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Bachelors of Battle Creek #3
Forever His Texas Bride
In 1879 Texas, handsome Brett Liberty is straddling two worlds; he is unable to fully embrace his Iroquois blood or freely conform to a world made for white men. The only time he finds peace is when he is with his mustangs… until he discovers rough-and-tumble Rayna Harper.
Having known little kindness in her lifetime, Rayna has built up a tough exterior. But Brett sees her heart buried beneath the layers of hurt and fear. Though he could never expect a woman to share his troubled life, he's completely taken by this red-haired beauty. She seems to understand him more than any woman has before. As their mutual understanding melts into growing desire, it seems that a brush of the lips is all it takes to chase their troubles away…
Having known little kindness in her lifetime, Rayna has built up a tough exterior. But Brett sees her heart buried beneath the layers of hurt and fear. Though he could never expect a woman to share his troubled life, he's completely taken by this red-haired beauty. She seems to understand him more than any woman has before. As their mutual understanding melts into growing desire, it seems that a brush of the lips is all it takes to chase their troubles away…
352 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 1, 2015
109 people are currently reading
664 people want to read
About the author
Linda Broday
59 books787 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. I live in the Texas Panhandle on land they call the Llano Estacado where the Native Americans and Comancheros once roamed and I can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. History is thick here with the ghosts of the people who settled this land. I love writing western historical romance and can't imagine doing anything else. I love a man in a Stetson and tight pants. Oh man! Those cowboys sure make my heart beat faster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
November 30, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Brett Liberty, straddles two world and its not been easy not knowing his true heritage and having to work his own way into the world. But his horse ranch is his life and he will do anything to protect it and those he cares about. While out on a delivery for some of his horses to be sold, upon his return his beloved horse is killed, he is shot in the back, a sherrif and his deputies put him in a cell to be hung...for being born. His cell mate, Rayna Harper, a thief, is a woman that has had a hard blow in life dealt to her, but she is kind and still untouched by the evils of the world. Brett and Rayna become close, and make a bond with each other. Right before he is about to be hung for no crime, his brothers miraculously appear and he takes Rayna back home with him. But soon it becomes evident, that not everyone where he lives is comfortable with him being half Iroquois. And trouble comes when he takes in a dozen indian orphans, sick with no one to protect them. He and Rayna fight to protect these against a mob of men that will do anything to kill these innocent children. Will Brett and Rayna be able to save the day....or will their lives be forfeit?
The Hero
Brett Liberty, was taken away when he was just a babe, and was brought to a ophanage. In the orphanage he made friends with two other boys, and they made a pact of brotherhood sealed by their blood. In their minds, they are true brothers, and will fight for each other, no matter the cost. Brett lives his life on his ranch with his horses and his tipee and enjoying the precious land. He doesn't expect that a neighbor will turn on him when Brett reaches out a helping hand to a sister and nephew he knew nothing about until now. Or that he would take in indian orphans that are sick and in need of help. He also never imagined that he would find a woman that would be his match in every way.
Brett is put to the test in some of the worst ways...but also in ways that show what a loyal and honorable man he truly is.
The Heroine
Rayna Harper had a rough childhood. Her father got rid of her mother (Rayna suspects he murdered her), beat her, and forced her to go with him in his wagon to pick up bones to sell. Not exactly the best way to live, but Rayna learned to survive, not in the most honorable ways, but she didn't know any other way but to steal to eat. When she meets Brett in a jail cell, she begins to see how different they are at times....but in the important ways they are very much alike. Brett makes Rayna realize, that her life can have meaning if she is willing to go in search of it. So she takes him up on his offer to go back to his home and begin aneew. In the beginning, it is rough for Rayna but she finds a path that leads her to helping others and learning skills she never thought she could ever learn and discovers a passion with one sexy indian.
Plot and Story Line
Forever His Texas Bride is the third in the trilogy, and I was thrilled to finally get a chance to grab this one. Linda Broday is a new special favorite author of mine. I love the way that she writes westerns, and she does it in a way that I love and it makes this world come alive within the pages that she writes.
In this latest installment, we have the last bachelor. He is the one of the three blood brothers, that I have been most curious about. He is the quiet and reserved one, half indian, lives in a tipee and runs a horse ranch. Despite his blood, the town accepts him. But its heartbreaking at times reading this story, because of how the actions of one neighbor almost destroys everything that Brett has built with hard work and determination just for being born. We see quite a bit of mystery and suspense come into play here, and boy there were some thrilling moments and I just couldn't put this one down. I only had one issue with the story, it was Rayna's character. There were many moments I really liked her. However when she returns with Brett to town, she acts a bit like a spoiled child. Which I had a hard time understanding, but I think it boils down to the fact that no one in Rayna's life has ever been kind to her or offered her a new way of living....she just doesn't handle it very well. But Brett is patient and understanding with her. I love the way that he treats her, no matter what she throws at him ( I mean that both literally and figuratively).
We also see the close knit bond that the blood brothers have with each other. These three will fight to the death for each other. And I loved seeing this up close and personal once again. Their relationship is admirable and I love the bantering and teasing they do with each other. Each of them have unique qualities and talents, but together---they are rock solid and no one can stand against them. We see them sorely tested in this book however.
The romance between Brett and Rayna is quite poignant at times....passionate, and stimulating. I honestly don't know how to do these two justice enough, because their relationship is steady and strong from the very beginning. And as they fight together to save these innocent children, you see how close they really are, and even though they haven't been around each other very much, their bond is unpenetrable. I seriously cried buckets in this one. There was so much more emotion put in place than I expected and it just about broke my heart in moments.
The Cover
I can't tell you how much I love this cover!!! Its simply gorgeous and let me tell you why. One the artist who does these covers is brilliant...so bravo to whoever it is. Second I love her dress and in the book she has auburn hair---it matches...yipee!! Also I love how well they matched the hero too. Definitely how I pictured him in the book and series as he is described. I love the horses int he background....so gorgeous, I love the cloud and the sun shining. Gives a solid summer feel to it.
Overall View
Forever His Texas Bride is a stunning addition to a western gem of a romance series....a love story that is poignant, dramatic and packed with action and mystery.
Summary
Brett Liberty, straddles two world and its not been easy not knowing his true heritage and having to work his own way into the world. But his horse ranch is his life and he will do anything to protect it and those he cares about. While out on a delivery for some of his horses to be sold, upon his return his beloved horse is killed, he is shot in the back, a sherrif and his deputies put him in a cell to be hung...for being born. His cell mate, Rayna Harper, a thief, is a woman that has had a hard blow in life dealt to her, but she is kind and still untouched by the evils of the world. Brett and Rayna become close, and make a bond with each other. Right before he is about to be hung for no crime, his brothers miraculously appear and he takes Rayna back home with him. But soon it becomes evident, that not everyone where he lives is comfortable with him being half Iroquois. And trouble comes when he takes in a dozen indian orphans, sick with no one to protect them. He and Rayna fight to protect these against a mob of men that will do anything to kill these innocent children. Will Brett and Rayna be able to save the day....or will their lives be forfeit?
The Hero
Brett Liberty, was taken away when he was just a babe, and was brought to a ophanage. In the orphanage he made friends with two other boys, and they made a pact of brotherhood sealed by their blood. In their minds, they are true brothers, and will fight for each other, no matter the cost. Brett lives his life on his ranch with his horses and his tipee and enjoying the precious land. He doesn't expect that a neighbor will turn on him when Brett reaches out a helping hand to a sister and nephew he knew nothing about until now. Or that he would take in indian orphans that are sick and in need of help. He also never imagined that he would find a woman that would be his match in every way.
You'll never know what it meant to have you offer your body to me. No matter what happens, no matter what evil touches our lives, you are the keeper of my heart.
Brett is put to the test in some of the worst ways...but also in ways that show what a loyal and honorable man he truly is.
The Heroine
Rayna Harper had a rough childhood. Her father got rid of her mother (Rayna suspects he murdered her), beat her, and forced her to go with him in his wagon to pick up bones to sell. Not exactly the best way to live, but Rayna learned to survive, not in the most honorable ways, but she didn't know any other way but to steal to eat. When she meets Brett in a jail cell, she begins to see how different they are at times....but in the important ways they are very much alike. Brett makes Rayna realize, that her life can have meaning if she is willing to go in search of it. So she takes him up on his offer to go back to his home and begin aneew. In the beginning, it is rough for Rayna but she finds a path that leads her to helping others and learning skills she never thought she could ever learn and discovers a passion with one sexy indian.
Plot and Story Line
Forever His Texas Bride is the third in the trilogy, and I was thrilled to finally get a chance to grab this one. Linda Broday is a new special favorite author of mine. I love the way that she writes westerns, and she does it in a way that I love and it makes this world come alive within the pages that she writes.
In this latest installment, we have the last bachelor. He is the one of the three blood brothers, that I have been most curious about. He is the quiet and reserved one, half indian, lives in a tipee and runs a horse ranch. Despite his blood, the town accepts him. But its heartbreaking at times reading this story, because of how the actions of one neighbor almost destroys everything that Brett has built with hard work and determination just for being born. We see quite a bit of mystery and suspense come into play here, and boy there were some thrilling moments and I just couldn't put this one down. I only had one issue with the story, it was Rayna's character. There were many moments I really liked her. However when she returns with Brett to town, she acts a bit like a spoiled child. Which I had a hard time understanding, but I think it boils down to the fact that no one in Rayna's life has ever been kind to her or offered her a new way of living....she just doesn't handle it very well. But Brett is patient and understanding with her. I love the way that he treats her, no matter what she throws at him ( I mean that both literally and figuratively).
We also see the close knit bond that the blood brothers have with each other. These three will fight to the death for each other. And I loved seeing this up close and personal once again. Their relationship is admirable and I love the bantering and teasing they do with each other. Each of them have unique qualities and talents, but together---they are rock solid and no one can stand against them. We see them sorely tested in this book however.
That's what love is. It completes you and makes you see yourself in your woman's eyes. It's a wonderful thing to know all you can be and that you make her proud. When you find the right person, grab hold and ride the thunderbolt.
The romance between Brett and Rayna is quite poignant at times....passionate, and stimulating. I honestly don't know how to do these two justice enough, because their relationship is steady and strong from the very beginning. And as they fight together to save these innocent children, you see how close they really are, and even though they haven't been around each other very much, their bond is unpenetrable. I seriously cried buckets in this one. There was so much more emotion put in place than I expected and it just about broke my heart in moments.
The Cover
I can't tell you how much I love this cover!!! Its simply gorgeous and let me tell you why. One the artist who does these covers is brilliant...so bravo to whoever it is. Second I love her dress and in the book she has auburn hair---it matches...yipee!! Also I love how well they matched the hero too. Definitely how I pictured him in the book and series as he is described. I love the horses int he background....so gorgeous, I love the cloud and the sun shining. Gives a solid summer feel to it.
Overall View
Forever His Texas Bride is a stunning addition to a western gem of a romance series....a love story that is poignant, dramatic and packed with action and mystery.
However this ends, just know that I love you with all that I am and all I will ever be. We are one heart, one body, and soul.
October 28, 2015
Also posted
HERE
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This one gets off to a strong start, introducing two interesting characters, but it lost its way pretty early on. If you had told me Forever His Texas Bride had been written in 1972, I would have believed you, because from the too-kind-to-be-true heroine’s “fiery curls” to the flowery language, this does not read like a book written recently.
I read the book before this one, and had a fairly similar reaction to it, I think, but I don’t think it dragged at the halfway mark quite the way this one did. I do enjoy Western historical romances sometimes, but other times the restrictions of the rural setting can be limiting.
There is a good story buried in here somewhere, and I really would have preferred to have less of the relationship and all the agony that came with it in order to read that story! The characters both have tragic backstories that run the gamut of romance melodrama. You name a tragedy, and I guarantee you at least one of the two main characters has experienced it. And yet in true old-school romance heroine style, this one does it all with a smile and loves ponies, small children, and everything else women are supposed to love to prove their goodness.
I’m sorry that the story got stuck on these two sad sacks, because it was fun at the start, when they met in prison, and the heroine was sticking her feet through the bars to measure and see if she could take the hero’s moccasins!
However, they fall in love immediately and inexplicably, and then the conflict comes from outside, not from the relationship itself.
The story DID get stuck. Most of it happens out on the hero’s ranch, where a whole lot of them are camped for days and days. There are many people – a gang with growing numbers, all being spurred on by misinformation and fear – who are at the edges of the ranch, trying to frighten everybody off the land (or kill them) because of their race.
This sounds exciting, but the standoff goes for many days, with pretty much the same thing happening night after night (all of it covered on the page).
Most chapters finished this way:
The days are spent with hero and heroine agonising over how bad their lives are, how terrible their pasts are, and why they can’t be together. Then when they do get together, we have old-school language like this:
And I’m sorry, but when a fourteen-year-old gets trampled by a horse and breaks numerous ribs, he can’t run around doing chicken impersonations while playing with children a couple of days later!
I know that some other early readers have enjoyed this one, but unfortunately I spent most of my time alternating between a wandering mind and quickly skimming the “romantic” passages because the flowery language was too much for me.
If you like older-style books, you might fare better than me.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
This one gets off to a strong start, introducing two interesting characters, but it lost its way pretty early on. If you had told me Forever His Texas Bride had been written in 1972, I would have believed you, because from the too-kind-to-be-true heroine’s “fiery curls” to the flowery language, this does not read like a book written recently.
I read the book before this one, and had a fairly similar reaction to it, I think, but I don’t think it dragged at the halfway mark quite the way this one did. I do enjoy Western historical romances sometimes, but other times the restrictions of the rural setting can be limiting.
There is a good story buried in here somewhere, and I really would have preferred to have less of the relationship and all the agony that came with it in order to read that story! The characters both have tragic backstories that run the gamut of romance melodrama. You name a tragedy, and I guarantee you at least one of the two main characters has experienced it. And yet in true old-school romance heroine style, this one does it all with a smile and loves ponies, small children, and everything else women are supposed to love to prove their goodness.
I’m sorry that the story got stuck on these two sad sacks, because it was fun at the start, when they met in prison, and the heroine was sticking her feet through the bars to measure and see if she could take the hero’s moccasins!
However, they fall in love immediately and inexplicably, and then the conflict comes from outside, not from the relationship itself.
The story DID get stuck. Most of it happens out on the hero’s ranch, where a whole lot of them are camped for days and days. There are many people – a gang with growing numbers, all being spurred on by misinformation and fear – who are at the edges of the ranch, trying to frighten everybody off the land (or kill them) because of their race.
This sounds exciting, but the standoff goes for many days, with pretty much the same thing happening night after night (all of it covered on the page).
Most chapters finished this way:
Rayna Harper was a special woman. And she had his heart. Even if one day all this had to end.
The days are spent with hero and heroine agonising over how bad their lives are, how terrible their pasts are, and why they can’t be together. Then when they do get together, we have old-school language like this:
‘Lady, I don’t have a choice, because we are one. You are the keeper of the flame that burns in my heart.’
To help her toward the moment of glorious release, he kissed her…
And I’m sorry, but when a fourteen-year-old gets trampled by a horse and breaks numerous ribs, he can’t run around doing chicken impersonations while playing with children a couple of days later!
I know that some other early readers have enjoyed this one, but unfortunately I spent most of my time alternating between a wandering mind and quickly skimming the “romantic” passages because the flowery language was too much for me.
If you like older-style books, you might fare better than me.
Review copy provided by NetGalley.
![Profile Image for ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1572968006i%2F3840999._UX200_CR0%2C33%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 20, 2016
My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...
Forever His Texas Bride brings the conclusion to Linda Broday’s charming western historical romance series, The Bachelors of Battle Creek. I loved the previous 2 installments, and glad to report that this final installment held the same uncomplicated storytelling laced with the same sweetness and courage that never failed to make me smile.
This series tells the tales of three brothers—Cooper Thorne, Rand Sinclair and Brett Liberty, who aren’t brothers by blood but became so by circumstances. But the fierce loyalty and their love for each-other have never wavered. All were orphans when they met. Cooper being the eldest of the three has been taking care of Rand and Brett. Things haven’t changed much as he’s still the ‘big brother’ to them. Tragic past has bound these three men together since childhood. When they escaped the orphan train in search of a better life, the brothers didn’t know the dangers that lay ahead. Fortunately it was because of one kindly man and his contribution to their lives is why they now have a future. Isaac treated them like his own. After his death, they each inherited substantial amount of money to move forward. The brothers then arrived in Battle Creek to start anew.
After what they’ve suffered through, the brothers also took a vow to never to get leg-shacked. They were essentially loners and wanted to stay that way. There was even this bachelors’ club that they opened up to honor their vows. Only they didn’t know that there were 3 women out there to help them conquer their fear of love and commitment.
Cooper and Delta’s story is in book 1, Texas Mail Order Bride. When he met Delta, Cooper already acquired a ranch called Long Odds. They actually met because of a prank that brought her in town as Cooper’s mail-order bride. A fact Cooper himself had no idea about! Even though he refuses to marry her, Cooper couldn’t keep Delta out of his mind. Delta, who had a rough childhood and nowhere else to go. Seeing no other option, she decides to settle down in Battle Creek, one particular rancher’s rejection notwithstanding; even if it had hurt her a lot. Everything was going well; she even made friends and charmed people with her wit, kindness and a ready smile. But no matter what, nothing could hide the attraction between them, despite Cooper’s determination to keep away. At one point, he couldn’t deny the fact that he wanted much more with Delta than just a fling.
When an old nightmare returns to haunt Cooper’s dreams and targets Delta knowing her importance in his life, he had to act fast to save the love of his life. With the help of his brothers, he accomplishes just that. After that, the first bachelor of Battle Creek lost any in staying a bachelor anymore.
In the course of the story, we were also introduced to Rand and Brett. Rand was the charmer of the lot, the ‘acknowledged’ best-looking one. He was also quite the ladies man, until an epiphany that changed the course of his life. Rand suddenly met his mother, who he thought abandoned him when he was young. He had no idea she was even living so close to him under a disguise that it all seemed like a dream. What most didn’t know about Rand had a secret longing to become a successful rancher, also to find his own woman and settle down. He even started to court Delta after Cooper’s initial rejection. But a while later, when she made it known that her interests lie in one man only, Rand backed off.
Rand and Callie’s story can be found in book 2, Twice a Texas Bride. Rand had already bought a rundown ranch called Last Hope with the money he got from selling his saloon. The news of his past brought him some peace, if not the contentment that was lacking. Rand decides to change his ways for good and work towards his dreams. He’s determined to make a home out of this ramshackle place no matter what lay ahead. Then one Miss Callie happens to him, and Rand finds that his life isn’t going to be as simple as he’d initially thought. Callie was running away from someone, had secrets that she refused to reveal, yet in a matter of weeks after she’s instilled in Rand’s home as his cook come housekeeper, she begins winning him out. Oh she had to be the best cook in the whole wide world and a man with Rand’s appetite appreciated that skill. ;)
When they finally begin falling for each-other, Callie’s own demons are revealed, with that a secret she held dear to her heart. It could’ve destroyed their budding relationship but because they both cared for each-other so much, it survived that battle. All Rand ever wanted a home, a wife to love and to come home to. A room full of children. He was finally going to get his heart’s wish, thanks to Callie, who returned his affection and was grateful to him for everything. The happiness that eluded her all her life was hers at last.
With 2 bachelors settling down, this leaves only Brett. He is an ancient soul; a free spirit. He has a mixed heritage, half-Indian but was abandoned very young by his family. Brett now owns his own ranch called Wild Horses, where he tames and trains horses, living in his handmade tepee. He’s the most reserved and sensitive of the brothers, and has proven himself to be an excellent tracker in the past. His skill comes handy in both books when his brothers needed his help.
At the beginning of Forever His Texas Bride, Brett was returning from selling horses when he gets arrested by the sheriff of a town just because of his mixed heritage. This sheriff, Oldham, is as mean as they come. Comanche killed his family years ago, and he never got over that fact. So he’d vowed to erase every single one of them from this planet. Brett was going be another of his casualties in this so-called “crusade”. Brett tries his best to get away, but a bullet from the pursuing sheriff’s men caught him off-guard. Then he’s taken to prison and treated like a pig, with an ominous promise from Oldham. He’d be hanged ASAP, just because Indian blood flows in his vein. Oldham, the a$$hole, didn’t forget to take away the good amount Brett earned from selling the horse, oh no! After all its money, what if it came at the cost of a “lowly half-breed’s” life? What if it was the fruit of his hard work?!
At the prison, Brett finds the most unexpected of cellmates. Rayna Harper, a small-time thief, who was only trying to get by until one of Oldham’s equally nasty deputies caught her. She’s been imprisoned here for a long time. The deputy wants something from her that Rayna is NOT willing to give. But she has no one else in this world of save her from this situation, so the more days passed, the more it seems that if she has to survive, she has to do the unthinkable. But with Brett here, Rayna finds someone to talk to. The wound in his shoulder was the first thing that needed to be taken care of. Devoid of any decent company, Rayna tries to take care of Brett from the moment she met him. However, it wasn’t until the kindly doctor’s arrival that she’s given access to Brett’s cell to help the elderly gentleman.
Thankfully, because Brett was absent for more days than he was supposed to, Rand and Cooper got worried. And so they rode out to search for him. They were worried because Brett didn’t keep any weapons other than his handy knife, and he’d be traveling with quite a big amount… of course the brothers wanted to check up on him. Their trail led them to a farmer who saw Brett last, and from there, they finally found Brett in the prison, just before his hanging. Cooper lords his authority over sleazy Oldham and rescues Brett (and his money). But by then, quite a few days have passed and Brett won’t leave without Rayna. Two lonely souls have gotten to know each-other well, where I think Rayna was already halfway in love with him because of the kindness that was so obvious in Brett. Kindness was something Rayna has never known as we begin discovering her sad past in the later parts of the story.
Rayna’s father was abusive. A completely conscienceless guy, he was mean, addicted to alcohol and women. Raymond Harper had a deep misogynistic streak and would beat Rayna up if she ever rebelled against his wishes. The same thing that saw Rayna’s mother’s disappearance. One day, after beating her senseless, Raymond took Elna to a place unknown and returned alone. He has never told Rayna where her mother was and that was the end of it. Rayna’s family is extremely poor; they’re bonepickers, which makes them some sort of a pariah in the communities. In fact, anywhere they go, people stay away from them. Rayna hated her status in life, hated Raymond Harper with her every being. But what we didn’t know in the beginning was just how deeply Raymond had “used” Rayna for his own gain, which left an equally deep and dark mark on her soul. Rayna wanted to be free of that cursed life, which is why one day, she ran when the opportunity presented itself. Her brother Hershel, who was her only protector, the only person apart from Elna who had loved her, was already dead by then. It was another act of kindness from him, he was trying to save Rayna from being raped... again. After that, there was nothing left for Rayna to do but run for her life.
I didn’t think she lived a completely unharmed life after that, as lonely as she was, though that part was left unsaid in the story. Maybe it was for the better because I didn’t wanna dwell on it. At the moment, Rayna was afraid her bonepicker past would catch up with her and Brett’s brothers may not find her worthy enough to accompany them. Fortunately, she didn’t know Rand and Cooper well, so it wasn’t surprising that Cooper didn’t even bat an eyelash and obliged to Brett’s wishes.
When they return to Battle Creek, Brett begins encouraging Rayna to change her ways and become a respectable woman. Rayna already was craving that and more. She wanted to make Brett happy. She wanted to be the kind of lady Brett may come to like, even love, one day. But would she be able to change her coarse ways, enough to entice Brett? Rayna didn’t know but she vowed she’d try her best. Luckily, a need arouse for the doctor of the town, who needed help badly around the hospital. Brett was so happy with Rayna’s care back at the prison that he refers her to the doctor. Soon enough, with a little training and guidance, she begins to prove herself useful, someone of worth. And with Brett’s constant support, Rayna begins to hope for a new life in Battle Creek.
It becomes obvious shortly to Brett and Rayna that their attraction is mutual. However, the way things were and the hatred bred by the racists– a good example would be the incident that led to their meeting– was something that bugged Brett a lot. He was in search of his roots for a long time now but not knowing his own tribe or who his parents were has weighed on his soul for long. And Brett didn’t want Rayna to get entangled in that hazy world, even though he wanted her to be with him always. Rayna understood but tell that to her heart, the poor thing! It wants Brett and his strong, assured yet kind ways. She just wants to be with him. Soon, we get to learn that Brett is a virgin. Women haven’t been his forte, or more precisely, he never thought about them that way until Rayna. Now his body wants to reciprocate, as their few fumbling kisses would suggest, but Brett’s hands are tied. He’s adamant of not dragging Rayna down in a path where not only she’d be an outcast in many communities for marrying a “half-breed” but also, their union may lead to her own downfall. No, not after all that she’d suffered.
Soon thereafter, opportunities find Brett, so does the answers that have been plaguing him for so long. To learn about his past, his birthright... his own people. In the earlier installments, it was hinted that a woman has been trying to find Brett through an investigator. Brett didn’t put a lot of faith in it, though secretly he wanted to know if she’s related to him or not. Sarah stops at Battle Creek one morning with her 14 yrs. old son in tow, looking for Brett Liberty. Fortunately, Brett was nearby and was able to receive them at the station. It was obvious that Sarah was mixed, though her white genes dominated her Indian ones. But no one can deny the Indian in Adam, and he seems extremely unhappy, surly.
Sarah surprises Brett by introducing herself as his sister. Brett was hoping for a relative, not his long lost sister! Here is someone who is not only his own blood, but also can answer his questions! Even though, at first, Brett was a bit hesitant, Sarah put his doubts to rest soon enough by telling him about their tribe, the tragic past and how they were torn apart by their cruel English grandfather. Their own father was a young, English artist who came here and fell in love with the daughter of their tribe’s leader. Their English grandfather never accepted this marriage, their father perishing in an accident was all it took for the man launch an attack on the ‘barbarians’. Brett was only months old, but Sarah was 7 so she remembers bits and pieces of it quite well. She was taken in by some kindly people, given education. She married too but her husband up and left when he saw Adam after birth crying adultery, which was not true. The man simply couldn’t take it that his son looks like a “half-breed”. For all intent and purpose, he seemed like another of those losers. No wonder Adam is so unhappy all the time!
After his meeting with his family, Brett helps settle Sarah down but there was Adam to take care of. Brett now understood him well. Behind all those anger and rudeness was the hurt caused by the abandonment of his father, also a fear of leading a life where he’d be always scrutinized and hated by people. Brett knew that life pretty well, he’s living it. When Sarah desperately asks for his help in helping Adam adjust, Brett knew he had to do it. He would’ve done it anyway though...... One day, as the first stepping stone of that endeavor, Brett takes Adam to Wild Horses where he can teach him how to appreciate the simplicities of life. He also wants Adam to check out his horses, to see if he’d be interested in becoming a trainer like himself. That should keep his worries away for a while.
Days passed, and Adam begins to calm down with Brett’s influence. Not surprising, Brett is like that. Then one day, they find an old Indian man coming down the hill. He’s also very ill. When the man informs them about a group of orphans hiding somewhere needing urgent help, Brett jumps to action immediately. He finds at least 20 Indian children of various ages being taken care of an elderly Sister. They were travelling to orphanage when their wagon broke down and left them stranded in the middle of nowhere. Moreover, some of the children were already showing symptoms of some kinda illness that Brett couldn’t identify instantly. Though he had his suspicions, he couldn’t leave those kids there so Brett takes them all to his ranch to give food and shelter, then mull over their next course of action.
Brett sends for the doctor of Battle Creek, and Rayna accompanies him knowing Brett needed help. When smallpox is diagnosed, Brett knew this may prove to be a problem, so he has to be careful and keep the children here at Wild Horses until they’re cured. But when Brett’s Indian-hater neighbor gets the wind of it, things become nasty too fast, too soon. He already despised having a half-breed so close to his own ranch, now he’s got an excuse to evict him; if not, kill and rid the world of Brett’s kind. With him, Oldham, who had been fired from his post after Cooper’s complaint to the Texas Rangers, joins hand... soon, even Rayna’s own past returns to haunt her, when Raymond Harper shows up with all his nastiness to blackmail her. When failed and threatened by Brett, he also joins with those ne’er-do-wells.
From then on, Forever His Texas Bride goes to narrate a courageous story of how Brett faced down those thugs day after day, night after night, quite tirelessly to protect the innocent children under his care. A large portion of the story is basically set on Wild Horses dealing with this continuous standoff that threatened the peace loving Brett’s sanity. He goes to extraordinary lengths in order to protect his loved ones. Brett did nothing to garner such hatred and prejudice, but that's how it was. This even threatened his budding relationship with Rayna, though it only solidifies their match as they fight to keep the danger at bay with the help of Cooper, Rand and their men. Good always triumphs over evil and in the end, days of vigilance and unavoidable skirmishes pay off as together they defeat the rancher who was the instigator of these violent incidents.
I very much appreciated Rand and Cooper’s involvement in the story. Their families are not featured as much as I would’ve loved but I understood that they had to be kept safe, away from the whole thing. The epilogue though features Delta and Callie and the children. It seemed that the brothers were, at last, looking forward to their lives, spend happily with their families. I’m surely going to miss this series, though I hope the author considers doing a spin off featuring Adam and a few other secondary characters we’ve seen throughout the series. 4 stars.
But curious mind wants to know: what happened to that Bachelor’s Club after the final, popular bachelor also ended up leg-shackled? :p
I received this ARC, courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca, via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
Forever His Texas Bride brings the conclusion to Linda Broday’s charming western historical romance series, The Bachelors of Battle Creek. I loved the previous 2 installments, and glad to report that this final installment held the same uncomplicated storytelling laced with the same sweetness and courage that never failed to make me smile.
This series tells the tales of three brothers—Cooper Thorne, Rand Sinclair and Brett Liberty, who aren’t brothers by blood but became so by circumstances. But the fierce loyalty and their love for each-other have never wavered. All were orphans when they met. Cooper being the eldest of the three has been taking care of Rand and Brett. Things haven’t changed much as he’s still the ‘big brother’ to them. Tragic past has bound these three men together since childhood. When they escaped the orphan train in search of a better life, the brothers didn’t know the dangers that lay ahead. Fortunately it was because of one kindly man and his contribution to their lives is why they now have a future. Isaac treated them like his own. After his death, they each inherited substantial amount of money to move forward. The brothers then arrived in Battle Creek to start anew.
After what they’ve suffered through, the brothers also took a vow to never to get leg-shacked. They were essentially loners and wanted to stay that way. There was even this bachelors’ club that they opened up to honor their vows. Only they didn’t know that there were 3 women out there to help them conquer their fear of love and commitment.
Cooper and Delta’s story is in book 1, Texas Mail Order Bride. When he met Delta, Cooper already acquired a ranch called Long Odds. They actually met because of a prank that brought her in town as Cooper’s mail-order bride. A fact Cooper himself had no idea about! Even though he refuses to marry her, Cooper couldn’t keep Delta out of his mind. Delta, who had a rough childhood and nowhere else to go. Seeing no other option, she decides to settle down in Battle Creek, one particular rancher’s rejection notwithstanding; even if it had hurt her a lot. Everything was going well; she even made friends and charmed people with her wit, kindness and a ready smile. But no matter what, nothing could hide the attraction between them, despite Cooper’s determination to keep away. At one point, he couldn’t deny the fact that he wanted much more with Delta than just a fling.
When an old nightmare returns to haunt Cooper’s dreams and targets Delta knowing her importance in his life, he had to act fast to save the love of his life. With the help of his brothers, he accomplishes just that. After that, the first bachelor of Battle Creek lost any in staying a bachelor anymore.
In the course of the story, we were also introduced to Rand and Brett. Rand was the charmer of the lot, the ‘acknowledged’ best-looking one. He was also quite the ladies man, until an epiphany that changed the course of his life. Rand suddenly met his mother, who he thought abandoned him when he was young. He had no idea she was even living so close to him under a disguise that it all seemed like a dream. What most didn’t know about Rand had a secret longing to become a successful rancher, also to find his own woman and settle down. He even started to court Delta after Cooper’s initial rejection. But a while later, when she made it known that her interests lie in one man only, Rand backed off.
Rand and Callie’s story can be found in book 2, Twice a Texas Bride. Rand had already bought a rundown ranch called Last Hope with the money he got from selling his saloon. The news of his past brought him some peace, if not the contentment that was lacking. Rand decides to change his ways for good and work towards his dreams. He’s determined to make a home out of this ramshackle place no matter what lay ahead. Then one Miss Callie happens to him, and Rand finds that his life isn’t going to be as simple as he’d initially thought. Callie was running away from someone, had secrets that she refused to reveal, yet in a matter of weeks after she’s instilled in Rand’s home as his cook come housekeeper, she begins winning him out. Oh she had to be the best cook in the whole wide world and a man with Rand’s appetite appreciated that skill. ;)
When they finally begin falling for each-other, Callie’s own demons are revealed, with that a secret she held dear to her heart. It could’ve destroyed their budding relationship but because they both cared for each-other so much, it survived that battle. All Rand ever wanted a home, a wife to love and to come home to. A room full of children. He was finally going to get his heart’s wish, thanks to Callie, who returned his affection and was grateful to him for everything. The happiness that eluded her all her life was hers at last.
With 2 bachelors settling down, this leaves only Brett. He is an ancient soul; a free spirit. He has a mixed heritage, half-Indian but was abandoned very young by his family. Brett now owns his own ranch called Wild Horses, where he tames and trains horses, living in his handmade tepee. He’s the most reserved and sensitive of the brothers, and has proven himself to be an excellent tracker in the past. His skill comes handy in both books when his brothers needed his help.
At the beginning of Forever His Texas Bride, Brett was returning from selling horses when he gets arrested by the sheriff of a town just because of his mixed heritage. This sheriff, Oldham, is as mean as they come. Comanche killed his family years ago, and he never got over that fact. So he’d vowed to erase every single one of them from this planet. Brett was going be another of his casualties in this so-called “crusade”. Brett tries his best to get away, but a bullet from the pursuing sheriff’s men caught him off-guard. Then he’s taken to prison and treated like a pig, with an ominous promise from Oldham. He’d be hanged ASAP, just because Indian blood flows in his vein. Oldham, the a$$hole, didn’t forget to take away the good amount Brett earned from selling the horse, oh no! After all its money, what if it came at the cost of a “lowly half-breed’s” life? What if it was the fruit of his hard work?!
At the prison, Brett finds the most unexpected of cellmates. Rayna Harper, a small-time thief, who was only trying to get by until one of Oldham’s equally nasty deputies caught her. She’s been imprisoned here for a long time. The deputy wants something from her that Rayna is NOT willing to give. But she has no one else in this world of save her from this situation, so the more days passed, the more it seems that if she has to survive, she has to do the unthinkable. But with Brett here, Rayna finds someone to talk to. The wound in his shoulder was the first thing that needed to be taken care of. Devoid of any decent company, Rayna tries to take care of Brett from the moment she met him. However, it wasn’t until the kindly doctor’s arrival that she’s given access to Brett’s cell to help the elderly gentleman.
Thankfully, because Brett was absent for more days than he was supposed to, Rand and Cooper got worried. And so they rode out to search for him. They were worried because Brett didn’t keep any weapons other than his handy knife, and he’d be traveling with quite a big amount… of course the brothers wanted to check up on him. Their trail led them to a farmer who saw Brett last, and from there, they finally found Brett in the prison, just before his hanging. Cooper lords his authority over sleazy Oldham and rescues Brett (and his money). But by then, quite a few days have passed and Brett won’t leave without Rayna. Two lonely souls have gotten to know each-other well, where I think Rayna was already halfway in love with him because of the kindness that was so obvious in Brett. Kindness was something Rayna has never known as we begin discovering her sad past in the later parts of the story.
Rayna’s father was abusive. A completely conscienceless guy, he was mean, addicted to alcohol and women. Raymond Harper had a deep misogynistic streak and would beat Rayna up if she ever rebelled against his wishes. The same thing that saw Rayna’s mother’s disappearance. One day, after beating her senseless, Raymond took Elna to a place unknown and returned alone. He has never told Rayna where her mother was and that was the end of it. Rayna’s family is extremely poor; they’re bonepickers, which makes them some sort of a pariah in the communities. In fact, anywhere they go, people stay away from them. Rayna hated her status in life, hated Raymond Harper with her every being. But what we didn’t know in the beginning was just how deeply Raymond had “used” Rayna for his own gain, which left an equally deep and dark mark on her soul. Rayna wanted to be free of that cursed life, which is why one day, she ran when the opportunity presented itself. Her brother Hershel, who was her only protector, the only person apart from Elna who had loved her, was already dead by then. It was another act of kindness from him, he was trying to save Rayna from being raped... again. After that, there was nothing left for Rayna to do but run for her life.
I didn’t think she lived a completely unharmed life after that, as lonely as she was, though that part was left unsaid in the story. Maybe it was for the better because I didn’t wanna dwell on it. At the moment, Rayna was afraid her bonepicker past would catch up with her and Brett’s brothers may not find her worthy enough to accompany them. Fortunately, she didn’t know Rand and Cooper well, so it wasn’t surprising that Cooper didn’t even bat an eyelash and obliged to Brett’s wishes.
When they return to Battle Creek, Brett begins encouraging Rayna to change her ways and become a respectable woman. Rayna already was craving that and more. She wanted to make Brett happy. She wanted to be the kind of lady Brett may come to like, even love, one day. But would she be able to change her coarse ways, enough to entice Brett? Rayna didn’t know but she vowed she’d try her best. Luckily, a need arouse for the doctor of the town, who needed help badly around the hospital. Brett was so happy with Rayna’s care back at the prison that he refers her to the doctor. Soon enough, with a little training and guidance, she begins to prove herself useful, someone of worth. And with Brett’s constant support, Rayna begins to hope for a new life in Battle Creek.
It becomes obvious shortly to Brett and Rayna that their attraction is mutual. However, the way things were and the hatred bred by the racists– a good example would be the incident that led to their meeting– was something that bugged Brett a lot. He was in search of his roots for a long time now but not knowing his own tribe or who his parents were has weighed on his soul for long. And Brett didn’t want Rayna to get entangled in that hazy world, even though he wanted her to be with him always. Rayna understood but tell that to her heart, the poor thing! It wants Brett and his strong, assured yet kind ways. She just wants to be with him. Soon, we get to learn that Brett is a virgin. Women haven’t been his forte, or more precisely, he never thought about them that way until Rayna. Now his body wants to reciprocate, as their few fumbling kisses would suggest, but Brett’s hands are tied. He’s adamant of not dragging Rayna down in a path where not only she’d be an outcast in many communities for marrying a “half-breed” but also, their union may lead to her own downfall. No, not after all that she’d suffered.
Soon thereafter, opportunities find Brett, so does the answers that have been plaguing him for so long. To learn about his past, his birthright... his own people. In the earlier installments, it was hinted that a woman has been trying to find Brett through an investigator. Brett didn’t put a lot of faith in it, though secretly he wanted to know if she’s related to him or not. Sarah stops at Battle Creek one morning with her 14 yrs. old son in tow, looking for Brett Liberty. Fortunately, Brett was nearby and was able to receive them at the station. It was obvious that Sarah was mixed, though her white genes dominated her Indian ones. But no one can deny the Indian in Adam, and he seems extremely unhappy, surly.
Sarah surprises Brett by introducing herself as his sister. Brett was hoping for a relative, not his long lost sister! Here is someone who is not only his own blood, but also can answer his questions! Even though, at first, Brett was a bit hesitant, Sarah put his doubts to rest soon enough by telling him about their tribe, the tragic past and how they were torn apart by their cruel English grandfather. Their own father was a young, English artist who came here and fell in love with the daughter of their tribe’s leader. Their English grandfather never accepted this marriage, their father perishing in an accident was all it took for the man launch an attack on the ‘barbarians’. Brett was only months old, but Sarah was 7 so she remembers bits and pieces of it quite well. She was taken in by some kindly people, given education. She married too but her husband up and left when he saw Adam after birth crying adultery, which was not true. The man simply couldn’t take it that his son looks like a “half-breed”. For all intent and purpose, he seemed like another of those losers. No wonder Adam is so unhappy all the time!
After his meeting with his family, Brett helps settle Sarah down but there was Adam to take care of. Brett now understood him well. Behind all those anger and rudeness was the hurt caused by the abandonment of his father, also a fear of leading a life where he’d be always scrutinized and hated by people. Brett knew that life pretty well, he’s living it. When Sarah desperately asks for his help in helping Adam adjust, Brett knew he had to do it. He would’ve done it anyway though...... One day, as the first stepping stone of that endeavor, Brett takes Adam to Wild Horses where he can teach him how to appreciate the simplicities of life. He also wants Adam to check out his horses, to see if he’d be interested in becoming a trainer like himself. That should keep his worries away for a while.
Days passed, and Adam begins to calm down with Brett’s influence. Not surprising, Brett is like that. Then one day, they find an old Indian man coming down the hill. He’s also very ill. When the man informs them about a group of orphans hiding somewhere needing urgent help, Brett jumps to action immediately. He finds at least 20 Indian children of various ages being taken care of an elderly Sister. They were travelling to orphanage when their wagon broke down and left them stranded in the middle of nowhere. Moreover, some of the children were already showing symptoms of some kinda illness that Brett couldn’t identify instantly. Though he had his suspicions, he couldn’t leave those kids there so Brett takes them all to his ranch to give food and shelter, then mull over their next course of action.
Brett sends for the doctor of Battle Creek, and Rayna accompanies him knowing Brett needed help. When smallpox is diagnosed, Brett knew this may prove to be a problem, so he has to be careful and keep the children here at Wild Horses until they’re cured. But when Brett’s Indian-hater neighbor gets the wind of it, things become nasty too fast, too soon. He already despised having a half-breed so close to his own ranch, now he’s got an excuse to evict him; if not, kill and rid the world of Brett’s kind. With him, Oldham, who had been fired from his post after Cooper’s complaint to the Texas Rangers, joins hand... soon, even Rayna’s own past returns to haunt her, when Raymond Harper shows up with all his nastiness to blackmail her. When failed and threatened by Brett, he also joins with those ne’er-do-wells.
From then on, Forever His Texas Bride goes to narrate a courageous story of how Brett faced down those thugs day after day, night after night, quite tirelessly to protect the innocent children under his care. A large portion of the story is basically set on Wild Horses dealing with this continuous standoff that threatened the peace loving Brett’s sanity. He goes to extraordinary lengths in order to protect his loved ones. Brett did nothing to garner such hatred and prejudice, but that's how it was. This even threatened his budding relationship with Rayna, though it only solidifies their match as they fight to keep the danger at bay with the help of Cooper, Rand and their men. Good always triumphs over evil and in the end, days of vigilance and unavoidable skirmishes pay off as together they defeat the rancher who was the instigator of these violent incidents.
I very much appreciated Rand and Cooper’s involvement in the story. Their families are not featured as much as I would’ve loved but I understood that they had to be kept safe, away from the whole thing. The epilogue though features Delta and Callie and the children. It seemed that the brothers were, at last, looking forward to their lives, spend happily with their families. I’m surely going to miss this series, though I hope the author considers doing a spin off featuring Adam and a few other secondary characters we’ve seen throughout the series. 4 stars.
But curious mind wants to know: what happened to that Bachelor’s Club after the final, popular bachelor also ended up leg-shackled? :p
I received this ARC, courtesy of Sourcebooks Casablanca, via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 16, 2015
A man raised in an orphanage, rejected by both his mother and father's races, and only has his blood brothers doesn't think he can ever have a wife and a family. A woman who comes from the dregs of society, a thief, and worse, never imagines that a man would look twice at her. But as Brett Liberty faces the gallows for the crime of being born, Rayna Harper helps make his last hours a dream come true as he pretends that they can have something real.
This was sweet, heartwarming in the romance and gritty and heartpounding with the action while set on the rough and tumble Texas frontier. I enjoyed this first time reading this author even though I did jump into the third book of the series. Definitely will go back for Cooper and Rand's stories.
After, Brett and Rayna are rescued from a bigoted sheriff, Brett decides to take Rayna back to Battle Creek. He will help set her up with honest work and then head back to his horse ranch. And this plan crushes both Brett and Rayna because she wants to be with him and he wants her, too.
However, Brett is part indian and he will not subject Rayna to the dangers of being with a half-breed. It's dangerous enough for him alone, but any woman with him would earn the slurs of the people around them or worse. The whites are reactionary toward indians because of the recent Comanche raids and the indians want nothing to do with him for the white blood in him. And then there is the long-time rejection of being a baby left at the orphanage door. If it weren't for the men who he bonded with as brothers, Brett would have no one. Cooper is the town sheriff and Rand owns a ranch nearby. Brett is jealous they are happily married with families, but he is also thankful to see them have this, too.
Rayna is a bonepicker's daughter. They are the poorest of the poor and are shunned like the plague by all other people. She grew up hard with a mean, sadistic man for a father who got rid of her mother and whored Rayna out for liquor and other things he wanted. She finally got away from him, but the taint of her past leaves her scrambling to survive until she encounters the honorable, brave, and handsome Brett Liberty. She understands why he rejects what they feel, but she is determined to wait him out. Rayna doesn't want to be his burden so she takes the job as nurse to the town doctor and longs for the time Brett will let them be together.
In the meantime, Brett is surprised by the arrival of a woman claiming to be his sister and an angry nephew who, like Brett, is a half-breed. He doesn't know what to make of this, but then he has the added complication of sick orphaned Comanches and the Sister who is helping to move them to an orphanage down south which stir up the local bigots. Fear is in the air as people worry that the children carry disease and others worry that Brett is bringing in more of the feared Comanche tribe. Fear leads to mobs led by Brett's hard-hearted neighbor threatening him and the little band of Comanche children. Brett is forced to bring Rayna to help tend the sick children and call upon his brothers for assistance to hold off the men who would kill and destroy. And the danger just grows more intense as their situation becomes dire and nearly hopeless. Brett must stand strong and protect what he has come to love and think of his.
Alright, so this one was an emotional read as the themes of bigotry, interracial issues, child abandonment, abuse and neglect, and trust are explored against the setting of Texas in the Old West. I always find it at least a little exciting when I plunge into a book by a new to me author because its the unknown. This time was no different. I really liked the story, but there was something about the writing style that held me a little aloof at times. I can't explain it beyond that. I liked the story, the characters, and the setting, but I felt apart from it, too. Not very far, but enough to notice.
So anyway, plot, pace, and development were good. Brett and Rayna both came from hard pasts and that was their point of connection. They were not bitter or eaten by their pasts and both just wanted to be given the chance to make a good life like the people around them. Seeing people put down because of the honest work they do for a living even if it isn't a job anyone wants and seeing people rejected because they are of blended race or from a certain race brings pain because I can't feel or understand this prejudice. And that is the foundation of this story. I thought the author told it well.
The romance was one of unrequited love as a result of their circumstances. I liked that both were honest about their feelings and wants even if Brett wouldn't let them act on them. Couldn't really get upset at him for his caution since he was nearly hanged just for being a half-breed and he had endured the slurs and the rejection and watched others hurt or slaughtered for it. Because he loved her, he was protecting her from all this. Rayna understood. She wanted to be with him and it hurt that she couldn't. Rayna has a different way at seeing the world because of her own past. Brett is the first true and good person in her life and she knows that he is it for her. She wants to change her ways for him and be a better woman that has his respect. They were a beautiful couple and I was glad to see them share some happy, peaceful moments amongst the craziness of fighting to stay alive from the range war that Brett's neighbor started up over the Comanche orphan children.
That brings me to the action side of the story. The author blended action and romance development well. For most of the book, the reader gets the action second hand so to speak, but near the end, it got gritty and darker. Hate does that. Brett and his allies fought hard and faced overwhelming odds. Losses were felt and I teared up at one point. There are villains in this piece that I would gladly do violence to if given half a chance. This wasn't even about greed; just pure hate. Strikes a chord because of what goes on these days.
All in all, my first venture into this author's books was a success and will definitely not be my last. I would recommend this book/series to those who enjoy Western Historical Romance that is only slightly spicy and has moderate level of grit.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
This was sweet, heartwarming in the romance and gritty and heartpounding with the action while set on the rough and tumble Texas frontier. I enjoyed this first time reading this author even though I did jump into the third book of the series. Definitely will go back for Cooper and Rand's stories.
After, Brett and Rayna are rescued from a bigoted sheriff, Brett decides to take Rayna back to Battle Creek. He will help set her up with honest work and then head back to his horse ranch. And this plan crushes both Brett and Rayna because she wants to be with him and he wants her, too.
However, Brett is part indian and he will not subject Rayna to the dangers of being with a half-breed. It's dangerous enough for him alone, but any woman with him would earn the slurs of the people around them or worse. The whites are reactionary toward indians because of the recent Comanche raids and the indians want nothing to do with him for the white blood in him. And then there is the long-time rejection of being a baby left at the orphanage door. If it weren't for the men who he bonded with as brothers, Brett would have no one. Cooper is the town sheriff and Rand owns a ranch nearby. Brett is jealous they are happily married with families, but he is also thankful to see them have this, too.
Rayna is a bonepicker's daughter. They are the poorest of the poor and are shunned like the plague by all other people. She grew up hard with a mean, sadistic man for a father who got rid of her mother and whored Rayna out for liquor and other things he wanted. She finally got away from him, but the taint of her past leaves her scrambling to survive until she encounters the honorable, brave, and handsome Brett Liberty. She understands why he rejects what they feel, but she is determined to wait him out. Rayna doesn't want to be his burden so she takes the job as nurse to the town doctor and longs for the time Brett will let them be together.
In the meantime, Brett is surprised by the arrival of a woman claiming to be his sister and an angry nephew who, like Brett, is a half-breed. He doesn't know what to make of this, but then he has the added complication of sick orphaned Comanches and the Sister who is helping to move them to an orphanage down south which stir up the local bigots. Fear is in the air as people worry that the children carry disease and others worry that Brett is bringing in more of the feared Comanche tribe. Fear leads to mobs led by Brett's hard-hearted neighbor threatening him and the little band of Comanche children. Brett is forced to bring Rayna to help tend the sick children and call upon his brothers for assistance to hold off the men who would kill and destroy. And the danger just grows more intense as their situation becomes dire and nearly hopeless. Brett must stand strong and protect what he has come to love and think of his.
Alright, so this one was an emotional read as the themes of bigotry, interracial issues, child abandonment, abuse and neglect, and trust are explored against the setting of Texas in the Old West. I always find it at least a little exciting when I plunge into a book by a new to me author because its the unknown. This time was no different. I really liked the story, but there was something about the writing style that held me a little aloof at times. I can't explain it beyond that. I liked the story, the characters, and the setting, but I felt apart from it, too. Not very far, but enough to notice.
So anyway, plot, pace, and development were good. Brett and Rayna both came from hard pasts and that was their point of connection. They were not bitter or eaten by their pasts and both just wanted to be given the chance to make a good life like the people around them. Seeing people put down because of the honest work they do for a living even if it isn't a job anyone wants and seeing people rejected because they are of blended race or from a certain race brings pain because I can't feel or understand this prejudice. And that is the foundation of this story. I thought the author told it well.
The romance was one of unrequited love as a result of their circumstances. I liked that both were honest about their feelings and wants even if Brett wouldn't let them act on them. Couldn't really get upset at him for his caution since he was nearly hanged just for being a half-breed and he had endured the slurs and the rejection and watched others hurt or slaughtered for it. Because he loved her, he was protecting her from all this. Rayna understood. She wanted to be with him and it hurt that she couldn't. Rayna has a different way at seeing the world because of her own past. Brett is the first true and good person in her life and she knows that he is it for her. She wants to change her ways for him and be a better woman that has his respect. They were a beautiful couple and I was glad to see them share some happy, peaceful moments amongst the craziness of fighting to stay alive from the range war that Brett's neighbor started up over the Comanche orphan children.
That brings me to the action side of the story. The author blended action and romance development well. For most of the book, the reader gets the action second hand so to speak, but near the end, it got gritty and darker. Hate does that. Brett and his allies fought hard and faced overwhelming odds. Losses were felt and I teared up at one point. There are villains in this piece that I would gladly do violence to if given half a chance. This wasn't even about greed; just pure hate. Strikes a chord because of what goes on these days.
All in all, my first venture into this author's books was a success and will definitely not be my last. I would recommend this book/series to those who enjoy Western Historical Romance that is only slightly spicy and has moderate level of grit.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
June 7, 2018
The book is great, the plot, the romance, the twist, the action, everything. We do not get many details on scenery, just as much as needed, but we do read detailed descriptions of movements, feelings, sounds, miss Broday sure knows that these are important in a book. And I liked a lot the fact that she put more than enough amount of effort in these. It really brights up the story.
The one thing that felt a bit off for me was the first love scene. When a man is about to practice love for the first time, he feels a bit awkward, which is totally ok, since he doesn't know what to do and he is relaying on his instincts. Which also happens to a woman. In Brett's case, he seems to know exactly what to do, even though it is his first time. I mean, come on... He should be at least a bit insecure. That's the one thing that takes of the otherwise believable story line.
I most enjoyed the love the characters have for the Comanche kinds and how they do their best to protect and take the best possible care of them. It is a good way to remind us that in the end, we are all people breathing the same air,having the same right. No matter our skin colour. Do not ever forget that.
One last thing that I want to point out is how well are all the characters written and portrait in the story. The reader gets to know everyone, from the most to least important one. We get at least a glimpse of their back story and they all are there for a reason, not just to fill in the pages.
For more reviews visit my blog https://helenasbooks670176047.wordpre...
The one thing that felt a bit off for me was the first love scene. When a man is about to practice love for the first time, he feels a bit awkward, which is totally ok, since he doesn't know what to do and he is relaying on his instincts. Which also happens to a woman. In Brett's case, he seems to know exactly what to do, even though it is his first time. I mean, come on... He should be at least a bit insecure. That's the one thing that takes of the otherwise believable story line.
I most enjoyed the love the characters have for the Comanche kinds and how they do their best to protect and take the best possible care of them. It is a good way to remind us that in the end, we are all people breathing the same air,having the same right. No matter our skin colour. Do not ever forget that.
One last thing that I want to point out is how well are all the characters written and portrait in the story. The reader gets to know everyone, from the most to least important one. We get at least a glimpse of their back story and they all are there for a reason, not just to fill in the pages.
For more reviews visit my blog https://helenasbooks670176047.wordpre...
January 11, 2016
I was expecting this book to be the best of the series, but in each book after the first one, the heroine is in more and more danger and here it was also happening to the hero.
It seemed that everything that could go wrong did indeed go wrong! It was just too much for me!
Still I enjoyed it and I think it deserved the 4 star rating!
It seemed that everything that could go wrong did indeed go wrong! It was just too much for me!
Still I enjoyed it and I think it deserved the 4 star rating!
September 27, 2015
In her latest Bachelors of Battle Creek series, Linda Broday brings the series to a conclusion with Forever His Texas Bride. Brett Liberty is the last single brother who has no plans to wed anyone because of his mixed heritage he lives a solitary life. Brett is a horse trainer by trade and on his way home from delivery horses he makes the mistake of riding through a town run by unscrupulous sheriff who has immense hatred for any one of Native American ancestry. After being wounded by the sheriff’s posse he deposited in the local jail where he meets Rayna Harper, a young woman who has been beat down by life, and with Rayna’s help he is able to endure his predicament until his brother’s arrive. Brett invites Rayna to come back to his home town in an attempt to give her a better a life, but Rayna desires more then what Brett feels he has to offer and she must accept friendship on his terms until a crisis at Brett’s ranch brings them together, and Brett realizes that Rayna completes his world. In my humble opinion Ms. Broday out did herself with this novel because she weaves her magic through her words to elicit the deep emotions of love and friendship. I was given this novel to read by the author in exchange for an honest review.
February 21, 2016
This book was okay but I felt that it was too long. I would have liked the book better if it had been shorter. .
What really drove me mad was that they kept repeating the same arguments over and over and over again. We get it he's half-Indian and doesn't want to make her a pariah by marrying her. Great good excuse. But you don't have to go on and on about it. They also glossed over any problems she had. Sure some of the abuse was explained but not enough in my opinion. I mean even after everything that happened to her, she was like "let's get married even though I just met you and don't really know you". That really rubbed me the wrong way. .
But the writing was pretty good and the story enjoyable. So I still give it three stars.
What really drove me mad was that they kept repeating the same arguments over and over and over again. We get it he's half-Indian and doesn't want to make her a pariah by marrying her. Great good excuse. But you don't have to go on and on about it. They also glossed over any problems she had. Sure some of the abuse was explained but not enough in my opinion. I mean even after everything that happened to her, she was like "let's get married even though I just met you and don't really know you". That really rubbed me the wrong way. .
But the writing was pretty good and the story enjoyable. So I still give it three stars.
December 1, 2015
Three brothers defying all odds and the blood pact that bonded them together.
This last and final book in Linda Broday's Bachelor Series is extraordinary and definitely saved the best for last. Forever His Texas Bride is about courage, bravery, and undying love in face of danger. WOW- What an ending. I was on the edge of my seat.... Couldn't put it down!!!!!
Bravo for all the twist and surprises this one delivers. Linda Broday has an amazing way of bringing the words of her books to life and placing them in your heart. Her characters grab hold of your heart strings and will not let go. She writes with true grit, honesty, and emotion that will stand the test of time.
This last and final book in Linda Broday's Bachelor Series is extraordinary and definitely saved the best for last. Forever His Texas Bride is about courage, bravery, and undying love in face of danger. WOW- What an ending. I was on the edge of my seat.... Couldn't put it down!!!!!
Bravo for all the twist and surprises this one delivers. Linda Broday has an amazing way of bringing the words of her books to life and placing them in your heart. Her characters grab hold of your heart strings and will not let go. She writes with true grit, honesty, and emotion that will stand the test of time.
January 19, 2018
If you love great western romance, you don't want to miss a Linda Broday book, especially these "Bachelor" books. Linda "gets it" when it comes to writing western heroes, especially books set in Texas. I love her writing.
February 16, 2019
With unsurpassed talent and heart, Linda Broday has put into words a story that needs to be told, shared with all people everywhere. Brett and Rayna's story may be fictional but the battle they have waged their entire lives is one that is anything but fiction. A story that may, just as Brett and Rayna and the citizens of Battle Creek achieved, may become truth for the world today. A story that all people, no matter their station in life, their race, color or creed, are worthy of love, of acceptance and value. This is one book that I am so grateful to have read and has found a place in my heart and high on my favorites list.
March 6, 2017
Great end to an amazing series
Loved watching Brett fall in love with his Rayna and learn that he deserves a family (more than just his brothers) just as much as any other man and that Rayna learned that she's just as worthy herself. Their journey to their hea was filled with trials and struggles, both within themselves and from without through evil and prejudice. The struggles were quite overwhelming and felt unending, but goodness finally wins. The epilogue was a sweet wrap up of the series.
Loved watching Brett fall in love with his Rayna and learn that he deserves a family (more than just his brothers) just as much as any other man and that Rayna learned that she's just as worthy herself. Their journey to their hea was filled with trials and struggles, both within themselves and from without through evil and prejudice. The struggles were quite overwhelming and felt unending, but goodness finally wins. The epilogue was a sweet wrap up of the series.
December 20, 2015
This is book 3 in the Bachelors of Battle Creek.
Just trying to deliver some horses to a customer, Brett Liberty suddenly finds himself being shot at and accused of being a horse thief for no other reason than the fact that he is half Iroquois. Finding himself locked in jail and about to be hung, he finds a bright spot in the form of Rayna Harper.
Rayna does what she can to help Brett when he is brought into the jail with a gunshot wound, but being a prisoner herself, there is not much else she can do for the man that is destined to hang but offer him comfort in his final hours.
When Brett's brother rescue him from certain death, he demands that Rayna come with them. As they spend more time with one another, there is no denying the attraction they feel for each other. But Brett won't let Rayna get involved with him, when all he does is bring trouble to his door because of his heritage.
Can Rayna make Brett understand that it doesn't matter to her, that he is all that does?
I really enjoyed this story and after reading the other two stories in the trilogy, I'm glad that Brett got his HEA. As much as he did interact with his "brothers", he was still a loner. He isolated himself on his land and he needed a good woman to make him see that he was worth something. He had always figured that because of him being half Iroquois that he was given up and no one wanted him. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the history we learn about Brett and that also plays into part the changes we see in him.
This was a great ending to a wonderful trilogy. If you've not read it yet, what are you waiting for, go out and get it now!!
I'm excited to see what Broday had in store for us next!
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
Just trying to deliver some horses to a customer, Brett Liberty suddenly finds himself being shot at and accused of being a horse thief for no other reason than the fact that he is half Iroquois. Finding himself locked in jail and about to be hung, he finds a bright spot in the form of Rayna Harper.
Rayna does what she can to help Brett when he is brought into the jail with a gunshot wound, but being a prisoner herself, there is not much else she can do for the man that is destined to hang but offer him comfort in his final hours.
When Brett's brother rescue him from certain death, he demands that Rayna come with them. As they spend more time with one another, there is no denying the attraction they feel for each other. But Brett won't let Rayna get involved with him, when all he does is bring trouble to his door because of his heritage.
Can Rayna make Brett understand that it doesn't matter to her, that he is all that does?
I really enjoyed this story and after reading the other two stories in the trilogy, I'm glad that Brett got his HEA. As much as he did interact with his "brothers", he was still a loner. He isolated himself on his land and he needed a good woman to make him see that he was worth something. He had always figured that because of him being half Iroquois that he was given up and no one wanted him. I was pleasantly surprised by some of the history we learn about Brett and that also plays into part the changes we see in him.
This was a great ending to a wonderful trilogy. If you've not read it yet, what are you waiting for, go out and get it now!!
I'm excited to see what Broday had in store for us next!
Thanks go out to Sourcebooks via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
June 20, 2016
+Spoilers+
A really sweet romance with both a lovable hero and heroine.
Lowered 1 star because I felt at times it got a bit repettitive and dragged a little towards the middle. I also didn't care for the epilogue. I was hoping the epilogue would be more about the MC's but it just rehashed stuff from the previous book (or so it seemed) about other secondary characters. Probably trying to set the reader up for next one in the series.
It also seemed to me that the "reason" fot Brett's reluctancy to commit to Rayna was weak, and his change of mind was brought about just as weakly. But the logic was passable enough for me to be ok with it.
The beginning was excellent and I would go as far as to say it was "Heath-like." (author Lorraine Heath), but it lost momentum and became a little stagnant for awhile before picking up closer to the end.
The characters were pretty well developed but the antagonists were bordering cartoonish.
Would I read more from this author? Yes - barring content. Would I recommend this to others? YES!
Safety
OW-No
Cheating-No
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-No (she was raped before she met the hero)
Violence-Yes but not terrible
Cursing-No
Insta love- Yes and no. No because they didn't say it until near the end but they both claimed that they fell in love since they first met.
Loving- 3 times-very sweet somewhat detailed
Rape- No. Heroine was raped in the past but it was not describe in detail. It was only mentioned by heroine as a memory.
HEA/ILY's-yes to both
A really sweet romance with both a lovable hero and heroine.
Lowered 1 star because I felt at times it got a bit repettitive and dragged a little towards the middle. I also didn't care for the epilogue. I was hoping the epilogue would be more about the MC's but it just rehashed stuff from the previous book (or so it seemed) about other secondary characters. Probably trying to set the reader up for next one in the series.
It also seemed to me that the "reason" fot Brett's reluctancy to commit to Rayna was weak, and his change of mind was brought about just as weakly. But the logic was passable enough for me to be ok with it.
The beginning was excellent and I would go as far as to say it was "Heath-like." (author Lorraine Heath), but it lost momentum and became a little stagnant for awhile before picking up closer to the end.
The characters were pretty well developed but the antagonists were bordering cartoonish.
Would I read more from this author? Yes - barring content. Would I recommend this to others? YES!
Safety
OW-No
Cheating-No
Hero-Virgin
Heroine-No (she was raped before she met the hero)
Violence-Yes but not terrible
Cursing-No
Insta love- Yes and no. No because they didn't say it until near the end but they both claimed that they fell in love since they first met.
Loving- 3 times-very sweet somewhat detailed
Rape- No. Heroine was raped in the past but it was not describe in detail. It was only mentioned by heroine as a memory.
HEA/ILY's-yes to both
November 2, 2015
If you like western romance, this one is very good. I really enjoyed reading this series because it was wonderful to visit old friends. The author, in my opinion, has written a absolute lovely story.
First off, it's 1879 in Texas where prejudice is still prevalent because Indians aren't to be trusted. Even though, Brett Liberty is half white and Iroquois, he isn't very comfortable with trying to conform to either world. He loves his horses which he trains on his land. Just give him an mustang and he's in heaven.
When he rides though a town, he's arrested and hurt in the process. The Sheriff is not fond of Indians, and puts Brett in jail where he'll be hanging soon. Brett cannot believe the situation he's in, and befriends a woman who's in jail too!
Her name is Rayna and she has had a sorrowful life, taken the knocks that abound for a single woman. She does the best she can, and feels like she can't trust anyone.
Brett is finally set free by his brothers, and asks Rayna to come with him to give her a better life. He is such a fine person who only wants to help others and takes responsibility seriously.
Rayna feels like she has finally found her one special place, and Brett feels the same. They both fall in love, and with the support of his family, he and Rayna live a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
First off, it's 1879 in Texas where prejudice is still prevalent because Indians aren't to be trusted. Even though, Brett Liberty is half white and Iroquois, he isn't very comfortable with trying to conform to either world. He loves his horses which he trains on his land. Just give him an mustang and he's in heaven.
When he rides though a town, he's arrested and hurt in the process. The Sheriff is not fond of Indians, and puts Brett in jail where he'll be hanging soon. Brett cannot believe the situation he's in, and befriends a woman who's in jail too!
Her name is Rayna and she has had a sorrowful life, taken the knocks that abound for a single woman. She does the best she can, and feels like she can't trust anyone.
Brett is finally set free by his brothers, and asks Rayna to come with him to give her a better life. He is such a fine person who only wants to help others and takes responsibility seriously.
Rayna feels like she has finally found her one special place, and Brett feels the same. They both fall in love, and with the support of his family, he and Rayna live a happy ever after.
I appreciate Net Galley for this ARC title in which I gave an honest review.
May 11, 2016
Brett Liberty is brother number three; not by blood but by circumstances. He is both White and Iroquois. He is still unsure in which world he belongs in. Brett owns and runs the Wild Horse Ranch where he raises wild Mustangs. After delivering some horses that he had trained; Brett finds himself arrested and branded a horse thief. He is thrown into jail; and scheduled to be hung. In the jail cell next to Brett is Rayna Harper; who is having troubles of her own.
Follow their story as Brett is rescued by his brothers Cooper and Rand from jail and refuses to leave until they also have Rayna. Follow as once again the past of the brothers come to follow them and effect the future of Rayna and Brett. And if the past of the brothers isn't enough; Rayna's past is also following her and making a impact on every decision she is making.
Another wonderful book by LInda Broday. Linda has a way of drawing you into the story and letting you feel the hurt; pain of finding love.
Follow their story as Brett is rescued by his brothers Cooper and Rand from jail and refuses to leave until they also have Rayna. Follow as once again the past of the brothers come to follow them and effect the future of Rayna and Brett. And if the past of the brothers isn't enough; Rayna's past is also following her and making a impact on every decision she is making.
Another wonderful book by LInda Broday. Linda has a way of drawing you into the story and letting you feel the hurt; pain of finding love.
August 23, 2016
Omg this book was wonderful it started me on a wild west ride from the first page. I fell in love with Brett and Rayna from the very first appearances of both characters. What I loved most about this book was that it was a great Wild West story along with the sweet love story of Brett and Rayna. The love story part was told in such a way that I could feel what Brett and Rayna both were feeling and I loved that the love scenes were written with true love and tenderness not crude as some authors do. Also loved the way the varmint villians were givin their just dues. This was my first book I have read by Linda Broday and truly cannot wait to read the other two in this Texas Bride series and many more by her
November 22, 2019
Three brothers defying all odds and the blood pact that bonded them together.
This last and final book in Linda Broday's Bachelor Series is extraordinary and definitely saved the best for last. Forever His Texas Bride is about courage, bravery, and undying love in face of danger. WOW- What an ending. I was on the edge of my seat.... Couldn't put it down!!!!!
Bravo for all the twist and surprises this one delivers. Linda Broday has an amazing way of bringing the words of her books to life and placing them in your heart. Her characters grab hold of your heart strings and will not let go. She writes with true grit, honesty, and emotion that will stand the test of time.
This last and final book in Linda Broday's Bachelor Series is extraordinary and definitely saved the best for last. Forever His Texas Bride is about courage, bravery, and undying love in face of danger. WOW- What an ending. I was on the edge of my seat.... Couldn't put it down!!!!!
Bravo for all the twist and surprises this one delivers. Linda Broday has an amazing way of bringing the words of her books to life and placing them in your heart. Her characters grab hold of your heart strings and will not let go. She writes with true grit, honesty, and emotion that will stand the test of time.
March 12, 2019
2.8 stars
ok, good characters & story.
glad they brought in some characters from the previous 2 books. (ie. cooper & rand)
epilogue at the end was a great way to wrap up the trilogy.
it started off strongly. the first few chapters were engrossing.
but it lagged a bit in the middle and definitely dragged at the end.
However impractical as it was for 1880's texas, i really liked that the lead female Rayna was a vegetarian. (go vegan power!)
ok, good characters & story.
glad they brought in some characters from the previous 2 books. (ie. cooper & rand)
epilogue at the end was a great way to wrap up the trilogy.
it started off strongly. the first few chapters were engrossing.
but it lagged a bit in the middle and definitely dragged at the end.
However impractical as it was for 1880's texas, i really liked that the lead female Rayna was a vegetarian. (go vegan power!)
March 2, 2016
Omg this book was wonderful it started me on a wild west ride from the first page. I fell in love with Brett and Rayna from the very first appearances of both characters. What I loved most about this book was that it was a great Wild West story along with the sweet love story of Brett and Rayna. The love story part was told in such a way that I could feel what Brett and Rayna both were feeling and I loved that the love scenes were written with true love and tenderness not crude as some authors do. Also loved the way the varmint villians were givin their just dues. This was my first book I have read by Linda Broday and truly cannot wait to read the other two in this Texas Bride series and many more by her
December 9, 2015
From the moment I met Rayna Harper (a pickpocket, a "spreader of good," a bone-picker's daughter) I was captivated and knew she'd be the perfect match for Brett Liberty. I loved Brett from the first 2 books in the Bachelors of Battle Creek series and was eagerly awaiting his story. Brett and Rayna fight an epic battle against hate, prejudice and impossible odds. Everything about this story is wonderful including the exquisitely described Texas land. Another fantastic book by Linda Broday!
January 13, 2016
I didn't finish it. The hero is despised by most people (he's half Native American) and the heroine grew up extremely poor and steals things.
The hero doesn't know anything about his tribe or customs and then a mysterious woman claiming to be his sister showed up with a half Native American son.
I gave up on the book at that point. Didn't grab my attention.
The hero doesn't know anything about his tribe or customs and then a mysterious woman claiming to be his sister showed up with a half Native American son.
I gave up on the book at that point. Didn't grab my attention.
December 6, 2015
This is by far the most heart warming story I have read!! What a wonderful end to a superb series!!
March 12, 2016
Dnf. I got to page 70 and couldn't even find a reason to keep going. I am 0% invested in these characters I am sorry to say.
April 14, 2020
3.4 stars
Really liked the main characters, they had excellent backstories, depth, a great love.
The story starts with Brett running after being shot. A sheriff and his deputies throw him in jail for being a "half-breed". While in jail he meets the other prisoner, pick-pocket Rayna. She is asked everyday to give her body away, every day she tells them no, and has been in jail a month. Admiring Brett's moccasins, helping the doctor remove the bullet, and pretending to be his wife while he waits to be hanged, all help to forge a bond neither can break.
Obviously, both are saved eventually, by his brothers. Back in the real world Brett vows to distance himself from Rayna, claiming it would be painful and dangerous to be with him. This is a repetitive dance of wanting her and pushing her away, even though she has already survived way worse. She doesn't feel like a lady, not good enough, and his judgement of her stealing was over the top. We also see him meet his sister, nephew, and find answers about his past. He gets his sister a job, takes care of the nephew, and gets Rayna a job as a nurse. Rayna is such a sweet and gentle person, so him pushing her away made me like him less.
The rest of the story focuses on the drama when an old Native American man comes running on his land. When he wakes he tells them the children need help and he goes and finds a group of orphan Native Americans children and an elderly nun. The children are sick and the doctor and Rayna are needed. Bretts neighbor was "okay" with one half breed as a neighbor but is horrified by the rest. He demands they leave and when Brett stands his ground the neighbor goes and recruits people from different towns.
This drama DRAGS a long time. Many battles, missions, and such. Every time I thought would be the epic showdown, it would just be one more of many. Then Rayna's father shows up and causes even more drama. These characters and their HEA is hard won and not without casualties. In the end he finally gives in to what he desires most and asks her to marry him, hence the name of the book. Epilogue is a round up and ending for all three brothers, and was pretty sweet.
SPOILERS:
His sister tells him what happened. His father travels to paint Native Americans & fell in love with a woman. They have two children, right after the H is born, the father accidentally dies. His father goes crazy &destroys the village, & leaves him at an orphanage. There he is beaten, called names, & chained after trying to runaway. The brothers leave & he ends up killing a man to save Cooper. Eventually a man takes them in and became a father figure for them.
Rayna finds out that her father isn't her father at all. He killed her parents and stole her. She had to beat a man to death to save her mother. And this father would sell her to men for alcohol or whatever else he wanted. Her brother is murdered when trying to stop one of these men. She finally ran away and lived in the woods, stealing things, then ended up in prison. Her "father" tries to kill her in the end, she almost kills, the H wanted to kill him, but both wont let him make them evil. He tells her justice is seeing him hang. In the end his nephew goes from an angry brat to a fine young man. He marries Rayna, they adopt one of the orphans, a little boy who has suffered. Bob goes off to die with dignity. The women of the town decide to open an orphanage for the children and they men name it after the man who raised them as his own. Both Brett and Rand have pregnant wives. Cooper retires as sheriff. I do wish we knew what Brett decided to do for a job. Towards the beginning we see that the base he sold horses to was moving and he didn't know how he would make ends meet anymore.
Really liked the main characters, they had excellent backstories, depth, a great love.
The story starts with Brett running after being shot. A sheriff and his deputies throw him in jail for being a "half-breed". While in jail he meets the other prisoner, pick-pocket Rayna. She is asked everyday to give her body away, every day she tells them no, and has been in jail a month. Admiring Brett's moccasins, helping the doctor remove the bullet, and pretending to be his wife while he waits to be hanged, all help to forge a bond neither can break.
Obviously, both are saved eventually, by his brothers. Back in the real world Brett vows to distance himself from Rayna, claiming it would be painful and dangerous to be with him. This is a repetitive dance of wanting her and pushing her away, even though she has already survived way worse. She doesn't feel like a lady, not good enough, and his judgement of her stealing was over the top. We also see him meet his sister, nephew, and find answers about his past. He gets his sister a job, takes care of the nephew, and gets Rayna a job as a nurse. Rayna is such a sweet and gentle person, so him pushing her away made me like him less.
The rest of the story focuses on the drama when an old Native American man comes running on his land. When he wakes he tells them the children need help and he goes and finds a group of orphan Native Americans children and an elderly nun. The children are sick and the doctor and Rayna are needed. Bretts neighbor was "okay" with one half breed as a neighbor but is horrified by the rest. He demands they leave and when Brett stands his ground the neighbor goes and recruits people from different towns.
This drama DRAGS a long time. Many battles, missions, and such. Every time I thought would be the epic showdown, it would just be one more of many. Then Rayna's father shows up and causes even more drama. These characters and their HEA is hard won and not without casualties. In the end he finally gives in to what he desires most and asks her to marry him, hence the name of the book. Epilogue is a round up and ending for all three brothers, and was pretty sweet.
SPOILERS:
His sister tells him what happened. His father travels to paint Native Americans & fell in love with a woman. They have two children, right after the H is born, the father accidentally dies. His father goes crazy &destroys the village, & leaves him at an orphanage. There he is beaten, called names, & chained after trying to runaway. The brothers leave & he ends up killing a man to save Cooper. Eventually a man takes them in and became a father figure for them.
Rayna finds out that her father isn't her father at all. He killed her parents and stole her. She had to beat a man to death to save her mother. And this father would sell her to men for alcohol or whatever else he wanted. Her brother is murdered when trying to stop one of these men. She finally ran away and lived in the woods, stealing things, then ended up in prison. Her "father" tries to kill her in the end, she almost kills, the H wanted to kill him, but both wont let him make them evil. He tells her justice is seeing him hang. In the end his nephew goes from an angry brat to a fine young man. He marries Rayna, they adopt one of the orphans, a little boy who has suffered. Bob goes off to die with dignity. The women of the town decide to open an orphanage for the children and they men name it after the man who raised them as his own. Both Brett and Rand have pregnant wives. Cooper retires as sheriff. I do wish we knew what Brett decided to do for a job. Towards the beginning we see that the base he sold horses to was moving and he didn't know how he would make ends meet anymore.
December 12, 2018
The Indian Wars left several survivors, some whose hate has overcome their common sense. Sheriff Oldham is one of these people with the power to be truly dangerous. He shot and imprisoned Brett Liberty just because he is an Indian, and because Oldham wants to eliminate all Indians guilty of anything or not. In jail, awaiting the hanging, Brett meets Rayna Harper. Rayna was jailed as a pickpocket trying to help others even more unfortunate than herself. At the last second, Brett is rescued by his adoptive brothers Sheriff Cooper Thorne and Rand Sinclair. He refuses to leave without Rayna who cared for and supported him in captivity.
The good guys and girls in this romance are likable, but the execution of the story just didn’t maintain my interest or enthusiasm. Dialogue doesn’t ring true. There are necessary details left out that would make the story believable: two guys living in a teepee on a horse ranch take in other adults and twenty orphans. Where does the food come from? Where is it stored? How do they have the ammunition to fight off multiple attackers? There is too much telling in this romance and not enough showing. They are apparently in a lovely, picturesque part of Texas, but the reader never really ‘sees’ the beauty.
The other books in the series were better constructed and executed. The HEA is here, but the story needs work to be convincing.
Readalikes:
Tess LeSue – Bound for Temptation; Jodi Thomas – Wild Texas Rose; Pamela Nowak – Changes; Jo Goodman – The Last Renegade; Maureen McKade – To Find You Again; Diana Palmer – Wyoming Brave; Mary Jo Putney - Once a Rebel; Nicole Helm – Navy SEAL Cowboys; Jo Goodman - A Touch of Frost; Linda Lael Miller’s Creed Cowboys; Lynnette Austin’s Maverick Junction novels; Amy Sandas – The Gunslinger's Vow; Maggie Osborne – The Bride of Willow Creek; Dorothy Garlock – Sweetwater and the Wyoming frontier romances.
Disclosure: Reading copy provided by the publisher.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Likeable, not particularly believable
Story: Plot driven
Language/writing style:
Tone: Atmospheric; mildly sensuous
Frame: North Central Texas, 1879
The good guys and girls in this romance are likable, but the execution of the story just didn’t maintain my interest or enthusiasm. Dialogue doesn’t ring true. There are necessary details left out that would make the story believable: two guys living in a teepee on a horse ranch take in other adults and twenty orphans. Where does the food come from? Where is it stored? How do they have the ammunition to fight off multiple attackers? There is too much telling in this romance and not enough showing. They are apparently in a lovely, picturesque part of Texas, but the reader never really ‘sees’ the beauty.
The other books in the series were better constructed and executed. The HEA is here, but the story needs work to be convincing.
Readalikes:
Tess LeSue – Bound for Temptation; Jodi Thomas – Wild Texas Rose; Pamela Nowak – Changes; Jo Goodman – The Last Renegade; Maureen McKade – To Find You Again; Diana Palmer – Wyoming Brave; Mary Jo Putney - Once a Rebel; Nicole Helm – Navy SEAL Cowboys; Jo Goodman - A Touch of Frost; Linda Lael Miller’s Creed Cowboys; Lynnette Austin’s Maverick Junction novels; Amy Sandas – The Gunslinger's Vow; Maggie Osborne – The Bride of Willow Creek; Dorothy Garlock – Sweetwater and the Wyoming frontier romances.
Disclosure: Reading copy provided by the publisher.
Pace: Fast
Characters: Likeable, not particularly believable
Story: Plot driven
Language/writing style:
Tone: Atmospheric; mildly sensuous
Frame: North Central Texas, 1879
February 4, 2021
it pains me to give 2 stars to this book after giving a 4 stars to Twice A Texas Bride as i really loved that book.
but this third book of the series was so disappointing. it started off strong and great but it slowly went downhill. it took way too long for them to bond and they only made love at chapter 26 (if i'm not wrong) and that's 3/4 of the book. too slow. i didn't like how they kept on thinking they weren't good enough for each other. if they had just talked it out, it wouldn't have dragged on so long.
as for Brett, it broke my heart when i saw how mistreated Brett was just because of his skin color. it's sad because this racism still exists to this day, even if it got better. he's such a nice guy but gets mistaken as a villain or a bad guy. i felt bad for Rayna too, she hasn't had a good life with such a rotten father and it amazes me to see how she's still somewhat positive and innocent after all that happened to her.
but i was glad that Brett and Rayna found a place with each other after being adrift for so long.
i started skimming after chapter 26 because i seriously couldn't be bothered with all the action that's happening. it was too draggy. i did tear up a bit at Granny's death and the part Bob sacrificed himself. i quite liked them. i did think the ending was done well, it summed up the 3 brothers' life and the 3 ladies who captured their hearts.
but this third book of the series was so disappointing. it started off strong and great but it slowly went downhill. it took way too long for them to bond and they only made love at chapter 26 (if i'm not wrong) and that's 3/4 of the book. too slow. i didn't like how they kept on thinking they weren't good enough for each other. if they had just talked it out, it wouldn't have dragged on so long.
as for Brett, it broke my heart when i saw how mistreated Brett was just because of his skin color. it's sad because this racism still exists to this day, even if it got better. he's such a nice guy but gets mistaken as a villain or a bad guy. i felt bad for Rayna too, she hasn't had a good life with such a rotten father and it amazes me to see how she's still somewhat positive and innocent after all that happened to her.
but i was glad that Brett and Rayna found a place with each other after being adrift for so long.
i started skimming after chapter 26 because i seriously couldn't be bothered with all the action that's happening. it was too draggy. i did tear up a bit at Granny's death and the part Bob sacrificed himself. i quite liked them. i did think the ending was done well, it summed up the 3 brothers' life and the 3 ladies who captured their hearts.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 28, 2019
Brett is the last of the Bachelors of Battle creek. I was hoping so much for his story. He seemed a very interesting original character. And he was, but his story turned out to be lame. I did like the heroine, the fact that he got the chance to learn where he came from and found out about his ancestors’ culture. However, most of the book is spent in the endless battle against the crazy neighbor, not in the development of Brett and Rayna’s love. It became tiresome after two chapters of fighting the neighbor, it could’ve been reduced a lot and then concentrate in the H/h relationship. It bites me that the whole book they complain and are confident they can’t be together, ok, sounds logical given the time, but just in ten secs they decide it’s ok. !!!!???? I expected a better story for Brett.
I loved the cover, though. It’s the best out of the series.
I’d love to read about Adam’s love story and maybe even Toby and Ben. Battle Creek has a lot of secondary characters worthy to read about, as long as the stories are better told.
I loved the cover, though. It’s the best out of the series.
I’d love to read about Adam’s love story and maybe even Toby and Ben. Battle Creek has a lot of secondary characters worthy to read about, as long as the stories are better told.
December 19, 2025
There were some blatant writing errors. Let me share one: FMC was gagged and then some paragraphs later she was whispering into the night. A long time spent on this battle, it became the same thing: fight, fight, fight, feed the kids, go out to the trees and make love, and repeat. I really wished we actually got to see Brett and Rayna explore their relationship with the town and and actual people as that was the main "roadblock" of their relationship from the get go. While these stories (from this trilogy) are very rich in the present action, I really wished we would see more interacting of characters aside from main couple and the brothers. There really could have been some great storytelling (throughout all the books) of the wives interacting, the cousins, the townsfolk. I also wish the author took her characters places aside from the ranches and the one location where they live.
May 12, 2017
I was really looking forward to this one. It has so many of my favorite elements in it, however it just didn't work for me. It was a bit too sweet, though I can normally go with that. My biggest issue is that it was slow and drawn out. Ever other page we hear him in his head about how he is no good for her with the same reason given over and over again, we got it the first time. Then there are battles with a neighbor later. Battle, after battle, after battle. There were way too many of them. Nothing really happens the second half (could have even been all but the first quarter of the book) but the same old battle over and over. I did really enjoy the beginning of the book though.
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