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The Kincaids #1
The Most Unsuitable Wife
Wanted: One completely improper wife. Even if Drake Kincaid had placed such an advertisement in every paper in the country, he couldn't have found a better candidate than Pearl Parker, which is fine with him. After all, his parent's crazy will stipulates only that he marry by his thirtieth birthday, not that he marry well. And no one--including Drake's grandfather, the man determined to hold him to the ridiculous provision--could possibly think tall, bossy Pearl with her ragtag siblings and questionable "cousin" Belle will make a good wife. Until Drake realizes that in Pearl's startling violet eyes he sees a beautiful woman with a generous soul
Their life may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love--with a breathtaking dose of passion--will overcome danger, threats, and all obstacles to make their marriage a true romance.
Their life may not have started with hearts and flowers, but Drake and Pearl will soon learn that real love--with a breathtaking dose of passion--will overcome danger, threats, and all obstacles to make their marriage a true romance.
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First published January 1, 2003
223 people are currently reading
281 people want to read
About the author
Caroline Clemmons
130 books386 followersThrough a crazy twist of fate, Caroline Clemmons was not born on a Texas ranch. To make up for this tragic error, she writes about handsome cowboys, feisty ranch women, and scheming villains in a small office her family calls her pink cave. She and her Hero live in North Central Texas cowboy country where they ride herd on their rescued cats and dogs. The books she creates there have made her an Amazon bestselling author and won several awards. Find her on her blog, website, Facebook, Twitter, Goodreads, Google+, and Pinterest.
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Click on her Amazon Author Page for a complete list of her books and follow her there.
Follow her on BookBub.
Subscribe to Caroline’s newsletter at www.carolineclemmons.com to receive a FREE novella of HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, a humorous historical wedding disaster that ends happily—but you knew it would, didn’t you?
She loves to hear from readers
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
September 18, 2012
Interesting characters, but the writing just isn't up to snuff. And it just seems to get worse as the book goes on. I thought the last chapter was abysmal. The dialogue and what they are thinking isn't natural. I would not read another book by this author.
March 1, 2022
My Kindle Klean-up Kontinues adventures continues
I’ve had this book since Jan 2012 and after reading it I remembered that I have read it before. So I am not sure if my general boredom with this was because I remember the story or if it was because nothing seems to really happen in the plot.
The plot follows a fairly conventional marriage of convenience story set in the American west. Nothing much different - couple marry to save the farm / ranch / get the heroine out of trouble. Hero is stupid is not recognising the saint combined with genius that is his wife. Some drama and they end up with a happily ever after when he realizes his love for her. She is a paragon throughout - here of the feisty determined kind, not the saintly variety.
The ending was so abrupt that I actually thought my book was truncated. There wasn’t enough romance between the leads for my taste which is a shame as I tend to like this trope.
Plus there are some off throwaway sentences which irked me. The hero’s grandfather says:
“He stepped closer to his grandson and pointed to the ground. "Didn't I help wrench this very piece of land you're standing on from ol' Santa Anna and the Comanches?”
The land was stolen, not “wrenched”.
The hero later has trouble with Jayhawkers - who were anti-slavers. Makes me a little suspicious about the research the author actually did. She uses the word carpetbaggers so casually without acknowledging the troubled history of Reconstruction. None of this really matters to the romance per se but it irked me.
In going through my notes I was even more bored. I am still going with a generous 2 star because, as I said, this could be just because I’ve read the book before.
I’ve had this book since Jan 2012 and after reading it I remembered that I have read it before. So I am not sure if my general boredom with this was because I remember the story or if it was because nothing seems to really happen in the plot.
The plot follows a fairly conventional marriage of convenience story set in the American west. Nothing much different - couple marry to save the farm / ranch / get the heroine out of trouble. Hero is stupid is not recognising the saint combined with genius that is his wife. Some drama and they end up with a happily ever after when he realizes his love for her. She is a paragon throughout - here of the feisty determined kind, not the saintly variety.
The ending was so abrupt that I actually thought my book was truncated. There wasn’t enough romance between the leads for my taste which is a shame as I tend to like this trope.
Plus there are some off throwaway sentences which irked me. The hero’s grandfather says:
“He stepped closer to his grandson and pointed to the ground. "Didn't I help wrench this very piece of land you're standing on from ol' Santa Anna and the Comanches?”
The land was stolen, not “wrenched”.
The hero later has trouble with Jayhawkers - who were anti-slavers. Makes me a little suspicious about the research the author actually did. She uses the word carpetbaggers so casually without acknowledging the troubled history of Reconstruction. None of this really matters to the romance per se but it irked me.
In going through my notes I was even more bored. I am still going with a generous 2 star because, as I said, this could be just because I’ve read the book before.
June 27, 2017
2.5 stars.
So there's this whole blurb about the hero willing to find the most unsuitable wife, which is emphasized by the title of this book, but the whole thing about finding that wife is done and over with so quickly you'll miss it if you blink.
That big secret she wants to keep hidden from the hero? As to why she'd been called the pig girl? *rolling my eyes* so ridiculous.
It wasn't a horrible book but I often thought about not finishing it. I just completely lost interest after a little while.
So there's this whole blurb about the hero willing to find the most unsuitable wife, which is emphasized by the title of this book, but the whole thing about finding that wife is done and over with so quickly you'll miss it if you blink.
That big secret she wants to keep hidden from the hero? As to why she'd been called the pig girl? *rolling my eyes* so ridiculous.
It wasn't a horrible book but I often thought about not finishing it. I just completely lost interest after a little while.
January 2, 2019
Lightweight western.
Bratty rancher needs a wife to inherit, a town's outcast who heals, bakes & takes in the unwanted, a villain & side kicks with no redeeming qualities.
Little 2 dimensional for my taste
Bratty rancher needs a wife to inherit, a town's outcast who heals, bakes & takes in the unwanted, a villain & side kicks with no redeeming qualities.
Little 2 dimensional for my taste
June 5, 2012
I accidentally read this book, not realizing it was a romance novel, which is generally not my genre. It's corny, unrealistic, and the characters are overly idyllic, but I did finish it and was mildly entertained.
October 23, 2014
Just another quick read, western style adventure romance. Nice but nothing special. Good airport read.
Rosie nook book.
Rosie nook book.
February 6, 2015
the stuff daydreams are made of... charming story. I look forward to reading more.
September 1, 2019
Thank you, no.
This was a lot of telling, not showing. We spend 200 pages with one of many major “mysteries” and lo, it is revealed to us. Now, even the most junior of reader could have figured out what was going on. But just to make sure the author decided to include, “Pearl's gaze locked with Drake's. So, Quin was the one who beat Belle.” Yeah. We got that. When the character Quin announced he beat “her” two sentences before.
There were some good writing moments. But mostly… it wasn’t.
This was a lot of telling, not showing. We spend 200 pages with one of many major “mysteries” and lo, it is revealed to us. Now, even the most junior of reader could have figured out what was going on. But just to make sure the author decided to include, “Pearl's gaze locked with Drake's. So, Quin was the one who beat Belle.” Yeah. We got that. When the character Quin announced he beat “her” two sentences before.
There were some good writing moments. But mostly… it wasn’t.
September 5, 2018
Good read
Very detailed story line and good character development. What kept me from rating this story a 5 was the ending...it just ended! There was a dramatic buildup and then...they’re going home. An expanded ending would have made this better.
Very detailed story line and good character development. What kept me from rating this story a 5 was the ending...it just ended! There was a dramatic buildup and then...they’re going home. An expanded ending would have made this better.
June 28, 2017
The Most Unsuitable Wife
Very good book with suspense and drama. The love story between Pearl and Drake begins in an unusual way but I liked their story very much.
Very good book with suspense and drama. The love story between Pearl and Drake begins in an unusual way but I liked their story very much.
