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Frontier Bachelors #2

Would-Be Wilderness Wife

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The Kidnapped Bride

Drew Wallin's youngest brother is determined to see him married--so he kidnaps Drew a prospective bride. Not only is Catherine Stanway beautiful, but she's a nurse who can help their ailing mother. Drew doesn't have time for distractions--he's too busy watching over his fatherless siblings. Yet he's drawn to this woman who carries loss and pain equal to his own.

Catherine has traveled West to use her nursing skills to save lives, not to find a husband. She knows if she gives in to Drew's matchmaking family, she'll be risking her already bruised heart. But maybe it's time she takes the ultimate risk to win the groom she didn't know she wanted!

Frontier Bachelors: Bold, rugged--and bound to be grooms

288 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published March 1, 2015

114 people are currently reading
551 people want to read

About the author

Regina Scott

136 books1,008 followers
Regina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.

She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .

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5 stars
213 (49%)
4 stars
152 (35%)
3 stars
56 (12%)
2 stars
8 (1%)
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5 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews
Profile Image for Katie Skaggs.
43 reviews18 followers
March 5, 2015
Amazing new book from Author Regina Scott!! I recently read and reviewed the first book to this series, "The Bride Ship" and if you read my review, you would know that I really enjoyed it. That being said, this one was even better!! I was very interested from the start, it pulled me in and certainly held my attention. The story line was something new, after all you don't read about a kidnapped bride much, if any at all. The heroine, Catherine Stanway, was very feisty & determined and I always enjoy that in a female character. She had her faults and fears, but I will not say what those are because it might give away parts of the book for the reader. I will say though, that it made her very real to me. I could connect to her in an easy way. Drew Wallin, the hero, was a strong, tall, handsome character but he also has a soft heart. Something I don't believe you see enough of sometimes in books. He was always protecting his family. Always thinking of others and not himself, almost to a fault. I really liked him as well. Just like the first book I loved the secondary characters, his brothers, sister, mom and Maddie, who is one of her best friends, which the third book is about by the way. There were times when I laughed out loud at different parts of the book, it was serious at times and at other times was light and amusing. Not only that but there was just a little bit of mystery involved throughout the book, which was yet another thing I enjoyed. This book made my favorites list! I could honestly keep going on about it but I will end my review here. I am very excited for the next book in this series!! All in all I give this book five stars!! I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good historical read! You will not be disappointed. I received this book from the author in exchange for my honest review in which I have given.
Profile Image for Stephanie.
300 reviews
December 20, 2019
I always thought that the cover model looks very much like Nicole Kidman :D

So after reading the entire Frontier Bachelor series a few weeks ago, and notably missed Book #2 (Would-Be Wilderness Wife) as I had read it previously a few years ago - don't I randomly come across this very book in the local thrift store? Maybe this book was even my particular copy, LOL.

After a terrible beginning with zero consequences (I don't think I would have had such a tepid reaction to being bound, gagged and kidnapped :P) the story dramatically improves. It is one of the better books from the Frontier Bachelor series.
Profile Image for Karen R.
737 reviews94 followers
June 3, 2015
Wow, what a fun read! Probably the best love-inspired historical I've ever had the pleasure of reading! Great description of the area around Seattle too in the mid-1800's, with logging of old growth trees, and its kind of wild west atmosphere.
Living in a rural area across "the Sound", where it's still possible to walk miles through the woods, I've seen some huge old-growth stumps, some with notches visible for the springboards they used to climb on. They were brave, brawny men who worked those woods! Enjoyed the brothers' bantering and close family ties, as well as their bonds of faith.
It was nice seeing a few names from the first book in the series, plus mentions of actual early Seattle pioneers; this book is fine as a stand alone though.
Recommend highly for fans of historical romance fiction!
Profile Image for Melanie.
2,215 reviews598 followers
December 28, 2015

Would-Be Wilderness Wife is the second book in this series and a very good read! I don't know if you've seen the old movie "Seven Brides for Seven Brothers", but this story had a similar vibe to that, which I loved!

I really liked how the MC was a nurse and so sure of herself that she didn't have a burning need to marry. I also loved Drew's brothers and hope they each have their own stories told in future books!

I do wish that the MCs from the previous book would have been in this book, but that's not a big deal.

All in all, I really enjoyed Would-Be Wilderness Wife and recommend it if you enjoy historical romance novels. Excited to read the next book!

*I received a complimented review copy for my honest review. As always, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own."
Profile Image for Caity.
Author 1 book32 followers
January 14, 2016
Catherine Stanway, one of Mercer's belles, has come over from Boston after losing her family in the Civil War to start a new life as a nurse in the primitive settlement of Seattle. Levi Wallin figures that the best way to have stand-by medical assistance for his ill mother, and to provide a wife for his eldest brother, Drew at the same time, is to bring Ms. Stanway to their backwoods haven...by force.
Written in the style of the classic musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, and packed full of comedy and misadventures, this book was brilliant; captivating and witty, I couldn't put it down!
Profile Image for Amy.
312 reviews42 followers
February 13, 2015
I almost gave up on this little book at first, the way it started so slowly and in a rather cliche fashion. But I'm glad I stuck with it! Reminiscent of Karen Witemeyer's "Short-Straw Bride" and Deeanne Gist's "A Bride in the Bargain," with a bit of Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman thrown in, historical romance fans will enjoy escaping into this charming story.
Profile Image for Amy.
75 reviews4 followers
January 12, 2020
I LOVED this book!
I had it on my shelf and couldn't remember if I'd read it before. Once I started reading it I realized I had read it several years ago, but it's one that I actually kept because I had loved it so much! I remembered bits and pieces throughout the book, but not so much as to keep me from reading it again and several things I didn't remember reading at all.

I love reading about The Mercer Girls and this one was great. Catherine and Drew were neither looking for marriage and both had strong, understable reasons against it that they work through.

All of the characters in the book fit the story perfectly. I found this book years ago at a local bookstore and didn't realize it was part of a series. I hope I can find the rest now! I can't wait to read more about the Wallin family, Maggie, and more of the characters that I read about in the book.

There was just enough romance, mystery, and reference to God to make it a perfect story.
Profile Image for Susannah Carleton.
Author 7 books31 followers
September 20, 2019
A very good book about a doctor’s daughter, raised in the Boston area and trained as a nurse, who falls in love with a logger, as well as his mother, brothers, and sister, after his youngest brother kidnaps her to nurse their very ill mother.
Profile Image for Brittany .
2,878 reviews209 followers
February 28, 2015
Would-Be Wilderness Wife is the second book in the Frontier Bachelors series. Although it is very enjoyable to know Catherine from the first book, The Bride Ship, it is not necessary to the understanding of this book. It does stand alone just fine.

I thought that the first book in the series was great, but I loved this one even more! Catherine is a determined and educated nurse and Drew is a lumberjack. They might seem like opposites at the beginning, but their love of family is clearly a commonality between them. Strangely, it too is partially the reason each struggles to allow themselves to care too much for the other. Fear of loving and losing for one of them, coupled with what sometimes seems to be overwhelming responsibility for the other, threatens to stop love before it can start.

I loved the Wallin family interactions that occurred throughout the whole book. It was such a wonderful setting for the story and made me feel as if I was a part of their clan. Drew was the epitome of a handsome, strong, and caring hero. He was a favorite in the story for me.

There is a sense of urgency to the story and some dangerous and questionable events occur in the book that must be dealt with. A very important reminder is also woven through this tale. The heroine struggles with wanting to stay in control of her emotions, allowing fear of the pain of loss to dictate her choices, and must learn the lesson that God is always with us through everything.

I would like to express my thanks to the author for the complimentary copy of this book that I received in exchange for an honest review.


You can read this review on my blog at:
https://brittreadsfiction.wordpress.c...
Profile Image for Susan Snodgrass.
2,002 reviews273 followers
January 13, 2015
I have read Regina Scott a long time and thoroughly enjoy her Regency Christian novels. She's moved out west this time and she proves she is just at home there as in 1800s London.

Drew Wallin's brother decides Drew needs a wife so he kidnaps one! Catherine is a nurse who came over on one of the bride ships, even though she has no intention of ever marrying. Drew is the head of his household, watching over his widowed mother and siblings, all brothers but one. Catherine has traveled west to attempt to save lives through her nursing, but she has also experienced pain and loss and determines in her heart to never let emotion carry her away again!

Drew's family, however, grows on her, and she finds herself loving everyone of them. This book reminded me so much of the movie musical, Seven Brides For Seven Brothers. The brothers are just so precious. They are hilarious in their desire for Drew to wed Catherine. This was a delightful read from beginning to end.

Woven throughout is the spiritual theme of letting God lead your life instead of trying to chart it our yourself to avoid the pitfalls and pain of our own decisions. When we allow God to lead us, things do really turn out for the best.

*This book was given to me by the author in exchange for my honest review, which I have given.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,275 reviews
January 16, 2016
Would Be Wilderness Wife by Regina Scott
Frontier Bachelors Series Book Two
Andrew “Drew” Wallin is the man of the house since his dad died ten years ago. He takes his responsibility very serious, perhaps too serious. When his ma falls ill they need to get a doctor out to their lands. When the doctor couldn't come, his little brother Levi came up with his own plan. Kidnap the nurse.

Catherine Stanway has no plans of marrying. She was given the gift to be a nurse and that is what she would do. Help nurse people back to health the best she could, and never let anyone in her heart. Heal them and get them out the door. Ending up in the household of Wallin's, her heart had the nerve to start opening up once again.

I just loved this story, as I did the first. But this one, all these wonderful brothers came to life. Simon, James, John, naughty Levi and their sister, Beth. And Drew. Catherine was one of three friends that came on the ship with the Mercer Belle's. The story begins with The Bride Ship. Great stories. Looking forward to the third book that will be Maddie's story.
**Received from author for honest review
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Jennifer.
1,439 reviews98 followers
December 6, 2016
I tried to read this twice and I just can't do it. It started off good and then just got annoying. I hate stories where people constantly say they can't be together and still they "try" to keep getting together until one of them gets worn down. Why do so many books to this? DNF, put it down at page 195.
Profile Image for Angie Thompson.
Author 49 books1,112 followers
January 22, 2019
Okay, I'm really conflicted on this one! I actually liked the premise a lot (made me think of Seven Brides for Seven Brothers), and I really enjoyed getting to know the Wallin family, especially with the deep love for each other that ran through all their differences. I liked the slow way that Drew and Catherine learned to love and value each other and worked through their reservations about marriage in general.

What I didn't like--the heavy and immediate focus on physical attraction. I honestly don't know what it accomplished to have them both unable to breathe in each other's presence from the minute they laid eyes on each other. That had nothing to do with the traits that finally made them love each other, and it basically did nothing except make them reluctant to talk to each other--and extend the story by repeating their feelings every other scene. If not for that, I would rate the story at least four stars, but as it is, I have to knock it down to three.

Also, not enough to knock a star off, but while most of the story seemed well-researched, there were a few things that bugged me.

Content--mentions of drinking, smoking, and gambling; a few kisses; mentions of deaths; mentions of people being beaten; mentions of injuries and blood (not graphic); a woman is beset with potential suitors and feels threatened
1,157 reviews6 followers
January 14, 2023
Loved Drew and Catherine's story!! Drew meets Catherine when he goes to Seattle to get the doctor to come out and take care of his mother. The doctor says he can't go, Catherine can't go. So, Drew is thinking they'll be losing their mother. Levi, Drew's youngest brother, decides to take matters into his own hands while Drew goes to run an errand. When Drew finds out that Levi has kidnapped Catherine, it's too late to return to Seattle, so they go on home. The more time that Catherine spends with Drew and his family, the more she starts to feel, which is NOT what she wanted to do! I love the way Catherine has to learn that she is NOT in control, and never will be!! God is, and when she finally learns that, she can open herself up to love and a new family.
112 reviews1 follower
January 14, 2018
This was very sweet and the first book to catch my eye and make me actually want to read in quite a while. I would've preferred more drama or emotional declarations and explorations between them in the middle of the story but such is life. I tend to skim when things don't catch my attention and I did on occasion but not for long. The ending was expected but the part with the Rankin family didn't seem very realistic but that was a minor plot point and not really why you read this book. I did root for this couple which was a good thing. They compliment each other and she fits in the family like she was made for it. I recommend.
959 reviews5 followers
April 3, 2022
clean romance

I enjoyed this stand alone story that continues the series of the Frontier Bachelor. I found the characters well developed and the plot line had several twists and turns as a mystery of danger occurs among the family.

I loved how the characters slowly realize that their strength and determination are nothing without healing from the Lord and by trusting in his care.

I look forward to reading the next in the series as each of the family needs their own story!
Profile Image for Pam C..
245 reviews5 followers
September 4, 2022
Great historical fiction. The characters and the struggles portrayed give a glimpse into the early life in the frontier. Clean romance with biblical references without being preachy. I have read the first in the series but not necessary if this one interests you. Great writing. Definitely recommend.
3 reviews
Read
June 19, 2022
This book is a book that you cannot put away before it is completely read. The plots of the story are so new than other books and as you read you feel you must be at the end of the book but some other plot comes out. Great book, very well written and very entertaining.
Profile Image for Margaret Nelson.
1,616 reviews
October 8, 2022
I've always enjoyed novels set in early Seattle area, and this is another one that was a fun read. There are lots of plot twists, great characters, good humor, and a satisfying conclusion. When I get time, I look forward to reading more in this series.
516 reviews
July 4, 2025
She's not looking for a husband. He's not looking for a wife. But when his brother kidnaps a nurse to help their ailing mother, the whole family thinks he or one of his brothers should marry her.
Can a city lady fit in to a family of lumber jacks? Does she want to?
Enjoy the fun.
69 reviews
March 26, 2021
I really enjoyed this book at can't wait to read more in the series.
Profile Image for Norma Escobedo.
216 reviews1 follower
September 8, 2022
Good book

Sometimes when your not looking the perfect person, situation or LOVE will find you. Never try to arrange your life, because Gods way will be the one that works out.
9 reviews
September 21, 2022
outstanding!

This book was so much fun to read—-I could hardly wait to learn what happened next. Very encouraging book to read!
Profile Image for Beverly.
1,320 reviews
March 23, 2025
Cute story. Will want to read about all the other brothers’s love stories. Such a fine family and will be a great series I am sure.
3,940 reviews21 followers
June 16, 2019
Regina Scott has decided to plumb the depths of American history by exploring the reasons behind women choosing to go West with Asa Mercer (Mercer was a promoter who convinced women to leave Eastern cities and towns to take a chance on a new life in the West). This particular story is about Catherine Stanway, a nurse trained by her physician father, who wants to make a difference in the West. Unlike most of the 'Mercer belles,' Catherine has no interest in marrying.

Drew Wallin, although 29 years of age, isn't interested in marrying either. He has been the protector and provider (for 10 years) of his 5 siblings and mother in a remote part of Washington Territory. However, he has come to Seattle to get the doctor; his mother is gravely ill. He meets Catherine instead; she tells Drew that the doctor has too many patients to leave. Drew's youngest brother decides to kidnap the nurse so their mother can have the care she needs. By the time Drew realizes he has extra cargo, they are too far along the way; Drew promises to take Catherine back the next day.

The family immediately realizes Catherine's value; life is hard in their solitary part of the territory and people usually die before they can get medical care. Drew and his brothers are loggers and that is one of the most dangerous jobs in the territory. The family decides Drew needs a wife and the lovely Catherine would be a wonderful choice. However, the couple -- individually -- have issues. Catherine is still suffering from the loss of her family and Drew is bowed by his protector role for his family.

This is a pleasant book to read -- and it is quick. Below is the list of novels in this Christian story series.

Frontier Bachelors
1. The Bride Ship (2014)
2. Would-Be Wilderness Wife (2015)
Profile Image for Lynda.
415 reviews23 followers
February 18, 2015
I love Regina Scott's Regency novels, so even though Western romances aren't my usual genre of choice, I decided to take a chance here since I was already familiar with the author.

I enjoyed the historical setting very much--most of the time when I think of the "frontier," Seattle is not what pops into my head, and I chuckled at the thought of that vast city ever being considered that way. But Ms. Scott does a good job of helping us to see it as it was during the time this novel takes place and I smiled to think of it. I tried to picture the fictional Wallin Landing, where it might be situated in the current day setting, and liked that I could imagine it near the places I am familiar with. I am also intrigued with the Mercer Belles and find that I'm going to have to go back and read the first book in this series to learn more (as well as looking for more information on the internet). I appreciate when a book makes me want to know more about any topic, and history is a favorite to research.

The spiritual component is very strong in this novel, and I really enjoyed watching the journey each of the main characters takes in learning to trust God more. While both Catherine and Drew know the Lord, their relationships with Him are both strengthened by the hardships they face as the novel progresses.

The romance was very sweet, and so were the relationships among the Wallin siblings. It was nice to read a book where the family dynamic, though realistically flawed, was not tortured or angst-ridden in any way. It helped keep the story light and fun, especially when the brothers teased each other.

I thoroughly enjoyed this light read and would recommend it for anyone who enjoys historical romance, but especially those who have an interest in the Pacific Northwest. Lots of little details come together to make for a fun book when Regina Scott writes, regardless of the setting, and I'll be reading whatever she pens next! Given the small hints toward the end of this novel, I'm hoping we'll revisit the Wallin clan again soon.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the author in exchange for this honest review.
1,353 reviews38 followers
May 5, 2015
Catherine Stanway left the East for Seattle to dispense her much-needed nursing skills. While tending to her patients at the hospital, Drew Wallin, asks for medical care for his ailing mother, as no one is available he departs, forlorn. However Drew’s younger brother has other ideas, hot-headed Levi decides to kill two birds with one stone: he kidnaps Catherine, thus procuring a nurse for their mother and a bride for Drew! Everyone in the family wants to see Drew married but Drew himself. He has too much on his plate already, taking care of 6 people as well as the family business.

WOULD-BE-WILDERNESS WIFE was a very pleasant surprise: often kidnapping tropes are perilous endeavours, but Ms. Scott handles it perfectly and convincingly! Drew is appalled by Levi’s conduct, and insists on seeing Catherine home. Catherine, upon recovering from her shock, has a look at Mrs. Stanway and the medical professional takes over: she will nurse the poor woman to health, especially after being welcomed with open arms by the delightful little Stanway sister, 14-year old Beth. Catherine doesn’t want to get married any more than Drew, but as they progressively get closer, they can’t ignore the fact that maybe married life could be an option.

I loved each and every character in this book: they are very well-rounded, engaging, and genuine. I also very much enjoyed how effectively Regina Scott conveys the authenticity of life on the frontier: the author’s attention to detail, whether regarding food, medicine, everyday family life, as well as dangers of all sorts, wife-hunters not being the least; in Ms. Scott capable hands,1866 America becomes reality.

Ms. Scott has a flowing writing style that makes the book an easy and very pleasurable read. The author weaves quite a bit of suspense into the romance, where several suspenseful plot twists highlight the interaction between the Stanway family members, Catherine as well as other minor characters. Catherine and Drew are quite intriguing characters, respectful and understanding, and need I add, that the romance is absolutely lovely.


I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Displaying 1 - 29 of 57 reviews

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