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The McCoy Brothers #2
Stephen's Bride
When Stephen McCoy leaves the home he shares with his brother Daniel, Daniel’s wife Rosemarie, and their four children to go into town to load up on supplies, he never expects to return with a bride.
Calliope Bender steps off the stagecoach in a wedding gown, carrying a wilted bouquet. She is running from an unwanted marriage, but needs a husband who will meet her requirements.
Stephen agrees to one of her conditions, but the ‘marriage in name only’ doesn’t sit well with him. Neither one of them is looking for love, but will it creep up on them when they aren’t looking?
Calliope Bender steps off the stagecoach in a wedding gown, carrying a wilted bouquet. She is running from an unwanted marriage, but needs a husband who will meet her requirements.
Stephen agrees to one of her conditions, but the ‘marriage in name only’ doesn’t sit well with him. Neither one of them is looking for love, but will it creep up on them when they aren’t looking?
104 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 19, 2016
About the author
Callie Hutton
153 books1,443 followershttp://calliehutton.com/newsletter/ (receive a free book for signing up and be up to date on new releases and sales)
Hi Romance Fans,
My historical romances are full of heat, humor, and quirky characters. I’ve always loved history, which was my college major. Things of the past fascinate me. Not those boring history classes in high school, but the history of people. How they lived their lives, what they ate, what they wore, the challenges they faced, what they worried about.
I have recently delved into Historical Cozy Mysteries. My very first one, For the Love of the Baron, a Historical Romantic Suspense novella, spurred me to try a full length, non-romance focused cozy mystery. A Study in Murder released last year from Crooked Lane Publishing, and the reviews have been excellent. The second book, The Sign of Death, released this year and the next book, The Mystery of Albert E. Finch will release in January of 2022.
I've also been busy keeping up with my Regency/Victorian romances. Check out my latest series, The Rose Room Rogues. Four brothers who own a gambling club and find themselves caught in the net of love.
Watch for my new Highlander series, The Sutherlands of Dornoch. The first book in that series, To Deceive a Highlander, will release March 30th.
Take a look around my website and check out some of the books I write, and their lovely covers. www.calliehutton.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
June 18, 2016
Different and outside the box kind of story
I loved how different this story was compared to countless other marriages of convenience that I've read.
Calliope is desperate for a husband, so she sets out to find one in an unconventional way. Stephen becomes the man she needs and together they work out a deal as to how third marriage will be. However, its not truly ideal in the end, and someone takes drastic measures, leaving both unhappy and sad.
I loved Stephen. He was charming, endearing and playful. Calliope however, drove me a bit nuts for awhile. I felt she was too stubborn about her views of being a farming woman. I'm glad she had a backbone but it was a bit much for me.
I wish this story has been longer, and that the issue of Rupert had more to it. It also needed a little more attention in the editing department.
Overall, this was a fun, enjoyable, and different kind of read.
I loved how different this story was compared to countless other marriages of convenience that I've read.
Calliope is desperate for a husband, so she sets out to find one in an unconventional way. Stephen becomes the man she needs and together they work out a deal as to how third marriage will be. However, its not truly ideal in the end, and someone takes drastic measures, leaving both unhappy and sad.
I loved Stephen. He was charming, endearing and playful. Calliope however, drove me a bit nuts for awhile. I felt she was too stubborn about her views of being a farming woman. I'm glad she had a backbone but it was a bit much for me.
I wish this story has been longer, and that the issue of Rupert had more to it. It also needed a little more attention in the editing department.
Overall, this was a fun, enjoyable, and different kind of read.
November 19, 2016
I liked Stephen from the start. he was hard working and seemed to want to make his marriage work. I did not care for Calliope, though I respected her guts to stand on a stage coach and ask for someone to marry her, she appeared to be unreasonable most times. Also I really hated her name. I know that is a petty thing, but no matter how I tried to say it I couldn't get antelope out of my head. Secondly the book could have used a really good proof reader I found several errors that distracted me from the story. One big one was about half way through the book Stephen cooks breakfast, then a couple of paragraphs later ask her what's for breakfast which leads to a big fight that he thinks she should do the cooking. Okay what happened to the breakfast he had just made? this was a good storyline, but it just didn't pan out too well.
January 7, 2020
Another delightful short story of an unconventional couple. Stephen, a Union veteran, living on his brother’s farm, goes into town for supplies and comes home with a wife. Calliope is in desperate need of a husband but in name only. Their relationship is in trouble from the start but they are drawn to each other. Another enjoyable read and the second in a series about the McCoy brothers.
April 24, 2016
3.25*
Callie Hutton is one of my favorite historical authors. This was a fun, fast and romantic read. Stephen's a charming rugged man who takes a chance one Calliope Bender and enters into a marriage of convenience. Stephen wants what his brother Daniel has, a wife and children only he does not want his heart involved. That is until Calliope. Now he just needs to convince a prideful Calliope to give them a chance.
This was not my favorite book of Ms. Hutton' so far nut I highly recommend her books.
Callie Hutton is one of my favorite historical authors. This was a fun, fast and romantic read. Stephen's a charming rugged man who takes a chance one Calliope Bender and enters into a marriage of convenience. Stephen wants what his brother Daniel has, a wife and children only he does not want his heart involved. That is until Calliope. Now he just needs to convince a prideful Calliope to give them a chance.
This was not my favorite book of Ms. Hutton' so far nut I highly recommend her books.
May 1, 2016
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
What a sweet and enjoyable read this was. I was a bit afraid I would be lost in the story as this is a follow-up to Daniel’s Desire, which I haven’t read yet. But, I’m glad to say I was wrong as it does stand alone pretty well. There are a few twists and turns which make the story even more interesting. Stephen and Calliope fit well together and although they started with a marriage of convenience, it developed into a love match but the way to get there wasn’t exactly easy. Well done.
What a sweet and enjoyable read this was. I was a bit afraid I would be lost in the story as this is a follow-up to Daniel’s Desire, which I haven’t read yet. But, I’m glad to say I was wrong as it does stand alone pretty well. There are a few twists and turns which make the story even more interesting. Stephen and Calliope fit well together and although they started with a marriage of convenience, it developed into a love match but the way to get there wasn’t exactly easy. Well done.
July 18, 2016
Fun and Enjoyable
'Stephen's Bride' is an adorable story with a sassy heroine. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good western romance.
'Stephen's Bride' is an adorable story with a sassy heroine. Would definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves a good western romance.
April 29, 2025
Callie Hutton's "Stephen's Bride," the second in the McCoy Brothers series, is a heartwarming Western historical romance that blends romance, resilience, and post-Civil War Americana. It delivers exactly what fans of the genre crave with rich character development and a satisfying emotional arc.
Set after the Civil War, the story follows Stephen McCoy and Calliope, a brave woman fleeing an untenable situation. Stephen is portrayed as a strong and caring man, loyal to his family, yet also ready to build a life and find his own happiness. Their marriage of convenience evolves organically into a deeper bond, captured by Hutton with charm, tenderness, and humor that balances more serious themes.
Calliope and Stephen are portrayed as strong characters. Together, they embody love and healing found in unexpected places. The warmth of the found family theme, as the McCoys embrace Calliope, elevates the story beyond a simple romance.
"Stephen's Bride" thrives in its emotional sincerity and heartfelt storytelling. This short, fast-paced novel is a lovely addition to the series and is recommended for those who enjoy historical romances with courageous heroines, devoted heroes, and strong family ties.
Set after the Civil War, the story follows Stephen McCoy and Calliope, a brave woman fleeing an untenable situation. Stephen is portrayed as a strong and caring man, loyal to his family, yet also ready to build a life and find his own happiness. Their marriage of convenience evolves organically into a deeper bond, captured by Hutton with charm, tenderness, and humor that balances more serious themes.
Calliope and Stephen are portrayed as strong characters. Together, they embody love and healing found in unexpected places. The warmth of the found family theme, as the McCoys embrace Calliope, elevates the story beyond a simple romance.
"Stephen's Bride" thrives in its emotional sincerity and heartfelt storytelling. This short, fast-paced novel is a lovely addition to the series and is recommended for those who enjoy historical romances with courageous heroines, devoted heroes, and strong family ties.
August 22, 2022
A short marriage of convenience story between Stephen and Caliope. After her father‘s death and in order to save her farm and herself from a marriage with dastardly neighbor Rupert, Calliope decides to find herself a husband. Running away from a forced wedding, she finds Stephen a decent man and marries him. Rupert has designs on Calliope’s ranch - why? The answer will surprise you.
While I enjoyed the story, there was an unanswered question: Did Rupert steal the receipts? It just bothered me.
All in all a good enjoyable story.
While I enjoyed the story, there was an unanswered question: Did Rupert steal the receipts? It just bothered me.
All in all a good enjoyable story.
September 11, 2019
Wow did Calliope needs a attitude adjustment. She doesn’t like how her father treated her mother or herself then she gets a rescue by her new husband and treats him the same way. Thank god Stephen is not anything like her father and with a little whisper from an angel he takes a stand for their marriage.
September 9, 2021
Not ours But Mine,Well Maybe Ours
I really liked the story line. The characters were very real. The book wasn't a real long one and could be read in one sitting. I could feel both character's view point. This was th first I have read from MS Hutton and now I can't wait until I read more. I like her writing style.
I really liked the story line. The characters were very real. The book wasn't a real long one and could be read in one sitting. I could feel both character's view point. This was th first I have read from MS Hutton and now I can't wait until I read more. I like her writing style.
October 17, 2021
A Surprise Bride! Calliope wanted nothing more than to continue to live in the ranch she grew up on. Her father's death led to chaos and hopelessness; until she came up with a plan!
Good small town historical read. Stephen's character is caring and loyal, while Calliope starts out afraid then grows stronger. Enjoyed the other characters and plotline. Story weak in sections.
Good small town historical read. Stephen's character is caring and loyal, while Calliope starts out afraid then grows stronger. Enjoyed the other characters and plotline. Story weak in sections.
June 1, 2019
Another Callie Hutton winner.
Callie knows how to keep you glued to each page and every word with interesting characters involved in unusual situations. This one is not only unusual but humorous, compassionate and sensual as well. Could not put it down!
Callie knows how to keep you glued to each page and every word with interesting characters involved in unusual situations. This one is not only unusual but humorous, compassionate and sensual as well. Could not put it down!
September 27, 2019
Stephen goes to town for supplies and come back with a wife. Calliope is desperate to escape a man who wants to force her to marry him so she takes a train out of town and finds another man to marry. Interesting story and fun to read.
August 16, 2019
A nice quick read.
September 1, 2021
Enjoyed this pioneer western romance novella.
Read
November 18, 2021My Musings
I liked the characters and the plot, but I wish they had not argued so much. I didn't enjoy their bickering. Happy reading!
I liked the characters and the plot, but I wish they had not argued so much. I didn't enjoy their bickering. Happy reading!
February 26, 2023
Callie Hutton, I loved the story, it was very special because it doesn't start out like most of the others and I loved the two main characters, thank you so much for sharing this special story.
March 21, 2023
A quick little read. Didn’t like the h much but she redeems herself at the end.
May 19, 2023
A short marriage of convenience story between Stephen and Caliope.
April 23, 2016
I would recommend reading Daniel's story first but if you don't that is ok. You can easily follow what is happening in the story from the beginning. You have developed characters that will give you a warm feeling. There is the Hero, Stephen, who comes to the Heroin's, Calliope, rescue. Then you have the bad guy, Rupert, who is mean, and a brute. Calliope has been controlled by her father all her life like he controlled her mother. He believed that women are soft, idiots, and have not knowledge to speak of, just as Rupert does. Calliope wants to keep the farm she was raised on since birth now that her father is dead, but just not with Rupert. So she runs from the forced marriage that Rupert is making her do and into Stephen's arms.
Stephen and Calliope come to an agreement that they will be partners in the farm but it will stay in Calliope's name. However, Calliope can not seem to see things any different than her father did when push comes to shove. Things get heated and she says something that makes Stephen leave. In comes the bad guy again wanting to buy the farm now. Putting Rupert and the bank off for as long as she can, Calliope comes to realize that Stephen was right and now she does not know what to do.
Here comes our Hero again to save the day. Things turn our for the best and all goes well. Calliope gets good news and surprises Stephen with his dream. To find out what that is you will have to read this fun, light story for yourself. I have given some of the plot to you but not the best.
Stephen and Calliope come to an agreement that they will be partners in the farm but it will stay in Calliope's name. However, Calliope can not seem to see things any different than her father did when push comes to shove. Things get heated and she says something that makes Stephen leave. In comes the bad guy again wanting to buy the farm now. Putting Rupert and the bank off for as long as she can, Calliope comes to realize that Stephen was right and now she does not know what to do.
Here comes our Hero again to save the day. Things turn our for the best and all goes well. Calliope gets good news and surprises Stephen with his dream. To find out what that is you will have to read this fun, light story for yourself. I have given some of the plot to you but not the best.
April 23, 2016
First I'd like to say that I received this ARC from the author for my honest review. I loved this book, it's the second book the first one is Daniels story . I loved Calliope she is a fiesty young woman who finds herself in a pickle. She's running away from a mean controlling man ( Rupert) who happens to be her neighbour. He is trying to coerce her in a marriage because he wants her land. Stephen lives with his brother after the war. He feels that he is missing something in his life, every time he sees his brother with his wife and family he is just a tad envious, on his way to the town market and just when he is going through these feelings he comes across Calliope on top the stage coach yelling for someone to marry her ( I found that scene quite humorous ) . He steps up and accepts her offer , after agreeing to certain conditions that their marriage will be in name only and that her farm will be only in her name they get married. Will they get to have a marriage like Daniels and have a happily ever after or will thier misunderstanding and her villain of a neighbor come between them. This was a really fun and wonderfully written story .Callie Hutton is a very talented writer and her characters and stories really draw you in their lives. I really enjoyed this story and I give it a five star review
April 26, 2016
I really enjoyed this book, and recommend it. Calliope Bender shows up in town looking for a husband in a wedding gown, and as destiny would have it, Stephen McCoy is in town and takes on the job. He is living with his brother, sister-in-law, and their four children on their farm, and has gone into town for supplies when the stagecoach comes into town with the beautiful Calliope. She has run away from a forced marriage and is looking for a husband (in name only) to save her from the vicious Rupert Melrose. The next day they leave for her farm, which she is bound and determined to run by herself without any help from Stephen. As far as she is concerned, he is just a paid employee. Will these two people find love and a life together, or will Calliope's independence tear them apart?
I was given an ARC. I was not compensated in any way, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
I was given an ARC. I was not compensated in any way, and all thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 24, 2016
Wasn't too sure about Stephen's Bride. I love Ms. Hutton's regency romances but was not to sure how a story in the west would appeal. Midway through the first chapter I had forgotten the setting and fell head over heels for the characters. Calliope adventurous spirit came in handy when dealing with an environment that was a new experience. She took a chance that lead her to where she was meant to be. Stephen trusted his heart to guide him in the right direction and show him his place in the world. Learning to follow your instincts can prove to be the best decision made. A true original.
May 20, 2016
I enjoyed the story of Stephen and Calliope. She was a bit of a firecracker, sassy and desperate at the same time. Women in trying times will do what is needed to survive. Calliope's father has passed away and she needs a husband to protect her inheritance from the aggressive neighbor. Rupert will stop at nothing to obtain control of her farm. Stephen is a doll and oozes masculinity. I enjoyed Daniel's Desire and I am so glad that Stephen finally got his story told. Callie Hutton has a definite talent for writing an enjoyable story and just enough details to make the reader sweat.
* I received a copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own. *
* I received a copy of this book for my honest review. All opinions are my own. *
December 14, 2016
This book continues the story that started in Daniel's Desire .This is the story of Stephen, Daniel's brother and Calliope.This book can be read as a standalone because the story line can be followed without difficulties but if you read Daniel's Desire you will probably enjoy more this one. As usual Callie Hutton delivers a very well written story with two strong characters and a beautiful romance. Her historical romances are always very accurate and it is a pleasure to read them!
I received a copy for an honest revie
I received a copy for an honest revie
May 29, 2016
Sweet romance!
A great book about the sacrifices a couple must make to survive in the Wild West. Stephan complied with every demand his wife issued so she wouldn't feel like he was taking over her life. Until she pushes too hard and thing spiral out of control. A great book, well written and with wonderful characters.
A great book about the sacrifices a couple must make to survive in the Wild West. Stephan complied with every demand his wife issued so she wouldn't feel like he was taking over her life. Until she pushes too hard and thing spiral out of control. A great book, well written and with wonderful characters.
April 22, 2016
I love Callie Hutton's historical romances. She had a wonderful mix of sexy and sweet, tender and funny. Stephen is a rugged hero who must convince Calliope Bender that a marriage of love is better than a marriage of convenience.
April 23, 2016
Great book
Great book continuing the story in Daniels desire .This one is about Damiels brother Stephen.A very nice love story after things get settled down and dreams do come true in the end.
Great book continuing the story in Daniels desire .This one is about Damiels brother Stephen.A very nice love story after things get settled down and dreams do come true in the end.
April 23, 2016
Stephen's Bride by author Callie Hutton contained enough humorous moments, drama and scandalous moments, as well as a touch of romance to keep this reader turning the pages. Another enjoyable read.
Review copy received from the Author for an honest rating
Review copy received from the Author for an honest rating
April 23, 2016
Historical Western Romance
I give Callie Huttton's book 5 star's because the story is about a Bride in trouble and her unique solution to her problem!!!! I enjoyed this story and hope you will also!!!!!!
I give Callie Huttton's book 5 star's because the story is about a Bride in trouble and her unique solution to her problem!!!! I enjoyed this story and hope you will also!!!!!!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews