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Battered Pride
Passion knows no prejudice.
Eva McCabe may have been raised in the genteel tea rooms of North Carolina, but she isn’t one to surrender. Even after finding her husband’s scalped and mutilated body in the field of their Oregon Territory land grant, she refuses to leave. But tenacity won’t be enough. If she can’t meet the grant’s conditions of cultivation, she’ll forfeit her independence and all 640 acres.
Hatchoq is a man of mixed blood and clashing heritage. His father’s people tolerate him, and his mother’s people want him dead. When he kills a rogue member of his clan to save a white, he’s doomed to wander brutal lands alone.
Hatchoq camps on Eva’s land and secretly lends the struggling widow some aid. Once his presence is discovered, Eva is torn between bitterness and need. Reluctantly, they work side by side, farming her land and navigating a burning attraction neither one wants. Love grows as stubborn walls of hurt and anger crumble, but can it survive? If Hatchoq stays, he must deny his Mojave identity or risk both their lives.
Note about Battered Pride is an enemies-to-lovers romance that contains violence, adult themes, and descriptions of physical intimacy. It also contains period-correct language.
Eva McCabe may have been raised in the genteel tea rooms of North Carolina, but she isn’t one to surrender. Even after finding her husband’s scalped and mutilated body in the field of their Oregon Territory land grant, she refuses to leave. But tenacity won’t be enough. If she can’t meet the grant’s conditions of cultivation, she’ll forfeit her independence and all 640 acres.
Hatchoq is a man of mixed blood and clashing heritage. His father’s people tolerate him, and his mother’s people want him dead. When he kills a rogue member of his clan to save a white, he’s doomed to wander brutal lands alone.
Hatchoq camps on Eva’s land and secretly lends the struggling widow some aid. Once his presence is discovered, Eva is torn between bitterness and need. Reluctantly, they work side by side, farming her land and navigating a burning attraction neither one wants. Love grows as stubborn walls of hurt and anger crumble, but can it survive? If Hatchoq stays, he must deny his Mojave identity or risk both their lives.
Note about Battered Pride is an enemies-to-lovers romance that contains violence, adult themes, and descriptions of physical intimacy. It also contains period-correct language.
289 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 6, 2024
60 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
About the author
Melissa Maygrove
13 books33 followersNamed one of Houston's 100 Creatives for 2014 by the Houston Press and mentioned in 'Who's Who Among Texas Authors'
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance author. When she's not busy caring for her tiny NICU patients, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
Native Texan Melissa Maygrove is a mother, nurse, freelance editor, and romance author. When she's not busy caring for her tiny NICU patients, she's hunched over her laptop, complicating the lives of her imaginary friends and playing matchmaker. Melissa loves books with unpretentious characters and unforgettable romance, and she strives to create those same kinds of stories for her readers.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
April 21, 2025
Stellar story and writing. Melissa Maygrove does not disappoint. This is one talented author! I highly recommend this novel. I also recommend, "Come Back," the book in which the Hatchoq (Isaac), hero of "Battered pride" is first introduced.
October 11, 2024
I was so excited to get back to this world. This time we get Hatchoq's story. We met him in Come Back (the first in the series). This story picks up from that scene.
At times I did get frustrated with Eva and her reluctance to trust Hatchoq. But her husband was brutally murdered by Native American, so she did have the right to be nervous. I really liked Hatchoq's character and loved that he was so patient with Eva. He was drawn to her and wanted to be with her, so he would patiently wait for her.
I also really liked her neighbors and I suspect that one of them will be in the next book.
The only thing about the ending of this story wasn't completely resolved. Of course we see that they will be together and happy, but we don't know much from that. I suspect that the end of this book ties into the next book.
At times I did get frustrated with Eva and her reluctance to trust Hatchoq. But her husband was brutally murdered by Native American, so she did have the right to be nervous. I really liked Hatchoq's character and loved that he was so patient with Eva. He was drawn to her and wanted to be with her, so he would patiently wait for her.
I also really liked her neighbors and I suspect that one of them will be in the next book.
The only thing about the ending of this story wasn't completely resolved. Of course we see that they will be together and happy, but we don't know much from that. I suspect that the end of this book ties into the next book.
October 27, 2024
BE GRATEFUL FOR THE THINGS YOU HAVE
Once again, Ms. Melissa Maygrove has written a story with many emotions, heart-wrenching scenes, and heartache. But the story is full of change, new beginnings, dealing with the past, forging ahead for the future, and making a difference. The story is mystery, suspense, lies, deceit, and murder. It is two lives changed by circumstances, and together, becoming stronger. The story will involve two cultures and the struggles faced by those in each world.
The story begins in late November 1851 in Southern California where Hatchoq will take the life of his older half-brother, Mahut, to save the lives of settlers traveling when they won’t trade their horses to Mahut. It wasn’t an act he relished, but one required to prevent an injustice. Isaac Shaw the name given to him by his white mother, and Hatchoq, the name by his father of the Mojave people. He has learned from both but feels he is not accepted by either world. He has left the land of his father’s people and traveled to Southern Oregon Territory.
Widow Eva McCabe is in deep mourning after the murder of her husband, Keith. Based on the murder, it appears as if natives killed and scalped him. She is doing what she can to keep his dream alive, and with the help of Keith's friends, Mac and Connor, she is barely squeaking by. Another neighbor, Dwight Kramer, has been coming about, making offers to help take the land off her hands, and even offering her marriage. Eva can’t deal with anything right now. Then when a native is left near her home near death, she now faces a new dilemma.
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. With the help of Mac and Connor, and allowing Isaac time to heal, they keep his Native identity a secret. When he is well enough from his attack, he will return to the McCabe homestead as her hired man to help prove up the property, planting crops, digging irrigation ditches, and building fences to raise cattle. The story has people who pretend to care while doing everything in their power to destroy. It will have a battle for Eva, the memory of Keith, and the living presence of Isaac.
“You worry in vain. Regardless of what you choose, you cannot know the future.”
Eva: Do you ever worry about anything?
Isaac: Sometimes. But worry cannot change tomorrow. It only steals one’s strength from today.
The story is a page-turning tale of survival, adjustments, burying the past, and embracing the future. It is two people who need each other to improve the land and fight the desires that develop between them. Eventually, rather than fight what they are feeling, they admit their feelings and find strength together.
Once again, Ms. Melissa Maygrove has written a story with many emotions, heart-wrenching scenes, and heartache. But the story is full of change, new beginnings, dealing with the past, forging ahead for the future, and making a difference. The story is mystery, suspense, lies, deceit, and murder. It is two lives changed by circumstances, and together, becoming stronger. The story will involve two cultures and the struggles faced by those in each world.
The story begins in late November 1851 in Southern California where Hatchoq will take the life of his older half-brother, Mahut, to save the lives of settlers traveling when they won’t trade their horses to Mahut. It wasn’t an act he relished, but one required to prevent an injustice. Isaac Shaw the name given to him by his white mother, and Hatchoq, the name by his father of the Mojave people. He has learned from both but feels he is not accepted by either world. He has left the land of his father’s people and traveled to Southern Oregon Territory.
Widow Eva McCabe is in deep mourning after the murder of her husband, Keith. Based on the murder, it appears as if natives killed and scalped him. She is doing what she can to keep his dream alive, and with the help of Keith's friends, Mac and Connor, she is barely squeaking by. Another neighbor, Dwight Kramer, has been coming about, making offers to help take the land off her hands, and even offering her marriage. Eva can’t deal with anything right now. Then when a native is left near her home near death, she now faces a new dilemma.
The story has the good, the bad, and the ugly of people. With the help of Mac and Connor, and allowing Isaac time to heal, they keep his Native identity a secret. When he is well enough from his attack, he will return to the McCabe homestead as her hired man to help prove up the property, planting crops, digging irrigation ditches, and building fences to raise cattle. The story has people who pretend to care while doing everything in their power to destroy. It will have a battle for Eva, the memory of Keith, and the living presence of Isaac.
“You worry in vain. Regardless of what you choose, you cannot know the future.”
Eva: Do you ever worry about anything?
Isaac: Sometimes. But worry cannot change tomorrow. It only steals one’s strength from today.
The story is a page-turning tale of survival, adjustments, burying the past, and embracing the future. It is two people who need each other to improve the land and fight the desires that develop between them. Eventually, rather than fight what they are feeling, they admit their feelings and find strength together.
October 21, 2024
Love the story! Hatchoq or Issac Shaw as he was known in the world of the white man, is our hero, lover and man you want to know. Being a half-breed in the 1800's had a difficult life at best. He met the right person in widow Eva McCabe in the Oregon Territory. She was trying to "prove up" land so she could keep the claim, and he was an expert in planting, building, fencing and providing protection from land-grabbers who wanted to harm Eva. It's a wonderful storyline. Thanks for excellent writing. This series and author have been a favorite.
July 20, 2025
Eva and Isaac
I’m reading this book out of order- starting at the last- and this is the first book I have read from this author- but it was fantastic. I didn’t feel like I was starting at the end. The characters were wonderfully real and full. I enjoyed every moment spent with Eva, Isaac, Mac and Connor and was sad to see it end. I look forward to reading the rest in this series.
I’m reading this book out of order- starting at the last- and this is the first book I have read from this author- but it was fantastic. I didn’t feel like I was starting at the end. The characters were wonderfully real and full. I enjoyed every moment spent with Eva, Isaac, Mac and Connor and was sad to see it end. I look forward to reading the rest in this series.
October 11, 2024
wonderful worth reading
I really enjoyed the story. The author told a story that seemed real. Common sense prevailed the characters reacted as I think I might have.
No porn, love scenes seemed well written and appropriate. Nothing drawn out no redundancy
No HEA but such is life. The ending is hopeful with people willing to work for it
I really enjoyed the story. The author told a story that seemed real. Common sense prevailed the characters reacted as I think I might have.
No porn, love scenes seemed well written and appropriate. Nothing drawn out no redundancy
No HEA but such is life. The ending is hopeful with people willing to work for it
October 7, 2024
Best of the series
This book is terrific. The struggle to do the right thing and live within society's expectations. I am sure this story could be true for many pioneer widowed women
This book is terrific. The struggle to do the right thing and live within society's expectations. I am sure this story could be true for many pioneer widowed women
October 8, 2024
Read This Book In One Day
I loved reading this book. It kept me interested, and I loved the love scenes. The only reason that I did not give it five stars was because I did not like the end. I wanted it to end showing where they actually lived.
I loved reading this book. It kept me interested, and I loved the love scenes. The only reason that I did not give it five stars was because I did not like the end. I wanted it to end showing where they actually lived.
April 11, 2025
And pretty good book
Believable, true to time period. Fair depiction of Indian culture. And most important darned good story.
Kept me interested! Will look for more from this author.
Believable, true to time period. Fair depiction of Indian culture. And most important darned good story.
Kept me interested! Will look for more from this author.
July 5, 2025
Wow! I couldn't put this book down. I was captivated by the characters, the story and the moral dilemma facing both Eva and Hatchoq. I was disappointed this was the last book in this series. I have enjoyed all four books and highly recommend them.
November 27, 2024
Good story
I like the book it was so refreshing and had to keeping reading the characters were strong with great pride. And the love of the land.
I like the book it was so refreshing and had to keeping reading the characters were strong with great pride. And the love of the land.
January 17, 2025
Such a lovely story. This is the first book I've read by this author and I will definitely look into her other books.
August 2, 2025
Love this author
I usually devour her books. This one, not so much. I just didn’t enjoy. I will continue to read her books though. I think mostly, her books are done quite well.
I usually devour her books. This one, not so much. I just didn’t enjoy. I will continue to read her books though. I think mostly, her books are done quite well.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews