Violet

by Cynthia Woolf

Violet Malone is a beauty beyond compare. Carefree. She has the world at her fingertips and a bright future ahead of her.
Someone wants to steal that future.

Someone wants to twist Violet's beauty into suffering and pain.
There are monsters in the world, and this one is willing to pay a premium to ensure the innocent beauty cannot escape him.
Every bounty, every job demands something new from Lionel "Beast" Plantier.
This time he's been hired to kidnap an innocent maiden and deliver her to the devil in disguise.
This time, the rejection, the repulsion and disgust caused by his horrible scars is taken from him with one soft, feminine caress.
This time, he will risk everything to save an untouched beauty from a true monster, even marry her himself.

But what will happen when this beauty is forced to marry a beast?

Genres: Romance, Historical Romance, Romantic Suspense, Contemporary

208 pages, Kindle Edition

Published January 25, 2022

About the author

Cynthia Woolf is the USA Today Bestselling and award-winning author of eighty-five works of romance fiction. Comprising sixty-six historical western romances, ten contemporary romance novels, two contemporary romance novellas, one historical western romance novella, and six sci-fi space opera romances, which she calls westerns in space. Along with these books, she has also published twelve boxed sets of her books and two short stories.

Cynthia loves writing and reading romance. Her first western romance, Tame A Wild Heart, was inspired by the story her mother told her of meeting Cynthia's father on a ranch in Creede, Colorado. Although Tame A Wild Heart takes place in Creede, that is the only similarity between the stories. Her father was a cowboy, not a bounty hunter, and her mother was a nursemaid (called a nanny now), not the ranch owner.

Cynthia credits her wonderfully supportive husband, Jim, and her great critique partners for saving her sanity and allowing her to explore her creativity.



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TITLES AVAILABLE (English unless otherwise stated)

COLORADO BILLIONAIRES (sweet contemporary novels)
THE CEO
THE RANCHER
THE MAVERICK
THE TYCOON
THE ARTIST (coming soon)
THE QUARTERBACK (coming soon)


MONTANA BILLIONAIRES SERIES (contemporary sweet western novels)
Her Secret Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Mysterious Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Royal Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Christmas Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Bachelor Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Wild Cowboy Billionaire (Available in German)
Her Elusive Cowboy Billionaire
Her Disguised Cowboy Billionaire


CHRISTMAS AT THE MISTLETOE INN (contemporary novella)
Cooking Up Christmas


THE BRIDES OF THE KLONDIKE
The Gold Rush Bride (Available in German)
The Gold Mountain Bride


THE PRESCOTT BRIDES (Available in German)
A Bride for Ross
A Bride for Frank
A Bride for Tucker
A Bride for Clay
A Bride for Brodie



THE HEART WISH MAIL-ORDER BRIDES SERIES
Heart of Stone
Heart of Shadow


MARSHALS MAIL ORDER BRIDES
The Carson City Bride (Available in German)
The Virginia City Bride (Available in German)
The Silver City Bride
The Eureka City Bride


ANGEL CREEK CHRISTMAS BRIDES
Adele


BRIDES OF GOLDEN CITY
A Husband for Victoria
A Husband for Cordelia
A Husband for Adeline


BRIDES OF THE OREGON TRAIL (Available in German)
Hannah
Lydia
Bella
Eliza
Rebecca
Charlotte
Amanda
Emma Rose
Nora
Opal


BACHELORS & BABIES
Carter (Book 3)


BRIDES OF SEATTLE (Available in German)
Mail Order Mystery
Mail Order Mayhem
Mail Order Mix-Up
Mail Order Moonlight
Mail Order Melody


CENTRAL CITY BRIDES (Available in German)
The Dancing Bride
The Sapphire Bride
The Irish Bride
The Pretender Bride


HOMESTEAD CANYON SERIES
Thorpe’s Mail-Order Bride
Kissed by a Stranger
A Family for Christmas


HOPE’S CROSSING
The Hunter Bride
The Replacement Bride
The Stolen Bride
The Unexpected Bride


AMERICAN MAIL-ORDER BRIDES
Genevieve, Bride of Nevada


THE SURPRISE BRIDES
Gideon


THE BRIDES OF SAN FRANCISCO
Nellie (Available in German)
Annie (Available in German)
Cora (Available in German)
Sophia (Available in German)
Amelia (Available in German)
Violet


THE BRIDES OF TOMBSTONE (Available in German)
Mail Order Outlaw
Mail Order Doctor
Mail Order Baron


DESTINY IN DEADWOOD (Available in German)
Jake
Liam
Zach


MATCHMAK

Reviews

[Margaret Watkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

A little different from other books in the series, I found this novel entertaining and enjoyable. Ignoring a summons from her grandfather to attend him in New York, Violet is horrified when she and her friend Alma are kidnapped by a beast of a man whilst out shopping. Her reaction towards Beast is so unexpected that he finds himself entranced by the beautiful, although somewhat feisty, young woman. Alma is much more nervous and her response towards him is what he has come to expect. Beast isn't completely surprised when a second kidnapper joins him, especially knowing the unsavory nature of his employer, Walter Smithson. Quite different to Beast, Vic Gordon is a charmer, but when Beast puts an unexpected proposal before him, he is quick on the uptake and before the two girls are aware of what is happening they are married to their abductors. Following the Beauty and the Beast theme, one cannot help but love him, especially when Beast is willing to put his life on the line for Violet. This novel wouldn't be complete without the services of Krebbs, the butler with more moral fiber than his master. Ultimately, the romance comes to a happy and joy-filled conclusion with the perpetrators of injustice receiving their fitting reward. I received a copy of this book as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Lori D · Rating 4 out of 5]

San Francisco 1887

A fun story with a beast of a hero and a very smart heroine, who needs to stay out of the clutches of her evil grandfather!

Even though her grandfather kept sending her letters to come to New York and he would send her to school, Violet's mother reminded her that he had kidnapped her brother all those years ago. Luckily they had gotten him back, but her grandfather was not to be trusted.

Beast or Lionel, was paid to kidnap Violet and take her back to her grandfather. But what's beast to do when he is totally charmed by her and she doesn't cringe at the scars on his face? Well marry her if she will!

A villian, a beast who is really just a man and a journey with a few twist and turns to get to a happy ending. Another great story to be added to this wonderful series!

[Kathy Heare Watts · Rating 5 out of 5]

YES, MY LION, I TRUST YOU

The story is the sixth book in The Brides of San Francisco series but will read well as a standalone. The story will have ties between San Francisco and New York. A young woman, Violet Malone, will send a letter to her Grandfather informing him she will not be coming to New York and attending finishing school. But, that doesn’t work with his devious plans, and he will send the Beast to bring her back and has a backup plan to make sure she arrives. He even has a surprise for her; it isn’t finishing school, but an arranged marriage to another evil man, Walter Smithson.

The story’s plot will have the Beast, Lionel Plantier, sent to San Francisco to kidnap Violet Malone. He will follow her and her friend, Alma Baker, to town, and when he gets his chance, kidnap both women. On the way to the train station, Victor Gordon will meet them on the road, who was also sent to make sure the deed was done. But it doesn’t take long for both Lionel and Vic to change plans. Just a short time around, Violet and Alma will have these two men wanting to become their protectors rather than kidnappers.

Violet: I like you, Lionel. Even if you are a rogue.
Lionel: You think I’m a rogue? You’ve been reading too many romance novels.
Alma: Oh, Violet loves those books. She always has the latest one and then loans it to me.
Vic: You like romance novels, my dear?
Alma: Oh, yes. The hero is always so—heroic. He doesn’t always do what is expected of him, but follows his heart, even though he won’t admit it. They are wonderful.
Violet: Oh, Alma. You make me sound like a feather-brained girl with no common sense?
Alma: You’re the smartest woman I know.

The story will have the group arriving in the town where they should catch a train, but the men decide that rather than being rogues, they wanted to be more, protectors and even husbands. Whatever it takes, they plan on keeping Violet and Alma safe.

“I will always keep you warm. I’ll always protect you, my Violet, even from yourself.

“I won the lottery when I met you, I just didn’t know it then.”

The story has the good and the ugly of people. Lionel discovers the most amazing woman, with a fiery personality but kind and compassionate. He and Vic need to protect these girls, and marriage is the first step. While no one was compromised, the illusion is there, and marriage will protect them. Lionel and Vic know that Smithton won’t give up; he probably already has hired men coming after them because he won’t be willing to lose something he desires. Smithton is an evil man who thrives on his cruelty, and hurting Violet is only part of his intent.

The story is a page-turning tale with a great cast of characters. While Lionel kidnaps Violet and Alma, he realizes that Violet is unique, nonjudgmental, and someone he respects. When her life is in jeopardy, and she is in the company of a mad man, there is no stopping him from rescuing her. Now, how he goes about it will include several trusted men and determination. In the end, he will find and rescue his wife, and they will find their happily ever after ending.

“How could she ask for more when all her dreams had come true?”

[Donna Drew · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good as always

I love the San Francisco ones and have read all of them and you need to write more. All the ladies have children, so Look what is ahead for all of us.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cynthia Woolf writes an intriguing “beauty and the beast” story. Victoria grows up in a loving home with her happily married mother and stepfather. She sees their loving marriage as an ideal model for her own future marriage. Therefore, she claims she will ONLY marry for love.

However, Victoria’s grandfather, the parent of her real father, has other plans. Secretly, he plans to marry her off to a man of his choice. This man is a despicable woman abuser, who is only marrying Victoria for her grandfather’s money which he needs to satisfy his creditors. Unfortunately, his plan does not include a happily ever after for anyone but himself.

Victoria’s grandfather hires “Beast” to kidnap Victoria. He is instructed to bring her back to New York and deliver her straight to her future husband. The readers, and Victoria, very quickly realize that “Beast” whose real name is Lionel, is not realy bad guy - he has a conscience. He refuses to take her to New York to marry this evil man, and quickly returns Victoria to her parents. However, since Victoria is now considered “ruined by society,” Lionel offers to marry Victoria.

Victoria is a kind and caring woman who never judges anyone by their looks. She immediately sees beyond Lionel scars to the gentle, caring, loving man that he really is. Lionel quickly falls in love with this feisty, loving woman who forbids anyone to call him “Beast” anymore.

Of course the evil man, her grandfather’s choice, refuses to give up on marrying Victoria. Not only does he need her money, but he wants to kill Lionel who is now married to her. This plot means great danger to the couple. The action and suspense in this book will keep the reader on the edge of her seat!

The reader will fall instantly in love with Lionel in spite of the fact that he originally intended to kidnap her. He is a kind, loving, gentle man who, unfortunately, is so scarred that no one can stand to look at him. Sadly, he actually sees himself as a beast! Yet, when Victoria gives him the respect and dignity that he deserves, he returns to his normal personality and life as Lionel.

[Donise · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had me in stitches and I loved reading about Violet and Lionel. Violet turns down her grandfather's invite to come to New York to 'finish her education' especially after her mother reminds her of her little brother's reaction to his visit. Violet's grandfather does not take the news well and neither does the man whom he has promised Violet to. Mr. Smithson hires Beast to go to San Francisco to retrieve his errant bride. He then hires another man to follow Beast and make sure he does his job. One day, Beast follows Violet and her friend, Alma and kidnaps them as they are coming out of the store. Another man, Vic joins them and soon the four of them are leaving the city. Beast is soon taken with Violet and the way that she sees him for himself and that she is no shrinking violet. Once he explains why he kidnapped them, he realizes that Smithson would likely wind up killing Violet and this Beast cannot stand to see happen. He also knows that Smithson will stop at nothing to obtain Violet and her inheritance. Together Beast and Vic devise a plan to protect the ladies from both society and Smithson and soon Violet's father joins in the plans.
Once I started reading this book, I couldn't stop until I finished it. Ms. Woolf has written another wonderful story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Smithson sat in the chair opposite Edward.
Why have you summoned me this early?
I know your a slug Smithson, but my granddaughter has declined my invitation for college here.
I agreed to wed the girl sight unseen, because of her inheritance. Good. We are still on the same page.
I have the perfect man to collect her. He’s never let me down yet. Edward waved him away. just remember what’s at stake. Believe me I know exactly what at stake.
Walter Smithson summoned Lionel Plantier known as the Beast 6’5 big with black hair, a mask covering the side of face and solid muscle. You wanted to see me Smithson?
I have a job for you. I want you to go fetch my fiancée and bring her to me.
Why, did she run off?
No, she didn’t run off. The wench refuses to come to New York.
Smithson filled the Beast in with name and address names of her parents, father’s occupation etc.
You know my fee. It starts today.
Violet and her friend Alma took the carriage to town to go shopping.........??
This is the Very Basic Beginning to a wonderfully written Suspenseful Romantic with twists and somewhat scary story that I Could Not Put Down. I loved this book....

[Becky Claxon · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just love Ms. Woolf’s old western stories! Poor Violet has no idea what is in store for her. I can’t believe that her evil grandfather that she never met promised her to another evil man that just wanted Violet’s money when her grandfather died. The evil man hires Beast or Lionel to kidnap Violet in San Francisco where she lives and bring her back to New York. I felt so bad that most people were afraid of Lionel because he was so tall and wore a mask on half his face as he had been burnt. Lionel sure met his match with Violet as she gave back as good as she got. Lionel was so impressed with her that he decided not to take her back to New York, even though he had already kidnapped her, but keep her for his own. I loved how protective Lionel was of Violet and convinced her parents that he would protect her with his life as he knew the evil man that had hired him would still come for Violet. The two had some exciting adventures. I loved the book and strongly encourage you to read it. I was given a copy and voluntarily wrote a review.

[Sheila · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my favorite in the series! I absolutely loved this book! Mixture of good and great characters in the story, Vic, Alma, Nellie, Blake (reminds me of my dad), both loving and caring parents, sorry excuse for a grandfather Wallace (sad because this is my grandpa's name and they are nothing alike, Walter Smithson- ugg, yep you already know e=he's a bad, bad person, can't call him a man, he's so far from that, Lionel "My Lion" and sweet independent Violet!
You know when "it's" going to happen, yet I was so into the story, it still surprised me when Smithson made his move!
But my all-time favorite character was Krebbs, what a gem he is, putting up with Smithson as long as he did, then ALL he did for those on the train going back to San Franciso after the fight, had me liking him even more! So glad he found a home and family that knew his worth!

[Phyllis Rundell · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author has written a sweet story that reminds us of Beauty and the Beast in that Violet, the heroine, was a very sweet, kind and beautiful woman, and the hero, Lionel, had a scar on his face as a result of a burn and wore a half mask to cover it. When Violet lets her grandfather, who was a very evil person, know that she would not be traveling to New York to attend finishing school, it angered him and he hired Lionel to go to San Francisco to kidnap Violet and bring her to New York. What happened when Lionel meets Violet? Will Lionel be able to rescue Violet from her grandfather's clutches and keep her from danger? Will Violet be able to help Lionel overcome his self-consciousness about his scar? Will they have their very own HEA? Be sure and read this outstanding story to find out. I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.

[Vicki Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another action-packed, "fun" and enjoyable "Western themed" Brides of San Francisco book that will give you every possible feeling or response as you are reading. There were moments when I just had to chuckle at some of the situations or responses the author peppered throughout the story. The characters range from the sublime to ridiculous but are so well placed they just add another dimension to this well written tale staged from New York to San Francisco and back again? Possibly, but you have to read the story to get the full enjoyment from this newest release by Cynthia Woolf. Believe me there is plenty to enjoy in this story of Violet and "Lionel", and the author adds another couple to give you an added bonus and my favorite - the superb epilogue!

I received an ARC copy of this book and this is my voluntary and honest review with my own personal opinions.

[I Kohn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beauty Meets The Beast

Brave and beautiful Violet Malone goes shopping with her best friend Alma and gets kidnapped by Lionel Plantier otherwise known as the Beast. But instead of bringing her back to the monster that hired him he decides to keep her for himself. She brought back his humanity when she insisted on calling him by his given name and didn’t turn away from his scars like most people he met. He felt whole again being around and he had a strong need to protect her. Vic who was sent to keep an eye on the Beast to ensure he did his job, was enamored with Alma, so they both agreed marriage was the only way to protect the women. Excitement, betrayal and love make this story a page turner and don’t we all love a HEA.

I was given an advance copy of this ARC review and am giving my honest opinion.

[Amanda Marlowe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Violet has been invited by her grandfather to complete her education in New York, but he tried to kidnap her brother years ago and doesn't have a good reputation. She writes and declines, problem is he has already promised her hand in marriage to his friend, a horrible abusive man, Smithson.
He won't take no for an answer, by marrying Violet he will receive her inheritance from her grandfather and he has huge gambling debts. He employs Beast, Lionel, to bring her back, and then employs Vic to watch Lionel.
All goes well until Lionel meets Violet and realises that he finds her very attractive and he can't return her to Smithson.
A great adventure follows.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.

A great read from Cynthia, love feisty Violet.

[Pamela Mitchell · Rating 5 out of 5]

This sweet historical romance immediately captivated my attention and kept me totally involved in all that was happening until I finished the book. I loved the instant attraction and undeniable chemistry between Violet Malone, whose beauty is beyond compare and Lionel "Beast" Plantier who is hired to kidnap her and deliver her to the devil in disguise. Ms. Woolf never disappoints whatsoever and anyone who enjoys well written historical western romance should plan to read Violet, book six in her must-read Brides of San Francisco series. I received an advance reader copy and am voluntarily leaving my review. I enjoyed it so much, I purchased a copy to read again.

[Julia David · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like how Violet looked past the beast to see the man that Lionel is. Even though Lionel has kidnapped her, she sees that he is an honorable man. Violet's grandfather has been trying to manipulate her family for years. He has promised her to a very wicked man and didn't bother to tell Violet. Lionel is sent to bring her back to New York. Once he meets her, he knows he cannot give her to such a despicable man. Since they had spent an innocent night together, he knows they must marry. He will do anything to protect her, even if it means giving up his own life. Can he keep her safe?

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fairytale With a Western Flare
Cynthia Woolf’s historical western romances never disappoint. They are always captivating, sweet romances with action and suspense intertwined throughout. Violet and Lionel’s romance is certainly in line with this. It is well written, and their characters will find a way into your heart. Loved the support characters in this one as well. There is more than one romance in the air.
I received an ARC of this book from the author in return for voluntarily writing an honest review.

[Mary Willard · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked all the characters and the storyline was new, interesting and fresh. The interactions between the two girls who were already good friends and the two guys who became good friends all working together was refreshing. Usually it’s only a story about one guy and one girl. Of course, there was the villain and how he tried to ruin their lives, giving the story enough mystery and uncertainty, that it keeps you turning the pages. I also like the epilogue set a few years later. It wrapped up the story nicely. Well done.

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this wonderful book by Cynthia Woolf because the storyline was so interesting. Violet is a beautiful young woman who is kidnapped by Lionel who is called the Beast because he wears on mask that covers half his face due to scarring from severe burns. When Violet looks at him with interest instead of revulsion, Lionel decides to marry her instead of turning her over to the cruel man who hired him. I highly recommend this book as a romantic suspense with a HEA ending. I received an ARC and this is my voluntary and honest review.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Living in today society, it's hard to imagine how much importance and protection was placed on a woman's reputation in earlier centuries. Just a mere hint of a scandal was something to be very much avoided by young ladies and their families.

This book is somewhat reminiscent of a fairy tale retelling of Beauty and the Beast...Violet is an exceptionally beautiful young woman and Lionel is portrayed as a beast of a man.

The first three chapters of the book sets the stage for the story. Beginning in chapter 4, the story takes off and becomes an enjoyable read.

[Margie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think we’re always surprised when someone who should love and protect in reality is the person who has harm in mind. This is definitely true for Violet, who could suspect a grandfather of plotting such a future for her. Cynthia Woolf will draw you into this story where everything is turned topsy turvy and the cast of characters gets all mixed up. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to her next one. I’m never disappointed.

[Cheri · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't understand the rave reviews for this book. It reads like a first draft that has yet to be fleshed out. That said, I'll admit the plot was interesting. I finished the book simply because I wanted to know how it ended. So that's something in the author's favor. However, there was absolutely no depth, no characterization. I bought this book based on the storyline and reviews. As I expect more from the books I read, I was sorely disappointed. I will not read anything else by this author.

[Stephanie Herron · Rating 5 out of 5]

A version of Beauty and the Beast set in a western. There is a lot of action and some wonderful characters. Lionel, aka the Beast, has a kind heart that becomes evident to Violet quickly. The peril she is in due to her evil grandfather causes a kidnapping, a race across the country, and a shooting. A fun read with a great epilogue.

[Nethanja · Rating 5 out of 5]

Her grandfather wants her to finish her education in New York but she refuses it. He’s not very happy because he has plans for her. The man who needs to kidnap her got other plans after meeting the sweet woman. But will they now both be in danger and can this lead to a HEA?
Really entertaining story that will keep you reading till you’ve finished it.

[Sherrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

The drama starts immediately, too fast and unbelievable for what happens. The writing felt very rushed. I like the potential of the story, it just needed more character intro and interactions, in my opinion. Not my cup of tea, I like to know the characters more, understand what they are thinking and why.

[Linda Wankel · Rating 5 out of 5]

love this book!

I loved the whole set of Brides of San Francisco, but especially enjoyed Violet. Each book had interesting characters and plots. I also enjoyed how the characters from one book were in the other books. I love Cynthia Woolfs books and am now starting another of her sets. ENJOY!

[Sarah · Rating 5 out of 5]

A new generation of San Francisco love stories emerges with Violet and her Beast. Violet is Nellie’s daughter and dear old granddad is back at it with his wicked ways. Violet endures distressing circumstances at his direction and meets her beast along the way. Lionel is never presented as a perfect man but his love and his treatment of Violet is all one could want in a man.
In typical Ms. Woolf fashion, this book is a great read- entertaining and suspenseful but in keeping with the knowledge that as usual- there’s a happy ending.

[David Berg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. WOW, what a story. Beast goes after Violet to kidnap her and everything changes for both of them. I really enjoyed this book and recommend it.

[Cali Jewel · Rating 4 out of 5]

An edge of your seat action packed heart racing adventure from beginning to end. Really enjoyed this action packed, sexy, fun and emotionally thrilling adventure filled with interesting and engaging charters, witty and fun dialog and heart racing twists.

[Book Lover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Action packed and yet, beautiful

Ever from the beginning, Violet and Beast were meant to be together. They were so fierce, they felt attraction and admiration so strong for each other, and those feelings only grew stronger until it was love. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

[Trick Wiley · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different kind of book for me but once I got into the story it turned out pretty good! Violet she runs into some troubles and her family but you will have to

read to find out for yourself!! You have monsters, the devil all sorts of horrible things!!