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The Brides of Paradise Ranch #2
Eden: The Dangerous Bride
(Please note that this is the sweet version of
His Dangerous Bride
)
Luke Chance has always been considered the life of the party, the bad boy troublemaker, known more for his winning smile and entertaining exploits than his character. But in his heart, Luke knows it's time to be a man. While others laugh at his antics, he longs for respect and the chance to prove he can be a leader. The first step toward becoming a leader is to send for a mail-order bride from Hurst Home...
Eden Gardner is more than ready to leave her shady past and her even shadier family behind for a normal life. She may be bold as brass, but that doesn't mean she doesn't long for safety, peace, and a husband to love and protect her. Luke seems like the answer to her prayers from the moment she steps of the train in Haskell, Wyoming...
But the past has a way of catching up with those who try to run from it, and Eden's brothers are no exception. Just when Luke is finally given the chance to prove himself, a far greater challenge will test his strength and his newfound love.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level = Sweet
If you would like to read a version of this story with "scenes," check out His Dangerous Bride .
Luke Chance has always been considered the life of the party, the bad boy troublemaker, known more for his winning smile and entertaining exploits than his character. But in his heart, Luke knows it's time to be a man. While others laugh at his antics, he longs for respect and the chance to prove he can be a leader. The first step toward becoming a leader is to send for a mail-order bride from Hurst Home...
Eden Gardner is more than ready to leave her shady past and her even shadier family behind for a normal life. She may be bold as brass, but that doesn't mean she doesn't long for safety, peace, and a husband to love and protect her. Luke seems like the answer to her prayers from the moment she steps of the train in Haskell, Wyoming...
But the past has a way of catching up with those who try to run from it, and Eden's brothers are no exception. Just when Luke is finally given the chance to prove himself, a far greater challenge will test his strength and his newfound love.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level = Sweet
If you would like to read a version of this story with "scenes," check out His Dangerous Bride .
164 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 2016
373 people are currently reading
1225 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
294 books1,141 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 40 reviews
October 19, 2016
++Spoilers+++
Another good one by Merry Farmer. Not as good as the first book in the series though.
I loved the heorine, who was strong, tough, sensual and witty. The hero was perfect! the author makes you think he's a bit of a rake but he's not. He's a virgin! He actually likes that the heroine is experienced, and looks forward to her teaching him bedplay.
The conflict is built around the heroine's past, her being involved with her brothers theiving gang. She's escaped them and fears her brothers will find her and do her harm. She keeps this secret from the hero until they actually find her, but the good thing is that the hero doesn't leave her because of it. He fights tooth and nail to protect her.
I enjoyed the banter between the H & h but the story lacked something and felt like it was too easy of a read. I prefer a little more conflict.
The antagonists were a bit too over the top, cliched/cartoonish.
But what disturbed me the most was the final shoot out. I thought the heroine should have acted and shot her brother and I still don't understand why she hesitated and spared him. I also felt the injuries sustained by the hero and other cowhands, were downplayed and even forgotten. They got shot, yet the heroine didn't seem worried about it nor did she go to tend the H's wounds. They arrive back at the ranch and no one asked about the hero's injury!
Regardless, I liked the book, but it needs some smoothing out IMHO.
I would recommend to others and plan to read more by this author.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin. First only and lst time with heroine.
Heroine-Experienced. Not detailed. It was not unpleasureable, and she mentioned never having let any man spill inside her until the hero.
Cheating-No
OM/OW- No. But a whore flirts with the hero in the beginning, but he was never with her.
Violence-Some, mild
Rape-No
Abuse-no
Cursing-No
Adultery-No
Marriage/baby- Yes marriage, baby on the way
HEA/ILY-Yes
Another good one by Merry Farmer. Not as good as the first book in the series though.
I loved the heorine, who was strong, tough, sensual and witty. The hero was perfect! the author makes you think he's a bit of a rake but he's not. He's a virgin! He actually likes that the heroine is experienced, and looks forward to her teaching him bedplay.
The conflict is built around the heroine's past, her being involved with her brothers theiving gang. She's escaped them and fears her brothers will find her and do her harm. She keeps this secret from the hero until they actually find her, but the good thing is that the hero doesn't leave her because of it. He fights tooth and nail to protect her.
I enjoyed the banter between the H & h but the story lacked something and felt like it was too easy of a read. I prefer a little more conflict.
The antagonists were a bit too over the top, cliched/cartoonish.
