Resisting the Ranchers

by Isabella Kole, Sheri Lynn

Two women fleeing from similar circumstances. Two men looking for brides. Should be easy, right? Clara Mae is furious when her brother informs her that he has arranged a marriage for her, to a widower with three children, in order to merge their two steel mills. She refuses and forms a plan with her friend, Mary Catherine, to go to Oklahoma. Mary Catherine has made plans to be a mail-order bride and is set to marry Charles Barrett, a rancher. Clara Mae is going with her, hoping to make a new life for herself out west. Laura is also going out west to escape a broken heart. The three girls meet on the train and discover they are headed to the same destination. Laura is to marry a man named Clayton Garrison. Clayton has a brother, Everett, and while Clayton is greeting the beautiful Clara Mae as she steps off the train, Everett, in his gruff manner, greets Laura and helps her with her bags. Now, things are about to get complicated.This is book one in the Big G Ranch series and can be enjoyed independently.Publisher’s This historical, mail order bride western is intended for adults only and contains elements of action, adventure, sensual scenes, power exchange and a happily ever after. If any of these offend you, please do not purchase.

Genres: Historical Romance

200 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 22, 2021

About the author

Isabella Kole lives in southern Indiana, where she enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Always an avid romance reader, she began writing several years ago and although she has had several mainstream romances published under a different pen name, Accepting His Terms is the first erotic romance in her collection.

When not writing, Isabella can be found traveling around signing books and meeting her readers, working at her day job, or simply enjoying life.

You can find Isabella on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabel...

Reviews

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

MARY CATHERINE, CLARA MAE, AND LAURA

The story is a historical power exchange western with mail-order brides. While one union is planned, two others are up in the air. Will time sort out these couples?

The story begins in Pennsylvania with Clara Mae and her brother, where he informs her he has arranged a marriage with an older widower to merge their businesses. She will share her upsetting news with her friend, Mary Catherine, and learn that she is marrying a man, Charles Barrett, in Oklahoma. She will encourage Clara Mae to travel to Oklahoma with her. On the train, they met another young woman, Laura, who has corresponded with Clayton Garrison, also in Oklahoma.

The story is full of mystery, suspense, angst, danger, dominant men, and feisty women. It will have plenty of issues, especially between Clara Mae and Laura. It doesn’t help that when the train arrives, Clayton Garrison seems enamored with Clara Mae instead of Laura—and his brother Everett is just irritated with everything.

I liked the characters, the interactions, and the situations, yet the story is rather predictable as to how things are going to take place. The story is well told, and while it has many secondary characters, it isn’t confusing. The tension between Laura and Clara Mae is a huge part of this tale—and the way Clayton and Everett play their roles leads you to wonder what will happen. Two men, each wanting another woman, and both women wanting another man—but will that happen? Will Everett’s plan to court Clara Mae work to make Clayton and Laura jealous and react, or will it backfire on him?

“She was his, to protect, punish, love and cherish forever.”

“Life with you will never be dull. You and I have a fire between us.”

“The things that imprint us are not ones always of our choosing.”

The story has several spanking scenes, and the intimacy is after marriage. The story is the first in a new series, and while not actually a cliffhanger, it does end with a surprise.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara doesn’t want the man that her brother has chosen for her to better his business. She opts to run away with her best-friend who is going to be a mail order bride in Oklahoma. While traveling they meet Laura who is going to be a mail order bride as well. A problem occurs when they get to Oklahoma and the man Laura was to marry is interested in Clara and the brother of the man, she was to marry is interested in her. Will things work themselves out? Fast-paced read with plenty of steam, mystery and twists and turns. Great characters and a fast-paced entertaining read. I liked it.

