What do you think?
Rate this book
Mail Order Brides of Texas #4
Tramp's Bride
He’s a stubborn cowboy. She’s a city girl with a dream. Can they survive being housemates to find true love?Texas, 1807. Tramp Hart knows shame for letting his friends down. But when he returns to Cinders’ ranch, he’s shocked to discover a headstrong woman living in his house. Desperate for his own space, he sets out to get the woman married off in a hurry.
Ilene Duffy’s mail-order marriage almost broke her heart. Narrowly avoiding a scam that would force her into the beds of strangers, a rancher named Cinders and his wife Shannon put a roof over her head. But when she gets an unwanted housemate, she’s determined not to let the hunky arrival push her into marriage.After Ilene suffers a nasty fall and Tramp comes to the rescue, both of their hearts flutter at the hand of destiny. Will a tough cowboy and a city girl ignore their attraction, or will true love ride in to steal their hearts?
Tramp’s Bride is a sweet standalone Western romance in the Mail Order Brides of Texas series. If you like strong-jawed cowboys, gutsy heroines, and conflicting chemistry on the ranch, then you’ll love Kathleen Ball’s heartwarming novel.
Buy Tramp’s Bride to discover love on the frontier today!**** Not a Christian Romance
Ilene Duffy’s mail-order marriage almost broke her heart. Narrowly avoiding a scam that would force her into the beds of strangers, a rancher named Cinders and his wife Shannon put a roof over her head. But when she gets an unwanted housemate, she’s determined not to let the hunky arrival push her into marriage.After Ilene suffers a nasty fall and Tramp comes to the rescue, both of their hearts flutter at the hand of destiny. Will a tough cowboy and a city girl ignore their attraction, or will true love ride in to steal their hearts?
Tramp’s Bride is a sweet standalone Western romance in the Mail Order Brides of Texas series. If you like strong-jawed cowboys, gutsy heroines, and conflicting chemistry on the ranch, then you’ll love Kathleen Ball’s heartwarming novel.
Buy Tramp’s Bride to discover love on the frontier today!**** Not a Christian Romance
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2016
737 people are currently reading
77 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ball
123 books681 followersUSA Today Best Selling Author of
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
Contemporary Western Romance and Sweet Historical Western Romance.
Writing is my bliss and I try to write every day. I started with two publishers who I learned a lot from. Now I self publish. I like the control it gives me over release dates and book covers.
Sign up for my newsletter
https://www.kathleenballromance.com
Facebook page
https://www.facebook.com/kathleenball...
Feel free to friend me!!
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
September 23, 2020
Home at last
Tramp was returning home after he had taken off to find himself. He hoped he would be accepted back. He saw that his house had been finished but there was a woman living in it. He had his family back but wasn't sure how to get the woman out of his house. A sometimes funny, sometimes sad, Texas historical romance. Kathleen Ball reaches the readers emotions and heart with her writing.
Tramp was returning home after he had taken off to find himself. He hoped he would be accepted back. He saw that his house had been finished but there was a woman living in it. He had his family back but wasn't sure how to get the woman out of his house. A sometimes funny, sometimes sad, Texas historical romance. Kathleen Ball reaches the readers emotions and heart with her writing.
May 7, 2020
Kathleen Ball's usual formula depending on misinterpretation and misunderstandings
A little farcical...everyone at cross purposes, half explanations and just enough to create misunderstandings. There were a few errors, for example, (Slight spoiler here). When the judge asks for Ilene's hand in marriage , she says she'll think about it. After certain discussions, she goes into town and asks him to marry her, wherein he looks at her with derision and refuses!!
Tramp is the hero in this story. He has returned to the ranch after a year away. (He was in the first book in the series, Cinder's Bride). Ilene is living in his house and he wants her out by marrying her off to someone. When she gets hurt he is elected to care for her, a scenario I found it hard to be realistic. There were other wives in the ranch, none of whom we meet, yet a man away for a year has to care for a stranger to him?
The plot is thin on the ground with the usual 'fillers in' causing the hassle. Hassle which could have been resolved in one sentence (but that would have omitted all the padding to the story).
Kathleen Ball's writing formula is always the same. It is quite abrupt, staccato like in style. Too much dialogue makes it read like a play at times and it is sometimes difficult to work out who is speaking.