September 10, 2017
Good story teller, drama up to the very end. A good read
April 4, 2019
Incredible story
This book contains so many elements that kept my attention and anticipation throughout the whole reading. Romance is slow to build but proved true.
This book contains so many elements that kept my attention and anticipation throughout the whole reading. Romance is slow to build but proved true.
July 22, 2019
short, sweet, old, good to pass the time and it's more than just a marriage because there is a murderer out there!
February 2, 2020
A cute twist on a Cinderella plot with a bonus mystery.
October 8, 2021
Pearl and Drake
I loved this ebook by the very talented Caroline Clemmons! Pearl and Drake's story was such a joy to read! I highly recommend this ebook!
I loved this ebook by the very talented Caroline Clemmons! Pearl and Drake's story was such a joy to read! I highly recommend this ebook!
November 3, 2022
Great read!!! I love this series!!!!!
January 21, 2021
This read kept me engaged a little at a time. I like reading time period stories, so i gave this a shot. It was long but entertaining.
June 16, 2019
This story is a fine start for a four-part saga about the Kincaid family of Texas. As Drake Kincaid nears his 30th birthday, he is spitting mad; the terms of the inheritance to his ranch requires that he marry by 30 years of age. Unfortunately, Drake's grandfather is a judge and seems rather gleeful to force Drake to marry. Drake wasn't overly concerned about the marriage provision when he was 18, but the clock is ticking and he could lose the whole ranch to a worthless uncle.
Because Drake is so angry, he decides to find the most unsuitable woman available, marry her and let her live with Grandpa Kincaid, while he resides happily on his ranch by himself.
On his way to purchase horses in Tennessee with his cousin Lex, Drake comes upon a woman being insulted by three men. Instead of quivering, Pearl Parker takes out her gun and shoots at (and scares away) the men. Drake is shocked. Then Drake and Lex note that she is bossy, unwilling to cower, a fine baker and a healer who helps anyone (especially those unable to pay). Pearl is also the sole support of her half-sister and half-brother (Sarah and Storm). Since her grandmother died two weeks before, the mood of the town has turned more negative toward the three teens. Pearl knows she must take those she cares for and get out of town soon.
On a side-trip to see one of Grandpa Kincaid's old friends, Sheriff Evan Cummins, Lex and Drake wind up taking the very ill man to Pearl for treatment. Understanding flashes in Drake's mind when Evan tells the cousins about the trouble that is escalating around the three young people. Drake takes Pearl aside and asks her to marry him in a marriage of convenience; he will also take Sarah and Storm into his home. Magnanimously, Drake brings Belle along too, a 'cousin' to the three teens (actually, she is a whore who was almost killed by a customer and is being protected by Pearl).
Pearl and Drake marry quickly and leave for Texas. Drake is a happy man; he can take his wife and her extended family to Grandpa Kincaid to live and he can go back to his ranch. Ah, Pearl has other ideas about that; it makes for a cute story as Drake and Pearl compromise and change to make a success of their marriage.
The story was a quick read; so much happens and the characters are interesting and multifaceted.
Kincaids
1. The Most Unsuitable Wife (2003)
2. The Most Unsuitable Husband (2003)
3. The Most Unsuitable Courtship (2013)
4. Gabe Kincaid (2014)
Because Drake is so angry, he decides to find the most unsuitable woman available, marry her and let her live with Grandpa Kincaid, while he resides happily on his ranch by himself.
On his way to purchase horses in Tennessee with his cousin Lex, Drake comes upon a woman being insulted by three men. Instead of quivering, Pearl Parker takes out her gun and shoots at (and scares away) the men. Drake is shocked. Then Drake and Lex note that she is bossy, unwilling to cower, a fine baker and a healer who helps anyone (especially those unable to pay). Pearl is also the sole support of her half-sister and half-brother (Sarah and Storm). Since her grandmother died two weeks before, the mood of the town has turned more negative toward the three teens. Pearl knows she must take those she cares for and get out of town soon.
On a side-trip to see one of Grandpa Kincaid's old friends, Sheriff Evan Cummins, Lex and Drake wind up taking the very ill man to Pearl for treatment. Understanding flashes in Drake's mind when Evan tells the cousins about the trouble that is escalating around the three young people. Drake takes Pearl aside and asks her to marry him in a marriage of convenience; he will also take Sarah and Storm into his home. Magnanimously, Drake brings Belle along too, a 'cousin' to the three teens (actually, she is a whore who was almost killed by a customer and is being protected by Pearl).
Pearl and Drake marry quickly and leave for Texas. Drake is a happy man; he can take his wife and her extended family to Grandpa Kincaid to live and he can go back to his ranch. Ah, Pearl has other ideas about that; it makes for a cute story as Drake and Pearl compromise and change to make a success of their marriage.
The story was a quick read; so much happens and the characters are interesting and multifaceted.
Kincaids
1. The Most Unsuitable Wife (2003)
2. The Most Unsuitable Husband (2003)
3. The Most Unsuitable Courtship (2013)
4. Gabe Kincaid (2014)
February 13, 2020
A good read
Drake- owner of a ranch but acording to his parents will needs to marry to keep it.
Pearl- oldest and helped raise 2 half siblings. Also a healer and great cook.
I enjoyed reading this intriguing story that is well written with charismatic characters . Their story has a wonderful HEA with a slightly dramatic end of the story. I would like an epilogue to clarify a few questions and it would be a good set up for book 2.
Drake- owner of a ranch but acording to his parents will needs to marry to keep it.
Pearl- oldest and helped raise 2 half siblings. Also a healer and great cook.
I enjoyed reading this intriguing story that is well written with charismatic characters . Their story has a wonderful HEA with a slightly dramatic end of the story. I would like an epilogue to clarify a few questions and it would be a good set up for book 2.
September 16, 2015
What a spit fire!
What a very awesome book. One cocky cowboy that must be married by his 30th birthday or he looses his ranch to his Uncle (his mother's brother). By Damn that's not what's going to happen, so he takes a trip with his cousin Lex to a spit of a town to get some horses and try and find a homely looking bride to bring back. Pearl is a beautiful young woman who dresses up homely so she won't get hit on by men in the town and so she can sell her goods that she makes to take care of her younger sister and brother that she took in years ago and a new patient a saloon girl who got beat up and left for dead. She takes no scuff from NO one.
Wait till the battle begins with Drake and Pearl and who is after Pearl trying to kill her and the kids. Will Drake come to his senses and realise just how much she means to him.... a family of his own and that he truly loves her before it's too late?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves drama, mystery, suspense, romance and above all...Cowboy's!!
What a very awesome book. One cocky cowboy that must be married by his 30th birthday or he looses his ranch to his Uncle (his mother's brother). By Damn that's not what's going to happen, so he takes a trip with his cousin Lex to a spit of a town to get some horses and try and find a homely looking bride to bring back. Pearl is a beautiful young woman who dresses up homely so she won't get hit on by men in the town and so she can sell her goods that she makes to take care of her younger sister and brother that she took in years ago and a new patient a saloon girl who got beat up and left for dead. She takes no scuff from NO one.
Wait till the battle begins with Drake and Pearl and who is after Pearl trying to kill her and the kids. Will Drake come to his senses and realise just how much she means to him.... a family of his own and that he truly loves her before it's too late?
I would recommend this book to anyone who loves drama, mystery, suspense, romance and above all...Cowboy's!!
July 31, 2014
This author was new to me and I found this book via a BookBub recommendation.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was well written and had a good plot. There were a few typos and the Texan accent was sometimes a little over the top. But all in all it was very entertaining.
I really liked Pearl and Drake. They were both nice people and the chemistry between them was very believable.
The book was steamy without being smutty (not that I have a problem with smutty), dramatic without being dark and had some very lighthearted moments.
My only complaint is that it ends a little abruptly and there is no epilogue. I felt a little cheated not knowing what happens with Pearl and Drake.
