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Bear Creek Brides #12

Winning Her Guarded Heart

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In the high-stakes game of love, can both sides emerge victorious?
Striking, enigmatic, and filthy rich, Salis Dangerfield is a man who knows how to win, whether at the poker table or in business. Despite all his success, all he’s looking for is a safe haven for him and his sister.

He finds the perfect opportunity when an old miner offers him an irresistible deal – a new life in an old town, with a beautiful bride to match. For the man they call Lucifer, it’s an offer that’s heaven-sent.

Rachel Maxwell’s world is flipped upside down when she finds out that both she and her family’s homestead have been sold to a mysterious stranger. Headstrong and willful, she won’t surrender herself and her home without a fight.

Despite the salacious rumors about Salis, Rachel discovers the kind and generous soul behind the stern persona and the devilish nickname. Soon she becomes drawn to this soft-hearted gentleman and his sweet teenage sister.

But the people of Bear Creek are wary of the ambitious outsider who wants to make big changes to their small town.

And the things that past Salis was running away from is quickly catching up to him, bringing danger and perils along with it.

Will Salis ever find the peace and happiness he craves? Can Rachel and Salis find a way to be together despite the obstacles from his old life and their new one?

Winning Her Guarded Heart is the twelfth book in the Bear Creek Brides historical western romance series. Be captivated by this riveting tale of blossoming love and new beginnings.

468 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 11, 2020

254 people are currently reading
34 people want to read

About the author

Amelia Rose

101 books166 followers
I am a shameless romance addict with no intentions of ever kicking the habit. Growing up I dreamed of entertaining people and taking them on fantastical journeys with my acting abilities, until I came to the realization as a college sophomore that I had none to speak of. Another ten years would pass before I discovered a different means to accomplishing the same dream: writing stories of love and passion for addicts just like me.I have always loved romance stories and I try to tie all the elements I like about them into my writing.

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5 stars
242 (77%)
4 stars
52 (16%)
3 stars
14 (4%)
2 stars
3 (<1%)
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1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
Profile Image for Kaye.
7,177 reviews71 followers
November 14, 2020
🐎🐎ONE WILD WEST SHOWDOWN🐎🐎
Scorching skiddles! Amelia throws caution to the wind, takes a no holds barred, take no prisoners and no turning back attitude hits the mark with this thrilling rollercoaster ride, keeping you riveted on a razors edge and launching this jewel to staggering heights. A bevy of mishaps and mayhem descend in a flurry of mischief and serendipity, showcasing the crushed perimeters and blurred barriers, limitations are expanded and heightened, highlighting the explosive ups and tormenting downs, putting our characters through their paces, fusing this gem together seamlessly. Toss in captivating drama, relentless pursuits, perilous intrigue, terrifying abduction, brutal tactics, mounting danger, escalating suspense and intense situations, testing our characters in ways they could have never anticipated, blasting this baby to life spectacularly. The attraction and chemistry builds as each layer is peeled back baring incredibly deep emotions and an intense bond, binding them to one another beautifully. The characters, dialogue, interactions and electrified atmosphere along with relatable qualities and individual traits adding depth and diversity, transforming into genuine outstanding personalities. The scenes are abundantly descriptive with colorful details that blend and flow, creating a majestic backdrop that's so rich and lively it feels like you can just reach out and touch it. Remarkable job Amelia, thanks for sharing this little jewel with us.
Profile Image for Frances Hernandez.
744 reviews5 followers
November 17, 2020
I received this ebook ARC from the author on the condition that I write an honest review.
Salís is a wealthy man, a man used to getting what he wants, because of this, he is given the name of Lucifer. A dying man approaches him with a request for money, in payment for the loan, he offers his daughter’s hand and the deed to his property in Bear Creek. Salís accepts it all because he needs to hide away.
Rachel is the daughter of the dying man, a man that abandoned her at the age of 15 years old. She has survived with her own inner strength, and determination.
Silas and Rachel meet finally and there is immediate attraction. Silas’s little sister is completely enamored with Rachel and they become close friends. As everything is going well for the couple, his enemies appear and kidnap Silas’ sister, she is saved by Silas, some of the townspeople, and of course Brown Bear and his tribe.
Eventually the couple obtains their HEA, and the entirety of the townspeople participate in the wedding celebration.
I’ve read several books written by Ms Rose, and I’ve loved returning to the beauty that is Bear Creek and its residents. I’ll always recommend her books.
2,319 reviews11 followers
November 13, 2020
Rachel & Salis' Story!
I seem to have read quite a few books in the last month or so where the father 'sells' his daughter into marriage because he needs money. Really! I mean, what kind of a father is that! Sorry, I just needed to get that off my chest.
Back my review of this book...
I really liked Rachel's determinism. She needed to survive and she did. She did everything in her power to make sure she would eat, lived frugally and seemed content.
Then Salis arrives to see what her father had sold him (the farm and his daughter) and he is determined to help her. He is extremely persistent and I really liked that about him but what I really loved about his character was that if he liked you he would do everything in his power to help you and keep you safe.
I enjoyed this story. It read easily and quickly and held my interest throughout. It is good addition to the Bear Creek Brides.
My voluntary and unbiased review above is written after reading an Advance Reader Copy (ARC) of the ebook.
Profile Image for Amy.
519 reviews3 followers
April 7, 2021
3.5 stars- Rachel’s father writes her a letter that he has sold the land and “her” to a man on his deathbed. She will not stand for being told who to marry and resist the idea before any actual encounter.

Salis Dangerfied, “Lucifer” comes to town with his sister and assistant to build a saloon. This man brings some mystery in his motives. He carries an angry looking scar which gives people a bad impression of him. He isn’t looking to force Rachel into any arrangement she doesn’t want to have but is hoping she will choose him.

It takes some convincing from the mayor and others for the saloon to be approved but he assured them, he just wants to have a quieter life with no trouble.

Trouble comes knocking when the saloon is attacked and Daphne is taken by bandits.

This might be the best book out of the series. Rachel is playing hard to get mainly out of pride and the circumstances of his arrival.
Profile Image for Marie.
5,188 reviews52 followers
January 3, 2021
'Like a moth to a flame'

Salis may have had an agreement with Rachel's father, but he never expected to lose his heart to her. He has never met anyone like her before, beautiful, strong, stubborn and so very alone for so long, she trusts no-one. Salis may be used to getting his own way but he knows he needs to give Rachel time and win her heart and trust. Fortunately he is a gent, despite his reputation, and his happy to take the time to prove himself to both Rachel and the town.
Rachel has had such a hard, lonely life, she will steal your heart from the moment you meet her. It is beautiful to watch her grow in confidence and happiness as Salis slowly woo's her and Daphne befriends her.
I love every visit to Bear Creek and this one was no different, as with the rest of this series I read this on Kindle Unlimited.
4,589 reviews31 followers
November 19, 2020
Imagine being a young woman who has been taking care of yourself for 10 years since your early teens and receiving a letter stating your father had sold the homestead you had been caring for and existing on and not only that you are included in the deal. I think Salis received a much warmer welcome from Rachel than he might have from myself. Salis was much smarter than most and cleverly allowed Rachel to get to know him. Amelia Rose has cleverly written a story with intrigue, romance and humor. It was good to visit our friends in Bear Creek again. This was an excellently written book and I enjoyed it
Profile Image for April.
2,201 reviews58 followers
January 29, 2021
Winning Her Guarded Heart: Inspirational Western Mail Order Bride Romance: Bear Creek Brides, Book 12
By: Amelia Rose

I don't know how I have missed this series, but this is my first listen.
I've listened to other books by this author.

This is a sweet, clean Montana, mail order bride, historical fiction.
A dying father sets up an arranged marriage for his daughter and a wealthy stranger, that has been caring for a younger sister. It's a fun listen as everybody gets to know each other.



The narration was well done. The characters were well portrayed. Gina Dobbs brought the story to life.

I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
217 reviews1 follower
November 19, 2020
This is a good clean and delightful story. Having been left at Bear Creek at a young age while her father went in search of a living Rachel Maxwell had to fin for herself. She raised her own food and farmed with out any help. She lived close to her aunt and uncle Before her father died he met Salis Dangerfield and offered his farm and his daughter in exchange for fifty dollars. Silas, his sister Daphne and Jackson, a good friend and bodyguard , left and went to Bear Creek. I received a ARC of this book and it was highly entertaining. I recommend reading this book.
1,927 reviews5 followers
July 11, 2021
Winning Her Guarded Heart

This was a story of a young woman whose father left her and their homestead to go to California to mine for gold. When he was dieting he sold his land and her hand in marriage to a very wealthy young man Salis .Salis left SAN Diego and moved with his sister to Bear Creek to build his saloon and their home. Daphine was not happy when she found out that Salis owned her as well as her property and so she did her best to avoid him when she could. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Profile Image for Sherry Westendorf.
4,593 reviews22 followers
November 14, 2020
He wants a safe place for himself and his sister. He is successful at what he does though. He gets an offer from an old miner. Only thing is woman he is promised to marry is not going into it without a fight and the homestead she and her family have that is supposed to go to him either. She finds out there is more to him than she thought. But problems follow him and that makes it hard for them. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Profile Image for Nancy Grimes.
38 reviews1 follower
November 15, 2020
Wonderful story

As predicted another great story from Bear Creek residents. I hope there will be more to come. I have read all 12 so far and not been disappointed in any of them. Lonely rich guy meets lonely homestead gal and form a friendship that starts a new beginning and business Bear Creek. I truly enjoy stories that continue on from others and include people from previous books.
56 reviews1 follower
November 16, 2020


Refreshing to have a love story that wasn't demanding and pressured in falling in love. Some very unique characters added to the Bear Creek Series. Loved the fact the Indians were involved through most of the story. Salis and Rachael along with Salis's friend Jackson and young sister really had more than their share of difficult times.
A great read, no slow parts and CLEAN romance.
I was given this book as an ARC member and this is my honest opinion and review.
2,620 reviews16 followers
November 27, 2020
Salis and Rachel

This is a sweet loving story written by Amelia Rose. She has done and excellent job with the plot and the characters, both new and recurring ones. This is and exceptionally good series. So many families and their tales both good and bad. The interaction between the Indians and the white citizens is a great example of what should be. You will enjoy every adventure and action filled page.
Profile Image for Christine Mallett.
112 reviews2 followers
August 6, 2025
Winning Her Guarded Heart ( Bear Creek Brides book 12) by Amelia Rose

I can't believe, but I actually did it. I finished a whole series of books for the very first time. I have never been drawn to the same Author's books in a row before, but Amelia Rose's series caught my attention. I couldn't stop going. But alas, I am onto a new series by same Author. Hope I get as hooked. Thank you Amelia.
Profile Image for Vickie Raynor.
1,178 reviews17 followers
November 18, 2020
You could feel the attraction from the moment Sslis and a Rachel met. Every step of the way, I was drawn in. It was exciting in multiple ways that made it a fast page-turner. I can’t wait for the next addition in this series. It can be read as a stand-alone, but half the fun is reading it in order to appreciate the townsfolk that I have come to love. Book gifted to me.
643 reviews1 follower
November 14, 2020
Loved reading more about the citizens of Bear Creek, it felt like being with old friends. This story was so enjoyable and had its share of suspense. The characters of Rachel and Salis were heartwarming, I didn’t expect Salis’ character or personality to evolve as it did. A great read!
5,408 reviews67 followers
December 4, 2020
Winning Her Guarded Heart Inspirational Western Mail Order Bride Romance

A very good story about love and family and friends that accept each other and they have courage to stand up and work together
542 reviews2 followers
December 15, 2020
Wonderful book

Another great book in the Bear Creek Brides series.This one is not a mail order bride story.Lucifer comes to town and he has news from Rachel’s father.Strange news she isn’t sure she likes.
2,295 reviews83 followers
June 29, 2021
Sweet Historical Romance

I wasn't sure how this would turn out! Whoever heard of a Saloon being a positive place in the community? Is Salis a bad guy turning over a new leaf, or a bad guy pulling the wool over everyone's eyes? You'll have to read it to find out!
Profile Image for Millie.
280 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2023
Great story!

I read Winning Her Guarded Heart by Amelia Rose through the kindle Unlimited program. This book was SO good! A great ending to a very good series. I enjoyed meeting new characters and catching up with old ones.
5 reviews
September 19, 2023
Another Fascinating Tale

Amelia Rose has a vivid imagination and wonderful story telling gift. Each book is filled with believable characters.
I am hoping to read more of her works. The books are real page turners.
130 reviews
September 20, 2025
A beautiful love story with strong independent women . And men who are just as strong who wish to love and protect them. The storyline flows beautifully and there are twists and turns you just don’t see coming.
Profile Image for Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon).
16.4k reviews217 followers
November 14, 2020
Captivated my attention instantly, leaving me no other choice but to devour in one sitting... I simply loved this story and can't wait to see what comes next in this series...
Profile Image for T.
2,077 reviews
November 16, 2020
Loved loved loved Rachel and Silas!! They are perfect for each other. Both determined to do what is needed for themselves and their families.
2 reviews
January 23, 2021
Boring

I found it monotonus and predictable. Some of language and words are words used today and not the lingo of those days back then. Phraseology not typical of the day.
Profile Image for Susan Waclawski.
266 reviews8 followers
May 2, 2021
Amelia Rose is a wonderful story teller. She grabs our attention then steals our heart! Characters that you fall in love with and weep for and then cheer for! I love her books and you will too!
126 reviews1 follower
August 12, 2021
Good read

I have finished all 12books in this series and found them enjoyable. First time reading this author but will read more.
17 reviews
August 4, 2023
Loving

The story was lovely. I loved the strength in Silas and how he took care of the people in his life.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews

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