A little farcical...everyone at cross purposes, half explanations and just enough to create misunderstandings. There were a few errors, for example, (Slight spoiler here). When the judge asks for Ilene's hand in marriage , she says she'll think about it. After certain discussions, she goes into town and asks him to marry her, wherein he looks at her with derision and refuses!!
Tramp is the hero in this story. He has returned to the ranch after a year away. (He was in the first book in the series, Cinder's Bride). Ilene is living in his house and he wants her out by marrying her off to someone. When she gets hurt he is elected to care for her, a scenario I found it hard to be realistic. There were other wives in the ranch, none of whom we meet, yet a man away for a year has to care for a stranger to him?
The plot is thin on the ground with the usual 'fillers in' causing the hassle. Hassle which could have been resolved in one sentence (but that would have omitted all the padding to the story).
Kathleen Ball's writing formula is always the same. It is quite abrupt, staccato like in style. Too much dialogue makes it read like a play at times and it is sometimes difficult to work out who is speaking.
May 29, 2020
Tramp Hart is a stubborn cowboy. Ilene Duffy, a mail-order bride, and a city girl has a dream. Can a stubborn, strong-jawed guy and a gutsy, strong-willed girl survive to be housemates to find true love? Ilene suffers a fall. Tramp comes to the rescue. Will romance flame?
I picked this book up because my last name is Tramp, and this was the first time I'd seen a character named Tramp.
The tension in the book is humorous, interesting, and gripping. I read the story in one sitting. It was that good. The characters were engaging. The plot exciting. Ava pressed Tramp to marry her. Judge Gleason wants to marry Ilreen. All this is happening while behind the scenes, the reader wants Ilene and Tramp to get together. But, their personalities could start a forest fire. I love it.
All Ilene wanted to do was ride a horse and feel the wind in her face. -brings back memories of yesterday. "I see." He didn't see. -love it.
I picked this book up because my last name is Tramp, and this was the first time I'd seen a character named Tramp.
The tension in the book is humorous, interesting, and gripping. I read the story in one sitting. It was that good. The characters were engaging. The plot exciting. Ava pressed Tramp to marry her. Judge Gleason wants to marry Ilreen. All this is happening while behind the scenes, the reader wants Ilene and Tramp to get together. But, their personalities could start a forest fire. I love it.
All Ilene wanted to do was ride a horse and feel the wind in her face. -brings back memories of yesterday. "I see." He didn't see. -love it.
May 26, 2017
The last thing Tramp expected was to find Ilene living in his house. Yes, he'd been gone a year, but it was his house. Seemed like the only way to get her out was to find her a husband. But then why was he so bothered by all the choices she made? And was the Judge really the one? Ilene, on the other hand, truly wants no part in a husband. After all, the only things she know about a husband and wife relationship is what she heard in the tenements of New York and in a twenty-four hour day, twenty three of those hours were bad for a wife. She has finally settled in. She has her baking and has gained the respect of the cowboys as she has found she has a way with horses. Why won't Tramp leave well enough alone?
January 1, 2017
Decent book
I enjoyed this book, but I liked the others better. This one took longer to get me involved in the characters. All in all, this is a great series and I look forward to reading the next book.
I enjoyed this book, but I liked the others better. This one took longer to get me involved in the characters. All in all, this is a great series and I look forward to reading the next book.
August 6, 2017
Trampoline is back at the ranch wondering if he will be welcome. He made some mistakes and hurt his friend deeply. He finds that the house he had planned for himself had been built and just walked into it. However a woman was living there. How can he get her to leave?
April 2, 2019
This story of the series I didn’t love. It was more about the build up of the relationship but has some inconsistencies. Which distracted from the story. The ending was great! I enjoyed the happy ever after they got!
August 24, 2019
Love to read
Well I'm down to the last book Poorboy. This has been a very enjoyable series. Am so glad I picked it out of the several thousand books I have on my Kindle. Yes I did say "thousand". If you want a very good series to read then this is it.
Well I'm down to the last book Poorboy. This has been a very enjoyable series. Am so glad I picked it out of the several thousand books I have on my Kindle. Yes I did say "thousand". If you want a very good series to read then this is it.
February 5, 2020
Another good read
I really enjoy reading Ms. Ball's stories, especially the series type. I am terrible for reading a single volume book and wishing for more. She has not disappointed me yet and she won't any other reader either.
I really enjoy reading Ms. Ball's stories, especially the series type. I am terrible for reading a single volume book and wishing for more. She has not disappointed me yet and she won't any other reader either.
July 4, 2017
Stubborn Man
I don't know who was more stubborn, Tramp or Ilene! They sure had a mess to sort out. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for writing and publishing it.
I don't know who was more stubborn, Tramp or Ilene! They sure had a mess to sort out. I enjoyed it very much. Thank you for writing and publishing it.
February 12, 2018
Very heart warming once they realize what has happened to them.
March 6, 2018
Good story
This also was a good story that I enjoyed in this 4 book series and would recommend for others to read
This also was a good story that I enjoyed in this 4 book series and would recommend for others to read
May 26, 2018
Tramps bride
This is the third book I have read in this series. I have enjoyed them all. A good way to spend an afternoon.
This is the third book I have read in this series. I have enjoyed them all. A good way to spend an afternoon.
December 27, 2018
Love this series!
Here it is 1:30 in the morning and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished it. I’m off to read Poor Boy’s Christmas.
Here it is 1:30 in the morning and I couldn’t stop reading until I finished it. I’m off to read Poor Boy’s Christmas.
March 15, 2019
Cross purpose
Tramp is one confused man. He seems to be his own worst enemy. Ilene is so shy that it seems improbable a romance can grow. Beautifully written!
Tramp is one confused man. He seems to be his own worst enemy. Ilene is so shy that it seems improbable a romance can grow. Beautifully written!
May 3, 2019
Great series....................
A wonderful story about the adventures f a woman and a man. The author ha told a wonderful story about the characters.
A wonderful story about the adventures f a woman and a man. The author ha told a wonderful story about the characters.
June 29, 2019
Tramp Bride
Loved the first 4 books of Mail Order Brides. Keep them coming. Cannot wait for the others books of Mail Order Brides.
Loved the first 4 books of Mail Order Brides. Keep them coming. Cannot wait for the others books of Mail Order Brides.
October 13, 2020
Good read
Tramp was a character from a previous book who obviously had a lot of issues to resolve, and it was good to see him come around right👍💜
Tramp was a character from a previous book who obviously had a lot of issues to resolve, and it was good to see him come around right👍💜
March 28, 2021
Tramp and Ilene
I love this story of shy woman and headstrong cowboy. Finally,after many u fortunate mishaps, they slowly admit their feelings for each other.
I love this story of shy woman and headstrong cowboy. Finally,after many u fortunate mishaps, they slowly admit their feelings for each other.
October 12, 2022
Love the book. Nothing better than 2 stubborn people falling in love.
May 21, 2024
Very good book
I loved Tramp and Ilene. I have enjoyed this whole series and this book was just as good as the rest. I can't wait to read the next one.
I loved Tramp and Ilene. I have enjoyed this whole series and this book was just as good as the rest. I can't wait to read the next one.
June 27, 2024
I’m so happy here
I have made a new home and I’m selling my baking, making candles and working on the ranch. I don’t know if anything can be better……then in walks a man.
I have made a new home and I’m selling my baking, making candles and working on the ranch. I don’t know if anything can be better……then in walks a man.
May 18, 2018
I enjoyed this series a lot. I liked the different take on the usual mail order bride story.
September 29, 2016
Kathleen Ball is one author I can’t find problems with the way she writes historical romances. This series has kept me going for more with each book and I have not been disappointed so far.
Tramp story is one that made me laugh to myself while reading it. He was featured on Cynder’s book, the first on the series and now he is back, with his own problems and his own book, which I think it was a terrific idea to do.
Ilene is one of Hardy’s brides that find her-self in a predicament but with the help of Cynder and his wife, she finds that she can make it on her own. Having her parent’s bad relationship in mind, she doesn’t want to marry anyone. When Tramp gets back and wants his house back, she is appalled to realize he has appointed himself her very own matchmaker.
As usual, things don’t go as they suppose to and Tramp finds himself spending more and more time with Ilene, getting to know her and realizing that his mother example of what a woman can become is not the end all be all. It takes him a huge amount of time to realize he wants Ilene and only her as his wife, for the rest of his life.
Throw in a family in need, a noise and bitch of an Edith and a huge amount of misunderstandings and you will have the fun that you need to keep turning the pages of this book until the end. If not, just for the sake of watching Tramp going back and forward trying to understand himself and Ilene trying to get pass her parents memory that left her with a very bad fear of marriage.
One question thou… What the F@
Tramp story is one that made me laugh to myself while reading it. He was featured on Cynder’s book, the first on the series and now he is back, with his own problems and his own book, which I think it was a terrific idea to do.
Ilene is one of Hardy’s brides that find her-self in a predicament but with the help of Cynder and his wife, she finds that she can make it on her own. Having her parent’s bad relationship in mind, she doesn’t want to marry anyone. When Tramp gets back and wants his house back, she is appalled to realize he has appointed himself her very own matchmaker.
As usual, things don’t go as they suppose to and Tramp finds himself spending more and more time with Ilene, getting to know her and realizing that his mother example of what a woman can become is not the end all be all. It takes him a huge amount of time to realize he wants Ilene and only her as his wife, for the rest of his life.
Throw in a family in need, a noise and bitch of an Edith and a huge amount of misunderstandings and you will have the fun that you need to keep turning the pages of this book until the end. If not, just for the sake of watching Tramp going back and forward trying to understand himself and Ilene trying to get pass her parents memory that left her with a very bad fear of marriage.
One question thou… What the F@
September 11, 2016
Tramps Bride!
Tramp is my favorite hero in this series. I loved him, between his being obnoxious, but yet so hilarious in the ways he thought, had me spending a lot of time laughing at his antics. Through it all, he was too blind to see he was falling in love. Ilene was a favorite too, I liked her in the last book as a secondary character. Shy and quiet but stronger than she thinks, and also denying what her heart was telling her. Along with the characters from the previous books, I thoroughly enjoyed reading and following to a HEA. Clean and Sweet. JudyE
Tramp is my favorite hero in this series. I loved him, between his being obnoxious, but yet so hilarious in the ways he thought, had me spending a lot of time laughing at his antics. Through it all, he was too blind to see he was falling in love. Ilene was a favorite too, I liked her in the last book as a secondary character. Shy and quiet but stronger than she thinks, and also denying what her heart was telling her. Along with the characters from the previous books, I thoroughly enjoyed reading and following to a HEA. Clean and Sweet. JudyE
December 7, 2016
Cowboy meets Cowgirl
Ilene and Tramp attracted to each other. Problems arise with Ilene when Tramp arrival and he wants his house back. After injury to Llene laid up in bed, family of squatters arrival on the ranch wanting to take over everything. A jealous daughter lies and her overbearing parents. Determined Ava gonna marry her man. Family of gold diggers. Finally, Tramp and Ilene put end to the lies. Set out on a marriage of their own.
Ilene and Tramp attracted to each other. Problems arise with Ilene when Tramp arrival and he wants his house back. After injury to Llene laid up in bed, family of squatters arrival on the ranch wanting to take over everything. A jealous daughter lies and her overbearing parents. Determined Ava gonna marry her man. Family of gold diggers. Finally, Tramp and Ilene put end to the lies. Set out on a marriage of their own.
October 17, 2018
This series of mail order brides for Texans has the whole gambit of characters you either love, or love to hate. The moral expectations contrast worlds apart from those of the 2000's and not always for the better. Some things, as family violence, haven't improved and it is difficult to see other values declining as well.
September 2, 2016
A very good love story
If you like romance you are going to like this book . It has many twists and turns enough to keep it interesting I am looking forward to the next book in the series
If you like romance you are going to like this book . It has many twists and turns enough to keep it interesting I am looking forward to the next book in the series
March 31, 2020
Asherville, Texas and watch Tramp's antics as he tries one thing after another to get Ilene out of his house. Tramp had finally met his match
April 17, 2017
I enjoyed this audiobook a lot! Watching Tramp grow and Eileen blossom was the highlight for me! They both changed dramatically in this book! It's sad to see this series end! I would love to see Poor Boy, after he grows up a bit, find his true love!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews