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A Texas Ranger who wants a wife, an heiress who needs a husband, and a marriage of convenience that sparks an accidental attraction in this sweetly suspenseful and squeaky-clean historical romance.

Despite a dangerous and demanding career, Texas Ranger Bolt Sanderson dreams of starting a family. But a man who spends most of his time on the road doesn’t exactly have a long list of marital prospects. He decides to cut a corner on his quest for happily-ever-after by firing off an application for a mail-order bride.

Scarlett Martinez must be married for an entire month before she can claim her inheritance, but a disastrous first social season has her spiraling toward spinsterhood. She runs across an advertisement for a mail-order bride and realizes she’s found the perfect loophole…until her cowboy lawman groom swaggers to the altar. Their unexpected attraction — and the danger that accompanies it — is a complication neither of them was counting on.

This book was previously part of the Border Brides Series and has since been rewritten and re-edited to be part of the BRIDES OF CEDAR FALLS — uplifting historical romance stories full of faith, hope, love, and cowboys!

154 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 21, 2020

220 people are currently reading
89 people want to read

About the author

Jovie Grace

54 books71 followers
Jovie Grace is an Amazon bestselling author of sweet historical romance full of faith, hope, love, and cowboys. Readers can connect with her at Cuppa Jo Readers on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Cuppa....

She also writes sweet romantic thrillers as Jo Grafford. To join her New Release Email List, visit www.JoGrafford.com.

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5 stars
262 (66%)
4 stars
73 (18%)
3 stars
47 (11%)
2 stars
10 (2%)
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0 (0%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
August 9, 2024
Excellent characters! This swoony romance kept me laughing at the banter between Holly and Bolt who are like brother and sister instead of neighbors. Bolts’s mail order bride Scarlett, brings so much to the story! I instantly liked her and all her quirks that she thought made her unsuitable. Her spirit of adventure and life that runs through her veins make sure there is never a dull moment . I found her and Bolts relationship to have tons of chemistry and romance that kept me rooting for their happily ever after. When a money hungry aunt tries to strike fear into the relationship it brings danger into the story. Then you pull their neighbors Molly and Denver into the mix and it makes for a fantastic read full of laughter and friendship. There is so much more than just romance, and Molly contributes much to this fun and romantic story. I enjoyed this book so much and wasn’t ready for it to end, I look forward with much anticipation for the next one! Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews129 followers
July 29, 2020
Headlines!! Texas Ranger Bolt Sanderson greets mail order bride Scarlett Martinez, at train depot! Rifle toting lass walks right up and throws her arms around him for a kiss!
Scarlett was not the usual wifely material. She like shooting, riding and anything outdoors so once he got to know her, he just might want to send her back!
I was totally enchanted! Loved Bolt(great name) and Scarlett (although she was from Atlanta, a far cry from one famous Scarlett we all know!) was a determined woman and it seemed like a match made in heaven. I mean a Texas Ranger and woman with so many skills of defense?
Sit back and enjoy this delightful tale with a little suspense, some secrets that some out, humorous banter, including a mouse and Molly Carpenter and know you will enjoy every single word!!
227 reviews6 followers
August 6, 2024
I loved this book so very much! Bolt and Scarlett worked so well together as they navigated getting to know each other while someone was after Scarlett’s inheritance. Scarlett was so afraid that Bolt would walk away from her when he found out that she was helpless with household chores and cooking, but Bolt actually loved the fact that Scarlett was so good with her guns and knives. I fell in love with the general store owners. They became such a special part of this story – it certainly would not have been as good without them and the roles they played. This book was a quick read and a breath of fresh air to me. So good!
354 reviews5 followers
August 9, 2024
Another great book in this series, so enjoyed reading it. Recommend it to everyone who loves a nice clean book. You will love the H and h, the h is a mail order bride the H sent for so he would not be alone anymore. He also wanted to have children. The h is from Atlanta a rich heiress who is running away from her aunt who wants to confiscate her wealth. The h happens to be a dead shot with any type of gun and throws a knife with great skill. This meant she didn’t fit in, in the East but was very respected in Texas. The H falls for the h at first sight, she’s beautiful and carrying a rifle. When she comes up to him she asks him to kiss her because she is being followed. He is surprised but does as she requested. And they are both surprised how they each are affect by it. The contract they both signed had them getting married upon and her arrival and that is what they do, not with out some difficulties. They decided to reevaluate the marriage in a month and get it annulled if it was wrong for them. But in spite of all that happens due to her aunt both fall deeply in love. The aunt is arrested for embezzlement and other crimes she committed and the h gets all her inheritance. The H and h get their HEA including starting their family. Recommend this book to everyone, I know you will love it.
1,457 reviews23 followers
August 18, 2024
I loved this interesting and humorous mail order marriage of Scarlett of Atlanta and Bolt, a Texas Ranger of Cedar Falls, Texas. When Bolt signed up with an agency to find him a bride because he was lonely, he was surprised with the bride he was sent. Scarlett arrived by train with a wedding dress on and toting a rifle. After the wedding, while Bolt and the shop keeper were bringing all Scarlett's belongings in from the carriage to take upstairs to their apartment, a rattlesnake followed them in through the open door. When the shop owner's wife screamed, Scarlett pulled a knife out of her boot and threw it at the snake and pinned its head to the floor. After removing her knife, she picked the snake up by the tail and threw it out in the street. You can Imagine what her new husband and friends thought of that when they only met a few hours ago. Then Bolt finds out that Scarlett can't cook, do laundry, or sew. Did he remain in the marriage or run for the hills. You will have to read the book to find out. I highly recommend this book as a clean romance. I loved the characters and all the unusual things that happened after this marriage of convenience. This is my voluntary and honest review.
Profile Image for Joyce Marion.
508 reviews7 followers
August 18, 2024
Oh My! Hysterical! Bolt is a TX ranger. He's 26, was raised in an orphanage and doesn't have time to court. So he sends for a mail order bride. Scarlett is 24. She will inherit her father's estate at 25 if she's married. She is an "oddity" in Atlanta society. She can't cook or sew, but she can shoot and hunt. She's gets off the train in a white wedding dress and a rifle across her shoulders. Bolt is amazed at how beautiful she is. He lives above the general store and doesn't have any furniture because he figured his wife could pick it out. She tells him that he only has to stayed married to her for a month and then they can annul their contract. She knows that she won't make a good wife because she can't cook or sew or all the other things. Bolt is just lonely and enjoys her wit and fun. They have to deal with the scheming aunt who is trying to take her inheritance. Such a fun book!
Profile Image for Roberta aka Bobbie.
305 reviews
August 10, 2024
Because Bolt Sanderson was a Texas Ranger he worked long hours and unpredictable shifts. That made it impossible for him to meet, much less court, a young lady with marriage in mind. When Bolt saw an advertisement for a mail-order bride his dilemma was solved. Imagine his surprise when Scarlett Martinez, his mail-order bride, gets off the train dressed in all white with a hunting rifle over her shoulder.

That's how this fun, full-of-surprises story starts... and there's all kinds of shenanigans to keep you smiling and even laughing clear to the happily-ever-after ending.

Jovie Grace has created wonderful, interesting characters for this clean, historical romance. I definitely recommend it.

I was given an ARC of this story from BookFunnel at the request of Jovie Grace, the author. All thoughts and comments are mine, given voluntarily.
Profile Image for SJ Garrison.
652 reviews
July 23, 2020
Hilarious! I laughed throughout this whole book. Bolt the Texas Rangers finally ready to settle down and have a family, decided to go for a mail-order bride. Scarlet having very unusual circumstances, answers the ad. Loved the scene of Scarlet getting off the train. I had my husband so curious at my laughing, but I'm just glad I chose to read it in the middle of the day. My usual reading time is at night, he would have been very unhappy with my outbursts, instead of inquiring 'What's so funny!'. I hope to read more of Scarlet and Bolt, and Molly and Denver. Wonderful characters! If you like clean, fun, mail-order bride stories, you can't go wrong with 'Going All In'. I highly recommend! I received this book from the publisher. The thoughts and comments are my own.
48 reviews1 follower
August 9, 2024
This was another fun read from Jovie Grace. Bolt longs for a family of his own, but he's often away from home while enforcing the law. He lives in a sparse apartment above the busy body shop owner / land lady and his biggest challenge is to sneak out without her seeing him. Scarlet would rather be out shooting a gun or throwing a knife than perfecting her stitches or learning how to cook. She can't even master walking in a dress without tripping over the hem. Throw in a few misunderstandings, devious bad guys, and some humor and you will fully enjoy this book. Great character development as always and a really sweet HEA. Highly recommend. I received an advanced copy of this book, and this review is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Karen Black.
Author 7 books
October 1, 2025
Loved it. Humor, some suspense, and a really different, but great, romance. Scarlett, a failed debutante from Atlanta, decides to accept a mail-order bride ad, because she just doesn't fit in with the expectations of society. She arrives on a train, comfortably toting a rifle, and greets her intended with a kiss at the train station. She's a hoot! Their immediate attraction is fun, she being so entirely different that the Texas Ranger expected, but oh so appropriate for him, (even though she can cook, sew, or clean the house). But she can shoot straight, throw a knife to kill a rattlesnake, and throw a songbook at a mouse that is disrupting the wedding. I've read several of this author's books, and none disappoint. This is no exception.
Profile Image for Vibliophile.
1,592 reviews130 followers
July 23, 2020
(4.5 stars) - "too-good-to-be-true kind of perfect"

Bolt wants a woman to build a family of his own with, and Scarlett is worried that Bolt will want a refund when he finds out what a disaster she is in the feminine arts. But she's a sure thing with a gun or a knife - close enough to perfect for a Texas Ranger!

(Watch out for Molly - don't make Bolt's mistake & underestimate this secondary character, lol!)

This is a short & simple but sweet & funny tale - perfect for when you just want an hour or two's entertainment

*Clean romance level: passionate kisses, nothing graphic
1,004 reviews1 follower
July 24, 2020
Going All In by Jo Grafford is the story of Bolt who is a Texas ranger and his unusual mail- order bride, Scarlett . It is a funny historical. Jo Grafford creates a wonderful character in Scarlett who is different than a lot of ladies that became mail order brides.The description of the small town and the towns people are one of my favorite parts. Jo Grafford makes you fell as if you are standing in the town. It does fine as a stand alone.
I received a free copy of this book and am giving a honest review.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,798 reviews12 followers
October 8, 2021
3.5 ⭐️

Scarlett is an heiress on the run from her wicked aunt who is after her inheritance. She becomes a mail order bride to flee to safety.

Bolt is a Texas ranger and tired of being lonely. Is he ready for the gun slinging woman he’s about to marry?


I enjoyed the story, but a couple things led to a 3.5 star rating. First, the villain sent by the aunt just vanished with nothing more said about him…what happened there?
And second, a very abrupt ending at page 89, when there are 37 pages left with previews and whatnot.
301 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2024
This is one of my all-time favorite historical romances. Going All In features Texas Ranger Bolt Sanderson. He’s ready to settle down and deems a mail order bride to be the best method of procurement. Little does he know that when Scarlett Martinez steps off that train life will never be the same! She’s not at all what he was expecting and everything he didn’t dare dream. There’s a dastardly coward to thwart, new friends to embrace, and a steep learning curve for some aspects of marital bliss. Loved it! I received an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion.
Profile Image for Sharon S.
991 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2024
Another great book in the Brides of Cedar Falls series by Jovie Grace.
Bolt is a Texas Ranger whose mail-order bride is arriving today.
Scarlett is not what Bolt expected, but in a very good way. She’s stunning and carries a rifle like she knows really well how to use it and her first request is he kiss her at the train station.
Her aunt is trying to keep her from inheriting at her next birthday unless she marries the man her aunt picks for her.
What plans does her aunt have to gain control of her money? Can Bolt and Scarlett foil her plans?
*I received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Profile Image for Sandra Barker.
Author 22 books26 followers
October 17, 2025
This is a short book and quick read. I've given it a generous 4-star. It seemed to be a shallow book to me and pretty much - purely romance. The bit of conflict was very minimal. The handsome cowboy who is the marshal of the town went to the station to pick up his mail-order bride - who just happened to be beautiful and rich. This highly unlikely beginning carried throughout the book. It is a clean, very kind book, with lots of "sweet talk" and lots of laughter. If you want to read a short, sweet, light romance - this might be for you.
1,163 reviews6 followers
September 25, 2020
Oh, wow! I loved this book! Ok, so I say that about every book I read! Bolt and Scarlett make a great pair! I loved the banter between them, and especially that Scarlett thinks she's a failure because of the things she can't do. None of that bothers Bolt, though, and it turns out she's just the person he needs!!!

I received a complimentary copy of this book, was not required to leave a review, and the opinion expressed is my own.
828 reviews3 followers
August 6, 2024
Chortled through the book. The Texas Ranger’s mail order bride arrives in a white wedding dress and a shotgun over her shoulder. She wasn’t accepted in Atlanta (shotgun with wedding dress?) and felt she had never belonged. Could this Texas Ranger accept her as she was and help her with the troubles following her? Even the troubles came with laughs as well as danger. Thoroughly enjoyed this book and recommend it as a fun, light read.

Received an ARC and this is my honest review.
Profile Image for Adpa.
503 reviews2 followers
August 7, 2024
What a delightful story! A rich heiress, about to reach her birthday where she will inherit her fortune--- provided her aunt doesn't get her way.
Bolt, a lonely Texas Ranger, applies for a mail order bride, and what a surprise candidate he receives! Certainly not a girly, entitled "little rich girl"
The book was very entertaining and full of unexpected and humorous events.
I was provided a copy of the book, and this review is my honest opinion.
42 reviews
August 8, 2024
Texas Ranger Bolt Sanderson wants a wife and family. He doesn't have time to court women so he decides to apply for a mail order bride. Scarlett Martinez has an aunt who is trying to steal her inheritance. She needs a husband after her disaster of her first social season and decides that her best chance to protect herself is to accept an application from the mail order bride agency from Texas Ranger Bolt Sanderson. When Scarlet arrives in Texas, life becomes complicated.
Profile Image for Mary Stalnaker.
287 reviews13 followers
August 9, 2024
This is the story of a convenience marriage that is really fun. Bolt is a Texas Ranger but wants to start a family. But, he hasn't been able to find a wife. Scarlett needs to be married within the month in order to get her inheritance. Can they make the marriage work and stay together for at least a month? The story is very engaging and fun to read. I really enjoyed reading it.
I did get a copy from the author, but this review is my own opinion.
Profile Image for Gina.
2,388 reviews31 followers
July 21, 2020
A fun romance. When Bolt went to pick up his mail order bride Scarlett he was tickled to see a rifle carrying beautiful woman. Even though she is not a normal housewife Bolt cannot be happier with his gun toting, hunting woman. Now if only they can get a fake fiance out of the way they can begin their courting. I received a complimentary copy and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Shonda.
Author 10 books47 followers
July 22, 2020
Fantastic characters! I loved this story, I was hooked from the first page. This was a fun read that had me laughing through the whole book! I loved the humor that just draws you in and keeps the reader turning pages at record speed. A sweet clean romance that is tender and romantic. This is definitely a book you don’t want to miss!
Was given a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Judy Esposito.
969 reviews13 followers
August 2, 2020
Going All In ( Border Brides Book 8)

I enjoyed this short and sweet romance written with humor and a bit of suspense woven throughout. Loved both Bolt and Scarlett along with the nosy but loving neighbors, Molly and her husband. Will be checking out other books by this author, Jo Grafford. JudyE.
1,033 reviews4 followers
August 6, 2024
I love this story about Bolt, who sent for a mail-order bride, Scarlett. When she stepped off the train, he was surprised to see her toting a rifle over her shoulder.

Would she be what he wanted in a wife? Would she be happy with a Texas Ranger?

I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
132 reviews2 followers
August 17, 2024
Bolt desires a wife and partner in life! Scarlett is his mail order bride. Unfortunately she has a crazy aunt. Scarlett has an inheritance coming to her that her aunt wants a large part of. Can Bolt protect her and save from being captured. An amusing story. I laugh often at many parts. I received a free book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
269 reviews
September 4, 2024
This historical western romance was such a riveting tale. It had me missing the dryer beep, and finishing dinner late, so prepare yourself! It’s a clean romance and from the very first word I was hooked. All of the authors books are amazing, but this one especially.
I read the book early and all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Robyn Echols.
Author 5 books28 followers
September 7, 2021
Busybody to Best Friend

I enjoyed this romance about an unconventional woman fleeing greedy relatives. The secondary characters were as good as the hero and heroine. Fun plot for this quick read.
286 reviews1 follower
August 7, 2024
Going All In is a short and sweet historical story set in Texas 1868. I enjoyed Bot’s humor and Scarlett’s skills with which to defend herself. This is a great read for when you’re short on time and want a happily-ever-after ending. It will definitely make you smile.
Profile Image for Mary Jane McLeod.
2,920 reviews6 followers
August 9, 2024
Really Great Series

I'm really enjoying this series and all the characters. I so enjoyed Bolt and Scarlett's story. She needed a husband to keep her inheritance from her aunt. He was lonely and wants a family of his own. These two are perfect for each other. I really enjoyed watching them fall for each other on the pages.  A captivating read that I read straight through
Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews

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