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Mail-Order Grooms #1
Handling Susannah
Rancher Adam Harrington wants to marry a wholesome, virginal bride with a sweet disposition. When he reads a young woman’s unusual advertisement requesting a mail-order cowboy as her groom, he thinks they might be a good match, so he writes her a telegram. She pens a favorable response, accepting him as her future husband.
When Susannah Smith’s father bequeathed his ranch to her, it was under one condition: She must be married. For Virginia City’s fallen woman, finding a man to marry is no easy feat. The men in town who seek to court the hot-tempered, unwed mother are sluggards and drunks, not the kind of men capable of running a ranch. Desperate to find a suitable husband or else lose everything, she expands her search by listing an ad in the paper.
When Adam and Susannah meet, the attraction between them is undeniable, but it’s soon followed by wariness. Susannah had planned to marry a man who would do her bidding, not take over everything. It’s her ranch, after all. Equally befuddled, Adam thought he’d be marrying a woman who knows her place, not a temperamental brat who could benefit from some time over his knee.
Susannah feels outraged by Adam’s authoritative ways, but his dominant handling in the bedroom leaves her trembling with desire. Will she learn to accept his firm leadership and expectations? And will Adam grow to love the woman who differs so drastically from the kind of wife he thought he wanted?
Warning: Handling Susannah is an historical western romance containing sexual scenes and domestic discipline, including punishment spanking. If these themes offend you, please don’t buy this book.
When Susannah Smith’s father bequeathed his ranch to her, it was under one condition: She must be married. For Virginia City’s fallen woman, finding a man to marry is no easy feat. The men in town who seek to court the hot-tempered, unwed mother are sluggards and drunks, not the kind of men capable of running a ranch. Desperate to find a suitable husband or else lose everything, she expands her search by listing an ad in the paper.
When Adam and Susannah meet, the attraction between them is undeniable, but it’s soon followed by wariness. Susannah had planned to marry a man who would do her bidding, not take over everything. It’s her ranch, after all. Equally befuddled, Adam thought he’d be marrying a woman who knows her place, not a temperamental brat who could benefit from some time over his knee.
Susannah feels outraged by Adam’s authoritative ways, but his dominant handling in the bedroom leaves her trembling with desire. Will she learn to accept his firm leadership and expectations? And will Adam grow to love the woman who differs so drastically from the kind of wife he thought he wanted?
Warning: Handling Susannah is an historical western romance containing sexual scenes and domestic discipline, including punishment spanking. If these themes offend you, please don’t buy this book.
162 pages, ebook
First published March 29, 2017
277 people are currently reading
229 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Smarts
42 books297 followersAmelia Smarts is a USA Today bestselling author of fast-paced, steamy western romances with dominant cowboys, Dom/sub discipline, and heartwarming HEAs. Amelia holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in creative writing and English. She loves to read, which allows her writing to be influenced by many different genres in addition to romance, including mystery, adventure, history, and suspense. To learn more, sign up for her newsletter. You'll get an alert whenever Amelia releases a new book and exclusive content like free excerpts and giveaways. https://goo.gl/forms/VlnDVsYoSXCiN2hw1
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January 4, 2022💝 FREE on Amazon today (11/30/2017)! 💝
January 6, 2021
The H is great, strong and honest. The h is the complete opposite, she's inexperienced and undisciplined. The H shows her how to improve with domestic discipline, and provides a good life for her and her little boy. It's a sweet book.
April 21, 2017
An Epic Romance Reviews Top Pick!
“My little kitten has sharp claws.”
Amelia Smarts is my go-to author for sweet and swoony Western spanking romances featuring ruggedly authoritative frontier men and the sweet, feisty women who lasso their hearts. And HOLY HOTNESS... HANDLING SUSANNAH is all sort of delicious!
Without giving too much plot away, this is the high-spirited story of taciturn rancher Adam Harrington who is in the market for a sweet, achingly innocent mail order bride but the beautiful, tempestuous young woman he ends up tying the knot with has not been totally upfront about her background, including the fact that she has a tarnished reputation and a sweet 5 year old boy in tow!!
Now this big, manly rancher has his hands full with his ready-made family! Teaching his not-so-virtuous new wife, Susannah Smith, some lessons in honesty, humility and obedience is far from easy but I wouldn't have it any other way because taming his naughty little kitten into sweet submission leads to some SCORCHING HOT bottom warmings and a red-hot passion that BLAZES OUT OF CONTROL!
What I love about Ms. Smarts writing, aside from her quiver-inducing sexy/spanky times, is that there are always deeper layers to her characters and storylines and it's SHEER BLISS watching her protagonists fall hopelessly in love despite their best intentions!!
True to form, I found the emotional journey Adam and Susannah embark on together in HANDLING SUSANNAH to be both HEARTWARMING and HEARTSHATTERING! I loved Susannah's sassy, strong-willed personality but of course the adorable spitfire proves no match for her strict, heavy handed hubby who has ZERO TOLERANCE for her temper tantrums or blatant disrespect! But, naturally, as with all of Amelia Smarts tough yet exquisitely tender dominants, he has a mighty big soft spot for his willful wife and she arouses PRIMAL LUST and FIERCE PROTECTIVENESS in him.
In addition to the poignant love story and panty melting hot romantic interludes, I melted into a PUDDLE OF GOO during the heart-tugging bonding scenes between Adam and Susannah's little boy, Caleb. Turns out, sometimes the love you think you WANT isn't the love you NEED, and ultimately, this touching romance stirs powerful and poignant emotions that leave a lasting imprint on the heart!!
5 Stingalicious Stars!!
“My little kitten has sharp claws.”
Amelia Smarts is my go-to author for sweet and swoony Western spanking romances featuring ruggedly authoritative frontier men and the sweet, feisty women who lasso their hearts. And HOLY HOTNESS... HANDLING SUSANNAH is all sort of delicious!
Without giving too much plot away, this is the high-spirited story of taciturn rancher Adam Harrington who is in the market for a sweet, achingly innocent mail order bride but the beautiful, tempestuous young woman he ends up tying the knot with has not been totally upfront about her background, including the fact that she has a tarnished reputation and a sweet 5 year old boy in tow!!
Now this big, manly rancher has his hands full with his ready-made family! Teaching his not-so-virtuous new wife, Susannah Smith, some lessons in honesty, humility and obedience is far from easy but I wouldn't have it any other way because taming his naughty little kitten into sweet submission leads to some SCORCHING HOT bottom warmings and a red-hot passion that BLAZES OUT OF CONTROL!
What I love about Ms. Smarts writing, aside from her quiver-inducing sexy/spanky times, is that there are always deeper layers to her characters and storylines and it's SHEER BLISS watching her protagonists fall hopelessly in love despite their best intentions!!
True to form, I found the emotional journey Adam and Susannah embark on together in HANDLING SUSANNAH to be both HEARTWARMING and HEARTSHATTERING! I loved Susannah's sassy, strong-willed personality but of course the adorable spitfire proves no match for her strict, heavy handed hubby who has ZERO TOLERANCE for her temper tantrums or blatant disrespect! But, naturally, as with all of Amelia Smarts tough yet exquisitely tender dominants, he has a mighty big soft spot for his willful wife and she arouses PRIMAL LUST and FIERCE PROTECTIVENESS in him.
In addition to the poignant love story and panty melting hot romantic interludes, I melted into a PUDDLE OF GOO during the heart-tugging bonding scenes between Adam and Susannah's little boy, Caleb. Turns out, sometimes the love you think you WANT isn't the love you NEED, and ultimately, this touching romance stirs powerful and poignant emotions that leave a lasting imprint on the heart!!
5 Stingalicious Stars!!
September 25, 2018
Adam Harrington and Susannah Smith were not what each other expected. He was too in charge and she was too temperamental, which of course led to the expected fireworks before and after their wedding to each other.
For me this is the type of dominance/submissive read that have to be in the mood for, I really was not feeling it at any point though.
Not sure if it was because am tired of the idea that a man is given total autonomy over a woman because of his sex or if because the woman in question was supposed to be such a strong minded character. During the course of the story however Susannah just ended up doing as Adam wished over and over no matter her initial protests.
Either way by the end could have cheerfully strangled them both whether they found their HEA or not, of course they did after many stops and starts.
For me this is the type of dominance/submissive read that have to be in the mood for, I really was not feeling it at any point though.
Not sure if it was because am tired of the idea that a man is given total autonomy over a woman because of his sex or if because the woman in question was supposed to be such a strong minded character. During the course of the story however Susannah just ended up doing as Adam wished over and over no matter her initial protests.
Either way by the end could have cheerfully strangled them both whether they found their HEA or not, of course they did after many stops and starts.
October 16, 2019
I would have rated this more highly if it hadn't contained one of my number one pet peeves in this genre, which is "blame the victim."
So, here is Susannah's predicament: she's an unwed mother who the townspeople disapprove of because she's an...unwed mother. And Adam is so concerned with "honesty" (because, you know, in the 1800s, unwed mothers had so many options) that he punishes her. And, don't even get me started on the fact that it's her land, her money, etc. and, suddenly, by virtue of gender, it's all in his name and she has NO say (as one reviewer remarked: Adam treats her like the "help"). I suggest if Ms. Smarts continues to write historical westerns, she does a little research into the time period.
Usually I find Ms. Smarts' heroes not to be so domineering, but Adam was just too much in what was supposed to be a fairly tame and gentle DD romance.
2 1/2 stars
So, here is Susannah's predicament: she's an unwed mother who the townspeople disapprove of because she's an...unwed mother. And Adam is so concerned with "honesty" (because, you know, in the 1800s, unwed mothers had so many options) that he punishes her. And, don't even get me started on the fact that it's her land, her money, etc. and, suddenly, by virtue of gender, it's all in his name and she has NO say (as one reviewer remarked: Adam treats her like the "help"). I suggest if Ms. Smarts continues to write historical westerns, she does a little research into the time period.
Usually I find Ms. Smarts' heroes not to be so domineering, but Adam was just too much in what was supposed to be a fairly tame and gentle DD romance.
2 1/2 stars
April 13, 2017
DNF = 1 star
Okay so the cover is dreadful and I am not into domestic discipline but arranged marriage is a guilty pleasure and I am sure I was too tired to make good choices. But it was not the topic that made me stop reading this wretched wreck of a story. It was the terrible writing. It is not even worth me spending time thinking about how bad it was to finish this review.
Just say no.
Okay so the cover is dreadful and I am not into domestic discipline but arranged marriage is a guilty pleasure and I am sure I was too tired to make good choices. But it was not the topic that made me stop reading this wretched wreck of a story. It was the terrible writing. It is not even worth me spending time thinking about how bad it was to finish this review.
Just say no.
August 10, 2018
Thoroughly disliked all the spanking. It would have been wife abuse in this time. It took away from my enjoyment of this novel a great deal.
The narration was okay but at times it was a bit monotone. Just not my cup of tea. Glad I found this one through the romance package on Audile. Happy reading/listening!
The narration was okay but at times it was a bit monotone. Just not my cup of tea. Glad I found this one through the romance package on Audile. Happy reading/listening!
April 1, 2017
I truly enjoyed this story it's had a great story plot I was hooked from the first page I love the connection between both main character great steamy love scene I didn't want this book to end
March 5, 2021
Problematic toxic masculinity
Wasn't for me. The themes in this book are red flags for emotional, mental abuse. He doesn't let her make decisions, cuts her off when she questions his controlling ways and tell her son if he's bad he'll be punished. Children aren't bad their behaviour is.
And i wasn't talking about the light bdsm content
Wasn't for me. The themes in this book are red flags for emotional, mental abuse. He doesn't let her make decisions, cuts her off when she questions his controlling ways and tell her son if he's bad he'll be punished. Children aren't bad their behaviour is.
And i wasn't talking about the light bdsm content
January 15, 2021
I found this book to be appalling. The main character, Adam, is controlling and physically abusive. I would not recommend this book for anyone.
April 15, 2020
Umm ...While I'm glad Adam taught Caleb to respect women, but himself, Adam, partly don't. Spanking her and humiliating her seems to give him satisfaction only Instead it read out that he didn't. (Liar) he deserved the spanking himself. Man! You can teach her lessons by discussing the problems and try to solve by verbaling the issues.
The Susannah...what a petulant woman. It's good Adam teach her manners....of sort, but why spank her? It would be akward on the first meeting. Who does that?!
She's has no backbone! But she does at beinging and Adam tear her down and start anew by spanking her and modified her to be meek and biddable wife.
Good grief!
She's a whore alright. I guess it's better in their own bedroom. To me, I feel He's mad at her cuz she was not "innocence" when they wed, privately agree to calling her whore. I don't know why she isn't angry?! "My naughty whore". sheesh
I really don't like spanking and lashing....maybe lightly friendly bedroom spanking....
While it was in late 1800s...I'm sure glad we live in new century. If my husband treat me the way he treat Susannah, I wldspanked beat his ass and tell him to get out.
He seem kind enough for this era. So, I should be grateful that he's not abusive...I must emphasize this word. Cuz He is truly good husband and a good father.
Huh, I guess story is better now that they voice out their issues and letting each other know of their displeasures and opinions so they be resolved. But one thing is obvious...there's gunna be more spankings!!! ✋🍑
THE END....? To short.
The Susannah...what a petulant woman. It's good Adam teach her manners....of sort, but why spank her? It would be akward on the first meeting. Who does that?!
She's has no backbone! But she does at beinging and Adam tear her down and start anew by spanking her and modified her to be meek and biddable wife.
Good grief!
She's a whore alright. I guess it's better in their own bedroom. To me, I feel He's mad at her cuz she was not "innocence" when they wed, privately agree to calling her whore. I don't know why she isn't angry?! "My naughty whore". sheesh
I really don't like spanking and lashing....maybe lightly friendly bedroom spanking....
While it was in late 1800s...I'm sure glad we live in new century. If my husband treat me the way he treat Susannah, I wld
He seem kind enough for this era. So, I should be grateful that he's not abusive...I must emphasize this word. Cuz He is truly good husband and a good father.
Huh, I guess story is better now that they voice out their issues and letting each other know of their displeasures and opinions so they be resolved. But one thing is obvious...there's gunna be more spankings!!! ✋🍑
THE END....? To short.
June 23, 2017
Oh Susannah! What a sweet and spanking fun historical western! Amelia Smarts does it again with her load able characters and original themes. I have read many mail order bride books, but this mail order groom book had me hooked from the beginning. Adam comes to the suck of Susannah in so many ways. Without giving the story away, we see Adam come in and literally turn Susannah's life around from bratty woman to humble wife. She has a lot of growing to do and Adam is able to help her through her dilemmas. I have to say, I always a cringe a little when the dominant cowboy comes in with the first spanking, but these heroes that Amelia Smarts creates always are such tender men you can't help but fall in love with them. Adam really encompasses so many wonderful qualities and tames his new wife, but I have to say the breakout scenes were the ones between Adam and Caleb. When a rough and tough character like Adam can relate to a small boy like Caleb, you know you have a swoon worthy man.
Ken Solin is the narrator of this fun-loving book. I love his western twang and his slow paced drawl is just how I picture the old west. Perfect for Amelia's books.
Ken Solin is the narrator of this fun-loving book. I love his western twang and his slow paced drawl is just how I picture the old west. Perfect for Amelia's books.
June 29, 2017
This is quite a kinky story with spanking as discipline. It starts off with Adam answering an advert for a Mail Order Groom for the well-off Susannah and of course he is chosen.
Susannah has a very bad habit of omitting relevant bits of information that she should have told Adam and this gets her into trouble with him. She is quite spoilt and used to get away with all kinds of things with her late father, but Adam won't stand for her nonsense.
Besides this, the story tells of a blossoming relationship that is quickly turning from mere attraction to warm love.
I particularly liked the cuteness of her young son, Caleb. He sure has spunk.
There is something wrong with the recording or the editing of it from time to time - the beginning words of some of the sentences seemed to have been either omitted or cut out - I think perhaps due to faulty editing/recording but this didn't really detract from the story. It just annoyed me a bit.
Ken Solin has an interesting voice with a husky, slow drawl which lent itself to the story.
I received a copy of this audiobook for free and this is my unbiased review.
Susannah has a very bad habit of omitting relevant bits of information that she should have told Adam and this gets her into trouble with him. She is quite spoilt and used to get away with all kinds of things with her late father, but Adam won't stand for her nonsense.
Besides this, the story tells of a blossoming relationship that is quickly turning from mere attraction to warm love.
I particularly liked the cuteness of her young son, Caleb. He sure has spunk.
There is something wrong with the recording or the editing of it from time to time - the beginning words of some of the sentences seemed to have been either omitted or cut out - I think perhaps due to faulty editing/recording but this didn't really detract from the story. It just annoyed me a bit.
Ken Solin has an interesting voice with a husky, slow drawl which lent itself to the story.
I received a copy of this audiobook for free and this is my unbiased review.
August 22, 2017
Susannah is an unwed mother, who must find a husband to keep her family ranch due to a clause in her father's will. Being marked is a loose woman in Virginia City, she cannot attract a moral husband there. She was not a two-bit whore as the town gossips, but a young girl led astray by a wiser but wicked man. She put an ad in the same New York paper in which men advertise for wives.
Adam is about to lose his family ranch in Texas to sheep grazing on his property. However, the deed was faulty due to a poor excuse for a lawyer. More than anything, Adam wants a wife and a new start. Reading the personals in a New York paper for entertainment, he discovers Susannah's ad -- and thinks why not. Soon he is on his way to meet his bride, only to discover she invited three other men, so she could choose one in person.
Susannah was hoping for a meek man she could order about, however Adam is anything but meek. He is strong, stern and meant to be obeyed. He is everything not on her list, but her attraction is stronger -- she picks Adam.
She soon learns she has a spanking husband, but one who is equally loving, funny and a tender father for her son.
Could not put this one down.
Adam is about to lose his family ranch in Texas to sheep grazing on his property. However, the deed was faulty due to a poor excuse for a lawyer. More than anything, Adam wants a wife and a new start. Reading the personals in a New York paper for entertainment, he discovers Susannah's ad -- and thinks why not. Soon he is on his way to meet his bride, only to discover she invited three other men, so she could choose one in person.
Susannah was hoping for a meek man she could order about, however Adam is anything but meek. He is strong, stern and meant to be obeyed. He is everything not on her list, but her attraction is stronger -- she picks Adam.
She soon learns she has a spanking husband, but one who is equally loving, funny and a tender father for her son.
Could not put this one down.
January 14, 2025
Disciplining Her for Love -
Even though Susannah felt Adam was too bossy and therefore not the person she should choose to marry, she felt an inexplicable connection with him that was undeniable. Adam set the terms of their relationship from the outset and followed through on enforcing discipline when required. Susannah initially pushed back against Adam, but she soon realised he always got his way and she actually enjoyed the lessons he taught her. Nevertheless, spending time together brought them closer, even with their bickering sessions, but they worked together to build the life and family they deserved.
I really enjoyed reading this beautiful and heartfelt romance story, that had me squirming on my seat and needing a cold shower by the time I finished reading it. The story may have been set in the 1892, but the description of the steamy intimate moments felt like scenes from a twenty first century playroom in a BDSM Club. You will absolutely love reading this sexy, entertaining story and be happy to recommend it.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Even though Susannah felt Adam was too bossy and therefore not the person she should choose to marry, she felt an inexplicable connection with him that was undeniable. Adam set the terms of their relationship from the outset and followed through on enforcing discipline when required. Susannah initially pushed back against Adam, but she soon realised he always got his way and she actually enjoyed the lessons he taught her. Nevertheless, spending time together brought them closer, even with their bickering sessions, but they worked together to build the life and family they deserved.
I really enjoyed reading this beautiful and heartfelt romance story, that had me squirming on my seat and needing a cold shower by the time I finished reading it. The story may have been set in the 1892, but the description of the steamy intimate moments felt like scenes from a twenty first century playroom in a BDSM Club. You will absolutely love reading this sexy, entertaining story and be happy to recommend it.
I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
September 24, 2017
Who would have thought that being called a whore could be so romantic!
With a reputation as a loose woman and having a 5 year old son out of wedlock, Susannah has very few options. Her father's will left her with money and a ranch but with the stipulation that she must marry in order to keep it. She does what any woman would do in that situation, she takes out an ad in the paper for a mail order groom! She thought she would marry a man who would do her bidding but Adam is a stern but fair man who is not afraid of dolling out discipline when needed. Lots of passion and spankings ensue as the love between the two grows.
This was a very well written and balanced story. You get lots of spankings but you also get a fully developed story and characters. I love all of the dirty talk in the bedroom. Taking the insult of "whore" that the town has always thrown in Susannah's face and making it an almost romantic term of endearment is a beautiful thing. I 100% recommend this to all!
With a reputation as a loose woman and having a 5 year old son out of wedlock, Susannah has very few options. Her father's will left her with money and a ranch but with the stipulation that she must marry in order to keep it. She does what any woman would do in that situation, she takes out an ad in the paper for a mail order groom! She thought she would marry a man who would do her bidding but Adam is a stern but fair man who is not afraid of dolling out discipline when needed. Lots of passion and spankings ensue as the love between the two grows.
This was a very well written and balanced story. You get lots of spankings but you also get a fully developed story and characters. I love all of the dirty talk in the bedroom. Taking the insult of "whore" that the town has always thrown in Susannah's face and making it an almost romantic term of endearment is a beautiful thing. I 100% recommend this to all!
July 2, 2017
This was an enjoyable read for me. To be honest, the blurb completely drew me in but once I got started into the story, I couldn’t put it down.
Adam and Susannah were both characters that while separate they seemed completely different. Yet when they were together, they both seemed to change, but in a good way.
I loved how Susannah had it all figured out – she knew the type of guy she wanted to marry. She knew how she wanted things run, everything. Yet when she met Adam, she couldn’t deny how things felt between the two of them.
Adam was a typical alpha male, yet he pulled it off so well. While he could have been more strict with Susannah, he seemed to know that he had to go slow with her. And he did.
Overall – I was once again blown away by Smarts story, and I can’t wait to read more in the future!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Copy provided for review
Adam and Susannah were both characters that while separate they seemed completely different. Yet when they were together, they both seemed to change, but in a good way.
I loved how Susannah had it all figured out – she knew the type of guy she wanted to marry. She knew how she wanted things run, everything. Yet when she met Adam, she couldn’t deny how things felt between the two of them.
Adam was a typical alpha male, yet he pulled it off so well. While he could have been more strict with Susannah, he seemed to know that he had to go slow with her. And he did.
Overall – I was once again blown away by Smarts story, and I can’t wait to read more in the future!
Reviewed by Crystal Marie for Crystal's Many Reviewers
Copy provided for review
July 19, 2017
An Awesome Read!
I loved reading Handling Susannah(Mail-Order Grooms Book 1), all about Susannah Smith a twenty-two year old women who is a single mother and has a ranch and no husband & Adam Harrington is thirty years old has his own ranch, but is about to lose it because the property lines are not drawn properly and their is no wary to prove he owns it, since his father passed. Susannah writes an advertisement for a husband with ranching experience, and Adam answers it, and he comes to Virginia City Nevada. When he arrives at the hotel their are four other guys also here to marry one Susannah, and he's annoyed! The author wrote a very unique story about a young women who has not had an easy life, and she's only making it harder on her self! Read about Susannah and the husband she decides on and the troubles she gets in during this special time! I loved it and can't wait to read book 2!
I loved reading Handling Susannah(Mail-Order Grooms Book 1), all about Susannah Smith a twenty-two year old women who is a single mother and has a ranch and no husband & Adam Harrington is thirty years old has his own ranch, but is about to lose it because the property lines are not drawn properly and their is no wary to prove he owns it, since his father passed. Susannah writes an advertisement for a husband with ranching experience, and Adam answers it, and he comes to Virginia City Nevada. When he arrives at the hotel their are four other guys also here to marry one Susannah, and he's annoyed! The author wrote a very unique story about a young women who has not had an easy life, and she's only making it harder on her self! Read about Susannah and the husband she decides on and the troubles she gets in during this special time! I loved it and can't wait to read book 2!
January 18, 2018
I was surprised that I enjoyed this book because I assumed I wouldn't be interested in Mail-Order bride/groom novels, but I actually enjoyed this book.
I really liked Adam's character. He did not hold back and had no problems expressing his thoughts and disappointments. When he leaves his own ranch behind to answer Susannah's marriage proposal he's unhappy to discover her trickery when he finds he has to basically audition with 2 other men for her hand in marriage. Despite Susannah wanting a man she can control, she ends up with a man who has no problem taking charge and doesn't hesitate to put her in her place. Susannah gets a reality check when her spoiled behavior that her father enabled in her will no longer be tolerated by her new husband.
I seriously loved how Adam took control and had no problems bending Susannah over his knee to punish her for her childish behavior. But more than that I loved how they wanted their marriage to work and the sexual chemistry was very hot.
I really liked Adam's character. He did not hold back and had no problems expressing his thoughts and disappointments. When he leaves his own ranch behind to answer Susannah's marriage proposal he's unhappy to discover her trickery when he finds he has to basically audition with 2 other men for her hand in marriage. Despite Susannah wanting a man she can control, she ends up with a man who has no problem taking charge and doesn't hesitate to put her in her place. Susannah gets a reality check when her spoiled behavior that her father enabled in her will no longer be tolerated by her new husband.
I seriously loved how Adam took control and had no problems bending Susannah over his knee to punish her for her childish behavior. But more than that I loved how they wanted their marriage to work and the sexual chemistry was very hot.
February 15, 2019
Oh Susannah! When Susannah puts an ad in the paper looking for a groom to fulfill her father's wishes in his will, she wanted someone who was docile and willing to complete her endless honey-do items. She never expected what she received.
Adam Harrington has lost everything! His herd, his father's farm, the only life he's ever known. When he is invited by Susannah to come to her ranch to take it over, he takes the opportunity. In the end, though when he arrives, he is not the only person that has been invited. Surprisingly, though, she chooses him, despite her better judgment.
Susannah quickly learns, however, that what she thought she wanted was not at all what she needed. Adam's stern voice and firm hand quickly turn her life upside-down and into exactly what she needs - making her a better woman and wife.
This is a good read filled with plenty of hot/steamy spanking scenes. Definitely an easy read but hot and awesome!
Adam Harrington has lost everything! His herd, his father's farm, the only life he's ever known. When he is invited by Susannah to come to her ranch to take it over, he takes the opportunity. In the end, though when he arrives, he is not the only person that has been invited. Surprisingly, though, she chooses him, despite her better judgment.
Susannah quickly learns, however, that what she thought she wanted was not at all what she needed. Adam's stern voice and firm hand quickly turn her life upside-down and into exactly what she needs - making her a better woman and wife.
This is a good read filled with plenty of hot/steamy spanking scenes. Definitely an easy read but hot and awesome!
May 20, 2022
I think this is the fourth book I have read by this author. And it is a decent read if you like spanking romance. I have the same problem with this book that I have all the books I have read by not just this author but all the ones who write spanking romance stories. The women are all way to submissive. Some of them think of themselves as independent but they submit way to easily. It is one thing to agree to let their husband spank them but another to let someone they just met or hardly know. Once in a while I would like to see a woman fight against going across a lap. I would like to see after the first spanking the woman be mad instead of sorry. Just once I would like to see a woman who just got spanked kick the spanker in the knee and then take off running before he could catch her. Just because the woman loves him and agrees that the man is in charge does not mean she has to agree and even submit to every punishment he comes up with.
August 13, 2024
The bit I read in the Amazon advertisement was romantic: a good man who wanted to help and protect the woman.
In reality he turned out to be controlling and abusive under the guise of being "sexy and dominating." Hitting someone is never sexy. Obviously people do that as part of sex but she wasn't a consenting party to that here. He's supposedly a kind caring man and the author wants us to excuse his behavior because it's culturally appropriate for the time but it was a weird mix of modern values and historical values. A man that strict shouldn't have been ok with her non virginal state. This book is your standard fantasy about the guy who accepts the woman's child who isn't biologically his.
There were two other books in the bundle and I'm not going to read them. I did enjoy some of the romance of this but the dirty sex talk and physical abuse were too much of a turn off to want to read more from this author.
In reality he turned out to be controlling and abusive under the guise of being "sexy and dominating." Hitting someone is never sexy. Obviously people do that as part of sex but she wasn't a consenting party to that here. He's supposedly a kind caring man and the author wants us to excuse his behavior because it's culturally appropriate for the time but it was a weird mix of modern values and historical values. A man that strict shouldn't have been ok with her non virginal state. This book is your standard fantasy about the guy who accepts the woman's child who isn't biologically his.
There were two other books in the bundle and I'm not going to read them. I did enjoy some of the romance of this but the dirty sex talk and physical abuse were too much of a turn off to want to read more from this author.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 24, 2017
This was my first historic western romance. It took me a little adjustment to the narrator because at first it felt like my grandfather was reading me a story. But the first time he portrayed the cowboys, I knew he was the perfect narrator.
As for the story, I was hesitant on reading it because I like a different kind of hero, but I am very pleased to have listened to it. Imagine a spoiled rich girl, who learns how to be humble. It is a very sweet romance. I really liked how the two grew to be more of a couple. There was not too much in spankings or erotica but just enough to keep it interesting.
This is a very well written romance that no matter who your favorite hero may be, you too will love Adam.
As for the story, I was hesitant on reading it because I like a different kind of hero, but I am very pleased to have listened to it. Imagine a spoiled rich girl, who learns how to be humble. It is a very sweet romance. I really liked how the two grew to be more of a couple. There was not too much in spankings or erotica but just enough to keep it interesting.
This is a very well written romance that no matter who your favorite hero may be, you too will love Adam.
September 2, 2022
Adam feels hoodwinked when he turns up to find his potential bride entertaining other offers and with a child. Though he is chosen as her helpmate, he quickly sets the tone of their marriage by taking her on the first of many trips over his knee for the deception. Susannah loves his manner with her son Caleb, softening her to the gruff man. Now, if she can get him to be less harsh with her. Unfortunately for her, batting her big eyes doesn't work on her cowboy. He won't be led. They find their way to each other though, with his hand applied liberally to her hind quarters as needed. A quick steamy tale of two people trying to eek out a living in the Old West. I wonder if they still make'em like Adam. Hmmm????
July 6, 2017
HANDLING SUSANNAH was a steamy, sexy and sweet story that had me hooked from the start!! This was my first Western spanking book and I am kicking myself for not giving this genre a try sooner!!! The narrative was delightful and addictive, and the discipline scenes between the swoony Adam and his kitten, Susannah was scorchingly HOTTTTT!!!! I adored the sweet scenes between Adam and Susannah's son, Caleb. In a nutshell, this book has converted me and I will be seeking out more audios by Amelia Smarts!
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author.
I was voluntarily provided this review copy audiobook at no charge by the author.
August 4, 2017
Mail order groom!
I really liked this. But felt that for the time the story is set some of it is historically inaccurate. 1 Caleb would have gotten at least a swat or two for his tantrums. He would have come home from fighting at school with a sore bottom, teachers of the time would have been quick to spank. 2 Sheepherders were run off, burned out even killed at the time, they weren't taking over. Otherwise I would have loved for this to be longer.
I really liked this. But felt that for the time the story is set some of it is historically inaccurate. 1 Caleb would have gotten at least a swat or two for his tantrums. He would have come home from fighting at school with a sore bottom, teachers of the time would have been quick to spank. 2 Sheepherders were run off, burned out even killed at the time, they weren't taking over. Otherwise I would have loved for this to be longer.
January 10, 2021
Susannahs marital education
A short story about a bride who learns the hard way how to please her new husband and the punishment she suffers when caught in her lies. Things have certainly changed since then. Brutal at times but well written. Don't think that I'll be reading more of Amelia 's material in the future.
A short story about a bride who learns the hard way how to please her new husband and the punishment she suffers when caught in her lies. Things have certainly changed since then. Brutal at times but well written. Don't think that I'll be reading more of Amelia 's material in the future.
January 13, 2021
Handling Susannah
First book to be read by the author Amelia Smarts. I found this book definitely interesting, nothing I ever read before. I did however come to enjoy it. I will say I felt like the ending wasn't finished and you didn't see alot of growth in Susannah I was hoping for more for her you saw more in Caleb than her. In all still good
First book to be read by the author Amelia Smarts. I found this book definitely interesting, nothing I ever read before. I did however come to enjoy it. I will say I felt like the ending wasn't finished and you didn't see alot of growth in Susannah I was hoping for more for her you saw more in Caleb than her. In all still good
September 22, 2022
2.5
I got this on the "stuff your kindle" day that Amazon has...it was marked down to $0.00.
It wasn't bad, I love a marriage of convenience or "mail-order" plot. It didn't get too into character plots, there weren't any side characters, there wasn't a ton of plot growing...but I read it in about 2.5 hours and it kept my focus.
Not the best, surely not the worst.
I got this on the "stuff your kindle" day that Amazon has...it was marked down to $0.00.
It wasn't bad, I love a marriage of convenience or "mail-order" plot. It didn't get too into character plots, there weren't any side characters, there wasn't a ton of plot growing...but I read it in about 2.5 hours and it kept my focus.
Not the best, surely not the worst.
December 15, 2023
Good storyline!
I enjoyed the storyline in this book, but the 'handling' part was a little stressful. Not my thing at all so there was a good part of this story I skipped. There's no way I would tolerate someone who treated me that way which has lead to black eyes, a broken nose, and worse in my lifetime.
I enjoyed the storyline in this book, but the 'handling' part was a little stressful. Not my thing at all so there was a good part of this story I skipped. There's no way I would tolerate someone who treated me that way which has lead to black eyes, a broken nose, and worse in my lifetime.
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