I will definitely read more books by this author and while historical westerns are not my usual fare, I will read the rest of this series and would happily recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this story. I thought it was well written and had a good plot. There were a few typos and the Texan accent was sometimes a little over the top. But all in all it was very entertaining.
I really liked Pearl and Drake. They were both nice people and the chemistry between them was very believable.
The book was steamy without being smutty (not that I have a problem with smutty), dramatic without being dark and had some very lighthearted moments.
My only complaint is that it ends a little abruptly and there is no epilogue. I felt a little cheated not knowing what happens with Pearl and Drake.
I will definitely read more books by this author and while historical westerns are not my usual fare, I will read the rest of this series and would happily recommend this book.
August 13, 2013
I say this is a great read and start to the series, but the editing left you wondering what the heck happened. When they arrived in Kincaid Springs it says Drake helped the four ladies off the train... Gee so I guess Storm turned into a lady. The last few chapters had many spelling and grammatical error, which made you have to reread the sentence to understand it. If it weren't for these errors this book would be a 5 star book. I read this and book two backwards hehe...
August 28, 2015
A beautiful story!
A great beginning to the series, Drake requires a wife to inherit his ranch but doesn't want to get married. He devised a plan to find the most unacceptable woman to marry so he wouldn't fall in love. Pearl hides her true self from men by wearing oversized dresses and dirty hair, but she's a beautiful woman with a big heart who needs to escape her town. They marry and drake realizes he married the wrong woman.
A great beginning to the series, Drake requires a wife to inherit his ranch but doesn't want to get married. He devised a plan to find the most unacceptable woman to marry so he wouldn't fall in love. Pearl hides her true self from men by wearing oversized dresses and dirty hair, but she's a beautiful woman with a big heart who needs to escape her town. They marry and drake realizes he married the wrong woman.
November 25, 2011
A Western tale of redemption and discovery. Themes of family and community accentuate this marriage of convenience story. With every twist and turn, the past and present collide exposing Drake and Pearl's fears. Poor or rich, married or single, this book illustrates the human quest for acceptance and love.
August 27, 2015
Very Good Book
It's a mystery laced with a lot of clean romance. We see the hero and heroine fight all sorts of odds to embrace their lives together. And in the background there's the mystery of each ones former lives and who wants to harm them. I really liked the book and recommend it.
It's a mystery laced with a lot of clean romance. We see the hero and heroine fight all sorts of odds to embrace their lives together. And in the background there's the mystery of each ones former lives and who wants to harm them. I really liked the book and recommend it.
July 16, 2014
Extra good book
Extra good book
Enjoyed the western setting, the story line, and the positive feelings the whole story gave to the reader. Please keep writing such high caliber entertainment.
Extra good book
Enjoyed the western setting, the story line, and the positive feelings the whole story gave to the reader. Please keep writing such high caliber entertainment.
February 17, 2015
I received a free copy of this book through the author's newsletter. So glad I clicked that link. The Most Unsuitable Wife by Caroline Clemmons is a wonderful story. It is very well written with wonderful characters. I totally enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from this author.
August 30, 2015
Great historical romance
This book is well-written, and the theme of the unsuitable bride who is more than suitable is handled with great skill by the author. The book is just plain fun!
This book is well-written, and the theme of the unsuitable bride who is more than suitable is handled with great skill by the author. The book is just plain fun!
August 29, 2015
Very entertaining
This was a very good book. I learned a lot about Tenn hill people and how prejudices can destroy families and towns but I loved the Kincaids and I just purchased the other three hope they are as good as one.
This was a very good book. I learned a lot about Tenn hill people and how prejudices can destroy families and towns but I loved the Kincaids and I just purchased the other three hope they are as good as one.
January 3, 2017
An adorable Western romance story about two dynamic characters (Pearl and Drake). Clemmons does a great job with her character development. The plot line is well developed as well. There are enough twists that keeps the reader intrigued.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews