The Officer and the Southerner

Fort Gibson Officers #2

by Rose Gordon

Alternate cover edition can be found here

Second Lt. Jack Walker doesn't always think ahead and when he decides to defy logic and send off for a mail order bride, he might have left out only a few details about his life at the all-but-forgotten Fort Gibson...

Upon arrival at a forsaken military fort in the middle of Indian Territory, Ella Davis learns Jack's situation isn't quite what she's believed from his letters and while hoping to avoid such a fate, she's been made the fool again. Unfortunately, this time she can't run and hide from the man who's done her wrong, but neither is she convinced their marriage will be the same one she'd envisioned for them...

Now it's up to Jack to find a way to show his always skeptical bride that he is indeed trustworthy and that despite what she might believe she does belong somewhere in the world: right there, with him.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Westerns, Historical Fiction, Western Romance, Military Fiction

204 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 28, 2013

About the author

USA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.

When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.

Reviews

[Jennette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story lived up to my expectations. Rose Gordon never leaves me disappointed although I am now waiting desperately for the next book. This story just wasn't long enough- I'm not ready to let Ella and Jack go yet.
In all fairness for the length of the story Rose Gordon does a good job of giving me a complete tale and even my much loved happily ever after. I always enjoy my little trip into her worlds and this little fort and its officers are a joy.

[Judy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Officer and the Southerner by Rose Gordon
Officer Series Book 2
Second Lt. Jack Warner has sent for a mail-order bride. His friends thought it was a bad idea, so he kept it to himself. Out of all the letters he received there was one that seemed to stick out. He really hoped this one would agree to come out and marry him.

Ella Davis just had another suitor propose publicly….only not to her. She was tired of such humiliation. Her sister had a way of cheering her up though. She would read ads from men wanting a mail-order bride and they would laugh at them together. This particular night there was one ad that sounded authentic enough to write back. What could it hurt to just write and find out more about the man?

Journey to Fort Gibson with Ella as she goes with a heart full of hope for a new life with the man in her letters. Too bad things aren’t quite the same as described in those letters. But these guys are such sweethearts they are bound to win their women over.
**Sexual situations within marriage
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Having seen firsthand how Wes got a bride by mail (he thinks), Jack Walker sends off for a wife himself. Now Ella has had her share of almost proposals, so after the 6th one that chose another, she answers an ad for a wife. Heading out to the untamed West to meet Jack, she's in for a surprise when all is not as she's lead to believe. Getting over her anger at being betrayed is not going to be easy. Jack is at a loss as to how to regain her trust, but when death comes close at hand, it brings the reality home of their true feelings for each other.

I was eagerly awaiting Jack's story, and felt it was a good story. However a few things kept it from being great for me. Whereas "Bostoner" kept the characters interacting with each other, facing their uncertain future head on, "Southerner" had a big chunk of this missing. It felt lopsided and not enough interaction between them. Now I'm more interested in Gray's story, who gets more & more intriguing with each chapter.

[Jessica Grogan · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book makes me sad that there only seems to be one more planned in this series...and hopeful that Rose Gordon will have a new shipment of officers brought in for us to enjoy (hint hint). Like most of Ms. Gordon's heroes, Jack isn't a man that has slept with every unrelated woman he's ever come into contact with and then suddenly decides one woman for life is a pretty good deal. He's not always so sure of himself and it makes him endearing, sweet, and a man I'd definitely marry (if my husband wasn't already so lucky to have me).
Ella is funny, kind, and most decidedly brave for leaving her home behind on a chance. She jumps to conclusions just like the rest of us but makes up for it in her own sweet way.
Ready for the next one!!!

[Sassy Beta Reading & Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

I had the pleasure of beta reading this book and I loved it! (I am actually reading it again now that it is published and still loving it!)

I love Jack in this book. He has the best of intentions but seems to bumble along. He so wants to do what is right for Ella but she can not see the forest for the trees there for a while. Jack risks life and limb to help Ella. Who does't love a hero?

This book is the second in a trilogy but can be read as a stand alone book...but I don't recommend that cause I just finished number 1 (yes out of order) and it was just a wonderful!

Can not wait for story number 3 to round off the series.

So click that purchase button...you won't be disappointed!

What are you doing just sitting there???? Go !!! Shooo!!! Purchase!!! :)

[Angi Neal · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great follow up to the Officer and the Bostoner! A story that made me laugh and cry. There are a couple sections that your heart just drops and you see just what kind of people these characters really are. Rose Gordon really let you into their souls in this book. Rose Gordon never disappoints and this proves it!! Can't wait for the follow up, good tease at the end of the book:)

[Trena · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual Rose Gordon doesn't let me down!!

[Amina Ector · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really debated what I should rate this book. I liked the writing, I liked the setting, and I liked Ella. Jack on the other hand, was not as darling as I had hoped he would be. Ella decides to take matters into her own hands by searching for a husband, and responds to the request of Jack looking for a mail order bride. As much spark that are able to fly through moderately bland letters, make Ella pack up and set off to meet this stranger she is to marry, after she receives a letter from Jack that gives her a sense of who he really is, as it is the most relaxed letter she gets from him.

Upon arriving at Fort Gibson, Ella is surprised to learn that Jack has surprisingly not mentioned the fact that he does not own his own land, nor does he even have a bed to himself. Ella has no other choice but to marry him, for she has no where else to go, with an army base full of men. I understand Ella's hesitance to get too close to Jack, because she truly feels that he has used her. Jack on the other hand, does not think that he has done something wrong.

Things take a turn for the worse when Ella falls sick. And this is the reason that this book has only three stars instead of four. Ella spends the majority of the book in her bed, due to her sickness. I think at that point, the book got just a wee bit repetitive. Thankfully during this time, I start to warm up a bit more toward Jack due to how far he goes to make sure that Ella recovers from her sickness. At the end of the book, I was happy how things turned out. I do recommend reading these books in order as it will give more insight on the other characters in the story.

[The Glassed And The Furious · Rating 2 out of 5]

I picked this book up because I remember reading the first instalment of this series and actually quite liking it. But this book was not really my cup of tea.
First of all, I did not understand Ella's motivations, at all. She's 19 but acts like she is about to be shelved as an old maid. She claims to be heartbroken because men constantly propose to other women in front of her, but it doesn't really explain why she would agree to be a mail-order bride. Maybe just make sure the next guy actually realizes he's courting you... Anyway, she heads out to an unknown military fort and is then upset when the man who ordered her is not madly in love with her and only enjoys the perks of being married. Ehm, why else would a guy send out for a mail-order bride? She actually takes it personally that he appears to be upgrading his lifestyle with her there.
I also find she was incredibly stupid about the whole thing. She gets no clear answers from his letters but acts like it's all oh so romantic and the minute real life isn't as glamorous as she wanted it to be, she reverts into victim mode.
Jack, to me, was a very bland character. There really wasn't much sustenance to him, which made him quite boring. Apart from that, there is no story, no development and no relationship. It's just a string of events in which Ella whines, then she feels bad, then she needs to be taken care of and suddenly she sees how wonderful Jack was all along. I didn't buy it and I didn't really like this story. Honestly, I read it on my kindle and every now and then I just picked up something else to do. Not because it was urgent, but because this story did not keep me hooked.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jack

Jack was great. Ella, not so much. In that time, 20 would be considered mature, but Ella was quite bratty. Perhaps being a somewhat sheltered daughter of a stern man was the reason. But she was pretty awful to Jack, making it hard to see that they belonged together.

[Julia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Book 2 of Fort Gibson series.

[Marilyn Kavanaugh · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cherokee cures brown recluse bite

The author realistically depicts conditions at western forts and places a believable mail order bride sensual romance in that setting,

[Jann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable

Not the best historical story, editing and period knowledge could have been better. Nonetheless I did enjoy the story and concept.

[Chanel · Rating 4 out of 5]

I just recently found myself intrigued by books with the theme of “Mail-order Brides” of the old West. I can’t imagine why any woman would leave her old life, and take that long and dangerous trip across the country to meet a strange man and marry him basically sight unseen. Life in the Wild West certainly isn’t for the faint of heart. These women must have been very independent, courageous, and strong.
Ella gets more than she bargained for when she meets Jack, a military officer stationed in some God-Forsaken Post in the middle of former Indian country. Things start out very rocky for this couple. Jack shows his tender and loving side, and soon Ella can’t resist this true gentleman.

[Julie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Officer and the Southerner is the second book in Rose Gordon's "Officer" Series. While I always like to read series in order, I believe this book can stand alone well, as can many of Rose's books.

Fort Gibson, a remote army fort in the middle of Indian Territory, provides the backdrop for this fun western/historical. Second Lt. Jack Walker has decided he is going to place an ad for a mail order bride. He receives many replies, but it is only Ella Davis' letter that catches his attention, and to whom he responds. Their letter exchanges are nothing short of delightful.

Ella, for her part, has about had it with the suitors in Georgia. She has been courted by several young men, only to be humilitated watching each propose to other young ladies. What is wrong with sweet Ella that no one will offer for her hand? It couldn't possibly be her intimidating father, General Davis - no, that's not it. So, on a whim, Ella responds to the ad placed by Jack for a mail order bride. They connect so well through their correspondence that he sends for her and Ella sneaks away under the false pretense of going to visit her aunt.

Once Ella arrives at Fort Gibson it becomes obvious that while Jack wasn't dishonest in his letters, he wasn't overly forthcoming with his explanation of his situation. Thus, Ella is a bit put off and while she agrees to go ahead and marry Jack, she makes it clear she won't be warming his bed until she feels that she can trust him!

I don't want to give away the entire plot, but suffice it to say Rose Gordon has crafted a delightful story with all kinds of fun and unique twists and turns. By the end Jack and Ella both learn that sssuming you know someone's thoughts and intentions will do nothing but make you a fool and cause all kinds of unnecessary trouble. It reminds me a bit of Liberty & Paul in that regard (see Liberty for Paul also by Rose Gordon).

I can always count on Rose to deliver a romance wrapped in a unique and fun historical plot. I will be honest and say that I did feel that the end was rushed a bit. So much time was spent getting them to the point that they actually trusted one another, that I would have preferred a little more time on their new-found relationship. That's just my opinion - and I say that about Jane Austen novels too. (So you're in good company Rose!)

I'm eagerly awaiting the third installment "The Officer and the Traveler" where we will get to read Lt. Gray's story.

FYI - does contain an open-door scene (couple is married and it is not overly descriptive)
Honest disclosure: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for my honest review

[My Book Addiction and More MBA · Rating 5 out of 5]

THE OFFICER AND THE SOUTHERNER by Rose Gordon is an intriguing Historical Romance set in 1846 Indian territory. #2 in the "Fort Gibson Officers" series but can be read as a stand alone. Although, I must admit this is a great series, and would recommend reading "The Officer and the Bostoner" as well. A mail order bride,Ella Davis and a Army Second Lt. Jack Walker, what a novel idea and one I enjoyed. Ella has left her father's plantation for a new life in Indian Territory, although, it was nothing to what she expected nor was her intended bridegroom. While, Jack may have left out a few details in his letters about this forsaken Fort. Ella feels betrayed again, and all alone. She soon becomes ill, with a spider bite that could very well take her life. Jack in the meantime, is determined to save his new wife at all cost including his military career. He must get help from an Indian in order to save Ella's life. He stays by her side day and night and finds he joys her company even in illness. Together, Ella and Jack must find their way through illness, and misunderstandings in order to find what they both are looking for, true love and happiness. Fast paced and well written with engaging characters and a few twists and turns. Ms. Gordon is an author who pulls her readers into her stories and holds them there. The "Fort Gibson Officers" series shows readers the constant dangers of Military life, as well as the hardships military wives have to endure plus their determination to survive in a hard land during the 1840's. I can hardly wait for the next installment in this amazing series. I would encourage readers to pick up this series, especially if you enjoy Western stories, American history, the joys of Mail order brides, and the determination of the woman of long ago. A must read! This was a person buy.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, Courtesy of My Book Addiction and More

[Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Officer and the Southerner is another wonderful addition to Rose Gordon’s Fort Gibson Officers series, and I absolutely loved Jack and Ella’s story. This series has my whole heart, and book two only made me love it more.

Second Lt. Jack Walker has always been the steady, quietly dependable one — the man who keeps things running smoothly in the background. So watching him step into the spotlight here, vulnerable and hopeful as he sends for a mail‑order bride, was such a treat. Jack is loyal, patient, and genuinely good, and this book finally lets him shine.

Ella, on the other hand, tested every ounce of my patience — and I mean that in the best way. Her past has left her wary and quick to assume the worst, and while I understood why she struggled to trust Jack, I was definitely frustrated with how harsh she could be toward him. But that’s also what made her growth so rewarding. Her journey from skepticism to belonging felt honest, layered, and ultimately very moving.

What really makes this story special is the dynamic between them:
- Jack’s unwavering devotion
- Ella’s guarded heart
- The slow, steady build of trust
- And the emotional payoff when they finally meet each other halfway

Their romance is quieter than Wes and Allison’s in book one, but it’s rich, tender, and beautifully earned.

I also loved the continued camaraderie between Jack, Wes, and Gray. Their banter and loyalty add warmth and humor, grounding the story in the found‑family feel that makes Fort Gibson such a compelling setting. Gordon’s blend of frontier hardship, historical detail, and heartfelt character work brings the fort — and its people — vividly to life.

Jack deserved a story that matched his quiet strength, and he absolutely got one. A lovely, emotional, and deeply satisfying read. I can’t wait to continue the series.

[Patricia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Perils of Impulse!!!
This is the story of two young people who act on impulse, and ultimately, end up in love with each other. Which is nice, because by then, they've been married for a while!
I think this is my favorite of the "Officers of Fort Gibson" series. Ella has not been a wallflower, which is probably part of what makes finding herself passed over so many times by men she thought were about to propose marriage more painful. Attempting to cheer herself, she jokes about becoming a mail-order bride, and by the time the book begins, her older sister is also adept at playing the game. The difference is, this time, she actually writes to a man.
After his friend marries what he says is his mail-order bride, Jack Walker impulsively sends off for one of his own, carefully wording his ad so that, while it tells the truth, the truth it tells is a bit --- shall we say, other-dimensional?
All of these books have a fair bit of humor in them, but this one has a larger dose of suspense and danger than the others. First Ella is in danger - a bite by a poisonous spider nearly kills her. To save her, Jack braves wild Indians. Other, perhaps less intense but still dramatic, bits of action follow. By the end, the two are aware of their love for each other, and beginning to share "happily-ever-after"....when her father and sister arrive.
This is another wonderful story with mild sex that fits right into the storyline. The horror of the spider-bite, or rather, its aftermath, is very well done, and horribly accurate. (Luckily, that type reaction is relatively uncommon, but it still occurs.) I would (and will) recommend this book to anyone and everyone!

[Judy Lavik · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book delivers chills and thrills!

In The Officer and the Southerner, the officer (Jack) has ordered a mail-order bride. A big consideration in this decision was the thought of getting his own quarters rather than having to bunk with another officer. His bride has been courted and publicly dumped for no apparent reason several times, and has decided to tuck her tail between her legs and get out of town, so she answered his ad. Jack, unfortunately, did a bit of embellishing of his description of the situation, so she was expecting an actual home, servants, etc. Ella nearly dies due to a nasty spider bite, Jack nearly dies trying to save her, and her father comes to town in hot and angry pursuit. Apparently, he'd been scaring the suitors off and wants to stop Ella this time, too. However, throughout it all, they manage to prevail, and their fledgling love takes off.

I absolutely loved this book, as I have every book by this author. She is simply my favorite author, and has never disappointed me. Well, okay, technically I'm disappointed that she can't write them as fast as I can read them, but other than that, she's outstanding!!!

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

The second book in the Officer series. I was given this book as a gift from the author with no strings attached. I Loved the book so am writing a review. I loved some of the adds for a mail order bride. "My age is 42 and am living in Minnesota on 40 acres. In need of a wife who can tend to a farm and take care of a bedridden husband. Experience in birthing cows is a must. She can be homely and fat. Widows with children need not inquire." Got to love that one. Ella Davis is looking to answer an add so that she can find someone to marry. She has had many suitors but all have proposed to someone else. Having decided that maybe she needs to look elsewhere she answers an add. (Not the one above) One, Jack Walker has written, after writing each other she decides to go to Fort Gibson. The romance between them is slow but blooms over time. This is a very well written book. One I read in an afternoon.
The explanation of the sheath was laugh out loud funny. I had to read that one to my husband.
It has some sex but it is in the marriage and tastefully done.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Officer and the Southerner” is the second in Rose Gordon’s American historical romance trilogy. I read the first one and suggest that you read them in order. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Her characters are well developed. There is humor that will bring a smile to your face and maybe even a giggle or two throughout the book.

From the very beginning you are cheering for Ella! She wants desperately NOT to be considered a spinster, a fate almost worse than death. She does not want to disappoint her Father, but is not impressed with her choices and they seem to always find someone’s.

Jack, wants a wife, but if pressed he cannot tell anyone specifically why. He has a heart the size of Texas, but just does not understand women. You just want to hug him and give him some guidance. But when the chips are down he comes through with flying colors!

It is a warm and fun read. Enjoy!

I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

[Gwendolyn Thaggard · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella Davis is tired of being courted by the gentleman of Savannah but not proposed to. She gets the crazy idea to become a mail-order bride. Ella is the daughter of a former army man, turned plantation owner after his wife fell ill and his retirement. Michaela, her older sister tires to talk some since into Ella but is unable to. Ella sees an ad and responds to it, writing to a Lt. Jack Walker. The two converse back and forth over a dew months before Ella finally accepts Jack's offer to pay for her travel arrangement's to meet him. Jack is not very forthcoming with all the details of his life and Ella is in for a shock when she arrives at Fort Gibson, she is just the opposite of excited and feels like Jack lied to her and is only using her to make his life better. Soon after her arrival, Ella becomes ill b/c of an insect bite. Jack risk's his life to get medicine to help Ella survive.

[Wendy Tavenner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the book, Rose Gordon is an exceptional writer!!! Jack wants what Wes has with Allison so he sends away for a mail order bride!! Ella responds to his ad, after corresponding for awhile she is ready to head out west without telling her father. When she gets to the Fort, she finds out Jack is a Lt. In the Army and lives in the barracks. She is not happy thinking he lied to her. They go ahead and get married, she then falls ill and almost dies. This is a beautifully written story of trust, friendship and then love. Another home run for Rose Gordon.

[sraxe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked it but the lack of communication leading to miscommunication really started to get on my nerves because it lasted for most of the book. I liked Jack and I liked Ella in the beginning. However, she started to annoy me after a while because she was always jumping to so many conclusions and making so many accusations and holding grudges. I assume this was because of her insecurities but it started to grate.

There were also some errors like meddle instead of mettle and Wes' instead of Wes's but they were few and far between and weren't all that annoying.

[Kerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in the mood for a historical book, and I saw that this series would be pulled from KU soon so it worked out perfectly! I enjoyed the characters, and I like how the relationship developed between Jack and Ella. The lack of communication did get a bit frustrating at times, but overall it did make for a good story. However, I still found myself wondering why exactly Jack placed the ad in the first place. Was it like Ella and Gray initially thought, or was there more behind it? That was never completely clear to me, but I did like the story and the ending.

[April · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just finishing book 2 great as always. Do not let the ratings fool you. I did not give it 5 stars only b/c I thought that the book ended to soon for me. I love these two characters together. I just thought by time Jack and Ella got their act together it was over. :( I want more!! *** nudges Rose Gordon*** :)

Rose Gordon has not disappointed me yet in any of the books that I have read so far. You are awesome at what you do and please keep up the awesome work. Off to book 3 for me. :)

[Connie Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

This second book of the Fort Gibson officers is fantastic. It may be the second, but can be read as a stand alone. The hero, Jack, is truly a hero in every way. From his taking care of his mail order bride when she became deathly sick to loving Ella without reservation. Ms Gordon's characters are witty, funny, and totally human, someone you would like to have as a neighbor and friend.

[Dee Deacon Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wanting what his good friend, Wes, has Jack puts an ad for a mail order bride. Tired of being courted then humiliated, Ella, decides to wed the gentleman whose ad she answered. Even though this is an arranged marriage & through misunderstandings, illness & fear love can grow. Rose Gordon can make you see & feel each characters flaws & goodness.

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ella has never had much luck with men and jack saw what Wes had and wanted happiness of his own. Under the circumstances of a rather unfortunate spider bite the two might actually find their perfect happy endings.

I didn't like this book as much as the first but it was still relatively good. I liked how Wes and Allison were still very much in it

Can't wait to read grays story!

[Kristin Moye · Rating 4 out of 5]

:)

Not a bad follow-up. I enjoyed the first book more but this one was a good read.
You can definitely read this book separately from the first one.
It was lighthearted and enjoyable :)