But what disturbed me the most was the final shoot out. I thought the heroine should have acted and shot her brother and I still don't understand why she hesitated and spared him. I also felt the injuries sustained by the hero and other cowhands, were downplayed and even forgotten. They got shot, yet the heroine didn't seem worried about it nor did she go to tend the H's wounds. They arrive back at the ranch and no one asked about the hero's injury!
Regardless, I liked the book, but it needs some smoothing out IMHO.
I would recommend to others and plan to read more by this author.
Safety:
Hero-Virgin. First only and lst time with heroine.
Heroine-Experienced. Not detailed. It was not unpleasureable, and she mentioned never having let any man spill inside her until the hero.
Cheating-No
OM/OW- No. But a whore flirts with the hero in the beginning, but he was never with her.
Violence-Some, mild
Rape-No
Abuse-no
Cursing-No
Adultery-No
Marriage/baby- Yes marriage, baby on the way
HEA/ILY-Yes
July 3, 2023
Fast and short read, but it was pretty good and I was surprised.
This is book 2..book o.5 is a "Novella" and there is nothing in that one that I think I would miss..
I liked this one better than book 1
Good plot, likeable characters, I didn't feel rushed or cheated out of what could have been a longer story, it was just right.
This is book 2..book o.5 is a "Novella" and there is nothing in that one that I think I would miss..
I liked this one better than book 1
Good plot, likeable characters, I didn't feel rushed or cheated out of what could have been a longer story, it was just right.
January 15, 2016
We met Luke Chance in the Hot on the Trail series. In that series, he was just teen with a penchant for trouble. Now, it’s years later and he’s a grown man, but people haven’t ever given him a chance to show that he’s no longer that troublemaker teen and that he really has grown up and can be responsible. So, he asked his adoptive Mom and her friends to send for a bride like Franklin’s Corva. (His Perfect Bride, book 1 of this series.) Who is sent is Eden. She’s nothing like Corva, but then, Luke is nothing like Franklin. And this is just the beginning for them…
I really loved this story. I liked the kid, Luke. He needed some guidance, but he wasn’t a bad kid. And in this book, Eden is exactly what he needs. This book is so much more than a simple romance though. Eden’s faith in him, inspires him to be the man she sees in him. It helps him to step up into the shoes he’s been trying to step into for so long. I won’t say she made a man out of him, she helped him to see the man he already was. And in doing so, helped everyone else see it too. On top of that, there is a role reversal here that I won’t spell out, but I will say was BEYOND refreshing! I LOVED it, and I’m so GLAD that it has finally been addressed. (At least as far as I’ve read!) And we know that Cody is next, he’s already let us know. So, I can’t wait to see just how this works out for him. :)
Ms. Farmer’s series keeps fresh. I don’t know how she keeps so many ideas without rehashing the same thing over and again, but she does. I really do love the environments and the situations she puts her characters through. I’ll be honest, I flew through this book. It was such a joy to read, I was almost finished before I knew it. I love books like that. So would I recommend this book? Yes! BUY IT! Trust me!
I really loved this story. I liked the kid, Luke. He needed some guidance, but he wasn’t a bad kid. And in this book, Eden is exactly what he needs. This book is so much more than a simple romance though. Eden’s faith in him, inspires him to be the man she sees in him. It helps him to step up into the shoes he’s been trying to step into for so long. I won’t say she made a man out of him, she helped him to see the man he already was. And in doing so, helped everyone else see it too. On top of that, there is a role reversal here that I won’t spell out, but I will say was BEYOND refreshing! I LOVED it, and I’m so GLAD that it has finally been addressed. (At least as far as I’ve read!) And we know that Cody is next, he’s already let us know. So, I can’t wait to see just how this works out for him. :)
Ms. Farmer’s series keeps fresh. I don’t know how she keeps so many ideas without rehashing the same thing over and again, but she does. I really do love the environments and the situations she puts her characters through. I’ll be honest, I flew through this book. It was such a joy to read, I was almost finished before I knew it. I love books like that. So would I recommend this book? Yes! BUY IT! Trust me!
November 6, 2016
This is a really fun book, filled with bigger-than-life characters.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2016 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 21, 2020
This is a sweet mail-order bride romance, with a likable couple. It is a very light, quick read, good if you don't have time for a longer novel. My complaint is that the issue the couple had was too easily resolved. I won't give any spoilers, but I don't think it would have been that easy.
This book includes lots of characters (many from another series). 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, then reading this series in order. 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 Luke's past as an orphan, which shaped his behavior.
