Jump to ratings and reviews
Rate this book
Rate this book
“Brandy, I caution you. Get hold of your temper. Don’t do anything you’ll regret.”
Whiskey heiress Brandy Dardanelle has been abandoned at the altar.

Seething from the sting to her family honor, she follows the lickspittle’s trail to Denver.

However, she doesn’t even have time to unpack when she sees the errant ex-fiancé getting on another train.

Afraid of losing her prey, Brandy brashly jumps aboard too.

Successful rancher Samuel Elliott, Jr., returning home after negotiating the cattle deal of a lifetime, must now convince his neighbors he’s wise enough and mature enough to handle the details.

When the pretty but sassy heiress confronts Sam on the platform, their wildly confusing argument blindsides him. Worse, Tess Hartford storms up, demanding Sam’s proposal. Again.

In a desperate move to free himself of the lovesick girl, he announces his engagement to Brandy.

The news streaks through the valley like lightning, backing Sam into a corner.

Would Brandy be willing to stay long enough to help him bluff his way through a fake romance?

Sam just needs her for a few days…

Grab this Christian Clean and Wholesome Historical Western Romance in The Broad Street Boardinghouse Series today!

149 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 8, 2022

Loading...
Loading...

About the author

Heather Blanton

69 books305 followers
“Heather Blanton is blessed with a natural storytelling ability, an ‘old soul’ wisdom, and wide expansive heart. Her characters are vividly drawn, and in the western settings where life can be hard, over quickly, and seemingly without meaning, she reveals Larger Hands holding everyone and everything together.”
MARK RICHARD, EXECUTIVE PRODUCER, AMC’S HELL ON WHEELS, and PEN/ERNEST HEMINGWAY AWARD WINNER

I write Christian Historical Western Romance. Yes, that often entails the use of firearms in a threatening manner. Sometimes there are fistfights. There may even be politically incorrect but historically accurate language. But also, there is always an inspirational message and strong allusions (at least) to the gospel.

A former journalist, I am an avid researcher and endeavor to skillfully weave truth in among fictional story lines. I love exploring the American West, especially ghost towns and museums. I have walked parts of the Oregon Trail, ridden horses through the Rockies, climbed to the top of Independence Rock, and even held an outlaw's note in my hand.

I grew up in the mountains of Western North Carolina on a steady diet of Bonanza, Gunsmoke, and John Wayne Westerns. My most fond childhood memory is of sitting next to my daddy, munching on popcorn, and watching Lucas McCain unload that Winchester! My daddy also taught me to shoot and, trust me, I can sew buttons on with my rifle.

I can be reached several different ways:

http://ladiesindefiance.com/
https://www.facebook.com/authorheathe...
https://twitter.com/heatherfblanton
https://www.pinterest.com/heatherfbla...

I am a proud member of Western Writers of America.

My novels are all Christian Western Romance because this is the genre that lets me write about strong, pioneer women and men who struggle to find God and then live out their faith in real ways. Like good old fashioned Westerns, there is always justice, a moral message, American values, lots of high adventure, unexpected plot twists, and more than a touch of suspense. Of course, romance is always a strong element in my stories because it is such a beautiful gift from God and a perfect reflection of how he loves us: sacrificially and lavishly. My stories aren’t preachy or cheesy, but I hope they are inspirational, heart-warming, realistic, illuminating, and glorifying to God.

Ratings & Reviews

What do you think?
Rate this book

Friends & Following

Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!

Community Reviews

5 stars
120 (75%)
4 stars
30 (18%)
3 stars
4 (2%)
2 stars
4 (2%)
1 star
1 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
1,027 reviews12 followers
February 9, 2022
Heather Blanton has once again brought us a story that has it all. This is Brandy Dardenelle and Samuel ("Sam") Elliott, Jr.'s story, and the character development is excellent. Brandy, who definitely has a temper and who is used to having everything she wants, was left at the altar by her ex-fiance, and headed west in an effort to follow him and make him pay. Upon arriving at her destination, she runs into Sam who is trying to escape a lovesick admirer and to everyone's amazement he announced he is engaged to Brandy. Sam attempts to get Brandy to go along with his deception. Will Brandy agree? Will their relationship grow beyond the "make believe" stage and eventually become a HEA? Be sure and read this fun filled story to find out...I know you will enjoy it as much as I did.
Profile Image for Linda.
Author 63 books656 followers
April 8, 2023
I devour anything Heather Blanton publishes, but I especially enjoyed Brandy’s Bluff. I could relate to the main character more than I care to admit. Brandy is a “hot mess,” but that just makes her redemption by the end of the story even sweeter. She is strong-willed, but not obnoxious, and she truly wishes she could get a handle on her temper. I love her interactions with Sam, and how he “nudges” her to change, not in an overbearing way, but in an encouraging way. He is gracious and gentle, but not a pushover. He also can stand up and be firm without being arrogant. Totally swoon-worthy. His mother is a gem. Several plot twists added depth to the story which had a wonderful ending. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Judy.
1,835 reviews13 followers
February 8, 2022
💞 Brandy and Sam 💞

Oh, my heart! This story was so very romantic! I read it in one sitting…and will definitely be reading it again, soon 😁

Brandy was such a spit fire! She had attitude sass and I loved her. Sam didn’t know what hit him when the whirlwind named Brandy faced him down!

It’s been too long since I’ve read a book by Heather…and I need to rectify that. Her writing has always pulled me in ❤️
Profile Image for MaryEllen.
3,035 reviews32 followers
June 22, 2022
Great story!

So much of the story was unlike any others of the "fake relationship" trope. I love how the couple decided to not lie about how their betrothal came about. Their desire to not lie is one thing that bonded them... and then more things came up to draw them together.

Love the little bit of mystery, the miscommunications, and then the action of the real goings-on. It was a great story!
871 reviews4 followers
March 20, 2022
I understand where the author was going with this story with a lesson in controlling our temper and not reacting without any thought. That said, I personally did not enjoy reading about such a spoiled brat and her explosive temper. However, the second part of the story was much better and fake engagements are fun.
54 reviews
March 23, 2022
Heather's Westerns Smoke;)

The Defiance books are still my favorite oh, and Dent, but t
his one is good. San Elliott? Do you need his permission to write a book about him?;). But it's a good story with a good message -and a good bad guy. Every book is only as good as its villain=)
Profile Image for Lana Burton.
351 reviews16 followers
June 18, 2022
It’s no secret that Heather Blanton is one of my favorite authors, and this book did not disappoint!! It was a dilly right from the get-go! Lots of action from beginning to end. I thought of the country music song “God Bless the Broken Road” by Rascal Flatts!! Read this book and you’ll understand why…This is a great book, and I gave it 5 stars!
643 reviews1 follower
May 20, 2023
A well written story about a young woman being stood up at the altar by her fiancé. Her terrible temper has her trying to find him so she can humiliate him. Unfortunately she mistakenly follows the wrong man onto a train. Heartwarming and witty characters make this story so entertaining, add in a bit of adventure along with some suspense and you won’t want to miss out.
Profile Image for Lori.
219 reviews16 followers
July 13, 2023
Anger and Blessings


For sure read the Foreword on this book. Brandy is ready to get married. But then the world turns up side down. Anger rises to the surface, and Brandy is off. She chases her ex, but wait!!!! Who is this ??? This is such a delightful story. Il love seeing how God allowed certain things to happen for the good. Hope you enjoy this wonderful story.
Profile Image for Judy.
410 reviews7 followers
July 2, 2024
Spitfire meets a Stranger

Brandy had a very bad attitude and quite a temper. Even her groom left her at the alter. Due to trickery, and a short fuse she is unleashed on a gentle and stymied man when she mistakes him for her runaway groom. You will enjoy every minute of this adventure as only Heather can tell them.
4,609 reviews33 followers
February 10, 2022
This book by Heather Blanton had me shaking my head in disbelief at Brandy’s behavior, laughing out loud at Brandy’s behavior and cheering her behavior on. This was not the usual Broad Street Boarding House story and I’m sure Miss Sophie and Miss Sybil were very disappointed to have missed out on so much of the action and courting. Treat yourself to this delightful story.
692 reviews6 followers
February 15, 2022
Cute

This is the first time I've read this author, I truly enjoyed it. I have read a lot of books about the Broad Street Boarding House and I was glad that this story tied it in but was totally different and off campus! Delightfully written and sweet ending.
Profile Image for Anita Rohn.
1,998 reviews9 followers
February 22, 2022
Brandy

A bit of anger and she is off chasing down her dream, but fate has other plans and leads in another direction. Faith and trust plus a large dose of patience make for an entertaining adventure.
2,170 reviews20 followers
February 27, 2022
Enjoyable

What a great afternoon read. Yes, Brandy sure had things to learn. It was fun to read how things turned out following her impulsive actions. Love it when the bad guys get caught. A lovely ending. Really enjoyed it.
70 reviews1 follower
March 18, 2022
No Bluffing. Brandy's a 5 ⭐ Story

Heather Blanton delivers another action-packed, laughter-laced story that preaches the Faith without being preachy. Hot-headed Brandy learns to tame her temper from steady-souled Sam, and opens her heart to him in the process.
Profile Image for readcleancatmomtanya.
509 reviews15 followers
July 18, 2022
Good story

Great story about not letting your anger get the best of you. Enjoyed this book and reading about Brandy's growth, the setting, and the sisters at the boarding house. Highly recommend.
983 reviews11 followers
June 18, 2023
delightful

I loved reading this delightful little story with its flawed, but well meaning main characters! It was fun to watch them learn & grow, & become better,more well rounded people. This was a clean romance that had a happy ending.
Profile Image for Susan.
650 reviews30 followers
February 28, 2025
This was a great story. Brandy has been left at the altar and sets out to find her ex-fiancé and get revenge. She mistakes Sam for Stephen and confronts him. Mayhem ensues. This is another exciting story from Heather Blanton, with a heroine full sass. I loved the names of several of the characters.
92 reviews1 follower
February 8, 2022
Brandy and Sam

This book is funny yet touching. The second scene on the platformo was sad and gave me great sympathy for Tess, the supposed villian. Love this series.
9 reviews
February 9, 2022
Fantastic!

What fun and adventure. Happy ending and enough romance and adventure to keep you turning pages. Enjoy the fun times.
1,010 reviews3 followers
February 10, 2022
Another enjoyable Broad Street Boarding House book, even if very little took place there. This one involved a jilted bride, a wild train ride and some crazy adventures. Loved reading it!
Profile Image for Debbie Moody.
111 reviews2 followers
February 10, 2022
God orders our steps

How many ways did I love this story! Brandy is so real I saw myself and my daughters in her personality. Thank goodness God fixes our messes.
8 reviews
February 11, 2022
Enjoyed this

My favorite of this series so far . Always enjoy Heather Blanton books. The lesson of controlling your temper is one I. Need to hear often myself.
40 reviews1 follower
February 13, 2022
Wonderful story!

Loved Brandy's growth! So easy to read, great flow as always from Heather Blanton! Didn't want to put it down.
Profile Image for Cissie Breland.
336 reviews2 followers
February 20, 2022
wow!

I couldn’t stop reading it. Sam Elliott, Jr. made me think of the actor which I could totally see taming Brandy. I highly recommend this book!
Profile Image for Shelby  Young.
432 reviews
March 13, 2022
Fantastic Story!

Oh my goodness, this story was amazing! I was super surprised at the twist at the end. I loved this book!
Profile Image for Sandra Bagwell.
550 reviews2 followers
March 15, 2022
fun story

A fiesty girl from TN seeking revenge started a whole new story. I loved it ! This is a quick read that is sweet and clean. I laughed out loud reading it.
Profile Image for Kay.
38 reviews
March 25, 2022
I enjoy Heather's writing style, and I'll read everything she writes. This one was a delightful, easy read.
12 reviews
June 4, 2023
Truly lovely

As always, Heather spins a tale in a very believable fashion. Great read for all who love historical romance novels!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews