bit, then pick up speed in the end. THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART continued on a steady up climb, not stopping until the very last word.
Every aspect of the writing process in a novel is important. However, the wrong ending can ruin all the good efforts one puts into a story, literally going from becoming a great book, to leaving a sour taste in your mouth. It’s a shame that the last few pages of a story can hold the power to destroy a book. Sadly, something I’ve experienced firsthand.
However, that was not the case in THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. As the story ended, I was a bit surprised the author chose that route, but not in an unpleasant way. I was satisfied with the way it ended.
But then I started the prologue! MS PLEITER spared nothing in taking her story to a whole other level. It’s done beautifully, with believability that brought me to tears. It warmed my heart, and made me want to cheer, and love the story all the more. Truly one of the best endings I’ve ever read.
So taken I was by the story, I desire to purchase the other books in the series to read about the other men I encountered in THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. Looking forward to any future – what I like to call “cowboy books” – by MS PLEITER.
I cannot begin to tell you how excited I was when I spotted the upcoming cover for THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART (LOVE INSPIRE HISTORICAL/BRIDEGROOM BROTHERS) by ALLIE PLEITER. My heart started to race, not just from the choice of the picture, but the title. You see, I am a cowboy/western/ranch, freak. Yes, I will admit to it.
As I began to read THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART, I was immediately drawn in. Not just drawn in to the first paragraph, or even the first chapter, but from the first page to the last.
Sheriff Clint Thornton is all about the law. When a team of bad guys attempt to harm his good friends sister, Clint will stop at nothing to insure Katrine’s and her brothers safety.
Katrine Brinkerhoff will never forget what the good Sherfiff did for her. But the lie he insist they keep to protect her brother, is nothing short of heart wrenching.
Clint and Katrine’s growing attraction is left unspoken. After all, they both have secrets that won’t allow their feelings for one another to take root.
MS PLEITER did an amazing job with THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. I didn’t think her writing could get any better or different then what I’ve read in the past, but was I wrong.
Being a HUGE fan of western settings, I tend to be judgmental. I place THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART right at the top of my list of beloved cowboy stories. Up until now, two others of MS PLEITER’S novels were my favorite PLEITER books. They have just moved down a notch, being replaced with this amazing novel as number one.
MS PLEITER did an remarkable job with the plot, incorporating her typical witty lines that will leave you in wonder. The characters are distinct and three-dimensional. From start to ending I was captivated. Some books start out great, then fade a bit, then pick up speed in the end. THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART continued on a steady up climb, not stopping until the very last word.
Every aspect of the writing process in a novel is important. However, the wrong ending can ruin all the good efforts one puts into a story, literally going from becoming a great book, to leaving a sour taste in your mouth. It’s a shame that the last few pages of a story can hold the power to destroy a book. Sadly, something I’ve experienced firsthand.
However, that was not the case in THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. As the story ended, I was a bit surprised the author chose that route, but not in an unpleasant way. I was satisfied with the way it ended.
But then I started the prologue! MS PLEITER spared nothing in taking her story to a whole other level. It’s done beautifully, with believability that brought me to tears. It warmed my heart, and made me want to cheer, and love the story all the more. Truly one of the best endings I’ve ever read.
So taken I was by the story, I desire to purchase the other books in the series to read about the other men I encountered in THE LAWMAN’S OKLAHOMA SWEETHEART. Looking forward to any future – what I like to call “cowboy books” – by MS PLEITER.
June 11, 2014
During the Oklahoma Land Rush in the late 1800's, people can from all over the country hoping to grab a slice of land and begin to live the American dream. Folks would do just about anything and head in any direction to gain the slice of prosperity just ripe for the picking to begin a family and a future. But there were also those who ventured to make a bit of profit from those innocent enough and weak enough not to put up a fight, when so called "accidents" began to happen.
Four men simply known as the Black Four were helping things along by ensuring certain weaker settlers met with more bad luck than others. Worst of all some of these men were of the local "Security Patrol" which led to people not suspecting them of any wrong doing. As the Black Four, these calvarymen had done exactly where they were out here charged to prevent: cut fences, set fires, let livestock loose and a whole host of other crimes. Acts designed to intimate folks out of their land. As a result, the scared settlers had sold their stakes at cheap prices and to the right convenient buyers.
Now all Sheriff Clint Thornton had to do was prove that the Black Four were behind all these events and the only was he will be able to do that is to convince them, he is truly on their side. I mean it doesn't hurt the group of men to have the law in your back pocket. How convenient when people begin to grow suspicious. But when the band of men targets Lars Brinkerhoff and his sister Katrine, they are about to go too far in order to get him to sell his land. This time the group has murder on their minds and they won't stop until they get what they want.
I received The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart by Allie Pleiter compliments of Harlequin Love Inspired Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. For anyone who loves a great Christian Western Romance, you will want to snatch this one up. It's a small enough paperback to tuck it in anywhere for a great adventure, and perfect for a summer read. I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars and this is book 3 in the Bridegroom Brother Series. It teaches us all that in the midst of difficult family feuds, resolution and forgiveness are all that is needed for a restoration to occur. No damage is ever too deep that God can't heal the rift that keeps you apart. There is even a sneak peek at Her Montana Cowboy, a new six part series in the Big Sky Centennial guaranteed to wet your appetite.
Four men simply known as the Black Four were helping things along by ensuring certain weaker settlers met with more bad luck than others. Worst of all some of these men were of the local "Security Patrol" which led to people not suspecting them of any wrong doing. As the Black Four, these calvarymen had done exactly where they were out here charged to prevent: cut fences, set fires, let livestock loose and a whole host of other crimes. Acts designed to intimate folks out of their land. As a result, the scared settlers had sold their stakes at cheap prices and to the right convenient buyers.
Now all Sheriff Clint Thornton had to do was prove that the Black Four were behind all these events and the only was he will be able to do that is to convince them, he is truly on their side. I mean it doesn't hurt the group of men to have the law in your back pocket. How convenient when people begin to grow suspicious. But when the band of men targets Lars Brinkerhoff and his sister Katrine, they are about to go too far in order to get him to sell his land. This time the group has murder on their minds and they won't stop until they get what they want.
I received The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart by Allie Pleiter compliments of Harlequin Love Inspired Publishers and Christian Fiction Blog Alliance for my honest review. I did not receive any monetary compensation and the opinions expressed here are strictly my own. For anyone who loves a great Christian Western Romance, you will want to snatch this one up. It's a small enough paperback to tuck it in anywhere for a great adventure, and perfect for a summer read. I give this one a 4 out of 5 stars and this is book 3 in the Bridegroom Brother Series. It teaches us all that in the midst of difficult family feuds, resolution and forgiveness are all that is needed for a restoration to occur. No damage is ever too deep that God can't heal the rift that keeps you apart. There is even a sneak peek at Her Montana Cowboy, a new six part series in the Big Sky Centennial guaranteed to wet your appetite.
May 30, 2014
I'm a big fan of the Love Inspired Contemporary and Suspense lines of books, I have read several of both and really enjoyed all of them. But this was my first time reading a Love Inspired Historical, and this was a new to me author so I didn't really know what to expect. But I'm very happy to say that I enjoyed every moment of this book! This book had a great cast of characters and I really liked them all. I read a lot of historical romances but so many things in this book struck me as unique, I will list a few of them. 1. The page count, at 278 pages this book was long for a Love Inspired title which really showed in the level of depth and character development the author wrote into the story, I was also impressed that even though the story does take place in a short timeframe it never felt rushed at all! 2. I don't want to give anything away but you know the secret that both the hero and heroine have that keep them apart in books like these? Well let me just say the secrets in this book were by far the most unique and original I have ever read about. Thank you to the author for her fresh take on that and not just doing the same old, same old! 3. I love it when my two favorite sub-genres (Historical and Suspense) come together in a book. The suspense aspect of this book is what drew me to it in the first place, and that part of the story was so beautifully written that I felt like I was there, loved that!
I have not read the first two books in this series, so I don't think it's necessary to read them in order.
Overall, I loved every minute of this book, it kept me turning pages and I hated to put it down. I'm so glad that I got the chance to read and review The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart!
I highly recommend this book. Love Inspired really knocked my socks off with this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
I have not read the first two books in this series, so I don't think it's necessary to read them in order.
Overall, I loved every minute of this book, it kept me turning pages and I hated to put it down. I'm so glad that I got the chance to read and review The Lawman's Oklahoma Sweetheart!
I highly recommend this book. Love Inspired really knocked my socks off with this one!
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via CFBA in exchange for an honest review. The above is my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are one hundred percent my own.
November 20, 2014
I enjoyed reading this book. It's a sweet love story with just a little bit of suspense thrown in.
Spoiler alert:
Four bad men (The Black Four) are terrorizing the small town of Brave Rock … trying to gain land and therefore unlimited power. Katrine Brinkerhoff almost becomes a victim when The Black Four set fire to her cabin. The Black Four suspects that her brother, Lars, has found out all of their identities, and the group of robbers plan to kill him by setting fire to the cabin with him inside. They have no way of knowing it is Katrine inside the windowless cabin and not Lars. Clint Thornton, the town sheriff, finds out about their plans and races to save Katrine. He talks her into pretending that Lars died in the fire to protect Lars while he remains hidden in a secret location. By infiltrating The Black Four gang, Clint is able to prove the identities of each of the outlaws and bring them to justice.
What I liked: I loved the way Ms. Hatfield built the characters and infused them with care and concern for each other. Katrine had a pleasing personality, and the fact that she came from another country and speaks with a Danish accent only adds to her charm. Also, each family member cares strongly for the other members of the family and rush into danger to help them.
What I didn’t like: Sometimes the plot seemed to crawl, then something exciting would happen, and I would be off again. Even though it was a rare occasion, I did find myself skimming certain chapters for short intervals at a time.
Over all, I give this book five stars. Ms. Hatfield did a wonderful job, and I would recommend this book to anyone loving historical fiction.
Spoiler alert:
Four bad men (The Black Four) are terrorizing the small town of Brave Rock … trying to gain land and therefore unlimited power. Katrine Brinkerhoff almost becomes a victim when The Black Four set fire to her cabin. The Black Four suspects that her brother, Lars, has found out all of their identities, and the group of robbers plan to kill him by setting fire to the cabin with him inside. They have no way of knowing it is Katrine inside the windowless cabin and not Lars. Clint Thornton, the town sheriff, finds out about their plans and races to save Katrine. He talks her into pretending that Lars died in the fire to protect Lars while he remains hidden in a secret location. By infiltrating The Black Four gang, Clint is able to prove the identities of each of the outlaws and bring them to justice.
What I liked: I loved the way Ms. Hatfield built the characters and infused them with care and concern for each other. Katrine had a pleasing personality, and the fact that she came from another country and speaks with a Danish accent only adds to her charm. Also, each family member cares strongly for the other members of the family and rush into danger to help them.
What I didn’t like: Sometimes the plot seemed to crawl, then something exciting would happen, and I would be off again. Even though it was a rare occasion, I did find myself skimming certain chapters for short intervals at a time.
Over all, I give this book five stars. Ms. Hatfield did a wonderful job, and I would recommend this book to anyone loving historical fiction.
July 4, 2014
This was the first book I've sat and read in quite awhile. It was a nice welcome back to the world of reading!
Set in Oklahoma, siblings Lars and Katrine have finally settled down in a cabin. They are making friends and learning more of the language while retaining their native Dutch. One horrible night, their cabin is purposely caught on fire. Katrine is trapped inside and her saving grace is the town sheriff, Clint. Is it fate that he saved her? What of Lars?
Clint becomes entangled in the Black Four, the "gang" that burnt down Katrine and Lars's home. Can he bring them to justice before it's too late? Can he put out the fire in his heart that is burning for Katrine at the same time?
This is the third book in the Bridegroom Brothers series. I've not read the other stories of Clint's brothers, Elijah and Gideon, but after reading this, I will be looking for those titles to read! Allie Pleiter writes this in a way that you are on the edge of your seat and don't see some things coming. This is my first read by her and surely not my last!
Check out the preview that I posted on my blog a few weeks ago: http://molcotw.blogspot.com/2014/06/c... and be sure to check this great read out!
I did receive a complimentary signed copy from the author and publisher in return for my honest opinion of this book.
Set in Oklahoma, siblings Lars and Katrine have finally settled down in a cabin. They are making friends and learning more of the language while retaining their native Dutch. One horrible night, their cabin is purposely caught on fire. Katrine is trapped inside and her saving grace is the town sheriff, Clint. Is it fate that he saved her? What of Lars?
Clint becomes entangled in the Black Four, the "gang" that burnt down Katrine and Lars's home. Can he bring them to justice before it's too late? Can he put out the fire in his heart that is burning for Katrine at the same time?
This is the third book in the Bridegroom Brothers series. I've not read the other stories of Clint's brothers, Elijah and Gideon, but after reading this, I will be looking for those titles to read! Allie Pleiter writes this in a way that you are on the edge of your seat and don't see some things coming. This is my first read by her and surely not my last!
Check out the preview that I posted on my blog a few weeks ago: http://molcotw.blogspot.com/2014/06/c... and be sure to check this great read out!
I did receive a complimentary signed copy from the author and publisher in return for my honest opinion of this book.
July 1, 2014
Summary: This is a Christian Romance taking place in the wild west of Oklahoma. It is the story of how Clint Thornton, a gloomy Gus, and Katrine, a self-loathing baker, face the danger of confronting a local gang while falling in love.
I think my biggest complaint with the book is the way that the characters view themselves. They find obstacles, and go out of their way to look for reasons why they shouldn't be together, instead of just being happy. They are quick to be happy for other people who find love, but feel that they themselves are unworthy. Why? I mean really, why? Isn't it a big enough miracle to find that someone you are attracted to is equally attracted to you?
The faith based portions are well done, and I definitely want to credit the author with just enough religious input. It in no way drives the story, it is simply part of who the characters are, and how they view their world. It doesn't feel like the story is a thinly veiled agenda.
I took away a star for characterization, and a star for predictability. I wouldn't read it again but I will probably pass it on to others.
I think my biggest complaint with the book is the way that the characters view themselves. They find obstacles, and go out of their way to look for reasons why they shouldn't be together, instead of just being happy. They are quick to be happy for other people who find love, but feel that they themselves are unworthy. Why? I mean really, why? Isn't it a big enough miracle to find that someone you are attracted to is equally attracted to you?
The faith based portions are well done, and I definitely want to credit the author with just enough religious input. It in no way drives the story, it is simply part of who the characters are, and how they view their world. It doesn't feel like the story is a thinly veiled agenda.
I took away a star for characterization, and a star for predictability. I wouldn't read it again but I will probably pass it on to others.
May 15, 2014
An amazing ending to the Bridegroom Brothers continuity series. These three authors did such an amazing job of creating these characters that I kept forgetting they were written by different people!!! They should do another set :)
Clint Thornton spent his life knowing he would never have a family and it was heartbreaking to him! But especially now as his brothers have found new lives in their lives and a child even.
He's going to learn to be content being single if it kills him. There's crime in his new town and he's also determined to discover who it is and get it taken care of.
Katrine Brinkerhoff also has dreamed of a large family all her life. When things got tough, she and her brother would dream up what their lives and homes would be like. Now she has lost her brother to a murderous gang and she's not sure what to do with her life.
Together, Clint and Katrine work to bring the bad guys to justice. Old family feuds are put to rest. And on numerous occasions they discover that God is fond of surprises.
Clint Thornton spent his life knowing he would never have a family and it was heartbreaking to him! But especially now as his brothers have found new lives in their lives and a child even.
He's going to learn to be content being single if it kills him. There's crime in his new town and he's also determined to discover who it is and get it taken care of.
Katrine Brinkerhoff also has dreamed of a large family all her life. When things got tough, she and her brother would dream up what their lives and homes would be like. Now she has lost her brother to a murderous gang and she's not sure what to do with her life.
Together, Clint and Katrine work to bring the bad guys to justice. Old family feuds are put to rest. And on numerous occasions they discover that God is fond of surprises.
May 29, 2014
My Review:
Must Katrine pay for her brother's sin? Apparently, the Black Four gang think so, so much so that her family's cabin is added to the long line of homes that have been destroyed. Clint was trying his hardest and fastest to get to the Brinkerhoff homestead before everyone inside lost their lives. He had to find a way to befriend these loons so that he could save his love Katrine. He was able to convince them that the law was hot on their tail and he managed to save Katrine---but barely.
Together with her brother, Lars and Clint, Katrine agreed to a far fetched story in efforts to keep them all safe from any more persecution from the very revengeful men. But also to bring this band of brigades down Clint will need every one's cooperation. He isn't only looking out for her welfare for the sake of the situation but also because of his feelings for her. Soon he will no longer to be able to keep his feelings to himself.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
Must Katrine pay for her brother's sin? Apparently, the Black Four gang think so, so much so that her family's cabin is added to the long line of homes that have been destroyed. Clint was trying his hardest and fastest to get to the Brinkerhoff homestead before everyone inside lost their lives. He had to find a way to befriend these loons so that he could save his love Katrine. He was able to convince them that the law was hot on their tail and he managed to save Katrine---but barely.
Together with her brother, Lars and Clint, Katrine agreed to a far fetched story in efforts to keep them all safe from any more persecution from the very revengeful men. But also to bring this band of brigades down Clint will need every one's cooperation. He isn't only looking out for her welfare for the sake of the situation but also because of his feelings for her. Soon he will no longer to be able to keep his feelings to himself.
**Disclosure** This book was sent to me free of charge for my honest review from CFBA.
July 20, 2014
I liked the characters quite a bit, and I liked the plot of Clint trying to infiltrate the bandit gang. But I was really disappointed that we weren't shown
That was a big issue with me, otherwise I probably would have rated it four stars.
That was a big issue with me, otherwise I probably would have rated it four stars.
July 31, 2016
4.5 stars
The long awaited pairing! I was itching to see how Katrine and Clint got together and this did not disappoint:) The nastiness of the gang leader doesn't just make Clint grit his teeth, but this is great writing and I can't wait to see what next Allie Pleiter has in store for her readers.
The long awaited pairing! I was itching to see how Katrine and Clint got together and this did not disappoint:) The nastiness of the gang leader doesn't just make Clint grit his teeth, but this is great writing and I can't wait to see what next Allie Pleiter has in store for her readers.
Read
January 12, 2016"This final story featuring the Thornton brothers is fast paced with plenty of action. Pleiter presents a wonderful conclusion to the threads from previous tales (RT Book Reviews)".4 1/2 stars
Miniseries: Bridegroom Brothers
Miniseries: Bridegroom Brothers
June 21, 2014
This is the last book in this series and is one of the best. I really enjoyed these books about the land rush, I you will too.
Read
September 10, 2016Miniseries: Bridegroom Brothers
Want to read
May 27, 2017I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14565537
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/14565537
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews