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Bitter Springs #3
In Want of a Wife
When his mail-order bride arrives from New York, a Wyoming rancher gets more than he bargained for in this first-rate romance from the bestselling Jo Goodman. For fans of Linda Lael Miller and Catherine Anderson.
SHE HAS NOWHERE LEFT TO TURN
Jane Middlebourne needs a way out. In 1891, life in New York is unforgiving for a young woman with no prospects, especially when her family wants nothing to do with her. So when Jane discovers an ad for a mail-order bride needed in Bitter Springs, Wyoming, she responds with a hopeful heart.
HE HAS EVERYTHING TO LOSE
Rancher Morgan Longstreet is in want of a wife who will be his partner at Morning Star, someone who will work beside him and stand by him. His first impression of the fair and fragile Jane is that she is not that woman. But when she sets out to prove him wrong, the secrets he cannot share put into jeopardy every happiness they hope to...
386 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 6, 2014
185 people are currently reading
1753 people want to read
About the author
Jo Goodman
60 books479 followersTo find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
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May 27, 2016
4 stars. Review posted May 27, 2016
“What’s wrong with what I have on?” she asked.
“It’s pretty. That’s an observation, not a compliment.”
“I was not in danger of mistaking one for the other.”
(…)
“I have no objection to pretty,” he told her. “But it goes against my grain to see it come to a bad end. Someday you’ll look at it and not recollect that it was ever once the color of summer apples or that it had that little ruffle at the neck.”
“It’s for wearing,” she said, stirring the batter. “It goes against my grain to tuck it in a wardrobe and only visit it from time to time.”
“Is that right?”
Morgan shrugged. “Maybe the person you should be asking is Cobb Bridger. He’s been married a spell, and he’s real free with advice.”
Jem looked to his left, his right, off in the distance, and then back at Morgan. “D’you see him around? You’re the only married man in spittin’ distance.”
“Well, then, ask him next time you can spit on him. Hell, Jem, I wasn’t married when I saw you yesterday afternoon. I’m not exactly flush with experience.”
“I will get the
“She-devil,” he muttered.
On the point of leaving, Jane turned and gave him her most indulgent smile. “If we are already come to a point in our marriage where endearments are an appropriate form of address, you should know that I prefer ‘devil’s handmaiden.’” She felt very good about leaving him speechless.
Jane Middlebourne's life has been shaped by loveless people and after a particular incident, she gives up hope of having a real future in New York. After discovering an ad for a mail-order bride, she accepts Morgan Longstreet's arrangement who's a rancher in Bitter Springs, Wyoming. Jane starts a long journey, not only to become Logan's wife, but also to prove that she is a strong, reliable, and capable woman and wife. But what about Logan's shady past and secrets? Will they impair their happiness eventually?
Morgan bent his head again, this time with gentle intent. His mouth brushed hers. He nudged her lips carefully, laying down the kiss like a balm. He had inflicted a wound that needed tending.”
Set in 1891, Jo Goodman has once again written an engaging western HR. In Want of a Wife is my second book by this talented author and won't be my last, that's for sure. I do enjoy her character-driven novels and don't mind that her storytelling has been established on a level that is mostly quiet and unagitated. In spite of that, her love stories remain compelling and the added wit and humor never fail to put many smiles on my face. And in the era of manwhores, it did appeal very much to me to get acquainted with a quiet thinker of a hero who was almost as inexperienced as the heroine. Seriously, I totally dug that. I also liked Jane very much. Jane of the sophisticated and eloquent words. Though if the situation required a sharp-tonguedness and strength, she was ready to deliver also. As an added bonus, two secondary characters did etch themselves in my memory: Finn and Rabbit.
“Hey, Rabbit! Come see who’s here! It’s Mr. Longstreet and his special delivery.” His head snapped around and he looked wide-eyed at Jane. “Sorry, ma’am, but I can’t recollect what comes after ‘Middle.’ Burn? Bury? Borough?”
“Bourne,” said Jane. “Middlebourne.”
He snapped his fingers. “Got it.” He hollered back to Rabbit, who was rapidly approaching. “It’s Miss Middlebourne!”
“Finn,” Morgan said, wincing slightly as he tugged on one ear. “You don’t need to yell like he’s standing at the other end of town. Besides, shouldn’t you both be in school?”
“On my way. Got plenty of time. Mrs. Bridger is usually a little late these days on account of her condition is what you call delicate. I think there’s a lot of puking so I’m not clear about what makes it delicate, but that’s what Granny says it is.”
Those rascals are priceless!
I do have a minor quibble, though. I'm slightly disappointed that the author denied readers to witnessing Jane having riding and shooting lessons. Other than that, In Want of a Wife was a completely enjoyable read who kept me eagerly turning page after page from start to finish. This third installment in the Bitter Springs series can be read as a standalone.
Recommended read.
“What’s wrong with what I have on?” she asked.
“It’s pretty. That’s an observation, not a compliment.”
“I was not in danger of mistaking one for the other.”
(…)
“I have no objection to pretty,” he told her. “But it goes against my grain to see it come to a bad end. Someday you’ll look at it and not recollect that it was ever once the color of summer apples or that it had that little ruffle at the neck.”
“It’s for wearing,” she said, stirring the batter. “It goes against my grain to tuck it in a wardrobe and only visit it from time to time.”
“Is that right?”
Morgan shrugged. “Maybe the person you should be asking is Cobb Bridger. He’s been married a spell, and he’s real free with advice.”
Jem looked to his left, his right, off in the distance, and then back at Morgan. “D’you see him around? You’re the only married man in spittin’ distance.”
“Well, then, ask him next time you can spit on him. Hell, Jem, I wasn’t married when I saw you yesterday afternoon. I’m not exactly flush with experience.”
“I will get the
“She-devil,” he muttered.
On the point of leaving, Jane turned and gave him her most indulgent smile. “If we are already come to a point in our marriage where endearments are an appropriate form of address, you should know that I prefer ‘devil’s handmaiden.’” She felt very good about leaving him speechless.
Jane Middlebourne's life has been shaped by loveless people and after a particular incident, she gives up hope of having a real future in New York. After discovering an ad for a mail-order bride, she accepts Morgan Longstreet's arrangement who's a rancher in Bitter Springs, Wyoming. Jane starts a long journey, not only to become Logan's wife, but also to prove that she is a strong, reliable, and capable woman and wife. But what about Logan's shady past and secrets? Will they impair their happiness eventually?
Morgan bent his head again, this time with gentle intent. His mouth brushed hers. He nudged her lips carefully, laying down the kiss like a balm. He had inflicted a wound that needed tending.”
Set in 1891, Jo Goodman has once again written an engaging western HR. In Want of a Wife is my second book by this talented author and won't be my last, that's for sure. I do enjoy her character-driven novels and don't mind that her storytelling has been established on a level that is mostly quiet and unagitated. In spite of that, her love stories remain compelling and the added wit and humor never fail to put many smiles on my face. And in the era of manwhores, it did appeal very much to me to get acquainted with a quiet thinker of a hero who was almost as inexperienced as the heroine. Seriously, I totally dug that. I also liked Jane very much. Jane of the sophisticated and eloquent words. Though if the situation required a sharp-tonguedness and strength, she was ready to deliver also. As an added bonus, two secondary characters did etch themselves in my memory: Finn and Rabbit.
“Hey, Rabbit! Come see who’s here! It’s Mr. Longstreet and his special delivery.” His head snapped around and he looked wide-eyed at Jane. “Sorry, ma’am, but I can’t recollect what comes after ‘Middle.’ Burn? Bury? Borough?”
“Bourne,” said Jane. “Middlebourne.”
He snapped his fingers. “Got it.” He hollered back to Rabbit, who was rapidly approaching. “It’s Miss Middlebourne!”
“Finn,” Morgan said, wincing slightly as he tugged on one ear. “You don’t need to yell like he’s standing at the other end of town. Besides, shouldn’t you both be in school?”
“On my way. Got plenty of time. Mrs. Bridger is usually a little late these days on account of her condition is what you call delicate. I think there’s a lot of puking so I’m not clear about what makes it delicate, but that’s what Granny says it is.”
Those rascals are priceless!
I do have a minor quibble, though. I'm slightly disappointed that the author denied readers to witnessing Jane having riding and shooting lessons. Other than that, In Want of a Wife was a completely enjoyable read who kept me eagerly turning page after page from start to finish. This third installment in the Bitter Springs series can be read as a standalone.
The quiet in her settled in his heart. In these moments, the peace that had eluded him all of his life became what she was, his companion. He walked with his past at his side now. He walked with her.
With Jane, all things were possible.
Recommended read.
January 24, 2024
Petition to rename this book In Want of A Trigger Warning.
All I can say is what the fuck was this author thinking with this? I’ve read a lot of historical westerns, and they tend to either be quite dark and gritty or very light and fluffy. This one tried to be both and I am traumatized by it.
I don’t know how to review this gd book. It was a slice of life historical western with funny side characters mixed with horrifyingly detailed accounts of childhood sexual assault and forced abortion-like medical procedures, ending with a magnificent seven style bank robbery and miracle pregnancy which made the whole abortion horror-story completely unnecessary.
It was very jarring to switch back and forth from sweet marriage of convenience to flashbacks in graphic detail. Honestly, this book needs content warnings.
If I could put those shock-value-horror-for-horror-sake moments out of my head this would be a three star read. It was an ok story with weirdly written dialogue but relaxing over all. But because of the stupid, unnecessarily sensual descriptions of the hero being sexually assaulted at 11 yrs old, I can’t rate this higher than one star.
So be warned of what’s in this book my friends, don’t let the relaxed, funny, slice of life stuff lull you into a state of boredom, because the horrors are just around the corner.
All I can say is what the fuck was this author thinking with this? I’ve read a lot of historical westerns, and they tend to either be quite dark and gritty or very light and fluffy. This one tried to be both and I am traumatized by it.
I don’t know how to review this gd book. It was a slice of life historical western with funny side characters mixed with horrifyingly detailed accounts of childhood sexual assault and forced abortion-like medical procedures, ending with a magnificent seven style bank robbery and miracle pregnancy which made the whole abortion horror-story completely unnecessary.
It was very jarring to switch back and forth from sweet marriage of convenience to flashbacks in graphic detail. Honestly, this book needs content warnings.
If I could put those shock-value-horror-for-horror-sake moments out of my head this would be a three star read. It was an ok story with weirdly written dialogue but relaxing over all. But because of the stupid, unnecessarily sensual descriptions of the hero being sexually assaulted at 11 yrs old, I can’t rate this higher than one star.
So be warned of what’s in this book my friends, don’t let the relaxed, funny, slice of life stuff lull you into a state of boredom, because the horrors are just around the corner.
October 21, 2018
In want of a wife was a sweet slow burn read. I loved Morgan the quiet ginger hair hero. I also really love Jane the sassy well spoken heroine. I love how great the build up of their relationship was. The only thing I didn't care for was the narrator Talmadge Ragan. She was so stiff and her voice sounded like a robot. She read everything flat with no inflection. It reminded me of Google home's voice or the voice you hear on your GPS. Just sayin'!
July 31, 2020
This book isn’t for me, but clearly I’m in the minority with this opinion, since I didn’t see anyone else commenting on what bothered me most about this book.
MAJOR spoilers ahead.
There’s so much nope in this book ... so fucking disgusting. A detailed child sex abuse scene, so gross and so unnecessary in a romance novel. This followed by several slightly less detailed child sex abuse scenes. Absolutely disgusting. I wanted to throw up reading this part of the story (at around 75%). Yes, this is the hero’s background and explains why he’s so fucked up. But are the details necessary?!! The author seemed to justify writing this portion by saying that Morgan (the hero) was confused by how he felt by his step mother’s actions. He wasn’t sure if he wanted her to stop or keep going. I can’t imagine that a similar scene about a young girl and an older man would EVER be included in a romance novel in such detail. Why is it ok in reverse? Why are so few people disgusted by this portion of the story? He hero is 11 when this sexual abuse started and it continued for many years. My stomach was roiling when reading this part of the book, nothing that followed in the story was able to make up for how repulsive this part of the book is.
So yes, this was obviously a major trigger for me - I am blown away by the seemingly casual nature of including such graphic details.
The rest of the book was fine, but I kinda checked out after the 75% mark, so nothing else really made a difference to my opinion.
This one is safe with exception. While the hero & heroine are faithful to one another with no OM/OW, there are several other triggers. Obviously, as I’ve mentioned, hero was raped for years by his step mother while he was an adolescent. Heroine is nearly raped, heroine is forced into an abortion procedure against her will when she is not pregnant, violence, murder, heroine is a virgin.
MAJOR spoilers ahead.
There’s so much nope in this book ... so fucking disgusting. A detailed child sex abuse scene, so gross and so unnecessary in a romance novel. This followed by several slightly less detailed child sex abuse scenes. Absolutely disgusting. I wanted to throw up reading this part of the story (at around 75%). Yes, this is the hero’s background and explains why he’s so fucked up. But are the details necessary?!! The author seemed to justify writing this portion by saying that Morgan (the hero) was confused by how he felt by his step mother’s actions. He wasn’t sure if he wanted her to stop or keep going. I can’t imagine that a similar scene about a young girl and an older man would EVER be included in a romance novel in such detail. Why is it ok in reverse? Why are so few people disgusted by this portion of the story? He hero is 11 when this sexual abuse started and it continued for many years. My stomach was roiling when reading this part of the book, nothing that followed in the story was able to make up for how repulsive this part of the book is.
So yes, this was obviously a major trigger for me - I am blown away by the seemingly casual nature of including such graphic details.
The rest of the book was fine, but I kinda checked out after the 75% mark, so nothing else really made a difference to my opinion.
This one is safe with exception. While the hero & heroine are faithful to one another with no OM/OW, there are several other triggers. Obviously, as I’ve mentioned, hero was raped for years by his step mother while he was an adolescent. Heroine is nearly raped, heroine is forced into an abortion procedure against her will when she is not pregnant, violence, murder, heroine is a virgin.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 18, 2017
“I never said you were pretty. Well, maybe I did, but I didn’t mean it. I just couldn’t say the other.” He shrugged a little diffidently. “About you being beautiful and all, I’m saying. Partly I kept my tongue in my head because it hurts a mite to look on you that way, like there’s a radiant light coming from you that could blind me if I stare too long.”
Legit, this is one of the best books I've read in a good while, and it definitely qualifies as my favourite of the year. The characters (pretty much every one of them) were all fantastic, in particular the two leads. If a slow book isn't your thing, this may not be the best because it does take its time. The romance isn't just slowburn, but the story itself is slow going. There's villainy, sure, but that doesn't come to a head until much later in the book. One thing I can say with certainty, though, is that even if you dislike the book for its slowness, the two leads are so amazing that I feel they make up for it.
Morgan is honestly one of the best heroes I've read in quite some time, ranking up there with some of my favourite Hs ever. And for those who've read Morning Glory: if you loved Will Parker, I'm pretty certain Morgan Longstreet can win you over. Morgan is pretty introverted, preferring to mind his own business than to be a social butterfly, and very much the strong, silent type. He's been through some serious shit in his life, from , but I loved that instead of having him be some tortured soul who's broody and angry and hateful over this (because we all know how much authors love to use a ~traumatic childhood~ as an excuse for assholery), he's kind and gentle. He's quiet, sure, but that's because of who he is, not because he's sitting around being broody all the time. The author never uses Morgan's past in order to get him to purposely hurt others (though there is a scene that I'll mention later that might be cause for concern with some). There's a quiet strength to Morgan that the reader sees throughout the book.
Morgan wondered if she had gone to see Dr. Kent about her headaches. It had not occurred to him until now that she might have been hiding them from him. He wondered what stupid thing he had said that might make her think he wouldn’t want to know.
When her headaches (migraines, I believe?) kick in, he doesn't sit there getting angry about why she wouldn't tell him her head hurt. Instead, he wonders if he'd done something dumb that made her not want to share. There's even a point where she's being passive-aggressively angry with him. Instead of being angry or annoyed with her for being angry, and instead of pushing and nagging her for the cause behind it, he lets her bring it up in her own time while preparing apologies in the meantime. When it comes to Jane's reveal about her past, he sits there patiently and listens to her story, not jumping in or being angry and accusatory. Afterwards, he expresses wanting to hurt those who'd hurt her and then comforts her while she cries.
Just...I adore this guy. And I thought it was great that the author took the time to show us how great Morgan is rather than just telling us, using these small moments and details in order to do so.
Morgan's sexual past is mentioned, but it wasn't done in a manner that left a bad taste in my mouth. Morgan, although not a virgin, feels inexperienced when he's with Jane, remarking that "there had been no other woman like her in his bed...in his life." The only reason why it's even mentioned is because he's thinking of it in response to Jane's comments:
It was true he had some experience with women, but that did not mean he knew them. He recalled Jane’s words. I understand that you’ve had opportunity to beget. He wondered what Jane would have thought if he told her his opportunities had been limited to a few whores, two of whom he paid for a poke, and one who took him upstairs because she felt sorry for him.
Aside from his , that's it. There is a point later in the story where
I think Morgan could even count as having been celibate. There's no mention of specifically when he was with those other women, but there's a point where he says that "he had not been with any woman for a long time." He lives in a small town and bought Morning Star ranch three years ago, so I don't think it's likely that he'd skip working on his fledgling ranch to go to the next town over in order to get laid. And, before that, he was Since the author doesn't mention it, I'm just going to go with him being celibate from anywhere between the last three to at least the last nine years, which is why this is getting shelved as "hero-celibate."
Now, the other part of Morgan's sexual past that's mentioned is his
I was a little nervous at the end when Morgan's past catches up with him and there's a confrontation, but I wasn't worried about it all going to hell because the author hadn't let me down so far, and I didn't think she would do so in the eleventh hour (though there have been authors who've done so in the past). Near the end,
Jane was a great character in every way. The author doesn't just tell you how great she is, she actually show you. At one point, someone () says that Jane is "sass and brass." In other books, this would be the point where I sat back and thought "huh?? Since when?!" but not in this book. The author shows you time and again how true those words are. She's super sassy with Morgan, giving him lip and putting him in his place and not being afraid to call him out. Early on, she makes it clear that she wants to be included in his decisions. At a point after this, he starts to give her a story instead of the truth. In response?
“There’s nothing to tell—” He stopped because Jane was already getting to her feet. “Where are you going?”
“To bed. I don’t want to hear that ‘there’s nothing.’ It is the beginning of an evasion. You do not seem to understand that you make me vulnerable when you try to protect me from the truth.” Jane stepped behind her chair and pushed it under the table. She set her hands firmly on the top rail. “The only time you offend me, Morgan, is when you doubt my strength.”
She may love Morgan, but she respects herself at the same time, refusing to let him walk all over her. And if he's not willing to give her the answers, she's smart enough to do it on her own. At one point, She's so, so far from TSTL.
I loved that, throughout the book, Jane proves Morgan's thoughts about her wrong at every turn. Morgan had thought he was getting himself a "sturdy" wife because he got Jane's cousin's photo instead of Jane's. Instead, Jane turned out to be fragile-looking and the complete opposite of what he'd expected. He thinks she's too fancy to live on his ranch, but she shows him time and again that he's underestimating her and she's perfectly capable (which the author shows by having Jane walk around Morgan's house and having remedies for every issue). She even lays into Morgan about this later, telling him how wrong he was not only in his initial judgements of her, but also in his request for a twenty-four hour trial period. And as I mentioned before, I loved that she wasn't afraid to speak her mind no matter what.
I was a little wary of continuing after I got past the prologue because I figured out pretty early on that Even though I had my suspicions about this early on, I still decided to continue reading and see where it went. And I was very happy that I did. Although , I felt she was in touch with her sexuality. Before anything sexual even happens between them, Jane has sexual dreams about Morgan. Instead of feeling shameful or guilty about this when she wakes up, she just feels disappointment that Morgan isn't there with her. And I liked that the author included that.
At times I thought the book would get preachy and religious because Jane's faith and belief in God is mentioned more than once. She prays and also refers to Morgan as being a "Godless man" (this isn't meant as a judgement, just an observation). However, how much can an author really want to push religion when she has the heroine sitting through Sunday service thinking about sex with her husband instead of concentrating on the sermon itself?? And this was also another instance in which Jane didn't shy away from thoughts of sex, as many virgin (or virgin-until-recently) heroines do.
Morgan and Jane together make such a good pairing. He's completely head-over-heels for her, just as she is for him. However, they've got a partnership going rather than an imbalanced relationship with one following the other's marching orders. Although she gets to the heart of things when it counts, she also concedes in situations where she knows Morgan is right. They banter playfully and also have their serious and tender moments.
Heck, even the side characters were great. I don't think I met a (good) character in this book I didn't like, with Jem, Finn and Rabbit being my favourites. Jem is probably my favourite support character because he's such a loveable idiot.
He stopped reading and cocked an eyebrow at Jem. “Looks like it has about every kind of thing in it. Oil of petroleum. Alcohol. Sodium chloride. Tar ex—”
Max said, “That sodium chloride. That’s salt, isn’t it?”
“Fancy salt,” Jem said. “That’s why they call it that.”
No one corrected him.
And the relationship between Morgan and Jane and Morgan's ranch hands was great, too.
Morgan picked up his coffee cup. He had it almost to his lips when he said, “I love her.”
No one said anything.
Morgan looked at them over the rim of his cup. “Well?”
Jessop glanced over his shoulder. “Hell, boss, I reckon we all knew that.”
The only issue I had with the book was the lack of contractions at times. The book does have them, but not an awful lot. Sometimes the dialogue between characters came out sounding robotic. And I wasn't all too fond of the BUT, neither issue was strong enough to ruin my enjoyment of the book so I was willing to overlook them.
March 22, 2014
This book definitely satisfies my Western historical romance craving. While slow-building and with a lot more narrative than action, it was a book that captivated me with lead characters whose stories I wanted to know. It definitely helps that Morgan is a redhead. I have a not-so secret fondness for red-headed heroes! I loved the manner in which Goodman conveys the loving intimacy that a marriage can cultivate between two people.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the May 2014 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
Overall rating: 4.5/5.0 stars.
Reviewed for Affaire de Coeur Magazine in the May 2014 issue. http://affairedecoeur.com.
October 16, 2022
I think it's great that the author chose not to concentrate on the main characters' pasts. Morgan had a rougher childhood (TW: sexual abuse) than Jane, but both had an equally damaging childhood. Ms Goodman focused on the present and how these characters overcame their pasts. This book was very much a slow burn. These are two emotionally damaged people looking for healing, comfort and a better life. So, they tread very carefully around each other.
I noticed that there were times that I felt very removed from the scenes (especially Gideon's part). Some reviewers did remark on the same thing as well. I would peg it down to the writing style and probably intentional from the author's side.
I think she writes extremely memorable love scenes (all of her books I have read so far have been that way). They are not very explicit per se but very sensual. The love scenes show the characters increasing emotional attachment. It's not just the actual act itself; the author did imbue the scenes with their burgeoning love for each other, the affection and the laughter (yes, laughter can be a part of it too).
Her writing style is wordy and not lyrical (you don't see a lot of euphemisms here), but the prose is clear, and she has a way of writing that enables the scenes to play clearly in your mind. If that is not a mark of a brilliant author, I don't know what is.
I loved the whole hopeful tone of the book. It shows that you can become a decent human despite your less-than-stellar upbringing (hey, you don't get to choose your own family). Overall, a fantastic read and worthy of five stars (and yes, I've read it twice this year alone).
I noticed that there were times that I felt very removed from the scenes (especially Gideon's part). Some reviewers did remark on the same thing as well. I would peg it down to the writing style and probably intentional from the author's side.
I think she writes extremely memorable love scenes (all of her books I have read so far have been that way). They are not very explicit per se but very sensual. The love scenes show the characters increasing emotional attachment. It's not just the actual act itself; the author did imbue the scenes with their burgeoning love for each other, the affection and the laughter (yes, laughter can be a part of it too).
Her writing style is wordy and not lyrical (you don't see a lot of euphemisms here), but the prose is clear, and she has a way of writing that enables the scenes to play clearly in your mind. If that is not a mark of a brilliant author, I don't know what is.
I loved the whole hopeful tone of the book. It shows that you can become a decent human despite your less-than-stellar upbringing (hey, you don't get to choose your own family). Overall, a fantastic read and worthy of five stars (and yes, I've read it twice this year alone).
June 4, 2014
Originally posted at The Book Nympho
Quick summary
Jane Middlebourne needs a way out of New York City. As the ward of a distant cousin, she's destined for a lonely life of servitude. Morgan Longstreet recently bought a ranch in Bitter Springs and needs a wife to help him manage Morning Star. When Jane answers his ad for a bride, he believed he'd found the perfect solution for both of them.
The conflict
When Morgan sees Jane in person, he doesn't mask his disappointment because he thinks she's not going to be tough enough to withstand the rugged life on a ranch in Wyoming. Jane's discouraged as she'd hoped to find a willing partner in Morgan, in time developing affection for one another.
The heart of the story
I love western historicals and this was one of the most authentic stories I've read in the genre for quite some time. There was no instant love here and ranch life is tough. Morgan's not an easy man and he doesn't mask his feelings around Jane. She's well educated and forthright, which made them surprisingly a good match. He's not educated but extremely bright and savvy, though very reticent. Both had complicated pasts and Morgan's resurfaced to wreak havoc in a major way.
Narration
Unfortunately, this was the weakest part of my reading experience. The narrator didn't seem to have a sense of the tone of the story or understand the characters. I couldn't tell when Morgan was being clever or caustic because no distinctions were made. Most of the performance sounded rote, almost as if it was computer generated. It just didn't work for me and I had to go back and read the prologue from the sample to understand what turned out to be a critical passage.
The bottom line
I enjoyed the story in spite of my issues with the narration. I just had to work harder to figure out the nuances provided by the author. I loved how Morgan and Jane's relationship developed and it's the strength of the story. And, the ending was exciting with a strong climax. I'll definitely go back and read the first two books in the series (this one stands alone very well as I didn't discover it was part of a series until I'd finished) and I'll continue it but not with this narrator.
(I received an audio ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
Quick summary
Jane Middlebourne needs a way out of New York City. As the ward of a distant cousin, she's destined for a lonely life of servitude. Morgan Longstreet recently bought a ranch in Bitter Springs and needs a wife to help him manage Morning Star. When Jane answers his ad for a bride, he believed he'd found the perfect solution for both of them.
The conflict
When Morgan sees Jane in person, he doesn't mask his disappointment because he thinks she's not going to be tough enough to withstand the rugged life on a ranch in Wyoming. Jane's discouraged as she'd hoped to find a willing partner in Morgan, in time developing affection for one another.
The heart of the story
I love western historicals and this was one of the most authentic stories I've read in the genre for quite some time. There was no instant love here and ranch life is tough. Morgan's not an easy man and he doesn't mask his feelings around Jane. She's well educated and forthright, which made them surprisingly a good match. He's not educated but extremely bright and savvy, though very reticent. Both had complicated pasts and Morgan's resurfaced to wreak havoc in a major way.
Narration
Unfortunately, this was the weakest part of my reading experience. The narrator didn't seem to have a sense of the tone of the story or understand the characters. I couldn't tell when Morgan was being clever or caustic because no distinctions were made. Most of the performance sounded rote, almost as if it was computer generated. It just didn't work for me and I had to go back and read the prologue from the sample to understand what turned out to be a critical passage.
The bottom line
I enjoyed the story in spite of my issues with the narration. I just had to work harder to figure out the nuances provided by the author. I loved how Morgan and Jane's relationship developed and it's the strength of the story. And, the ending was exciting with a strong climax. I'll definitely go back and read the first two books in the series (this one stands alone very well as I didn't discover it was part of a series until I'd finished) and I'll continue it but not with this narrator.
(I received an audio ARC from the publisher in exchange for an honest review)
January 26, 2025
Jo Goodman writes quality prose, but I question the necessity for including some horrifying elements of this story and excluding other elements I thought needed closure.
After a horrifying prologue in a NYC Fifth Avenue mansion where Jane faces her wealthy, cruel cousin Francis, with whom she has lived as a poor dependent since the age of six, the narrative jumps to Morgan waiting at the train station for the arrival of his mail order bride. Morgan and Jane had exchanged letters and photos but, as Jane steps off the train, the reader senses that Morgan is suddenly uncertain and the reader has to wade through a veritable swamp of words to find out why: the Jane who stepped off the train looks nothing at all like the Jane in the photo he received.
This book follows the outline of most “strangers who marry” stories, with Morgan and Jane getting to know and appreciate each other as layers of personal history and personality traits are slowly revealed. Interesting, quirky side characters add color, humor, and flavor. Danger lurks nearby, threatening Morgan’s and Jane’s future.
***spoilers ahead***
My biggest problem with this book was Jane’s being subjected to an abortion when she wasn’t even pregnant, and thinking she would be unable to have children only to become pregnant fairly quickly. What was the point? It was completely unnecessary: the other details of Jane’s life with the wealthy Ewings were horrible enough to raise the hair on the back of the reader’s neck. The “abortion” was irrelevant to the plot: Jane was already planning to leave New York for Montana to marry, and it didn’t prevent her from bearing children as she had feared it would. So why? Just a gothic, macabre detail the author decided to throw in for prurience’s sake? Something this traumatic should have a point.
At least Morgan’s sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother did play a part in his personality. He is secretive, keeping his thoughts to himself, his words few, and doesn’t explain his actions, which seem authentic considering what he went through as a child. Once again, though, I think this issue is too serious to be a sidebar to the central story.
Those are the inclusions I question. The exclusions I grumpily noticed were the lack of any satisfying confrontation with the Ewings for Jane and with Zetta Lee for Morgan. The Ewings just vanished off the face of the earth—oh, if only!—and Zetta Lee was murdered by another villain off page. I wanted satisfaction! I wanted closure! No, I really wanted Jane and Morgan to get retribution but sometimes fiction really does mirror reality.
After a horrifying prologue in a NYC Fifth Avenue mansion where Jane faces her wealthy, cruel cousin Francis, with whom she has lived as a poor dependent since the age of six, the narrative jumps to Morgan waiting at the train station for the arrival of his mail order bride. Morgan and Jane had exchanged letters and photos but, as Jane steps off the train, the reader senses that Morgan is suddenly uncertain and the reader has to wade through a veritable swamp of words to find out why: the Jane who stepped off the train looks nothing at all like the Jane in the photo he received.
This book follows the outline of most “strangers who marry” stories, with Morgan and Jane getting to know and appreciate each other as layers of personal history and personality traits are slowly revealed. Interesting, quirky side characters add color, humor, and flavor. Danger lurks nearby, threatening Morgan’s and Jane’s future.
***spoilers ahead***
My biggest problem with this book was Jane’s being subjected to an abortion when she wasn’t even pregnant, and thinking she would be unable to have children only to become pregnant fairly quickly. What was the point? It was completely unnecessary: the other details of Jane’s life with the wealthy Ewings were horrible enough to raise the hair on the back of the reader’s neck. The “abortion” was irrelevant to the plot: Jane was already planning to leave New York for Montana to marry, and it didn’t prevent her from bearing children as she had feared it would. So why? Just a gothic, macabre detail the author decided to throw in for prurience’s sake? Something this traumatic should have a point.
At least Morgan’s sexual abuse at the hands of his stepmother did play a part in his personality. He is secretive, keeping his thoughts to himself, his words few, and doesn’t explain his actions, which seem authentic considering what he went through as a child. Once again, though, I think this issue is too serious to be a sidebar to the central story.
Those are the inclusions I question. The exclusions I grumpily noticed were the lack of any satisfying confrontation with the Ewings for Jane and with Zetta Lee for Morgan. The Ewings just vanished off the face of the earth—oh, if only!—and Zetta Lee was murdered by another villain off page. I wanted satisfaction! I wanted closure! No, I really wanted Jane and Morgan to get retribution but sometimes fiction really does mirror reality.
June 4, 2014
Another wonderful book!
I've read the first book, The Last Renegade, and enjoyed it very much. I've foolishly missed the second one, True to the Law, but I'll remedy that ASAP! :)
In this book we also have the theme of mail-order-bride, but the twist we had in The last Renegade , here we have a real mail-oder-bride: Jane!
Jane was such a wonderful heroine, completly different from Raine, but in so many ways very similar to her. I loved her honesty and her strait-forwardness. Her complete dedication to make a good wife to Morgan. Her thoughts and reasoning were excellent! Her reactions to a very bad situation very clear-headed and very clever. Cheers for Jane!!!
Morgan was interesting in his own way. After a very difficult life, he made a new one for himself. I appreciated his reasoning behind the fact that he accepted Jane at the beginning, and his change of mind was a pleasure to read.
Obviously I loved reading about all the secondary characters from The Last Renegade. I especially loved the role Rabbit and Finn had here! Such a heroes in their own! ;)
Wonderful story and wonderful story-telling!!! I'll be looking forward to read True to the Law and all the other books Ms. Goodman will write in this great, great series! :D
I've read the first book, The Last Renegade, and enjoyed it very much. I've foolishly missed the second one, True to the Law, but I'll remedy that ASAP! :)
In this book we also have the theme of mail-order-bride, but the twist we had in The last Renegade , here we have a real mail-oder-bride: Jane!
Jane was such a wonderful heroine, completly different from Raine, but in so many ways very similar to her. I loved her honesty and her strait-forwardness. Her complete dedication to make a good wife to Morgan. Her thoughts and reasoning were excellent! Her reactions to a very bad situation very clear-headed and very clever. Cheers for Jane!!!
