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From #1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery comes the first story in the fan-favorite Hometown Heartbreakers series.Elizabeth Abbot is new to town, and she’s finally getting a fresh start. She’s endured enough heartbreak at the hands of her deceitful ex-husband and is determined to provide a happy life for her daughter. That’s exactly why she should stay away from Travis Haynes, the sheriff of Glenwood, with his trademark Stetson and sexy smile. With all of her broken heart, Elizabeth longs to trust the legendary lawman, to let him past the walls she has built up so carefully. But will her shattered past forever hold her hostage, even from a love that could make her whole?Originally published in 1994.

205 pages, Kindle Edition

First published December 1, 1994

1237 people are currently reading
1055 people want to read

About the author

Susan Mallery

862 books15.5k followers
#1 New York Times bestselling author Susan Mallery writes heartwarming and humorous novels about the relationships that define women's lives—family, friendship, romance. She's best known for putting nuanced characters into emotionally complex, real-life situations with twists that surprise readers to laughter. Because Susan is passionate about animal welfare, pets play a big role in her books. Beloved by millions of readers worldwide, her books have been translated into 28 languages.

Critics have dubbed Mallery "the new queen of romantic fiction." (Walmart) Booklist says, "Romance novels don't get much better than Mallery's expert blend of emotional nuance, humor, and superb storytelling," and RT Book Reviews puts her "in a class by herself!" It's no wonder that her books have spent more than 200 weeks on the USA Today bestsellers list.

Although Susan majored in Accounting, she never worked as an accountant because she was published straight out of college with two books the same month. Sixteen prolific years and seventy-four books later, she hit the New York Times bestsellers list for the first time with Accidentally Yours in 2008. She made many appearances in the Top 10 before (finally) hitting #1 in 2015 with Thrill Me, the twentieth book in her most popular series, the Fool's Gold romances, and the fourth of five books released that year.

Susan lives in Washington state with her husband, two ragdoll cats, and a small poodle with delusions of grandeur. Her heart for animals has led Susan to become an active supporter of the Seattle Humane Society. Visit Susan online at www.SusanMallery.com.

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5 stars
587 (35%)
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531 (32%)
3 stars
406 (24%)
2 stars
105 (6%)
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24 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
Profile Image for Vintage.
2,714 reviews722 followers
December 28, 2019
What started as an incredibly sweet second chance, small town romance was almost torpedoed to a one star by one of the dumbest, wishy washiest heroines ever. Can’t love the hunky sheriff because he’s just too sweet, sexy, loving to her daughter, etc…

She’s still sitting in the garden eating worms.

Still a three stars for the hero’s charm and his sweet relationship with the dumby’s adorable daughter.
Profile Image for Donna.
567 reviews6 followers
September 26, 2012
After reading the re-issue of Completely Smitten, I decided to re-read the entire Hometown Heartbreaker series. This is the first book in the series, and isn't my favorite. Elizabeth is just incredibly annoying with all her insecurities and guilt. Travis is a likeable hero and the ending is clever and helps to redeem this book. I think the main problem with this book is that it is sixteen years old is just too dated to be really believable.
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,627 reviews379 followers
September 4, 2021
The Best Bride features a romance between a woman starting over and the man who helps her get back on her feet.

Elizabeth Abbot has dealt with enough heartbreak to last a lifetime thanks to her ex-husband. After leaving Los Angeles, Elizabeth moves to Glenwood to begin her new life with her daughter. When Elizabeth unexpectedly comes down with appendicitis, Glenwood's sexy sheriff Travis Haynes comes to her rescue. Elizabeth finds herself drawn to Travis but after the never-ending lies in her last relationship, she isn't sure she can ever trust a man again. But with a chance for true happiness, how long will Elizabeth let her past rule her future.

I struggled a lot with this book in large part because I didn't like either of the main characters. Elizabeth is insufferable with her constant guilt over how her last relationship ended, despite the fact it was so clearly her husband's fault. After finding out why her marriage ended and the fact Elizabeth considered herself disgusting for allowing herself to be deceived, any respect I could have had for her went out the window. Travis our "hero" is a complete player and has no remorse over the fact he's slept with basically every single woman in town. Now I don't mind rogues in my romances but with Travis it was a bit ridiculous. Add in the fact he believes he's cursed to never find love because his father was a womanizer and I just couldn't deal with him. There's basically no chemistry between our characters and they both try to tell the other what's best for them when they hardly know each other.

Overall The Best Bride was not for me and definitely shows its' age in terms of the tropes and character archetypes used.
Profile Image for Susan.
4,806 reviews126 followers
February 9, 2012
An older book from Susan Mallery, and a fantastic read. Elizabeth was trying to start over from a mistake that still held her in its grip. The last thing she wanted to do was trust another charming, good looking guy. But Travis seemed like a really nice man, who came to her rescue and was wonderful with her daughter. Travis loved women, but felt that he was unable to have a lasting commitment with anyone. His family was notorious for failed relationships. He really wanted to have a wife and family, but didn't believe that it was possible for him. Elizabeth nearly lost him because of her inability to trust her own judgment, and Travis nearly lost her because he forgot that it was possible to choose to be happy.
Profile Image for Christi.
251 reviews9 followers
April 19, 2019
Sometimes it's weird reading books that are obviously before easy access of cell phones and the internet (and still considered contemporary - not Little House on the Prairie). But this one still works. Very sweet. Travis was spectacular and Mandy was ADORABLE. I look forward to reading the other books within this series.
19 reviews
March 27, 2020
I thought the female was annoying...her extreme resistance to ever trying a relationship again because he ex tricked her...stupid. it was extremely obvious that the hero wasn't anything like her ex was annoying. ALL MEN ARE NOT THE SAME!
Profile Image for Cindy Adair.
512 reviews
June 16, 2019
Meh.

I love this author, but this particular story was not her best. The premise was unrealistic, the dialogue a little stilted, and the characters a little two dimensional. I thought more time was spent on the bedroom scenes than on truly developing the characters. While it had a rushed, happy ending, I was glad it was over. I will continue to read her books, but I won’t recommend this one.
Profile Image for Jack Vasen.
929 reviews10 followers
October 17, 2018
The Best Bride is the first in the Hometown Heartbreakers series. It tells a complete story and can stand alone. Other books in the series build on each other but also can be read alone. The piece that ties all the books in the series together is Earl Haynes. He is the father, either legitimate or not, of all but Austin(he is an honorary brother to the four who grew up in Earl's house).

Somehow, the edition I read is titled Best Bride (Hometown Heartbreakers 9933). It actually includes Kyle's story and Hannah's story but not under their correct titles but as Part 2 and Part 3 of this title. You can find my reviews of those books under their correct titles.

This book has a premise I haven't seen before. The lead lady, Elizabeth, is stopped for speeding by the lead man, Travis, but he quickly discovers she needs emergency medical treatment. The resulting surgery lays up Elizabeth for 3 weeks in a brand new town where she has no place to live and no one to help her. Needing to care for her child Mandy is the clincher in breaking down her opposition to accepting Travis' help and live in his house.

Since this is the first in the series, a lot of the backstory for Travis is also the same as some of the others in the series. Basically the men in his family going back generations do not have a good track record with women in their lives and until this generation they have also been jerks and cheats. One other piece to the backstory is that all the Haynes believe that they are cursed to only bear male children as has been the case for several generations. A slight additional twist to the curse shows up mostly in later books.

Elizabeth's backstory is horrible for her, but also holds her back a little too much from trusting men.

Beyond the unusual premise and the teasingly revealed backstory, you can pretty much write the outline for the rest of the story before you read it. Elizabeth's horrible secret which is revealed about half way through may surprise some, but other than that, everything else is predictable.

Elizabeth's fear gets annoying after a while. Otherwise she could be a likable lady. Mandy is adorable and her relationship with Travis is probably what saves the book at least one star if not two.

Mature themes: there are a few explicit love scenes and at least one is fairly drawn out. There's no violence. Elizabeth's secret is pretty ugly but doesn't result in any explicit description.
Profile Image for Theresa.
1,555 reviews44 followers
April 7, 2022
Kindle had one cover, Goodreads default had another. ( I'll probably change it to match the Kindle) If I had seen the old timey cover I would't have read it and it was very sweet.

Elizabeth and her daughter Mandy were running away from their old life. Elizabeth got very sick as they approached town and she was speeding to get to an urgent care. Travis the small town sheriff pulled them over.

That's when he gave his line, " Give me an excuse I haven't heard before and I won't give you a ticket"

Well it turns out her appendix was about to burst so he raced them to the hospital. Then there was the matter of what to do with Mandy and he kept her for the night.

Now Elizabeth was in a new town with no one and couldn't do anything for three weeks. So Travis said they could stay with him. But Elizabeth had a big secret and didn't want to get close.

Now that I think about it, she moved into a small town and planned to get close to no one. Should have picked a big city, that plan would have worked. And honestly her big secret wasn't really much of anything to me.

Yes it was heartbreaking, but not never have friends again heartbreaking. Although she did think her old friends had judged her.

Anyway, Travis is a Haynes boy and they all have bad luck with women. They think it came from their Dad and uncles. Well I'm sure trust issues and having no examples of a good marriage didn't help.

Travis and Elizabeth( and Mandy) spend three weeks together. They start having feelings for each other which scares both adults. Not Mandy of course. She knows she loves Travis from the get go and doesn't waste time asking him to be her daddy.

Travis and Mandy are so cute. I've never read a book about a man having a beautiful relationship with a child that becomes his own. It gave me the feelings.

I really wanted an epilogue to this story. It needed the two years later and Elizabeth having a daughter. Or 5 years later after having a son having a daughter. Maybe since this is a series that happens in another story.
1,069 reviews
May 1, 2022
This book started out very strong and I was enjoying it however it fell apart because of the repetiveness and never moving forward. I had read Holly and Mistletoe several years ago and recently read Quinn's Woman. It was while I was reading Quinn's Woman that I realized this was part of a series, Hometown Heartbreakers. My library offered all of these books with the exception of Book 2, Austin's story. Since I liked both H&M and QW I thought I'd read the other books.

Like I said it started out strong and I loved Travis and Mandy and liked Elizabeth. I love children in books because they say what's on their mind and are just plain cute.

The Haynes men do not have any luck in relationships or marriages. Elizabeth was married to a total zero and won't get past it.

At least in time Travis was willing to move forward and fell in love with Elizabeth. Elizabeth was so annoying because she was miserable and so afraid of being hurt. Her argument about being a bad judge of people was absolutely stupid and unfounded. People tell you what they want you to know and nothing more. So how was she to know about her loser husband? How many of us go around talking or bragging about our downfalls?

In Chapter 15 I was so over Elizabeth. Referring to her past, pre Travis, she states that "a man finally loved her". For crying out loud she was all of 21 and it was her first boyfriend. She also stated that her friends told her she was over reacting to her situation. That's odd because earlier in the book she had no friends and didn't know how to be a friend because she had been so sheltered.

I love my reading and always want a happily ever after. This is the first book I've read that I wanted the hero, Travis, to find someone else because he deserved better.
646 reviews1 follower
February 18, 2019
After learning her husband is married to another woman and has 2 children with her Elizabeth moves to new town with her little girl. She is pulled over for speeding by town Sheriff Travis Haynes (one of the 4 good looking Haynes men) and he realizes that she is sick. He takes her to hospital and then proceeds to take care of her and her little girl while she recovers from surgery. Of course, they fall in love but both will not admit it because of past heartbreaks and the curse on the Haynes men. Once Travis sees that there is really no cures, he fights for Elizabeth . The curse is broken!!!
This edition included part 2 and part 3 which was Kyle Haynes and Sandy's story which was just as good and The unknown half Haynes sister Hannah who is also a cop in another town. All three stories was great I have not read anything by Ms. Mallery that is not.
Profile Image for Anna.
214 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2019
Trust and love

To come from a marriage that was so controlling and being belittled can make your belief of what and who you are confused and unbelievable.
To start fresh in a new place and to raise a child is even more hard for a single mother with trust issues.
In this book Susan Mallery give the steps as Elizabeth grows through each day taking care of her daughter, work and making friends. But it's a long rode. In comes Travis, a handsome man with a smile that can make her heart beat a little faster but the glitch is he's the sheriff.
In all Susan brings together a wonderful couple that one has to learn to trust again and to trust in herself. Then the other needs to know that he can love not just one but also love a child.
I've read Susan Mallery for a long time and as each book comes they just get better and better💕
Profile Image for Marcia  Haskell.
632 reviews11 followers
June 13, 2019
The Pain of a Single Mistake

I enjoyed this book, despite being continuously annoyed by this single mother’s belief that she had committed a crime by believing a liar. The repetition that she was at fault just wasn’t realistic to my mind. On the other hand, the depiction of a women who was being manipulated and isolated by a controlling husband was very strongly written.

I loved the gradual breakdown of long-held beliefs about himself by the hero. His recognition that he could love, not just a woman, but a child with his whole being touched me greatly. I usually enjoy Susan Mallery’s writing and ingenious storytelling and this book was no exception.
508 reviews1 follower
March 10, 2021
I liked the hero, but this heroine nearly blew the whole thing for me. She was beyond annoying, with all of her insecurities. Yes, I get that her awful secret kept her from trusting, but my goodness woman! I wanted to yell, "Let it go already!"

When I started reading, I hadn't realized how old this book actually was (the cover art on my Kindle looked way newer than the one featured here on Goodreads.) Then, something in the story bugged me, and I wondered "What year is this from?" I then looked and saw it was written in the 1990s. Whole some stories can be timeless, this isn't one of them. It's just too dated now to be believable.
506 reviews30 followers
September 30, 2023
The Best Bride by Susan Mallery is book #1 in the Hometown Heartbreakers series. This is the story of Elizabeth Abbott that is pulled over for speeding with her young daughter in the backseat by Sheriff Travis Haynes. Something is seriously wrong with the driver and instead of a ticket, the sheriff rushes the young woman to the hospital. New in town and knowing no one, Elizabeth has no option but to accept the help of the handsome sheriff.

This is a book written twenty years ago. The reader of Susan Mallery's books is able to see the young beginner author that she was at the time. Trying to read all her backstories.
7 reviews
August 6, 2023
Cringy Even For the 90s

I rarely review something relegated to the DNF pile, but this was too much ugh. As a teen of the 90s that loved Harlequin and Zebra Romances, I know how poorly they aged 30 years later. But, this was even more far fetched and cringier than typical ones. The female main is so vapid and weak and stupidly ashamed. The male main is OMG OMG OMG I AM BOUND TO LIVE THE LEGACY OF MY FAMILY JUST BECAUSE.

I’m beyond happy Susan Mallory matured into the author she is now and left this genre and style behind.
Profile Image for Susannah Carleton.
Author 7 books31 followers
July 29, 2020
3 1/2 stars. Two people, both no longer married (he’s divorced and comes from a long line of failed marriages; she was “married” to a bigamist). They are attracted to each other, but both are wary. Both have vowed never to marry again. Both love her daughter, who is six.

Their initial meeting and first few weeks of friendship are unusual, but evolve naturally and realistically.

Are they a perfect match? Or should they stick to their vows and remain alone?
Profile Image for Carolee Taylor.
508 reviews3 followers
March 10, 2021
Found this old gem at the library. The silhouette format really takes me back to when I was so much younger and I first fell in love with romance novels. I simply love Susan Mallery books. When new ones come out I devour them. This one aged really well. other than a distinct lack of internet and cell phones you wouldn't be able to tell that this book is over 25 years old. Great start to a series. Can't wait to read about the rest of the Haynes brothers.
Profile Image for Stevie (Books & Barks).
174 reviews4 followers
March 22, 2022
I usually love Susan Mallery and didn't realize how old this book is so I'll chalk it up to her still being new when she wrote this because it was a let down. I found Elizabeth to be so annoying and unlikable. The 'big reveal' was not was I was expecting but it was not a big deal and it was irritating how 'woe is me' she was acting.

The stars I gave were for the sweet relationship Travis had with her daughter Mandy.
Profile Image for Emily Higgins.
1,924 reviews6 followers
December 3, 2017
Three stories in one book. There are 4 Haynes brothers who believe that none of them is capable of love because their father was incapable of being faithful to his wife. Two of the brothers are featured in the first two stories. The third story was about the sister they did not know existed. The sister was illegitimate and adopted as an infant.
191 reviews1 follower
July 28, 2020
The Best Bride

I really enjoyed this book . The characters are amazing and the plot was well written. Elizabeth and her daughter Mandy come across some trouble. Fleeing all she loved, Elizabeth takes Mandy and runs. They meet Travis, who rescues them and takes them in. Will Elizabeth be able to trust in love ever again? You will love this book, I am sure!
36 reviews
April 24, 2019
One in a series

While I thoroughly enjoyed this book it was hard for me to understand how the main character thought everyone even her parents wouldn't want anything to do with her once they know she was married to a man committing bigamy!
Profile Image for Moira.
1,262 reviews12 followers
April 29, 2019
You can tell this was first released over 25 years ago. It's a sweet romance, lighthearted and easy to read. Susan Mallery has come a long way in her writing style. Some of the old fashioned descriptions of their relationship were amusing. All in all, a fun and quick read.
Profile Image for Sara.
737 reviews
May 5, 2020
Good book even though it’s decades old. Two people trying to overcome mistakes of the past. All this angst about will they or won’t they. Add in an adorable little girl and all this makes a very good book.
51 reviews
December 23, 2021
Heartbreaker

This is one in a series of brothers,who think they are not husband material. But this story proves one the oldest brother wrong. It was sweet and frustrating story at the same time. Enjoyed it.
Profile Image for Laurel .
1,349 reviews5 followers
January 28, 2023
I don't usually have a problem doing a review. I did this time. Great story & characters including the little girl. I just wish it had been more story & dialog vs steamy attraction & lots of heavy petting. Very disappointing from a well known story teller.
Profile Image for Jess.
1,013 reviews28 followers
November 13, 2025
I’ve been using my kobo to eread Susan Mallery’s backlist and while I’m reading it all out of order, her Hometown Heartbreakers series is an absolute delight. Elizabeth and Travis grabbed me from page 1. Love them!
5 reviews
May 20, 2017
Wonderful read

Four complete and connected stories. Family drama and love stories that you can't put down. A completely enjoyable read that brightens your outlook.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews

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