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Outlaw Mail Order Brides #1
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride
When the West was wild
And man's law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found...in the heart of an outlaw.
Former outlaw Clay Colby is abuzz with his mail order bride's expected arrival. He's fought long and hard to drag Devil's Crossing out of lawlessness...so when his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter rival, he's heartbroken. There's no woman in the world who'd stand by him now.
But Talley Shannon is no ordinary woman.
After escaping the psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn't mind that Clay's home is dang near burned to the ground--not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it's only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling...and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride--and the family they built together--to his very last breath.
And man's law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found...in the heart of an outlaw.
Former outlaw Clay Colby is abuzz with his mail order bride's expected arrival. He's fought long and hard to drag Devil's Crossing out of lawlessness...so when his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter rival, he's heartbroken. There's no woman in the world who'd stand by him now.
But Talley Shannon is no ordinary woman.
After escaping the psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn't mind that Clay's home is dang near burned to the ground--not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it's only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling...and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride--and the family they built together--to his very last breath.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 29, 2019
150 people are currently reading
533 people want to read
About the author
Linda Broday
59 books787 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. I live in the Texas Panhandle on land they call the Llano Estacado where the Native Americans and Comancheros once roamed and I can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. History is thick here with the ghosts of the people who settled this land. I love writing western historical romance and can't imagine doing anything else. I love a man in a Stetson and tight pants. Oh man! Those cowboys sure make my heart beat faster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 96 reviews
February 13, 2019
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride, by Linda Broday is a 2019 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication.
Fast-paced adventure with strong, well-drawn characters!
Clay Colby is a former outlaw trying to live his life on the up and up. He’s worked tirelessly to bring law and order to Devil’s Crossing. But just when his new bride is set to arrive, his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter enemy. Now, he’s sure his future wife will decide he’s not worth sticking around for.
Talley Shannon’s life has been very hard. She’s just made a daring escape from a psychiatric hospital, from which she was wrongfully detained, and is trying to build a new life for herself and the little girl she has taken charge of.
Despite the scene she observes upon her arrival, she feels safe with Clay and is determined to go through with the marriage. However, she and Clay both have demons from the past nipping at their heels, and despite the increasingly passionate feelings developing between them, those demons are bound to catch up to them sooner or later-
To be honest, this is the first western historical romance I’ve read in ages and ages. I read my fair share of them back in the eighties and nineties when the genre was super popular- albeit politically incorrect, a lot of the time. (They aren't now, of course!) The genre didn’t entirely disappear, but Regency period romances rose in popularity to the point of pulling off what basically amounted to a coup d'état on the entire genre. All other historical time periods fell from favor after that. Oh, sure, there are still authors out there who stayed with the genre, and newer authors who carved out a niche for themselves writing about the western frontier, but they aren’t nearly as plentiful as they used to be.
While I am a big fan of Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing, and their contemporary writers, by the time I realized they published a few western historical romance series, I was pretty burned out and frustrated with the entire historical romance genre in general- with a few notable exceptions for favorite authors.
But, when I was offered a chance to promote this book on my blog by the publisher and by Lone Star Book Blog Tours, I decided to take a leap of faith- and I am so glad I did!
I loved this story!! The characters are bold and brave, the pacing is brisk, with smoldering sensuality and lots of action and adventure. There is a plot I can sink my teeth into, but it is also a heartwarming and inspirational story.
This book was a very welcome change of pace for me and reminded me of how good these western romances can be, and how much I miss reading them. I also loved the colorful and vibrant cover of this book which is in keeping with the sweet romantic dances the main characters enjoyed in the story.
Overall, the authenticity and the excellent storytelling, makes this one a five -star read!! I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
Fast-paced adventure with strong, well-drawn characters!
Clay Colby is a former outlaw trying to live his life on the up and up. He’s worked tirelessly to bring law and order to Devil’s Crossing. But just when his new bride is set to arrive, his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter enemy. Now, he’s sure his future wife will decide he’s not worth sticking around for.
Talley Shannon’s life has been very hard. She’s just made a daring escape from a psychiatric hospital, from which she was wrongfully detained, and is trying to build a new life for herself and the little girl she has taken charge of.
Despite the scene she observes upon her arrival, she feels safe with Clay and is determined to go through with the marriage. However, she and Clay both have demons from the past nipping at their heels, and despite the increasingly passionate feelings developing between them, those demons are bound to catch up to them sooner or later-
To be honest, this is the first western historical romance I’ve read in ages and ages. I read my fair share of them back in the eighties and nineties when the genre was super popular- albeit politically incorrect, a lot of the time. (They aren't now, of course!) The genre didn’t entirely disappear, but Regency period romances rose in popularity to the point of pulling off what basically amounted to a coup d'état on the entire genre. All other historical time periods fell from favor after that. Oh, sure, there are still authors out there who stayed with the genre, and newer authors who carved out a niche for themselves writing about the western frontier, but they aren’t nearly as plentiful as they used to be.
While I am a big fan of Sourcebooks Casablanca publishing, and their contemporary writers, by the time I realized they published a few western historical romance series, I was pretty burned out and frustrated with the entire historical romance genre in general- with a few notable exceptions for favorite authors.
But, when I was offered a chance to promote this book on my blog by the publisher and by Lone Star Book Blog Tours, I decided to take a leap of faith- and I am so glad I did!
I loved this story!! The characters are bold and brave, the pacing is brisk, with smoldering sensuality and lots of action and adventure. There is a plot I can sink my teeth into, but it is also a heartwarming and inspirational story.
This book was a very welcome change of pace for me and reminded me of how good these western romances can be, and how much I miss reading them. I also loved the colorful and vibrant cover of this book which is in keeping with the sweet romantic dances the main characters enjoyed in the story.
Overall, the authenticity and the excellent storytelling, makes this one a five -star read!! I’m really looking forward to the next book in this series.
January 28, 2019
4.5 Mondays Stars
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride was my first time reading Linda Broday and I loved it. Linda Broday has been on my TBR list for a while now and I can't believe I waited so long to read one of her books. This book has some of my favorites in it. You got the mail order bride, the reformed bad boy, cute children, and the villains got their comeuppances! When it comes to historical romance early American Western historical is my favorite. It is also the one genre that is hard to find good authors in. Well I am happy to say I just found another. Linda Broday will be another go to when it come to Western historical romances.
Clay was such a good guy. Don't get me wrong he wasn't perfect, but that made him a better hero in my book. Also he had no problem saying sorry. I love when a man can admit to being wrong. I loved how he didn't bat a eye about taking in a little blind girl and making her his daughter. Clay was supportive, sweet, and understanding. He worked so hard to make a good life for his fellow reformed outlaws, his wife, daughter and himself. I totally fell in love with Clay. Tally was equally amazing. I love strong brave heroines and Tally was all that and more. Tally had such spirit. My heart broke for the things she lived through. She had fear and a good reason to be fearful but she fought with everything she had. She also went out of her way to help others. She was the perfect wife for Clay.
Clay and Tally's relationship felt strong and real. The reason for this is because the author did a great job of really building up their connection. There was tons of character and relationship development. And not just with the main couple. The secondary characters were amazing too. I became attached to the other ex outlaws, I fell in love with Dr Mary, and I even had a soft spot for Rebel. On top of great character build up there was a great plot too. I loved that I felt like I was transformed back to the wild west. I loved that the bad guys really got what they deserved and I loved that I got so invested in the characters that I can't wait to read each of their HEA. This was a great find and I'm so glad I read it!
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride was my first time reading Linda Broday and I loved it. Linda Broday has been on my TBR list for a while now and I can't believe I waited so long to read one of her books. This book has some of my favorites in it. You got the mail order bride, the reformed bad boy, cute children, and the villains got their comeuppances! When it comes to historical romance early American Western historical is my favorite. It is also the one genre that is hard to find good authors in. Well I am happy to say I just found another. Linda Broday will be another go to when it come to Western historical romances.
Clay was such a good guy. Don't get me wrong he wasn't perfect, but that made him a better hero in my book. Also he had no problem saying sorry. I love when a man can admit to being wrong. I loved how he didn't bat a eye about taking in a little blind girl and making her his daughter. Clay was supportive, sweet, and understanding. He worked so hard to make a good life for his fellow reformed outlaws, his wife, daughter and himself. I totally fell in love with Clay. Tally was equally amazing. I love strong brave heroines and Tally was all that and more. Tally had such spirit. My heart broke for the things she lived through. She had fear and a good reason to be fearful but she fought with everything she had. She also went out of her way to help others. She was the perfect wife for Clay.
Clay and Tally's relationship felt strong and real. The reason for this is because the author did a great job of really building up their connection. There was tons of character and relationship development. And not just with the main couple. The secondary characters were amazing too. I became attached to the other ex outlaws, I fell in love with Dr Mary, and I even had a soft spot for Rebel. On top of great character build up there was a great plot too. I loved that I felt like I was transformed back to the wild west. I loved that the bad guys really got what they deserved and I loved that I got so invested in the characters that I can't wait to read each of their HEA. This was a great find and I'm so glad I read it!
https://jessicasoverthetopbookobsessi...
January 9, 2019
Another good book of Broday's to escape into. One of the things I love about her writing is how she makes the West come to life. I could really picture in my mind the town Clay and the other outlaws were building.
Although I didn't like Tally as much as I have Broday's other heroines, her story was still tragic. This seems to be a prevalent theme in Broday's books and it works well in tandem with the harshness of the West. I liked that female friendship played a small role in her evolution and the town's. What could have become a catty, angst-filled story-line (a woman, Rebel, from Clay's past reappearing), ended up being a sweet friendship between Tally and Rebel.
There was plenty of Western action, romance, and sweet family/friend moments that I've come to expect and enjoy of Broday's novels. I think the next one in this series is about Jack, the ex-lawman outlaw and for that I am excited.
Although I didn't like Tally as much as I have Broday's other heroines, her story was still tragic. This seems to be a prevalent theme in Broday's books and it works well in tandem with the harshness of the West. I liked that female friendship played a small role in her evolution and the town's. What could have become a catty, angst-filled story-line (a woman, Rebel, from Clay's past reappearing), ended up being a sweet friendship between Tally and Rebel.
There was plenty of Western action, romance, and sweet family/friend moments that I've come to expect and enjoy of Broday's novels. I think the next one in this series is about Jack, the ex-lawman outlaw and for that I am excited.
no-way-jose
June 6, 2025No rating, DNF too early.
My first book by this author and it seemed that her writing was ok... But I just did not like the characters in this one. Just not my thing. 😖
The hero is a former outlaw. So I'm thinking tough stuff, rough around the edges, etc. No. This guy was a nervous Nellie anxiously awaiting his mail-order bride. While waiting, something unfortunate happens and he almost starts CRYING to his buddies that he feels like just giving up. Gloom and doom, woe is me. His hands were even shaking while greeting the mail-order bride too! 🤦🏻♀️
Now on to the bride.... She was very defiant, double-dog-dare-you-to-look-at-me-wrong type of gal. Again, not my thing. I would have rathered those personalities be switched around. I'm sure it's a great story though, just not my fav type of characters.
My first book by this author and it seemed that her writing was ok... But I just did not like the characters in this one. Just not my thing. 😖
The hero is a former outlaw. So I'm thinking tough stuff, rough around the edges, etc. No. This guy was a nervous Nellie anxiously awaiting his mail-order bride. While waiting, something unfortunate happens and he almost starts CRYING to his buddies that he feels like just giving up. Gloom and doom, woe is me. His hands were even shaking while greeting the mail-order bride too! 🤦🏻♀️
Now on to the bride.... She was very defiant, double-dog-dare-you-to-look-at-me-wrong type of gal. Again, not my thing. I would have rathered those personalities be switched around. I'm sure it's a great story though, just not my fav type of characters.
March 4, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride is the first book in the outlaw mail order bride series, which is connected to some of Broday’s previous series so it was really fun to see old favorites that connected to this story. This story was a unique twist on mail order brides and I really liked that it wasn’t your average mail order bride romance but with all the aspect of the “wild west” that you can admire and Linda Broday has always done a wonderful job in crafting beautifully penned westerns and this story is no different.
Clay and Talley is a pairing that takes us on a journey to the wild west. Clay is lonely, he craves someone to love and to grew old with and someone to raise children with. He hasn’t had the best luck in women, who seem never able to be strong enough to stick by his side through the hard stuff and he tends to always be abandoned by women he thought he could care about in the long haul. But he tries one more time with Talley, who he thinks might just be strong enough to stick with him no matter what. Talley has been living in hell for years. Her step mother, after her father and brother were killed suspiciously, forced her into an insane asylum and she went through hell and now that she is free, she is determined to free the iinnocent women being held there. Some of them with mental disabilities and others innocent, but tossed in because family members didn’t want them. One, a little girl, she rescued who is blind and has adopted her of a sort as her daughter. Talley doesn’t know if her marriage with Clay will work though because she is being hunted by those who run the asylum but she will do everything that she can to protect her daughter. Clay and Talley ‘s relationship is strained at first, but soon they develop a strong affection for each other, an affection that builds into something more stronger. But Talley has her reservations and doesn’t trust men easily, but she realizes that Clay is strong and kind enough to take her on and protect her from the dangers that hunt them
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride is a stunning romance that sweeps the reader off their feet pretty instantly. What I truly loved about this story was the beautiful love that builds between Clay and Talley. Now at first, I wasn’t quite on board with the heroine, she tended to leave when things get tough, always running but she does learn her lesson pretty quickly. My issue with the heroine is that she tended to break her promises to Clay and take the cowards way out with no protection and anything. But I love that her daughter truly helps her see that Clay can be trusted and that he is strong enough for them both. Even though the girl is terrified of men, she slowly begins to trust Clay and loved their beautiful father-daughter relationship form. Clay is one of the best heroes’ you can read. He is strong, protective, kind and understanding. He never judges either of his girls and just accepts and loves them for who they are and even though he has been burned bad by women in the past he doesn’t let that keep him from true happiness with Talley.
Overall I found Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride to be a stunning story of adventure, edgy suspense, tender moments to delighten you and a romance to cheer on!!
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride is the first book in the outlaw mail order bride series, which is connected to some of Broday’s previous series so it was really fun to see old favorites that connected to this story. This story was a unique twist on mail order brides and I really liked that it wasn’t your average mail order bride romance but with all the aspect of the “wild west” that you can admire and Linda Broday has always done a wonderful job in crafting beautifully penned westerns and this story is no different.
Clay and Talley is a pairing that takes us on a journey to the wild west. Clay is lonely, he craves someone to love and to grew old with and someone to raise children with. He hasn’t had the best luck in women, who seem never able to be strong enough to stick by his side through the hard stuff and he tends to always be abandoned by women he thought he could care about in the long haul. But he tries one more time with Talley, who he thinks might just be strong enough to stick with him no matter what. Talley has been living in hell for years. Her step mother, after her father and brother were killed suspiciously, forced her into an insane asylum and she went through hell and now that she is free, she is determined to free the iinnocent women being held there. Some of them with mental disabilities and others innocent, but tossed in because family members didn’t want them. One, a little girl, she rescued who is blind and has adopted her of a sort as her daughter. Talley doesn’t know if her marriage with Clay will work though because she is being hunted by those who run the asylum but she will do everything that she can to protect her daughter. Clay and Talley ‘s relationship is strained at first, but soon they develop a strong affection for each other, an affection that builds into something more stronger. But Talley has her reservations and doesn’t trust men easily, but she realizes that Clay is strong and kind enough to take her on and protect her from the dangers that hunt them
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride is a stunning romance that sweeps the reader off their feet pretty instantly. What I truly loved about this story was the beautiful love that builds between Clay and Talley. Now at first, I wasn’t quite on board with the heroine, she tended to leave when things get tough, always running but she does learn her lesson pretty quickly. My issue with the heroine is that she tended to break her promises to Clay and take the cowards way out with no protection and anything. But I love that her daughter truly helps her see that Clay can be trusted and that he is strong enough for them both. Even though the girl is terrified of men, she slowly begins to trust Clay and loved their beautiful father-daughter relationship form. Clay is one of the best heroes’ you can read. He is strong, protective, kind and understanding. He never judges either of his girls and just accepts and loves them for who they are and even though he has been burned bad by women in the past he doesn’t let that keep him from true happiness with Talley.
Overall I found Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride to be a stunning story of adventure, edgy suspense, tender moments to delighten you and a romance to cheer on!!
tried-sample-but-no
July 5, 2021I probably got past the sample because I was able to get this from my library on loan. I wasn’t feeling it. It was a little too fluffy and cheesy for my liking. Could very well be a me and my mood thing...
January 7, 2019
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
"She was tired of settling. She wanted to be all of someone's world, not just a small part. She yearned to fill a man's heart so full that his love for her spilled out all over the place."
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride is about Clay, who I was introduced to in The Heart of a Texas Cowboy. He was a bit mysterious in that book, and that made me curious about him. I am always happy when side-characters get their own story/HEA. And I think he found his perfect match in Tally Shannon, who escaped a psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained. She is very independent and doesn't trust easily, but she's also very practical. She is strong and can definitely take care of herself. I love these type of women in my Historical Romance books. Clay is a great guy and has turned his life around, he doesn't want to be an outlaw anymore. He was very caring and patient, especially when he first met Tally face to face. He knows he has to be cautious in not making Tally regret agreeing to marrying him. She doesn't come alone. She brings along Violet, a little girl, who is even more afraid of strangers and especially men. Clay has to do his best to win her trust. The scenes between Clay and Violet were my favorites. She was just the cutest.
"Sometimes, if we're lucky, there's a crack in the darkness and light seeps in. You're my light, Tally. My hope, my salvation, my future."
I adore Linda Broday's Historical Western Romances. She does such a great job in writing complete characters with intriguing stories. She doesn't rush anything, and this results in great character development. I do have to admit that her stories are bit on the longer side than what I usually read, but I don't really mind it in my Historical Romances. This book had plenty of romance, action, humor and some emotional scenes as well. The development in Clay and Tally's relationship is amazing, and I loved seeing it grow. They were a team and had each other's backs. They weren't perfect and made mistakes, but they knew have to fix those and learn from it. I highly recommend Linda's books to everyone who loves Historical Romances (HR). As for readers who haven't read any Western/Frontier HR, I hope you'll give it a try because you don't know what you are missing out on.
"She was tired of settling. She wanted to be all of someone's world, not just a small part. She yearned to fill a man's heart so full that his love for her spilled out all over the place."
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride is about Clay, who I was introduced to in The Heart of a Texas Cowboy. He was a bit mysterious in that book, and that made me curious about him. I am always happy when side-characters get their own story/HEA. And I think he found his perfect match in Tally Shannon, who escaped a psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained. She is very independent and doesn't trust easily, but she's also very practical. She is strong and can definitely take care of herself. I love these type of women in my Historical Romance books. Clay is a great guy and has turned his life around, he doesn't want to be an outlaw anymore. He was very caring and patient, especially when he first met Tally face to face. He knows he has to be cautious in not making Tally regret agreeing to marrying him. She doesn't come alone. She brings along Violet, a little girl, who is even more afraid of strangers and especially men. Clay has to do his best to win her trust. The scenes between Clay and Violet were my favorites. She was just the cutest.
"Sometimes, if we're lucky, there's a crack in the darkness and light seeps in. You're my light, Tally. My hope, my salvation, my future."
I adore Linda Broday's Historical Western Romances. She does such a great job in writing complete characters with intriguing stories. She doesn't rush anything, and this results in great character development. I do have to admit that her stories are bit on the longer side than what I usually read, but I don't really mind it in my Historical Romances. This book had plenty of romance, action, humor and some emotional scenes as well. The development in Clay and Tally's relationship is amazing, and I loved seeing it grow. They were a team and had each other's backs. They weren't perfect and made mistakes, but they knew have to fix those and learn from it. I highly recommend Linda's books to everyone who loves Historical Romances (HR). As for readers who haven't read any Western/Frontier HR, I hope you'll give it a try because you don't know what you are missing out on.
October 11, 2020
This is a first time read by author, Linda Broday. This book is categorized a historical romance, but I thought it was something more than the genre. I did enjoy the writing style, the descriptions and visualization of the scenery that the author portrayed in the story. The characters were well-developed, and the story was well-paced. The story has a host of characters and some did tug at my heart and some were heartfelt. It was also nice that the author included quite a bit action throughout the story.
Only drawback for me with the story was the frequency of abuse. I could have enjoyed it more if it was not as prevalent. While I do enjoy quite a bit of historical romance that feature mail order brides, I think this one was not quite for me. Would I be averse to reading other stories by this author? N0t at all… although this story did not appeal to me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Only drawback for me with the story was the frequency of abuse. I could have enjoyed it more if it was not as prevalent. While I do enjoy quite a bit of historical romance that feature mail order brides, I think this one was not quite for me. Would I be averse to reading other stories by this author? N0t at all… although this story did not appeal to me.
I received an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 14, 2019
Sometimes you see the title of a book and you just hafta. Outlaw + Mail Order Bride... yeah, that caught my fancy and I was eager to jump into the next exciting Western Historical romantic adventure by an author who has written some of my favorites in the genre. And, it was a good call. This book gripped me from page one and I was engaged with the characters and their struggles and wanting them to find their happiness nearly more than they did.
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride is the start of a new series. But, surprise! I loved that this series is a spin off from the last book in the Men of Legend series, To Marry a Texas Outlaw, Luke and Josie's story. For those who read that, remember the fugitive women that Luke knew out in that canyon and some of his equally tarnished hero outlaw friends? Yep, we are getting their stories now.
The story opens on a dramatic scene when Clay wakes to the day his mail order bride is to arrive and hopes she is the kind of woman who can live simple, work hard, and believe in his dream of starting over. Then an outlaw and his cronies who don't want reform and a new town of hope burn up Clay and the other's hard work and threaten more if he doesn't quit. So, he only has smoldering buildings, a dugout cabin and a tent city to greet Talley. This is it for him and he will give his all to make it happen, but the past just won't let him, it seems.
Tally has her own demons to slay and she doesn't have much trust and hope left after the horrendous things that have been done to her, but the sight of Clay's resolve and his gentleness with blind little Violet. She's willing to take just one more chance to find the unconditional love and acceptance with a man and family of her own that she's always wanted even if she has to work hard beside Clay to have it.
Things are really hard for both Clay and Tally to get a new start. They are both wanted outlaws and circumstances more than evil intent now have them paying. My heart broke for both of them and all the other men and women outlaws who wanted a second chance and were corresponding back and forth with Luke and Josie acting as the go betweens.
Clay and Tally were strong people and there was a spark between them from the beginning. Wariness on both their parts, but longing and vulnerability too. They were amazing together and I loved seeing their frontier life and the town come into shape as their relationship grew as well.
One thing I love about this author's historical westerns- okay two things- is the attention to historical details and making sure her stories fit in with the authentic background of the times. I also appreciate that she isn't afraid to make frontier life a little dark and gritty which also lends itself to giving the story a good balance of romance and realism. The bad guys were tough and made the conflict formidable. The tension leading up to the big showdowns kept me flipping pages just as much as the fabulous hard-fought romance.
The surrounding cast of characters from both their posse of friends were just as wonderful as the romance pair. This book was the set up for all these others to get their story, too.
All in all, I was enthralled and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Historical western romance fans, we have a winner. Grab it!
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride is the start of a new series. But, surprise! I loved that this series is a spin off from the last book in the Men of Legend series, To Marry a Texas Outlaw, Luke and Josie's story. For those who read that, remember the fugitive women that Luke knew out in that canyon and some of his equally tarnished hero outlaw friends? Yep, we are getting their stories now.
The story opens on a dramatic scene when Clay wakes to the day his mail order bride is to arrive and hopes she is the kind of woman who can live simple, work hard, and believe in his dream of starting over. Then an outlaw and his cronies who don't want reform and a new town of hope burn up Clay and the other's hard work and threaten more if he doesn't quit. So, he only has smoldering buildings, a dugout cabin and a tent city to greet Talley. This is it for him and he will give his all to make it happen, but the past just won't let him, it seems.
Tally has her own demons to slay and she doesn't have much trust and hope left after the horrendous things that have been done to her, but the sight of Clay's resolve and his gentleness with blind little Violet. She's willing to take just one more chance to find the unconditional love and acceptance with a man and family of her own that she's always wanted even if she has to work hard beside Clay to have it.
Things are really hard for both Clay and Tally to get a new start. They are both wanted outlaws and circumstances more than evil intent now have them paying. My heart broke for both of them and all the other men and women outlaws who wanted a second chance and were corresponding back and forth with Luke and Josie acting as the go betweens.
Clay and Tally were strong people and there was a spark between them from the beginning. Wariness on both their parts, but longing and vulnerability too. They were amazing together and I loved seeing their frontier life and the town come into shape as their relationship grew as well.
One thing I love about this author's historical westerns- okay two things- is the attention to historical details and making sure her stories fit in with the authentic background of the times. I also appreciate that she isn't afraid to make frontier life a little dark and gritty which also lends itself to giving the story a good balance of romance and realism. The bad guys were tough and made the conflict formidable. The tension leading up to the big showdowns kept me flipping pages just as much as the fabulous hard-fought romance.
The surrounding cast of characters from both their posse of friends were just as wonderful as the romance pair. This book was the set up for all these others to get their story, too.
All in all, I was enthralled and can't wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Historical western romance fans, we have a winner. Grab it!
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 22, 2019
As Texas as bluebonnets growing on hillsides, cattle grazing lush pastures, or cowboys riding for the brand and longing for a place to belong, Ms. Linda Broday has an extraordinary place in The Lone Star State and the hearts of her fans.
Outlaw Mail Order Brides is the 1st in a epic new trilogy from such a talented story teller. Ms. Broday never ceases to amaze her readers with her picturesque ways of telling a story.
“You didn’t have to be born to someone to be family. The one you chose is often much better. Clay had lost his at a tender age and had never found a replacement.
Until now.”
“Home wasn’t a place, but being with the person you loved. And Tally was his.”
Tally suffered the most brutal captivity a person could endure. Tally knows she can’t live in fear forever, but is Devil’s Crossing and Clay her passage to freedom, a safe life she’s always craved?
“Just for once, she wanted to know what being protected felt like.”
Ms. Violet and Bullet will weave their way into your heart and will take up residence for a lifetime.
If you are seeking an action-packed adventure with amazing characters, this one will steal your heart. Be ready for your emotions to run high, because this book cannot keep them settled.
Clay and Tally’s story will captivate the historical western lover in us all.
Linda Broday has earn her way into the coveted title of “Queen of Texas Historical Romance.”
Outlaw Mail Order Brides is the 1st in a epic new trilogy from such a talented story teller. Ms. Broday never ceases to amaze her readers with her picturesque ways of telling a story.
“You didn’t have to be born to someone to be family. The one you chose is often much better. Clay had lost his at a tender age and had never found a replacement.
Until now.”
“Home wasn’t a place, but being with the person you loved. And Tally was his.”
Tally suffered the most brutal captivity a person could endure. Tally knows she can’t live in fear forever, but is Devil’s Crossing and Clay her passage to freedom, a safe life she’s always craved?
“Just for once, she wanted to know what being protected felt like.”
Ms. Violet and Bullet will weave their way into your heart and will take up residence for a lifetime.
If you are seeking an action-packed adventure with amazing characters, this one will steal your heart. Be ready for your emotions to run high, because this book cannot keep them settled.
Clay and Tally’s story will captivate the historical western lover in us all.
Linda Broday has earn her way into the coveted title of “Queen of Texas Historical Romance.”
February 4, 2019
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride once again proves that Linda Broday has a God given talent at writing page turning, edge of your seat, nail biting books. This is certainly such a book. Trying to put this book down at times was like trying to get off of a high speed roller coaster the kind with twist, turns and even loops it's just impossible .
Clay, Tally and Little Violet just burrowed up in the corner of my heart. Even cigar smoking Dr Mary and a host of the other characters in this book plucked my heartstrings.
It was Great to see Luke and Josie from To Marry a Texas Outlaw book 3 of Linda Broday's Men of Legend series make an extensive visit in this book.
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride is one of the absolute best Western Historical Romance that I have ever read. I highly recommend this Absolutely Phenomenal Book
Clay, Tally and Little Violet just burrowed up in the corner of my heart. Even cigar smoking Dr Mary and a host of the other characters in this book plucked my heartstrings.
It was Great to see Luke and Josie from To Marry a Texas Outlaw book 3 of Linda Broday's Men of Legend series make an extensive visit in this book.
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride is one of the absolute best Western Historical Romance that I have ever read. I highly recommend this Absolutely Phenomenal Book
February 1, 2019
When all you want is a second chance…
The town of Devil’s Crossing was a haven for men looking for redemption and a second chance. They also wanted family…. Soon, their town was growing. Each man, woman and child with a past they wanted to make up for or escape from. Sometimes both. Tally and Clay, and the people they would soon call neighbors and friends, had hope…
This was a sweet, get lost in the past, western historical romance! Tally and Clay were damaged souls searching for purpose and someone to ease the nightmares and erase the past. To give them something to hope for. Hard work, danger? They weren’t afraid of the tough stuff that life dished out. Their unorthodox marriage was not a slam dunk even if they both wanted it so desperately. Instead it was a journey of discovery, with many emotional stumbles along the way. I loved Clay’s devotion to Tally, recognizing her strength and softness beneath her wariness. Tally saw her future in Clay’s eyes and arms but they both needed to deal with the past first…
Sacrifice and friendship, action and danger meant this love story was full of surprises. I’m hooked and can’t wait for Jake’s story next! ~Diane, 4 stars
The town of Devil’s Crossing was a haven for men looking for redemption and a second chance. They also wanted family…. Soon, their town was growing. Each man, woman and child with a past they wanted to make up for or escape from. Sometimes both. Tally and Clay, and the people they would soon call neighbors and friends, had hope…
This was a sweet, get lost in the past, western historical romance! Tally and Clay were damaged souls searching for purpose and someone to ease the nightmares and erase the past. To give them something to hope for. Hard work, danger? They weren’t afraid of the tough stuff that life dished out. Their unorthodox marriage was not a slam dunk even if they both wanted it so desperately. Instead it was a journey of discovery, with many emotional stumbles along the way. I loved Clay’s devotion to Tally, recognizing her strength and softness beneath her wariness. Tally saw her future in Clay’s eyes and arms but they both needed to deal with the past first…
Sacrifice and friendship, action and danger meant this love story was full of surprises. I’m hooked and can’t wait for Jake’s story next! ~Diane, 4 stars
February 5, 2019
Clay Colby’s an outlaw trying to go straight. Working with other men to build a new town called Devil’s Crossing, he longs for a partner in life. His friend Luke runs a rather unusual mail-order bride service, finding brides for men who can’t advertise through normal channels, and through Luke Clay finds Tally. Betrayed by her stepmother, she was placed in a lunatic asylum and horribly maltreated before being able to escape, taking with her several other women and Violet, a blind little girl unwanted by her parents.
Tally’s and Violet’s stories would tug at the hardest heartstrings, and Clay’s an absolute sucker. He’s also a good, patient man willing to wait for both to trust him, demonstrating in every way possible that they can do so. His romance with Tally and his care and love for Violet was both heart-warming and very believable, as well as his outrage on their behalf and determination to see justice done.
However, this is where things got a bit messy. There were an incredible amount of secondary characters in the book, so many I lost track of who was who after a while. I understand this is the first of a new series, and I think Broday may have succumbed to the temptation to introduce too many characters who will appear in later books. There was also a section where I thought the story was about to wrap up, about 85% of the way through the book, because things seemed to be about over. I assumed the rest of the book would be a preview for the next story, but no. Instead, Clay went off on a solo adventure for several chapters, introducing MORE new characters, and doing a lot of unnecessary faffing about, in my opinion. The whole section could have been erased by jumping straight to the courthouse and having him arrive with his prisoner just in time. It was unnecessary, pulled me out of the story by separating for a long section a couple I wanted to see together, and felt like unnecessary filler to make up a required word count.
While there were parts of the story I enjoyed, there were too many characters, too many subplots and also some really dark and brutal stuff a lot of people could find triggering, for sexual, physical and emotional abuse, torture and even child abuse. It was all a bit too much for a romance and at the end of the day, I wouldn’t read any more in this series or even recommend it to lovers of Western historical romance. Two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
Tally’s and Violet’s stories would tug at the hardest heartstrings, and Clay’s an absolute sucker. He’s also a good, patient man willing to wait for both to trust him, demonstrating in every way possible that they can do so. His romance with Tally and his care and love for Violet was both heart-warming and very believable, as well as his outrage on their behalf and determination to see justice done.
However, this is where things got a bit messy. There were an incredible amount of secondary characters in the book, so many I lost track of who was who after a while. I understand this is the first of a new series, and I think Broday may have succumbed to the temptation to introduce too many characters who will appear in later books. There was also a section where I thought the story was about to wrap up, about 85% of the way through the book, because things seemed to be about over. I assumed the rest of the book would be a preview for the next story, but no. Instead, Clay went off on a solo adventure for several chapters, introducing MORE new characters, and doing a lot of unnecessary faffing about, in my opinion. The whole section could have been erased by jumping straight to the courthouse and having him arrive with his prisoner just in time. It was unnecessary, pulled me out of the story by separating for a long section a couple I wanted to see together, and felt like unnecessary filler to make up a required word count.
While there were parts of the story I enjoyed, there were too many characters, too many subplots and also some really dark and brutal stuff a lot of people could find triggering, for sexual, physical and emotional abuse, torture and even child abuse. It was all a bit too much for a romance and at the end of the day, I wouldn’t read any more in this series or even recommend it to lovers of Western historical romance. Two stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review through NetGalley.
January 7, 2019
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is book one in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. This historical western romance is a spinoff of Broday’s Men of Legend series. The author is well-known for her bestselling western romances and this one will undoubtedly be another bestseller.
Clay Colby is an outlaw wanted for murder. He’s eagerly awaiting the arrival of his mail order bride, Tally. He’s frustrated and afraid that Tally will walk away when she arrives and sees that the town he built has been burned. Clay’s accustomed to women leaving him and hopes Tally can overlook the condition of her new home.
Tally Shannon is also a wanted fugitive with a bounty on her head. She escaped from an insane asylum, where she was wrongfully held. She arrives with an eight-year-old girl she rescued from the asylum and hopes that this won’t be a deal breaker for Clay.
The untamed, but beautiful, Texas landscape is a vital part of the story. The harsh environment adds to both life’s hardships and it’s triumphs. The concept of inner beauty over outer, surface, beauty is stressed throughout the novel. An aspect that I appreciated.
All the characters are interesting but more background details were needed. This novel is a spinoff of another series and in some instances it reads more like a sequel than a first of series. The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride works as a standalone, though some details should have been expounded upon. I recommend reading the Men of Legend series before starting this series.
I was disappointed with the ending. Actually I was disappointed that the ending was dragged out. The extended scenes disrupted the pace of the novel. The exact same resolution could have been reached with a lot fewer words.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride to readers of historical romance, especially those who enjoy western romance. Be aware: this is not a chaste romance. The book also has some depictions of physical and sexual abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.
My thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Clay Colby is an outlaw wanted for murder. He’s eagerly awaiting the arrival of his mail order bride, Tally. He’s frustrated and afraid that Tally will walk away when she arrives and sees that the town he built has been burned. Clay’s accustomed to women leaving him and hopes Tally can overlook the condition of her new home.
Tally Shannon is also a wanted fugitive with a bounty on her head. She escaped from an insane asylum, where she was wrongfully held. She arrives with an eight-year-old girl she rescued from the asylum and hopes that this won’t be a deal breaker for Clay.
The untamed, but beautiful, Texas landscape is a vital part of the story. The harsh environment adds to both life’s hardships and it’s triumphs. The concept of inner beauty over outer, surface, beauty is stressed throughout the novel. An aspect that I appreciated.
All the characters are interesting but more background details were needed. This novel is a spinoff of another series and in some instances it reads more like a sequel than a first of series. The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride works as a standalone, though some details should have been expounded upon. I recommend reading the Men of Legend series before starting this series.
I was disappointed with the ending. Actually I was disappointed that the ending was dragged out. The extended scenes disrupted the pace of the novel. The exact same resolution could have been reached with a lot fewer words.
Overall, I enjoyed this book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride to readers of historical romance, especially those who enjoy western romance. Be aware: this is not a chaste romance. The book also has some depictions of physical and sexual abuse that may be disturbing to some readers.
My thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
January 4, 2019
Clay Colby is a man with a past. Tally Shannon is a woman with a past.
Clay Colby, once an outlaw, is looking to start something great. He has a big dream of building a town and wants to start sharing his life with someone.
Tally Shannon, once a wrongfully accused patient in a psychiatric hospital is on the run from the ones who kept her imprisoned in the hospital. Tally only wants someone to protect her and her daughter and keep them safe. Can Clay do that?
I found Clay and Tally’s love story empowering, enlightening, and full of hopes and dreams that are not too hard to reach, if they can get past the problems that they face. Clay and Tally show a love for one another and others that is transcending. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Clay, Tally, little Miss Violet and Bullet (the dog) will wind their way into your heart and mind.
Linda Broday, as always, captivates readers by painting a scene of the Texas frontier. She never fails to make you feel as though you are there with the characters. Seeing the same things, smelling the same smells, hearing the same sounds. She truly brings you into her books.
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride will be on my shelf of favorites to come back to time and again!
Clay Colby, once an outlaw, is looking to start something great. He has a big dream of building a town and wants to start sharing his life with someone.
Tally Shannon, once a wrongfully accused patient in a psychiatric hospital is on the run from the ones who kept her imprisoned in the hospital. Tally only wants someone to protect her and her daughter and keep them safe. Can Clay do that?
I found Clay and Tally’s love story empowering, enlightening, and full of hopes and dreams that are not too hard to reach, if they can get past the problems that they face. Clay and Tally show a love for one another and others that is transcending. I thoroughly enjoyed this story. Clay, Tally, little Miss Violet and Bullet (the dog) will wind their way into your heart and mind.
Linda Broday, as always, captivates readers by painting a scene of the Texas frontier. She never fails to make you feel as though you are there with the characters. Seeing the same things, smelling the same smells, hearing the same sounds. She truly brings you into her books.
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride will be on my shelf of favorites to come back to time and again!
February 1, 2019
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-RQ
Clay Colby is searching for a new path in life, one which leaves his outlaw past behind him. He and many of his friends, most of whom are also former outlaws, are intending to build a new town where they can be free to live ordinary lives. The loneliness has driven Clay to seek a mail order bride. He hopes this third attempt will be the lucky one, as the previous two potential brides changed their minds after seeing the primitive condition of the town, Devil’s Crossing. If Tally refuses to stay, Clay has decided he will give up the attempt and live alone for the remainder of his life.
Tally Shannon has been brutally torn from her life by her evil stepmother, who not only murdered Tally’s father, but then had Tally institutionalized in the horrendous Creedmore Asylum. In her year of captivity, Tally was hurt, used, and degraded by the depraved men running the asylum. She manages to escape, and establishes a rescue team to remove other innocent prisoners from the asylum as she is able. When an opportunity arises to become a mail order bride, Tally accepts, and heads to Devil’s Crossing to meet her intended.
Clay does have a criminal past and has done some awful things. His desire now is to live in peace, and have a home, a wife, and family. Though suffering many losses, Clay is kind, soft hearted, considerate, hard working, and a genuine romantic. I loved his vulnerability and sensitivity, which he managed to retain, even after living an outlaw’s life. He is smitten by Tally when he sees her, and his decision to love and protect her is hero-worthy. Tally has learned to be tough. Though she’s willing to give her marriage a chance, she still holds a part of herself back, not willing to fully trust a man or to give up control of her life. She blatantly tells Clay that if things don’t work out between them, she will be leaving him in the spring.
Both Tally and Clay have suffered much, and made many mistakes. While they have a strong attraction to each other, there are many external events and people that won’t allow their marriage to flow along an easy path. They have to deal with the vengeful asylum owner who’s determined to have Tally back, a woman from Clay’s past who wants him back, outside outlaws who won’t let them live in peace, and Clay’s own criminal past means there’s still a bounty on him. THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE is a realistic look at the hardships of life in 1879 Texas, as well as a tender and satisfying love story that is guaranteed to please fans of western romance.
Clay Colby is searching for a new path in life, one which leaves his outlaw past behind him. He and many of his friends, most of whom are also former outlaws, are intending to build a new town where they can be free to live ordinary lives. The loneliness has driven Clay to seek a mail order bride. He hopes this third attempt will be the lucky one, as the previous two potential brides changed their minds after seeing the primitive condition of the town, Devil’s Crossing. If Tally refuses to stay, Clay has decided he will give up the attempt and live alone for the remainder of his life.
Tally Shannon has been brutally torn from her life by her evil stepmother, who not only murdered Tally’s father, but then had Tally institutionalized in the horrendous Creedmore Asylum. In her year of captivity, Tally was hurt, used, and degraded by the depraved men running the asylum. She manages to escape, and establishes a rescue team to remove other innocent prisoners from the asylum as she is able. When an opportunity arises to become a mail order bride, Tally accepts, and heads to Devil’s Crossing to meet her intended.
Clay does have a criminal past and has done some awful things. His desire now is to live in peace, and have a home, a wife, and family. Though suffering many losses, Clay is kind, soft hearted, considerate, hard working, and a genuine romantic. I loved his vulnerability and sensitivity, which he managed to retain, even after living an outlaw’s life. He is smitten by Tally when he sees her, and his decision to love and protect her is hero-worthy. Tally has learned to be tough. Though she’s willing to give her marriage a chance, she still holds a part of herself back, not willing to fully trust a man or to give up control of her life. She blatantly tells Clay that if things don’t work out between them, she will be leaving him in the spring.
Both Tally and Clay have suffered much, and made many mistakes. While they have a strong attraction to each other, there are many external events and people that won’t allow their marriage to flow along an easy path. They have to deal with the vengeful asylum owner who’s determined to have Tally back, a woman from Clay’s past who wants him back, outside outlaws who won’t let them live in peace, and Clay’s own criminal past means there’s still a bounty on him. THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE is a realistic look at the hardships of life in 1879 Texas, as well as a tender and satisfying love story that is guaranteed to please fans of western romance.
November 9, 2018
This is the first book in a brand-new series by Ms. Linda Broday. It might be the first, but I hope not the last.
This book by Linda Broday is a true love story. It is about the purest kind of love that lucky people get to experience. It proves that love rises above physical beauty, past experiences, and forgiveness. Clay and Tally start out as a marriage between a guy who is also an outlaw and a woman that has had some of the worst experiences we could ever dream of. It also gives you a glimpse into asylums as they were in the olden days. In fact, it is only in the last 50 years or so that they have become places of actual treatment. Clay and Tally go through the ups and downs of marriage trying to learn when to lead and when to follow. Most especially, they have to learn to trust.
Some things to think about as you read this book or hopefully to entice you to read this book. Have you been privileged to experience true love that will last forever? Have you been one to look beneath the surface of the one you love and see what is really there? Have you had to be the strength for your man at times, but other times he has had to be yours? Is marriage controlled by one person or is it a give and take between two people who live as one? Find out how Clay and Tally answered these questions in this book.
This is one of the best books I have ever read by Linda Broday. It is the truest and purest love story I have read in a long time. If love is your interest, do not miss this book. I could not put it down it was so compelling. Thank you, Linda Broday, for this book and all the ones you have written. But, so far, this is one of if not the best book you have published.
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride
This book by Linda Broday is a true love story. It is about the purest kind of love that lucky people get to experience. It proves that love rises above physical beauty, past experiences, and forgiveness. Clay and Tally start out as a marriage between a guy who is also an outlaw and a woman that has had some of the worst experiences we could ever dream of. It also gives you a glimpse into asylums as they were in the olden days. In fact, it is only in the last 50 years or so that they have become places of actual treatment. Clay and Tally go through the ups and downs of marriage trying to learn when to lead and when to follow. Most especially, they have to learn to trust.
Some things to think about as you read this book or hopefully to entice you to read this book. Have you been privileged to experience true love that will last forever? Have you been one to look beneath the surface of the one you love and see what is really there? Have you had to be the strength for your man at times, but other times he has had to be yours? Is marriage controlled by one person or is it a give and take between two people who live as one? Find out how Clay and Tally answered these questions in this book.
This is one of the best books I have ever read by Linda Broday. It is the truest and purest love story I have read in a long time. If love is your interest, do not miss this book. I could not put it down it was so compelling. Thank you, Linda Broday, for this book and all the ones you have written. But, so far, this is one of if not the best book you have published.
The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride
January 28, 2019
Let me correct any misconceptions you may have from the cover of this book. THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE is not a sweet or gentle romance novel. The story is gritty, it’s real, and it’s as tough as its characters. If you are bothered or triggered by difficult subjects, this is not the book for you. What Tally endured in the asylum is horrific and hard to read at times, but made for a gripping and engaging read.
The book starts at Tally and Clay’s first meeting. Tally has recently escaped from an insane asylum and is on the run from the proprietors. As a part of a voluntary mail order bride program, Tally agrees to marry Clay. Clay is an outlaw wanted for justified murder who just wants to build a safe town for the people who need it and have a wife of his own to love and cherish.
Every character in this book has had a difficult life. The Wild West in the 1800s was not an easy time to live in, and I love that Ms. Broday didn’t shy away from telling it like it was. As a contrast, Clay is one of the sweetest heroes. The way he loved and took care of Tally brought tears to my eyes.
The rich, three-dimensional characters in this book combined with lovely prose and a fast-moving plot made it hard for me to put this book down. I felt like I was reading an epic saga. Danger, heartbreak, romance, THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE has it all. I was so sad when I got to the end of the story. Thank goodness this is the first book in a new series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book more. My emotions were fully engaged from the first page, and I was on the edge of my seat until the last. This is the historical western romance I didn’t know I needed in my life.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
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The book starts at Tally and Clay’s first meeting. Tally has recently escaped from an insane asylum and is on the run from the proprietors. As a part of a voluntary mail order bride program, Tally agrees to marry Clay. Clay is an outlaw wanted for justified murder who just wants to build a safe town for the people who need it and have a wife of his own to love and cherish.
Every character in this book has had a difficult life. The Wild West in the 1800s was not an easy time to live in, and I love that Ms. Broday didn’t shy away from telling it like it was. As a contrast, Clay is one of the sweetest heroes. The way he loved and took care of Tally brought tears to my eyes.
The rich, three-dimensional characters in this book combined with lovely prose and a fast-moving plot made it hard for me to put this book down. I felt like I was reading an epic saga. Danger, heartbreak, romance, THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE has it all. I was so sad when I got to the end of the story. Thank goodness this is the first book in a new series! I can’t wait to read the next one.
Overall, I can’t recommend this book more. My emotions were fully engaged from the first page, and I was on the edge of my seat until the last. This is the historical western romance I didn’t know I needed in my life.
**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**
Find/Follow me on Twitter Instagram and my blog !!
January 29, 2019
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 1st book in her new western Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. I have enjoyed Broday’s previous books book in a couple of her other series, and I am happy to say this was a wonderful start to another good series.
We meet our hero, Clay Colby, who is in the process with some of his outlaw friends, trying to rebuild a town (Devil’s Crossing) for them to start a new clean life. Clay is waiting for the wagon train to arrive bringing him his mail order bride. When Clay meets his bride to be, he is shocked to see a young girl with her.
Talley Shannon is determined to protect herself, as well as the young blind girl under her care. Tally is on the run from some bad guys, and marrying Clay will help her begin a new life. Tally’s history is sad, as she escaped a terrible psychiatric hospital that she was falsely admitted by her greedy evil stepmother, after her father died. Both she and the little girl, Violet were abused and tortured, but Tally is a strong and forceful woman. Tally explains that if he wants to marry her, he will have to accept Violet too.
What follows is both an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them. Tally has problems with trust, especially with always being on the look out of the evil men still stalking her. In time she realizes that Clay is a good man, who will do anything to protect her, and Violet, whom he begins to treat like his own daughter. Though early on, Tally tries to run in fear of those following her, but Clay will prove to her that he is in this for the long run, and promises to protect her. Slowly more people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process. They all stick together to protect Tally and Violet. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Januarys, Dr Mary, Rebel, and it was great to see Luke and Josie from Broday”s previous series.
What I loved the most was watching Tally fight her trust issues, and allow herself to fall in love with Clay. Violet, though struggling with her blindness, was a treasure, who became more self sufficient with the those in town who loved her. Clay’s dog Bullet was a perfect companion for Violet, and protective of them all.
The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the three evil men following Tally. Another group of women who escaped the asylum were rescued by Clay and Tally, bringing some to their town. When they stave off the bad men, and the nasty stepmother, they head home with good news. Tally is free, and Clay receives amnesty, and a happy time for all. But just when things begin to look good, a shocking surprise will come back to rear its ugly head, causing intense action and threats to their survival, with both Rebel and Bullet seriously injured.
Linda Broday has once again given us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with. The Outlaw Mail Order Bride was an emotional, exciting, romantic story that played often with our emotions.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
We meet our hero, Clay Colby, who is in the process with some of his outlaw friends, trying to rebuild a town (Devil’s Crossing) for them to start a new clean life. Clay is waiting for the wagon train to arrive bringing him his mail order bride. When Clay meets his bride to be, he is shocked to see a young girl with her.
Talley Shannon is determined to protect herself, as well as the young blind girl under her care. Tally is on the run from some bad guys, and marrying Clay will help her begin a new life. Tally’s history is sad, as she escaped a terrible psychiatric hospital that she was falsely admitted by her greedy evil stepmother, after her father died. Both she and the little girl, Violet were abused and tortured, but Tally is a strong and forceful woman. Tally explains that if he wants to marry her, he will have to accept Violet too.
What follows is both an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them. Tally has problems with trust, especially with always being on the look out of the evil men still stalking her. In time she realizes that Clay is a good man, who will do anything to protect her, and Violet, whom he begins to treat like his own daughter. Though early on, Tally tries to run in fear of those following her, but Clay will prove to her that he is in this for the long run, and promises to protect her. Slowly more people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process. They all stick together to protect Tally and Violet. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Januarys, Dr Mary, Rebel, and it was great to see Luke and Josie from Broday”s previous series.
What I loved the most was watching Tally fight her trust issues, and allow herself to fall in love with Clay. Violet, though struggling with her blindness, was a treasure, who became more self sufficient with the those in town who loved her. Clay’s dog Bullet was a perfect companion for Violet, and protective of them all.
The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the three evil men following Tally. Another group of women who escaped the asylum were rescued by Clay and Tally, bringing some to their town. When they stave off the bad men, and the nasty stepmother, they head home with good news. Tally is free, and Clay receives amnesty, and a happy time for all. But just when things begin to look good, a shocking surprise will come back to rear its ugly head, causing intense action and threats to their survival, with both Rebel and Bullet seriously injured.
Linda Broday has once again given us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with. The Outlaw Mail Order Bride was an emotional, exciting, romantic story that played often with our emotions.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
March 7, 2025
The premise of the book is the outlaw Clay Colby is trying to do right and start a fresh new town in Texas. He orders a mail order bride that he had been talking to via mail named Tally. When she comes to his start up town, local outlaws BURN THE CITY DOWN. Clay immediately feels terrible that he can’t give Tally what she needs. When she shows up, she has a blind child in tow. Turns out, she escaped an insane asylum where people just put the women in their lives in to get rid of them. She is V E R Y traumatized and so is the child, who she is not biologically related to her. The story goes through both Clay and Tally believing they are too traumatized to be a good husband/wife to the other.
My main problem with this book is that there were no stakes. Tally leaves Clay 1/3 through the book, believing she is too traumatized to be a good wife. She quickly loses her blind child. Clay finds them both and says you’re coming home. Tally realizes that she can’t go anywhere and be safe so she wants to stay with Clay but Clay now thinks that she’s going to leave at any moment so immediately the steaks are gone and they never leave each other but at the end of every chapter, they say “well when they find out my secret, then they’re gonna leave”
One thing I did like about this book was Tally‘s one big secret is that she chose to abort two babies that she conceived while in the insane asylum because she did not want any part of those men that did terrible things to her in her body anymore, she takes this really hard, but surprisingly Clay takes it really well and validates her says you did the right thing which was very unexpected if he had a different reaction I think I would’ve dropped the book.
There is too much detail. They end up burning down the insane asylum after helping more women escape and there’s still 100 pages. A quick 5 page epilogue could’ve properly wrapped up everything that is said in the last 100 pages. Even on page 354/375, Clay says “all was right- at least for the moment.” Like WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE BOOK IS OVER. 2/5
My main problem with this book is that there were no stakes. Tally leaves Clay 1/3 through the book, believing she is too traumatized to be a good wife. She quickly loses her blind child. Clay finds them both and says you’re coming home. Tally realizes that she can’t go anywhere and be safe so she wants to stay with Clay but Clay now thinks that she’s going to leave at any moment so immediately the steaks are gone and they never leave each other but at the end of every chapter, they say “well when they find out my secret, then they’re gonna leave”
One thing I did like about this book was Tally‘s one big secret is that she chose to abort two babies that she conceived while in the insane asylum because she did not want any part of those men that did terrible things to her in her body anymore, she takes this really hard, but surprisingly Clay takes it really well and validates her says you did the right thing which was very unexpected if he had a different reaction I think I would’ve dropped the book.
There is too much detail. They end up burning down the insane asylum after helping more women escape and there’s still 100 pages. A quick 5 page epilogue could’ve properly wrapped up everything that is said in the last 100 pages. Even on page 354/375, Clay says “all was right- at least for the moment.” Like WHAT DO YOU MEAN THE BOOK IS OVER. 2/5
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
dnf
June 15, 2019No offense to my friends who loved The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride, but it is not for me. I found it lacking in the feel of both historic authenticity and the feel of a western. Most western romances I have read have the survival context from the very beginning of man vs. nature or man vs. those who would drive him off the land or kill him and take what is his.
Clay’s standard English is too correct and lacking colloquialisms expected for the time and region. Tally’s use of phrases like “deal-breaker” also feels wrong for the time setting. I couldn’t connect with Clay or Tally; they just didn’t seem realistic to me.
I have been spoiled by gifted historic fiction writers like Louis L'Amour, the prolific author of my favorite western series, The Sacketts, and Diana Gabaldon of Outlander fame. If historic authenticity is not so important to you, then you may enjoy Ms. Broday’s story.
Clay’s standard English is too correct and lacking colloquialisms expected for the time and region. Tally’s use of phrases like “deal-breaker” also feels wrong for the time setting. I couldn’t connect with Clay or Tally; they just didn’t seem realistic to me.
I have been spoiled by gifted historic fiction writers like Louis L'Amour, the prolific author of my favorite western series, The Sacketts, and Diana Gabaldon of Outlander fame. If historic authenticity is not so important to you, then you may enjoy Ms. Broday’s story.
January 15, 2019
In the past I always felt "meh" about reading western historical romances. They were okay, but didn't thrill me. I do believe the talented Linda Broday has changed my position on this genre! This book had non-stop action, suspense, drama and steamy loving. I must read more of her stories, and I eagerly await the next book in this exciting new series.
This series is apparently a spin off of a previous one. Don't worry; this one totally stands alone. (Warning: You WILL want to go back and read the previous series. I was excited to find I actually own those books already. Yay me!) Clay Colby was an outlaw, but he decided to go straight and build a town that would be a haven for other folks like him. He was lonely and wanted to wed. Enter Tally Shannon, who agreed to be his mail order bride. She arrives, carrying a lot of attitude and mental baggage. Oh, and a little blind girl. Clay was not expecting that!
At first I was not horribly fond of Tally. She was hard to like. Considering she had escaped from a mental institution where she had been horribly brutalized, one could understand her issues. Clay was likeable right from the start. He worked hard to win her over, as well as Violet, the little blind girl. Even though Tally tried to resist him, the chemistry was there. As their relationship grew, my liking for Tally grew. But as often happens with outlaws (and mental institution escapees, of course), the past catches up with them.
Clay and Tally were fantastic leads. However, the supporting cast was just as wonderful. Especially compelling were Violet, Bullet the dog, Rebel (a woman from Clay's past), Dr. Mary and Montana Black (who at the beginning burned down the town Clay and his friends were building). I particularly liked Jack, a fellow outlaw. I want more of him. I challenge you to read this book without tearing up; bet you can't do it. You will cheer for this entire town of outcasts and misfits.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
This series is apparently a spin off of a previous one. Don't worry; this one totally stands alone. (Warning: You WILL want to go back and read the previous series. I was excited to find I actually own those books already. Yay me!) Clay Colby was an outlaw, but he decided to go straight and build a town that would be a haven for other folks like him. He was lonely and wanted to wed. Enter Tally Shannon, who agreed to be his mail order bride. She arrives, carrying a lot of attitude and mental baggage. Oh, and a little blind girl. Clay was not expecting that!
At first I was not horribly fond of Tally. She was hard to like. Considering she had escaped from a mental institution where she had been horribly brutalized, one could understand her issues. Clay was likeable right from the start. He worked hard to win her over, as well as Violet, the little blind girl. Even though Tally tried to resist him, the chemistry was there. As their relationship grew, my liking for Tally grew. But as often happens with outlaws (and mental institution escapees, of course), the past catches up with them.
Clay and Tally were fantastic leads. However, the supporting cast was just as wonderful. Especially compelling were Violet, Bullet the dog, Rebel (a woman from Clay's past), Dr. Mary and Montana Black (who at the beginning burned down the town Clay and his friends were building). I particularly liked Jack, a fellow outlaw. I want more of him. I challenge you to read this book without tearing up; bet you can't do it. You will cheer for this entire town of outcasts and misfits.
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of NetGalley and Sourcebooks Casablanca. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
January 31, 2019
Outlaws, asylum escapees, and saloon floozies...oh, my! As in, oh my, what an unbelievably enthralling story by the incomparable Linda Broday. This is the first book in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series, and I can hardly wait for the next one.
October 7, 2018
Wow, wow, is how I start my review. I knew this was going to be a good book, and Linda Broday didn't disappoint me one bit. I pretty much read until I was done with the whole book. I didn't want to put it down.
Clay and Tally, both have things in their past that effect how they act in the present. Both have to each come to terms with the other's strength and weaknesses. Linda Broday takes you on a journey that will have you laughing, crying, angry, hope, and hopelessness all come to play in this book. Trust doesn't come easy for either of them.
Tally comes with a past and with little Violet. Violet is blind, and doesn't trust anyone but a couple people. The twists and turns concerning Violet, made me feel so many emotions, and I was left wondering if like Marley, will Violet get her story told when she grows up? Watching her learn to trust and love is wonderful. And the people she trusts the most surprises everyone around her.
This is a town, set in an area where outlaws could come and chill while on the run. It is a place that a group of former outlaws want to stay and call home forever. As the town is being built, we are able to visit with old friends, and make some new friends. As vistors come and stay, we slowly learn more about why they are there. What talents they have to make life better for everyone around them.
This book had more twists and surprises then I was expecting. I knew it would be a good story, because that is the only way Linda Broday knows how to write. The research that is put into the book is very evident in this story. It takes a lot to build a town, and for a place that is called Devil's Crossing, is a good place to start. I am looking forward to meeting more citizens of this small town, and catching up on the welfare of each of them in future books.
Clay and Tally, both have things in their past that effect how they act in the present. Both have to each come to terms with the other's strength and weaknesses. Linda Broday takes you on a journey that will have you laughing, crying, angry, hope, and hopelessness all come to play in this book. Trust doesn't come easy for either of them.
Tally comes with a past and with little Violet. Violet is blind, and doesn't trust anyone but a couple people. The twists and turns concerning Violet, made me feel so many emotions, and I was left wondering if like Marley, will Violet get her story told when she grows up? Watching her learn to trust and love is wonderful. And the people she trusts the most surprises everyone around her.
This is a town, set in an area where outlaws could come and chill while on the run. It is a place that a group of former outlaws want to stay and call home forever. As the town is being built, we are able to visit with old friends, and make some new friends. As vistors come and stay, we slowly learn more about why they are there. What talents they have to make life better for everyone around them.
This book had more twists and surprises then I was expecting. I knew it would be a good story, because that is the only way Linda Broday knows how to write. The research that is put into the book is very evident in this story. It takes a lot to build a town, and for a place that is called Devil's Crossing, is a good place to start. I am looking forward to meeting more citizens of this small town, and catching up on the welfare of each of them in future books.
April 20, 2019
Clay and Tally's story delivers an emotional, heart-rocking, and hard-won happily-ever-after!
From the first chapters, my heart twisted both good and bad with all their emotions!! So much pain and confusion accompanied by longing and desire from both of them just trying to figure out who they were, what they needed and wanted, how to get it, and how to let go. You experience Tally's intense struggle with figuring out how to trust Clay, a stranger who is now her husband. You can't help but be charmed by Clay's natural instincts to protect and provide for his new wife and daughter. My heart rejoiced with them as they finally were able to find and nurture a fragile trust-filled bond between them. Watching their connection continue to strengthen swept my heart into pitter-patters! Throw in a delightful little girl in Violet (seriously, you gotta love that little girl!), a beautifully loyal fur-baby in Bullet, and some beloved (cross over) characters, and you get some heartwarming smiles!
I loved the lessons taught in digging deeper beyond the surface of what you think you know in a person. Don't be so quick to judge or believe that there isn't some hidden story that can change how you perceive a person. You may be surprised to discover who all that statement applies to (including real life - not just in this book fiction-wise). Clay was one for me, because I think you first see him as a more gentle kinda guy and may wonder about the outlaw rough-and-tumble side of him—but hang on because when the poop hits the fan...... Clay is definitely someone you want at your back!
If you love stories with intense emotional connections, a splash of giggles, a handful of adventures, and a beautifully stirring love story, you need to dive into The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride.
From the first chapters, my heart twisted both good and bad with all their emotions!! So much pain and confusion accompanied by longing and desire from both of them just trying to figure out who they were, what they needed and wanted, how to get it, and how to let go. You experience Tally's intense struggle with figuring out how to trust Clay, a stranger who is now her husband. You can't help but be charmed by Clay's natural instincts to protect and provide for his new wife and daughter. My heart rejoiced with them as they finally were able to find and nurture a fragile trust-filled bond between them. Watching their connection continue to strengthen swept my heart into pitter-patters! Throw in a delightful little girl in Violet (seriously, you gotta love that little girl!), a beautifully loyal fur-baby in Bullet, and some beloved (cross over) characters, and you get some heartwarming smiles!
I loved the lessons taught in digging deeper beyond the surface of what you think you know in a person. Don't be so quick to judge or believe that there isn't some hidden story that can change how you perceive a person. You may be surprised to discover who all that statement applies to (including real life - not just in this book fiction-wise). Clay was one for me, because I think you first see him as a more gentle kinda guy and may wonder about the outlaw rough-and-tumble side of him—but hang on because when the poop hits the fan...... Clay is definitely someone you want at your back!
If you love stories with intense emotional connections, a splash of giggles, a handful of adventures, and a beautifully stirring love story, you need to dive into The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride.
September 7, 2020
It was just so boring, 2.5 stars rounded up.
I don’t get all of the reviews saying this is fast paced, it’s as slow as molasses in January.
So I read this book because I accidentally bought the 3rd in this series thinking it was part of a different series. So I had book 3 but not 1 or 2. Bought them both and decided to dive into a Mail-order Bride series.
Such a disappointment. I never felt connected to the characters except Rebel who was cast as the “hussy”. Which of course I wasn’t a fan of the constantly slut shaming implied not to mention the OW drama that didn’t exist, our heroine made it up in her head so it was totally pointless.
I will say Violet was endearing and I would have loved more of her. But the rest just fell short, even the darker topics the author tried to bring it just didn’t have an affect. Everything seemed like it was told and not shown making I hard to truly feel the story.
I will probably, at some point, try the next book in the series but if it’s as dull as this one then I’ll know this author is just not for me.
I don’t get all of the reviews saying this is fast paced, it’s as slow as molasses in January.
So I read this book because I accidentally bought the 3rd in this series thinking it was part of a different series. So I had book 3 but not 1 or 2. Bought them both and decided to dive into a Mail-order Bride series.
Such a disappointment. I never felt connected to the characters except Rebel who was cast as the “hussy”. Which of course I wasn’t a fan of the constantly slut shaming implied not to mention the OW drama that didn’t exist, our heroine made it up in her head so it was totally pointless.
I will say Violet was endearing and I would have loved more of her. But the rest just fell short, even the darker topics the author tried to bring it just didn’t have an affect. Everything seemed like it was told and not shown making I hard to truly feel the story.
I will probably, at some point, try the next book in the series but if it’s as dull as this one then I’ll know this author is just not for me.
January 9, 2019
In romance novels, my favorite sub-genre is mail order brides. I was surprised with the outlaw twist and the interesting information about the genesis of a town.
The all story was quite interesting, however I did found some inconsistencies in the plot. Still, it´s a great title and I really want to read the rest of the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
The all story was quite interesting, however I did found some inconsistencies in the plot. Still, it´s a great title and I really want to read the rest of the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
January 10, 2023
4.5 out of 5
I love a good western romance and this is a good western. I truly wish more romance readers would give them a try. I love the grittiness of them.
Clay is an outlaw trying to go straight and build a town of outlaws of like minds. I think he’s been mentioned in previous books as this one doesn’t go into his background too much but this is my first book by Linda Broday. But that was fine. The present was good. One of the things he wants the most is a woman of his own. And to that end he has sent for a mail order bride. He’s sent for two previous brides but they didn’t stay to marry him. It doesn’t help that another outlaw who DOESN’T want a town built, burns everything that’s been erected so far just before Clay’s newest hope for his own HEA arrives.
But Tally is made of much, much sterner stuff. She is a beast. When her step mother had her sent to an insane asylum she was subjected to horrendous things but she didn’t let them defeat her and she led an escape with a number of other woman and they’ve been in hiding ever since. A couple of friends of hers, main characters from a previous book, have set up a mail order bride service with the escaped women and Tally, as a natural leader, is the first bride.
When she meets Clay, she sees a loneliness in his eyes and really wants to make things work out. He passes the first test when he fully accepts a young blind girl who’s been too traumatized to leave behind. But because of the trauma Tally has been through she is extremely leery of trusting anyone , including Clay, though she wants to. Then there’s the issue that the monsters who were so cruel to her, want her recaptured.
I was very impressed with this book and so glad I have more books of hers all ready to dive into. This is a tough book to read at times and a bit on the dark side but that works. Clay is such an amazing and supportive hero and I adore him. The protectiveness he shows to Tally and his new daughter is beautiful. He truly will do anything for them. Tally is very guarded but considering everything she’s had to go through, that only makes sense. She’s a fighter and I love that about her. Violet, their adopted daughter is ok if not a tiny bit annoying and she keeps this one from being a full fledged 5 star book. But 4.5 is very good and this book gets two thumbs up and a strong recommendation from this reviewer.
I love a good western romance and this is a good western. I truly wish more romance readers would give them a try. I love the grittiness of them.
Clay is an outlaw trying to go straight and build a town of outlaws of like minds. I think he’s been mentioned in previous books as this one doesn’t go into his background too much but this is my first book by Linda Broday. But that was fine. The present was good. One of the things he wants the most is a woman of his own. And to that end he has sent for a mail order bride. He’s sent for two previous brides but they didn’t stay to marry him. It doesn’t help that another outlaw who DOESN’T want a town built, burns everything that’s been erected so far just before Clay’s newest hope for his own HEA arrives.
But Tally is made of much, much sterner stuff. She is a beast. When her step mother had her sent to an insane asylum she was subjected to horrendous things but she didn’t let them defeat her and she led an escape with a number of other woman and they’ve been in hiding ever since. A couple of friends of hers, main characters from a previous book, have set up a mail order bride service with the escaped women and Tally, as a natural leader, is the first bride.
When she meets Clay, she sees a loneliness in his eyes and really wants to make things work out. He passes the first test when he fully accepts a young blind girl who’s been too traumatized to leave behind. But because of the trauma Tally has been through she is extremely leery of trusting anyone , including Clay, though she wants to. Then there’s the issue that the monsters who were so cruel to her, want her recaptured.
I was very impressed with this book and so glad I have more books of hers all ready to dive into. This is a tough book to read at times and a bit on the dark side but that works. Clay is such an amazing and supportive hero and I adore him. The protectiveness he shows to Tally and his new daughter is beautiful. He truly will do anything for them. Tally is very guarded but considering everything she’s had to go through, that only makes sense. She’s a fighter and I love that about her. Violet, their adopted daughter is ok if not a tiny bit annoying and she keeps this one from being a full fledged 5 star book. But 4.5 is very good and this book gets two thumbs up and a strong recommendation from this reviewer.
January 31, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE is the first title in Linda Broday’s series, Outlaw Mail Order Brides and it packs a seriously powerful punch of a kick-off story to begin a new adventure.
I was easily caught up in the world building for this series as Clay and his friends (former outlaws) set out to change a dying town into a new viable place for them all to build new lives and find happiness. We’ll meet several intriguing, fun and downright cute secondary characters that I’m anxious to learn more about as this trilogy continues.
Tally is an amazing character. You cannot help but feel outraged on her behalf for the wrongs that have been done to her by so many truly evil people. She has trust issues, which makes perfect sense knowing her background, but she’s learning that Clay will stand beside her, protecting not only her but a sweet, innocent young girl who has also been dealt a horrible blow by those people that Tally escaped from. Watching these three form a family was a loving, enjoyable journey.
I found THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE to be packed full of action, danger, good people turning their lives around, the chance to find love for themselves at last, some truly evil people who deserve every last thing that is dealt to them… and a whole new town that I cannot wait to learn more about over time.
I enjoyed every moment spent in this world, and if you love Western Historical Romance then this is a story you’ll want to grab for yourself. I’d not hesitate to recommend this story to any reader who enjoys a good, solid plot, interesting characters, a couple to fall in love with, watching the bad guys get what they deserve and a happy ending for Tally, Clay, and Violet.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE is the first title in Linda Broday’s series, Outlaw Mail Order Brides and it packs a seriously powerful punch of a kick-off story to begin a new adventure.
I was easily caught up in the world building for this series as Clay and his friends (former outlaws) set out to change a dying town into a new viable place for them all to build new lives and find happiness. We’ll meet several intriguing, fun and downright cute secondary characters that I’m anxious to learn more about as this trilogy continues.
Tally is an amazing character. You cannot help but feel outraged on her behalf for the wrongs that have been done to her by so many truly evil people. She has trust issues, which makes perfect sense knowing her background, but she’s learning that Clay will stand beside her, protecting not only her but a sweet, innocent young girl who has also been dealt a horrible blow by those people that Tally escaped from. Watching these three form a family was a loving, enjoyable journey.
I found THE OUTLAW’S MAIL ORDER BRIDE to be packed full of action, danger, good people turning their lives around, the chance to find love for themselves at last, some truly evil people who deserve every last thing that is dealt to them… and a whole new town that I cannot wait to learn more about over time.
I enjoyed every moment spent in this world, and if you love Western Historical Romance then this is a story you’ll want to grab for yourself. I’d not hesitate to recommend this story to any reader who enjoys a good, solid plot, interesting characters, a couple to fall in love with, watching the bad guys get what they deserve and a happy ending for Tally, Clay, and Violet.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
December 29, 2019
I fell in love with Clay Colby's character in Broday's Men of Legend Series when he was introduced in book two as a ranch hand. Even then, I wanted him to have a happy ending and to know more of his story. In this book, Linda Broday did more than give Clay a happy ending. She gave him an unforgettable story! A character also introduced in the Men of Legend Series, Talley Shannon was a fugitive. Along with several other women, hid in a canyon and existed with the help of Luke Legend. They had escaped from a torturous insane asylum. Both Clay and Tally have deep wounds and scars and their journey to redemption is not an easy one. Broday keeps the reader on the edge of their seats as they follow along with bated breath, hoping and praying that the two will finally break through the walls of their hearts to be united as one. If you love the 1800s time period, plenty of action, tension, conflict, and steamy romance, you will love this first book of the Mail Order Bride series!
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