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Chance at Love #4
The Bargain Mail Order Bride
Carl Richie’s wife took delight in making him miserable, often reminding him she wished she’d married someone much more deserving. So when she dies, it's no great loss. His problems, however, are far from over.
His father left him twenty acres and a stream that most likely has gold in it, but in order for him to keep the property, he must have a child. The last thing Carl wants to do is marry again, but he has no choice. So, with reluctance, he posts a mail-order bride ad.
Juliet Gilbert needs to marry someone—and fast. On a whim, she answers the first mail-order bride ad that will take her to a place where her past won’t catch up with her. From the beginning, Carl makes it clear he’s not interested in love. He only wants a child, and then he’ll give her a portion of any gold he finds on his land and leave her alone to do as she wishes.
Since love is the least of her concerns, she agrees as long as he never asks about her past. The two strike the bargain, and she comes out to marry him. What neither expects, however, is that bargains are far easier to make than they are to keep.
His father left him twenty acres and a stream that most likely has gold in it, but in order for him to keep the property, he must have a child. The last thing Carl wants to do is marry again, but he has no choice. So, with reluctance, he posts a mail-order bride ad.
Juliet Gilbert needs to marry someone—and fast. On a whim, she answers the first mail-order bride ad that will take her to a place where her past won’t catch up with her. From the beginning, Carl makes it clear he’s not interested in love. He only wants a child, and then he’ll give her a portion of any gold he finds on his land and leave her alone to do as she wishes.
Since love is the least of her concerns, she agrees as long as he never asks about her past. The two strike the bargain, and she comes out to marry him. What neither expects, however, is that bargains are far easier to make than they are to keep.
ebook
First published January 1, 2017
About the author
Ruth Ann Nordin
178 books717 followersWhat's to say? I write a lot. I read often. I sleep little. Once in awhile, I've been known to clean the house. A number of kids live in my house and there's this guy they call dad and I call husband. All in all, it's a pretty good life. :-)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
August 19, 2017
4.5 Stars
I loved this book. I really liked getting to know Carl better. I didn't like him in book one, but I warmed to him right away in this book. Seeing what his dead wife put him through made me wish she would have been killed in a worse way. I know I'm blood thirsty lol. Juliet was sweet and I loved how she really reached out to Carl and broke down all his walls. The slow build to their love was sweet and very enjoyable to read. I also was over the moon when Carl and his half brother Abe(hero from book 1) made up. The five year later ending was great and gave me a sense of closure with all the couples of the series. I'm sad this is the last book of the series. Overall I have to say I really liked this series. All the books were lower on angst and high on sweetness. I will read many more books from this author!
I loved this book. I really liked getting to know Carl better. I didn't like him in book one, but I warmed to him right away in this book. Seeing what his dead wife put him through made me wish she would have been killed in a worse way. I know I'm blood thirsty lol. Juliet was sweet and I loved how she really reached out to Carl and broke down all his walls. The slow build to their love was sweet and very enjoyable to read. I also was over the moon when Carl and his half brother Abe(hero from book 1) made up. The five year later ending was great and gave me a sense of closure with all the couples of the series. I'm sad this is the last book of the series. Overall I have to say I really liked this series. All the books were lower on angst and high on sweetness. I will read many more books from this author!
March 16, 2025
Rating: 5 / 5
Usually, I'd never put a historical romance in the "and now for something different" shelf, because, lovely reads though they are, that genre doesn't really do anything original.
Or...so I thought.
Until reading this book, and taking a chance on Carl after he's been the asshole-brother character in Book 1 and then just an unliked bystander in Books 2 and 3, I would never have thought that I'd be supporting him as much as I am.
Basically...well, you really feel for the guy on a personal level, as he's a hero who's not only afraid to fall in love, but is afraid of his own sexual inadequacies, which is something that I've never read or had addressed in these types of books.
So...yeah, originality there, which always merits stars if it's done well.
Additionally, I really liked seeing Carl's character growth, as this book is more about him than his bride, Juliet. It's Carl who undergoes the character development and, by the end of the book, we really see how much he's grown and changed for the better in how he cares for Juliet.
Definitely give this book a try if you're interested in uplifting and inspiring romances.
Usually, I'd never put a historical romance in the "and now for something different" shelf, because, lovely reads though they are, that genre doesn't really do anything original.
Or...so I thought.
Until reading this book, and taking a chance on Carl after he's been the asshole-brother character in Book 1 and then just an unliked bystander in Books 2 and 3, I would never have thought that I'd be supporting him as much as I am.
Basically...well, you really feel for the guy on a personal level, as he's a hero who's not only afraid to fall in love, but is afraid of his own sexual inadequacies, which is something that I've never read or had addressed in these types of books.
So...yeah, originality there, which always merits stars if it's done well.
Additionally, I really liked seeing Carl's character growth, as this book is more about him than his bride, Juliet. It's Carl who undergoes the character development and, by the end of the book, we really see how much he's grown and changed for the better in how he cares for Juliet.
Definitely give this book a try if you're interested in uplifting and inspiring romances.
February 7, 2017
++SPOILERS+++
Carl Richie's story.
I guess this can be a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the others to get the full impact of all Carl Richtie has been through in the past books.
Carl has the saddest story, which is why I felt compelled to read this one even though I don't normally like romances with dead ex's. I also decided to give it a shot because I knew from the previous books, what kind of bitch Carl's first wife was. At least he never loved her or was still pinning over her.
Carl and Lydia HATED each other. Their marriage was arranged. He didn't sleep with her for the first year of the marriage (or so it was said even though there is an inconsistancy in the book that later says he did) and only then did so because he needed a child in order to keep his land, as stipulated in his father's will. He never got Lydia pregnant but she became pregnant with another man's child. Then she was murdered..to Carl's relief.
So Carl has sent for a mail order bride..specifically a virgin one so that he can ensure the child he gets her with will be his.
Although Juliet is a virgin, she grew up with 3 brothers who were womanizers and spoke often of the deeds they have done, so she was not ignorant of what happens in the marriage bed.
Carl although experienced..had never enjoyed the times he had to endure with Lydia...(in a romantic way)..he never loved her. She would tell him how inadequate a lover he was, laugh at him, as well as spend any money he had on herself. In short she made his life miserable. This made basically traumatized an already traumatized Carl even further, so when Juliet came into his life she had a lot to help him through.
Juliet was roped into becoming an outlaw by her brothers and was on the run from them, which is the reason why she picked Carl from the mail order bride ads. He lived in a remote area far from Texas and she could hide from her brothers well there. She kept this secret from him.
She was ok with the marriage being a business arrangement at first but then she began to fall in love with him, and he with her. She showed him how to enjoy the marriage bed and showed him that not all women were like Lydia.
Yadda yadda HEA.
Ok
The characters were pretty well developed, and my heart truly went out to Carl. The pace was steady and I did not skim.
I lowered a star for some inconsistancies and lack of logic.
One I already mentioned was the whole story of Carl and wether or not he slept with Lydia in the first year of marriage or not..and the whole thing about knowing the child she carried wasn't his just didn't fit together.
I don't undertsand why he didn't just tell Abe he was planning on leaving after getting enough gold to move on to begin with, or just decide to share the stream with him.
There were others but I can't recall all of them off the top of my head right now, but I remember thinking to myself as I was reading that some things just didn't make sense. Like why did it take 4 years to get Juliet with child?
Another reason for the lowered star is that I didn't care for the constant comparison to Lydia..albeit it was in a negative way for Lydia and positive for Juliet, but I felt like I was being beaten over the head with it.
The last chapter was filled with stuff I didn't care about. Mostly filler. The only new thing we get is that Juliet finally had a son after 4 years of trying.
All in all, if you can overlook these things, which I did for the most part, it is an enjoyable read.
Carl Richie's story.
I guess this can be a stand alone, but I would recommend reading the others to get the full impact of all Carl Richtie has been through in the past books.
Carl has the saddest story, which is why I felt compelled to read this one even though I don't normally like romances with dead ex's. I also decided to give it a shot because I knew from the previous books, what kind of bitch Carl's first wife was. At least he never loved her or was still pinning over her.
Carl and Lydia HATED each other. Their marriage was arranged. He didn't sleep with her for the first year of the marriage (or so it was said even though there is an inconsistancy in the book that later says he did) and only then did so because he needed a child in order to keep his land, as stipulated in his father's will. He never got Lydia pregnant but she became pregnant with another man's child. Then she was murdered..to Carl's relief.
So Carl has sent for a mail order bride..specifically a virgin one so that he can ensure the child he gets her with will be his.
Although Juliet is a virgin, she grew up with 3 brothers who were womanizers and spoke often of the deeds they have done, so she was not ignorant of what happens in the marriage bed.
Carl although experienced..had never enjoyed the times he had to endure with Lydia...(in a romantic way)..he never loved her. She would tell him how inadequate a lover he was, laugh at him, as well as spend any money he had on herself. In short she made his life miserable. This made basically traumatized an already traumatized Carl even further, so when Juliet came into his life she had a lot to help him through.
Juliet was roped into becoming an outlaw by her brothers and was on the run from them, which is the reason why she picked Carl from the mail order bride ads. He lived in a remote area far from Texas and she could hide from her brothers well there. She kept this secret from him.
She was ok with the marriage being a business arrangement at first but then she began to fall in love with him, and he with her. She showed him how to enjoy the marriage bed and showed him that not all women were like Lydia.
Yadda yadda HEA.
Ok
The characters were pretty well developed, and my heart truly went out to Carl. The pace was steady and I did not skim.
I lowered a star for some inconsistancies and lack of logic.
One I already mentioned was the whole story of Carl and wether or not he slept with Lydia in the first year of marriage or not..and the whole thing about knowing the child she carried wasn't his just didn't fit together.
I don't undertsand why he didn't just tell Abe he was planning on leaving after getting enough gold to move on to begin with, or just decide to share the stream with him.
There were others but I can't recall all of them off the top of my head right now, but I remember thinking to myself as I was reading that some things just didn't make sense. Like why did it take 4 years to get Juliet with child?
Another reason for the lowered star is that I didn't care for the constant comparison to Lydia..albeit it was in a negative way for Lydia and positive for Juliet, but I felt like I was being beaten over the head with it.
The last chapter was filled with stuff I didn't care about. Mostly filler. The only new thing we get is that Juliet finally had a son after 4 years of trying.
All in all, if you can overlook these things, which I did for the most part, it is an enjoyable read.
October 21, 2020
4.5⭐ This book was much better than I expected. Usually I read about a titled Gentleman or Lady. Some have money, some are in ruin, some are the working class. But never have I read a historical romance where both parties were poor and not titled. It was nice to see how people survived. The couple in this story were very interesting. I was intrigued by them both.
This is the last book of the series and I have not read the last 3, but I felt that it was just fine reading it as a stand alone.
This is the last book of the series and I have not read the last 3, but I felt that it was just fine reading it as a stand alone.
December 23, 2017
This hero was extremely beta, with very little self-confidence, because his first wife was terrible and ruined his life and kept ruining it even after her death.
And he was a scoundrel in book 1.
However, he truly redeemed himself. He actually saw that he was just thinking "green pastures" when looking at his half-brother.
Both his half brother and the hero learned the true meaning of family.
Abe learned that Carl needs the love their father or his first wife could never give him and he extended his hand of friendship and help when he needed most.
And the strength of Carl was that he let him. He accepted that hand because he'd do anything for the love of his life and if that meant giving up his life savings and accepting the help of his half brother who had been his nemesis, he'd do that.
He truly loved his second wife and accepted her love. Unlike HP heroes, his ex-wife's behaviour didn't make him angry towards the whole female kind. He was jaded, yes, but repairable.
I just loved him.
An ex-villain truly redeemed. And the heroine was a strong independent heroine who had all the love to give to this man, who refused to listen to gossip and let herself find out what kind of a man her husband was.
Of course their wedding night scene was heart breaking.
And he was a scoundrel in book 1.
However, he truly redeemed himself. He actually saw that he was just thinking "green pastures" when looking at his half-brother.
Both his half brother and the hero learned the true meaning of family.
Abe learned that Carl needs the love their father or his first wife could never give him and he extended his hand of friendship and help when he needed most.
And the strength of Carl was that he let him. He accepted that hand because he'd do anything for the love of his life and if that meant giving up his life savings and accepting the help of his half brother who had been his nemesis, he'd do that.
He truly loved his second wife and accepted her love. Unlike HP heroes, his ex-wife's behaviour didn't make him angry towards the whole female kind. He was jaded, yes, but repairable.
I just loved him.
An ex-villain truly redeemed. And the heroine was a strong independent heroine who had all the love to give to this man, who refused to listen to gossip and let herself find out what kind of a man her husband was.
Of course their wedding night scene was heart breaking.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 10, 2017
Finally! We get to see poor Carl get a chance at happiness. Juliet has her own problems and comes from a rough place, but I liked that from the beginning she noticed Carl's fear and worked at removing it. She was kind, patient, loving and sweet. All things Carl isn't used to. The thing that really made me smile is how Carl and Abe worked out their differences. The ending is super sweet and left me satisfied that finally all was well with Carl.
Adult read
Adult read
April 3, 2017
I got the first book in this series off the free list and after reading the reviews on book 2,3 I debated about this one. Some of the reviews felt this wasn't as well written as the others in the series. The reason I skipped the other two and took a gamble is because I loved Abe and Pheobe from The Convenient Mail Order Bride and wanted to know how the argument between the brothers turned out. While its not necessary to the the story from book 1, I just had to know. So, Carl is half brothers with Abe and in his fathers will in order to keep the stream and land he has to have a child by the age of 30. The trouble is his wife is horrible. She openly mocks Carl and has affairs. If you thought it was bad how she degrades him to others in this one Carl relives how she treated him in private. His first wife is already dead from the beginning of this one only bad memories of their failed marriage echo in his head.
Juliet is our mail order bride and is open and strong. I say strong because she is running from a past of brothers who controlled her putting her future in the hands of a stranger. Carl is cold and makes it clear from the beginning other than having a kid he doesn't want much else from her. I thought it was going to be one of those books where the reader is tortured by a H comparing his wives but what I found was the opposite. From their wedding night I was hooked. After Carl fumbles through with Juliet he flees to his barn. He spends the night berating himself. This is when you find out how cruel his late wife, Lydia, was. Carl is humanized when he breaks down crying at being less than a man. His own father resented him so that didn't help the poor guy.
Juliet is as determined to make her marriage work as Carl is at keeping up his walls. Carl finds he has trouble remaining cold toward her as they begin to know and like each other. This is what I like about Nordin's writing in her books is the strong friendship she builds between her couples so that when they really let their hearts open it's beautiful. I literally cried (I don't do that easily) when Carl thinks he is going to lose Juliet. I don't quite understand the reviews that stated it wasn't romantic because at this point in the book my heart broke right with Carl's. He deserved Juliet because for the first time in his life he found happiness. It sounds easy I know but it is something that sneaks up on him and makes him realize what he missing. I don't want to give it all away just know I skipped book 2,3 and it didn't take away from this book but because of the story I may go back and read them later. It is just that there are other books from Nordin I am dying to read first. This is definitively a read I will read again. Listen to your gut on this one I don't like secrets between a couple either but the relationship between Carl and Juliet is a straight forward one.
Carl only wants a child and Juliet doesn't want him asking about her past. It's as simple as that. I found I didn't hate the secret because it didn't hold Juliet back from wanting a stronger bond with her husband. It is revealed a little over half way through and it brings the couple closer together. I recommend this book if you want a good man who is not a man whore (thank you Nordin) and a pure hearted h. Enjoy!
Juliet is our mail order bride and is open and strong. I say strong because she is running from a past of brothers who controlled her putting her future in the hands of a stranger. Carl is cold and makes it clear from the beginning other than having a kid he doesn't want much else from her. I thought it was going to be one of those books where the reader is tortured by a H comparing his wives but what I found was the opposite. From their wedding night I was hooked. After Carl fumbles through with Juliet he flees to his barn. He spends the night berating himself. This is when you find out how cruel his late wife, Lydia, was. Carl is humanized when he breaks down crying at being less than a man. His own father resented him so that didn't help the poor guy.
Juliet is as determined to make her marriage work as Carl is at keeping up his walls. Carl finds he has trouble remaining cold toward her as they begin to know and like each other. This is what I like about Nordin's writing in her books is the strong friendship she builds between her couples so that when they really let their hearts open it's beautiful. I literally cried (I don't do that easily) when Carl thinks he is going to lose Juliet. I don't quite understand the reviews that stated it wasn't romantic because at this point in the book my heart broke right with Carl's. He deserved Juliet because for the first time in his life he found happiness. It sounds easy I know but it is something that sneaks up on him and makes him realize what he missing. I don't want to give it all away just know I skipped book 2,3 and it didn't take away from this book but because of the story I may go back and read them later. It is just that there are other books from Nordin I am dying to read first. This is definitively a read I will read again. Listen to your gut on this one I don't like secrets between a couple either but the relationship between Carl and Juliet is a straight forward one.
Carl only wants a child and Juliet doesn't want him asking about her past. It's as simple as that. I found I didn't hate the secret because it didn't hold Juliet back from wanting a stronger bond with her husband. It is revealed a little over half way through and it brings the couple closer together. I recommend this book if you want a good man who is not a man whore (thank you Nordin) and a pure hearted h. Enjoy!
February 23, 2017
So glad Carl finally got his own story.
Poor Carl had a rough time of it, but in the end he got his Happily Ever After, and what else is there?
Poor Carl had a rough time of it, but in the end he got his Happily Ever After, and what else is there?
March 19, 2025
2.5 stars
The H was too negative for my liking.
The H was too negative for my liking.
June 19, 2019
4.11 avg rating?
Seriously???
I tried to read this pathetic excuse for an HR...i really tried to read it...but sadly the writing was too immature for my liking...
Seriously???
I tried to read this pathetic excuse for an HR...i really tried to read it...but sadly the writing was too immature for my liking...
May 28, 2017
After this book I understood why I wasn't giving 5 stars so easily.
I don't care what I have said before, THIS is the ultimate arranged marriage. He doesn't want to marry but needs to do it in order to have a baby and keep his land, she doesn't mind to marry as long as she can hide from her past and live in peace. To be honest, based on the synopsis I don't think I'd have picked this book, but I met the male protagonist in the The Accidental Mail Order Bride and he intriged me. I really recommend reading book three in the series before going into this one, however it isn't necessary.
Carl is a widower -If anyone knows me I don't do widows- but he hated his wife, she was mean and enjoyed torturing him by throwing in his face that she slept with most men in their town, among other things. The woman was a disaster and was murdered by a past lover. However, most people thought Carl was the culprit and even after his name was clean people were wary because of his ex-wife's actions.
I knew since the previous book that Carl was not interested in love and was less than thrilled in marrying again, but he posted a Mail order bride ad which was answered by Juliet. Once they met they both agreed that their relationship would be mostly an arrangement, where he gets a child and she gets half the gold he'd find in his land.
I loved Juliet and Carl's relationship. It was a partnership, they worked together and created a wonderful conection. They had each other's back and that helped him overcome the damage his ex did.
I loved loved loved loved loved Juliet, she had a good head on her shoulders and was prepare to make a better and honest life for herself. But Carl is the one that stole my heart and soul, he's definitely a tortured hero but I loved that he took the time to talk things through with Juliet from the very beginning, they might have kept some secrets but they both knew what the other wanted and tried to help each other.
I couldn't find one thing that I didn't like in this book, even the characters I thought I might hate I didn't.
Juliet: 22 years old.
Carl: 28 years old.
I don't care what I have said before, THIS is the ultimate arranged marriage. He doesn't want to marry but needs to do it in order to have a baby and keep his land, she doesn't mind to marry as long as she can hide from her past and live in peace. To be honest, based on the synopsis I don't think I'd have picked this book, but I met the male protagonist in the The Accidental Mail Order Bride and he intriged me. I really recommend reading book three in the series before going into this one, however it isn't necessary.
Carl is a widower -If anyone knows me I don't do widows- but he hated his wife, she was mean and enjoyed torturing him by throwing in his face that she slept with most men in their town, among other things. The woman was a disaster and was murdered by a past lover. However, most people thought Carl was the culprit and even after his name was clean people were wary because of his ex-wife's actions.
I knew since the previous book that Carl was not interested in love and was less than thrilled in marrying again, but he posted a Mail order bride ad which was answered by Juliet. Once they met they both agreed that their relationship would be mostly an arrangement, where he gets a child and she gets half the gold he'd find in his land.
I loved Juliet and Carl's relationship. It was a partnership, they worked together and created a wonderful conection. They had each other's back and that helped him overcome the damage his ex did.
I loved loved loved loved loved Juliet, she had a good head on her shoulders and was prepare to make a better and honest life for herself. But Carl is the one that stole my heart and soul, he's definitely a tortured hero but I loved that he took the time to talk things through with Juliet from the very beginning, they might have kept some secrets but they both knew what the other wanted and tried to help each other.
I couldn't find one thing that I didn't like in this book, even the characters I thought I might hate I didn't.
Juliet: 22 years old.
Carl: 28 years old.
August 10, 2017
I hated Carl in The Accidental Mail Order Bride. What he did to Abe and Phoebe was cruel. I imagined him looking like below.
I couldn't believe RAN decided to write about him. But, it was intriguing. Why would there be a story about the antagonist from the first book unless there was something missing.
And it's worth it. Suddenly Carl went from looking like the above to this-
Seriously, read it. It was an eye opening journey for me. Now, I'm in love with Carl.
And to sum it all up...
I couldn't believe RAN decided to write about him. But, it was intriguing. Why would there be a story about the antagonist from the first book unless there was something missing.
And it's worth it. Suddenly Carl went from looking like the above to this-
Seriously, read it. It was an eye opening journey for me. Now, I'm in love with Carl.
And to sum it all up...
October 15, 2023
DNF This book wasn’t giving me joy and was a struggle to read so I’ve decided to DNF.
August 21, 2025
Carl (28, almost 29) advertises for a mail order bride. Juliet (22) responds to the ad.
When she arrives, Carl tells Juliet that he was married before, for 10 years, and it wasn't a good marriage. His wife had many affairs, and ended up being killed by the OM.
But his family's land includes a stream where he pans for gold. He needs to be married and have an heir before the age of 30 to keep the stream, or else it goes to his half-brother, Abe. His wife died without a child when he was already 28, so time is running out. That's why he placed the ad.
Juliet is also running from her past. When her parents died, her older brothers forced her into a life of crime that she didn't want (in Texas). She responded to Carl's marriage ad to escape her brothers. She agrees to have a child and help Carl pan for gold, if he agrees not to ask about her past.
One of the conflicts in the book is that Carl moved there with his parents when he was young. Neither his father nor he ever found a large amount of gold in the stream, just gold flakes. So, did he bring Juliet out here for a stream with hardly any gold? Was his father wrong about the gold? So his options are to either find the mother lode before he turns 30, or get Juliet pregnant to give him more time to keep looking.
Another issue is internal to the relationship. Carl's first marriage was so bad that it's hard for him to even be around Juliet. It's also very difficult for him to perform sexually because he has a lot of anxiety about it. Juliet tries to take it in stride, since she agreed that it wouldn't be a romantic relationship.
Carl seems obsessed with gold, but he actually just wants enough gold to leave town after everything that happened with his wife. He'll be happy to give the stream to his brother once he finds enough gold. Juliet will be happy to leave with Carl, since she's on the run from her evil brothers anyway. Will they ever be able to leave? Will her brothers find her?
When she arrives, Carl tells Juliet that he was married before, for 10 years, and it wasn't a good marriage. His wife had many affairs, and ended up being killed by the OM.
But his family's land includes a stream where he pans for gold. He needs to be married and have an heir before the age of 30 to keep the stream, or else it goes to his half-brother, Abe. His wife died without a child when he was already 28, so time is running out. That's why he placed the ad.
Juliet is also running from her past. When her parents died, her older brothers forced her into a life of crime that she didn't want (in Texas). She responded to Carl's marriage ad to escape her brothers. She agrees to have a child and help Carl pan for gold, if he agrees not to ask about her past.
One of the conflicts in the book is that Carl moved there with his parents when he was young. Neither his father nor he ever found a large amount of gold in the stream, just gold flakes. So, did he bring Juliet out here for a stream with hardly any gold? Was his father wrong about the gold? So his options are to either find the mother lode before he turns 30, or get Juliet pregnant to give him more time to keep looking.
Another issue is internal to the relationship. Carl's first marriage was so bad that it's hard for him to even be around Juliet. It's also very difficult for him to perform sexually because he has a lot of anxiety about it. Juliet tries to take it in stride, since she agreed that it wouldn't be a romantic relationship.
Carl seems obsessed with gold, but he actually just wants enough gold to leave town after everything that happened with his wife. He'll be happy to give the stream to his brother once he finds enough gold. Juliet will be happy to leave with Carl, since she's on the run from her evil brothers anyway. Will they ever be able to leave? Will her brothers find her?
January 10, 2018
Carl Richie has a jaded view of marriage since his previous marriage was a bad one. Carl doesn't want to marry again but in order to keep the items left to him in his late father's will he must have a legitimate child before a certain age. In order to do that he must get married. He sends away for a mail order bride from Texas. Little does he know she has secrets of her own for wanting to get married so quickly. Juliet Gilbert shows up on the stagecoach and marries Carl. They have an unconventional marriage to start. I wasn't fond of Carl's character from the previous books but in this story Juliet really helps bring out the real Carl. He just needed to receive actual love and Juliet brought it out in him. Absolutely LOVED this story!
July 28, 2018
After Abe's and Phoebe's story, I wasn't sure whether I would like Carl at all, but then I met him in Travis and Allie's story again and I really really really wanted to know his story. RAN really did a great job in writing his story. You get to know a man who's absolutely no hero-material in a classic way of description. He's shy, awkward, insecure around women - especially around his own wife Juliet. He's terrified the first time she moves into his personal space... and what can I say without spoiling it. I loved his story. It was unique, beautiful and truly heartwarming!
if you're thinking about giving RAN a try as an author, try it with this series. It's the best from RAN in general :)
if you're thinking about giving RAN a try as an author, try it with this series. It's the best from RAN in general :)
February 7, 2017
I loved the book. The story starts right away and we are introduced to the hero and heroine. The hero is a refreshing change the the normal strong confident men we read about in other books. the hero here is scarred and scared. I love seeing how he finally finds someone to love and helps him look at the world under happier light. the transformation into a stronger, more confident person simply warms my heart. the heroine too is a wonderful character- quite prudent and kind. on the whole the story is sweet and leaves me very happy. Im definitely going to have to get the first 3 books.
January 28, 2018
For me this book started out slow but it did improve. Juliet arrives in town as Carl's mail order bride. What Carl doesn't know it that there is a $25,000.00 reward out for her from Texas. She arrives in a disguise but quickly lets Carl see her real hair color. After winter, Carl and Juliet strike gold and make plans to move to Canada. Before they can leave her brothers show up with the sheriff to arrest her for theft and murder. Eric, the sheriff, comes up with a plan to get the brothers to admit to the crimes and to set Juliet free.
November 4, 2023
I love reading this author's books! It's low angst and so sweet !!
I'm always a sucker for slightly (maybe more than slightly in this book) insecure H or h. I think it adds a tenderness to the story that wouldn't be there otherwise! Kinda the previous book of the serie.
Such a cute love story !! I definitely recommend!!
Themes :
OW/OM - no
Exes - yes
Sex - yes (light and cute, realistic)
Virgin - yes (the h) / no (the H, he was married)
Beta H
h with a past
Angst - low but keeps the reader entertained
I'm always a sucker for slightly (maybe more than slightly in this book) insecure H or h. I think it adds a tenderness to the story that wouldn't be there otherwise! Kinda the previous book of the serie.
Such a cute love story !! I definitely recommend!!
Themes :
OW/OM - no
Exes - yes
Sex - yes (light and cute, realistic)
Virgin - yes (the h) / no (the H, he was married)
Beta H
h with a past
Angst - low but keeps the reader entertained
March 20, 2024
This book had everything.
I really enjoyed how Juliet took the lead with their lovemaking. How tender she was with him in general.
Carl wanting to just protect her from her crimes was really great to see because he as a character has grown so much from the first book.
I especially enjoyed the 5 year flash forward everyone and their kids. So cute.
Back to the intimate scenes in the books. I really enjoyed that the author centred women’s pleasure in a time I’m not sure it had been. Also that the men gained pleasure in pleasuring their wives.
I really enjoyed how Juliet took the lead with their lovemaking. How tender she was with him in general.
Carl wanting to just protect her from her crimes was really great to see because he as a character has grown so much from the first book.
I especially enjoyed the 5 year flash forward everyone and their kids. So cute.
Back to the intimate scenes in the books. I really enjoyed that the author centred women’s pleasure in a time I’m not sure it had been. Also that the men gained pleasure in pleasuring their wives.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 7, 2017
This book keeps you in suspense at what was the heroine's involvement in her brothers' robberies. This is what keeps you turning pages, and why Juliet slips out from under her brothers' activities to become a mail-order bride. The book is part of a romance series, but you do not have to read the others to read this one. Of course, as a part of that genre, it includes romance. The Bargain Mail Order Bride is set in Colorado of 1878.
October 10, 2017
Thieves, murderers, good guys, and bad guys,
This was a book that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The heroine was the ideal woman. She was beautiful, loving , and an outlaw in her previous life. It didn’t look like there was going to be a happy ending, but it all worked out.
This was a book that kept me wondering what was going to happen next. The heroine was the ideal woman. She was beautiful, loving , and an outlaw in her previous life. It didn’t look like there was going to be a happy ending, but it all worked out.
July 23, 2020
This is the last book in a series and the only one I read. The story is told from two points of views: Carl’s and Juliet’s.
I didn’t like Carl in the beginning of the story. His point of view came across as whiny - woe is me and he seemed kind of wimpy. However by the end of the story he kind of grew on me. Juliet on the other hand, I liked right away even though she had a dark past.
I didn’t like Carl in the beginning of the story. His point of view came across as whiny - woe is me and he seemed kind of wimpy. However by the end of the story he kind of grew on me. Juliet on the other hand, I liked right away even though she had a dark past.
November 4, 2020
The book was very good. Feel good and super low angst. Carl never really seemed too villain-like to be redeemed, but book gives us more insight into what made him, him.
--- Spoiler ---
After spending all of his life panning for gold, I really wish he had something to show for it. Poor guy, had to give away all his money. :(
--- Spoiler ---
After spending all of his life panning for gold, I really wish he had something to show for it. Poor guy, had to give away all his money. :(
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 7, 2026
Having a Brother is as Good as Having Gold!
I loved all of the books in this series. This Book was great! I loved every bit of the ups and downs! Love, Romance, Criminal life, Shooting, Jail, Farming, Gold mining, and family life, even a lady criminal on a wanted poster! A
book that must not be missed.
I loved all of the books in this series. This Book was great! I loved every bit of the ups and downs! Love, Romance, Criminal life, Shooting, Jail, Farming, Gold mining, and family life, even a lady criminal on a wanted poster! A
book that must not be missed.
June 13, 2017
Interesting boo
I enjoyed this book. The plot was twisting and different. The characters were very realistic. The panning for gold storyline was intriguing. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
I enjoyed this book. The plot was twisting and different. The characters were very realistic. The panning for gold storyline was intriguing. I am looking forward to reading more of this author's work.
July 19, 2020
From previous books in the series, I didn't like Carl but figured there was more to the story (since this book has him as the main male character). Juliet's past was a surprise! I enjoyed seeing the two of these work together for a common goal and grow closer as a result. The ending made me smile!
March 26, 2017
The best
This s the fourth in a roll I'm reading and I don't know which one is the best. All good all well written all good stories good reads.
This s the fourth in a roll I'm reading and I don't know which one is the best. All good all well written all good stories good reads.
October 2, 2017
Looked like it was going to be more of a business arrangement but then things started to work out. Then the past comes back to bite them!
January 4, 2018
Loved the series
I loved this series and enjoyed the ending immensely. I liked knowing how everyone ended up in the future. Happy endings are the best!
I loved this series and enjoyed the ending immensely. I liked knowing how everyone ended up in the future. Happy endings are the best!
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