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Mail Order Mounties #15

RNWMP: Bride for Colton

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What happens when a lie turns into love?

Honor was never a high priority for the thieves and charlatans Gemma Spurling was raised with. When she’s finally old enough to break free of her mother’s control, dear ol’ Mum has other ideas. Just one more swindle, she says, but Gemma knows it will never stop. The only way to live the honorable life she truly wants is to escape Ottawa forever. The only trouble is she has no friends, no prospects and no money, so she turns to Mountie matchmaker extraordinaire Miss Hazel Hughes for help.

Some might say Colton Leeds is naive. He prefers to think he’s trusting. Having grown up in a small town where nobody lies — and don’t try to tell him otherwise — Colton believes in absolutes. Right and wrong, good and evil, and nothing in between. As a newly minted Mountie, he can’t wait to arrive at his first posting and bring all wrongdoers to justice. But first he and his fellow Mounties must stop at the home of Miss Hazel to find wives to take with them into the great white Ontario wilderness.

The moment Gemma meets Colton in Miss Hazel’s parlor, she knows she’s found the perfect pigeon. She just needs to fool him into thinking she’s the perfect wife until she can figure out a way to strike out on her own. But it doesn’t take long for Gemma to realize life with Colton was the life she’d dreamed of all along. When an evil man from her past threatens to tear down everything she’s built, Gemma must choose between her life with Colton and her honor.


Mail Order Mounties is a multi-author series set in Canada during the early 1900s. Join authors Kirsten Osbourne, Kay P. Dawson, Cassie Hayes and Amelia Adams as they bring you stories of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police and the mail-order brides who love them.

182 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 28, 2017

157 people are currently reading
54 people want to read

About the author

Cassie Hayes

21 books162 followers
Cassie Hayes grew up pretending she was Laura Ingalls (before that pesky Almonzo arrived on the scene) in the middle of Oregon farm country. She lives with her husband and cat on the Pacific Ocean and loves to hear from her readers.

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews
Profile Image for Connie Hill.
1,881 reviews47 followers
January 10, 2018
I hope you are loving the RNWMP series as much as I am. In this book, we meet Gemma and Colton. Colton is a new mountie ready to sink his teeth into it. Gemma is overcoming a broken past, including her con-artist mother. I loved the characters, the story line, the descriptions. Each book in this series is so unique. Written by such talented authors. I can't wait to read more in the series.

I received a copy of this book through the author, all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kathy Heare Watts.
6,951 reviews175 followers
December 31, 2017
LIVING—LEARNING—LOVING—TOGETHER—FOREVER

The stories are the creation of talented multi-authors and each focus on Miss Hazel Hughes, a self-appointed matchmaker and the mail-order brides she locates for single members of the Royal Northwest Mounted Police. Each story in this series will read as a standalone. The story is a clean historical situated in Canada with a great cast of characters and plenty of humor. This story will take the reader on a journey of discovery and will bring the con-artist and law enforcement together in marriage.

Another group of Mounties, preparing to leave for a very remote post in Reindeer Ridge call upon Miss Hazel to assist them in finding a wife to go with them. The ladies have been with her training in the arts of housekeeping and cooking. On this adventure, instead of her and the brides she matches up with the Mounties, they will be coming to her home, and each lady will be in a separate room and have a Round Robin visit from the men to find their brides.

Among the brides is Gemma Spurling, needing to get away from Ottawa and her con-artist mother, Bronwen. Maybe once she is gone, she can start a new life and feels bad about her method of starting over. When the Mounties show up, the first man scares her and she play-acts as a silly young girl to have him leave, but what happens when the second man, Colton Leeds, enters? There is a connection and within moments of talking her offers her marriage.
Colton Leeds has left his family for an adventure and to do something besides the family business of fishing. He believes straight up that it is right or wrong and with absolutely no grey area.

“You should know this about me. I’m a man of conviction. I believe in right and wrong, good and evil. I believe if you break the law, you deserve justice. Everyone has a choice. Sometimes choosing to do good is harder, but it’s the only way.”

A marriage between these two will come with secrets and a shady past from Gemma, not something she chose but was forced on a child by her mother. From the time on the train to their new home is challenging and gives her an idea what life will be like keeping that secret, but she is sure she isn’t the only one of the brides with secrets. From rescuing a widowed mother and her two children, moving them into their home will give Gemma and Colton distance while learning more about each other. Gemma will learn more about compassion and Lilly will teach her about cooking. But when trouble comes calling in the form of evil men, what will happen?

The story takes on many challenges and will be full of lessons of life for both the straightforward Colton and the checkered-past Gemma. Will she be able to keep her secrets or will the past come to haunt her? How far and to what extent will a parent go to protect their children? The harsh winter has her trapped in the area, and with it comes danger. Will Gemma and Colton find love and forgiveness before its too late?

“We can’t do anything about our past. We both have to remember that, as hard as it might be. If we do, maybe we can each find the happiness we’ve been denied for so long.”
Profile Image for Cynthia.
2,097 reviews22 followers
January 17, 2018
This is a story about finding your balance between good and bad, truth and lies where do you draw the line. Should some things be over look or should you stick to a very fine line? What if you had no choice but to do the deed or have someone killed those you love, hurt them or they would kill you would that change how you think? What if things were out of your control and you were unable to work due to being sick, maybe a broken back or you are unable to get around due to illness would that make it ok to steal a little food for your family to eat? These are some of the issue Colton might have to face. For him there is no fine line, no give or take you are either good or evil, it is either right or wrong. His new wife and her friend are hiding a very big secret that he is going to have to face. He is going to have to face facts that sometimes there might be a little gray in the middle but will it be too late to save his marriage?

Gemma was raised by her grandmother but when she died her real mother stepped up to the plate and finished raising her. She had a wonderful life until then that is the day she learned what it meant to stay alive, to have food to eat and what people were willing to do to get it. Turning over a new leaf running away from her mother, refusing to steal, lie or cheat and start over has been a trying time. Becoming a mail order bride is the only answer that is until she finds the sweatiest, trusting and the kindest man alive. Only he has rules and she has broken just about every one of them.

The plot is wonderful, I loved when Gemma said she can cook a little but lord what Colton has to eat. I love the humor, the suspense and her little Indian friend. I enjoyed watching Colton find out that sometimes you have to over look things that not everything is as you first think. There is a lesson here that we all need to remember to look deeper before judging and trusting. I really liked the characters they are down to earth, very likable people who steal your heart. Gemma has a few lessons to learn as well and lord knows Colton needs some help knowing good people from bad people. These two well balance either other out. This is a wonderful addition to a great series that shows how tough it was and how people come together to start over with fun, love, danger and laughter.
Profile Image for Babs.
Author 15 books188 followers
May 15, 2018
Gemma is desperately trying to get away from the crimes her mother has made her partake in. She finds a way to escape her and runs to Miss Hazel just in time to have a choice of one of the four mounties coming to her house.

Colton is a mountie who believe in right and wrong and is a bit naive in his thinking. He doesn’t see gray you are either innocent or guilty. He picks Gemma and she plans to use him to get out of Ottawa.

She doesn’t plan to fall in love or help anyone else. A great read and I think Gemma is one of the best heroine’s in the series. She has grown and helped others despite what she has been through. The characters are great and Colton learns a few things along the way as well.
Profile Image for Tonya VanWinkle.
Author 5 books14 followers
January 9, 2018
Very Good

I enjoyed this story very much. It truly showed how a couple can became a whole, by rounding out each person and becoming a better person all together.
Profile Image for Stephanie (Between the Coverz).
578 reviews5 followers
January 23, 2018
A heartwarming unexpected romance!

Bride for Colton is a well-written and unique story. The storyline is fresh and moves along at a steady pace while being engaging, appealing and attention-grabbing. This story hooked me from the very start and I could not put it down.

The characters are easy to connect with and well developed. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and like that the author doesn’t make the relationship easy. The characters had to learn to overcome their past to mature and grow together. Colton had to learn that sometimes being right is not always winning. Things are not always black and white, there is a gray area that you have to use your best judgment to solve. A mischievous little fox is a nice addition to the story – a smart little one.

Cassie Hayes knows how to create a story with enough romance and action to keep the reader entertained and fascinated. This is another brilliant book by a remarkably talented author. Cassie Hayes is one of my top go-to authors. She writes incredible stories that do not leave me disappointed. Even though this is part of a series, each book can be read as a stand-alone. I am anxiously waiting to read more in this series.

If you are looking for an outstanding romance then I recommend any book from Cassie Hayes. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming and sweet romance with the happy-ending we come to expect.
870 reviews4 followers
February 22, 2020
Gemma's mother forced her into being an accomplice to her crimes but Gemma wants out. She figures the best thing to do is try to get one of the Mounties to marry her so she can escape and then leave to start a new life on her own after.
New recruit Colton is very nice but super naive. Even though he's gone through training to be a Mountie, he automatically wants to believe people at face value. But his commander and trainer, Malcolm, is helping him hone his skills. He falls for Gemma as soon as they meet, not realizing she's playing up to what she thinks he wants cus she thinks he's an easy mark to get her out of town.
As they adjust to life up North, Gemma finds she's growing to care for her husband. But she knows the secrets of her past will be too much for him. Colton is a stickler for justice and sees everything in black and white, with no room for extenuating circumstances. What happens when a local woman and her children stay with them after their own home is burned down? Will Gemma be able to confide in her husband or will he arrest her for her past sins? Will Colton's training help him see there might be some grey areas?
This is a clean, sweet romance. I thought it was good. Colton was waaaay too trusting but it all seemed to work out ok still.
Profile Image for Anna.
429 reviews6 followers
January 7, 2018
Colton is a new Mountie. And raring to catch all criminals. But what he doesn't see is there are sometimes circumstances that need leniency. Love the growth these two show one another and the love that grows between them.
Gemma is trying to get away from a horrible life. Forced into doing things she never wanted to by her mother she takes the only out she can see. Mail Order Bride. But he must never find out about her life of crime. But as they start their lives together she finds herself falling for the handsome Mountie. When Lizzy and her children come to stay after a horrible fire in her Indian village things come out that may ruin her happiness. Can Colton find in his heart to forgive her for secrets and love her for who she is? Will the dangers that abound in the wilderness be too much to face or will they find a happy balance of love and compassion.
1,382 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2017
I really loved reading the book.
Bride for Colton, is heart warming
story, about Gemma & Colton.
Colton, & his fellow Mounties are going
to a new post, in Ontario. They have all decided to marry.
Gemma's life since her Gamma died,
when she was six, has been telling lies,
& doing things that were very wrong,
at the insistence of the mother.
When her mother, demands
Gemma does another con job,
she looks to Miss Hazel, for help.
Colton, was raised to be honest, & to do,
what is right. But, as he & Gemma get to know each other, Colton realizes that
something is not right.
What does the future hold for Gemma
& Colton, in Reindeer Rock?
A MUST READ FOR EVERYONE!!!
Profile Image for Melissa.
351 reviews18 followers
January 4, 2018
I am really enjoying the Mail Order Mounties series. In Colton’s story you have two people who come from two different backgrounds.

Gemma has lived most of her life on the streets doing what she had to for survival. Granted a lot of the schemes were her mother’s idea. She wants to live life on the straight and narrow and be able to be honest and truthful.

Colton lives a life where everything is black and white, there isn’t a gray area. He is also too trusting of others and that could be his downfall.

These two people will learn that life does have gray areas. They will also discover that love finds you when you least expect it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
759 reviews7 followers
January 5, 2018
Each time I read one of the Mail Order Mountie books I feel like it is the best one yet! Colton Leeds and Gemma Spurling have so much to learn about life and love. Gemma a "street smart" girl and Colton a young man from a town that he grew up only knowing good have so much to conquer. Can they do it and remain together? Time will tell. Marrying Colton was supposed to be a short term save for Gemma. I don't want to spoil the fun but this is a must read and you will truly enjoy this book. Cassie Hayes writes from the heart and You will see that the minute you start to read. I couldn't put it down.

I received an ARC of this book for an honest review. All opinions here are my own.
Profile Image for Teri.
614 reviews
January 4, 2018
There are so many things I love about the series, but somehow Cassie Hayes has wrapped every single one of them up into this book! Colton sees life In black & white, while Gemma’s life has been mostly gray, and lived around the edges. Yet somehow, Miss Hazel knows that they are perfect for each other, despite Gemma’s need to escape her less than stellar past. But when Colton discovers her dirty secrets, will he be able to look past it & see her deep & abiding love? Maybe I was just extra-feely, but this is the first RNWMP book that has made me shed tears...loved every second!
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
December 30, 2017
Hero: Colton-- Heroine: Gemma
Reading Enjoyment:4.5* Another great story in this series that is filled with fun, love and intrigue. The story progressed steadily, has well developed characters with witty/humorous dialogue and a fun developing plot. Gemma debating with herself and learning to trust Colton, and Colton learning right and wrong is not always in black and white. This story has a very happy and satisfying HEA
Profile Image for Janice Sisemore.
1,647 reviews15 followers
December 31, 2017
Bride for Colton

Gemma is trying to get away and better her life so she ends up being a bride thru match making service to Colton. I really loved Gemma and Colton. He is trying to keep the law but Gemma tries to convince him things are not always as they seem. Love the Fox in it too. This Mail Order Mounties Series is a good series. Look forward to reading more of them. I received an advanced copy of the book from the author.
417 reviews
November 5, 2020
Nice Story!

Gemma and Colton are secondary characters in the previous book about Annie and Malcolm. Now we get the background story about Gemma, who has quite a different life experience from the average young lady in 1911. Colton has been raised in a coastal town in New Brunswick and is fresh out of Mountie training. This story is a good lesson about right and wrong and the grey area between.
Profile Image for Leona Jackson.
247 reviews4 followers
December 29, 2017
Colton

Life is not black and white we live in the grey area. Not Colton you either right or wrong. Can he see passed the wrong to know whose really right for him? Mrs. Hayes tale is full of twist and turns that will keep you to the last page. Love how she allows Colton to mature with dignity and showing him being right isn't always winning.
40 reviews
December 29, 2017
Love has twists and turns

Gemma is a strong woman with a past that was not her making. She grows to love and trust people. Colton also must grow in the story to realize nothing is black and white. This is a great series. Pick one book, any book and you will need hooked. This series could go on for a very long time. Each character is unique and the stories tie together.
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,957 reviews10 followers
December 30, 2017
Mounties

Lies and deceit are hard to follow when a mounties is involved adventure is what happens and they include a fox and children and lead to an afternoon of turning pages to discover what happens next. A very entertaining read. The mounties always get their man or woman and keep the chase interesting
Profile Image for Tammy Rolle.
360 reviews6 followers
January 1, 2018
Honest Love

Another satisfying Mountie marriage. Colton is eager to prove his worth as a Mountie dedicated to truth and Justice. Gemma is running from her mother and a life of fraud and deception. A match made in heaven? Will the newly weds find a way to compromise or will their pasts be too much to overcome?
102 reviews
January 18, 2018
Gemma & Colton are very sweet characters. Gemma has secrets she is running from and she needs to learn to trust. Colton grew up very sheltered and is naive. He learns compassion from both Gemma & his commanding officer (Malcom) which makes Colton a better Mountie. This is a sweet story that I know you'll enjoy!
Profile Image for Jessica Miller.
12 reviews
December 31, 2017
Bride for Colton

This is a great story! I enjoyed how the story kept me hooked. This is one of my favorites from the series. There is more than one couples story and it was fun to read.
123 reviews3 followers
December 31, 2017
Really enjoyed the book

I’ve read the whole series so far. Each book just keeps getting better and better. I really enjoyed the way Colton learned that there’s two sides to every story and not everything is black and white.
Profile Image for Betty Melton.
227 reviews
January 8, 2018
Bride for Colton

Wonderful series. Can't wait for the next one! Enjoy how the author brings animal spirits into play. Adds a great touch. I find myself wondering what they will do next.
397 reviews5 followers
February 26, 2019
Great Reads

Truly inspirational, ful of excitement and love. The characters came alive, reached out and you were there. Thank you so much for writing and I will recommend you and this series to my friends and family.
Profile Image for Terri Nelson.
123 reviews4 followers
May 7, 2019
Colton and Gemmas story

I really enjoyed these characters, you brought such depth to them with such history to their pasts before meeting. I was surprised by many of the plot twists and turns which kept me reading straight through till the end. Thanks for another great read
Profile Image for Don.
1,027 reviews5 followers
December 15, 2024
This was a nice story about a girl named Gemma who had a mother who made her do things she despised. Consequently she hated her mother and ran to Mrs Hazel and married a Mountie. Off to Reindeer Rock and a new life.
Profile Image for Lynn.
Author 4 books8 followers
May 1, 2025
I enjoyed seeing the learning process for a new Mountie and the message about the letter of the law and the spirit of the law was well done. This was a sweet, short read whose plot unfolds at a good pace.
Profile Image for Crystal.
1,334 reviews10 followers
December 29, 2017
Amazing!

I absolutely loved this book, Gemma is a wonderful character and so is Colton, he just needs to learn that not everything has to be by the book.
800 reviews6 followers
December 30, 2017
Intrigue

But are they safe? Will love conquer fear? Will honesty be enough? Can a wiley little arctic Fox save the day? Oh my! Need a smile? Read this story!!
94 reviews2 followers
December 30, 2017
I loved the story, as usual. A very romantic story. Now I have to wait e weeks for the next one.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews

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