[Rjr · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the book with some caveats. The positives - it was a rather sweet story about 3 young women making the decision to leave their present lives and become mail order brides. All three had different backstories and different reasons. I found this part of the book very compelling and very much enjoyed this part. They are all going to the same destination so stay connected. There are three men looking for wives and how the couples end up is the basis for the story. There is some sweet romance, a bit of sex and some mild discipline. The negatives - there were a few times when the author changed the time of the character's story. One character would be front and center and you move to the next character and it is 4 days in the past. This was confusing and needed editing. I also found it unbelievable how the ranchers found so much time for restaurants, hotels, visits, socials and chats while not only working on their ranchers but dealing with a cattle rustling problem. This is just not possible. The cattle problem, while mentioned repeatedly, was wound up in a hurry with just a brief note of explanation. Again, when one of the women is in danger from someone from her past, it is wrapped up in two sentences. And finally, it ended on a cliffhanger. That for me is something I want to know going into a book as otherwise I am not prepared and not happy with the ending. I think the author has talent and did many things right and I look forward to reading more from her. However, I also think the book wasn't as good as it could have been for the reasons noted above.

[Ragu · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely wonderful story! A story about three girls all from the same town two of them already friends, then meeting up with the other on the train headed west. Story starts with Mary Catherine and Clara Mae friends headed west to Oklahoma Mary Catherine going to meet up with her intended as a Mail-Order Bride and Clara Mae taking a chance going along in hopes of finding a husband once she gets there. As she is fleeing her older brother; setting up an arranged marriage to a widowed man with children almost twice her age mainly in hopes of merging their two businesses together. So Clara Mae with help from the servants sneaks out and runs while her brother is away on business. On the train they meet Laura who is headed to the same town to be a bride to one of Mary Catherine’s intendeds very good friends and neighboring ranches. When they arrive Mary Catherines intended Charles is there waiting along with Laura’s intended Clayton and his older brother Everett. So now we have three potential brides and two spoken for grooms and one extra potential groom. But...the two brothers lay eyes on the two girls and discover they are attracted but as we find out to the wrong girls and the same scenario exists in the girls minds and hearts. So the rocky road begins with City girls having to learn the ways of men of the west cooking, cleaning, and how they discipline their women and etc. While they are trying to figure out what’s best for everyone there’s so many emotions that run the complete gauntlet. It’s a must read to find out who ends up with whom? Is it the perfect match? The author does an amazing job of writing this as in real time as if you are right there going through every occurrence and every occasion with the characters. All very strong capable characters. Very strong willed women. Chemistry is off the charts. This Is a nice smooth flowing story. Fairly fast read. I definitely would recommend. I received an Advance Reader's Copy and am voluntarily leaving my honest thoughts and opinions.

[Kay Folks · Rating 2 out of 5]

The story was, loved the idea of following 3 women with completely different backgrounds travelled to marry.

The story is written from 2 points of view - Laura’s and Clara Mae. Laura is meant to marry Clayton with Clara moving and was going to find a husband when she got there.

Clara Mae - spoilt and has an inflated ego.
Clayton - while trying to be honourable actually it’s just weak and messed things up.
Everett - (Clayton’s brother) it’s actually fairly cruel and a bully.

Laura - you just want to reach through and give her a hug. She is hard done by and gets the short straw for most of the book. The man she came to marry is clearly interested in another woman, the brother bullies her and acts like he is also interested in the other woman, and Clara Mae fairly rude and mean to her. Laura didn’t have a chance… 😢

Overall the book felt a little messy as it constantly switches between the 2 women.

[Pico1 · Rating 4 out of 5]

Three young women, Clara Mae, Mary Catherine and Laura, go to Oklahoma on the train. Mary Catherine and Laura have men who are expecting them to marry them – Charles for Mary Catherine, and Clayton for Laura. Clara Mae is coming along as a friend of Mary Catherine, in the hope that she will meet someone that she can marry. Mary Catherine’s marriage takes place quickly and smoothly, but Laura’s relationship does not, as the brother of her intended – Everett, is interested in her, while her intended, Clayton, is interested in Clara Mae. While it all gets sorted out by the end, along with issues of cattle rustlers, an angry ex-boyfriend of Laura and other problems, it is a little slow as a story, and the “back and forth” from one girl’s story to the other becomes distracting. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Ally A · Rating 4 out of 5]

Two friends facing difficult circumstances head west to Oklahoma in search of a better life. Mary Catherine has accepted a proposal as a mail order bride and Clara Mae, who is fleeing her brother’s machinations to marry her off to an undesirable man, is accompanying her. They’re joined on the train by Laura, who is also a mail order bride. When the women arrive, Clayton, Laura’s groom-to-be, is noticeably attracted to Clara Mae, while Clayton’s brother steps in to assist Laura. The book is not only a romance where partners realign to find true love, but also a tale of friendship as we watch Laura work through past issues and bond with the other two woman. Mild cliffhanger for Laura and Everett in the epilogue, pointing to the next book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an enjoyable read about three mail order brides. Clara Mae came from a privileged background and was a beautiful lady. Mary Catherine had been at the same school as Clara Mae. Laura had been a house servant and was always doubting herself, because of her background. Laura felt insecure in some situations and tended to lash out people. They all had very different personalities. All the men in their lives are caring and loving towards them but they all believe in domestic discipline. There is a teaser at the end of the book for the next in the series. This was an easy to read book that moved along at a good pace. I received a copy via Booksprout and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[ajjmb · Rating 4 out of 5]

There is a lot of story lines going on in this book. Three young women travel out west to find and marry three ranchers. Mary Catherine already had her husband lined up, so her story is much shorter. However, both Laura and Clara Mae seem to have their eyes set on the same man at first. Everette makes it clear that he wants Laura. Clayton wants Clara Mae but most of the story is how that comes about. The story is sweet but has a lot happening. The ending is quite a cliffhanger as well with a new conflict introduced. I am glad to see that there might be another book. I liked the storylines even though they might have been better developed if each girl had her own book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Toni L · Rating 4 out of 5]

There have been a multitude of books written about mail order brides in America's history. Some of them better than this, some of them worse. This book is a good, solid read that I enjoyed, even though I was very aware of it's weaknesses. I liked that this followed 3 women who are doing this for different reasons, who each ultimately find a husband. I liked all of the characters, although I'm undecided about Everett. I have a weakness for large, growly dominant men, but Everett wanted honesty and trust to be given without honesty and trust being shown. While this is strictly a standalone read, the epilogue really does lead into book 2, so be aware that you may not come away with that wonderful feeling you can get after reading a good story, but I'll happily read book 2.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mary Catherine is on her way out west to marry Charles Barrett. Mary friend Clara Mae finds out that her brother is planning on marrying her off to a older man so they can combine the two business. Clara Mae runs off with Mary Catherine, they meet Laura on the train who happens to be going to the same town to be with a man named Clayton Garrison. When they get there Clayton sees Clara Mae and falls head over heels with her, where his brother Everett falls in love with Laura. As time goes on they work things out and Clara Mae marries Clayton and Laura marries Everett in a double wedding ceremony.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Marybeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clara Mae needs to get away from her brother who wants to sell her to an older man so that their two businesses can merge. Clara Mae wants nothing to do with it and makes plans to go west with her best friend, Mary Catherine so that she can find a husband. They meet Laura on the train and they chat .
When they get off the train, they are met by Clara who is attracted to Laura's beau and that starts the story. Amanda believes that

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Fiona · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very interesting story about three women who journey to the east to meet their husbands, Mary Catherine who was a mail order bride to her Charles, Laura to her Clayton, but Clara Mae ran away with her friend Mary Catherine to escape an arranged marriage. This story tells of their journey to finding love and happiness. Although the ending kind of left things hanging in the air so you will want to read the next book.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cathylynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are three women all leaving to be mail order brides for different reasons, but they all want a new life. Life out west can be hard and the men harder. I liked all the characters and I liked that they did not marry their intended. So there was some shuffling of grooms and brides, it all worked out in the end. Some of it was a little bit odd but then again it is a story but most of it was wonderful. I liked the women and the men too. It was a nice twist to the mail order bride.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

A good story.
Clara Mae, Mary Catherine, and Laura leave home looking for a new and hopefully better life. Clara Mae is running away because of her brother and his plans for her and Mary Catherine and Laura have agreed to be mail-order brides. There is a bit of passion, action, drama, and old fashion discipline it was a mixed bag of goodness. It was a very entertaining read. I am happy to recommend this book. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.

[Mandy Foley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fabulous book, with multiple storyline’s woven together, three young ladies travelling across the country looking for marriage, each with their own reasons, hoping for love and a new life. Three ranchers looking for a wife to share their lives, trying to get to know a stranger while running a ranch, battling cattle rustlers and conflicting feelings. A story that draws you in and keeps you turning pages!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brigitte · Rating 4 out of 5]

It is always a bit endearing to read historical romances. They are mostly so innocent and somehow pure. This one is no exception to that and is a delightful reading. It is almost good enough to get the fabulous five stars but not quite... So fine four stars go to this story. And just one thing, the end of the story is really strange.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Vievie2 · Rating 5 out of 5]

I do a romantic historical western and one gets a big tick for me. 3 ladies escaping their old lives to be mail order brides .... Misunderstandings, unrequited love, banter and a good few steamy scenes. What's not to love?!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Barbara · Rating 4 out of 5]

The first book in the Big G Ranch series a well written story. This is Clara Mae and Clayton Garrison, Laura and Everett Garrison's story, but it ends with a surprise, for Everett. What will he do when he gets home? I want to read the next book. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathleen Bradbury (Bulfon) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this book and was honored to have been able to read and review. It was such a phenomenal read and had amazing characters as well as an amazing story line. I just could not get enough of it and once I started reading it I could not put it down. I recommend that you read it.

[Charlie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. Three women meet on a train to find love & marriage out west. One is a mail order bride and the other two find conflict over two brothers. The story has adventure, conflict, love, and a surprise ending. I can’t wait to read book 2.

[Nate · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an intriguing book. Lots happening. I received a free copy of the book. And am voluntarily leaving my honest opinion.

[Joanne Wright]

Funny Fantasy

[Max&Mariella · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 poor Laura, I felt like she deserved more.
Everett wasn't great at showing her what she was to him.

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 4 out of 5]

MARY CATHERINE, CLARA MAE, AND LAURA
The story is a historical power exchange western with mail-order brides. While one union is planned, two others are up in the air. Will time sort out these couples?
The story begins in Pennsylvania with Clara Mae and her brother, where he informs her he has arranged a marriage with an older widower to merge their businesses. She will share her upsetting news with her friend, Mary Catherine, and learn that she is marrying a man, Charles Barrett, in Oklahoma. She will encourage Clara Mae to travel to Oklahoma with her. On the train, they met another young woman, Laura, who has corresponded with Clayton Garrison, also in Oklahoma.
The story is full of mystery, suspense, angst, danger, dominant men, and feisty women. It will have plenty of issues, especially between Clara Mae and Laura. It doesn’t help that when the train arrives, Clayton Garrison seems enamored with Clara Mae instead of Laura—and his brother Everett is just irritated with everything.
I liked the characters, the interactions, and the situations, yet the story is rather predictable as to how things are going to take place. The story is well told, and while it has many secondary characters, it isn’t confusing. The tension between Laura and Clara Mae is a huge part of this tale—and the way Clayton and Everett play their roles leads you to wonder what will happen. Two men, each wanting another woman, and both women wanting another man—but will that happen? Will Everett’s plan to court Clara Mae work to make Clayton and Laura jealous and react, or will it backfire on him?
“She was his, to protect, punish, love and cherish forever.”
“Life with you will never be dull. You and I have a fire between us.”
“The things that imprint us are not ones always of our choosing.”
The story has several spanking scenes, and the intimacy is after marriage. The story is the first in a new series, and while not actually a cliffhanger, it does end with a surprise.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

After the previous book I read had really dark subject matter, Resisting the Ranchers was the complete opposite and a refreshing change. But what's with these men and spanking their women??

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.