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The Great Wedding Giveaway #8
Last Year's Bride
It’s for the ranch. It’s your duty. A man does his duty, always. His father Sam’s words were carved into Cole McCullough’s brain. His responsibilities lay with Rafter M Arrow, which had been in their family for over a hundred years. Even though they were fighting a losing battle to keep the place going.
The ranch always came first, over personal comfort, sometimes reason and definitely women. Sam had seen both his wives walk away, dismissing them as hot-house city girls who couldn’t survive the wilds of rural Montana. So how had Cole ended up making a spur-of-the-moment marriage last year in Reno to TV director Nell, who was as city as they came? Nell was prepared to give it all up to be with Cole. But he knew how it would as it had always ended before. It was time to stop living a pipe dream and sue for divorce.
But then Nell came back to Marietta with The Compatibility Game, a reality program, in which couples discovered what they were willing to do for love by living and working at Rafter M, and Cole found himself taking part too…
The ranch always came first, over personal comfort, sometimes reason and definitely women. Sam had seen both his wives walk away, dismissing them as hot-house city girls who couldn’t survive the wilds of rural Montana. So how had Cole ended up making a spur-of-the-moment marriage last year in Reno to TV director Nell, who was as city as they came? Nell was prepared to give it all up to be with Cole. But he knew how it would as it had always ended before. It was time to stop living a pipe dream and sue for divorce.
But then Nell came back to Marietta with The Compatibility Game, a reality program, in which couples discovered what they were willing to do for love by living and working at Rafter M, and Cole found himself taking part too…
232 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 9, 2014
81 people are currently reading
551 people want to read
About the author
Anne McAllister
346 books124 followersAnne McAllister has written nearly 70 romance novels for Tule Publishing and Harlequin Books.
She has won two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America — for COWBOY PRIDE and THE STARDUST COWBOY — and has had nine other books which were RITA finalists.
Her books have also been finalists for the National Readers’ Choice Award. She was named Midwest Fiction Writers “Writer of the Year” and also received Romantic Times’ Career Achievement Award as “Series Author of the Year.”
But while the awards and sales are wonderful, Anne thinks the best part of writing is telling the story. With every new book she writes, she meets new characters – or gets to know old ones even better – and discovers what makes them and their relationships tick.
It’s the relationships that interest her most and the question about “where do you get your ideas?” has always astonished her as she has more ideas than she knows what to do with!
She has won two RITA awards from the Romance Writers of America — for COWBOY PRIDE and THE STARDUST COWBOY — and has had nine other books which were RITA finalists.
Her books have also been finalists for the National Readers’ Choice Award. She was named Midwest Fiction Writers “Writer of the Year” and also received Romantic Times’ Career Achievement Award as “Series Author of the Year.”
But while the awards and sales are wonderful, Anne thinks the best part of writing is telling the story. With every new book she writes, she meets new characters – or gets to know old ones even better – and discovers what makes them and their relationships tick.
It’s the relationships that interest her most and the question about “where do you get your ideas?” has always astonished her as she has more ideas than she knows what to do with!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 61 reviews
June 24, 2015
All the falling in love happened before the book began. This is basically 156 pages of a guy trying to avoid staying married to someone because he thinks he knows better than she does what will make her happy. One of my least favorite types of "heroes".
p.s. If you've been married for a year and he still hasn't told his family about you... honey, he's just not that into you.
p.s. If you've been married for a year and he still hasn't told his family about you... honey, he's just not that into you.
June 10, 2014
It's a good thing Cole McCullough has wide shoulders, because he carries the weight of his family's future on them. After his father's second heart attack he discovered that a second mortgage had been taken out on the ranch and without a great money making venture everything will be lost. In a last ditch bid for a great idea, his sister, Sophie, suggests their ranch as a location for a reality TV show directed by...his estranged wife.
Very few people know that Nell Corbett is married. Not her boss, not her co-workers, and especially not her in-laws. She accepted that Cole wanted to wait to tell his family. She even accepted that he wanted her to take the job in LA. But she will not accept the divorce papers she received in the mail less than a year after her wedding. Determined to talk to her errant husband she convinces her boss to considering Marietta as a possible location for his reality show. Now she just has to talk Cole in to staying her husband.
I connected with the hero for the very fact that any person who has nursed a parent or grandparent through a long illness can understand what he is going through. I have watched my mother struggle to help nurse her brother, then her mother, then her father, and now her mother-in-law through cancer and other various ailments for more than two decades. There is a feeling of helplessness that comes with knowing that even if there was someone you could ask for help, it is not "their job" to help. This feeling is expressed many times by Cole over many different things. He is trapped by his own sense of obligation and stubborn pride. Many authors have written stubborn heroes before, but adding the twist of an ailing parent really gives it a new, more reachable dimension.
Another "new" dimension to an oft used trope is the fact that Nell is adopted, but does not feel "obligated" to be the best she can be. Instead, she is tired of having everyone make decisions for her. This is actually a feeling many people can understand when coming from large families that need to coordinate many schedules. Decisions are made for them instead of by them. When they finally do make it out into the world by themselves they tend to either attach themselves to a controlling person out of habit, or resent controlling people and steer clear of them completely.
Of course, I can't review a book without mentioning the supporting cast of characters. This group was simply awesome. Sam was a typical grumpy bear with a thorn in his paw, Sophie is a typically eager teenager wanting to help with bigger and better ideas. The "talent" was collectively fabulous and worked great as subplots. The true star of the supporting characters was Em. No spoilers, but I'll just say that she was A LOT more than was expected.
Overall, this was by far my favorite book of the Great Wedding Giveaway Series. It was longer than the others, but it really didn't feel that way.
Very few people know that Nell Corbett is married. Not her boss, not her co-workers, and especially not her in-laws. She accepted that Cole wanted to wait to tell his family. She even accepted that he wanted her to take the job in LA. But she will not accept the divorce papers she received in the mail less than a year after her wedding. Determined to talk to her errant husband she convinces her boss to considering Marietta as a possible location for his reality show. Now she just has to talk Cole in to staying her husband.
I connected with the hero for the very fact that any person who has nursed a parent or grandparent through a long illness can understand what he is going through. I have watched my mother struggle to help nurse her brother, then her mother, then her father, and now her mother-in-law through cancer and other various ailments for more than two decades. There is a feeling of helplessness that comes with knowing that even if there was someone you could ask for help, it is not "their job" to help. This feeling is expressed many times by Cole over many different things. He is trapped by his own sense of obligation and stubborn pride. Many authors have written stubborn heroes before, but adding the twist of an ailing parent really gives it a new, more reachable dimension.
Another "new" dimension to an oft used trope is the fact that Nell is adopted, but does not feel "obligated" to be the best she can be. Instead, she is tired of having everyone make decisions for her. This is actually a feeling many people can understand when coming from large families that need to coordinate many schedules. Decisions are made for them instead of by them. When they finally do make it out into the world by themselves they tend to either attach themselves to a controlling person out of habit, or resent controlling people and steer clear of them completely.
Of course, I can't review a book without mentioning the supporting cast of characters. This group was simply awesome. Sam was a typical grumpy bear with a thorn in his paw, Sophie is a typically eager teenager wanting to help with bigger and better ideas. The "talent" was collectively fabulous and worked great as subplots. The true star of the supporting characters was Em. No spoilers, but I'll just say that she was A LOT more than was expected.
Overall, this was by far my favorite book of the Great Wedding Giveaway Series. It was longer than the others, but it really didn't feel that way.
June 11, 2014
Cole McCullogh is a rancher that is carrying the weight of the world on his shoulders. Forced to take over all aspects of the family ranch when his father has a heart attack, Cole makes the choice to do what he feels is right for his secret bride: walk away.
Nell Corbett met Cole while filming a rodeo documentary. They dated during the summer, and she went back to California to finish her Graduate work in Film school. Unable to forget her, Cole meets her in Reno, and swept away in the romance, they get married. She returns to finish school and he goes home, to find his father too weak for a shock, so they never tell anyone they are married.
Ten months of waiting is enough for Nell. She is determined to find out why her marriage is over before it starts, and brings production of her reality tv show to Marietta, with every intention of cornering her husband once and for all.
The reality of life and fears for the future are a big part of this story. I love that Nell is the strong one and willing to fight. Cole does a lot of growing, and the two learn more about each other as they spend more time together.
The main characters are well-written, and the secondary characters and depth to the story. Longer than the previous stories, I never felt it was dragging. I loved watching how everyone and everything fit together to tell the story.
Last Year's Bride by Anne McAllister is the eighth and final story in the Montana Born Bride series. It was a great addition to the series. I loved meeting new characters, and it still amazes me how all these authors manage to tie each story to the others.
Nell Corbett met Cole while filming a rodeo documentary. They dated during the summer, and she went back to California to finish her Graduate work in Film school. Unable to forget her, Cole meets her in Reno, and swept away in the romance, they get married. She returns to finish school and he goes home, to find his father too weak for a shock, so they never tell anyone they are married.
Ten months of waiting is enough for Nell. She is determined to find out why her marriage is over before it starts, and brings production of her reality tv show to Marietta, with every intention of cornering her husband once and for all.
The reality of life and fears for the future are a big part of this story. I love that Nell is the strong one and willing to fight. Cole does a lot of growing, and the two learn more about each other as they spend more time together.
The main characters are well-written, and the secondary characters and depth to the story. Longer than the previous stories, I never felt it was dragging. I loved watching how everyone and everything fit together to tell the story.
Last Year's Bride by Anne McAllister is the eighth and final story in the Montana Born Bride series. It was a great addition to the series. I loved meeting new characters, and it still amazes me how all these authors manage to tie each story to the others.
June 10, 2014
This is the perfect romance book. It has everything you could ask for. A secret marriage, new loves just starting out, an in depth story with characters you instantly adore and the passion of a couple trying to work things out. All of this wrapped up with a happily ever after when you've been cheering them on through the entire book.
Cole McCullough and and Nell Corbett have been married for almost a year and haven't told anyone about it. After Cole's father has a heart attack, he is needed back at their ranch in Montana and decides it isn't the life for Nell. She has a huge career ahead of her and she shouldn't waste it living on the ranch in the small town of Marietta. Cole asks for a divorce.
Nell is working on a reality tv show and ends up at McCullough Ranch with her crew ready to film and Cole isn't happy about it. Eventually, they have to talk and end up back in each other's arms. Lots of ups and downs for this couple as they try to work through their differences. Will they ever be able to make it work out? Their intense passion keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
I have never read any of Anne McAllister's books, but she has definitely made me a fan after reading this story.
Cole McCullough and and Nell Corbett have been married for almost a year and haven't told anyone about it. After Cole's father has a heart attack, he is needed back at their ranch in Montana and decides it isn't the life for Nell. She has a huge career ahead of her and she shouldn't waste it living on the ranch in the small town of Marietta. Cole asks for a divorce.
Nell is working on a reality tv show and ends up at McCullough Ranch with her crew ready to film and Cole isn't happy about it. Eventually, they have to talk and end up back in each other's arms. Lots of ups and downs for this couple as they try to work through their differences. Will they ever be able to make it work out? Their intense passion keeps you on the edge of your seat waiting to see what happens next.
I have never read any of Anne McAllister's books, but she has definitely made me a fan after reading this story.
June 11, 2014
Cole and Nell are married, but no one knows. Now Cole is sending divorce papers even though they are very much in love. Should duty and responsibility keep them apart? Nell has been patient. No more. Her husband is in for a fight. Can love triumph? This smartly written story has everything - wonderful characters, true love and Marietta, Montana. Cole and Nell are such a passionate couple, but they look at life and love from two different points of view. Cole can't forget his past and the pain he still feels. Nell works hard for happiness. She believes that love and trust are all you need. I enjoyed the unexpected romance of Sam, Cole's father, and Jane. It reminded me that love is not only for the young. I loved that Cole's grandmother, Emma, had an exciting life when she was young. Anne McAllister wrote a perfect romance. It's part of the Montana Born Brides series which takes us into the heart of a small town where we see love bloom. I loved Last Year's Bride. It was a feel good story.
October 12, 2020
Real love waits
When Cole and Nell run into each other in Reno, neither is prepared for the outcome. But as life goes on unchanged and Cole begins to disbelieve the dream that had seemed so achievable that weekend was just a pipe dream. His life on the ranch is consuming him as the finances continue to fail year after year, and more and more of the burden of the physical running of the ranch continues to fall on Cole's shoulders. Amid the fear of foreclosure and the non-stop exhaustion of his unrelenting days of hard work, he finally decides it's time to confront Nell about their relationship, to put an end to their dreams.
Your heart will embrace the wonderful characters that fill the pages of "Last Year's Bride," as your mind empathizes with the seemingly insurmountable mountain of problems they face. Don't miss the chance to become a friend of the family's.
When Cole and Nell run into each other in Reno, neither is prepared for the outcome. But as life goes on unchanged and Cole begins to disbelieve the dream that had seemed so achievable that weekend was just a pipe dream. His life on the ranch is consuming him as the finances continue to fail year after year, and more and more of the burden of the physical running of the ranch continues to fall on Cole's shoulders. Amid the fear of foreclosure and the non-stop exhaustion of his unrelenting days of hard work, he finally decides it's time to confront Nell about their relationship, to put an end to their dreams.
Your heart will embrace the wonderful characters that fill the pages of "Last Year's Bride," as your mind empathizes with the seemingly insurmountable mountain of problems they face. Don't miss the chance to become a friend of the family's.
August 13, 2019
I appreciate that the belief is love trumps all but realistically Cole was 100% right. Nell has no life what-so-ever in Marietta. Her education & work all relies on her being in California and there is no easy commute. As much as they love each out, the marriage just won't work out with Nell having no future direction/goals for what she'll do once in Marietta full time. The author could have provided some type of direction on that aspect and it would have made the story better.
July 3, 2021
Three and a half stars
Cole McCullough and Nell Corbett met, fell in love, and got married on the sly…
Now Cole’s coming up with all kinds of ideas why they shouldn’t stay married.
Loved the peek at Marietta and the ranch life, and the supporting characters are terrific. Found Cole’s inability to think outside the box a little frustrating, which lowered my enjoyment of the story.
Cole McCullough and Nell Corbett met, fell in love, and got married on the sly…
Now Cole’s coming up with all kinds of ideas why they shouldn’t stay married.
Loved the peek at Marietta and the ranch life, and the supporting characters are terrific. Found Cole’s inability to think outside the box a little frustrating, which lowered my enjoyment of the story.
June 27, 2017
Awesome!
Laughter through tears....hardheaded men who just don't communicate. Strong women who can make a life where ever they Choose! Keep writing!!!
Laughter through tears....hardheaded men who just don't communicate. Strong women who can make a life where ever they Choose! Keep writing!!!
June 22, 2014
Originally published at Reading Reality
Last Year’s Bride is a story that almost makes reality TV palatable for me. The story is fun, the romance is sweet, and the main characters are all likeable, which is more than I can say for reality TV usually.
We have a mix of themes in Last Year’s Bride, and the blend makes for a short and lovely read.
Part of the fun is that this is a story where the happily ever after should have already happened! But it didn’t. We start the story with Nell and Cole already 10 months married, but living apart. Her career is in Los Angeles, and his life is his family’s ranch in Marietta Montana.
There isn’t much scope for directing and producing hit TV shows in Marietta. Which is where the problems between Cole and Nell begin.
They met while Nell was filming the rodeo, and had an absolutely whirlwind romance, with just enough breaks in between for them to figure out that they really loved each other, and that their romance wasn’t just a passing fancy.
After their spur-of-the-moment Reno wedding, they should have figured out their future. But they didn’t. Instead, Cole encouraged Nell to go back to LA to finish her degree, and he returned to Marietta to stew in his own juices.
Not quite. But when Cole returned to Marietta, he started telling himself all the reasons why Nell couldn’t and shouldn’t come to Marietta and make a life with him at the ranch. That she would eventually leave him, just the way his stepmother left his dad.
Notice I’m not saying that Cole ever asked Nell what she thought. He decided for her, and sent divorce papers. She not only didn’t sign them, but she brought the reality TV show that she was producing to Marietta to find out what went wrong. Only to discover that there was nothing wrong except for Cole’s fear of repeating his dad’s mistakes.
They love each other, but it takes all of Nell’s storytelling persuasion to get Cole to admit that the future is what they make together, and never something that he can decide for her.
With a little bit of help from the Radio City Rockettes.
Escape Rating B: While I adore the second chance at love aspects of this story, I think I may be burned out on the whole “he THINKS he knows best what’s good for her” self-sacrificing angle. It always adds up to a huge misunderstandammit that could have been avoided. I also can’t help wondering about how wonderful can the guy be if he even remotely thinks that he needs to do her thinking for her, or that she doesn’t know her own mind. In historicals, there’s a possibility that the attitude fits the times, but in a contemporary it gives my willing suspension of disbelief serious twinges.
Nell’s boss also needs a hit in the short and curlies for pulling the exact same attitude. While it grates just as much, he’s her boss and not her husband, so she’s not planning on a happily ever after with the dude.
However, the background story of Nell dragging the entire cast and crew of a reality TV show to Montana just so she can get Cole to either admit they have a future or get closure was terrific. Not just because Cole got a chance to show off in front of the camera, but because we also see Nell’s extreme competence and watch Cole’s family interact with each other and the reality show participants.
The occupation of the ranch by Hollywood turns out to be a revelation for everyone involved, especially some of the participants.
I liked Nell. She came to Montana to find out what went wrong (or not) instead of making assumptions. I also liked the way she stood up to Cole’s attitude, and finally walked away, making him decide what he wanted for himself, and not what anyone else expected.
But my favorite character is Cole’s grandmother Emily. She managed to pretty much call bullshit on both Cole and his father, and all without saying a word. She was absolutely awesome.
Last Year’s Bride is a story that almost makes reality TV palatable for me. The story is fun, the romance is sweet, and the main characters are all likeable, which is more than I can say for reality TV usually.
We have a mix of themes in Last Year’s Bride, and the blend makes for a short and lovely read.
Part of the fun is that this is a story where the happily ever after should have already happened! But it didn’t. We start the story with Nell and Cole already 10 months married, but living apart. Her career is in Los Angeles, and his life is his family’s ranch in Marietta Montana.
There isn’t much scope for directing and producing hit TV shows in Marietta. Which is where the problems between Cole and Nell begin.
They met while Nell was filming the rodeo, and had an absolutely whirlwind romance, with just enough breaks in between for them to figure out that they really loved each other, and that their romance wasn’t just a passing fancy.
After their spur-of-the-moment Reno wedding, they should have figured out their future. But they didn’t. Instead, Cole encouraged Nell to go back to LA to finish her degree, and he returned to Marietta to stew in his own juices.
Not quite. But when Cole returned to Marietta, he started telling himself all the reasons why Nell couldn’t and shouldn’t come to Marietta and make a life with him at the ranch. That she would eventually leave him, just the way his stepmother left his dad.
Notice I’m not saying that Cole ever asked Nell what she thought. He decided for her, and sent divorce papers. She not only didn’t sign them, but she brought the reality TV show that she was producing to Marietta to find out what went wrong. Only to discover that there was nothing wrong except for Cole’s fear of repeating his dad’s mistakes.
They love each other, but it takes all of Nell’s storytelling persuasion to get Cole to admit that the future is what they make together, and never something that he can decide for her.
With a little bit of help from the Radio City Rockettes.
Escape Rating B: While I adore the second chance at love aspects of this story, I think I may be burned out on the whole “he THINKS he knows best what’s good for her” self-sacrificing angle. It always adds up to a huge misunderstandammit that could have been avoided. I also can’t help wondering about how wonderful can the guy be if he even remotely thinks that he needs to do her thinking for her, or that she doesn’t know her own mind. In historicals, there’s a possibility that the attitude fits the times, but in a contemporary it gives my willing suspension of disbelief serious twinges.
Nell’s boss also needs a hit in the short and curlies for pulling the exact same attitude. While it grates just as much, he’s her boss and not her husband, so she’s not planning on a happily ever after with the dude.
However, the background story of Nell dragging the entire cast and crew of a reality TV show to Montana just so she can get Cole to either admit they have a future or get closure was terrific. Not just because Cole got a chance to show off in front of the camera, but because we also see Nell’s extreme competence and watch Cole’s family interact with each other and the reality show participants.
The occupation of the ranch by Hollywood turns out to be a revelation for everyone involved, especially some of the participants.
I liked Nell. She came to Montana to find out what went wrong (or not) instead of making assumptions. I also liked the way she stood up to Cole’s attitude, and finally walked away, making him decide what he wanted for himself, and not what anyone else expected.
But my favorite character is Cole’s grandmother Emily. She managed to pretty much call bullshit on both Cole and his father, and all without saying a word. She was absolutely awesome.
June 14, 2014
In Last Years Bride by Anne McAllister, Cole has the weight of the world on his shoulders as he struggles to keep his family ranch running. It's a lonely existence, but work on the ranch is his life. There is no room for anyone else, especially a woman who will eventually leave anyway. He's seen that happen before.
That's part of the reason why no one knows that Cole is actually married. In Reno 10 months ago, he hooked up with Nell...things were hot and heavy, and happening fast. Before he could doubt himself, they were married. Her job and his wish have kept her away from Marietta. Cole has himself convinced that this is best for them both, that the marriage was a mistake. As heavy as his heart is without her and as much as he can't stop thinking about her, he sends her divorce papers to sign.
But Nell is not giving in without a fight, and when the reality TV show she's directing ends up in not only Marietta but on the ranch, Cole's life is about to become much more interesting! The harder he tries to push Nell away, the closer she becomes. He is determined that ranch life is not for a city girl like her, Nell is determined that where ever he is is good for her. They both admit to loving the other, but Cole just can't let Nell all the way in. When the distant past is brought to light and a current family health scare, Will begins to see how wrong he is. Can he be true to both of them and trust in not only himself but in Nell? Or has he Cole finally push Nell too far?
Last Year's Bride is a fun, fast paced romantic novella with well written conflict and strongly developed characters that you will really care for. Cole is strong and loyal. On the outside he's gruff, but inside he hides a hurting heart. He thinks he's protecting himself and Nell by trying to get her to do what he thinks is right, no matter how much he really wants to be with her. Nell is also strong, and she is very determined! She knows Cole is worth it and she's going to fight for their marriage. I loved both of these people. Anne really brings out the best in both of them with her writing. I really enjoyed all of the secondary characters too...from Cole's family to the film crew, to 'the talent'. They have a lot to offer to round out Cole and Nell's story.
With the strong emotions Anne evokes with her writing, she draws you in quickly and keeps you there for the romantic journey. I loved the setting of the ranch for Last Year's Bride. With her descriptions and easy flow of words, Anne brings Cole and his ranch to life. Last Years Bride is the perfect title for the story! This is one of a series of the Montana Born Bride Books, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Any romance reader looking for a novella that will give you all you want in a small town romance will love Last Years Bride!
That's part of the reason why no one knows that Cole is actually married. In Reno 10 months ago, he hooked up with Nell...things were hot and heavy, and happening fast. Before he could doubt himself, they were married. Her job and his wish have kept her away from Marietta. Cole has himself convinced that this is best for them both, that the marriage was a mistake. As heavy as his heart is without her and as much as he can't stop thinking about her, he sends her divorce papers to sign.
But Nell is not giving in without a fight, and when the reality TV show she's directing ends up in not only Marietta but on the ranch, Cole's life is about to become much more interesting! The harder he tries to push Nell away, the closer she becomes. He is determined that ranch life is not for a city girl like her, Nell is determined that where ever he is is good for her. They both admit to loving the other, but Cole just can't let Nell all the way in. When the distant past is brought to light and a current family health scare, Will begins to see how wrong he is. Can he be true to both of them and trust in not only himself but in Nell? Or has he Cole finally push Nell too far?
Last Year's Bride is a fun, fast paced romantic novella with well written conflict and strongly developed characters that you will really care for. Cole is strong and loyal. On the outside he's gruff, but inside he hides a hurting heart. He thinks he's protecting himself and Nell by trying to get her to do what he thinks is right, no matter how much he really wants to be with her. Nell is also strong, and she is very determined! She knows Cole is worth it and she's going to fight for their marriage. I loved both of these people. Anne really brings out the best in both of them with her writing. I really enjoyed all of the secondary characters too...from Cole's family to the film crew, to 'the talent'. They have a lot to offer to round out Cole and Nell's story.
With the strong emotions Anne evokes with her writing, she draws you in quickly and keeps you there for the romantic journey. I loved the setting of the ranch for Last Year's Bride. With her descriptions and easy flow of words, Anne brings Cole and his ranch to life. Last Years Bride is the perfect title for the story! This is one of a series of the Montana Born Bride Books, but it can definitely be read as a stand alone.
Any romance reader looking for a novella that will give you all you want in a small town romance will love Last Years Bride!
June 16, 2014
Last Year's Bride by Anne McAllister
It’s for the ranch. It’s your duty. A man does his duty, always. His father Sam’s words were carved into Cole McCullough’s brain. His responsibilities lay with Rafter M Arrow, which had been in their family for over a hundred years. Even though they were fighting a losing battle to keep the place going.
The ranch always came first, over personal comfort, sometimes reason and definitely women. Sam had seen both his wives walk away, dismissing them as hot-house city girls who couldn’t survive the wilds of rural Montana. So how had Cole ended up making a spur-of-the-moment marriage last year in Reno to TV director Nell, who was as city as they came? Nell was prepared to give it all up to be with Cole. But he knew how it would end: as it had always ended before. It was time to stop living a pipe dream and sue for divorce.
But then Nell came back to Marietta with The Compatibility Game, a reality program, in which couples discovered what they were willing to do for love by living and working at Rafter M, and Cole found himself taking part too…
will The ranch always came first, over personal comfort, sometimes reason and definitely women. Sam had seen both his wives walk away, dismissing them as hot-house city girls who couldn’t survive the wilds of rural Montana. So how had Cole ended up making a spur-of-the-moment marriage last year in Reno to TV director Nell, who was as city as they came? Nell was prepared to give it all up to be with Cole. But he knew how it would end: as it had always ended before. It was time to stop living a pipe dream and sue for divorce.
But then Nell came back to Marietta with The Compatibility Game, a reality program, in which couples discovered what they were willing to do for love by living and working at Rafter M, and Cole found himself taking part too…
will Nell Corbett and Cole McCullough stay married ?
This is a wonderful well written 4 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Anne McAllister.
The Great Wedding Giveaway Series
(Montana Born Brides)
Prequel: Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter
Book 1: What a Bride Wants by Kelly Hunter
Book 2: Second Chance Bride by Trish Morey
Book 3: Almost a Bride by Sarah Mayberry
Book 4: The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh
Book 5: The Reluctant Bride by Katherine Garbera
Book 6: Game Of Brides by Megan Crane
Book 7: The Substitute Bride by Kathleen O'Brien
Book 8:Last Year's Bride by Anne McAllister
It’s for the ranch. It’s your duty. A man does his duty, always. His father Sam’s words were carved into Cole McCullough’s brain. His responsibilities lay with Rafter M Arrow, which had been in their family for over a hundred years. Even though they were fighting a losing battle to keep the place going.
The ranch always came first, over personal comfort, sometimes reason and definitely women. Sam had seen both his wives walk away, dismissing them as hot-house city girls who couldn’t survive the wilds of rural Montana. So how had Cole ended up making a spur-of-the-moment marriage last year in Reno to TV director Nell, who was as city as they came? Nell was prepared to give it all up to be with Cole. But he knew how it would end: as it had always ended before. It was time to stop living a pipe dream and sue for divorce.
But then Nell came back to Marietta with The Compatibility Game, a reality program, in which couples discovered what they were willing to do for love by living and working at Rafter M, and Cole found himself taking part too…
will The ranch always came first, over personal comfort, sometimes reason and definitely women. Sam had seen both his wives walk away, dismissing them as hot-house city girls who couldn’t survive the wilds of rural Montana. So how had Cole ended up making a spur-of-the-moment marriage last year in Reno to TV director Nell, who was as city as they came? Nell was prepared to give it all up to be with Cole. But he knew how it would end: as it had always ended before. It was time to stop living a pipe dream and sue for divorce.
But then Nell came back to Marietta with The Compatibility Game, a reality program, in which couples discovered what they were willing to do for love by living and working at Rafter M, and Cole found himself taking part too…
will Nell Corbett and Cole McCullough stay married ?
This is a wonderful well written 4 stars book.
I am looking forward to reading more books by Anne McAllister.
The Great Wedding Giveaway Series
(Montana Born Brides)
Prequel: Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter
Book 1: What a Bride Wants by Kelly Hunter
Book 2: Second Chance Bride by Trish Morey
Book 3: Almost a Bride by Sarah Mayberry
Book 4: The Unexpected Bride by Joanne Walsh
Book 5: The Reluctant Bride by Katherine Garbera
Book 6: Game Of Brides by Megan Crane
Book 7: The Substitute Bride by Kathleen O'Brien
Book 8:Last Year's Bride by Anne McAllister
March 18, 2015
This is a Montana Born Brides Book. It is #8 in the series; The Great Wedding Giveaway Series It is written by Anne McAllister.
This is the story of Cole and Nell.
Cole had the words from his father Sam ingrained into his memory for as long as he remembered. A man always does his duty.
Cole's obligations were with the over 100 year old family ranch. The ranch came first in his life; before his own well-being, his own logic and of course, women. Cole's father had lost 2 wives to the rustic unsophisticated life on the ranch. Cole and his father were both losing the struggle in keeping the ranch profitable.
Cole had made an impulsive decision to marry TV director Nell the year before. Nell was willing to give up everything to be with Cole. He thought it would end as it always had, that she would leave to go back to the city. He didn't tell anyone he was married, and was trying to sue Nell for a divorce.
Nell unexpectedly showed up in Marietta as the director of a reality program. They ended up filming the show at Cole & his father's ranch. The show is called The Compatibility Game. It has couples who are discovering what they are willing to do for love by living and working on the ranch. Cole is not too happy about the show being filmed on the ranch, but his sister thinks it is a good way to revive the ranch.
Will Cole ever trust Nell to see if she can be happy with life on the ranch? Will Nell ever convince Cole that she truly does love him and can be happy not being in the city with her career? Will this forced re-union give them the chance they need to see if their passion was fleeting or would stand the test of time?
Loved this story of family obligation with romance, passion and love bringing about a realization for both characters.
It was well written and I am glad to have written such a wonderful story by this new to me author.
This is the story of Cole and Nell.
Cole had the words from his father Sam ingrained into his memory for as long as he remembered. A man always does his duty.
Cole's obligations were with the over 100 year old family ranch. The ranch came first in his life; before his own well-being, his own logic and of course, women. Cole's father had lost 2 wives to the rustic unsophisticated life on the ranch. Cole and his father were both losing the struggle in keeping the ranch profitable.
Cole had made an impulsive decision to marry TV director Nell the year before. Nell was willing to give up everything to be with Cole. He thought it would end as it always had, that she would leave to go back to the city. He didn't tell anyone he was married, and was trying to sue Nell for a divorce.
Nell unexpectedly showed up in Marietta as the director of a reality program. They ended up filming the show at Cole & his father's ranch. The show is called The Compatibility Game. It has couples who are discovering what they are willing to do for love by living and working on the ranch. Cole is not too happy about the show being filmed on the ranch, but his sister thinks it is a good way to revive the ranch.
Will Cole ever trust Nell to see if she can be happy with life on the ranch? Will Nell ever convince Cole that she truly does love him and can be happy not being in the city with her career? Will this forced re-union give them the chance they need to see if their passion was fleeting or would stand the test of time?
Loved this story of family obligation with romance, passion and love bringing about a realization for both characters.
It was well written and I am glad to have written such a wonderful story by this new to me author.
August 5, 2014
If this were a wine, I'd say it was surprisingly full-bodied. It tried to do a lot of things and actually succeeded (gasp! I know!). I started out thinking I probably wouldn't care for Cole and Nell's romance since it felt like it had come so fast, another one of those quickies that they'd desperately try to work out, but a huge chunk of the book was spent developing it, and their characters, into something so genuine, so heart-warming, I ended up an unexpected captive of the story.
Sure, I found it appalling that the couple hid their marriage for almost a year (I mean…right?!), and I couldn't tell if I found it excusable, but in the end I was appeased and so darn satisfied with how their story played out. I felt this was a longer piece of work than the other previous entries to the series, and it showed in the thoughtful progression and layering of the couple's relationship. It also had a rich set of side characters—interesting, not enough to steal the show, but just right to offer a new dimension and support Cole and Nell's journey to their HEA.
And it was well and truly a fulfilling journey. I loved it, and this book.
Sure, I found it appalling that the couple hid their marriage for almost a year (I mean…right?!), and I couldn't tell if I found it excusable, but in the end I was appeased and so darn satisfied with how their story played out. I felt this was a longer piece of work than the other previous entries to the series, and it showed in the thoughtful progression and layering of the couple's relationship. It also had a rich set of side characters—interesting, not enough to steal the show, but just right to offer a new dimension and support Cole and Nell's journey to their HEA.
And it was well and truly a fulfilling journey. I loved it, and this book.
June 20, 2014
Before I'd read Last Year's Bride, I'd read perhaps a much older Harlequin Presents title written by Anne McAllister. It's hard to recall the title of the book, but I recall enjoying it. Last Year's Bride was fantastic and full of surprises I wasn't expecting.
I felt so bad for Cole. In order to do what was right he thought he had to sacrifice the person who meant the most to him. He hurt two people while trying to do what he thought was best for everyone. I admired how strong Nell's faith in her love for Cole was. She literally never gave up on him and never wavered either. Cole and Nell's journey was fraught with so many obstacles, Cole being the biggest one. I really enjoyed getting to know them.
I loved seeing Jane again in an unexpected manner. She made her first appearance in Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter, another story I loved, and plays an important role in this book. I was hooked from the beginning of the book to the end and finished it very quickly.
I felt so bad for Cole. In order to do what was right he thought he had to sacrifice the person who meant the most to him. He hurt two people while trying to do what he thought was best for everyone. I admired how strong Nell's faith in her love for Cole was. She literally never gave up on him and never wavered either. Cole and Nell's journey was fraught with so many obstacles, Cole being the biggest one. I really enjoyed getting to know them.
I loved seeing Jane again in an unexpected manner. She made her first appearance in Beauty's Kiss by Jane Porter, another story I loved, and plays an important role in this book. I was hooked from the beginning of the book to the end and finished it very quickly.
June 23, 2014
Last Year's Bride is the 8th book in the Brides series from Montana Born Books. I have truly loved all of the books in this series. It has been a delight to read about all these brides each as distinctive as the authors who wrote them. Anne McAllister was another new to me author and I look forward to more of her books.
This was Nell and Cole's story. They were both strong characters and willing to fight for what they believe it the right thing. Cole and Nell marry on the spur of the moment and then keep it a secret because of things going on with Cole's family and ranch. Nell is living in LA and working on a reality TV show, when their 2 world's collide it is apparent that their chemistry is still there and Nell wants to make their marriage work, but Cole is determined to make Nell divorce him before she resents the ranch and leaves. I like how other characters came into play in this story although one was quite surprising. You do not have to read the other bride books to read this story, but they are all enjoyable, so I would recommend that you do!
This was Nell and Cole's story. They were both strong characters and willing to fight for what they believe it the right thing. Cole and Nell marry on the spur of the moment and then keep it a secret because of things going on with Cole's family and ranch. Nell is living in LA and working on a reality TV show, when their 2 world's collide it is apparent that their chemistry is still there and Nell wants to make their marriage work, but Cole is determined to make Nell divorce him before she resents the ranch and leaves. I like how other characters came into play in this story although one was quite surprising. You do not have to read the other bride books to read this story, but they are all enjoyable, so I would recommend that you do!
July 6, 2014
Have you ever wanted something so badly it hurts? Ever wanted something so much that even when you reach for it and get burned you keep reaching because you want it just that much? That’s what this story is like. Nell kept reach for Cole over and over again so many times and in so many ways that even when she kept getting burned she kept going and it was at times so painful to watch. There were times when I wanted to shake her and scream why, others when I wanted to hit him and say I know you have issues but man she is so good to you! At the end though I realized that Ms. McAllister had truly created something special and explosively real between these two.
Last Year’s Bride is a book not to be missed, with it’s special blend of perspectives, it’s return to Marietta and of course a love that is not on the straight and narrow. Cole thinks he knows best but then again the women in his life prove that when you are only looking for something to go wrong that’s all you will see. Thank you Ms. McAllister for opening the possibilities of true love and forever.
Last Year’s Bride is a book not to be missed, with it’s special blend of perspectives, it’s return to Marietta and of course a love that is not on the straight and narrow. Cole thinks he knows best but then again the women in his life prove that when you are only looking for something to go wrong that’s all you will see. Thank you Ms. McAllister for opening the possibilities of true love and forever.
September 2, 2014
Cole and Nell had a whirlwind romance and secret quicky marriage in Reno, before he returned to his tour of duty. Fast forward nearly a year and Cole hasn’t returned to Nell, as promised. Instead, despite still being in love with her, he serves her up with divorce papers because he doesn’t want her to have to give up her career as a TV director, even if she is willing to do it. His obligations lie with his family and their ranch back home in Marietta, so he heads back there alone, not telling his family about their marriage. But Nell decides to take matters into her own hands and when she shows up on the ranch to film a reality show for couples, Cole’s in for a big surprise. As hard as he tries to resist, he just can’t fight against his feelings for Nell…and she’s determined to show him that their love is stronger than any of the obstacles that he thinks stand in their way. This was a fantastic, heartwarming read…the characters felt very real to me and I couldn’t put it down until I finished the last page. Highly recommend!
April 25, 2016
"Last Year's Bride" by Anne McAllister is book eight in the "Montana Born Brides" series. This is Cole McCullogh and Nell Corbett's story.
Nell and Cole hadn't known each long, but wind up getting married on the spur-of-the-moment. They decide not to tell anyone at first. Then life happens and time goes on and still nobody knows that they are married.
Nell is working as a TV director. Cole believes that his duty is to the ranch. So, Cole decides that they need to divorce so Nell can further her career. He doesn't want Nell to regret leaving her career for him.
I loved Cole and Nell's characters. Nell knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. Cole is a sweet and caring guy, but he can be so thick headed. There were times that I wanted to smack some sense into him. Will Cole allow his stubbornness to lose the love of his life?
This is a sweet, romantic, and heartwarming story. You will also fall in love with the supporting characters, especially Cole's grandmother.
Nell and Cole hadn't known each long, but wind up getting married on the spur-of-the-moment. They decide not to tell anyone at first. Then life happens and time goes on and still nobody knows that they are married.
Nell is working as a TV director. Cole believes that his duty is to the ranch. So, Cole decides that they need to divorce so Nell can further her career. He doesn't want Nell to regret leaving her career for him.
I loved Cole and Nell's characters. Nell knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to go after it. Cole is a sweet and caring guy, but he can be so thick headed. There were times that I wanted to smack some sense into him. Will Cole allow his stubbornness to lose the love of his life?
This is a sweet, romantic, and heartwarming story. You will also fall in love with the supporting characters, especially Cole's grandmother.
June 20, 2014
Last Year's Bride..This Year's Favorite!
Nell and Cole were married on a whim in Reno. Now Cole is thinking Nell would be better off without him and should remain doing what she loves in Southern California. However, Nell is not about to give up as she still loves Cole and knows that he loves her too! After being apart 10 months, Nell shows up at the Valentine's Day Ball at the Graf. She is there with her boss checking out the possibility of a reality tv show with part of the setting in Marietta. Nell realizes that even though Cole has given her divorce papers, he still loves her. She decides that their marriage is worth saving and is going to fight for it. But the question becomes, will Cole agree to work on the marriage or continue the divorce?
I loved the characters and absolutely loved the dynamic between Nell and Cole! Would love to see more stories with all of my favorite Marietta characters!!
Nell and Cole were married on a whim in Reno. Now Cole is thinking Nell would be better off without him and should remain doing what she loves in Southern California. However, Nell is not about to give up as she still loves Cole and knows that he loves her too! After being apart 10 months, Nell shows up at the Valentine's Day Ball at the Graf. She is there with her boss checking out the possibility of a reality tv show with part of the setting in Marietta. Nell realizes that even though Cole has given her divorce papers, he still loves her. She decides that their marriage is worth saving and is going to fight for it. But the question becomes, will Cole agree to work on the marriage or continue the divorce?
I loved the characters and absolutely loved the dynamic between Nell and Cole! Would love to see more stories with all of my favorite Marietta characters!!
June 24, 2014
Cole is a hard working man who sees things through and goes the distance, except with his secret marriage. He doesn't think his bride, Nell, could ever be happy and give up her career in Hollywood to be a rancher's wife. Nell is willing to do anything for love, including giving up her career because her love for Cole is greater than anything--she must convince him to give their marriage a shot, and to make it known to everyone.
It's a lot to overcome, but Nell has a plan, and unbeknownst to Cole, she's going to use his family to be the catalyst to keep them together. She brings the reality show to Cole's family's ranch. She puts herself in his life, and little by little, she gets under his skin until it's all out in the open. No more excuses, no hiding, no more talk of divorce...
In the end, love prevails and proves love and marriage is worth fighting for.
**I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**
It's a lot to overcome, but Nell has a plan, and unbeknownst to Cole, she's going to use his family to be the catalyst to keep them together. She brings the reality show to Cole's family's ranch. She puts herself in his life, and little by little, she gets under his skin until it's all out in the open. No more excuses, no hiding, no more talk of divorce...
In the end, love prevails and proves love and marriage is worth fighting for.
**I was given an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion**
July 30, 2014
Last Years Bride by Anne McAllister is book #8 in the Montana Born Brides series. Anne McAllister is newer author to me and I was not disappointed. Last Years Bride deals with Nell Corbett and Cole McCullough falling in love and impulsively getting married in Reno. When Cole is returning to Marietta, Montana(Nell didn't come with him because of her job) to tell his family about his marriage his father has a heart attack. Without telling anyone he is married Cole shoulders the responsibilities of the family ranch, trying to keep the ranch afloat.With all that's going on Cole feels it's better for him and Nell to divorce but Nell doesn't want a divorce. Many months later Nell ends up at the McCullough ranch due to her job. Cole's not happy! You need to read how Nell and Cole resolve their differences and find their HEA. A good addition to the Montana Born Bride series. A heart-warming story.
September 6, 2016
Last Year's Bride is the story of Cole and Nell, desperately in love with each other but apart in distance and duty, especially for Cole. Ingrained in him is his duty to the family ranch, which is in debt and the threat of foreclosure looms in the horizon. He doesn't think or feel that he can let Nell leave her life as a TV director in California to live a seemingly desperate one on the ranch. His fears go deeper than this but he won't voice them to Nell but rather decides to free her through divorce papers, totally out of the blue.
Nell is determined to stop Cole's divorce farce and jumps at the chance to spend time with him on the ranch when her production of a reality series chooses his ranch for location. Sparks still fly but Cole remains adamant. Nell is determined to break down his wall of fear and claim the man she loves.
Nell is determined to stop Cole's divorce farce and jumps at the chance to spend time with him on the ranch when her production of a reality series chooses his ranch for location. Sparks still fly but Cole remains adamant. Nell is determined to break down his wall of fear and claim the man she loves.
June 11, 2014
Last Year's Bride is the final book in the Montana Born brides series and for my money it's possibly the best. It's a little longer than the others, but it carries those extra pages well. The writing style is fluid yet relaxed. It is an Incredibly easy book to read and a perfect counterpoint to a hard day at the office. I liked all the characters too, which always goes a long way towards encouraging me to like a book. I would have liked to find out what happened to Cole's date at the ball. She's not a key player but I just felt like she was a loose end that needed tying up. Still that was a pretty minor detail in what has been a really enjoyable book. I'm looking forward to reading more from Anne McAllister!
June 23, 2014
I loved Cole and Nell's story! Cole, who married Nell in a secret wedding in Reno ten months ago, but has since served her with divorce papers, is shocked when she shows up in town to film a reality show on his ranch. He's determined that she won't be happy living on the ranch and continues to push her away, despite the fact that he still loves her. Nell, hurt when Cole started putting distance between, is determined to show him just how strong he is and not let him continue to push her away "for her own good". Anne McAllister is a fabulous storyteller and Last Year's Bride is no exception. If you want a great romance filled with a secret marriage, cowboys and passion, you should definitely add this one to your reading list!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2015
She makes his life worth living!
Nell and Cole married a year earlier but after he returned to Montana it was easy for him to realize that he made a mistake and Nell could never be happy with him. When Nell shows up in town to direct a reality TV show that they decide to film at Cole's ranch, they both get to take a long hard look at wether love is enough or not. There's no doubt they love each other, but is there any chance they can make it as a couple. After all, Nell is great at what she does, and Cole knows his responsibility is to the family Ranch.
Very good story with plenty of love to go around. There were sexual situations, but they are married, and no graphic details, so it was okay. Language was clean.
Nell and Cole married a year earlier but after he returned to Montana it was easy for him to realize that he made a mistake and Nell could never be happy with him. When Nell shows up in town to direct a reality TV show that they decide to film at Cole's ranch, they both get to take a long hard look at wether love is enough or not. There's no doubt they love each other, but is there any chance they can make it as a couple. After all, Nell is great at what she does, and Cole knows his responsibility is to the family Ranch.
Very good story with plenty of love to go around. There were sexual situations, but they are married, and no graphic details, so it was okay. Language was clean.
June 10, 2014
Sometimes in life we live in the moment. In Last Years Bride, Cole and Nell were caught up in the moment while in Las Vegas and were married. As each returns to their own responsibilities life seems to have a way of pushing them apart versus bringing them together. Nell's belief in what they have is so strong, she is will conquer obstacles and use timing to be with Cole. Will Cole come around to her way of thinking or will time constantly be an excuse not to tell his family that he got married and is requesting a divorce.
Excellent example of fighting for what you want or what can happen if you don't.
June 10, 2014
Nell is in the film industry. Cole is a rancher in Marietta, Montana. How can two people from two entirely different worlds make a marriage work? Can love overcome their differences? Nell and Cole are pulled in two different directions. They face many problems that new couples must overcome.
This is the 8th book in the bride series. I have loved this series, but I believe this is my favorite book in the series. Anne McAllister is a wonderful author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
This is the 8th book in the bride series. I have loved this series, but I believe this is my favorite book in the series. Anne McAllister is a wonderful author and I look forward to reading more of her books.
June 11, 2014
Last Year’s Bride
This book is about just living your life or being lucky enough to find that special someone that make life worth living. I really associated with Cole in this story. He is the son that has to shoulder so much of the family responsibility in his life don’t think he ever thought he would find the right woman for him until he meets Nell. It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but I am glad I did the ending was all about finding out what really makes you happy and finding that person that makes life worth living.
This book is about just living your life or being lucky enough to find that special someone that make life worth living. I really associated with Cole in this story. He is the son that has to shoulder so much of the family responsibility in his life don’t think he ever thought he would find the right woman for him until he meets Nell. It took me a few chapters to really get into the story, but I am glad I did the ending was all about finding out what really makes you happy and finding that person that makes life worth living.
June 12, 2014
Cole McCullough is a rancher and Nell Corbett a reality TV director and they are both such likeable characters,even though Cole sometimes just drove me nuts, Oh and Coles grandmother EM I loved her and wanted too sit down to one of her home cooked meals and maybe take home a pie and a puppy.
This book had me from the get go and the stuff about the reality TV show was just a bonus, the romance between Cole and Nell is the heart of the story.
So all you lovers of western romance heres a great one to grab, I know I will be looking for another one by this author.
This book had me from the get go and the stuff about the reality TV show was just a bonus, the romance between Cole and Nell is the heart of the story.
So all you lovers of western romance heres a great one to grab, I know I will be looking for another one by this author.
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