Morgan was interesting in his own way. After a very difficult life, he made a new one for himself. I appreciated his reasoning behind the fact that he accepted Jane at the beginning, and his change of mind was a pleasure to read.
Obviously I loved reading about all the secondary characters from The Last Renegade. I especially loved the role Rabbit and Finn had here! Such a heroes in their own! ;)
Wonderful story and wonderful story-telling!!! I'll be looking forward to read True to the Law and all the other books Ms. Goodman will write in this great, great series! :D
July 21, 2017
This was sooo good!
Jane, an unwelcome "family member" to her cousin's household (much in the manner of Jane Eyre) answers and ad for a wife, and she exchanges letters with Morgan Longstreet until they come to an agreement. She's to ride out to Bitter Springs, Wyoming where they're to be married, sight unseen.
Both Jane and Morgan have secrets and things don't go smooth when she first arrives, but I absolutely loved their journey! So much feeling, so passionate, and oh-so-very steamy!
I have to say both Jane and Morgan's family were utter crap! and after all those revelations I was even more happy she escaped that despicable "family". Morgan had his own horror story with people that were supposed to care and look out for him growing up as a boy. Disgusting!
The last few chapters I was biting my nails with nervous anticipation! Pretty frightening, but both Jane and Morgan prove to be smart and capable.
I'm loving Jo Goodman, and I can't wait to dive into her next Western historical!
I listened to the audio version, and Talmadge Ragan's performance was excellent! Too bad the rest of the series isn't in audio version! I want to read True to the Law next.
Jane, an unwelcome "family member" to her cousin's household (much in the manner of Jane Eyre) answers and ad for a wife, and she exchanges letters with Morgan Longstreet until they come to an agreement. She's to ride out to Bitter Springs, Wyoming where they're to be married, sight unseen.
Both Jane and Morgan have secrets and things don't go smooth when she first arrives, but I absolutely loved their journey! So much feeling, so passionate, and oh-so-very steamy!
I have to say both Jane and Morgan's family were utter crap! and after all those revelations I was even more happy she escaped that despicable "family". Morgan had his own horror story with people that were supposed to care and look out for him growing up as a boy. Disgusting!
The last few chapters I was biting my nails with nervous anticipation! Pretty frightening, but both Jane and Morgan prove to be smart and capable.
I'm loving Jo Goodman, and I can't wait to dive into her next Western historical!
I listened to the audio version, and Talmadge Ragan's performance was excellent! Too bad the rest of the series isn't in audio version! I want to read True to the Law next.
December 26, 2023
Oh man! I was so excited to finally find this book at the library. I love mail-order bride stories!! Especially with a stoic, gruff hero and the heroine trying to escape from a previous bad home life. The book starts with the hero waiting at the train station for the heroine to arrive. The train station employee kept trying to have a conversation with the hero as he waited, but the hero was getting irritated and was coming off as an uncommunicative loner. I was thinking, "ok, ok, this is good." But as soon as the train arrives, the heroine disembarks from the train and the two meet... total lack of chemistry. Not a single spark all the way thru to page 158.
It came off to me as more of a Historical Western book, than a romance. (and some readers might like that the best)
I am assuming it gets romantic eventually, but my interest in the characters overall had died by page 158. What really frustrated me though, that contributed to me not caring about the characters... I never felt like I understood or knew anything about the hero. Half-way thru the book, I couldn't really even explain what drives him, what his 'mystery' past is, WHY he wanted a mail-order bride in the first place, or even what his personality is... As for the heroine, I don't feel her personality fit the situation. Her personality did not match with someone that had been verbally and emotionally abused her whole life. And the whole mystery from the first chapter of 'was she pregnant by her cousin?' and 'did she get an abortion?', etc had still not been talked about again or revealed by half-way point. So I lost interest and just didn't care anymore :(
It came off to me as more of a Historical Western book, than a romance. (and some readers might like that the best)
I am assuming it gets romantic eventually, but my interest in the characters overall had died by page 158. What really frustrated me though, that contributed to me not caring about the characters... I never felt like I understood or knew anything about the hero. Half-way thru the book, I couldn't really even explain what drives him, what his 'mystery' past is, WHY he wanted a mail-order bride in the first place, or even what his personality is... As for the heroine, I don't feel her personality fit the situation. Her personality did not match with someone that had been verbally and emotionally abused her whole life. And the whole mystery from the first chapter of 'was she pregnant by her cousin?' and 'did she get an abortion?', etc had still not been talked about again or revealed by half-way point. So I lost interest and just didn't care anymore :(
July 16, 2021
Love Mail order bride stories and this one was extra special. I thought that Jane and Morgan's romance happened in the right sequence and timing, so by the end of the story you really believed in their romance. I wasn't ready for it to be over or leave Bitter Springs, so I hope that she has other stories lined up as good as this one was. I need more time with Jane and Morgan. :-) Wonderful western romance.
March 10, 2015
IN WANT OF A WIFE, the third book in the Bitter Springs series, introduced two new characters to the quirky town. Jane Middlebourne had come to Bitter Springs to marry Morgan Longstreet, a rancher, who was in need of a wife. They corresponded by letters, each omitting some secrets that they meant to share with the other when the time was right. Morgan was a quiet man, "a thinker" as one of his men referred to him. When he spoke, he meant what he said. Jane did a wonderful job matching his earnestness.
"I never said you were pretty. Well, maybe I did but I didn't mean it. I just couldn't say the other." He shrugged a little diffidently. "About you being beautiful and all, I'm saying. Partly I kept my tongue in my head because it hurts a mite to look on you that way, like there's a radiant light coming from you that could blind me if I stare too long. Mostly, though, I didn't say anything because you wouldn't believe me. I thought maybe that had passed some, but I guess not. That family of yours sure did twist the way you see yourself. The reasons I want to take a swing at them just keep piling up."
Jane searched his face. She said quietly, "I never know what you are going to say, Morgan Longstreet."
"Is that good?"
"I don't know about good but it keeps me on my toes." She came up on them again and kissed him.
There was a slow buildup to the H/h's relationship which suited me fine. I found the tension realistic and the witty dialog entertaining.
As stated earlier, this story was part of series. I would not recommend reading it by itself. Many of the townspeople returned in various contexts. There were the ever-lovable Finn and Rabbit, the common-sense Cobb Bridger and the rascally Davis brothers whom are now employed as Morgan's ranch-hands. IN WANT OF A WIFE was character-driven and without reading the previous books, I think you will feel cheated.
Oh, and the ending? Not the epilogue but the last 15 or so pages? I couldn't read them fast enough.
If you enjoy Ms. Goodman's romances you might care to read some stories written by Susan Kay Law, Kaki Warner, Caroline Fyffe or Ellen O'Connell. They are primarily known for writing American West romances: some that are part of a series and others that are stand-alones.
"I never said you were pretty. Well, maybe I did but I didn't mean it. I just couldn't say the other." He shrugged a little diffidently. "About you being beautiful and all, I'm saying. Partly I kept my tongue in my head because it hurts a mite to look on you that way, like there's a radiant light coming from you that could blind me if I stare too long. Mostly, though, I didn't say anything because you wouldn't believe me. I thought maybe that had passed some, but I guess not. That family of yours sure did twist the way you see yourself. The reasons I want to take a swing at them just keep piling up."
Jane searched his face. She said quietly, "I never know what you are going to say, Morgan Longstreet."
"Is that good?"
"I don't know about good but it keeps me on my toes." She came up on them again and kissed him.
There was a slow buildup to the H/h's relationship which suited me fine. I found the tension realistic and the witty dialog entertaining.
As stated earlier, this story was part of series. I would not recommend reading it by itself. Many of the townspeople returned in various contexts. There were the ever-lovable Finn and Rabbit, the common-sense Cobb Bridger and the rascally Davis brothers whom are now employed as Morgan's ranch-hands. IN WANT OF A WIFE was character-driven and without reading the previous books, I think you will feel cheated.
Oh, and the ending? Not the epilogue but the last 15 or so pages? I couldn't read them fast enough.
If you enjoy Ms. Goodman's romances you might care to read some stories written by Susan Kay Law, Kaki Warner, Caroline Fyffe or Ellen O'Connell. They are primarily known for writing American West romances: some that are part of a series and others that are stand-alones.
October 17, 2016
4.5 stars.
From the book's description I expected this book much more intense and darker or at least something like Ellen O'Connell's books.
But I was wrong, while the Hero's past is very dark and sad and the heroine's past only slightly better than his, Ms. Goodman didn't concentrate with those things and made us feeling down too much with the whole situation. Despite the seriousness with the subjects I found this book a lighter read than many western romance out there and Ms. Goodman made me laugh and smile often just by reading dialogue between Morgan and Jane:)
I love this book, I think I want to read other books from this series too.
From the book's description I expected this book much more intense and darker or at least something like Ellen O'Connell's books.
But I was wrong, while the Hero's past is very dark and sad and the heroine's past only slightly better than his, Ms. Goodman didn't concentrate with those things and made us feeling down too much with the whole situation. Despite the seriousness with the subjects I found this book a lighter read than many western romance out there and Ms. Goodman made me laugh and smile often just by reading dialogue between Morgan and Jane:)
I love this book, I think I want to read other books from this series too.
September 19, 2014
This was enjoyable, particularly the last quarter or so. The hero is very likeable. The kind of badass cowboy you'd want in real life versus the kind of alph-hole that's only fun to read about. The heroine was likeable as well. It's a nice opposites attract, mail-order-bride type of scenario.
Both have had a traumatic family life (especially the H). trigger warning .
At times I think it was a little too slow. Most of the story took place in dialogue/narrative with little to no action until the very end.
Also, I thought the lack of contractions was odd. I suppose possibly it was the heroine's strict, rigid upbringing. But, I also noticed that the cowboy hero used precious few as well. I know not everyone is from the South where we make up new contractions every day, but I think the near lack of them made for dialogue that sounded a bit wooden at times.
Both have had a traumatic family life (especially the H). trigger warning .
At times I think it was a little too slow. Most of the story took place in dialogue/narrative with little to no action until the very end.
Also, I thought the lack of contractions was odd. I suppose possibly it was the heroine's strict, rigid upbringing. But, I also noticed that the cowboy hero used precious few as well. I know not everyone is from the South where we make up new contractions every day, but I think the near lack of them made for dialogue that sounded a bit wooden at times.
December 17, 2014
For me, this book's gift is the slow, yet simmering build up of romance between the hero and heroine. I love that it's not a spark at first sight.
Their first meeting isn't promising yet I love that both of them are willing to risk at least a part of themselves on the line while keeping some close at heart. Which made me love the story more. The way they came together is logical yet the longing and fascination towards each other gives romance its way to develop between them. I love books like these, where the plot is logical (and doesn't hurt my eyes from a lot of eye-rolling) and the romance develop as both characters opens themselves towards each other.
The hero is a picture of 'silent-water-runs-deep' without too much angst. Still you will know his story, your heart will open to him, and will wave and smile to him as he walks towards the sunset with the heroine. I wish he just walks towards that sunset but in true strong men fashion, he will bleed, sweat, and ached towards that sunset. He will really earn that sunset.
The heroine, on the other hand is that nurturing woman who is ready for a home. Like any other woman in her time, she will use her intelligence and grow a backbone to conquer the wild west. I love that when her worth was question by the hero, she did not just cower, instead she gracefully asked her due respect. I like her character because often, mail-order-bride characters are portrayed as women who will accept all because they are in their last rope. This woman, though in her last rope, was smart enough to plan for all possible cases and that is why she is not just the perfect match for the strong hero, she will also match the harsh new life she chose for herself.
Great read.
Their first meeting isn't promising yet I love that both of them are willing to risk at least a part of themselves on the line while keeping some close at heart. Which made me love the story more. The way they came together is logical yet the longing and fascination towards each other gives romance its way to develop between them. I love books like these, where the plot is logical (and doesn't hurt my eyes from a lot of eye-rolling) and the romance develop as both characters opens themselves towards each other.
The hero is a picture of 'silent-water-runs-deep' without too much angst. Still you will know his story, your heart will open to him, and will wave and smile to him as he walks towards the sunset with the heroine. I wish he just walks towards that sunset but in true strong men fashion, he will bleed, sweat, and ached towards that sunset. He will really earn that sunset.
The heroine, on the other hand is that nurturing woman who is ready for a home. Like any other woman in her time, she will use her intelligence and grow a backbone to conquer the wild west. I love that when her worth was question by the hero, she did not just cower, instead she gracefully asked her due respect. I like her character because often, mail-order-bride characters are portrayed as women who will accept all because they are in their last rope. This woman, though in her last rope, was smart enough to plan for all possible cases and that is why she is not just the perfect match for the strong hero, she will also match the harsh new life she chose for herself.
Great read.
November 9, 2024
That was… surprisingly very good! It took a while to get into it because I didn’t like at first when they hesitated to get married but then as the story unwraps itself it was very entertaining and good.
I love me a sassy heroine and a simp for her hero 😍
I love me a sassy heroine and a simp for her hero 😍
October 13, 2016
Review on Oct. 13 2016
I have just read this book in summer, so when I picked it up for a reread, I did not expect to be swept into it so completely.
I will keep my original 4 star rating. But I read this book from beginning to the end as if it was a new story. Morgan and Jane are both quiet characters, nothing theatric. No one is brooding or feisty. Just 2 people slowly getting to know each other. I imagine some might find it slow or even boring. But I have said this before in a review for another Jo Goodman's book: it simmers. This is not a loud book. It doesn't have a "dark" hero, even though Morgan did have a rather difficult past. It does not have a "fiery" heroine (I imagine anyone who follows my reviews would have noticed how much I dislike a fiery heroine), even though Jane had reasons to be bitter. They are just 2 adults who made the decision to marry and tried to find a way for it to work. There are explicit sex scenes but nothing over the top.
I usually do not care for "the mystery". I want to read about the relationship and prefer books to focus on that. Jo Goodman's books usually are half and half on romance and mystery and I have said it again and again, when it is on the relationship, I absolutely love it. But this time, I actually sat down with the book. I read through every page, about Morgan's past, about Jane's life in New York, about Morgan's brother plotting against Morgan and about Morgan's men on the ranch. I felt that they were all part of the story, and I did not mind reading about them in a romance novel. They were part of Morgan and Jane's story. And they helped me understand Morgan and Jane as characters. This time around I wasn't rushing to find out just how they came to the "I love yous". This time around, I waited for them to tell me at the time Jo Goodman deemed appropriate.
I have to repeat how I love Jo Goodman's characters. They remind me of Mary Jo Putney's characters: steady and quiet; dignified and elegant, even when they appeared foolish, they seemed calm and collected. Just how I like them.
Original Review
Loved the characters and writing, as always.
The plot was again overshadowing the relationship, but I think that's Jo Goodman's style. No conflicts or stupid fights between the lead characters so the conflict has to be external, which usually means a mystery or murder or external threat kind of plot. That means a lot of attention being dedicated to describing that threat.
But whenever the attention is on the couple, I absolutely loved it.
I have just read this book in summer, so when I picked it up for a reread, I did not expect to be swept into it so completely.
I will keep my original 4 star rating. But I read this book from beginning to the end as if it was a new story. Morgan and Jane are both quiet characters, nothing theatric. No one is brooding or feisty. Just 2 people slowly getting to know each other. I imagine some might find it slow or even boring. But I have said this before in a review for another Jo Goodman's book: it simmers. This is not a loud book. It doesn't have a "dark" hero, even though Morgan did have a rather difficult past. It does not have a "fiery" heroine (I imagine anyone who follows my reviews would have noticed how much I dislike a fiery heroine), even though Jane had reasons to be bitter. They are just 2 adults who made the decision to marry and tried to find a way for it to work. There are explicit sex scenes but nothing over the top.
I usually do not care for "the mystery". I want to read about the relationship and prefer books to focus on that. Jo Goodman's books usually are half and half on romance and mystery and I have said it again and again, when it is on the relationship, I absolutely love it. But this time, I actually sat down with the book. I read through every page, about Morgan's past, about Jane's life in New York, about Morgan's brother plotting against Morgan and about Morgan's men on the ranch. I felt that they were all part of the story, and I did not mind reading about them in a romance novel. They were part of Morgan and Jane's story. And they helped me understand Morgan and Jane as characters. This time around I wasn't rushing to find out just how they came to the "I love yous". This time around, I waited for them to tell me at the time Jo Goodman deemed appropriate.
I have to repeat how I love Jo Goodman's characters. They remind me of Mary Jo Putney's characters: steady and quiet; dignified and elegant, even when they appeared foolish, they seemed calm and collected. Just how I like them.
Original Review
Loved the characters and writing, as always.
The plot was again overshadowing the relationship, but I think that's Jo Goodman's style. No conflicts or stupid fights between the lead characters so the conflict has to be external, which usually means a mystery or murder or external threat kind of plot. That means a lot of attention being dedicated to describing that threat.
But whenever the attention is on the couple, I absolutely loved it.
March 28, 2016
This was very, very good. At this point, I'd expect no less from Ms Goodman. This book deserves a better review than I can provide, I've left it a little too long since I finished reading to provide a proper overview of my thoughts. I know it isn't five stars (frankly, if it was I'd have found time to review it). It's probably around 4.5 stars. An absolutely stellar, solid read but it didn't send me into the stratosphere.
I love a marriage of convenience story. What we have here is a mail order marriage story, so sort of the same idea. Watching two people come to be better versions of themselves and grow to love one another, what can I say? Catnip.
Two strong central characters. Jane, who takes control of her life and makes a massive move across country, across class, across culture. Much to the surprise of our hero, she comes up to scratch. I love a heroine with skills who tries hard. As she says herself, she might be delicate, but she isn't weak. Then there's Morgan. The strong, silent type with a tragic history. His unwillingness to give Jane the credit she deserves is grating, but necessary because it powers much of the story. They have great chemistry together and Goodman writes excellent sex.
I think part of what bought the rating down for me is the same problem I often have with westerns [is this a western?] a bit too much gun totting, attempt-raping, stabbing, bank robbing ~dramaz~. It makes me feel fatigued after a while, particularly when its powered with a large cast of western characters who are often indistinguishable from one another. I could have lived with one or two or three less elements. That sounds like massive criticism, it isn't. This is overwhelmingly a great book and these things did not bother me that much.
I am already looking forward to my next Goodman.
I love a marriage of convenience story. What we have here is a mail order marriage story, so sort of the same idea. Watching two people come to be better versions of themselves and grow to love one another, what can I say? Catnip.
Two strong central characters. Jane, who takes control of her life and makes a massive move across country, across class, across culture. Much to the surprise of our hero, she comes up to scratch. I love a heroine with skills who tries hard. As she says herself, she might be delicate, but she isn't weak. Then there's Morgan. The strong, silent type with a tragic history. His unwillingness to give Jane the credit she deserves is grating, but necessary because it powers much of the story. They have great chemistry together and Goodman writes excellent sex.
I think part of what bought the rating down for me is the same problem I often have with westerns [is this a western?] a bit too much gun totting, attempt-raping, stabbing, bank robbing ~dramaz~. It makes me feel fatigued after a while, particularly when its powered with a large cast of western characters who are often indistinguishable from one another. I could have lived with one or two or three less elements. That sounds like massive criticism, it isn't. This is overwhelmingly a great book and these things did not bother me that much.
I am already looking forward to my next Goodman.
June 2, 2014
4/5; 4 stars; A-
This is the type of book where the secondary characters are as important as the main characters. Why is that? Well, because this is the third book that takes place in Bitter Springs Wyoming and by now, all the secondary characters are old friends. This book can stand on its own but I think it would be much more enjoyable if a person had also read
and
One of the things I like about Goodman's western romance stories is that the main couple get a chance to get to know each other and become friends as well as lovers. Usually there is some secret in the past of one or more of the characters but its not used a lame device for creating tension.
One of the things I liked about this book in particular was the sense of going full circle in the community. Morgan Longstreet manages to undo and change some of the bad memories due to the Burdick family in the first book.
As with every book in this series the two Collins boys, Finn and Rabbit, very nearly steal the show. They are fantastic characters.
This is the type of book where the secondary characters are as important as the main characters. Why is that? Well, because this is the third book that takes place in Bitter Springs Wyoming and by now, all the secondary characters are old friends. This book can stand on its own but I think it would be much more enjoyable if a person had also read
and
One of the things I like about Goodman's western romance stories is that the main couple get a chance to get to know each other and become friends as well as lovers. Usually there is some secret in the past of one or more of the characters but its not used a lame device for creating tension.
One of the things I liked about this book in particular was the sense of going full circle in the community. Morgan Longstreet manages to undo and change some of the bad memories due to the Burdick family in the first book.
As with every book in this series the two Collins boys, Finn and Rabbit, very nearly steal the show. They are fantastic characters.
December 29, 2016
Ugh! So bad.
Can I get a few contractions? Choppy dialogue and lots of tell-tell-tell. Romance was a dud as well. This wasn't a winner for me.
Can I get a few contractions? Choppy dialogue and lots of tell-tell-tell. Romance was a dud as well. This wasn't a winner for me.
Read
March 14, 2017Another it's me, not you.
Read
January 24, 2024Check Inna’s & Kristina’s review for accurate trigger info.
Self note: Removing my review cos it feels icky to have rated it so high after chatting about certain stuff that’s unnecessary and out of place for the way this type of story starts off.
Self note: Removing my review cos it feels icky to have rated it so high after chatting about certain stuff that’s unnecessary and out of place for the way this type of story starts off.
May 22, 2014
Also posted at TBR Mountain Range. Recommended Read!
Jo Goodman creates a tale that easily compels western historical romance lovers' hearts.
It took me about a minute to fall in love with author Jo Goodman's talent. I love westerns and if they're historical westerns with romance, I love them even more, but finding one that mesmerizes is true gold. Jo Goodman understands how to create a setting and then slowly build upon it with three dimensional characters who demand your attention. Do you crave the unlawful Wild West and the men who manage on just this side of the law, along with their strong, supportive women? Look no further than IN WANT OF A WIFE.
In 1891, Jane Middlebourne is the poor relation to her cousin Francis who brought orphaned Jane into her home when her parents died, but not necessarily into her heart. Jane has been given many privileges as someone in a wealthy household but spent most of her time as the hired help. Jane and her cousin, Alexander, concoct a scheme to get Jane out of his mother's control, but not without consequences. Jane escapes with some money to become a mail-order bride in Wyoming but realizes she may have made a huge mistake once she arrives.
Rancher Morgan Longstreet believes his life is moving forward in the right direction the day he arrives at the train depot to pick up his sturdy, made for ranching, mail-order bride. Until he realizes the photograph he was sent is not the delicate woman who steps off the train. Dare he send her packing for a lie when his attraction is undeniable?
Sound like a familiar story? There's nothing new about mail-order bride stories and the many ways they can be told. What's new is when an author can layer a story piece by piece and snag your heart in the process. IN WANT OF A WIFE is exactly how I love a story to be told and if all historical western romances were written like this, they'd be all I'd read.
So, Jane and Morgan are opposites in many ways, then thrown together and dealt personal circumstances to overcome. They're not left alone to their own devices but surrounded and meddled with by Morgan's ranch hands as well as the folks in town. Mrs. Sterling lends her straightforward advice, without much care whether Morgan wants her say so or not. Or she tells Jane what she thinks without Morgan's permission. Then there's the young brothers Finn and Rabbit who annoy Morgan with their helpfulness, especially when Marshall Cobb Bridger deputizes the youngsters. And, the things they say are some of the best one-liners! Let's not forget the three brothers who work for Morgan at the ranch, when they're not fighting one another, who become quite fond of Jane and rile Morgan every chance they get. And that's just the beginning of the many secondary characters who add to the realism of this story.
Jo Goodman is a western historical romance master with her subtle layering that makes her characters spring to life, grabs our hearts and keeps us glued to the pages. Her fine attention to detail lands some of the funniest laugh-out-loud moments between the lead couple and the other characters. The laughter isn't continuous but unexpected and laugh-out-loud worthy, which is the best kind of funny, in my opinion. Plus, some of the conversations between Jane and Morgan are so endearing and wonderful and so memorable I will forever refer back to them. One such conversation happens in the middle of the book and it's such a great scene that sets the stage for what you hope for their future.
IN WANT OF A WIFE intrigues, is finely-laid out, molded and shaped, then allowed to blossom into well fleshed-out characters who can't help but love each other deeply once they realize neither one of them is giving up. Heartbreaking at times, made even more so by how invested the reader becomes in the lives of all the characters, IN WANT OF A WIFE is the kind of western historical romance I love to read and highly recommend.
If you want to read the rest of Jo Goodman's BITTER SPRINGS series, there are two more novels to read starting with THE LAST RENEGADE and followed by TRUE TO THE LAW, both published prior to IN WANT OF A WIFE. Also connected to the BITTER SPRINGS series is a novella in a multi-author anthology titled BOOTS UNDER HER BED. Enjoy! I know they're on my "to be read" list.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.
Jo Goodman creates a tale that easily compels western historical romance lovers' hearts.
It took me about a minute to fall in love with author Jo Goodman's talent. I love westerns and if they're historical westerns with romance, I love them even more, but finding one that mesmerizes is true gold. Jo Goodman understands how to create a setting and then slowly build upon it with three dimensional characters who demand your attention. Do you crave the unlawful Wild West and the men who manage on just this side of the law, along with their strong, supportive women? Look no further than IN WANT OF A WIFE.
In 1891, Jane Middlebourne is the poor relation to her cousin Francis who brought orphaned Jane into her home when her parents died, but not necessarily into her heart. Jane has been given many privileges as someone in a wealthy household but spent most of her time as the hired help. Jane and her cousin, Alexander, concoct a scheme to get Jane out of his mother's control, but not without consequences. Jane escapes with some money to become a mail-order bride in Wyoming but realizes she may have made a huge mistake once she arrives.
Rancher Morgan Longstreet believes his life is moving forward in the right direction the day he arrives at the train depot to pick up his sturdy, made for ranching, mail-order bride. Until he realizes the photograph he was sent is not the delicate woman who steps off the train. Dare he send her packing for a lie when his attraction is undeniable?
Sound like a familiar story? There's nothing new about mail-order bride stories and the many ways they can be told. What's new is when an author can layer a story piece by piece and snag your heart in the process. IN WANT OF A WIFE is exactly how I love a story to be told and if all historical western romances were written like this, they'd be all I'd read.
So, Jane and Morgan are opposites in many ways, then thrown together and dealt personal circumstances to overcome. They're not left alone to their own devices but surrounded and meddled with by Morgan's ranch hands as well as the folks in town. Mrs. Sterling lends her straightforward advice, without much care whether Morgan wants her say so or not. Or she tells Jane what she thinks without Morgan's permission. Then there's the young brothers Finn and Rabbit who annoy Morgan with their helpfulness, especially when Marshall Cobb Bridger deputizes the youngsters. And, the things they say are some of the best one-liners! Let's not forget the three brothers who work for Morgan at the ranch, when they're not fighting one another, who become quite fond of Jane and rile Morgan every chance they get. And that's just the beginning of the many secondary characters who add to the realism of this story.
Jo Goodman is a western historical romance master with her subtle layering that makes her characters spring to life, grabs our hearts and keeps us glued to the pages. Her fine attention to detail lands some of the funniest laugh-out-loud moments between the lead couple and the other characters. The laughter isn't continuous but unexpected and laugh-out-loud worthy, which is the best kind of funny, in my opinion. Plus, some of the conversations between Jane and Morgan are so endearing and wonderful and so memorable I will forever refer back to them. One such conversation happens in the middle of the book and it's such a great scene that sets the stage for what you hope for their future.
IN WANT OF A WIFE intrigues, is finely-laid out, molded and shaped, then allowed to blossom into well fleshed-out characters who can't help but love each other deeply once they realize neither one of them is giving up. Heartbreaking at times, made even more so by how invested the reader becomes in the lives of all the characters, IN WANT OF A WIFE is the kind of western historical romance I love to read and highly recommend.
If you want to read the rest of Jo Goodman's BITTER SPRINGS series, there are two more novels to read starting with THE LAST RENEGADE and followed by TRUE TO THE LAW, both published prior to IN WANT OF A WIFE. Also connected to the BITTER SPRINGS series is a novella in a multi-author anthology titled BOOTS UNDER HER BED. Enjoy! I know they're on my "to be read" list.
Review by Dorine, courtesy of Romance Junkies.
March 20, 2022
3 Stars
Overall Opinion: I’ve been on an arranged marriage kick lately for some reason and I thought, why not a mail order bride story? This was a little underwhelming tbh. I liked the premise, but it was just alright in its overall execution. I feel kind of indifferent about it if I’m being honest, so I’m going with a middle of the road 3 “just okay” star rating. If you have any mail order bride stories that you could recommend, I’m all ears!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jane and Morgan’s story. Morgan put in an advertisement for a wife and Jane answered the call. She is leaving her abusive family and he needs someone to cook and clean his ranch. There are some big secrets revealed, some family drama, a few suspenseful scenes, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Jane and Morgan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. It did feel a little slow at times but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Morgan. I liked him. He was good to his core regardless of the situations he was put in.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Jane. I liked her for the most part, I just don’t feel like I really connected with her character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but pretty mild and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending , but I think it would’ve benefited by giving us a farther glimpse into their future
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (see trigger spoiler tag)
Overall Opinion: I’ve been on an arranged marriage kick lately for some reason and I thought, why not a mail order bride story? This was a little underwhelming tbh. I liked the premise, but it was just alright in its overall execution. I feel kind of indifferent about it if I’m being honest, so I’m going with a middle of the road 3 “just okay” star rating. If you have any mail order bride stories that you could recommend, I’m all ears!
Brief Summary of the Storyline: This is Jane and Morgan’s story. Morgan put in an advertisement for a wife and Jane answered the call. She is leaving her abusive family and he needs someone to cook and clean his ranch. There are some big secrets revealed, some family drama, a few suspenseful scenes, and some sexy times…and they get a HEA ending.
Point Of View (POV): This alternated between focusing on Jane and Morgan in 3rd person narrative.
Overall Pace of Story: Good for the most part. It did feel a little slow at times but I never skimmed.
Instalove: No, they take a while to develop stronger feelings.
H (Hero) rating: 4 stars. Morgan. I liked him. He was good to his core regardless of the situations he was put in.
h (heroine) rating: 3.5 stars. Jane. I liked her for the most part, I just don’t feel like I really connected with her character.
Sadness level: Low, no tissues needed
Push/Pull: Not really
Heat level: Alright. They have some tension, chemistry, and scenes -- but pretty mild and not so much it takes away from the story.
Descriptive sex: Yes
OW (Other Woman)/OM (Other Man) drama: No
Sex scene with OW or OM: No
Cheating: No
Separation: No
Possible Triggers: Yes
Closure: This ends in a good place with what I would call a HEA ending , but I think it would’ve benefited by giving us a farther glimpse into their future
Safety: This one should be either Safe or Safe with exception for most safety gang readers depending on personal preferences (see trigger spoiler tag)
January 13, 2024
I loved this...all of it. I wasn't sure if I was going to like Morgan because he wasn't too nice when he first met Jane (he thought she lied about who she was), but that quickly changed.
Morgan has a very tragic past, that we see through nightmares and he discloses it to Jane later.
Jane was the perfect strong yet feminine character. She knew how to put Morgan in his place. She also knew how to subtly get information from some of the side characters. I liked that she still managed to be very likable and 'sassy'.
I would love to read the rest of this series, as long as the MMCs are just as good as Morgan.
Morgan has a very tragic past, that we see through nightmares and he discloses it to Jane later.
Jane was the perfect strong yet feminine character. She knew how to put Morgan in his place. She also knew how to subtly get information from some of the side characters. I liked that she still managed to be very likable and 'sassy'.
I would love to read the rest of this series, as long as the MMCs are just as good as Morgan.
April 9, 2016
Maybe 2.5 stars
I did listen to this one and the narrator was pretty stiff. It may have made the already stiff dialogue worse.
I just could not get into their relationship. They moved so slow. They did not communicate, kept secrets. I know the Hero was sweet, but he did not seem very into the heroine until pretty late in the book.
The heroine was way too strange for me.
Overall this was just odd.
I did listen to this one and the narrator was pretty stiff. It may have made the already stiff dialogue worse.
I just could not get into their relationship. They moved so slow. They did not communicate, kept secrets. I know the Hero was sweet, but he did not seem very into the heroine until pretty late in the book.
The heroine was way too strange for me.
Overall this was just odd.
December 11, 2022
4 stars ✿
❛The quiet in her settled in his heart. In these moments, the peace that had eluded him all of his life became what she was, his companion. He walked with his past at his side now. He walked with her. With Jane, all things were possible.❜ 💛
I really wanted to read a book with lots of domestic and slice-of-life moments and zero angst and miscommunication and this fit the bill perfectly. I'm seriously kicking myself for dnf-ing this book a few months ago because in want of a wife was a really sweet story of a couple slowly falling in love.
❛The quiet in her settled in his heart. In these moments, the peace that had eluded him all of his life became what she was, his companion. He walked with his past at his side now. He walked with her. With Jane, all things were possible.❜ 💛
I really wanted to read a book with lots of domestic and slice-of-life moments and zero angst and miscommunication and this fit the bill perfectly. I'm seriously kicking myself for dnf-ing this book a few months ago because in want of a wife was a really sweet story of a couple slowly falling in love.
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