Darling Minx

The Benningtons #4

by Annabelle Marin

Dr. Hugh Bennington has always considered himself a gentleman. While returning home from a trip to Laramie, he encounters a sickly young woman struggling to survive on a lonely farm on her own.
Susannah Cassidy is a young widow who, overcome by grief from losing her husband, makes it her life's mission to tend to the farm he desperately loved. After being nursed back to health by the handsome Dr. Bennington, Susannah is determined to keep working on the farm. Hugh isn't sure Susannah can manage it, no matter how stubborn she is. However, something about Susannah has struck him and he finds that he can't let her go. Can he convince her to give up the farm and move on, though?
Publisher's This installment of The Benningtons series can be read as a standalone but will also be enjoyed if the series is read in order. The steamy western contains elements of power exchange.

158 pages, Paperback

Published April 30, 2024

About the author

Annabelle Marin is a twenty-something romantic who lives in sunny California. When she isn't writing she enjoys daydreaming, watching way too much TV, and cuddling with her pets.
Her books are sweet erotic romances with domestic discipline. In her books you can expect: a spoonful of sweetness, a dash of sass, a cup of naughtiness, and an abundance of romance.
You can follow Annabelle on Facebook, Instagram, Goodreads, and Bookbub for exciting updates on upcoming books!
Facebook-https://www.facebook.com/annabelle.ma...
Instagram-https://www.instagram.com/missannabel...
Bookbub-//www.bookbub.com/profile/annabelle-marin
Goodreads-https://www.goodreads.com/author/show...

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE GRUMP AND THE WIDOW

It was fun being back in Larkspur Valley, Wyoming, and surrounded by the Bennington family again. Dr. Hugh Bennington decides he will ride his horse to Laramine to buy his cigars since the train isn't running. On his trip home, he will encounter a snowstorm and knows he needs to find shelter. What appears to be an old abandoned shack, actually isn't.

Widow Susannah Cassidy made a deathbed promise to her husband, Harold, as he lay dying that she would continue to farm their land. Sadly, the farm has never been prosperous, and neither had raising hogs worked well. It's been two years since he passed, and she is struggling to survive and keep her promise.

The story's plot will have Hugh taking shelter, and Susannah come in with a load of wood to see him handling her undergarments. Shocked and angered, she steps forward, slips falls backward, and hits the back of her head, going unconscious. Now Hugh needs to care for his patient. She is soaking wet from being out in the snow, so he undresses her and places her in a nightgown. What a shock to see how malnourished she is and covered in bruises. Hugh cares for her as she recovers and begs her to return with him--but she refuses. What a surprise when he comes back, and she isn't better--he takes her home to keep her from succumbing to influenza or pneumonia.

The story is about the journey of Hugh and Susannah. He is so frustrated with her clinging to her promise to a man who has been gone for years--and she is barely surviving. The one thing Hugh never expected was to fall for someone--and Susannah is falling for him. What will it take for them to be together? He has already spanked her for her foolishness before, and uses that threat against her. A life and death matter takes that choice away.

I enjoyed the story and the chemistry between these two. Hugh is like the Grinch--just the right thing, in this case, Susannah, makes his heart grow bigger and bigger. I think deep down she knew her promise to her last husband was foolish, but she felt she should keep her word. Fate steps in and changes everything.

The story does have explicit scenes along with power exchange.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining read, well written characters and storyline that simply captivates the reader
Dr Hugh Bennington had been working hard as a Doctor in circumstances that at times were extremely difficult, with taxing situations and clients that are not always the easiest to work with. However, his oath as a Doctor he takes extremely serious and he always tries to do no harm and help as many patients as he is able to.
When he comes across a deserted homestead with a young widow that is ill trying to continue running the property even though she is in the middle of a snowstorm, recently widowed Hugh nurses her back to health and manages to persuade her to return to Larkspur Valley until she is well enough to decide on her future.
After a while Hugh realises how attracted he has become to Susan and she is such a determined soul and as you read the book you watch their interactions develop. I guarantee that you will thoroughly enjoy reading this book and its outcome.
I thoroughly enjoyed the book and look forward to reading any future publications; keep up all the wonderful writing.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Reader_for_LifeTLG · Rating 4 out of 5]

The grumpy doctor meets his match. - Hugh saved Susannah from certain death when he stumbled upon her in a snowstorm. After nursing her back to health, he felt honor-bound to keep her safe from herself. So he took her home to his family's homestead. An unusual action for the confirmed bachelor and one everyone saw right through. Without words, he declared hid feelings, even if he didn't recognize them at the time. But his Sue is stubborn, needing a firm hand to bring her around when she's in a snit. And Hugh is just the man to settle her down, as he lights a fire in her behind.

The fourth book in this family series is another great addition. The chemistry between grumpy Hugh and stubborn Sue flares up, their passion unstoppable even as she laments her desire as betrayal against her dead husband. But claiming a difficult woman is an easy task for a Bennington, with a well-placed smack to her bottom. She is a minx and his sweetheart and he'll have her no matter what.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Arin Baur · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is so amazing wonderful I love it and couldn’t put it down from the beginning to the end! There is something about this author writing/ the type of stories she tells that get me obsessed with characters! This one did not disappoint from mr dr grumpy pants who is very different from his siblings to the determined widow who wants to keep her promise to her late husband. They keep curious entertain along other things I personally love how close the family is I will definitely be going back to read the other books in this series. It’s got lots of independent women feisty conflict who are not afraid to say or do things even if it brings out consequences. This one has tear jerker moments, lots of different emotions, fast paced, page turner content, action scenes, enemies to lovers, not giving up vibes and so much more in this lovely story. I thought it’s very charming funny I love all the characters I met and the unpredictable of how things would turn out. Overall an awesome easy quick read with surprising outcomes I hope there is more coming in this keeper type of series!

[Beata Beatrix · Rating 3 out of 5]

I am bit torn with this story.
🔸️ Firstly, the book has a good and entertaining storyline. However to really enjoy it you must keep your eyes closed to various historical inaccuracies (a difficult task for me).
🔸️ Secondly, the pair of MC's is a bit unusual one (which counts as pros).
MMC is a mean and rude local doctor.
FMC is a stubborn and definitely foolish widow.
Both characters are simutaneously interesting and irritaiting.
Overall, I have found them both difficult to like (which maybe makes them a well suited pair 🤷‍♀️).
🔸️What is more, the story has elements of well earned and well presented (but not overdone) domestic discipline.
On the other hand, the steamy chemistry between MCs was difficult to catch for me.
🔸️The story book itself is well written and easy to read.
All fans of historical western romance and domestic discipline might be happy with that story.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written , fast paced novella with just the right amount of steam. Has regrets, action, promises, chemistry, family support, drama and a wonderful storyline. Hugh is a Doctor who is returning home in a snowstorm and seeks shelter in a rundown farm. It's there he finds Susannah. She is sick and needs help but refuses to leave due to the promise she makes to her dying husband. she is to the point of starving, so he stays and helps her but needs to return home. After a time he goes back to check on her and finds that she is sicker than before. So he gets her to go to his family's place to get herself better. Has action and feelings between them, both have so much love to give but needs a big push to get themselves there. Great book to curl up with and enjoy. Would recommend to others.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

Warning: If you don't like spanking used as a form of adult discipline, then you probably shouldn't read this story. He really had to have his cigars and he didn't mean to get caught in a bad snowstorm. He found what he thought was an abandoned cabin but instead he found an almost half-dead woman. She had been a widow for two years and had been trying to run the farm as a promise to her dead husband. Instead she had made herself ill and was almost on the brink of losing everything. He vowed that he would never marry as he had no use for a wife and kids. She vowed to never remarry as she was still faithful to her dead husband. Fate, however, might have other plans. I think that you will enjoy reading this story full of wit, banter, tragedy, romance and discipline.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Robyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh didn't expect to find a woman he wanted to marry.

Dr. Hugh Bennington is on his way home from Laramie when he is caught by a snowstorm. He finds an isolated homestead and an ill young widow who is trying to continue to run their property. Hugh nurses her back to better health and manages to bully her into returning with him to Larkspur Valley to recuperate. Hugh is surprised to realise how much he is attracted to Susannah but she is determined to manage to run her property despite not being physically up to it.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[EM · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical western romance with steam and power exchange.

Dr Hugh, while he loved his family, had little tolerance for others and was a grumpy know it all, however despite her pushing his buttons, he does evolve after meeting stubborn widow Susannah. I enjoyed the chemistry and push pull between them both, as well as the Bennington family in general.

While this book was number 4 in the series, I easily read it without having read the others first (but I want to go back and read them now).

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who knew that Hugh would find someone who could tolerate him? Hugh meets Susannah by accident. He gets lost in a snowstorm and ends up at her farm. Susannah is a widow of a year trying to make the farm make a profit, but it's a hard job for her. She has become sick and rundown, and Hugh ends up taking her to his family's farm to recover, but he wants her to decide to marry him. I enjoyed reading Hugh's story and look forward to the next sibling's story.

[Brenda Moser · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written book with strong characters in Hugh and Susannah. The author does a great job developing the story and paints her scenes perfectly. She takes you into their lives with ups and downs and builds their relationship along the way. She moves the story quickly and smoothly and delivers a terrific read.

I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book. All opinions in this review are my own and are freely given.

[Vievie2 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susannah and Hugh met under strenuous circumstances. The blizzard meant that Hugh found shelter in an old abandoned house. -only it was Susannah’s home! A young widow struggling and malnourished which bought out Hugh’s protective instincts. She changes his life and makes him want things he’s never want before. He just needs to find a way to deal with her stubbornness. Well written and a fab read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Holly · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a pleasure to read this story. Great characters,very well developed.
The doctor was definitely playboy but he had strong relationship with his siblings.
Was the reason why he fall headfirst for sassy read head Susanna aka Minx ?
She definitely upturned his life. For better or worse…
Enjoy reading, I did.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hugh and Susannah. Hes a doctor and shes struggling to run a ranch her husband left her. He takes shelter in a shack, that he thinks, from a storm and when she comes in and sees him she falls and knocks herself unconscious. He nurses her back to health. He doesnt want to leave her but she wont leave. He comes back and shes still ill so he takes her with him. This is their turbulent journey to each other.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sydnee Walsh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Susannah is a shy but stubborn woman. She is sheltered but feels a connection with Hugh. Hugh said he wouldn’t marry and hasn’t courted anyone. But then he encounters Susannah. She pushes his buttons and tries his patience like no other. He can’t stop thinking about her and he wants to keep her. Marry her. Have her for himself. He just needs to convince her of this.

[Lynn · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hugh was caught in a snow storm on his way back home from the city. He found a little shack that he though abandoned to take shelter.
Susannah is trying to make a profit with her and her deceased husband's little farm, but she has no money, food, or the strength it takes to farm on her own.

I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Silindile · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book it was sweet charming and romantic. The characters were heroic I would definitely recommend this book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jeanne Richardson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I've read several books written by Annabelle Marin; she is becoming one of my favorite authors. I can’t wait to read more of her books.

This is the fourth book in the Beggingtons Series; it can be read as a stand-alone book but would be much better if read in order.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this historical romance. The storyline was written really well and it just made me feel warm all over. I definately couldn't out this book down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.