The Cowboy Takes a Bride

Wyoming Matchmaker #1

by Kristi Rose

To keep his ranch he'll need a wife.

To escape her father she'll need a protector.

Love will only complicate their marriage of convenience.

She’s on the run…
A tyrannical father. A life she hates and doesn’t control. Freedom for socialite Meredith Hanover is not a luxury she has. When given an opportunity to become a modern-day mail-order bride to a rancher in rural Wyoming, she realizes this might be her only opportunity at a fresh start.

He’s determined to stay…
Jace Shepard’s dying father gave him two get married and take over the ranch or be cut out of the will. But life on the ranch is hard and isolating, something the previous women of his life couldn’t hack. With no other solution, he strikes a deal with a professional matchmaker for a temporary bride.

The plan is foolproof. A bargain struck. Everyone wins in this ruse of fake love. Yet, if they're both pretending why does it feel so real? Is Meredith ready to gamble away the freedom she’s always wanted and give her heart to the family-oriented rancher? Jace knows it’s only a matter of time before Meredith tires of ranching’s hard lifestyle and trades him in for her old-cushy life. Why should he trust his heart to her?

Hello Reader, This feel good story is about love and family and with that comes laughter, heartbreak, grief, and new beginnings.
This book is a 6-8 hour read Read more novels from USA Today Bestselling author Kristi Rose The Wyoming Matchmaker The Cowboy Takes A Bride The Cowboy's Make Believe Bride The Cowboy's Runaway Bride

The Samantha True Mystery
One Hit Wonder
All Bets Are Off
Best Laid Plans
Caught Off Guard
Two Time Loser The No Strings The Girl He Knows
The Girl He Needs
The Girl He Wants
The Girl He Loves The Meryton Brides Series (Formerly Meryton Matchmakers) To Have and To Hold
With This Ring
I Do
Promise Me This
Marry Me, Matchmaker
Honeymoon Postponed The Coming Home Second Chances
Once Again
Reason to Stay
He's the One
Kiss Me Again

Genres: Romance, Westerns, Contemporary Romance, Contemporary, Cowboy Romance, Western Romance, Marriage Of Convenience

261 pages, ebook

First published February 27, 2017

About the author

Hey! I’m Kristi. I write romances that will tug your heartstrings and laugh out loud mysteries. In all my stories you’ll fall in love with the cast of characters, they’ll become old, fun friends. My one hope is that I create stories that satisfy any of your book cravings and take you away from the rut of everyday life (sometimes it's a good rut).

When I’m not writing I’m spinning (riding a stationary bike, repurposing Happy Planners, or drinking a London Fog (hot tea with frothy milk).

I’m the mom of 2 and a milspouse (retired). We live in the Pacific Northwest and are under-prepared if one of the volcanoes erupts.
Here are 3 things about me:
• I lived on the outskirts of an active volcano (Mt.Etna)
• A spider bit me and it laid eggs in my arm (my kids don’t know that story yet)
• I grew up in Central Florida and have skied in lakes with gators.

I’d love to get to know you better. Join my Read & Relax community and then fire off an email and tell me 3 things about you!
Not ready to join? Email me or follow me here. Thanks for popping by!

You can connect with Kristi at any of the following:
www.kristirose.net
kristi@kristirose.net

Reviews

[♥ℳelody · Rating 2 out of 5]

I should have taken the fact that this is a clean romance as my first red flag. I'm not knocking books with no sex, clean romance just isn't for me personally. Or at least ones like this. But I have to say for a mail order bride story where the characters talk and think about sex 24/7 since first meeting but not show any sex in the end is a weird choice. And if it's gonna be a clean romance you gotta make it worth my while in other areas like emotional development, plot, and writing and it just wasn't happening in any of those areas either. You have a 24 year old virgin heroine who is a complete sensitive Mary Sue who is stuck in the dark ages with zero agency. Meredith doesn't own her own phone or even an email address and saying things like "his back assets" and "licentious woman". Which makes you question what decade this book was written in? It felt like my grandma wrote this. And the heroine is a rich socialite city girl which makes it even more implausible. Her tantrums were especially a sight to behold, if I never have to read the word "stomp" again I'll be happy. In the words of Meredith herself, Jumping Aunt Hannah! Whatever the hell that means. (Again, a city girl would be saying stuff like this? lol)

[Talltree · Rating 3 out of 5]

Well written and interesting mail order bride romance. Sex scenes were fade to black though:(

3.5 stars!

[glavreads · Rating 3 out of 5]

i was suckered in by the gorgeous cover.

this was firmly ok. it's a mail order bride/marriage of convenience/small town romance but it was boring but also rushed. and for how much they talked about sex, it was fade to black.

[Seven Steps · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice cover. Good editing. Mostly clean.

Nice cover. Good editing. Mostly clean. Great descriptions and settings. I liked the book but at times it seemed rushed.

[sofy (Jane Austen’s version) · Rating 2 out of 5]

i was so excited to see the reviews saying that it was a closed-door romance, but TELL ME WHY this read as an spicy romance ugh like that was all they feel about each other 99% of the time, where is the emotional connection???? i mean it was implied but never shown >:(

finished it with the motivation of being an educated hater <3

‘Because, even here, at the Museum of Fine Art, women needed a place to gossip privately. Many deals were made while lipstick was being reapplied and hair resprayed.’
the ladies’ bathroom having a waiting room is so girly pop

i’m president of Jace’s HATE CLUB
- he was a real gentleman at the first half of the book until he just wasn’t anymore??? he became so insufferable.
- the way he says things is so tedious, he literally just blurt out things that are BOUND to be misunderstood and are direct in the WORST way possible.
- he became so disgusting to me afterwards with all his controlling and bossing around, the amount of times he has to apologize to her for doing something wrong can’t be count with fingers and toes. wasn’t he supposed to be older than her? shouldn’t he know that how his actions and words can hurt someone even if it’s just a little?
- not him believing in the saying “If you love someone let them go”, WHEN HAS THAT EVER WORKED??? that saying was made by an idiot like him. it’s just so self destructive.
- not my type of man AT. ALL.
- if you want to join the Hate Club just read what this dumb head has said and feel disgusted with me:
- • ‘“You could have been killed. I’ll yell if I want. It’s the only thing keeping me from shaking you to death’” ???????
- • ‘“When she was around, he lost the capacity to use skills that separated man from beast’” eww?? behave yourself???
- • ‘“I’m sorry I was an ass today about you coming out here. I say that a lot to you, but I promise I’m trying to outgrow it.”’ it’s like he’s not even trying at this point
- • ‘He liked his woman a little thicker, but he found the curve of her ass very appealing.’ wtf. literally felt like it was written by a creepy man

now things that would’ve been nice if it wasn’t because of the context:
- ‘He was desperate to take her aches away.’ cute, right? until his solution is sex, since that’s all he thinks about, not a heart to heart conversation, not a heart bonding hug, no, sex.
‘Knowing she was alive and okay was what kept him from destroying the house with his grief. Because what if she did come back? Having her stuff ready for her would say that she was welcome. Or so he hoped.’ not bad, until you know he was the one that drove her away!!!

my favorite part of this book is when women put him in damn his place
- ‘“He was never dropped on his head that I can recall, but he sure acts like it”’ that’s so true mom
- ‘She lifted her booted foot and, with all her might, planted it against his butt and shoved. He went sprawling into the ground face first’ SO WELL DESERVED ‘“You’re a stupid, stupid man, Jace Shepard. And you don’t deserve me”’ that’s so true, sis, so true.
- ‘Sabrina stared at him like she wanted to do to him what they did to the turkey at thanksgiving — break his neck.’ mutual feeling sista
- ‘“How do you see it, Jace? Another relationship that didn’t work? You expected to go so you made sure she did?”’ embarrassing for him
i love his mom, she’s such a girl’s girl like every time something was wrong she assumed it was her son’s fault (it was)
the only good part about this book was the women <3 the two stars of this book are for them because i could NEVER tolerate a man like him.

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this book. Mail-order brides trope has always been a fun romance to read. I especially love the modern-day ones. And this book did not disappoint. Even without explicit intimate scenes, which I admit to always looking forward to. Without that intimacy on the pages, the author still did a great job of maintaining the chemistry between Jace and Meredith.

Meredith is escaping a tyrannical and cruel father. Jace is just trying to make his dying father happy. Both Jace and Meredith go into the marriage arrangement with certain expectations and an expiration date. Meredith just wants to be free to pursue what makes her happy. Jace doesn't expect her to be able to handle the rough, isolate life of ranching. So they agree to stay together for one year, or at least until Jace's father passes.

There are many emotions and struggles to experience in this book. There are also many amazing secondary characters that made this book even more enjoyable. Of course, I'm not going to tell you any more about what happens. I found this book to be a fast-paced, fun and refreshing read. And while there are some dramatic moments, there are also plenty of lighthearted ones as well. This was the first time I ever read a book from this author. It won't be my last.

This is my honest and unbiased review. Thank you for taking the time to read it. :)

[Cyrene Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a nice read – Meredith needs to get away from her jerk of a father and his cronies and gets the opportunity to become a mail-order bride from a professional matchmaker. She’s paired with Jace, who will lose his ranch if he doesn’t get married. Perfect arrangement for both, right? Well…

Not everything is easy, and the author does a beautiful job describing Wyoming and makes everyone who loves nature want to move there and the premise of this book is fun. When the two start to have real feelings for each other, the reader can get even more invested. I do know the ranch life personally, and it’s not a lifestyle that a city socialite would take to very easily, so that part was a bit fantastical that Meredith seems to do, but it was also great to see two people with their own issues work through and find each other.

[Sarah (Inkmates Read) · Rating 1 out of 5]

An absolutely batshit premise that was handled with the finesse of a beached blobfish. This wasn’t long enough to flesh anything out. None of the characters had any sort of depth or development. The more I think about it, the worse it becomes.

[Bookish_Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first time reading a story by this author. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed meeting these new characters and reading about a cowboy and his ranch, which is a bit different from what I normally read. The book cover was the first this that grabbed my attention about this book. I went in with only the idea of the title and the book cover to persuade me to read this story. I'm not one to read book descriptions. I liked learning about these characters and how they came to be in this story. I even shed a few tears on the process of reading. I've told myself before if a book can get me to cry than it's a good book. Hope you enjoy this story as much I have.

[Vera mallard · Rating 4 out of 5]

STORY-LINE THE COWBOY TAKES A BRIDE BY KRISTI ROSE:

In The Cowboy Takes A Bride, we find Meredith Hanover and Jace Shepard. Meredith lives a life of servitude to her wealthy prominent father. Never able to satisfy his thirst for power and influence, he uses Meredith as an asset to gather information when attending social events and committees. All must be attended he deems necessary, no matter how large or small. She can never do enough. Meredith, at the end of her rope, wants to run and never return. By a quirk of fate, Sabrina Hollowell, has the answer to her problem. Sabrina runs a mail order bride service/matchmaker and she's very successful; and you thought mail order brides for western men disappeared in the early 1900's.

Jace's desperately needs a wife or his dying father will give the ranch to a cousin who knows nothing of ranching. Contacting Sabrina, she has the perfect woman for Jace. As fate steps in and unites these two people, Meredith knows her angry father's searching for her, his business asset. Will these two find love and happy every after in their complicated relationship? My romance book review of The Cowboy Takes A Bride follows.

CHARACTERS, PLOTTING, AND DEVELOPMENT:

I found, The Cowboy Takes A Bride, a wonderful romance between two people who need each other and it also highlighted family dynamics. Demonstrating how family dynamics can either create great love for each or tear them further apart, I loved this story. Seeing the wealthy from the perspective of a participant in the social and financial whirl was enlightening as well as sad. Money does not buy happiness as this book demonstrates.

Rose created well-developed characters which grew throughout the book. Watching Meredith grow from timid and withdrawn to a confident "in charge of her own life woman" was wonderful. Held back by a domineering father, used as an asset for business, Jace and his family were exactly what she needed to bring her out of her shell. As Meredith came into her own, found her voice, and where she belonged, I wanted to cheer.

Jace also has issues he must resolve and come to terms. He struggles to forget the past and accept that all woman were not like the one who left him, which Rose crafted smoothly and skillfully. Rose gave Jace characteristics of a gentle nature and well-bred manners, yet ready to protect what was his; a knight in shining armor for Meredith when she so desperately needed one. Thinking he only need a short-term bride to insure his inheritance, love crepted in and captured his heart. Could Meredith, from an entitled background of wealth, be happy on a remote ranch?

In concluding my romance book review of The Cowboy Takes A Bride, the pace of the story's smooth and steady along with skillful plotting. Rose grabbed my attention immediately and held it to the last page; I never lost interest in the story-line or characters. Mail order bride/matchmaker, unusual for our time period, made an interesting and intriguing story-line. The suspense of wondering when and how her father would make his appearance added another element to the story. Although this book does not contain erotica or explicit sex, it does have at least two intense emotional light love scenes and mild language during at least one of the scenes. I would not hesitate to buy this book for my self or a friend.
THE COWBOY TAKES A BRIDE RECOMMENDATION: STARS 4

FINALLY, PLEASE NOTE:

In addition, I received this book from the author and chose to voluntarily review the book with an honest romance book review. Lastly, book reviews of any novel are dependent on the book review author’s opinion. Consequently, all book reviews on-line and on my blog, are my opinions. No one influenced my voluntary romance book review.

[Dana Redding · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Takes A Bride (1)
Kristi Rose





Meredith lives with her father. He uses her to wander through crowds and pick up information. He uses the information to gain political knowledge. She suffers from migraines and on one occasion she is feeling ill. She stumbles into the Ladies room and recovers a little and says how much of a horrible person she is. A voice says no you’re not.

Sabrina pats the sofa and has Meredith take a seat. She is a match maker. And she has her sighs set on Meredith for a friend of hers. She gives her a card after a discussion about how bad her life is and tells her how she can help her if she is willing.

Meredith’s father is expecting her for another event and when she is late due to a migraine he walks into her room demanding her to get up and get ready, he pulls her up with her arm and hair she gets ill on the floor and he releases her telling her to clean up the mess, and leaves. Not asking if she is okay not caring. She has had enough and calls Sabrina saying she’s in.


Sabrina phones Jace and asks him if he is ready for a wife she has the one for him. She talks to him and convinced him to meet her in two days at the church.

Will this wedding work?
I enjoyed reading this book. I know somewhere in my memory I have read this story before. I’m going to say there are adult situations. But it’s not overly vulgar. It’s slight mention of the practice but not so much as oh hide your eyes.
Good story.

My disclaimer...
I was given a copy of this book for my honest review.
Any book or novels I leave reviews on are not dependent on the book/novel review author’s opinion. No one influenced my voluntary review for any of the books or novels I read, they are my own opinions.






[Emabubby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Meredith Hanover's dominating father is a selfish man who's only love is his business empire. He is so obsessed by his own needs that he has succeeded in alienating Meredith and causing her to suffer severe migraine headaches that are ruining her heath. The life she is enduring is killing her both physically and emotionally. A chance meeting with Sabrina Holloway, old time matchmaker who just happened to a close friend of her mother's, is just the solution Meredith needs to escape her miserable existence.

Jace Shepard is a Wyoming rancher who father is dying. Jace's dad wants to see his only son married before he goes. He has told Jace that is he doesn't have a wife he will loose his share of the ranch. The truth of the matter is that Jace would do as his father asks just to please the old man and make his last days happy ones. When Jace's old college friend, Sabrina finds him a mail-order wife (Meredith) he is both skeptical and optimistic at the same time.

Meredith is having second thoughts, and when she tries to run out on Jace, he proposes that they should stay married as long as Jace's father is alive and then can divorce if that is what Meredith wants.

Kristi Rose is a gifted writer who has penned a charming contemporary romantic love story with believable protagonists who are dealing with real life problems. Ms. Rose has done a great job with her story line and has created story worth reading. I hardily recommend this book it is a real winner.

[Patka · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo fajna historia. Ona ucieka od kontrolującego ojca, on potrzebuje żony, bo jego umierający ojciec uważa, że będzie temu będzie szczęśliwszy - i oboje znają pewną swatkę, która w kilka dni załatwia im ślub.

Plusy:
- Meredith przeżywa przez całą książkę mega rozkwit. Od stłamszonej i niepewnej dziewczyny trzymanej pod kloszem, przez ciekawą wiejskiego życia kobietę, po wkurwioną babę, która wytknie typowi że jest idiotą.
- Jace to jest green flag. Ciężko pracuje, ma mnóstwo ziemi i zwierząt, ale znajduje małe chwile na robienie rzeczy z Meredith. Jest na swój sposób uroczy, ale przy tym strasznie napalony (ale podnieca go to, że Meredith odnajduje się na jego farmie krok po kroku, np. jak za drugim razem znalazła węża u kur, to sama się go pozbyła bez jego pomocy).
- Mimo że Jace jest napalony na nią i ciągle gdzieś ją dotknie albo skradnie buziaka, to nie ma tu opisanych scen seksu. Wiemy, że to się między nimi dzieje, ale nie jest opisane.
- Klimat rancza jest super! Odkrywamy dużo wiejskiego życia wraz z Meredith.
- Humor w ich dialogach, pięknie się przekomarzają.

Minusy:
- Jest tu 3-osobowa narracja. Rzadko się zdarza w romansach i się odzwyczaiłam, mam wrażenie że odbiera to trochę z emocji.
- Nie pogardziłabym choć jedną porządną sceną seksu (tak, wiem, brak opisanych scen wpisałam w plusy xd jestem niezdecydowaną kobitą, co chce mieć ciasto i zjeść ciastko xd)


Polecam!

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another book in my mail-order brides binge.

This one has a similar premise to the others (girl wants out of her own life and travels to a new state to start a new life. Guy wants to inherit the ranch and can't until his father sees him settled down and stable). But where this one differed for me is the depth of true feelings between them.

This story is more modern, and the guy and girl are set up through a mutual friend. The poor girl, Meredith, begins the book as a burned-out socialite whose father has sought to control her every move and use her to increase his own power and political standings, despite the negative impact this has on her health. She wants more and has no one else to trust.

When Meredith agrees to meet Jace, it's more to get out of Texas and to Wyoming where she can more easily flee. Imagine her embarrassment when Jace catches her trying to flee the church! But they talk and agree to make a go of it. Though Meredith knows nothing about ranch life, she has gumption and starts coming out of her shell the more she settles in Wyoming and with Jace.

I really enjoyed their romance overall. The bear incidents and Meredith's courage stood out to me in this one. Though I did think the ending was a bit rushed for my taste, I still got the HEA I was hoping for. A fun western binge-read.

[Viper Spaulding · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a sweet love story! Jace doesn't believe any woman can handle life on the ranch after being disappointed by a few shallow ex-girlfriends, but his dad insists he get married to inherit the ranch. Meredith's father controls every aspect of her life, and all she wants is a little freedom to chart her own path. Their mutual friend, a matchmaker, suggests the solution to both their problems, and the rest of the book is a heartwarming journey for both Jace and Meredith as they learn to partner with each other and open up their hearts to the possibility of getting more than they bargained for. The author does a beautiful job of letting us into the minds and hearts of her subjects so we easily understand their inner conflicts yet eagerly await their realization that love really can be the answer. Very nicely done; I wholeheartedly recommend this lovely romance. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Patti · Rating 4 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

Meredith and Jace need something from each other and the best way to do that is get married within minutes of meeting each other. The only reassures are from mutual friend Sabrina that every thing will work out for the best.

The Wyoming ranch, Jace's home, is a beautiful backdrop to this tender relationship. The writing draws you in to the surrounding area and life on the ranch to truly feel it's healing powers. Never having been to this part of the country, I could feel the authenticity as I read about Meredith's eagerness to learn how to live outside the city. It's peacefulness and relaxation through hard work. It gives her purpose. Jace's reaction to Meredith's adjustment to ranch life is surprisingly hopeful. Do they are dare believe their marriage will last beyond the timeframe they have allowed?

This story has the feel of a grand epic romance that you long for the hero and heroine to find their happily ever after. It does not disappoint.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story just takes a hold of you and it was hard to put it down to get my work done. I pick this up as free read and so happy I did. Like many of the authors I get from emails this author was new to me but I loved her writing. The story was a clean read, but no soapy the characters were like real everyday people. I have known a few ranchers and farmers and the writing show clearly how it is for life on a ranch. I also have known young women faced with family responsibilities that have had to face the whole society thing. Out of the three ladies that I knew only one who did not end up with major problems. How Meredith dealt with it all showed a great deal of inner strength she just needed a little help and a whole lot of love. I look forward to reading other works by Ms Rose and I voluntarily chose to review it story.

[Leslie Sanchez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Meredith is a dutiful daughter, even at the cost of her health and sanity. I was excited when she decided to stand up for herself. Now Jace, knew his dad was dying and wanted to make him happy by getting married. In comes Sabrina, a mutual friend who just happened to be a matchmaker. After an extreme breakdown with her father, Meredith can't take anymore and agrees to marry Jace until his dad passes. I loved his attitude towards Meredith. He tells her from the beginning that she has a right to voice her opinions and he would actually listen and they could go from there. I didn't like how Jace backtracked when her father showed up. I was so very happy by the end though. I recommend this book. It has so much love and understanding, it is just a feel good book. I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[Menthie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Snagged this goodie from either a "Stuff your Kindle day" event, or I snagged it as a freebie through one of my many emails, unsure TBH. But, this was a very good swoony story.

Marriage of Convenience
Small town
Cowboy/Rancher Hero
Socialite Heroine
Virgin Heroine
Closed Door

I dont usually do closed door / sweet romance, I'm a ho.0ker for some sm♡t but this story was well written, and the hints of *steam* were good enough for me. I enjoyed how they connected, I love how Meredith came into her own, seeing the self-discovery and the steps to being self sufficient, it was inspiring.

There are a lot of points in the story where the author had grammer & spelling errors for a book as old as it is, I'd at least expect the digital version to be edited better. This did not hinder my enjoyment of the book at all, though

[Gen · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5* I loved this book! I thoroughly enjoyed reading Meredith and Jace’s story, their relationship grew at a nice pace and it had good depth to it. I also liked all the supporting characters and writing style. As far as westerns go this is probably one of the best I’ve read. The scenery was described beautifully and I loved following along Meredith’s journey as she adjusted to farm life.
This was initially looking like a 5 star read, but I unfortunately wasn’t a fan of the ending. It felt rushed and I didn’t like how the conflict was handled. I also wish it wasn’t fade to black and I think this would’ve made more sense as a fake dating story rather than a fake marriage. Overall a fun and refreshing read that I would definitely recommend.

[Stacy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by this author, and I will be reading more from her.

This was a very sweet romance that had the characters capturing your heart without you even knowing it. Meredith and Jase we're perfect together. Ther chemistry between them was believable and simply sweet.

I like that Meredith was able to rekindle her relationship with her father. I definitely cried some happy tears for that.

However I did cry some dad tears for Jase as I know how it feels to lose the father you have always looked up to. This book with will definitely put you through and emotional Rollercoaster.

[Trina · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are ever in need of a feel good love story then grab a cup of coffee, plant yourself in an old rocker on the front porch and devour this one! Jace is a good man faced with the prospect of losing his dad and trying to hold onto the family ranch. He needs a wife but who has time when there is work to be done? Enter Sabrina....matchmaker extraordinaire and long time friend. Sabrina knows the perfect woman for Jace and sweet Meredith need somewhere to grown into who she was meant to be but has been stifled due to the rigid control of her father. This a story of love, growth and two wary hearts becoming one.

[patricia hayslip · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Read

This was such a sweet story consisting of a domineering father who did so out of fear, yet the fear made his daughter Meredith strong & able to meet challenges head on. Jace was losing his father to a terminal disease and needed a wife to please his dad. Jace lived on a big ranch in which Meredith knew nothing about. Meredith needed a place to hide away from her father. She wanted to be free & on her own. Therefor, Sabrina, Jace’s college friend set them up for marriage until Jace’s father died. One must read this book to get all the juicy details, ups & downs, drama & intrigue during the first year of marriage. Highly recommend this book.

[Tracy Sylvester · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jace Shepard is going to inherit the family ranch. He's busy dealing with his Dad's ailment from ALS when his ranch hand and his friend Sabrina begin to hassle him about the deal his father wants to strike. Jace needs to be married before his father passes on in order to get the ranch. So he lets his friend Sabrina set him up in a modern day version of a mail order bride, a marriage of two strangers. Meredith Hanover is a well to due woman who wants out of her life and away from her father. She agree's to work with Sabrina and go off to marry Jace. You'll fall in love with their easy going bantering and friends to lovers romance!

[Alex L Criddle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I think this novel had great potential—I love a good mail-order bride story—but it just didn’t work for me. The characters, especially Meredith, fell short. I didn’t connect with her, though I appreciate the author’s attempt to write a different kind of heroine. I think overall there needed to be more character development. I liked side characters—Pops, Marjory, Willow—more than I liked the main characters. The writing itself was okay, but it definitely needed another proofreading—the errors took me out of the story. As a caution, there were some sex scenes, but they faded to black and weren’t too descriptive. There was also some language throughout the novel.

[Scarlet Fanning · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heart moving story for a matchmaking service. Meredith needs to escape for controlling father, who holds her too tight after the death of her mother. Jace needs a wife to fulfill the wishes of his dying father to see him happy and in love.

Meredith and Jace make a deal to stay married till his father dies, then they will revisit their commitment.

Meredith blossoms as she works on the ranch. Jace finds her an excellent partner, who might not miss the city like his prior women.

Touching relationships, well written, with no graphic sex.

The one mention of spanking was as a demeaning act by a man after Meredith, so it’s for people who don’t have the kinky desire.

[Chioma Lewis · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was introduced to the mail-order bride genre from my friend Tina and wow now I’m a fan! I felt like this author did an amazing job being very realistic with what this situation would actually look like. Bonus because it’s a closed door, fade to black. I loved Meredith from the very beginning! Her dad seemed like a complete terror!
I love how she grew over the course of the book! I just really LOVE how REALISTIC the whole situation was. It included the awkward moments, the spicy moments, the “I’m gonna mess up and I’m still learning” moments. Immediately downloading the next book in the series!

[JigsawGirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much feeling.

A sweet, heartfelt book. The characters were all well written and likeable, except for Meredith's father, and the creepy guy. I was rooting for Jace and Meredith to fall in love and succeed at this relationship from the beginning of the book.

This book, with the exception of the mail order part, felt very real. The feelings of helplessness that occur with a sick parent, the love and support of family, the sense of betrayal, and the love of someone who fully supports you.

I highly recommend this book. I will be reading more of Kristi Rose's work.

[K B · Rating 4 out of 5]

4 stars
I purchased The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Kristi Rose and this review was given freely.
Seeking to escape her controlling and verbally abusive father, socialite Meredith meets rancher Jace through the Fairy godmother like matchmaker Sabrina. Watching the changes in both Meredith and Jace as they experience life on the ranch, help take care of Jace's dying father, survive a bear attack, and become closer to each other is both heartwarming and poignant.
This is an emotion filled western romance with lots of action and drama culminating in a happy ending.

[Gail Dew · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cowboy Takes a Bride

I always enjoy it when an author can put together a romance story with novel circumstances. It makes for much more interesting reading, unlike billionaire stories which have to have a fake girl friend for some reason. This guy's got nothing but a view, a lot of hard work, and a dying parent to offer, -- and a heart of gold. Author do read more about ALS and it's timeline. If u can climb steps and swing onto a horse u probably won't be dead in a year from ALS. - know that been there twice.