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Runaway Brides #2
The Cowboy's Honor
Three runaway brides
Determined to escape their fates
Flee West to find freedom that can only be had in a cowboy's arms...
Courtney Adams never questioned the future her parents laid out for her...until the day she was to marry one of Boston's elite. Desperate, she flees the church in a flurry of bridal finery and trades her pearls for a train ticket to Montana―only to be mistaken for a surly cowboy's mail order bride!
Dean Lawton doesn't want a wife―especially not some fancy Eastern lady he believes his brother "ordered" behind his back. Yet one mistake leads to another, and before the dust can settle, he finds himself married to a woman who challenges him at every step...and sets his wounded heart ablaze. But the clock is ticking on this marriage of inconvenience, and soon Dean must decide: convince Courtney to remain in his arms, or lose her light forever.
Determined to escape their fates
Flee West to find freedom that can only be had in a cowboy's arms...
Courtney Adams never questioned the future her parents laid out for her...until the day she was to marry one of Boston's elite. Desperate, she flees the church in a flurry of bridal finery and trades her pearls for a train ticket to Montana―only to be mistaken for a surly cowboy's mail order bride!
Dean Lawton doesn't want a wife―especially not some fancy Eastern lady he believes his brother "ordered" behind his back. Yet one mistake leads to another, and before the dust can settle, he finds himself married to a woman who challenges him at every step...and sets his wounded heart ablaze. But the clock is ticking on this marriage of inconvenience, and soon Dean must decide: convince Courtney to remain in his arms, or lose her light forever.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 26, 2019
70 people are currently reading
201 people want to read
About the author
Amy Sandas
113 books343 followersMy love of romance began one summer when I was thirteen and complained of boredom. I ended up with one of my mother's Barbara Cartland books and an obsessive interest that expanded from there. My affinity for writing began with sappy pre-teen poems and led to a Bachelor's degree with an emphasis on Creative Writing from the University of Minnesota--Twin Cities.
I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!
I love pizza, wine, and dark brooding heroes! With a husband, three kids, and two dogs at home, it can be difficult to find the time (and the motivation!) to write. But somehow the words keep showing up on the page. I am endlessly grateful to the many wonderful readers who enjoy my books and ask for more!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 73 reviews
September 6, 2019
4.5 stars
I am really enjoying this series.
I think I would have liked Dean a little more had he not apparently had quite a bit of sex while engaged to another woman, but the story didn't give all of the implausible details. I guess Amy Sandas wanted a hero who could be good in bed while also demonstrating he did not truly loved his betrothed.
I really liked Courtney. She had a lot of Bravery to seek what she wanted from her life. She also was controlled and willing to learn without complaints.
I am really enjoying this series.
I think I would have liked Dean a little more had he not apparently had quite a bit of sex while engaged to another woman, but the story didn't give all of the implausible details. I guess Amy Sandas wanted a hero who could be good in bed while also demonstrating he did not truly loved his betrothed.
I really liked Courtney. She had a lot of Bravery to seek what she wanted from her life. She also was controlled and willing to learn without complaints.
March 2, 2019
This review was originally posted on Addicted To RomanceI received this book for free from Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
The Cowboy's Honor is the second book in the runaway brides trilogy. I am loving these books so far, and man this author did great in her Regency romances but she has excelled in writing Western's and they are so fun. If you like books with the Wild West....these are books you need to grab up because they are written so superb. I love seeing this story develop and what I have loved about this series so far is how engaging these books are. They pull the reader immediately into the story and you just don't want to put it down EVER. I was so addicted to this story and couldn't wait to see these two reach their HEA.
The Cowboy's Honor begins with our heroine, who lives out East in Boston, with her family and is about to be married to a childhood friend, and even though she knows it's her duty she hopes one day to love her future husband. But when she learns that he loves another woman and has kept that knowledge from her, she takes a page from her friend's book and runs away from the wedding, her family and her life in Boston to find something new and have some adventure. Courtney Adams is traveling across the west hoping she reaches Montana soon but then her stagecoach shortens the stop from Helena, and she is stranded is a small town and will have to survive on the little coin she has left until she can get word to her friend who lives days away. But then before she realizes its a sexy cowboy saves her from a creepy man that was going to take advantage of her. But she finds herself married to the stranger somehow.
Dean Lawton runs a ranch with his brother and his brother is happily married and wants Dean to find love too and keeps trying to convince him to order a mail order bride from back east but Dean has his own reasons for not wanting to marry a woman. But when his brother insists he picks up a package from town, he goes and finds Courtney, who is wearing a wedding gown and from the East coast and he assumes she is sent by his brother and just marries her to protect her until he can divorce her and send her on her way in the near future. But the judge won't free them from the marriage until they live together for a full month. So now Dean and Courtney have to find a peaceful way to live with each other for a full month. Things are tense between Dean and Courtney, at first, but soon the desire they have for each other builds into a sweeping love tale....
I ADORED this book so much, and I have to say I hope Amy Sandas sticks with Western romances because she is so good at them. I have enjoyed these books more than her Regency novels. I am not sure exactly what the difference is per se, but I just love how these are written and they are definitely my catnip in every way. In The Cowboy's Honor, we have a marriage of convenience set up, but a unique way of seeing this trope and I really admired that this author had a different twist to it. Seeing these two find common ground with each other and discover if they want to stay together after the month is over or be separated for good. We see so much growth in our heroine though. She is a city girl through and through, but I loved her energy and eagerness to try new things like cooking a meal by herself or doing laundry or even learning to shoot a pistol. It was like as the reader, we experience everything along side her and how much she devours all the information she learns about her new life. Its like she is truly finding herself on this journey of self-discovery and I loved how much she craves new experiences and doesn't shy away from them.
Our hero has a tough past, he lost his fiancee when she died from a horrible horse accident and blames himself for everything including her wanting to leave him for another man. He puts so much guilt on himself he doesn't allow himself to be happy until the situation with Courtney happens and he has to face up to his past and his own fears and guilt. I did love seeing him face his past and fight for the love he feels for Courtney. We do have a back plot to the story that is about someone trying to destroy what Rafe has built in his ranch and the twist in the plot that I didn't see coming but I was really happy with the ending and how the story evolves.
The romance that develops between these two is angsty at first, but not full angst, it's more of slow steady angst as they learn to trust in each other and try to deal in compromise and adapt to their new situation. I loved this set up though and seeing them try to find what they need in each other, solve the mystery and learning what is most important in life. We see some great friendships and fun side characters I want more of.
Overall The Cowboy's Honor is a captivating love tale that sweeps the reader off their feet, its a story of sacrifice, self discovery and deep emotion....A WILD WEST GEM!!
The Cowboy's Honor is the second book in the runaway brides trilogy. I am loving these books so far, and man this author did great in her Regency romances but she has excelled in writing Western's and they are so fun. If you like books with the Wild West....these are books you need to grab up because they are written so superb. I love seeing this story develop and what I have loved about this series so far is how engaging these books are. They pull the reader immediately into the story and you just don't want to put it down EVER. I was so addicted to this story and couldn't wait to see these two reach their HEA.
For the time being, she was the bride of a man who wanted her. A man she wanted with every breath and beat of her heart. She could not truly be brave in this new life if she was not willing to take what she wanted despite what might come.
The Cowboy's Honor begins with our heroine, who lives out East in Boston, with her family and is about to be married to a childhood friend, and even though she knows it's her duty she hopes one day to love her future husband. But when she learns that he loves another woman and has kept that knowledge from her, she takes a page from her friend's book and runs away from the wedding, her family and her life in Boston to find something new and have some adventure. Courtney Adams is traveling across the west hoping she reaches Montana soon but then her stagecoach shortens the stop from Helena, and she is stranded is a small town and will have to survive on the little coin she has left until she can get word to her friend who lives days away. But then before she realizes its a sexy cowboy saves her from a creepy man that was going to take advantage of her. But she finds herself married to the stranger somehow.
Dean Lawton runs a ranch with his brother and his brother is happily married and wants Dean to find love too and keeps trying to convince him to order a mail order bride from back east but Dean has his own reasons for not wanting to marry a woman. But when his brother insists he picks up a package from town, he goes and finds Courtney, who is wearing a wedding gown and from the East coast and he assumes she is sent by his brother and just marries her to protect her until he can divorce her and send her on her way in the near future. But the judge won't free them from the marriage until they live together for a full month. So now Dean and Courtney have to find a peaceful way to live with each other for a full month. Things are tense between Dean and Courtney, at first, but soon the desire they have for each other builds into a sweeping love tale....
I'm not sure of much anymore, but I know I want you more than I've wanted anything in a long time. I didn't want you to stir up so much inside me. But you do. And I'm tired of denying it.
I ADORED this book so much, and I have to say I hope Amy Sandas sticks with Western romances because she is so good at them. I have enjoyed these books more than her Regency novels. I am not sure exactly what the difference is per se, but I just love how these are written and they are definitely my catnip in every way. In The Cowboy's Honor, we have a marriage of convenience set up, but a unique way of seeing this trope and I really admired that this author had a different twist to it. Seeing these two find common ground with each other and discover if they want to stay together after the month is over or be separated for good. We see so much growth in our heroine though. She is a city girl through and through, but I loved her energy and eagerness to try new things like cooking a meal by herself or doing laundry or even learning to shoot a pistol. It was like as the reader, we experience everything along side her and how much she devours all the information she learns about her new life. Its like she is truly finding herself on this journey of self-discovery and I loved how much she craves new experiences and doesn't shy away from them.
Our hero has a tough past, he lost his fiancee when she died from a horrible horse accident and blames himself for everything including her wanting to leave him for another man. He puts so much guilt on himself he doesn't allow himself to be happy until the situation with Courtney happens and he has to face up to his past and his own fears and guilt. I did love seeing him face his past and fight for the love he feels for Courtney. We do have a back plot to the story that is about someone trying to destroy what Rafe has built in his ranch and the twist in the plot that I didn't see coming but I was really happy with the ending and how the story evolves.
The romance that develops between these two is angsty at first, but not full angst, it's more of slow steady angst as they learn to trust in each other and try to deal in compromise and adapt to their new situation. I loved this set up though and seeing them try to find what they need in each other, solve the mystery and learning what is most important in life. We see some great friendships and fun side characters I want more of.
Overall The Cowboy's Honor is a captivating love tale that sweeps the reader off their feet, its a story of sacrifice, self discovery and deep emotion....A WILD WEST GEM!!
February 26, 2019
4.5 stars
Courtney is fleeing from a wedding that would set her up to be among societies elite. Shes never been expected to deviate from her parents plans, suddenly she finds herself married to another and forced to spend time before an annulment will be granted. Finding a new independence, and backbone she kept covered will bring her into a life she she’s wished for.
Dean has his life planned out, take care of himself, watch out for his family, and protect the ranch. After badly misreading a sign Dean has found himself married and hating every minute of it. Finding a feisty, well-mannered, well-spoken bride who reminded him of every insult he’s ever made is making his life very interesting. Dean finds himself quickly falling for Courtney, only when trouble finds a way into his home does he acknowledge his feelings for her.
A Cowboy’s Honor is a historical romance that takes readers on an emotional ride. The love they build is so intense, it bubbles over and consumes them both; anger at wasted lives, hope for the new lives being brought into the world and the ranch renewing its livelihood. The plot flowed nicely from scene to scene, keeping readers fully engaged. Ms. Sandas’ characters are top-notch, each one very relatable, the struggles they faced are every day challenges for some of us years later. The Cowboy’s Honor will be a highly recommended book for a long time!
February 15, 2019
3.75/5. Amy Sandas's 2nd foray into Western genre and it's better than the first in the series. Courtney Adams is the runaway bride in this one, running from her Boston society wedding after learning that her husband-to-be is really in love with another woman. She arrives in Montana still in her wedding dress, albeit a bit bedraggled and dazed from the journey, and is immediately swept up in a wedding ceremony in a case of mistaken identity. Before she can say her objections, she is married to taciturn ranch owner, Dean Lawton.
Dean had no intention to take a bride, especially a fancy-looking Eastern lady, but he thought Courtney was tricked by his rascally brother to come as a mail order bride and so he quickly marries her for her protection while intending to sort out the details of an annulment later. Neither Dean nor Courtney are happy with their predicament and they are not shy about expressing their feelings of distaste to the other. Except annulment is not granted easily by the presiding ornery magistrate, who orders 4 weeks of cohabitation before he would consider it. Turns out she's not as useless as he thinks, and he is not as cool and unfeeling as he would like to be.
It's not as detailed in terms of the setting and the characterisations as it could be, but the protagonists are likeable and the chemistry is real with some lively interactions between the two of them.
This is an ARC from NetGalley.
Dean had no intention to take a bride, especially a fancy-looking Eastern lady, but he thought Courtney was tricked by his rascally brother to come as a mail order bride and so he quickly marries her for her protection while intending to sort out the details of an annulment later. Neither Dean nor Courtney are happy with their predicament and they are not shy about expressing their feelings of distaste to the other. Except annulment is not granted easily by the presiding ornery magistrate, who orders 4 weeks of cohabitation before he would consider it. Turns out she's not as useless as he thinks, and he is not as cool and unfeeling as he would like to be.
It's not as detailed in terms of the setting and the characterisations as it could be, but the protagonists are likeable and the chemistry is real with some lively interactions between the two of them.
This is an ARC from NetGalley.
March 10, 2019
Another satisfying romance by Amy Sandas. I enjoyed this slow burn romance as much as I did the previous one. While not the passion of some of my other historical romance author favorites, Sandas has quite the way of weaving a story that just keeps you interested in reading more.
This is the second book in her Runaway Brides series. In this book we have Courtney Adams who leaves her fiance at the altar after learning, by accident, that he is in love with another. While not in love with her fiance, it still stung that he hadn't thought about a possible love in the future. So, Courtney flees out the window and heads out West to see her friend Alexandra (from the first book). However, her stage coach doesn't quite make it to Helena and while stranded in this town, Dean Lawton comes across Courtney in her white wedding dress and thinks she is a mail order bride ordered by his brother. To keep her safe, he marries her, unbeknownst to Courtney, she thinks she is a witness at a wedding, until he can get things sorted out and thus begins the marriage adventure of Courtney and Dean.
These two obviously don't hit it off right away but they have great banter with one another. Courtney isn't about to keep her opinion to herself and Dean can't seem to resist this young lady from out East.
“You were not thinking much at all, in my opinion.”
The muscles in his jaw ticked. “I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
“Well, now you have it. I imagine you will be getting quite a bit more of my opinion over the next four weeks, so you should probably get used to it.”
I found that scene so adorable between the two of them. They had quite a few of these back and forth scenes and Courtney would not back down.
In both of these books I've read by Sandas, it has been a slow burn between the hero and heroine, taking a bit of time for the first kiss but I wasn't bored at all. This was a sweet romance with some swoon worthy moments thrown in every now and then.
♥ Some stubborn element inside him refused to acknowledge her none-too-subtle gesture. Doing exactly what he knew she was trying to avoid, he grasped her swiftly about her narrow middle and swung her to the ground. He was ridiculously pleased by her soft little grunt of exasperation at the abrupt maneuver.
I think it is so sweet he swings her down by the waist, even if she doesn't like it, but only because she feels it isn't appropriate. ;)
Such sweet moments:
♥ Though they certainly got clean with all the soapy lather being smoothed across heated skin and the lovely, relaxing scalp massage Dean had given her as he’d worked the suds through her hair, the experience was unlike any bath Courtney had ever imagined and infinitely more pleasurable. She very nearly fell asleep nestled between Dean’s legs, leaning back against the solid expanse of his chest.
This is a safe read and I nice sweet romance. My only complaint was no epilogue. Give it a try!
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “That’s not what I meant,” he replied in exasperation. “I don’t have a way with words like some men.” He took a ragged breath. “You asked if I regret what happened between us and the truth is…I don’t regret a damn thing. I tried, but I can’t. I just keep reliving every moment over and over. I can still feel the pulses in your body as you came apart in my arms. I’ve wanted you again every second since.”
♥
Swoon! He is so fierce and protective of her!
♥ With a fierce set to his jaw and an unreadable gleam in his eyes, he vaulted up onto the porch and gathered Courtney into his arms. The relief of his rough embrace—his warmth and strength—soothed the last of her shaken nerves. She wrapped her arms around his middle and breathed him in.
♥
♥
This is the second book in her Runaway Brides series. In this book we have Courtney Adams who leaves her fiance at the altar after learning, by accident, that he is in love with another. While not in love with her fiance, it still stung that he hadn't thought about a possible love in the future. So, Courtney flees out the window and heads out West to see her friend Alexandra (from the first book). However, her stage coach doesn't quite make it to Helena and while stranded in this town, Dean Lawton comes across Courtney in her white wedding dress and thinks she is a mail order bride ordered by his brother. To keep her safe, he marries her, unbeknownst to Courtney, she thinks she is a witness at a wedding, until he can get things sorted out and thus begins the marriage adventure of Courtney and Dean.
These two obviously don't hit it off right away but they have great banter with one another. Courtney isn't about to keep her opinion to herself and Dean can't seem to resist this young lady from out East.
“You were not thinking much at all, in my opinion.”
The muscles in his jaw ticked. “I didn’t ask for your opinion.”
“Well, now you have it. I imagine you will be getting quite a bit more of my opinion over the next four weeks, so you should probably get used to it.”
I found that scene so adorable between the two of them. They had quite a few of these back and forth scenes and Courtney would not back down.
In both of these books I've read by Sandas, it has been a slow burn between the hero and heroine, taking a bit of time for the first kiss but I wasn't bored at all. This was a sweet romance with some swoon worthy moments thrown in every now and then.
♥ Some stubborn element inside him refused to acknowledge her none-too-subtle gesture. Doing exactly what he knew she was trying to avoid, he grasped her swiftly about her narrow middle and swung her to the ground. He was ridiculously pleased by her soft little grunt of exasperation at the abrupt maneuver.
I think it is so sweet he swings her down by the waist, even if she doesn't like it, but only because she feels it isn't appropriate. ;)
Such sweet moments:
♥ Though they certainly got clean with all the soapy lather being smoothed across heated skin and the lovely, relaxing scalp massage Dean had given her as he’d worked the suds through her hair, the experience was unlike any bath Courtney had ever imagined and infinitely more pleasurable. She very nearly fell asleep nestled between Dean’s legs, leaning back against the solid expanse of his chest.
This is a safe read and I nice sweet romance. My only complaint was no epilogue. Give it a try!
Quotes & Faves:
♥ “That’s not what I meant,” he replied in exasperation. “I don’t have a way with words like some men.” He took a ragged breath. “You asked if I regret what happened between us and the truth is…I don’t regret a damn thing. I tried, but I can’t. I just keep reliving every moment over and over. I can still feel the pulses in your body as you came apart in my arms. I’ve wanted you again every second since.”
♥
Swoon! He is so fierce and protective of her!
♥ With a fierce set to his jaw and an unreadable gleam in his eyes, he vaulted up onto the porch and gathered Courtney into his arms. The relief of his rough embrace—his warmth and strength—soothed the last of her shaken nerves. She wrapped her arms around his middle and breathed him in.
♥
♥
May 31, 2025
Tropes: Runaway Heroine, Mistakenly Married/Marriage of Inconvenience, Enemies to Lovers-ish
Steam: 3
Steam: 3
February 8, 2019
OMGoodness!!! I honestly couldn't stop smiling. The. Entire. Book!!! And once I started, I couldn't stop and finished it all in one day! The Cowboy's Honor is such a cute and adorable and fun read!!
I absolutely adored how Courtney was sassy (in the best of ways) and had such a great attitude facing every trial and challenge that she faced. She had some growing up to do, just in the culture shock of going from a pampered daughter of society to a rancher's wife, but she met that challenge head on and bloomed. I loved seeing her discover herself and in turn, discover what she truly wanted out of life. Seeing her fall in love with the man who "messed up" her independence seeking? Priceless!
Dean had some pretty heavy burdens to carry, along with a heavy-handed demon clinging to him. But those challenges made him into the man of honor he was - respected, responsible, protective. His one moment of loco gave him the best gift of all in Courtney when he married and claimed responsibility for her. Watching him figure out his feelings for her and fall in love was so satisfying! He had his moments of crazy still, but his pursuit of her heart? Swoon-worthy!
I loved getting to meet up again with Malcolm and Alexandria (from book 1) briefly and see how they were doing. Also, the Lawton family just melted me with how accepting and welcoming of Courtney they were, and how they truly made the family feels flow off the page - oh, and their match-making nudges! haha!
This book really just made me happy and delivered a charming story I look forward to revisiting in the future!
If you want book that'll melt your heart and give you the feel goods, grab Dean and Courtney's story!
I absolutely adored how Courtney was sassy (in the best of ways) and had such a great attitude facing every trial and challenge that she faced. She had some growing up to do, just in the culture shock of going from a pampered daughter of society to a rancher's wife, but she met that challenge head on and bloomed. I loved seeing her discover herself and in turn, discover what she truly wanted out of life. Seeing her fall in love with the man who "messed up" her independence seeking? Priceless!
Dean had some pretty heavy burdens to carry, along with a heavy-handed demon clinging to him. But those challenges made him into the man of honor he was - respected, responsible, protective. His one moment of loco gave him the best gift of all in Courtney when he married and claimed responsibility for her. Watching him figure out his feelings for her and fall in love was so satisfying! He had his moments of crazy still, but his pursuit of her heart? Swoon-worthy!
I loved getting to meet up again with Malcolm and Alexandria (from book 1) briefly and see how they were doing. Also, the Lawton family just melted me with how accepting and welcoming of Courtney they were, and how they truly made the family feels flow off the page - oh, and their match-making nudges! haha!
This book really just made me happy and delivered a charming story I look forward to revisiting in the future!
If you want book that'll melt your heart and give you the feel goods, grab Dean and Courtney's story!
February 7, 2019
Thank you Netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is a slow burn, Western romance. Courtney is being forced into an arranged marriage she does not want. When she discovers her husband to be is in love with someone else she escapes to the South to live with her friend but ends up in Montana. A case of mistaken identity leads to a rushed marriage to Dean who believes she's the mailed ordered bride his brother ordered for him.
Both Dean and Courtney are stubborn, prideful characters. Dean is determined to spend his energy on taking care of his ranch and Courtney is determined to turn this mistake into an adventure.
The sexual tension between them is off the charts and the banter at times is pretty funny. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was how long it took them to give in to their desires. Dean is ridiculously stubborn and pushes her away too often. I'm glad at the end he comes to his senses.
This is a slow burn, Western romance. Courtney is being forced into an arranged marriage she does not want. When she discovers her husband to be is in love with someone else she escapes to the South to live with her friend but ends up in Montana. A case of mistaken identity leads to a rushed marriage to Dean who believes she's the mailed ordered bride his brother ordered for him.
Both Dean and Courtney are stubborn, prideful characters. Dean is determined to spend his energy on taking care of his ranch and Courtney is determined to turn this mistake into an adventure.
The sexual tension between them is off the charts and the banter at times is pretty funny. The only thing I wasn't crazy about was how long it took them to give in to their desires. Dean is ridiculously stubborn and pushes her away too often. I'm glad at the end he comes to his senses.
February 15, 2019
Excellent writing. This was a really fun story. This starts with Courtney running away from her wedding after getting a love note from the groom meant for another woman. She arrives out west and immediately meets Dean who thinks his brother has sent away for a mail order bride for him (he had just threatened to do so) and since there is a woman getting off the train in a wedding gown he assumes this must be her. After some misunderstandings they end up married. I liked this book. I liked watching them both adjust to each other and their circumstances.
December 7, 2019
Well, this one was not as good as Gunslingers Vow for me, but I enjoyed it just the same. And let me just say right off the bat, there’s a lot of suspension of disbelief that has to happen when reading this book, so beware.
I can’t say I loved this hero though- he was right at the end when he called himself a jackass lol. I like my heroes grumpy, but he just had too big of a chip on his shoulder. So while I liked the romance, I thought more could have been done to show them get to know each other. And editing wise... one gripe.. does everything really have to be “I do not know” and “would not” etc etc? Very little apostrophe usage in this authors books and it got annoying. If you wanna make the heroine sound more proper and shit, fine, but the hero too?
Anyway, despite not loving this one as much, I’m stoked to get book 3 and read about evie! Woo!
SERIES IMPORTANCE: Low. This is the second book in this trilogy and though the couple from book one make an appearance at the end, you will not be lost if you didn’t read their book. Nothing connects except the women’s friendship so there’s no unresolved mystery or storyline from the first book. That said, I would still highly recommend book one! ❤️
I can’t say I loved this hero though- he was right at the end when he called himself a jackass lol. I like my heroes grumpy, but he just had too big of a chip on his shoulder. So while I liked the romance, I thought more could have been done to show them get to know each other. And editing wise... one gripe.. does everything really have to be “I do not know” and “would not” etc etc? Very little apostrophe usage in this authors books and it got annoying. If you wanna make the heroine sound more proper and shit, fine, but the hero too?
Anyway, despite not loving this one as much, I’m stoked to get book 3 and read about evie! Woo!
SERIES IMPORTANCE: Low. This is the second book in this trilogy and though the couple from book one make an appearance at the end, you will not be lost if you didn’t read their book. Nothing connects except the women’s friendship so there’s no unresolved mystery or storyline from the first book. That said, I would still highly recommend book one! ❤️
February 17, 2019
4.5 stars ~ rounded up
When Courtney Adams flees her wedding and heads west to find her friend Alexandra, the last thing she ever expected was to find herself mistaken for a mail order bride and married to a very grumpy and extremely handsome cattle rancher!
Dean Lawton has had enough of his younger brother Randall's interference in his life, he tells Randall point blank to butt out, but when he arrives in town to pick up supplies and stops by the post office to collect a "very important" package for Randall - he assumes the beautiful woman in the wedding dress at the post office is Randall's "package" and feels honor bound to marry her - but doesn't bother to inform her of that fact.
Courtney is grateful to the cowboy for helping her, but is confused why he insists on taking her to see the local judge and has her witness a wedding. It isn't until they get back to his ranch that she learns the truth - she didn't witness a wedding - she got married! Once Dean realizes his horrific error, he promises to fix it - but the judge isn't easily swayed - he insists that they live together for a month before he will even consider dissolving their marriage.
Dean is extremely unhappy about this - Courtney makes him feel things that he has no time or desire to feel. He has his hands full with his ranch and trying to find out who is slaughtering his cattle. Besides, Courtney is a city girl, she will never be happy as a rancher's wife - she is spoiled and pampered and totally unprepared for life on the range.
He is 100% right, Courtney is spoiled and pampered - but he completely underestimates his temporary wife, because besides being spoiled and pampered, she is smart, determined and possesses an optimistic outlook on life. So no, ending up married to a grumpy cowboy wasn't her plan, but she will make the best of it. Instead of pouting and expecting to be waited on, she learns to cook and care for the house and slowly worms her way into her cowboy's heart. Dean acknowledges that Courtney is not what he believed and a bit of hope blossoms as they grow closer and eventually become intimate.
But a partially overheard conversation, a deranged lunatic and past heartache may prevent them from ever having their HEA.
This was a wonderful story, well written and filled with great characters, steamy love scenes, a bit of laughter, a little drama and a dash of angst to keep it interesting. While I did want to smack Dean a time or ten, he completely redeems himself at the end. My only complaint is the book ends a little abruptly and really could have benefited from an epilogue, but even without that, it is a fantastic read and I am happy to recommend it!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publister.*
When Courtney Adams flees her wedding and heads west to find her friend Alexandra, the last thing she ever expected was to find herself mistaken for a mail order bride and married to a very grumpy and extremely handsome cattle rancher!
Dean Lawton has had enough of his younger brother Randall's interference in his life, he tells Randall point blank to butt out, but when he arrives in town to pick up supplies and stops by the post office to collect a "very important" package for Randall - he assumes the beautiful woman in the wedding dress at the post office is Randall's "package" and feels honor bound to marry her - but doesn't bother to inform her of that fact.
Courtney is grateful to the cowboy for helping her, but is confused why he insists on taking her to see the local judge and has her witness a wedding. It isn't until they get back to his ranch that she learns the truth - she didn't witness a wedding - she got married! Once Dean realizes his horrific error, he promises to fix it - but the judge isn't easily swayed - he insists that they live together for a month before he will even consider dissolving their marriage.
Dean is extremely unhappy about this - Courtney makes him feel things that he has no time or desire to feel. He has his hands full with his ranch and trying to find out who is slaughtering his cattle. Besides, Courtney is a city girl, she will never be happy as a rancher's wife - she is spoiled and pampered and totally unprepared for life on the range.
He is 100% right, Courtney is spoiled and pampered - but he completely underestimates his temporary wife, because besides being spoiled and pampered, she is smart, determined and possesses an optimistic outlook on life. So no, ending up married to a grumpy cowboy wasn't her plan, but she will make the best of it. Instead of pouting and expecting to be waited on, she learns to cook and care for the house and slowly worms her way into her cowboy's heart. Dean acknowledges that Courtney is not what he believed and a bit of hope blossoms as they grow closer and eventually become intimate.
But a partially overheard conversation, a deranged lunatic and past heartache may prevent them from ever having their HEA.
This was a wonderful story, well written and filled with great characters, steamy love scenes, a bit of laughter, a little drama and a dash of angst to keep it interesting. While I did want to smack Dean a time or ten, he completely redeems himself at the end. My only complaint is the book ends a little abruptly and really could have benefited from an epilogue, but even without that, it is a fantastic read and I am happy to recommend it!
*I am voluntarily leaving a review of an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publister.*
September 9, 2020
A SOLID 3.5 STARS!
THIS STORY HAD POTENTIAL BUT THE EMOTIONAL TIES BETWEEN THE MCs WEREN'T ENOUGH TO MAKE THIS A SOLID ROMANCE. SURE, IT'S THERE BUT THE MCs SPENT MORE TIME BICKERING THAN GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER. MAYBE FIGHTING'S A FORM OF KNOWING THE OTHER? YOU KNOW...MAKE LOVE NOT WAR?
DEAN is a cowboy trapped in his own makings. The rules and expectations or standards he set for himself became an imaginary cage that turned him into Mr.Grouchy and No-Fun. I didn't quite get his aversion to marriage or intimacy, but I guess it's because his mama ran out on him and Randall when they were young uns, leaving them to their grandpa. Since their grandpa's death, Dean inherited the ranch and poured his heart & soul into it. It's obvious the effort he puts into his home yet, his recently married brother is breathing down his neck, pressing him to find a wife too - a soft, warm body to hold at night. You can imagine why he would react so violently when he met Courtney at the station in her bridal finery thinking she was the 'special' something his brother wanted picked up. Yes, Dean can be a jerk at times but deep down he's still a gentleman and marries Courtney to protect her. Obviously, she's not happy about the misunderstanding and being his 'unwanted' wife. The story had potential because Dean and Courtney did have chemistry but he spent like more than half the story arguing, if not he'll stay distant and most of what I read was Courtney's time with Randall's wife and mother-in-law.
COURTNEY ran away from her wedding after discovering her fiance is in love with someone else. She plans to carpe diem the heck out of her new life, and took a train to meet her friend Alexandra. Except, she ended up in the wrong town and into the hands of Dean Lawton. While I liked the idea that Courtney's exercising her independence, she did come off as a shrew in the beginning. Was her anger warranted? Yes. But, did she have to act like a shrilly monkey and poke the bear more? Not really. This tells you she has a temper. Courtney does put more effort into getting to know her husband, and she becomes likeable as she changes from society butterfly to country wife.
OVERALL there were plenty of moments I'd like to change about the story, but well this is what we got. It's not BAD, but it could have been way WAY better. I kept holding my breath for that ONE romantic scene, but the ones where Dean and Courtney got together just didn't blow my socks off.
THIS STORY HAD POTENTIAL BUT THE EMOTIONAL TIES BETWEEN THE MCs WEREN'T ENOUGH TO MAKE THIS A SOLID ROMANCE. SURE, IT'S THERE BUT THE MCs SPENT MORE TIME BICKERING THAN GETTING TO KNOW EACH OTHER. MAYBE FIGHTING'S A FORM OF KNOWING THE OTHER? YOU KNOW...MAKE LOVE NOT WAR?
DEAN is a cowboy trapped in his own makings. The rules and expectations or standards he set for himself became an imaginary cage that turned him into Mr.Grouchy and No-Fun. I didn't quite get his aversion to marriage or intimacy, but I guess it's because his mama ran out on him and Randall when they were young uns, leaving them to their grandpa. Since their grandpa's death, Dean inherited the ranch and poured his heart & soul into it. It's obvious the effort he puts into his home yet, his recently married brother is breathing down his neck, pressing him to find a wife too - a soft, warm body to hold at night. You can imagine why he would react so violently when he met Courtney at the station in her bridal finery thinking she was the 'special' something his brother wanted picked up. Yes, Dean can be a jerk at times but deep down he's still a gentleman and marries Courtney to protect her. Obviously, she's not happy about the misunderstanding and being his 'unwanted' wife. The story had potential because Dean and Courtney did have chemistry but he spent like more than half the story arguing, if not he'll stay distant and most of what I read was Courtney's time with Randall's wife and mother-in-law.
COURTNEY ran away from her wedding after discovering her fiance is in love with someone else. She plans to carpe diem the heck out of her new life, and took a train to meet her friend Alexandra. Except, she ended up in the wrong town and into the hands of Dean Lawton. While I liked the idea that Courtney's exercising her independence, she did come off as a shrew in the beginning. Was her anger warranted? Yes. But, did she have to act like a shrilly monkey and poke the bear more? Not really. This tells you she has a temper. Courtney does put more effort into getting to know her husband, and she becomes likeable as she changes from society butterfly to country wife.
OVERALL there were plenty of moments I'd like to change about the story, but well this is what we got. It's not BAD, but it could have been way WAY better. I kept holding my breath for that ONE romantic scene, but the ones where Dean and Courtney got together just didn't blow my socks off.
February 28, 2019
Arc review
3.5 stars
I'm a big fan of Sandas, I think she writes some really interesting plots and I love authors who gives me historical romances in different time periods.
This book is well written, and I love the premise, but ultimately I felt the romance and chemistry was lacking for me. The heroine was doing most of the chasing in this story, and the hero did a lot of pushing away, blew cold most of the time, except during moments of lust and a few scenes. I could understand why someone would fall in love with Courtney, our heroine who went from being a pampered Boston socialite to an indepedent woman on a ranch, made friends with his family and took everything in stride; but I didn't see why Courntey would fall for Dean, whose appeal (outside of physical attractiveness) seems to be way he was responsible to his ranch, the people he supported, and loved his family. Those are not enough qualities for a woman to fall for.
While Dean had a past that could attribute to why he would push her away, initially, I wish that we could see a softening and a change of his viewpoint sooner, and less suddenly. I felt that the moments he gave in to her, more of it was physical attraction.
Case in point, right after the first kiss, at the 60% mark, this is the dialogue that occured (skipping some of the actions in between):
"Dean I -"
"This was a mistake," he interrupted harshly. "I don't want a wife."
[...]
"I understand," she replied softly, [...]
"You still love her."
"It's not about Anne," he replied, his voice low and raw as he turned away from her.
"This has never had anything to do with her. It's about you."
Whatever could anyone take from that but as an insult? She bids him goodnight, and say it won't happen again. He comes back later in the evening, she makes to leave, and he then says:
"Don't go."
"I can't get you out of my head," he muttered in irritation. "No matter what I do."
Courntey didn't reply. She wasn't the slightest bit sorry for making him think of her. [...]
"I wanna take you to bed, Courtney, so bad it makes me ache. I tried to stay away. Tried not to think about you." His voice roughened. "I just can't shake it."
The words bought an instant image to mind of lying besides his large male body, moving her hands over his skin, looking into his eyes, kissing him.
Goodness, how she wanted to kiss him again. And more.
"Then stop trying," she whispered in reply.
When he lifted his gaze again, what she saw there made her insides go warm and melty. Heat, hunger, and an intense desire to hold nothing back.
"I sure as hell hope you mean that."
[...]
"I do."
So he comes back and then confesses to physical attraction, no apology for his words, and she is ok with that.
They proceeded to bed, and right before they have sex (and it would be her first time), he tells her it's a no string attached, and she agrees anyways, and convinces him. "Please don't be sorry," she pleaded softly, allowing the need inside her to become evident in her voice. She didn't want to shield her feelings from him. Not now. "I won't be."
I understand she left home to have an adventure and start a new life, but she seems really forward for someone who haven't heard all the specifics of the marriage bed. I wish Dean would have given us more for me and I wish for him to have done some of the work to get us to this point.
The finale does include a good grovel and grand gesture from our hero, and a no-holds back confession of his feelings for her, but I felt they came a little late and sudden. I wish we could have seen more of time for them to be together, where he may have initiated the interaction more, and more deeper dialogue.
I hope to see more of this author's work in this era and I love her HR as well. This one was just not my favourite.
3.5 stars
I'm a big fan of Sandas, I think she writes some really interesting plots and I love authors who gives me historical romances in different time periods.
This book is well written, and I love the premise, but ultimately I felt the romance and chemistry was lacking for me. The heroine was doing most of the chasing in this story, and the hero did a lot of pushing away, blew cold most of the time, except during moments of lust and a few scenes. I could understand why someone would fall in love with Courtney, our heroine who went from being a pampered Boston socialite to an indepedent woman on a ranch, made friends with his family and took everything in stride; but I didn't see why Courntey would fall for Dean, whose appeal (outside of physical attractiveness) seems to be way he was responsible to his ranch, the people he supported, and loved his family. Those are not enough qualities for a woman to fall for.
While Dean had a past that could attribute to why he would push her away, initially, I wish that we could see a softening and a change of his viewpoint sooner, and less suddenly. I felt that the moments he gave in to her, more of it was physical attraction.
Case in point, right after the first kiss, at the 60% mark, this is the dialogue that occured (skipping some of the actions in between):
"Dean I -"
"This was a mistake," he interrupted harshly. "I don't want a wife."
[...]
"I understand," she replied softly, [...]
"You still love her."
"It's not about Anne," he replied, his voice low and raw as he turned away from her.
"This has never had anything to do with her. It's about you."
Whatever could anyone take from that but as an insult? She bids him goodnight, and say it won't happen again. He comes back later in the evening, she makes to leave, and he then says:
"Don't go."
"I can't get you out of my head," he muttered in irritation. "No matter what I do."
Courntey didn't reply. She wasn't the slightest bit sorry for making him think of her. [...]
"I wanna take you to bed, Courtney, so bad it makes me ache. I tried to stay away. Tried not to think about you." His voice roughened. "I just can't shake it."
The words bought an instant image to mind of lying besides his large male body, moving her hands over his skin, looking into his eyes, kissing him.
Goodness, how she wanted to kiss him again. And more.
"Then stop trying," she whispered in reply.
When he lifted his gaze again, what she saw there made her insides go warm and melty. Heat, hunger, and an intense desire to hold nothing back.
"I sure as hell hope you mean that."
[...]
"I do."
So he comes back and then confesses to physical attraction, no apology for his words, and she is ok with that.
They proceeded to bed, and right before they have sex (and it would be her first time), he tells her it's a no string attached, and she agrees anyways, and convinces him. "Please don't be sorry," she pleaded softly, allowing the need inside her to become evident in her voice. She didn't want to shield her feelings from him. Not now. "I won't be."
I understand she left home to have an adventure and start a new life, but she seems really forward for someone who haven't heard all the specifics of the marriage bed. I wish Dean would have given us more for me and I wish for him to have done some of the work to get us to this point.
The finale does include a good grovel and grand gesture from our hero, and a no-holds back confession of his feelings for her, but I felt they came a little late and sudden. I wish we could have seen more of time for them to be together, where he may have initiated the interaction more, and more deeper dialogue.
I hope to see more of this author's work in this era and I love her HR as well. This one was just not my favourite.
September 25, 2020
Overall: 2 stars. A mediocre “mail order bride” Western romance with a Too Stupid to Live heroine.
I unexpectedly (it was a Kindle freebie) really enjoyed the other Amy Sandas book I’ve read, Luck Is No Lady, which was a regency. I was looking forward to reading Sandas’ take on a Western romance, but *sad trombone noise*. The humor and chemistry of Luck simply wasn’t here, and the book didn’t have anything else going on to recommend it either. The leads are two-dimensional and honestly borderline TSTL (the heroine runs away to Montana with only the clothes on her back, accidentally - yes, literally she doesn’t know she’s doing it - marries the hero, goes to his ranch thinking he’s been sent by her friend to pick her up, and only THEN does she realize she’s made a mistake).
A bit bland, which is a pity because I love “mail order bride” stories. But this one is worth skipping. The cover, though, is gorgeous.
I unexpectedly (it was a Kindle freebie) really enjoyed the other Amy Sandas book I’ve read, Luck Is No Lady, which was a regency. I was looking forward to reading Sandas’ take on a Western romance, but *sad trombone noise*. The humor and chemistry of Luck simply wasn’t here, and the book didn’t have anything else going on to recommend it either. The leads are two-dimensional and honestly borderline TSTL (the heroine runs away to Montana with only the clothes on her back, accidentally - yes, literally she doesn’t know she’s doing it - marries the hero, goes to his ranch thinking he’s been sent by her friend to pick her up, and only THEN does she realize she’s made a mistake).
A bit bland, which is a pity because I love “mail order bride” stories. But this one is worth skipping. The cover, though, is gorgeous.
February 21, 2019
Mistaken identities at its finest..We have Courtney a runaway bride who figures out that her fiance was in love with someone else. She runs and since she is in her gear she is mistaken for Dean's brothers mail order bride. Dean had no intention of marrying anytime soon but he refuses to let his brother get taken advantage of, so they get married and not very happy about it. Unfortunately for them the judge that grants the annulment tells them that they have to live together for 4 weeks before he gives it to them. Now this is where the fun begins. Courtney is fun and sassy and gets to grow up and find out her strengths and Dean is realizing she is better than he thought. Dean has a light to carry and on top of that he is feeling things he did not expect..Grab a copy and Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
January 17, 2025
This was so much fun. I loved the similar but different western take compared to the first. I loved how Courtney really just made it work and Dean was such a grumpy cowboy - that actually cowboy-ed! Plus we get a badass scene of Alexandria (and her husband) at the end when they come to "rescue" Courtney. Love that she gets to be the white knight instead of Dean. Excited to read more from Amy!
January 17, 2019
Courtney Adams has always done her duty by her family. She is preparing to marry a man she has been basically betrothed to since birth. When Courtney realizes her fiancé is in love with someone else, she defies them all by running away. Courtney wants more to life and so she begins her journey west in search of that adventure.
Dean Lawton doesn't want a wife, and he's tired of his brother, Randall, mentioning mail order brides. When Randall asks Dean to pick up a package from the post office, Dean is shocked and angered to see Courtney standing out front in her wedding dress. Dean does the honorable thing and marries Courtney to give her the protection of his name. There's just one little issue with the whole ordeal... Courtney wasn't there to marry him and now that they've tied the knot, the judge is refusing to grant them a divorce until Dean and Courtney have lived together a month. What has Dean gotten himself into?
Author Amy Sandas is sure to steal hearts with her RUNAWAY BRIDES series. It all started with THE GUNSLINGER'S VOW and continues with book two, THE COWBOY'S HONOR. Each book focuses on one of a trio of ladies who are friends and running away from their weddings. They come out west and find their true loves and learn a lot about themselves along the way. THE COWBOY'S HONOR is Courtney's story. Courtney meets Dean, a rancher, who has no interest in a wife. After a little misunderstanding, they are wed. Courtney is optimistic and willing to give their marriage a real go. Dean, on the other hand, is a little more resistant. My, how their characters grow throughout the story. It isn't smooth sailing, but Dean and Courtney must risk it all to find their HEA. Do not miss Ms. Sandas's THE COWBOY'S HONOR.
Dean Lawton doesn't want a wife, and he's tired of his brother, Randall, mentioning mail order brides. When Randall asks Dean to pick up a package from the post office, Dean is shocked and angered to see Courtney standing out front in her wedding dress. Dean does the honorable thing and marries Courtney to give her the protection of his name. There's just one little issue with the whole ordeal... Courtney wasn't there to marry him and now that they've tied the knot, the judge is refusing to grant them a divorce until Dean and Courtney have lived together a month. What has Dean gotten himself into?
Author Amy Sandas is sure to steal hearts with her RUNAWAY BRIDES series. It all started with THE GUNSLINGER'S VOW and continues with book two, THE COWBOY'S HONOR. Each book focuses on one of a trio of ladies who are friends and running away from their weddings. They come out west and find their true loves and learn a lot about themselves along the way. THE COWBOY'S HONOR is Courtney's story. Courtney meets Dean, a rancher, who has no interest in a wife. After a little misunderstanding, they are wed. Courtney is optimistic and willing to give their marriage a real go. Dean, on the other hand, is a little more resistant. My, how their characters grow throughout the story. It isn't smooth sailing, but Dean and Courtney must risk it all to find their HEA. Do not miss Ms. Sandas's THE COWBOY'S HONOR.
September 27, 2019
Aghhhh! After absolutely loving book #1 in this series, I should have known better than to jump right in to book #2. I just did not like the bickering going on btwn the H/h this time, it was not well done for me. The hero was a little too angry, a little too argumentative, a little too untrusting and impatient to his brother....(so he came off as an asshole to me). Why the heroine kept the wedding dress on instead of getting something a little more inconspicuous was silly. I wasn't really into the mystery of the murdered cows, which alI lead me to feel no sympathy for the hero's constant troubles going on, so I bailed on the story.
February 23, 2019
I read the first book in the Runaway Brides series and enjoyed it very much. I eagerly awaited the next book, hoping to like it just as much. Amy Sandas did not disappoint! This heartfelt sequel contained everything I could want from a romance: smiles, heartbreak, tears, suspense, steamy loving and, of course, true love.
Courtney Adams was about to be married to a man of her social class, chosen by her parents. She receives a letter actually intended for another - her fiance 's lover. Can you say awkward? Not willing to enter into a marriage where her husband loves another, she jumps out the window, dressed in her wedding gown, and runs. She heads west to Helena, Montana, where her friend Alexandra now lives; she is still in her wedding gown. On the trip she meets grumpy rancher Dean Lawton. Dean, after an earlier conversation with his brother, believes Courtney is a mail order bride. He quickly marries her to keep her safe; she thinks they are simply witnesses to another wedding. Awkward again! The judge says they will have to wait four weeks before he will grant them an annulment.
Thus begins a lovely story of opposites attract. Courtney, though pampered and raised in affluence, is no shrinking violet. She quickly adapts to her surroundings, determined to become an independent woman. Dean, who apparently is still dealing with his mother walking out years ago and his own tragic broken engagement, fights his growing attraction to his wife. Dean is one stubborn man; there were times I got extremely frustrated with him. But he is definitely worth sticking with. And Courtney is a fantastic heroine, even though she could be stubborn herself. Throw in Dean's delightful brother and in-laws and some suspense (just who is slaughtering Dean's livestock?) and you have a completely satisfying western romance. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
Courtney Adams was about to be married to a man of her social class, chosen by her parents. She receives a letter actually intended for another - her fiance 's lover. Can you say awkward? Not willing to enter into a marriage where her husband loves another, she jumps out the window, dressed in her wedding gown, and runs. She heads west to Helena, Montana, where her friend Alexandra now lives; she is still in her wedding gown. On the trip she meets grumpy rancher Dean Lawton. Dean, after an earlier conversation with his brother, believes Courtney is a mail order bride. He quickly marries her to keep her safe; she thinks they are simply witnesses to another wedding. Awkward again! The judge says they will have to wait four weeks before he will grant them an annulment.
Thus begins a lovely story of opposites attract. Courtney, though pampered and raised in affluence, is no shrinking violet. She quickly adapts to her surroundings, determined to become an independent woman. Dean, who apparently is still dealing with his mother walking out years ago and his own tragic broken engagement, fights his growing attraction to his wife. Dean is one stubborn man; there were times I got extremely frustrated with him. But he is definitely worth sticking with. And Courtney is a fantastic heroine, even though she could be stubborn herself. Throw in Dean's delightful brother and in-laws and some suspense (just who is slaughtering Dean's livestock?) and you have a completely satisfying western romance. I can't wait to see what comes next in this series!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions are entirely my own.
January 27, 2019
I love witty banter between the hero and heroine, and this book had it all throughout! Such an enjoyable read, with really strong female characters and alpha men not too proud to admit when they are wrong. I hadn't read this author before, and I wasn't certain what to expect. Sometimes cowboy romances can feel too similar, and I lose interest after a while. However, with this book, it kept my attention the entire time and had me looking to see what was next for this author! Amy Sandas revived my excitement about the genre and made me start looking for more.
It's not every day that the small town of White Sulfur Springs sees a fancy Eastern woman wearing a wedding dress, especially when she has just debarked a train. So when Dean Lawton sees her outside the post office, after his brother told him there was a package waiting for him there, he is certain that his brother has finally done the unthinkable and gotten Dean a mail order bride. However, Courtney Adams is running away from a marriage, not looking for another one. After finding out her groom's secret and realizing love would never be part of their marriage, Courtney is determined to strike out on her own. She was hoping to meet up with her friend, Alexandra, who had run away from her own marriage last summer and was now living with her ex-bounty hunter husband in Helena, Montana. But the train doesn't go that far, and now she is stranded in White Sulfur Springs with a man who told her he is now her husband. And that simply will not do.
The dynamic between Dean and Courtney was amazing! They were so evenly matched in temperament, each giving as much as the other gave in attitude. I loved how Courtney stood up for herself and consistently made sure Dean knew he had to respect her, regardless of the unwanted marriage between them. Dean was so flustered by Courtney's confidence, and it was funny to see him slowly see how good she could be for him. It was frustrating at times, especially when their relationship became more intimate, that they still refused to be honest with each other about their feelings. They were really good about expressing themselves about everything under the sun, except romance. Dean had been hurt before and so had Courtney, so their insecurities led to conflict. But at the end of the day, I really liked how their love grew over time, and they were a strong couple.
Now I need to go back and read the first book in the series, to learn more about Courtney's friend, Alexandra! You definitely don't need to read it to understand this book, but you'll want to after you're done.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
It's not every day that the small town of White Sulfur Springs sees a fancy Eastern woman wearing a wedding dress, especially when she has just debarked a train. So when Dean Lawton sees her outside the post office, after his brother told him there was a package waiting for him there, he is certain that his brother has finally done the unthinkable and gotten Dean a mail order bride. However, Courtney Adams is running away from a marriage, not looking for another one. After finding out her groom's secret and realizing love would never be part of their marriage, Courtney is determined to strike out on her own. She was hoping to meet up with her friend, Alexandra, who had run away from her own marriage last summer and was now living with her ex-bounty hunter husband in Helena, Montana. But the train doesn't go that far, and now she is stranded in White Sulfur Springs with a man who told her he is now her husband. And that simply will not do.
The dynamic between Dean and Courtney was amazing! They were so evenly matched in temperament, each giving as much as the other gave in attitude. I loved how Courtney stood up for herself and consistently made sure Dean knew he had to respect her, regardless of the unwanted marriage between them. Dean was so flustered by Courtney's confidence, and it was funny to see him slowly see how good she could be for him. It was frustrating at times, especially when their relationship became more intimate, that they still refused to be honest with each other about their feelings. They were really good about expressing themselves about everything under the sun, except romance. Dean had been hurt before and so had Courtney, so their insecurities led to conflict. But at the end of the day, I really liked how their love grew over time, and they were a strong couple.
Now I need to go back and read the first book in the series, to learn more about Courtney's friend, Alexandra! You definitely don't need to read it to understand this book, but you'll want to after you're done.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
February 24, 2019
Reading this story helped solidify why I have fallen in love with historical western romance! It contains all the elements for a captivating storyline that kept me entertained until the very last page! In Boston, Courtney Adams was all set to marry a man her parents had arranged. When she finds out her betrothed is in love with someone else, she becomes a runaway bride and gets on a train to Montana. Can you just see the scene? A bride all dressed up, grabbing a train and focusing on getting to a friend she knows out west! But as fate would have it, she winds up married to Dean Lawton when he mistakes her for a mail order bride he thinks his brother has ordered! He feels honor bound to marry her. Oh yes, the adventure begins!
It does not take long to realize his error and that she was not there for his brother, he finds out they will have to wait at least a few weeks until they can get the marriage annulled. He thinks she is just a spoiled city girl who cannot do anything, but she surprises him and learns to cook and take care of the house and keeps and optimistic outlook. He begins to feel hope that they might just work out and not need that annulment.
Of course it is never that easy and with some misunderstandings, a villain and the past coming back up, they may not ever find any happiness.
Loved this story with the author creating wonderful characters while making the old west come alive! Cannot wait to read more!
PS isn't that cover stunning?
It does not take long to realize his error and that she was not there for his brother, he finds out they will have to wait at least a few weeks until they can get the marriage annulled. He thinks she is just a spoiled city girl who cannot do anything, but she surprises him and learns to cook and take care of the house and keeps and optimistic outlook. He begins to feel hope that they might just work out and not need that annulment.
Of course it is never that easy and with some misunderstandings, a villain and the past coming back up, they may not ever find any happiness.
Loved this story with the author creating wonderful characters while making the old west come alive! Cannot wait to read more!
PS isn't that cover stunning?
March 15, 2019
The Cowboy’s Honor
Runaway Brides book 2
by Amy Sandas
What an amazing second book of the Runaway Brides!
I just adore western romance and this just hit all the right spots! Courtney is not happy with her arranged nuptials and definatly not in love with her bridegroom. What’s a bride to do on her wedding day? Runaway of course! And thus her adventure begins. Boarding a train in all her wedding attire she’s mistakenly exchanged one man for another,
Dean has been heartbroken and doesn’t want a wife so when a misunderstanding has him married quicker than he can blink he’s married to a woman he hardly knows. And their adventure begins and what an adventure!
I urge fans of historical western romance to pick up Amy Sandas books, cleverly written with real emotions and witty banter. Deans and Courtney’s chemistry was a slow burn and I loved the humour. The secondary characters added to the story. This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend! I LOVED IT!!!!!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher Via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
Runaway Brides book 2
by Amy Sandas
What an amazing second book of the Runaway Brides!
I just adore western romance and this just hit all the right spots! Courtney is not happy with her arranged nuptials and definatly not in love with her bridegroom. What’s a bride to do on her wedding day? Runaway of course! And thus her adventure begins. Boarding a train in all her wedding attire she’s mistakenly exchanged one man for another,
Dean has been heartbroken and doesn’t want a wife so when a misunderstanding has him married quicker than he can blink he’s married to a woman he hardly knows. And their adventure begins and what an adventure!
I urge fans of historical western romance to pick up Amy Sandas books, cleverly written with real emotions and witty banter. Deans and Courtney’s chemistry was a slow burn and I loved the humour. The secondary characters added to the story. This was a fantastic read that I highly recommend! I LOVED IT!!!!!
I recieved a complimentary copy from the publisher Via Netgalley. This is my honest unbiased opinion.
September 18, 2021
h8 when i have to skim sex scenes
January 4, 2021
4.5 stars!
i am just loving this Runaway Brides series so much so far! i absolutely enjoyed seeing Courtney & Dean turn from enemies to lovers. like the previous book, this was a slow burn and it took about 20 chapters for them to finally have a kiss but i liked it. the slow pace of the book and the slow bonding made the intimacies they shared a thousand times better and worth the wait.
loving the series as i loved Dean & Courtney as characters. Dean is a serious man and needed Courtney to allow him to enjoy the simple things in life. Courtney is a very strong woman who could adapt to new environments and that is what i like about Amy Sandas' heroines. though Dean was an asshole at times, i believe he did become a better person at the end of the book.
i felt Amy Sandas did a good job in narrating Dean's and Courtney's point of views as every chapter would alternate between the two of their POVs and i felt it was great as it allowed me to further understand how they feel inside, why they do certain things and how they fell in love with one another. i thought that the morning after they made love, Dean became really cute with him wanting to stay in bed with Courtney all day. it was a really romantic scene, not to mention, i absolutely loved the explicit making love they did. <3
it was one hell of a ride with these 2 and i love it. however, the part with the killed cattle did not interest so i skimmed those. there was also slight angst at the back and i didn't like how they didn't communicate with one another which resulted in their separation. oh wells. i'm glad Dean finally saw his mistakes and went after Courtney. he once said he didn't have a way with words but i thought with the way he proposed to Courtney at the back, it was hella romantic. you go dean!
a side note, i was sad that there wasn't an epilogue for The Gunslinger's Vow so i was glad to actually see Malcolm & Alexandra appear in this book as it tells me what happened to both of them which the book didn't cover due to the lack of epilogue. i can only hope to see Dean & Courtney, and Malcolm & Alex in the next book as i love them so much.
i am just loving this Runaway Brides series so much so far! i absolutely enjoyed seeing Courtney & Dean turn from enemies to lovers. like the previous book, this was a slow burn and it took about 20 chapters for them to finally have a kiss but i liked it. the slow pace of the book and the slow bonding made the intimacies they shared a thousand times better and worth the wait.
loving the series as i loved Dean & Courtney as characters. Dean is a serious man and needed Courtney to allow him to enjoy the simple things in life. Courtney is a very strong woman who could adapt to new environments and that is what i like about Amy Sandas' heroines. though Dean was an asshole at times, i believe he did become a better person at the end of the book.
i felt Amy Sandas did a good job in narrating Dean's and Courtney's point of views as every chapter would alternate between the two of their POVs and i felt it was great as it allowed me to further understand how they feel inside, why they do certain things and how they fell in love with one another. i thought that the morning after they made love, Dean became really cute with him wanting to stay in bed with Courtney all day. it was a really romantic scene, not to mention, i absolutely loved the explicit making love they did. <3
it was one hell of a ride with these 2 and i love it. however, the part with the killed cattle did not interest so i skimmed those. there was also slight angst at the back and i didn't like how they didn't communicate with one another which resulted in their separation. oh wells. i'm glad Dean finally saw his mistakes and went after Courtney. he once said he didn't have a way with words but i thought with the way he proposed to Courtney at the back, it was hella romantic. you go dean!
a side note, i was sad that there wasn't an epilogue for The Gunslinger's Vow so i was glad to actually see Malcolm & Alexandra appear in this book as it tells me what happened to both of them which the book didn't cover due to the lack of epilogue. i can only hope to see Dean & Courtney, and Malcolm & Alex in the next book as i love them so much.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 25, 2019
I will start by saying that I have never read this author before. This was purely a "judge a book by it's cover" situation. It just looked so wholesome and whimsical and took me back to Padmé and Anakin on Naboo and I requested it impulsively.
That being said, since reading this book, I have subsequently researched the hell out of this author, requested every book I could find, checked out every eBook my library had available, and persuaded my husband to invest in the rest. Holy. Freaking. Cow. Amy Sandas has taken my breath away. After all of my research, the best that I can tell is she was sent from heaven to bless us with her works and I refuse to believe otherwise. I can not tell you how long it has been since I have wanted to hole up in my bed and read all day. I was honestly losing my passion for this genre and, you can ask anyone, I'm an advocate to the point of being obnoxious when it comes to Romance Novels.
We'll start with the premise of this book/series, which I was very wary of. A runaway bride has never been a favorite of mine as I am a huge advocate for the "make it work" heroines. It turns out, I got the best of both worlds here. Our bride, Courtney, has a legitimate as hell reason to run and has the the badassery to survive on her own. There is this quiet and consistent level of feminism coursing through this book that grabbed me instantly. It's not the flag-waving, bra-burning feminism that I am used to (and also love) but this gentle, persistent climbing of a female's self confidence that comes to a rolling boil RIGHT as the novel crashes into it's third act. It actually had me cheering on a heroine that I would have otherwise been exasperated by. Our author writes these brilliant scenes of secret, internal moments that build up one's heart and have you desperate to get to the next chapter in the couple's story.
Our hero, Dean, was a surprise for me. He is very atypical of your rugged cowboy. He is legitimately constrained and considerate. I say legitimately because the author ardently refuses to fall into the typical pitfalls of the sexual portions of this genre. Where a couple would usually "succumb to passion even though they refused their heart's desire to the very last", we have a hero that is genuine in these moments. He has cravings and longings, of course, but he has about a billion other feelings and morals that he chooses to adhere to, a ranch to run, a family to take care of, and cattle that are dying. I kept waiting for the obligatory "release of pent up passion" and was instead pleasantly surprised by a sweet and considerate steady climb for Dean. He is deeply and unknowingly struggling with the burn scars of rejection and the immeasurable weight of a ranch that slowly but surely became his to maintain. When we get to see the world from his view it is heavy and severe. There's no sweet fairy tale here. We get real-life struggles and human emotions that aren't bent to fit the story or blown up for the sake of drama. Just a simple man, doing his job, trying to be respectful but falling deeply in love with Courtney and falling back in love with his life. He was a down right awesome character to meet.
Our heroine, Courtney, is on the adventure of her lifetime and, oh man, was she fun! She's definitely my spirit animal. I genuinely love a character that just puts their head down and gets through it. Let's not make trouble where there could be solutions and let's be genuine so we can try to commune with our current situation. Her coming of age is a slow crawl of simple yet profound tasks that end up having very minimal to do with our hero. We see a woman finding her own self worth and learning to love herself for becoming to woman she always wanted to be. What a journey! When her own self discovery starts intertwining with Dean we see a natural and beautiful coming together of minds and it makes you want to be a part of their simple country life. I'm 1000% sure I wouldn't survive a single day on a working ranch but these two give me hope! 😎
I will always side with an author that chooses honesty over forced drama. It is damn near impossible to go along with a plot that has wildly unrealistic obstacles or allows the characters' own emotions or hesitancy to rule over the actual romance in a novel. Miscommunications are, unfortunately one of the hallmarks of this genre as it is an easy way to split up then reunite a couple. When done incorrectly it becomes tedious and a novel will lose it's charm rapidly. We see none of that here. We have a miscommunication plot line that is done in such an honest and guarded way that you don't end up resenting or eye-rolling at anyone. You end up heart broken yet hopeful and that is harder to accomplish than some may think.
One of the misconceptions with Romance Novels is that they all end happily so they must be easy to write. WRONG! You have to make conflict KNOWING that it will end well for most everyone. There is no unhappy endings or cliff hangers in Romance. You learn to wrap it up with a nice tidy bow or you find another genre, pal. Our author took one of the harder routes here in having the main characters dislike each other from the very beginning. This plot line is riddled with pot holes that can cause a reader to end up hating one character or the other or hating the book as a whole. Fortunate for us, we have a legitimate, Grade A bad ass for an author who manages to make you feel deeply empathetic for both sides the entire time. If you don't think that's talent, you either aren't reading the right books or you're not actually paying attention.
The ONLY downfall I had here was some missed words or swapped words throughout the eBook. The book also downloaded under the wrong name so that was a bit weird for like 5 minutes until I could get a look at the cover. I tend to chalk these misprints up to the myriad processes the actual written word goes through before it claims a spot in your eBook list but it was kind of bothersome here and there. That being said, it had NOTHING to do with the plot development, characters, or overall novel. This book and this author are the real deal, guys. She managed to pull me out of a pretty big Genre Slump and I can't thank her enough for that.
Bottomline: There is no downside here. Even if you don't like the American West or Historical genres of romance, give this book a try...then go download every single other book she's gifted us mere mortals with.
Rating: ★★★★★
*I was given a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review*
Come check me out at thejadesjournal.com
That being said, since reading this book, I have subsequently researched the hell out of this author, requested every book I could find, checked out every eBook my library had available, and persuaded my husband to invest in the rest. Holy. Freaking. Cow. Amy Sandas has taken my breath away. After all of my research, the best that I can tell is she was sent from heaven to bless us with her works and I refuse to believe otherwise. I can not tell you how long it has been since I have wanted to hole up in my bed and read all day. I was honestly losing my passion for this genre and, you can ask anyone, I'm an advocate to the point of being obnoxious when it comes to Romance Novels.
We'll start with the premise of this book/series, which I was very wary of. A runaway bride has never been a favorite of mine as I am a huge advocate for the "make it work" heroines. It turns out, I got the best of both worlds here. Our bride, Courtney, has a legitimate as hell reason to run and has the the badassery to survive on her own. There is this quiet and consistent level of feminism coursing through this book that grabbed me instantly. It's not the flag-waving, bra-burning feminism that I am used to (and also love) but this gentle, persistent climbing of a female's self confidence that comes to a rolling boil RIGHT as the novel crashes into it's third act. It actually had me cheering on a heroine that I would have otherwise been exasperated by. Our author writes these brilliant scenes of secret, internal moments that build up one's heart and have you desperate to get to the next chapter in the couple's story.
Our hero, Dean, was a surprise for me. He is very atypical of your rugged cowboy. He is legitimately constrained and considerate. I say legitimately because the author ardently refuses to fall into the typical pitfalls of the sexual portions of this genre. Where a couple would usually "succumb to passion even though they refused their heart's desire to the very last", we have a hero that is genuine in these moments. He has cravings and longings, of course, but he has about a billion other feelings and morals that he chooses to adhere to, a ranch to run, a family to take care of, and cattle that are dying. I kept waiting for the obligatory "release of pent up passion" and was instead pleasantly surprised by a sweet and considerate steady climb for Dean. He is deeply and unknowingly struggling with the burn scars of rejection and the immeasurable weight of a ranch that slowly but surely became his to maintain. When we get to see the world from his view it is heavy and severe. There's no sweet fairy tale here. We get real-life struggles and human emotions that aren't bent to fit the story or blown up for the sake of drama. Just a simple man, doing his job, trying to be respectful but falling deeply in love with Courtney and falling back in love with his life. He was a down right awesome character to meet.
Our heroine, Courtney, is on the adventure of her lifetime and, oh man, was she fun! She's definitely my spirit animal. I genuinely love a character that just puts their head down and gets through it. Let's not make trouble where there could be solutions and let's be genuine so we can try to commune with our current situation. Her coming of age is a slow crawl of simple yet profound tasks that end up having very minimal to do with our hero. We see a woman finding her own self worth and learning to love herself for becoming to woman she always wanted to be. What a journey! When her own self discovery starts intertwining with Dean we see a natural and beautiful coming together of minds and it makes you want to be a part of their simple country life. I'm 1000% sure I wouldn't survive a single day on a working ranch but these two give me hope! 😎
I will always side with an author that chooses honesty over forced drama. It is damn near impossible to go along with a plot that has wildly unrealistic obstacles or allows the characters' own emotions or hesitancy to rule over the actual romance in a novel. Miscommunications are, unfortunately one of the hallmarks of this genre as it is an easy way to split up then reunite a couple. When done incorrectly it becomes tedious and a novel will lose it's charm rapidly. We see none of that here. We have a miscommunication plot line that is done in such an honest and guarded way that you don't end up resenting or eye-rolling at anyone. You end up heart broken yet hopeful and that is harder to accomplish than some may think.
One of the misconceptions with Romance Novels is that they all end happily so they must be easy to write. WRONG! You have to make conflict KNOWING that it will end well for most everyone. There is no unhappy endings or cliff hangers in Romance. You learn to wrap it up with a nice tidy bow or you find another genre, pal. Our author took one of the harder routes here in having the main characters dislike each other from the very beginning. This plot line is riddled with pot holes that can cause a reader to end up hating one character or the other or hating the book as a whole. Fortunate for us, we have a legitimate, Grade A bad ass for an author who manages to make you feel deeply empathetic for both sides the entire time. If you don't think that's talent, you either aren't reading the right books or you're not actually paying attention.
The ONLY downfall I had here was some missed words or swapped words throughout the eBook. The book also downloaded under the wrong name so that was a bit weird for like 5 minutes until I could get a look at the cover. I tend to chalk these misprints up to the myriad processes the actual written word goes through before it claims a spot in your eBook list but it was kind of bothersome here and there. That being said, it had NOTHING to do with the plot development, characters, or overall novel. This book and this author are the real deal, guys. She managed to pull me out of a pretty big Genre Slump and I can't thank her enough for that.
Bottomline: There is no downside here. Even if you don't like the American West or Historical genres of romance, give this book a try...then go download every single other book she's gifted us mere mortals with.
Rating: ★★★★★
*I was given a free copy from Netgalley for an honest review*
Come check me out at thejadesjournal.com
February 11, 2020
This was almost a DNF for me as the plot was slow and the main couple were way too stubborn. But I hung in there and it was almost worth it because the final scene turned out to be the true gem of the entire story. In just a few sentences Dean redeemed himself by laying bare his heart with perfect delivery. It just plain melted my heart. 3 stars.
March 24, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Courtney has always been the dutiful daughter, never veering from her parent’s wishes including marrying a childhood friend, one of Boston’s elite, a man she does not romantically love but hopes to in time. When she discovers that her almost-husband is in love with another woman Courtney does the only thing she can think of – she runs away from the wedding, beautiful bridal gown flowing behind her. Her intention was to make her way to a friend in Montana who has also made the break for her own happiness… but things didn’t quite turn out as intended.
Dean has no desire to settle down. At one time that would have been his wish but the death of the woman he was to marry in a tragic accident has colored his perception of what happened with years of self-inflicted guilt and heavy sadness. Oh, he knows full well that his happily married brother wants the same for him and on this trip to town to pick up a “package” his brother ordered Dean made an assumption – and we all know what assume means, right?
Ending up in a small town that was not her destination, Courtney has no choice but to try to send a message to her friend and survive on her own until help arrives. The last thing she expected to be dealing with was a harassing stranger or being carted off to yet another wedding by one stubborn man who will not listen to her. Dean had, perhaps, good intentions but everything backfires on him when he realizes his mistake… one that is not as easily fixed as he had thought.
Courtney and Dean must spend one month together before their marriage can be dissolved… one month where anything could happen.
I love Amy Sandas’ new venture into Western Historical Romance. I enjoyed her Regency Romance novels, but honestly, I adore her spin on the American West as she gives each story a slightly quirky, totally different spin. And I’m loving it, without a doubt.
THE COWBOY’S HONOR is a funny, charming, intense romance between strangers who are finding themselves far more attracted to each other than either ever expected. Their story is full of banter, mystery, danger, laughter and a lovely happy ending. Watching Dean be healed by Courtney’s love was a beautiful sight, even if he did at times fight her efforts. And experiencing Courtney’s excitement and sense of accomplishment as she learns new things, faces new challenges and finds love with her stranger was sheer delight. I liked this couple to start with and loved them completely by their happy ever after ending.
There are some intriguing and interesting secondary characters that I would love to see more of one day.
In all, I had such a good time with THE COWBOY’S HONOR and if you love Western Historical Romance then I’ve no doubt that you’d enjoy this story and series as well. I would not hesitate to recommend this one to any reader who loves a good romance, a solid story, a couple to like and cheer on, a mystery to solve and a very good time.
*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.*
Courtney has always been the dutiful daughter, never veering from her parent’s wishes including marrying a childhood friend, one of Boston’s elite, a man she does not romantically love but hopes to in time. When she discovers that her almost-husband is in love with another woman Courtney does the only thing she can think of – she runs away from the wedding, beautiful bridal gown flowing behind her. Her intention was to make her way to a friend in Montana who has also made the break for her own happiness… but things didn’t quite turn out as intended.
Dean has no desire to settle down. At one time that would have been his wish but the death of the woman he was to marry in a tragic accident has colored his perception of what happened with years of self-inflicted guilt and heavy sadness. Oh, he knows full well that his happily married brother wants the same for him and on this trip to town to pick up a “package” his brother ordered Dean made an assumption – and we all know what assume means, right?
Ending up in a small town that was not her destination, Courtney has no choice but to try to send a message to her friend and survive on her own until help arrives. The last thing she expected to be dealing with was a harassing stranger or being carted off to yet another wedding by one stubborn man who will not listen to her. Dean had, perhaps, good intentions but everything backfires on him when he realizes his mistake… one that is not as easily fixed as he had thought.
Courtney and Dean must spend one month together before their marriage can be dissolved… one month where anything could happen.
I love Amy Sandas’ new venture into Western Historical Romance. I enjoyed her Regency Romance novels, but honestly, I adore her spin on the American West as she gives each story a slightly quirky, totally different spin. And I’m loving it, without a doubt.
THE COWBOY’S HONOR is a funny, charming, intense romance between strangers who are finding themselves far more attracted to each other than either ever expected. Their story is full of banter, mystery, danger, laughter and a lovely happy ending. Watching Dean be healed by Courtney’s love was a beautiful sight, even if he did at times fight her efforts. And experiencing Courtney’s excitement and sense of accomplishment as she learns new things, faces new challenges and finds love with her stranger was sheer delight. I liked this couple to start with and loved them completely by their happy ever after ending.
There are some intriguing and interesting secondary characters that I would love to see more of one day.
In all, I had such a good time with THE COWBOY’S HONOR and if you love Western Historical Romance then I’ve no doubt that you’d enjoy this story and series as well. I would not hesitate to recommend this one to any reader who loves a good romance, a solid story, a couple to like and cheer on, a mystery to solve and a very good time.
*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.*
September 15, 2023
Heroine: Courtney Adams, 21. Grew up in Boston.
Hero: Dean Lawton, 27. Montana cattle rancher.
Date: 1882
How they meet: On Courtney’s wedding day, she accidentally learns that her fiancé is in love with someone else, so she flees. Still wearing her wedding dress and having sold her jewelry for cash, she heads west to seek refuge with her friend in Montana Territory. The stagecoach doesn’t get her all the way there and while trying to fend off an unwanted admirer from the trip at the last stop, Dean steps in to tell the man to leave her alone.
What happens: An unlikely combination of assumptions and lack of communication ends in Courtney and Dean marrying that afternoon. It is only when they travel to Dean’s ranch an hour away that they realize their mistake. Courtney is angry and Dean doesn’t appreciate her attitude toward the situation. The next day they go back to the judge to get the marriage annulled, but he refuses to do so until they’ve tried to make the marriage work for a month. Dean is a man of few words, and Courtney decides she prefers arguing with him to silence, thus setting up the dynamic for how the marriage proceeds.
Verdict: Overall the book is well-written. The hero has a strong sense of duty, but is very introverted, and has a strong need to be in control. The heroine can be a bit annoying at times, but overall has a pretty good attitude and isn’t afraid to speak up with her husband. The limited nature of their interactions makes it a little hard to believe they have fallen in love. Something was lacking with their chemistry--there is a coldness to the hero that never truly seemed to go away. This is the second in the series. The characters from book 1 make an appearance, including during a very pivotal scene. While not absolutely vital to have read the first book, some things will make more sense if you have. For that reason it does not make a great standalone.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
Hero: Dean Lawton, 27. Montana cattle rancher.
Date: 1882
How they meet: On Courtney’s wedding day, she accidentally learns that her fiancé is in love with someone else, so she flees. Still wearing her wedding dress and having sold her jewelry for cash, she heads west to seek refuge with her friend in Montana Territory. The stagecoach doesn’t get her all the way there and while trying to fend off an unwanted admirer from the trip at the last stop, Dean steps in to tell the man to leave her alone.
What happens: An unlikely combination of assumptions and lack of communication ends in Courtney and Dean marrying that afternoon. It is only when they travel to Dean’s ranch an hour away that they realize their mistake. Courtney is angry and Dean doesn’t appreciate her attitude toward the situation. The next day they go back to the judge to get the marriage annulled, but he refuses to do so until they’ve tried to make the marriage work for a month. Dean is a man of few words, and Courtney decides she prefers arguing with him to silence, thus setting up the dynamic for how the marriage proceeds.
Verdict: Overall the book is well-written. The hero has a strong sense of duty, but is very introverted, and has a strong need to be in control. The heroine can be a bit annoying at times, but overall has a pretty good attitude and isn’t afraid to speak up with her husband. The limited nature of their interactions makes it a little hard to believe they have fallen in love. Something was lacking with their chemistry--there is a coldness to the hero that never truly seemed to go away. This is the second in the series. The characters from book 1 make an appearance, including during a very pivotal scene. While not absolutely vital to have read the first book, some things will make more sense if you have. For that reason it does not make a great standalone.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
February 20, 2019
The Cowboy's Honor is the second book in Amy Sandas’ Runaway Brides series. I haven’t read the first, but each book can be read as a standalone.
Courtney Adams is ready to marry the man her parents picked out for her. dressed in her wedding finery she is waiting to make the trip to the church when a messenger inadvertently delivers a message meant for someone else. Her fiancée is in love with another woman. Fleeing Boston, she embarks on a journey to meet her friend who has made a life in Montana.
Dean Lawton doesn’t want or need a wife, no matter what his brother says. Instructed to pick up a “package” from the post office, Dean is horrified when he sees a woman dressed for a wedding. Furious at his brother he decides he will just have to marry her and sort everything out later.
Courtney agrees to accompany the taciturn rancher, thinking he will aid her to find her friend and finds it a little odd when they must meet the judge first. Discovering that she has somehow found herself married to the rancher is not welcome news. Both agree to a speedy annulment when the mix up is discovered, but the judge has other ideas, he will only dissolve the marriage if the remain together for four weeks.
Thrown together in less than ideal circumstances the two embark on a journey of discovery and healing but when the clock runs out will these two headstrong people realise that a case of mistaken identity was a mistake worth making.
This is a slow burn romance featuring two headstrong, intelligent characters. The exchanges between these two are filled with sexual tension and at times funny. I loved Courtney, she is not the spoiled heiress expecting to be waited on, she adapts to her surroundings and has a positive outlook. She isn’t afraid to back down and refuses to hide away when the time comes for her to return to Boston. I wanted to smack some sense into Dean a few times when his stubbornness blinded him to what was right in front of him. Overall this was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked and I would heartily recommend it to fans of mail-order bride romances.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Courtney Adams is ready to marry the man her parents picked out for her. dressed in her wedding finery she is waiting to make the trip to the church when a messenger inadvertently delivers a message meant for someone else. Her fiancée is in love with another woman. Fleeing Boston, she embarks on a journey to meet her friend who has made a life in Montana.
Dean Lawton doesn’t want or need a wife, no matter what his brother says. Instructed to pick up a “package” from the post office, Dean is horrified when he sees a woman dressed for a wedding. Furious at his brother he decides he will just have to marry her and sort everything out later.
Courtney agrees to accompany the taciturn rancher, thinking he will aid her to find her friend and finds it a little odd when they must meet the judge first. Discovering that she has somehow found herself married to the rancher is not welcome news. Both agree to a speedy annulment when the mix up is discovered, but the judge has other ideas, he will only dissolve the marriage if the remain together for four weeks.
Thrown together in less than ideal circumstances the two embark on a journey of discovery and healing but when the clock runs out will these two headstrong people realise that a case of mistaken identity was a mistake worth making.
This is a slow burn romance featuring two headstrong, intelligent characters. The exchanges between these two are filled with sexual tension and at times funny. I loved Courtney, she is not the spoiled heiress expecting to be waited on, she adapts to her surroundings and has a positive outlook. She isn’t afraid to back down and refuses to hide away when the time comes for her to return to Boston. I wanted to smack some sense into Dean a few times when his stubbornness blinded him to what was right in front of him. Overall this was an enjoyable read that kept me hooked and I would heartily recommend it to fans of mail-order bride romances.
I received an arc of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 4, 2025
An enjoyable 3 stars. Just too superficial for a higher rating. (I didn't read the first book.)
For a cowboy romance, this is impressively un-sexist...which is to say, it's only minorly sexist. The man has emotional literacy problems and is almost incapable of letting the woman be on top during sex, and at the start he tells her not to tell him her opinions [barf]. I also hate the woman's-a-virgin-who-doesn't-understand-sex-while-the-man-knows-everything-inexplicably trope.
My biggest problem with this book is that 95% of the attraction between these two people is sexual. It's always a red flag, imo, when an author regularly uses "feminine" and "masculine" as adjectives to describe why the couple is attracted to one another. Like, have you never met a man or a woman, that you can't control yourself around one? Have you not done enough self-reflection to find other things more attractive than prettiness? They get to know one another over the course of the book, and the author tries to emphasize that their relationship isn't just sexual, but it's still almost entirely about the sex. I don't know that Courtney would be happier with him than with anyone else she found sexually attractive. I was impressed though that the author was able to make the implausible premise of the first couple chapters - that they end up married to one another accidentally, basically - actually make sense though.
Recommended if you like reading steamy sex scenes and heteronormative books that don't go too deep into other relationship issues.
For a cowboy romance, this is impressively un-sexist...which is to say, it's only minorly sexist. The man has emotional literacy problems and is almost incapable of letting the woman be on top during sex, and at the start he tells her not to tell him her opinions [barf]. I also hate the woman's-a-virgin-who-doesn't-understand-sex-while-the-man-knows-everything-inexplicably trope.
My biggest problem with this book is that 95% of the attraction between these two people is sexual. It's always a red flag, imo, when an author regularly uses "feminine" and "masculine" as adjectives to describe why the couple is attracted to one another. Like, have you never met a man or a woman, that you can't control yourself around one? Have you not done enough self-reflection to find other things more attractive than prettiness? They get to know one another over the course of the book, and the author tries to emphasize that their relationship isn't just sexual, but it's still almost entirely about the sex. I don't know that Courtney would be happier with him than with anyone else she found sexually attractive. I was impressed though that the author was able to make the implausible premise of the first couple chapters - that they end up married to one another accidentally, basically - actually make sense though.
Recommended if you like reading steamy sex scenes and heteronormative books that don't go too deep into other relationship issues.
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