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The Brides of Paradise Ranch #1
His Perfect Bride
(Please note that this is the spicy version of
Corva: The Perfect Bride
)
For Corva Collier, life as a mail-order bride in the quirky town of Haskell, Wyoming is her last chance for escape. She longs for a peaceful life away from the darkness of her past where she can create the paintings that are close to her heart, and where she hopes she can grow to love her husband.
But how do you love a man who was persuaded to marry you against his will?
Franklin Haskell never planned to marry. What woman would want a man who was crippled due to his own arrogance? But when he is offered the chance to help a woman in crisis, he agrees to wed. Corva is so much more than he expected, and when a baseball game gives her the chance to shine, he loses his heart.
But how do you tell a woman you love her when she deserves so much better?
The game of love has never been so hard to play…or so worth winning.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level = HOT
If you would like to read this story without any “scenes,” check out Corva: The Perfect Bride .
For Corva Collier, life as a mail-order bride in the quirky town of Haskell, Wyoming is her last chance for escape. She longs for a peaceful life away from the darkness of her past where she can create the paintings that are close to her heart, and where she hopes she can grow to love her husband.
But how do you love a man who was persuaded to marry you against his will?
Franklin Haskell never planned to marry. What woman would want a man who was crippled due to his own arrogance? But when he is offered the chance to help a woman in crisis, he agrees to wed. Corva is so much more than he expected, and when a baseball game gives her the chance to shine, he loses his heart.
But how do you tell a woman you love her when she deserves so much better?
The game of love has never been so hard to play…or so worth winning.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level = HOT
If you would like to read this story without any “scenes,” check out Corva: The Perfect Bride .
181 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2015
1260 people are currently reading
2714 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
290 books1,137 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 208 reviews
July 18, 2017
I have read 2 other books from Merry Farmer(not from this series) the first one I liked and the second one I hated so badly I haven't touched one of her books in a year. This book was free on Amazon and I liked the cover so I gave it a try. I am glad I did. I really liked this book. I loved the h&h. They had a great connection. The book was just a nice easy going read. All except for Vivian. I hated Vivian's ass. She was a rude spoiled little bitch that had wanted to marry the hero. He never even dated her and told her he wasn't gonna marry her. Yet she went out of her way to treat the heroine like shit and mouth off to her. I wanted Vivian to get some payback and she didn't. Had she fell in a ditch or off a wagon and broke a leg or arm, or maybe had all her hair fall out I would have gave this book 5 stars. Just sayin' I mean! Still a great 4 star read.
October 14, 2016
5 UNEXPECTED STARS FOR ME
Now for those who may wonder what it takes for me to give a 5 stars.
Here is my check list;
1- Worthy strong hero and heroine (combo is best here)
And this book had it in spades. Heroine, running away from an abusive uncle. The hero overcoming the physical limitation of his legs in braces. Still maintaining their compassion and strenght.
2- Faithfulness
Both these two MCs have never been with anyone else. They are both their first and only. Therefore, completely faithful.
3- Conflict resolution
This story has them finding the truth about each other feeling and being honest about their hopes and fears. I don't want to give too much away here. Got to leave some surprises.
4- Some drama or action
Now I don't mean the OTT drama of an EX or anything like that, but if its too boring and sweet then I am OUT. This had everything! A fire, a cray cray rich asshole neighbor and his sick evil spawns he calls his daughters, cattle theft, jealousy, misunderstandings that are quickly cleared up, painting and Baseball. Yes, it had a lot going on but it was very easy to follow.
5- Epilogue
This book has an nice epilogue that had them dealing with their issues and coming together with his family to stand strong. (the pregnancy didn't hurt either)
Now I will finish my review with a direct quote from the Hero Franklin to Corva the heroine:
"...Marrying you is the best decision I ever made. You saved me Corva. You saved me from the sad guilty person that I had become. You saved me from myself."
This had me all.....
Worth a read and even a reread for me.
So in case you missed it I LOVED IT
BTW I forgot to mention that is was FREE
Now for those who may wonder what it takes for me to give a 5 stars.
Here is my check list;
1- Worthy strong hero and heroine (combo is best here)
And this book had it in spades. Heroine, running away from an abusive uncle. The hero overcoming the physical limitation of his legs in braces. Still maintaining their compassion and strenght.
2- Faithfulness
Both these two MCs have never been with anyone else. They are both their first and only. Therefore, completely faithful.
3- Conflict resolution
This story has them finding the truth about each other feeling and being honest about their hopes and fears. I don't want to give too much away here. Got to leave some surprises.
4- Some drama or action
Now I don't mean the OTT drama of an EX or anything like that, but if its too boring and sweet then I am OUT. This had everything! A fire, a cray cray rich asshole neighbor and his sick evil spawns he calls his daughters, cattle theft, jealousy, misunderstandings that are quickly cleared up, painting and Baseball. Yes, it had a lot going on but it was very easy to follow.
5- Epilogue
This book has an nice epilogue that had them dealing with their issues and coming together with his family to stand strong. (the pregnancy didn't hurt either)
Now I will finish my review with a direct quote from the Hero Franklin to Corva the heroine:
"...Marrying you is the best decision I ever made. You saved me Corva. You saved me from the sad guilty person that I had become. You saved me from myself."
This had me all.....
Worth a read and even a reread for me.
So in case you missed it I LOVED IT
BTW I forgot to mention that is was FREE
September 18, 2016
++Spoilers++
What a great surprise for a freebie!
Very sweet tale of an abused woman who leaves a womans shelter in Tennesee to to marry a man in Wyoming, who has lost the use of his legs via a childhood accident.
Lots of action, lots of bad guys and girls ( a bit over the top.... but fitting)and a baseball game!
How can anyone not like this book? LOL
It was really cute and endearing and I would definately recommend to others.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin (but the author makes you think he's not. We don't find out until the very end)
Heroine-Virgin (H & h are first only and last)
Cheating-No
OM/OW-No - there is one woman who wants the hero but he doesn't want her. Never had never will
Rape-No
Abuse-Heroine was abused by an uncle..not sexually
Violence-Mild
Cursing-Mild
Adultry-No
Marriage/baby-yes
ILY/HEA-yes
July 29, 2020
3.5 stars
It was a cute book but soon it took a turn to dark side.
I like Franklin’s and Corva’s relationship. I like how she wasn’t sure what he thinks about her. I thought that was pretty realistic to situation they found themselves in. Their first night is super cute.
But all the other characters that supported the story were just too exaggerated. Honestly, I was skimming a lot of that.
The last twist in a plot was uncalled for, in my opinion.
It was a cute book but soon it took a turn to dark side.
I like Franklin’s and Corva’s relationship. I like how she wasn’t sure what he thinks about her. I thought that was pretty realistic to situation they found themselves in. Their first night is super cute.
But all the other characters that supported the story were just too exaggerated. Honestly, I was skimming a lot of that.
The last twist in a plot was uncalled for, in my opinion.
June 1, 2019
His Perfect Bride was the first book I have read from this author and the last. I know I'm in the minority but this book wasn't good for me. I felt the writing was sloppy and all over the place. Transitioning between speakers was confusing the dialogue was immature and the characters were dull and boring. There is so much talk about Baseball and Cattle and I felt no connection between Franklin and Corva. The bad family in town were ridiculous and I hated the fact that those ranch hands started a fire that could have killed Franklin and Corva but the situation seemed to fade away, I thought that was ridiculous. Another thing I'm confused about is the "Spicy" that was specifically stated for this book. There is one intimate scene towards the end and it's over so quickly I thought I missed something but honestly didn't care enough to reread. So these are my opinions, my reasons for not enjoying it and not reasons for others not to read.
January 21, 2022
Rating: 3.5 / 5
As a shorter book, I purposely chose this knowing that I could finish it quickly. That being said, I also wasn't sure just what to expect of it. When the description says that this is the "spicy" version of something, certain things come to mind, though it varies on what each author considers to be "spicy".
His Perfect Bride delivers on all that was promised, though perhaps my tolerance for spiciness levels are just a bit too high for this author to meet. Still though, I did get a bit of spice, so that was nice.
Ahem, not on to the story. Franklin Haskell is the son and heir to Howard Haskell, who's more or less the founder of the town of Haskell, as well as his own extensive ranch. Franklin had an accident in his youth that left his legs damaged though, and as a result, he's become a bitter loner more or less, who has absolutely no interest in marrying or starting a family.
Not about to be deterred, his aunt, her friend, and another gentleman bond together to come up with a solution: to get Franklin a mail-order bride. But not just any mail-order bride, mind you. It turns out that the gentleman funds a lodging house that cares for women who've escaped difficult and abusive circumstances, and the way they present the situation to Franklin is that he would be doing any bride from that sort of place a huge favour by marrying her. This, for some reason, convinces Franklin, and in comes Corva Collier on the next train.
The romance between Corva and Franklin, while short in developing (cause of the length of the book), was very sweet, and I especially liked how they worked together at the baseball game scene--which was the highlight of the book for me. It does have a few misunderstandings, as Franklin's pretty stoic and not the best at expressing himself and Corva's quick to jump to conclusions and assume her own inadequacy; but overall, they're bore likeable and there's nothing annoying or bad about how their relationship develops.
________________________________
But now, I suppose, I should explain why, based on all of the above, I'm only rating this book 3 stars instead of 4.
Well, the reason for that is simple: because while there's absolutely nothing bad in this book, there's nothing spectacular or that stands out, either.
I mean, it's just...average. And 3 stars being the midway point of rating, it's therefore the only way that I can rate this book--as average. It just feels like countless other mail order bride books out there, many of which are also similarly shorter and also available on kindle unlimited. Again, there's nothing bad about these and I do enjoy reading them occasionally if I'm just looking for a quick and light romance read, but since there's nothing that stands out about them either, I can't rate them any higher than this.
Therefore, take it as you will, this IS a good book. But good does not equal great, so a midway rating is all that I can account for. Give it a try if you're ever in the mood for something light, quick, and sweet.
As a shorter book, I purposely chose this knowing that I could finish it quickly. That being said, I also wasn't sure just what to expect of it. When the description says that this is the "spicy" version of something, certain things come to mind, though it varies on what each author considers to be "spicy".
His Perfect Bride delivers on all that was promised, though perhaps my tolerance for spiciness levels are just a bit too high for this author to meet. Still though, I did get a bit of spice, so that was nice.
Ahem, not on to the story. Franklin Haskell is the son and heir to Howard Haskell, who's more or less the founder of the town of Haskell, as well as his own extensive ranch. Franklin had an accident in his youth that left his legs damaged though, and as a result, he's become a bitter loner more or less, who has absolutely no interest in marrying or starting a family.
Not about to be deterred, his aunt, her friend, and another gentleman bond together to come up with a solution: to get Franklin a mail-order bride. But not just any mail-order bride, mind you. It turns out that the gentleman funds a lodging house that cares for women who've escaped difficult and abusive circumstances, and the way they present the situation to Franklin is that he would be doing any bride from that sort of place a huge favour by marrying her. This, for some reason, convinces Franklin, and in comes Corva Collier on the next train.
The romance between Corva and Franklin, while short in developing (cause of the length of the book), was very sweet, and I especially liked how they worked together at the baseball game scene--which was the highlight of the book for me. It does have a few misunderstandings, as Franklin's pretty stoic and not the best at expressing himself and Corva's quick to jump to conclusions and assume her own inadequacy; but overall, they're bore likeable and there's nothing annoying or bad about how their relationship develops.
________________________________
But now, I suppose, I should explain why, based on all of the above, I'm only rating this book 3 stars instead of 4.
Well, the reason for that is simple: because while there's absolutely nothing bad in this book, there's nothing spectacular or that stands out, either.
I mean, it's just...average. And 3 stars being the midway point of rating, it's therefore the only way that I can rate this book--as average. It just feels like countless other mail order bride books out there, many of which are also similarly shorter and also available on kindle unlimited. Again, there's nothing bad about these and I do enjoy reading them occasionally if I'm just looking for a quick and light romance read, but since there's nothing that stands out about them either, I can't rate them any higher than this.
Therefore, take it as you will, this IS a good book. But good does not equal great, so a midway rating is all that I can account for. Give it a try if you're ever in the mood for something light, quick, and sweet.
September 21, 2016
Enjoyable story, cute characters but it lacked passion and intensity.
August 27, 2016
I really liked "His Perfect Bride" by Merry Farmer. I liked the western setting and I liked both Corva and Franklin. Franklin wears braces on his legs, he can barely walk without them, he was badly injured in an accident about ten years ago. Franklin's problem is, he was once younger and foolish and caused the accident in which he got hurt. People have forgiven or forgotten the circumstances surrounding the accident, but he hasn't forgiven himself.
Franklin's aunt convinces him to send off for a mail-order bride, and Corva arrives. Corva came from a home for abused women. She lived with her uncle who was particularly nasty. She is a little frightened of men, but not of Franklin. She likes him, but he is so somber that she worries he doesn't like her and regrets marrying her.
There is some passion in this book, nothing over the top, but a little steamy. While I really liked the story and was drawn into the book, I felt like I wanted to know more about the main characters background. I almost felt like something was missing. But I highly recommend this book, it is a very good read - especially if you like western historical romances.
Franklin's aunt convinces him to send off for a mail-order bride, and Corva arrives. Corva came from a home for abused women. She lived with her uncle who was particularly nasty. She is a little frightened of men, but not of Franklin. She likes him, but he is so somber that she worries he doesn't like her and regrets marrying her.
There is some passion in this book, nothing over the top, but a little steamy. While I really liked the story and was drawn into the book, I felt like I wanted to know more about the main characters background. I almost felt like something was missing. But I highly recommend this book, it is a very good read - especially if you like western historical romances.
October 3, 2016
This was a short, easy read. Cute story, sweet characters, and really not all that "spicy." There's only one love scene, and it's actually pretty tame, especially compared with some other stuff out there... This was a good palette cleanser for me between all the sci-fi/fantasy/thriller/dystopian/mystery stuff I usually gravitate towards.
February 4, 2017
It was a sweet and easy book. For me it was nothing all that special. It probably would have been a 4 star but the narrator in the audio version was SO BAD. Her reading style was nothing short of painful and detracted from the story.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY TO GET THE AUDIBLE NARRATION.
DO NOT WASTE YOUR MONEY TO GET THE AUDIBLE NARRATION.
January 3, 2024
3 1/2 ⭐️⭐️⭐️ This wasn’t spicy at all. My first book by Merry Farmer and it was a sweet relatively enjoyable read. Certainly not my usual angsty, sexy times read but enjoyable nonetheless.
September 16, 2016
TOO CUTE. The writing was ok but I was absolutely charmed by the characters, Franklin and Corva. They're so adorable together. I still think about the baseball scene.
(tw for abuse mentions)
(tw for abuse mentions)
October 17, 2021
I mean…. I love the set up and the characters. I like that there is no stupid misunderstanding that keeps them apart the whole book. Just two virgins slowly getting to know each other. (And some missing baby cows… not important.).
But I specifically read the “kindle spicy version” and… not spicy.
Had this really been “spicy” I think I would have liked it. Seems like he almost “finished” with just a touch from her and seems like he was so excited it ended pretty soon… but what ended too soon was the description.
“ Her eyes flew wide as an impossible fullness joined the softening waves of pleasure within her. Was there a twinge of pain? She couldn’t tell through the rightness of it. Franklin groaned deep in his chest, and she felt that stretching, hot fullness thrust again and again and again. The waves of pleasure that had ridden themselves out pitched again, and she found herself crying out with each of his thrusts.”
That is it! Really!? Don’t call this the “spicy” version please.
Virgin rating:
Innocence of virgin hero: 3/5
Innocence in losing it: 2/5
Build up to losing it: 3/5
Hotness of losing it: 2/5
Busted touching himself: no
POV: female
But I specifically read the “kindle spicy version” and… not spicy.
Had this really been “spicy” I think I would have liked it. Seems like he almost “finished” with just a touch from her and seems like he was so excited it ended pretty soon… but what ended too soon was the description.
“ Her eyes flew wide as an impossible fullness joined the softening waves of pleasure within her. Was there a twinge of pain? She couldn’t tell through the rightness of it. Franklin groaned deep in his chest, and she felt that stretching, hot fullness thrust again and again and again. The waves of pleasure that had ridden themselves out pitched again, and she found herself crying out with each of his thrusts.”
That is it! Really!? Don’t call this the “spicy” version please.
Virgin rating:
Innocence of virgin hero: 3/5
Innocence in losing it: 2/5
Build up to losing it: 3/5
Hotness of losing it: 2/5
Busted touching himself: no
POV: female
May 8, 2017
3.5 stars.
This was the first book I've finished in months! Anyway, it was pretty good with only minor parts of cringe. The sex scene was minimal so I could only imagine how bland the regular book would have been.
The plot was pretty predictable, right down to the baseball. But it was interesting enough to get me going and this book is good for a quick read when you need something to get you out of a slump.
Franklin may come off as a feel sorry for myself guy, but honestly he was just hella embarrassed. His pity of himself made me sad for him more than anything else.
Corva, other than too much overthinking she was fine too. They fit together.
I do believe that the last minute action was unneeded but we got it anyway.
This was the first book I've finished in months! Anyway, it was pretty good with only minor parts of cringe. The sex scene was minimal so I could only imagine how bland the regular book would have been.
The plot was pretty predictable, right down to the baseball. But it was interesting enough to get me going and this book is good for a quick read when you need something to get you out of a slump.
Franklin may come off as a feel sorry for myself guy, but honestly he was just hella embarrassed. His pity of himself made me sad for him more than anything else.
Corva, other than too much overthinking she was fine too. They fit together.
I do believe that the last minute action was unneeded but we got it anyway.
January 13, 2023
This was good but I wish it had been longer, which is better than the opposite where a lot of books I’ve read have been too long. It would have been nice to have more interaction between the two main characters and some of the side characters including his family. It also felt like two weeks, and they were in love, and it would’ve been nice to have more description of the main female character. But overall it had a slightly different storyline with the main male character’s disability and both leading characters coming together with heavy baggage from their past.
January 16, 2018
This book was free on Amazon so I thought I would give it a try. I read this in one sitting. It's a nice lighthearted read with a sprinkling of drama. I read the spicy version and it's not that spicy, just one scene that is fitting to the story. The characters are sweet and perfect for each other.
free-read
June 21, 2018Free today on Amazon. 06-21-18
https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Bride-...
https://www.amazon.com/Perfect-Bride-...
May 23, 2023
3.5...this was cute and fast
July 3, 2023
Was just ok.
Not long enough, therefore it lacked plot substance for me.
Spicier than the original book, but not where it took over the rest of the story, as short as it was.
Not long enough, therefore it lacked plot substance for me.
Spicier than the original book, but not where it took over the rest of the story, as short as it was.
September 21, 2016
Corva: The Perfect Bride is the sensually clean version of His Perfect Bride the spicy version. All the books in the series have a sensually clean and spicy version. This is book one in a pioneer western mail order bride series. The majority of the brides in the series, but not all reside in a group home called Hurst back out East (in Nashville) for women who were victims of domestic violence, abuse, or other dangerous life situations. They all are sent to carefully screened grooms in a new prosperous frontier town (in Wyoming) as a charitable idea put out by one of the married prominent residents of this town.
I love romances with what I call the "wounded hero" archetype, especially if the treatment of it is well done and researched. The hero in this title Franklin had his legs severely crushed and disfigured in an accident years ago. His ability to walk and stand was majorly disabled and he moves with the help of braces. His home is outfitted with rails and other devices to help him move and make things accessible to him. He doesn't let this stop him from doing things and is the son and right hand man/manager for his father whom is the owner of the Paradise Ranch and is the founder of the town. The hero's physical adversities and natural kind personality make him compassionate and a great choice for the first bride to be brought to town Corva.
Sensuality: PG 13 sketchy clean. Kisses. Partial nudity (getting prepared for bath). Marital intimacy totally off page/screen (AKA fade to black) with zero details.
Source: Both the clean and spicy version were Kindle freebies at time of download. (Further note: All the only sensually clean versions of this series are also available for loan on Kindle Unlimited or the Amazon Prime Library.)
I love romances with what I call the "wounded hero" archetype, especially if the treatment of it is well done and researched. The hero in this title Franklin had his legs severely crushed and disfigured in an accident years ago. His ability to walk and stand was majorly disabled and he moves with the help of braces. His home is outfitted with rails and other devices to help him move and make things accessible to him. He doesn't let this stop him from doing things and is the son and right hand man/manager for his father whom is the owner of the Paradise Ranch and is the founder of the town. The hero's physical adversities and natural kind personality make him compassionate and a great choice for the first bride to be brought to town Corva.
Sensuality: PG 13 sketchy clean. Kisses. Partial nudity (getting prepared for bath). Marital intimacy totally off page/screen (AKA fade to black) with zero details.
Source: Both the clean and spicy version were Kindle freebies at time of download. (Further note: All the only sensually clean versions of this series are also available for loan on Kindle Unlimited or the Amazon Prime Library.)
November 5, 2018
This is pretty much exactly what I expected it to be from the description. A classic mail-order bride, with all the expected tensions that slowly resolve till they see they're just right for each other.
I've certainly nothing to say against it, but nothing much in it's favour either sadly, as it was so typical of the type I felt like id read it before. The male leads injuries do lend something a little unusual, but aside from that I suspect I'll forget all about this within days.
Oh, for anyone concerned about the "spice", it's really not that spicy. There's one sex scene, when the married couple finally get an actual wedding night. So, if you prefer less heat, you're probably safe. If you're hoping for smutty this certainly isn't that.
I've certainly nothing to say against it, but nothing much in it's favour either sadly, as it was so typical of the type I felt like id read it before. The male leads injuries do lend something a little unusual, but aside from that I suspect I'll forget all about this within days.
Oh, for anyone concerned about the "spice", it's really not that spicy. There's one sex scene, when the married couple finally get an actual wedding night. So, if you prefer less heat, you're probably safe. If you're hoping for smutty this certainly isn't that.
March 2, 2019
I liked this first installment in The Brides of Paradise Ranch series (10 books + 1 novella). Franklin was a great beta and Corva was drawn with more realistic attitudes than most mail-order bride books. I loved the baseball scene and the villains were actually awful but powerful, so there was real tension that is not resolved totally by the end of the book (seems to be the overarching arc through the series). I personally chose the sweet version of this story (the steamy version is titled His Perfect Bride) because I am tired of chapter length sex scenes and just wanted a good story to escape into. I think this would be a good introduction to Farmer's work, either the sweet or the steamy version.
July 12, 2017
It was an OK read.
I find that the story was slow which would be expected when the hero and heroine are both scarred. They have a lot of healing to do and the first part of the story was just irritating when they don't have a full conversation which might be understandable with their past. Still the book lack intensity and passion for me. I do find their relationship very cute and the secondary characters very enjoyable. I might had love it more if they had done something with the bully.
This was an easy book though there was nothing special about it but I would still recommend it for everyone to give it a try plus I do love the book cover.
I find that the story was slow which would be expected when the hero and heroine are both scarred. They have a lot of healing to do and the first part of the story was just irritating when they don't have a full conversation which might be understandable with their past. Still the book lack intensity and passion for me. I do find their relationship very cute and the secondary characters very enjoyable. I might had love it more if they had done something with the bully.
This was an easy book though there was nothing special about it but I would still recommend it for everyone to give it a try plus I do love the book cover.
January 8, 2020
I have no clue why this is listed as steamy/spicy/hot. There is one sex scene in the whole book, and it's not even that great. It would be better just to write clean romances and focus on the story than try to throw one sex scene in just to try to sell more books.
Other than that I was just disappointed on the whole. I don't plan to read others in this series or by this author.
Other than that I was just disappointed on the whole. I don't plan to read others in this series or by this author.
February 4, 2017
I felt like the plot line needed to be deeper. It didn't hold my attention. I found both the characters to be whiny. As for "spicy" it was tame as anything. Sex was mentioned but not described in any detail.
January 14, 2016
Great read!!
Great book I really enjoyed it, can't wait to drive in to book 2.. I'm sure it will be just as good..
Great book I really enjoyed it, can't wait to drive in to book 2.. I'm sure it will be just as good..
September 1, 2016
I enjoyed the story and liked the characters. However, the audio version was not good at all. The narrator's voice is sing-song and drove me crazy. Happy reading!
June 21, 2020
This is a sweet mail-order bride romance, with a likable couple. Both of them are damaged by their pasts, which causes a lot of misunderstandings and some angst -- but once they start communicating better, they do find their HEA.
It is a quick read at just over 180 pages, and a lot of other characters (many from another series) are included. Because so many of the characters had their own stories in the Hot on the Trail series, I would recommend reading that series before starting this one. You can read this book without that, but you will miss out on many important details of all the characters' lives. In this story, in particular, you will miss out on the details of Franklin's accident that left him a cripple.
This book was a light read, and I would have enjoyed it more if more time had been spent on building the couple's relationship. They had their problems, as any couple would in their situation, and I wanted them to spend more time together as they worked through their issues.
This is the spicy version of this book, according to the description -- but I didn't think it was really spicy. It has one love scene between the married couple, and it is not especially explicit. But if you want to read books with NO love scenes at all -- only kisses -- then you should stick with the sweeter version of this book.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
It is a quick read at just over 180 pages, and a lot of other characters (many from another series) are included. Because so many of the characters had their own stories in the Hot on the Trail series, I would recommend reading that series before starting this one. You can read this book without that, but you will miss out on many important details of all the characters' lives. In this story, in particular, you will miss out on the details of Franklin's accident that left him a cripple.
This book was a light read, and I would have enjoyed it more if more time had been spent on building the couple's relationship. They had their problems, as any couple would in their situation, and I wanted them to spend more time together as they worked through their issues.
This is the spicy version of this book, according to the description -- but I didn't think it was really spicy. It has one love scene between the married couple, and it is not especially explicit. But if you want to read books with NO love scenes at all -- only kisses -- then you should stick with the sweeter version of this book.
My rating system is below.
1 star -- Hated it, or did not finish. I usually only give this rating if some of the content is truly objectionable to me, like if one of the main characters does something really awful, and gets away with it.
2 stars -- Didn't like it. This rating usually means that I thought the writing wasn't very good, the editing was terrible, I didn't like the characters, or it had other major flaws.
3 stars -- I liked it, but had some minor issues with it. This rating means that there were minor editing issues, the story needed more character development, it was just too unrealistic, or had some other fairly minor issue. The majority of books I read get this rating – I do not consider it a bad rating.
4 stars -- I liked it a lot. This is a high rating for me, and I rarely give a higher one.
5 stars -- I loved it, and will probably read it again. Very few books are good enough to get this rating from me. The ones that do are usually classics.
December 27, 2018
Would have made a great novel
I enjoyed this novella. Since it was so short a read I was able to finish it in less than a day. The plot and ideas behind the book were good, and Corva was a good character with heart, determination and her backstory was good and it was later brought into play.
The “witch” Vivian, well, she’s the same type of character you read that is the “scorned female”, but, only in her eyes was she scorned. Her family, the Bonnevilles, are rich cattle owners that cheat, lie and/or steal at every chance.
The section in the mercantile store with the lady who Vivian lies too was more developed. I wanted to know what came of the nasty gossip she was given. Did she go and tell her friend(s)? How was that handled?
This novella/short story could have gone into a full book AND still have the series. Overall, it told the story and what it needed; however,a backstory on why Vivian was the way she is, why the Haskell’s and Bonnvilles hate each other to the point of, well,I won’t go into more detail.
Now, I’m not a grammar nazi, so when I read, I just read for enjoyment and I enjoyed this book. I will look into the series to see if anything I questioned have answers.
*** I am not a paid person to give my review(s). I did receive this book through Bookbub asa free book. However, that being said, this review is my own. ***
I enjoyed this novella. Since it was so short a read I was able to finish it in less than a day. The plot and ideas behind the book were good, and Corva was a good character with heart, determination and her backstory was good and it was later brought into play.
The “witch” Vivian, well, she’s the same type of character you read that is the “scorned female”, but, only in her eyes was she scorned. Her family, the Bonnevilles, are rich cattle owners that cheat, lie and/or steal at every chance.
The section in the mercantile store with the lady who Vivian lies too was more developed. I wanted to know what came of the nasty gossip she was given. Did she go and tell her friend(s)? How was that handled?
This novella/short story could have gone into a full book AND still have the series. Overall, it told the story and what it needed; however,a backstory on why Vivian was the way she is, why the Haskell’s and Bonnvilles hate each other to the point of, well,I won’t go into more detail.
Now, I’m not a grammar nazi, so when I read, I just read for enjoyment and I enjoyed this book. I will look into the series to see if anything I questioned have answers.
*** I am not a paid person to give my review(s). I did receive this book through Bookbub asa free book. However, that being said, this review is my own. ***
August 10, 2023
3.5 stars.
I’m a tiny bit disappointed because this book (according to GR reviews) was supposed to have both MCs be virgins. However, I don’t think he was a virgin. I know that it’s a ridiculous thing to be disappointed by, but I guess I had certain expectations going into this. He only really confirmed that he didn’t visit the whorehouse, nothing else was mentioned about his past. He def knew what to do in bed though, and there wasn’t any porn to watch and learn from back then.
Also, this hero was severely injured in the past and uses leg braces to walk. However, she author seemingly forgot this when she wrote that sex scene since she had the hero undressing the heroine and helping *her* balance… after he took his leg braces off. It just really took me out of the story.
Safe
Virgin heroine
Hero’s past not really known but he def didn’t seem to be a virgin to me
No scenes with OM/OW
OW drama from woman who wants to be with the hero but he’s not interested in her
No OM drama
No cheating
I’m a tiny bit disappointed because this book (according to GR reviews) was supposed to have both MCs be virgins. However, I don’t think he was a virgin. I know that it’s a ridiculous thing to be disappointed by, but I guess I had certain expectations going into this. He only really confirmed that he didn’t visit the whorehouse, nothing else was mentioned about his past. He def knew what to do in bed though, and there wasn’t any porn to watch and learn from back then.
Also, this hero was severely injured in the past and uses leg braces to walk. However, she author seemingly forgot this when she wrote that sex scene since she had the hero undressing the heroine and helping *her* balance… after he took his leg braces off. It just really took me out of the story.
Safe
Virgin heroine
Hero’s past not really known but he def didn’t seem to be a virgin to me
No scenes with OM/OW
OW drama from woman who wants to be with the hero but he’s not interested in her
No OM drama
No cheating
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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