There was one other issue, and this is minor, but it is a pet peeve of mine – the cover of a book should match the description of the characters in the book. Luke is described as having dark blonde hair, but the cover shows a man with dark brown hair. This may not be the author’s fault, but it still bugs me.
This is the spicy version of this book, according to the description, but I didn't think it was really that spicy. It contains love scenes 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.
This book includes lots of characters (many from another series). 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, then reading this series in order. 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 Luke's past as an orphan, which shaped his behavior.
There was one other issue, and this is minor, but it is a pet peeve of mine – the cover of a book should match the description of the characters in the book. Luke is described as having dark blonde hair, but the cover shows a man with dark brown hair. This may not be the author’s fault, but it still bugs me.
This is the spicy version of this book, according to the description, but I didn't think it was really that spicy. It contains love scenes 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.
March 28, 2020
Killer Brothers
This was a very well written book by Merry Farmer and I enjoyed reading it. A fun loving cowboy, a bold mail order bride, killer brothers, escape and safety, meeting, getting married, a cattle drive, learning, killer brothers attack. Do the people on the cattle drive survive? Do the killer brothers survive? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy the book to find out what happens to everyone. This was a very good book, buy it and enjoy.
This was a very well written book by Merry Farmer and I enjoyed reading it. A fun loving cowboy, a bold mail order bride, killer brothers, escape and safety, meeting, getting married, a cattle drive, learning, killer brothers attack. Do the people on the cattle drive survive? Do the killer brothers survive? I would recommend this book to everyone. Buy the book to find out what happens to everyone. This was a very good book, buy it and enjoy.
January 21, 2018
Eden Gardner is not your typical mail order bride and that suits Luke Chance just fine! Once again, Merry Farmer has crafted a delightful story and it is full of laughter, some tears, an exciting cattle drive, and just the right amount of sensual heat. I loved this most recent visit to the town of Haskell, Wyoming and as always, I hated to see it end.
October 8, 2019
Luke and Eden..
I enjoyed reading about, Luke and Eden and their adventure on the cattle trail. I found this story funny in some parts and interesting in other chapters. All around l found this book a very enjoyable read. Thanks Merry Farmer for making me laugh, poor Luke, l loved his part in this story.
I enjoyed reading about, Luke and Eden and their adventure on the cattle trail. I found this story funny in some parts and interesting in other chapters. All around l found this book a very enjoyable read. Thanks Merry Farmer for making me laugh, poor Luke, l loved his part in this story.
May 19, 2020
Loved this book and this series!! Luke longs for respect and responsibility and decides to get a mail order bride!! Luke could not be prepared for the spit fire that he got in Eden but after some pit falls and obstacles you grow to love these two together!! Read in one sitting .. could not put it down it was so good!! Don't hesitate to grab this book and this series!!
April 8, 2021
This sweet little romance made me giggle. I love the humor. It's not often you come across the heroine teaching the hero. A refreshing change and Eden is funny, sharp and bold. Luke starts out as a joker but finally matures enough to hold his own. Very satisfying ending. Can't wait for the next story.
June 27, 2023
An Entertaining, Delightful & Romantic Story.
This Story was Delightful & Entertaining.
Eden & Luke's characters were so different than I am use to. Yet they were so Adorable. I loved that Luke was the way he was, it was very refreshing.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Travis is not the on I thought would be next to get married.
This Story was Delightful & Entertaining.
Eden & Luke's characters were so different than I am use to. Yet they were so Adorable. I loved that Luke was the way he was, it was very refreshing.
Looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Travis is not the on I thought would be next to get married.
August 15, 2023
This was a quick short story. It kept the characters going from the first book, but was definitely not an in-depth story. Everything was kept light except the few pages of dealing with the heroine's brother.
I'm not sure if I will every read the book again, but I will continue on with the series to find out what happens to the rest of the characters.
I'm not sure if I will every read the book again, but I will continue on with the series to find out what happens to the rest of the characters.
December 24, 2017
Second chances at life and family.
What a joy it was reading this amazing story. Characters that are full of life, giving to others, not taking for themselves. Strong loving funny women that know their worth
What a joy it was reading this amazing story. Characters that are full of life, giving to others, not taking for themselves. Strong loving funny women that know their worth
December 28, 2017
This Series Is Great!!
I have now read the first two books and really enjoyed the stories and the love that was found!! Like a last ditch effort and everyone lives happily ever after!!!
I have now read the first two books and really enjoyed the stories and the love that was found!! Like a last ditch effort and everyone lives happily ever after!!!
April 11, 2020
OMG! I love this series!!!
Merry Farmer 's characters will grab your heart and make you wish they were your best friends!! I absolutely love shy, courageous Luke and feisty Eden. They are perfect together! I read this book in one night..I couldn't put it down!!
Merry Farmer 's characters will grab your heart and make you wish they were your best friends!! I absolutely love shy, courageous Luke and feisty Eden. They are perfect together! I read this book in one night..I couldn't put it down!!
July 23, 2023
Westward for a husband
Good read foe anyone. Interesting to read about a young woman with a bank robbing back ground and the man she came west to marry. He wanted to marry to get a promotion. Amazing how the two clicked.
Good read foe anyone. Interesting to read about a young woman with a bank robbing back ground and the man she came west to marry. He wanted to marry to get a promotion. Amazing how the two clicked.
July 31, 2023
Good story
I enjoyed reading His Dangerous Bride. Has some spicy romance parts, page turner parts, and some heartwarming parts. I didn't care for the spicy ,but the story is very good.
I enjoyed reading His Dangerous Bride. Has some spicy romance parts, page turner parts, and some heartwarming parts. I didn't care for the spicy ,but the story is very good.
December 10, 2023
Dangerous and titillating
A match made in heaven! Author Merry Farmer certainly knows her characters. You'll love getting to know them. She makes them come alive as you read. I am anxious to discover her plans for the other cowboys at Paradise Ranch.
A match made in heaven! Author Merry Farmer certainly knows her characters. You'll love getting to know them. She makes them come alive as you read. I am anxious to discover her plans for the other cowboys at Paradise Ranch.
January 8, 2018
Has several laugh out loud moments!
November 28, 2018
REMARKABLE
This was a great story and so DIFFERENT from other mail order bride stories. Eden was such a SURPRISE and she fit Luke so perfectly!
This was a great story and so DIFFERENT from other mail order bride stories. Eden was such a SURPRISE and she fit Luke so perfectly!
July 8, 2021
Running away from her past, changing her name, being afraid her husband will turn her away if he finds out the truth, having the truth come out, and so much more in this exciting story
May 9, 2022
exciting read
This book has you on edge from start to finish. It covers many facets of true lifein those early days of our country.
This book has you on edge from start to finish. It covers many facets of true lifein those early days of our country.
Want to read
July 17, 2023🎁 FREE on Amazon today (7/17/2023)! 🎁
March 19, 2024
Nicely done
Fun, action, twists and turns. Very realistic for the Old West.
An evolving love story with a great back story! You will root for Eden.
Fun, action, twists and turns. Very realistic for the Old West.
An evolving love story with a great back story! You will root for Eden.
October 6, 2024
Fun story
A mail order bride who turns out to be way more than expected. And she comes with a load of baggage, not the suitcase kind! Makes for a fun read.
A mail order bride who turns out to be way more than expected. And she comes with a load of baggage, not the suitcase kind! Makes for a fun read.
May 8, 2022
Great book.. recommend
June 20, 2016
I was captivated with this story from the beginning and couldn't put it down. Eden and Luke were a perfect match and I enjoyed reading as they shared more details about their past as they learned to love and trust each other. I am looking forward to reading other books by Merry Farmer.
I received a copy of Eden: The Dangerous Bride in a Goodreads giveaway. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I received a copy of Eden: The Dangerous Bride in a Goodreads giveaway. However, all thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
January 16, 2016
What a fantastic ride!! Um, I mean book!! I chose the "spicy" version of this book and I'm so glad that I did!! This mail order bride was certainly no fainting flower. Her True Grit would make John Wayne proud.
A quick wedding, a cattle drive, outlaws, and lots of excitement is what's in store when you read this one. :)
A quick wedding, a cattle drive, outlaws, and lots of excitement is what's in store when you read this one. :)
January 13, 2016
Great story!
Another great addition to the series. It's great seeing all the children of the Trail Brides get their own books. Luke's and Edens story was full of adventure, passion and love. Can't wait for the next book.
Another great addition to the series. It's great seeing all the children of the Trail Brides get their own books. Luke's and Edens story was full of adventure, passion and love. Can't wait for the next book.
March 12, 2016
Cattle Drive
The second book of the series is even better. A little more spice and more intriguing. Luke and Eden are married one day and on a cattle drive the next. Learning about each other and driving cattle what a combination. Enjoy!
The second book of the series is even better. A little more spice and more intriguing. Luke and Eden are married one day and on a cattle drive the next. Learning about each other and driving cattle what a combination. Enjoy!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews