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An Unwilling Husband
Will a child of Society have the backbone to love a tough, wild west cowboy? For adventurous Margaret Flemming, arrived from Boston to be with her father, the Old West town of her childhood is a far cry from the drawing rooms and balls of the high society life she’s used to. Her fancy gowns and proper manners have no place in the dusty, cruel land inhabited by Indians and rough cowboys. And her fiercely independent streak constantly gets her in trouble. When tragedy strikes, there’s only one person she can turn to--her childhood friend, Garret Shaw--but he’s disgusted with her Society ways. With his ranch under attack from the land-grabbing Jennings, the last thing Garret needs is to be saddled with a high-falutin’ lady. Even if she is his friend’s daughter and her kind ways tug at his hardened heart. Duty to her father forces them to wed, but he knows sure as anything, when the chance comes along, she’ll go back to Boston. No matter how much he wants her, loving her is not a risk he can take. Will Maggie choose a life of luxury and ease over struggle and hardship with an ill-mannered cowboy? Only her heart can answer. CONTENT A potty-mouthed proper lady, a reluctant bridegroom and all kinds of trouble. 88,573 Words
235 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2014
54 people are currently reading
172 people want to read
About the author
Tera Shanley
14 books133 followersBorn and raised in small town Texas, Tera Shanley grew up in books. Her cousin gifted her a signed copy of Beauty by Bill Wallace when she was young and that was it for her. So smitten was she with getting lost in a story, that while other eleven year olds her age were groaning at the accelerated reader program in school, she was racking up the points just for fun.
Balancing chronic book-wormyness is her devotion to the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping - her soul is happiest out of doors. And lucky for Tera, her family feels the same. She grew up a wild child helping her grandma ranch cattle, and has a hundred memories out in the wilderness which tend to influence her books.
When she's not eating chocolate, slinging rifles, or soaking up some sun, she's lost in a book, but these days it's more often one she's writing. From historic western romance, to paranormal romance, to apocalyptic (zombie) romance, the genre doesn't matter quite as much to her as the love story.
She currently lives with her husband and two young children, and is owned by two crazy mini-cujos.
Find Me Here:
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Blog
Website
Zombie Street Team Newsletter
Balancing chronic book-wormyness is her devotion to the outdoors. Hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, camping - her soul is happiest out of doors. And lucky for Tera, her family feels the same. She grew up a wild child helping her grandma ranch cattle, and has a hundred memories out in the wilderness which tend to influence her books.
When she's not eating chocolate, slinging rifles, or soaking up some sun, she's lost in a book, but these days it's more often one she's writing. From historic western romance, to paranormal romance, to apocalyptic (zombie) romance, the genre doesn't matter quite as much to her as the love story.
She currently lives with her husband and two young children, and is owned by two crazy mini-cujos.
Find Me Here:
Blog
Website
Zombie Street Team Newsletter
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
March 31, 2014
Margaret Flemming is starting her life over and moving back to the one place she always thought of as home. Now that she is back in Texas and out from under the thumb of her hateful Aunt, she feels as if she can finally breathe and be happy. That is until her run in on day one with her childhood friend and first and only love, Garret Shaw. He makes it clear she is not welcomed here and is sure to tell her at every turn. But when sudden tragedy strikes, Maggie and Garret are forced into an arrangement that doesn't just stop at them. Life as they know it just got a whole lot harder in this Old West town. And for one of them, it just may mean a certain death.
**
For the first time in as long as she could remember, she could breathe.
**
I took my time with this one. I didn't want to rush through it and throw it in the 'read' pile I have piling up. I wanted to experience this story and I wanted to see what it felt like to live back during the Old West. I am pretty sure I have never read a book during this time before. So that was all the more reason to sit back and enjoy it. And I gotta say, I love it. I loved the 'talk' of people back then and how people had to work for their food and home. Lover of all things instant gratification? Too bad. You'd be out of luck here. And by you I mean me. It would be fun for all of 1 hour. Then I would be found in the fetal position crying for a real bath and ice cream.
Garret has his reasons for not liking Maggie any more. And they started the day she up and left him many years ago. Is the reason justified? Absolutely not. She was a child under her mother's care. But try telling that to a hurt teenage Garret who felt such a loss that day. It is going to take much time and convincing to get him to open his heart back up.
**
Her wardrobe would have to be adjusted, just as her soul and body would.
She'd show them she could be much more than just a proper lady.
**
Maggie is a firecracker. I loved her attitude and how she wouldn't let Garret find fault with her in anything. Always working as hard as she could to prove that she was sticking around for good. Even to the point of hurting herself. But if that is what it takes, she is willing to do it. She wants him and everyone else at the ranch to know she is here for the long haul.
In the end I adored the characters and their feistiness, I found the book to be enjoyable and entertaining, and I actually ended up craving more. Yes, I would love to see this world continued on. Shanley is absolutely one of my favorite new authors and it seems she can write just about anything. Be sure to pick this book up once it is out. 5 Stars!
**
For the first time in as long as she could remember, she could breathe.
**
I took my time with this one. I didn't want to rush through it and throw it in the 'read' pile I have piling up. I wanted to experience this story and I wanted to see what it felt like to live back during the Old West. I am pretty sure I have never read a book during this time before. So that was all the more reason to sit back and enjoy it. And I gotta say, I love it. I loved the 'talk' of people back then and how people had to work for their food and home. Lover of all things instant gratification? Too bad. You'd be out of luck here. And by you I mean me. It would be fun for all of 1 hour. Then I would be found in the fetal position crying for a real bath and ice cream.
Garret has his reasons for not liking Maggie any more. And they started the day she up and left him many years ago. Is the reason justified? Absolutely not. She was a child under her mother's care. But try telling that to a hurt teenage Garret who felt such a loss that day. It is going to take much time and convincing to get him to open his heart back up.
**
Her wardrobe would have to be adjusted, just as her soul and body would.
She'd show them she could be much more than just a proper lady.
**
Maggie is a firecracker. I loved her attitude and how she wouldn't let Garret find fault with her in anything. Always working as hard as she could to prove that she was sticking around for good. Even to the point of hurting herself. But if that is what it takes, she is willing to do it. She wants him and everyone else at the ranch to know she is here for the long haul.
In the end I adored the characters and their feistiness, I found the book to be enjoyable and entertaining, and I actually ended up craving more. Yes, I would love to see this world continued on. Shanley is absolutely one of my favorite new authors and it seems she can write just about anything. Be sure to pick this book up once it is out. 5 Stars!
May 5, 2014
I received this book from Netgalley for my honest review.
I liked Maggie. She's coming from a family where she was treated badly by her aunt, but loved by her uncle, where she's lived a life of a provileged young lady, but she's not afraid to dirty her hands an work hard to make her dreams come true, even if her dreams are forced upon her by her foster father. She's strong and resilient. She's fighting to make her life better. She's not a crying ninny. And I appreciated it!
On the other hand we have Garret. He's bitter. He's been horribly aboused by his father. That's all OK, but his irrational fear of believing in Maggie is over the top. With everything Maggie did to make him belive in her, he still stubbornly refuses to! Oh, I wanter to hit him!
The villain was soooo... lame. I don't mean literally, but he was so bad that it was too much. That's the only thing I have to complain about Maggie. I didn't understand why she kept being civil to the Jennings!!??? She and Garret both know that they're the culprits, but they just try to fight them fair. Why??? Was it not Wild West? Where everything was solved with bullets? So if the Jennings use bullets, why not Maggie and Garret in self defense?
At the end they do it, and I'm askining myslef why all that waiting?
But still, it was an enjoyable book! :)
I liked Maggie. She's coming from a family where she was treated badly by her aunt, but loved by her uncle, where she's lived a life of a provileged young lady, but she's not afraid to dirty her hands an work hard to make her dreams come true, even if her dreams are forced upon her by her foster father. She's strong and resilient. She's fighting to make her life better. She's not a crying ninny. And I appreciated it!
On the other hand we have Garret. He's bitter. He's been horribly aboused by his father. That's all OK, but his irrational fear of believing in Maggie is over the top. With everything Maggie did to make him belive in her, he still stubbornly refuses to! Oh, I wanter to hit him!
The villain was soooo... lame. I don't mean literally, but he was so bad that it was too much. That's the only thing I have to complain about Maggie. I didn't understand why she kept being civil to the Jennings!!??? She and Garret both know that they're the culprits, but they just try to fight them fair. Why??? Was it not Wild West? Where everything was solved with bullets? So if the Jennings use bullets, why not Maggie and Garret in self defense?
At the end they do it, and I'm askining myslef why all that waiting?
But still, it was an enjoyable book! :)
May 10, 2014
Margaret Flemming is returning to the old west town of her childhood after a forced period of years in Boston society. She returns to her father, only to find herself in a tough spot after a tragedy occurs. After making a promise to a dying friend, Garret Shaw marries Maggie against his will. He wants nothing to do with a high society lady who will no doubt flee back to Boston at her first opportunity. Maggie has loved Garret since childhood, and has no intention of leaving her home even though it seems he clearly wants nothing to do with her.
I was surprised by the emotional intensity of this book. Maggie was a character that was incredibly easy to connect to and care about right rom the start. She is very independent and feisty, but is incredibly caring and tries to make sure that everyone around her is taken care of and included. Garret has obviously been very hurt throughout his life, and it is hard to watch him struggle with his own emotional pain while he tries to be an honorable man. Even when he is being hurtful to Maggie with his emotional distance, it is nice to see him displaying small acts of kindness towards her and appreciating some of her wonderful qualities. Watching their relationship develop as they start to really get to know one another was wonderful. Maggie and Lenny's friendship was also a delight to experience. The way they formed a family out of their friends and this who worked with them on the ranch was really touching. Despite the variety of issues Garret has, he was a sexy man who felt worth waiting for. Maggie continued to amaze me with her strength and compassion in the face of a variety of dangers, and attacks. I stayed engaged in this story throughout and would highly recommend this to people looking for a good historical romance.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
I was surprised by the emotional intensity of this book. Maggie was a character that was incredibly easy to connect to and care about right rom the start. She is very independent and feisty, but is incredibly caring and tries to make sure that everyone around her is taken care of and included. Garret has obviously been very hurt throughout his life, and it is hard to watch him struggle with his own emotional pain while he tries to be an honorable man. Even when he is being hurtful to Maggie with his emotional distance, it is nice to see him displaying small acts of kindness towards her and appreciating some of her wonderful qualities. Watching their relationship develop as they start to really get to know one another was wonderful. Maggie and Lenny's friendship was also a delight to experience. The way they formed a family out of their friends and this who worked with them on the ranch was really touching. Despite the variety of issues Garret has, he was a sexy man who felt worth waiting for. Maggie continued to amaze me with her strength and compassion in the face of a variety of dangers, and attacks. I stayed engaged in this story throughout and would highly recommend this to people looking for a good historical romance.
*An ARC was provided in exchange for an honest review
June 26, 2014
I admit, I’m not a fan of westerns, but the all the pre-release promo teasers for this one sucked me right in. And I was NOT disappointed! I was so much not disappointed that I actually think I might now be a fan of westerns. So, thanks for that, Shanley.
Hardened rancher, Garret Shaw, finds himself in a pickle when a deathbed promise to an old friend lands him in an arranged marriage with Maggie Flemming, a right proper lady who has decided to uproot from Boston city life to the dusty frontier of Texas. But the two share a troubled past, and neither is quite willing to open their heart and let the other one in.
Shanley wrote the kind of characters I love to read: complex. There were times I wanted to hug them, times I wanted to strangle them. Sometimes I didn’t understand their motivations or why they didn’t just *insert whatever thing I thought they should do*. And then there were times when I was rooting for them like that crazy soccer mama at a pee-wee game. They made me laugh (especially Maggie’s use of creative curse words) and the made me cry (Garret was a tough shell to crack). They were SO real.
As for the romance, I loved the tension. It was perfect. I always want to rush things when I’m writing my own stories (you know what I mean. Hurry up, get to the good stuff like kissing!) so, I really appreciate how the author brought them together slowly (and carefully—these two were a pair of firecrackers). It felt so very authentic. And the ending just about nearly KILLED ME. But don’t worry, it all works out.
I should stop before I spoil things. Just know, this was a good one. Five stars from me.
Hardened rancher, Garret Shaw, finds himself in a pickle when a deathbed promise to an old friend lands him in an arranged marriage with Maggie Flemming, a right proper lady who has decided to uproot from Boston city life to the dusty frontier of Texas. But the two share a troubled past, and neither is quite willing to open their heart and let the other one in.
Shanley wrote the kind of characters I love to read: complex. There were times I wanted to hug them, times I wanted to strangle them. Sometimes I didn’t understand their motivations or why they didn’t just *insert whatever thing I thought they should do*. And then there were times when I was rooting for them like that crazy soccer mama at a pee-wee game. They made me laugh (especially Maggie’s use of creative curse words) and the made me cry (Garret was a tough shell to crack). They were SO real.
As for the romance, I loved the tension. It was perfect. I always want to rush things when I’m writing my own stories (you know what I mean. Hurry up, get to the good stuff like kissing!) so, I really appreciate how the author brought them together slowly (and carefully—these two were a pair of firecrackers). It felt so very authentic. And the ending just about nearly KILLED ME. But don’t worry, it all works out.
I should stop before I spoil things. Just know, this was a good one. Five stars from me.
March 16, 2017
Sweet, romantic western
The good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, and the "savages" are noble in this book. It's almost cloyingly sweet and the story takes a leisurely pace. Some details made me cringe, if only because I'm probably a little more familiar with livestock than the author. Most readers won't catch those discrepancies. The book's well written, if a little heavy on the passive voice and lacking in sensory detail. There's no escaping the stink of cattle, manure, dirt, and sweat in the scenarios described in this book, yet the author never mentions it. Editing is clean--few errors to make the grammar police bristle in offense. Nicely done overall.
The good guys are good, the bad guys are bad, and the "savages" are noble in this book. It's almost cloyingly sweet and the story takes a leisurely pace. Some details made me cringe, if only because I'm probably a little more familiar with livestock than the author. Most readers won't catch those discrepancies. The book's well written, if a little heavy on the passive voice and lacking in sensory detail. There's no escaping the stink of cattle, manure, dirt, and sweat in the scenarios described in this book, yet the author never mentions it. Editing is clean--few errors to make the grammar police bristle in offense. Nicely done overall.
April 13, 2014
Cute love story set in the Texas with the Indians, where a small lady finds herself married to her childhood friend and do not know where to start! Maggie and Garrett are two wonderful characters and I liked their story so much that now I'm going to search for other books by the same author, and to think that the stories of cowboys and old far west have never been interesing to me...
Proprio carino questa storia d'amore ambientata nel Texas degli indiani, dove una piccola lady si ritrova sposata al suo amico d'infanzia e non sa dove mettere le mani! Maggie e Garrett sono due splendidi personaggi e la loro storia mi é piaciuta talmente tanto che ora mi metteró a cercare altri libri della stessa autrice, e pensare che le storie di far west e cowboy non mi sono mai interessate piú di tanto....
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND LYRICAL PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
Proprio carino questa storia d'amore ambientata nel Texas degli indiani, dove una piccola lady si ritrova sposata al suo amico d'infanzia e non sa dove mettere le mani! Maggie e Garrett sono due splendidi personaggi e la loro storia mi é piaciuta talmente tanto che ora mi metteró a cercare altri libri della stessa autrice, e pensare che le storie di far west e cowboy non mi sono mai interessate piú di tanto....
THANKS TO NETGALLEY AND LYRICAL PRESS FOR THE PREVIEW!
March 21, 2017
Lovely story,
Lovely read. I found this very easy to read, a classy love story, great writing style. Loved the details of Maggie's efforts to fit in to the ranching life. Garrett was as great hero, love interest. Romantic and just what I needed.
Lovely read. I found this very easy to read, a classy love story, great writing style. Loved the details of Maggie's efforts to fit in to the ranching life. Garrett was as great hero, love interest. Romantic and just what I needed.
July 6, 2017
Clean western storyline
I loved this book. She was wrongly judged. I'm glad she fought to keep her baby. Some of the book surprised me about how it went but was so delightful to read
I loved this book. She was wrongly judged. I'm glad she fought to keep her baby. Some of the book surprised me about how it went but was so delightful to read
September 28, 2017
Love the book
Love the book. Really enjoyed reading it. I can tell by the first paragraph if i am going to like it and your book had me with the first few lines. Now what about Wells he needs a happy ending don't you think?
Love the book. Really enjoyed reading it. I can tell by the first paragraph if i am going to like it and your book had me with the first few lines. Now what about Wells he needs a happy ending don't you think?
March 9, 2021
Ok Book
The story line was ok but it seemed to drag put toward the end..I dont think the last few chapters were required. They were like an after thought. Spoiler alert She already knew she belonged.
The story line was ok but it seemed to drag put toward the end..I dont think the last few chapters were required. They were like an after thought. Spoiler alert She already knew she belonged.
January 9, 2022
What a awesome read.
I recently found out T.S. Joyce had earlier books she wrote.. I had to read them.. It's awesome reading books before Damion mountain.. This book was addicting.. I kept wanted to know more about Maggie and Garret.. So worth the read...
I recently found out T.S. Joyce had earlier books she wrote.. I had to read them.. It's awesome reading books before Damion mountain.. This book was addicting.. I kept wanted to know more about Maggie and Garret.. So worth the read...
October 2, 2017
Easy read
Like the strong characters, good storyline. Glad there wasn't a cliffhanger, all loose ends we're tied up. Look forward to reading more books by Tera Shanley.
Like the strong characters, good storyline. Glad there wasn't a cliffhanger, all loose ends we're tied up. Look forward to reading more books by Tera Shanley.
March 17, 2017
Historical Western Romance
I so enjoyed this book!!!!! Tera Shanley is a new author for me. I laughed so hard In some parts of the story
I so enjoyed this book!!!!! Tera Shanley is a new author for me. I laughed so hard In some parts of the story
March 17, 2017
A must read. I loved all the twists and turns to the story. And most of all the surprises. Not your typical love story.
A very moving story about love overcoming problems both large and small. Most of all showing how money does not make you happy if there is no one to enjoy it with.
A very moving story about love overcoming problems both large and small. Most of all showing how money does not make you happy if there is no one to enjoy it with.
June 16, 2016
AN UNWILLING HUSBAND is a delightful romance about an arranged marriage in the Wild West.
After her mother passed Margaret Flemming decides that it is now time for her to move on and leave the bad treatment her aunt gives her behind – even if that means she has to abandon her privileged life behind as well. Returning to the only place she has ever been happy, she decides to call herself no longer Margaret but Maggie in order to dissociate herself from her unloving aunt who also happens to be her namesake.
Not accustomed to a life in the Wild West anymore where she spent her happiest days as a child on her father-in-heart’s ranch, she does not back away from the hard work on a ranch and is determined to do everything to make the best of her life. Even being forced to marry her former childhood friend Garret who became a bitter and grumbling man does not stop her from making her dreams come true. But not only Garret refuses to acknowledge her being able to survive in these rough surroundings. Only Lenny, an Indian girl, believes in her from the start and helps Maggie to assimilate and how to help on the ranch. Soon enough they become friends. Now she only has to find a way to warm up Garret’s – her husband’s – heart.
While Maggie was loveable, determined, insistent and tough, Garret is – well – a curmudgeon when it comes to her. He blames her for leaving Texas when they were young and best friends. He needed her badly back then – as support against his abusive father. But she left. She does not fit in the rough Wild West. Thus he does not see a future with her living by his side – no need to open up to her then. Instead he makes her life miserable by hurting and insulting her whenever he can. No matter how hard Maggie tried to prove that black is white, he stubbornly refuses to see that she is different. I really wanted to scream at him out of frustration several times!
It takes the villains of their village for Garret to wake up and finally realize what Maggie means to him. It was lovely to see more of his good side finally and to watch Garret’s and Maggie’s relationship grow.
I deplored that it took so long to finally seeing a real relationship building between the heroine and the hero. I mean, it is supposed to be a western romance, right? There are a bunch of lovely and sweet scenes between the couple, but I just wished there were more. More reconnecting. More dialogues. More…, well, romance. But the lack of romance scenes makes you value the ones that are indeed there even more.
That being said, AN UNWILLING HUSBAND is a romance without any kind of smut.
I love reading about love stories from the past – I love western romances – I love reading about arranged marriages, so I really enjoyed reading this book. Add some well-placed twists and turns and some gun fights to the mix and you have a wonderful historic western romance!
After her mother passed Margaret Flemming decides that it is now time for her to move on and leave the bad treatment her aunt gives her behind – even if that means she has to abandon her privileged life behind as well. Returning to the only place she has ever been happy, she decides to call herself no longer Margaret but Maggie in order to dissociate herself from her unloving aunt who also happens to be her namesake.
Not accustomed to a life in the Wild West anymore where she spent her happiest days as a child on her father-in-heart’s ranch, she does not back away from the hard work on a ranch and is determined to do everything to make the best of her life. Even being forced to marry her former childhood friend Garret who became a bitter and grumbling man does not stop her from making her dreams come true. But not only Garret refuses to acknowledge her being able to survive in these rough surroundings. Only Lenny, an Indian girl, believes in her from the start and helps Maggie to assimilate and how to help on the ranch. Soon enough they become friends. Now she only has to find a way to warm up Garret’s – her husband’s – heart.
While Maggie was loveable, determined, insistent and tough, Garret is – well – a curmudgeon when it comes to her. He blames her for leaving Texas when they were young and best friends. He needed her badly back then – as support against his abusive father. But she left. She does not fit in the rough Wild West. Thus he does not see a future with her living by his side – no need to open up to her then. Instead he makes her life miserable by hurting and insulting her whenever he can. No matter how hard Maggie tried to prove that black is white, he stubbornly refuses to see that she is different. I really wanted to scream at him out of frustration several times!
It takes the villains of their village for Garret to wake up and finally realize what Maggie means to him. It was lovely to see more of his good side finally and to watch Garret’s and Maggie’s relationship grow.
I deplored that it took so long to finally seeing a real relationship building between the heroine and the hero. I mean, it is supposed to be a western romance, right? There are a bunch of lovely and sweet scenes between the couple, but I just wished there were more. More reconnecting. More dialogues. More…, well, romance. But the lack of romance scenes makes you value the ones that are indeed there even more.
That being said, AN UNWILLING HUSBAND is a romance without any kind of smut.
I love reading about love stories from the past – I love western romances – I love reading about arranged marriages, so I really enjoyed reading this book. Add some well-placed twists and turns and some gun fights to the mix and you have a wonderful historic western romance!
May 9, 2014
This review and more at www.tattooedbookreview.com.
“From the disconcerting way he stared at her, she couldn’t tell if he was going to kiss or kill her.”
I feel like I need to make one of those memes and have it say “I don’t usually read historical romance, but when I do, it’s by Tera Shanley”. It’s true, I don’t generally read this genre but I’m a big fan of the author so I thought I’d give a shot; I’m glad I did. I was rewarded with a totally delightful reading experience as I was transported back to a dusty Texas cattle town and right in to Maggie and Garret’s story.
If it’s going to be historical, I want it to be western. One word… cowboys. Rugged, hard-working, sexy cowboys. Garret Shaw fits the mold perfectly. He’s chiseled and hard from long days of work, brooding and moody, but also loyal and kind in his own way. He loved Maggie once, but that was years ago… he’s not sure he can trust enough to love her again. Then there’s Maggie. She’s absolutely the kind of heroine that makes a book great for me. She has a fantastic inner strength, stubborn determination, a sense of humor, sense of self, and a dirty mouth. She’s beautiful and tough as nails, but has just the right amount of feminine vulnerability. She’s smart and brave and not afraid to do what she believes is right, others’ opinions be damned. Garret and Maggie have some serious chemistry going on. They spend a good part of the story trying to find common ground, fighting with the past and an undeniable attraction. The struggle towards their happily-ever-after is filled with emotion and quite a few exciting misadventures.
“He wanted a piece of her soul. Would wrench it from her body and hold it in her hand. Asked her to trust him with a piece of herself, and she could only think of one thing that held any meaning to her.
‘I’ve loved you since we were children.’ “
This story is not only about Garret and Maggie, though it is their romance that drives the plot line; it’s much bigger. They are surrounded by an entire cast of characters. Lenny is a particular favorite of mine but they’re all great. This cast reminds us that family is not necessarily blood, it truly is the people we choose to surround ourselves with. We can choose our family, and we can choose our home: if you try hard enough, you will find where you really belong. A wonderfully written story shaped by romance, humor, friendship, adventure, and fate; I highly recommend this book… even if you don’t usually read historicals ;).
“The rhythm of the ranch matched those of the seasons and pulled at her heart. The more she saw of this life, the more she loved it.”
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
“From the disconcerting way he stared at her, she couldn’t tell if he was going to kiss or kill her.”
I feel like I need to make one of those memes and have it say “I don’t usually read historical romance, but when I do, it’s by Tera Shanley”. It’s true, I don’t generally read this genre but I’m a big fan of the author so I thought I’d give a shot; I’m glad I did. I was rewarded with a totally delightful reading experience as I was transported back to a dusty Texas cattle town and right in to Maggie and Garret’s story.
If it’s going to be historical, I want it to be western. One word… cowboys. Rugged, hard-working, sexy cowboys. Garret Shaw fits the mold perfectly. He’s chiseled and hard from long days of work, brooding and moody, but also loyal and kind in his own way. He loved Maggie once, but that was years ago… he’s not sure he can trust enough to love her again. Then there’s Maggie. She’s absolutely the kind of heroine that makes a book great for me. She has a fantastic inner strength, stubborn determination, a sense of humor, sense of self, and a dirty mouth. She’s beautiful and tough as nails, but has just the right amount of feminine vulnerability. She’s smart and brave and not afraid to do what she believes is right, others’ opinions be damned. Garret and Maggie have some serious chemistry going on. They spend a good part of the story trying to find common ground, fighting with the past and an undeniable attraction. The struggle towards their happily-ever-after is filled with emotion and quite a few exciting misadventures.
“He wanted a piece of her soul. Would wrench it from her body and hold it in her hand. Asked her to trust him with a piece of herself, and she could only think of one thing that held any meaning to her.
‘I’ve loved you since we were children.’ “
This story is not only about Garret and Maggie, though it is their romance that drives the plot line; it’s much bigger. They are surrounded by an entire cast of characters. Lenny is a particular favorite of mine but they’re all great. This cast reminds us that family is not necessarily blood, it truly is the people we choose to surround ourselves with. We can choose our family, and we can choose our home: if you try hard enough, you will find where you really belong. A wonderfully written story shaped by romance, humor, friendship, adventure, and fate; I highly recommend this book… even if you don’t usually read historicals ;).
“The rhythm of the ranch matched those of the seasons and pulled at her heart. The more she saw of this life, the more she loved it.”
*I received a complimentary copy of the book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
March 2, 2017
Lived this book
I loved this great story. It had so much passion, but pain, too. The characters were to be loved, and some despised. Made for a great read.
I loved this great story. It had so much passion, but pain, too. The characters were to be loved, and some despised. Made for a great read.
May 7, 2014
5 Stars!!!!!
This book was amazing love story. Garret Shaw a rancher is saddled into a marriage he does not want. Little does he know the sassy redhead Maggie Flemming is the “Margaret Flemming” childhood friend that left him behind so long ago.
Garret had a rough upbringing after his friend left him in Rockdale, Texas. His father abused him nearly killing him. Garret was rough around the edges and a bit bitter. Margaret did not have much better of an upbringing. She was brought up by a terrible hag of an Aunt in a society she never wanted to belong to. She sets out to live with her father in Texas. Margaret is so excited to see her childhood friend and father but when tragedy strikes, Garret and Maggie are thrown together into a relationship neither is sure they can survive.
There are so many emotions you feel in this book; love, laughter, innocence shattered, heart-break, triumph and pure joy. The tension between the characters was like a spring. The angst served a purpose and the sexual tension was sweet and old fashion. This was such a refreshing read. I had to use my imagination for the love scenes and was begging for the couple to share their first kiss. As simple as that first kiss was written it made me swoon throughout the entire book. Margaret’s personality heals Garret’s soul. Together they become one.
The flow of the story was very smooth and did not leave any gaps for me to wonder what was going on. The book is a stand-alone novel and has a wonderful look-ahead epilogue that completes the book beautifully. (even though I would love to see more of the couple) I am still satisfied.
This is my first Tera Shanley book. I fell in love with these characters and would highly recommend this book. I will be adding Ms. Shanley’s other books to my TBR.
Quotes:
They didn’t have to speak the same language. They both knew heartache.
He wanted a piece of her soul. Would wrench it from her body and hold it in his hand. Asked her to trust him with a piece of herself, and she could only thing of one thing that held any meaning to her.
“You’ll leave me, Maggie. I can’t give my heart to you. I can’t go through what my pa and Roy went through. I don’t have it in me.” – Garret
He took his time, revered her, touched every inch of skin and emotion she possessed. Gazing into her eyes, he touched her lips ever so lovingly with his. And amidst satiated sighs and soft moans, she connected with him, to the depths of their souls.
She’d been as thirsty for his skin as he was for hers.
“I love you, Maggie. I think a piece of me always has, and the rest of me always will.” - Garret
This book was amazing love story. Garret Shaw a rancher is saddled into a marriage he does not want. Little does he know the sassy redhead Maggie Flemming is the “Margaret Flemming” childhood friend that left him behind so long ago.
Garret had a rough upbringing after his friend left him in Rockdale, Texas. His father abused him nearly killing him. Garret was rough around the edges and a bit bitter. Margaret did not have much better of an upbringing. She was brought up by a terrible hag of an Aunt in a society she never wanted to belong to. She sets out to live with her father in Texas. Margaret is so excited to see her childhood friend and father but when tragedy strikes, Garret and Maggie are thrown together into a relationship neither is sure they can survive.
There are so many emotions you feel in this book; love, laughter, innocence shattered, heart-break, triumph and pure joy. The tension between the characters was like a spring. The angst served a purpose and the sexual tension was sweet and old fashion. This was such a refreshing read. I had to use my imagination for the love scenes and was begging for the couple to share their first kiss. As simple as that first kiss was written it made me swoon throughout the entire book. Margaret’s personality heals Garret’s soul. Together they become one.
The flow of the story was very smooth and did not leave any gaps for me to wonder what was going on. The book is a stand-alone novel and has a wonderful look-ahead epilogue that completes the book beautifully. (even though I would love to see more of the couple) I am still satisfied.
This is my first Tera Shanley book. I fell in love with these characters and would highly recommend this book. I will be adding Ms. Shanley’s other books to my TBR.
Quotes:
They didn’t have to speak the same language. They both knew heartache.
He wanted a piece of her soul. Would wrench it from her body and hold it in his hand. Asked her to trust him with a piece of herself, and she could only thing of one thing that held any meaning to her.
“You’ll leave me, Maggie. I can’t give my heart to you. I can’t go through what my pa and Roy went through. I don’t have it in me.” – Garret
He took his time, revered her, touched every inch of skin and emotion she possessed. Gazing into her eyes, he touched her lips ever so lovingly with his. And amidst satiated sighs and soft moans, she connected with him, to the depths of their souls.
She’d been as thirsty for his skin as he was for hers.
“I love you, Maggie. I think a piece of me always has, and the rest of me always will.” - Garret
April 7, 2014
I have to tell you I don't typically read westerns. It isn't that I don't like them, I just spend most of my extra time reading contemporary. But I do love a love story. If you're like me, I'd heartily advise you to break your pattern, and do it with An Unwilling Husband. Without further ado- here's my review (yeah, I know that rhymed).
Uprooted from an existence she despises in Boston, Margaret Fleming launches in a new direction in the only place that's ever felt like home, her father's ranch in Rockdale, Texas. On her way to the new life waiting for her there, she shortens her name to Maggie and promises to make every moment with her father count. Unfortunately, due to a set of tragic circumstances, her time with her dad is cut short, and she finds herself hitched to Garrett Shaw, her unwilling husband.
Maggie and Garrett knew each other as young adults, and Maggie has known for a long time she loves Garrett. But the man he is now is worlds away from the boy she fell in love with. And she only wants a place in a family. Garrett, in the meantime tries valiantly to resist getting too attached to Maggie. This is due, in part, to abandonment issues that stem from Maggie being torn from her home in Rockdale when they were younger. She didn't want to go and wasn't even allowed to say goodbye, something that rankles Garrett still. Silly man.
Tera has an exceptional talent for characterization, and the voices of her hero and heroine resonated clearly in my head as I read of the trials of life in the old West on a cattle ranch. Her villains (there are always villains, and the Jennings family, every single member of the family, gets involved in trying to ruin the new couple) were dastardly and believable. The passages that deal with the hard scrabble life this civilized lady from Boston chooses were both moving and frightening. Tera's true strength lies in using those situations to move the book forward and to build the romantic tension between Maggie and Garrett.
The writing is strong and solid in this book, exactly like I'd imagine a man and woman who choose the difficult life of cattle ranching would need to be. Tera's unique voice in sharing this story brought a smile to my face many times while I read. I can only hope there will be a sequel or a spin-off to come. Because I know that once I finished the book, I did not want to put it down.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
Uprooted from an existence she despises in Boston, Margaret Fleming launches in a new direction in the only place that's ever felt like home, her father's ranch in Rockdale, Texas. On her way to the new life waiting for her there, she shortens her name to Maggie and promises to make every moment with her father count. Unfortunately, due to a set of tragic circumstances, her time with her dad is cut short, and she finds herself hitched to Garrett Shaw, her unwilling husband.
Maggie and Garrett knew each other as young adults, and Maggie has known for a long time she loves Garrett. But the man he is now is worlds away from the boy she fell in love with. And she only wants a place in a family. Garrett, in the meantime tries valiantly to resist getting too attached to Maggie. This is due, in part, to abandonment issues that stem from Maggie being torn from her home in Rockdale when they were younger. She didn't want to go and wasn't even allowed to say goodbye, something that rankles Garrett still. Silly man.
Tera has an exceptional talent for characterization, and the voices of her hero and heroine resonated clearly in my head as I read of the trials of life in the old West on a cattle ranch. Her villains (there are always villains, and the Jennings family, every single member of the family, gets involved in trying to ruin the new couple) were dastardly and believable. The passages that deal with the hard scrabble life this civilized lady from Boston chooses were both moving and frightening. Tera's true strength lies in using those situations to move the book forward and to build the romantic tension between Maggie and Garrett.
The writing is strong and solid in this book, exactly like I'd imagine a man and woman who choose the difficult life of cattle ranching would need to be. Tera's unique voice in sharing this story brought a smile to my face many times while I read. I can only hope there will be a sequel or a spin-off to come. Because I know that once I finished the book, I did not want to put it down.
* I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.*
April 22, 2014
Margaret Flemming returns to the only place she truly ever felt was a home to her, following the death of her mother. Texas bound from Boston, where she lived under the ruling thumb of her disagreeable, uptight and insulting aunt, Maggie hopes her "father" will be happy to see her after so many years. Not able to live comfortably in the West, Maggie's mother retreats to the comforts of Boston society, taking her daughter away from the kindest man she could ever call father and her best friend, a young Garret Shaw.
Now years later, Maggie is back, but her happiness is short-lived when she comes across a much altered Garret Shaw, who is cynical and angry, he doesn't even recognize Maggie, which cuts her in two. Tragedy strikes when an accident takes Maggie's beloved father away from her almost as soon as she arrives and she is left alone.
When the cold Garret informs Maggie that they will immediately be married, he gives her orders on which dress to wear for the wedding ceremony which takes place the day after Maggie's father dies. In defiance, Maggie wears a red dress, because no one is going to tell her what to do, especially after she ran from Boston to get away for that over-bearing aunt. Deep down inside, marriage to Garret is all she ever wanted since she was a little girl. She compared every man she ever came across to him, but when faced with the extremely bossy and ornery Garret, she is taken aback and doesn't know what to do.
Garret is sure than when the going gets tough, Maggie will get going, much like she did back when they were childhood friends. His mistrust of her intentions causes such a rift, but Maggie is determined to prove Garret wrong, and with the help of her new Indian girlfriend Lenny, who takes Maggie under her wing and shows her what it takes to get Garret to respect her.
AN UNWILLING HUSBAND by Tera Shanley had me rooting for the underdog named Maggie from the first. Garret put the blame on her for leaving him high and dry, like she didn't have a mother who put her on a train back to Boston. Maggie Shaw shows her husband a lesson or two that make him take notice, and when the male townsfolk take even more notice of the saucy redhead, steam starts to flow from Garret. I really enjoyed this story, it was nothing I ever expected with it's twists and turns. This is the first book I have had the pleasure of reading by author, Tera Shanley and it won't be the last.
April 30, 2014
An Unwilling Husband was a pleasant surprise was for me. Unlike most romances nowadays, the relationship between the main characters didn’t include sexually explicit scenes as it almost seems required for the modern romance author. Therefore, the focus lies more on the relationship’s development and the characters which I really enjoyed a lot. I also liked that it was set in the historical American West. Even though I don’t recall an exact year, I imagine it might be set in the mid-19th century.
Garret Shaw was an aggravating, mule-headed brute of a man that I often pitied for this lonely life that results from his attitude. Maggie was incredible. I really liked her as a heroine though I couldn’t quite understand how she would endure so much hurt and insult from Garret and still be patiently waiting for him to change or realize things. Margaret Flemming decided right at the beginning of the book that she wanted to live her life as Maggie from now on because she planned to start a new life with her father-in-heart Roy.
It was wonderful to read how Maggie slowly gets adjusted to a hard life on a ranch, how she makes friends with Indians and farmers alike and how her direct and quick mouth always finds a way to get her into trouble (or help her out of it). I thought it was a bit confusing how quickly Maggie accepted her destiny that she was to wed Garret in a marriage of convenience. I thought a strong woman would have fought harder.
The plot is very straight-forward and even though Garrett was stealing my last nerve, I enjoyed this book a lot. I think I might even want to read more books that are set in the American West. I’m very sure that all romance lovers will adore this little gem of a book about a hurt and stubborn man and a courageous young woman who is very determined to find happiness in her life, no matter the situation she finds herself in.
Garret Shaw was an aggravating, mule-headed brute of a man that I often pitied for this lonely life that results from his attitude. Maggie was incredible. I really liked her as a heroine though I couldn’t quite understand how she would endure so much hurt and insult from Garret and still be patiently waiting for him to change or realize things. Margaret Flemming decided right at the beginning of the book that she wanted to live her life as Maggie from now on because she planned to start a new life with her father-in-heart Roy.
It was wonderful to read how Maggie slowly gets adjusted to a hard life on a ranch, how she makes friends with Indians and farmers alike and how her direct and quick mouth always finds a way to get her into trouble (or help her out of it). I thought it was a bit confusing how quickly Maggie accepted her destiny that she was to wed Garret in a marriage of convenience. I thought a strong woman would have fought harder.
The plot is very straight-forward and even though Garrett was stealing my last nerve, I enjoyed this book a lot. I think I might even want to read more books that are set in the American West. I’m very sure that all romance lovers will adore this little gem of a book about a hurt and stubborn man and a courageous young woman who is very determined to find happiness in her life, no matter the situation she finds herself in.
March 16, 2017
Margaret “Maggie” Flemming was happy. She was on a train bound for Rockdale, Texas, to stay with her “father”, Roy Davis. Maggie’s mother was a socialite who had gotten in trouble. Roy took on Maggie as his own daughter and loved her as such. Maggie’s mother was not happy in her role as a rancher’s wife and took her young daughter and herself back to Boston to live with Maggie’s aunt. Aunt Margaret was a crochety, nasty old woman who was unkind to the young girl and harassed her at every turn. Maggie had enough and after her mother’s death headed west to live with her father. Sadly, shortly after she arrived at his ranch, he had an unfortunate accident and passed away. As he lay dying, he wrung a pledge out of his neighbor and former playmate of Maggie, Garrett Shaw, to marry her and protect her.
Theirs was not a happy marriage, because although Maggie had always loved Garrett, he thought that she had abandoned him when her mother took her from Texas. He did not think that she was capable of living on a ranch and doing what ranch women had to do. Her salvation came in the form of a young Indiana woman, Lenny, who taught her what she needed to know.
Garrett’s ranch was mortgaged to a despicable bully and he was trying to make enough money to pay it off. Maggie had her hands full trying to make Garrett love her and accept her as his wife. The story has a lot of twists and turns and is very engaging. I particularly liked the other ranch hands and Maggie’s way of speaking her mind. I didn’t mind the occasional swear words either. It made her bigger than life. “An Unwilling Husband” by Tera Shanley was a very appealing book for anyone who loves a good western novel.
Theirs was not a happy marriage, because although Maggie had always loved Garrett, he thought that she had abandoned him when her mother took her from Texas. He did not think that she was capable of living on a ranch and doing what ranch women had to do. Her salvation came in the form of a young Indiana woman, Lenny, who taught her what she needed to know.
Garrett’s ranch was mortgaged to a despicable bully and he was trying to make enough money to pay it off. Maggie had her hands full trying to make Garrett love her and accept her as his wife. The story has a lot of twists and turns and is very engaging. I particularly liked the other ranch hands and Maggie’s way of speaking her mind. I didn’t mind the occasional swear words either. It made her bigger than life. “An Unwilling Husband” by Tera Shanley was a very appealing book for anyone who loves a good western novel.
May 5, 2014
A sweet and delightful romance, An Unwilling Husband was a wonderful read. I really liked this book and I enjoyed reading it.
Margaret was a lovely heroine. She was tougher than most people gave her credit for, despite her high society background. She was strong, determined, and a generally likable character. I thought she was great.
Garret was also wonderful. He had some serious walls up, but even when he was hiding behind them, it was clear that he was a sweet and good man at heart. He was a little stubborn, but also adorable. I really liked him as well.
The romance was good. I wish there had been more to it. Like, more scenes where they are together and reconnecting, so that we could see the romance develop. But, I still thought they were very sweet together. I loved how, even after years apart, their childhood affection was there and it only grew when they reunited. And, for those who want to know, this was a clean romance. I thought these two were a lovely couple.
The plot took a few chapters to start up but, once it did, I was kept interested the entire way through. There were a few twists that took me by surprise. I enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
An Unwilling Husband was a wonderful romance that I really enjoyed reading. It was sweet and truly lovely. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Margaret was a lovely heroine. She was tougher than most people gave her credit for, despite her high society background. She was strong, determined, and a generally likable character. I thought she was great.
Garret was also wonderful. He had some serious walls up, but even when he was hiding behind them, it was clear that he was a sweet and good man at heart. He was a little stubborn, but also adorable. I really liked him as well.
The romance was good. I wish there had been more to it. Like, more scenes where they are together and reconnecting, so that we could see the romance develop. But, I still thought they were very sweet together. I loved how, even after years apart, their childhood affection was there and it only grew when they reunited. And, for those who want to know, this was a clean romance. I thought these two were a lovely couple.
The plot took a few chapters to start up but, once it did, I was kept interested the entire way through. There were a few twists that took me by surprise. I enjoyed the story and the ending was perfect.
An Unwilling Husband was a wonderful romance that I really enjoyed reading. It was sweet and truly lovely. Romance lovers, this is a book worth checking out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
June 19, 2014
This western starts off with you meeting Marget Fleming, who has left Boston to come back west to the father she has ever known but that her mother left when she was 13. Now her mother has passed on and she is tired of her aunt. Happy to see her father they have a good one day visit when he is hurt and before he dies he asked or really makes his neighbor Garrett Shaw, to marry Marget and take care of her. When he finally promises her father dies. They have his funeral and then their marriage all in the same day, Garrett and his men from his ranch are heading off on a cattle drive. From there the story takes time for them to get equated they knew each other when they were younger but he has a lot of anger built up because of her and her mother leaving soon after his own mother dying. He also has a thing with women especially who come from back East and with money thinking that they are going to run out when there is a problem. These all make for a good story plus there are more issues going on with some of the people from town. Then you have Marget, who can be proper but also has a foul mouth as well. This is a good story about relationships and getting to know one another after years have gone bye and then working together to try to build something with a ranch and the team work it takes to do it together. There are many different story lines going in this one story and I found this book to be very entertaining. A very good book. I got this book from net galley.
March 22, 2014
See review on upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com available May 5th
Wow..loved this story. Tera Shanley brings you into this raw ranch life world with amazing characters and heart felt story and doesn't let you go. I couldn't stop reading this story. Garrett is a rough around the edges tough as nails rancher who has been hurt more times emotionally and physically that he just doesn't care anymore. Margaret or Maggie as she goes by now loved Garrett all her life and when she had to leave her old life behind and miss him and the only man she ever considered her father she was devastated and swore to go back "home" where she belongs, Boston high society was not for her. I loved that she got to spend time with Roy and got to wear down her unwilling husband. I loved Cookie and Lenny, especially Lenny, she's amazing and beautiful and just perfect for Maggie to have as a friend. I was proud of Maggie throughout the story she learned a lot and is as stubborn as a mule (which we all love about her). And Garrett I just wanted to hug, they both have been through hell and back and you'll love how the story brings you into their lives and shares many memories both happy and sad. Love this story. Want more historical romances from Tera she nailed this one. 5 huge stars review by Nanee at Upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
Wow..loved this story. Tera Shanley brings you into this raw ranch life world with amazing characters and heart felt story and doesn't let you go. I couldn't stop reading this story. Garrett is a rough around the edges tough as nails rancher who has been hurt more times emotionally and physically that he just doesn't care anymore. Margaret or Maggie as she goes by now loved Garrett all her life and when she had to leave her old life behind and miss him and the only man she ever considered her father she was devastated and swore to go back "home" where she belongs, Boston high society was not for her. I loved that she got to spend time with Roy and got to wear down her unwilling husband. I loved Cookie and Lenny, especially Lenny, she's amazing and beautiful and just perfect for Maggie to have as a friend. I was proud of Maggie throughout the story she learned a lot and is as stubborn as a mule (which we all love about her). And Garrett I just wanted to hug, they both have been through hell and back and you'll love how the story brings you into their lives and shares many memories both happy and sad. Love this story. Want more historical romances from Tera she nailed this one. 5 huge stars review by Nanee at Upallnightreadallday.blogspot.com
April 23, 2014
An Unwilling Husband by Tera Shanley
4 ½ stars
Margaret “Maggie” Flemming traveled from Boston to the only home she ever has known to reunite with the only man who was a father figure to her. Those years she and her Mom lived with Roy were the happiest she could remember. She had a family and she had a friend, Garrett Shaw who lived on the next homestead. An accident leaves Roy gravely injured and his dying wish is that Garrett marries Maggie.
Maggie is a very strong woman. She endured years of verbal abuse from her aunt and the few years she spent with Roy were her happiest. It is very fitting that she came back in search of that happiness when her mother passed. I loved how she embraced her new life. Garrett is an unwilling husband at first as he is convinced Maggie is not going to stay. I enjoyed his softer side.
The plot is easy to follow and the conflict at the end of the book that threatens their love is the only part that I thought moved too slow. There are fantastic secondary characters who I grew to love as much as Maggie and Garrett.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I would definitely try another historical book by her. I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
4 ½ stars
Margaret “Maggie” Flemming traveled from Boston to the only home she ever has known to reunite with the only man who was a father figure to her. Those years she and her Mom lived with Roy were the happiest she could remember. She had a family and she had a friend, Garrett Shaw who lived on the next homestead. An accident leaves Roy gravely injured and his dying wish is that Garrett marries Maggie.
Maggie is a very strong woman. She endured years of verbal abuse from her aunt and the few years she spent with Roy were her happiest. It is very fitting that she came back in search of that happiness when her mother passed. I loved how she embraced her new life. Garrett is an unwilling husband at first as he is convinced Maggie is not going to stay. I enjoyed his softer side.
The plot is easy to follow and the conflict at the end of the book that threatens their love is the only part that I thought moved too slow. There are fantastic secondary characters who I grew to love as much as Maggie and Garrett.
This is the first book I have read from this author and I would definitely try another historical book by her. I received this book from the publisher via NetGalley for my honest review.
May 13, 2016
This is one of those books where the title is why you start reading it. Or maybe that is just me … LOL who really knows. I found this book to be interesting.
Margaret is brought up to be a lady of high society. Named after her aunt, who despised her for reasons she did not learn until she was an adult. Torn from the only person she new as her father at a young age because her mother could not handle the old west town they lived in. Margaret runs from Boston to the place she only hopes will accept her without the harsh judgment that she has received all her life.
Being in Garret Shaw, the only person Margaret has ever loved. Sadly, he sees that her leaving with her mother as a betrayal … not only for him but also for her father. Duty to her dying father forces them to wed … from there things have there ups & downs. But in the end, it comes down to if they can understand & let go of the past.
Ms. Shanley has created an interesting tale that draws you in & keeps you reading. I have read from her, but she has been able to go from one genre to another & still keeps you wanted you to keep reading.
https://booksbooksbooksmorebooks.word...
Margaret is brought up to be a lady of high society. Named after her aunt, who despised her for reasons she did not learn until she was an adult. Torn from the only person she new as her father at a young age because her mother could not handle the old west town they lived in. Margaret runs from Boston to the place she only hopes will accept her without the harsh judgment that she has received all her life.
Being in Garret Shaw, the only person Margaret has ever loved. Sadly, he sees that her leaving with her mother as a betrayal … not only for him but also for her father. Duty to her dying father forces them to wed … from there things have there ups & downs. But in the end, it comes down to if they can understand & let go of the past.
Ms. Shanley has created an interesting tale that draws you in & keeps you reading. I have read from her, but she has been able to go from one genre to another & still keeps you wanted you to keep reading.
https://booksbooksbooksmorebooks.word...
April 11, 2014
Garret sure is a Mr. Bossypants, "he wheeled and faced her. "Because I aim to marry you. Today. Right now. I have to get the cattle to the train station tomorrow and the preacher has other engagements so this will be our last chance for a while." Maggie that girl is no push over and speaks her mind, "what are you doing here, Garret Shaw? Four days married and already seeking out a loose woman? You've made it clear you don't respect me in any way, but this is unacceptable." I don't think Garret means to hurt Maggie's feelings but it kinda happens all the same, "Garret didn't even glance her way before he accepted Miss Jenning's request, the brute! Her heart sank as they headed to the dance floor." Once he gets his head out of his a** he really is a sweet man, "then he pulled her close, and she felt his eagerness, even through the thick cotton of his pants. How intimidating, that such a sizeable man belonged to her. He paused at her hesitation. "We'll take it slow. I'll be gentle with you, Maggie. I promise." I really did love reading this book.
April 11, 2016
An Unwilling Husband by Tera Shanley is a western romance worth the read. Ms. Shanley is a new author to me, and other than a few modern terms and phrases, I found her voice and style a good fit for the western romance genre. Set in the wilds of Texas, Maggie has left her Boston home and evil aunt to live with a man she considers her father. She's also hoping to meet up again with childhood friend and the love of her life Garrett. When she does, she discovers Garrett is nothing like the caring teenage boy she remembers. Presently, he doesn't like her, even resents her, and marries her against his will after her father dies in a tragic accident. But beneath the temperamental man lurks a a heart worth knowing; a kind soul with a gentle hand. And Maggie is going to prove to him she's not as weak as he seems to think, even if it kills her. And it just might. Packed with action and a family as evil and cunning as her aunt, An Unwilling Husband has all the elements of the untamed old west, including a Native American woman who sometimes steals the scene!
March 25, 2015
This was so funny and lighthearted! Maggie surprised me in the end, throughout the book its like she's on the edge of breaking fully with no recovery in the future. Only she keeps finding reasons to fight for a bright and loving future! I was in tears when I read Garret's POV when he thought the worse. Heck even I feared for the worse but I will say when Maggie pulled through enough to say what she did to Anna, now that had me laughing! How she tolerated her aunt in the end was beyond me, I mean that woman never had one nice thing to say to her. And she tried her damnedest to ruin any chance at true happiness and true love for Maggie before it really even began. But in the end I was so happy to read how everything worked out for everyone in the end. The epilogue was just perfect and fitting for Garret and Maggie! Overall its such a great read and will leave you with a smile in the end and laughing throughout the whole book! ;-)
Till next time - Sweets Books
Till next time - Sweets Books
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