Forbidden Montana Love

The Burkes of Burnside Creek #1

by Fiona Cullen

I was never meant to meet her, let alone love her.

Theodora Wright. My family’s enemy.

And now my wife.

From the first glance, I was mesmerized by her sage green eyes and the secrets lurking within. At that moment, revenge was the furthest thing from my mind. All I wanted to do was save my family’s ranch--and keep her safe.

I thought giving Theo a place to stay for a night would be all I had to do.
I never expected to marry her.

I never thought I’d yearn for the sound of her laughter or the sight of her smile, never thought I’d crave the feel of her skin on mine.

I never bargained for the passion that burns out of control between us, wild and wanton and searingly hot.

I’m falling for her, but she doesn’t trust me.
And as the days turn to weeks, I’m fighting a gnawing dread that I’ll wake up one morning and she’ll be gone.

Because once she learns my secrets--and the greatest deception of all--I know she’ll have no reason to stay.

Genres: Contemporary, Romance, Enemies To Lovers

248 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 9, 2022

About the author

Fiona Cullen likes her tea strong, loves a long-winded story, and is always rooting for the underdog. An author of sexy, small-town contemporary romance, her heroes are men you’d want to bring home to meet your parents for family dinner and her heroines are women you’d want as your best friend. Fiona calls Montana home, and is happiest when she’s fly fishing a cool, clear Montana river, hiking a trail, or immersed in the beauty around her.

Reviews

[Florence . · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 “There is no better man for me than you.” stars

“Stay warm. I don’t want any of you freezing.”
“Don’t worry about that, Theo. The thought of you has made me an inferno.”

So hmmm …. Apparently I read MF books now, not sure how this happened as I hadn’t read like any of them in the last 5 years, but hey, we’re here now. My reading tastes seems to have done a 180 in the last month and i’m not sure how this happened, like at all, nothing I enjoyed before seems to he working for me anymore and I find myself reading things that I never would have read before. Anyway, it’s just been a very strange reading year for me so far.

Brief summary
Theodora and Nolan meet at a party and they start hitting it off. But then they tell each other their name and Noah tells Theodora that he hates her because of something that Theodora’s family did to his family. Turns out that Theodora’s family is causing her some issues and stealing her inheritence money so her options are to wait until she’s 21 to take control of her money or she has to marry Nolan. So they decide to get married and they have to jugle the fact that they’re enemies whike also falling in love with each other.

First, the character development in this book was just so lovely to me. I loved how they both learnt from this previous mistakes and changed as characters through the book. That just really worked for me. Nolan wasn’t the best character at first, and he also wasn’t the nicest to his wife, but I liked how he grew and changed during the story. He became such a nicer and more attentive husband who was always ready to defend his wife and I really enjoyed that. I really love character development in books and the way he changed during the story just really worked for me. And I loved Theodora’s character progression a lot too. She went from manipulated by her family, not knowing her place in the world and having close to no self esteem to standing her to herself and fighting for what she wants and I loved to see it. Also, I just want to mention how much I adored Theodora as the story went on because wasn’t the typical damsel in distress and fought for herself and stood up for herself, I was so happy for her during those moments and I just loved them.

Second, I will admit, Noah used some language and terms and had some beliefs that I wasn’t the biggest fan of but I get what the author was going for as he is kind of sheltered and lives on a ranch in a small town so that made sense to me, but I just wanted to point out that some things he said really weren’t the nicest things to say, but they made sense with his character. Sometimes Noah really had me wondering if I was reading an historical romance due to his actions and beliefs, but I can forgive him for that. All that to say, a lot of this book did feel like it was happening in the 1950s so just be aware of that before reading it.

Third, I am not the biggest fan of side plots about family drama in books but I really enjoy it when it’s linked to the main characters and when it affects how the main characters act and think and it was the case of this book and that really worked for me. Their family stories had a lot of effects on the main characters and really shaped their thoughts and actions and I loved that.

Fourth, I really liked how their entire mariage was handled. They got married when they barely knew each other and didn’t even like each other so I liked how they were fighting a lot but also talking to each other and really tried to make things work between each other. And I liked how they groveled when they did things wrong, that really worked for me. There was a lot of groveling in this and I just loved it. I really enjoyed how a lot of the book was them trying to figure out how to make their mariage work and how to navigate their relationship, that just really worked for me. And also I just loved how they were always a big support system for each other, that just really worked for me. They were always cheering each other on and making each other feel better and that was just so sweet.

Fifth, I was looking for a lot of angst and for a book to make me cry my eyes out and this one definitely gave me that. I had so many feelings for the characters and what they were going through and I just couldn’t stop myself from crying my eyes out.

Sixth, If I had to say one thing, I just wish that we got to see more of their connection develop because I felt like we didn’t get to see enough of it and sometimes I was kind of left wondering why they were together and why they liked each other.

I really enjoyed reading this one, it was a very good time and I really enjoyed it.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.

[CeCe · Rating 1 out of 5]

I was unable to follow along. The writing style did not work for me. The hero had a feminine tone.

[Violet · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first book by Fiona Cullen. I won't lie, the cover drew me in and I had to read it. I really enjoyed it and stayed up late reading, which hasn't happened a lot lately. It was a little on the sweet side at times with some flowery language- "my darling love" here and there but not to the point of being bothersome. I was impressed with the writing style and see a lot of potential for future books by this author and in the series. I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series!

[Vilma · Rating 5 out of 5]

A slow burn, romance. Rescuer to enemy to happy ending

On the one year anniversary of her fathers death, Theodora Wright is enduring the shaming ceremony her cousins subject her to every year for the past ten years. Exposed and humiliated she encounters the kind stranger who covers her and helps her flee the embarrassment.

Until Theodora realizes who Her rescuer is, Nolan Burke, the man whose mother her father killed, or so she was told for the past decade. Now enemies, they realize they must marry to stop the ‘hazings’ and protect each other’s legacy.

I freaking loved this story. I’d say my only negative is that it took so long for Theo to really display her backbone and standup for herself and Nolan. But once she did, there was no stopping the fiercely loyal, and loving wife she became to Nolan. Even through all the treachery his family and her Uncle did to her, she was the strong one, and fought tooth and nail to ensure that Nolan felt loved, appreciated, and treasured.

[SookandBooks · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read but even so I thought about DNFing several times.

This one read a lot like someone who really loved historical western romances decided to try their hand at writing a contemporary version but recycled all the same tropes. They just didn’t modernize well and it’s hard to explain why without giving away “spoilers” (things I saw coming but were written as if they were shocking reveals).

Add to that the characters being overly theatrical and unlikeable because of that (just calm the f*ck down and think before falling into the pit of despair for the ninth damn time!) and this was just not the book for me.

[Loralie · Rating 5 out of 5]

At first, I thought this was going to an old timey western romance. I soon found out I was wrong (I go into books blind.). Theo and Nolan met in the strangest way, but I loved how Nolan was both drawn to and wanting to protect Theodora within moments of meeting. I love the idea of marriage of convenience, and I loved that Theo wanted to take it slow. I also loved that Nolan was all in, no matter what circumstances came to light and the secrets that were revealed. The chemistry was electric when they managed to unleash it. This story takes you on a crazy journey and I can't wait to read more.

[Shelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’m blaming Tessa for this one
I really am unsure on what to say about this one. There were parts I liked and then there were parts where I rolled my eyes so badly my head hurt by the end of the book. It was a bit insta love on crack, but had a fairly decent plot and uncovered premise to it.
I’m stuck somewhere between 2.5-3 stars
I didn’t dislike it o just didn’t love it either

[Alyssa Rousseau · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book. I was a bit confused at the beginning if this was historical or contemporary but after the first chapter I got the hang of it. It also kinda reminded me of married at first sight that I’ve been watching lately, in that they didn’t know each other very well before getting married.

[Denise H · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was really excited to read this book. The cover is beautiful, the blurb intriguing, and the story even better. Told in dual first person from both Theodora and Nolan, it pulls you in from the first page. Cullen does a fabulous job pulling you into the setting of the story with the lovely descriptions of the Montana scenery, the town, the activities, and the variety of characters. It’s a fantastic story.

Theodora and Nolan are connected by a tragic past including secrets and lies and manipulation. One fateful night each lost in their own memories of the past, a chance meet, their worlds collide, and nothing will ever be the same.

Theo is 23-year-old young woman whose dreams died long ago. Under the guardianship of her father’s will upon his passing, she was sent to live with her uncle and cousins until her 24th birthday; a few days away. Laden with guilt from that horrible night, she’s been at their mercy enduring their harsh words, taunts, and verbal abuse for years. All she wants is to finally be free of their abuse and live her life on her family ranch. With just a few days until her freedom her life changes course in a way she never imagined. Scared, unsure, and vulnerable she puts herself and her future in the hands of a perceived enemy after learning of the deep deception she’s endured from her family related to her past. They are basically strangers, sworn to be enemies, yet drawn to each other in a way neither can understand or explain. In order to gain her birthright and protect her future she has to put her trust in and rely on the one person sworn to hate her forever.

Nolan Burke is a 34-year-old rancher who owns LBarM Ranch, the most successful cattle ranch in the area. His world is turned upside down by a chance meeting with the daughter of his family’s sworn enemy. He is drawn to Theo and wants to protect her but they closer they get, the more their future is threatened by their past. As years of lies and deception start to unfold, shocking events reveal the deception goes far deeper than they could have imagined. And with these revelations, secrets he’s kept hidden from most will resurface. Drawn together by desire, separated by lies – will they have a chance for a future?

This book is an enemies to lovers, age gap, steamy, small-town romance. The characters are wonderful and the storyline engaging from beginning to end. Emotions run high, secrets and deception run deep, loyalty is strong, and the passion burns bright. Full of family drama, angst, emotional turmoil, twists and turns, and romance. It’s a fantastic read and I am really looking forward to the next book.

[Three Chicks · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review by Trinette Dungee

When two strangers meet and are instantly attracted to each other, they are shocked when they each learn who the other is. Theodora Miller and Nolan Burke are supposed to hate each other, or at least Nolan should hate Theo. After all, her father is the reason for his mother’s death. To Theo’s surprise, Nolan does the unthinkable and agrees to help her out of a tough situation by marrying her. While the two work their way through this arranged marriage they discover family secrets and misunderstandings along they way.

For this book, the overall storyline had really good bones, but I felt like it was somewhat underdeveloped. This is a new author for me, and her writing style was hard for me grasp. There was something about the language used that often made me feel like this was supposed to be or could be an historical romance. Just the verbiage the characters used when speaking to one another didn’t seem like verbiage that would be used today.

I also had a hard time with the pace of the story, things moved extremely fast. The scenes felt really rushed as if the ultimate goal was to get you to the HEA, but not give you how you really got there. There were situations that hadn’t completely happened or been fully explained before they were solved and a new one popped up.

While this story didn’t completely work for me, I gave it three stars for a few reasons. First, I feel like there was a lot of potential with this story, the dots just needed to be a little more connected. The second, I love family series, and this is book one in a series about the Burke Family. Nolan is the oldest of I believe 7 children. All except one of his siblings has left their family ranch and haven’t been home in years. They all return by the end of the book and I’m curious as to what their stories will be so I’m willing to try the next few books to see if the writing style changes or if I can eventually connect with it. Third, there were some situations with Nolan where I could feel the emotional tug trying to capture me.

There were a lot of boxes that weren’t ticked off for me, but the overall prospect of the Burke’s stories has caught my attention and I’m curious to see how the next few books turn out and if they have the same impact on me.

[Joy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Theodora and Nolan meet when Theodoras cousins are trying to humiliate her. He actually rescues her. When he realizes her father is the one that killed her mother. She starts to have a panic attack. His instincts take over and he helps her through it. They decide to an arranged marriage. Both sides will benefit from their marriage. But they can't seem to fight their attraction to each other. Will they overcome their desire? Or will they give in?
This was a great book. I love Nolan's protectiveness of Theo right from the beginning. Then when secrets and lies are revealed. They can't help but feel the only one they have to rely on is each other. If you enjoy small town drama this is definitely the book for you.

[Joyce · Rating 5 out of 5]

A story that will keep you wondering what all the secrets are, who are the bad guys, as well as the betrayal. Nolan and Theodora had both lost a parent they loved and both had received abuse for ten years. With Nolan, his siblings all left except his one sister but his father was so verbal abusive to him. With Theodora, she lost her father and lived with her uncle and two cousins who were abusive to her so basically she had no one in her corner. That was until Nolan close to help her in a humiliation situation not knowing who she was. A story that will hold your attention to find out the truth.

[Sophie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story. I loved the characters. Theodora and Nolan were two people who were broken by a painful past that came together and healed together. It was an interesting trope of enemies to lovers. Both had horrible families and a lot of baggage that came from it. I loved the author's narrative and the way she crafted her characters. They felt real and the narrative sucked me into it from the first moment. I wanted to read more about the characters because their chemistry was so evident.
I received this as an arc and freely left this review.

[Karen J Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets.

Her father had killed his mother in a car accident and she has always felt responsible. Theo had to go live with her uncle and two cousins who made her life miserable. Nolan meets Theo on the tenth anniversary night of the accident. He saves her from the humiliation that her cousins have had her endure every year in this night. One thing leads to another as they each uncover secrets about each other and about their families that lead them to joining together to fight for each other and a future together.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this book. At first I was a bit thrown off because the author just throws you into the story, but in the end I like how everything unfolded where you- as the reader- learn things at the same time the characters do.

The characters read as believable and true to who they are meant to be. As this is the first is a series, it sets up the others to come without them taking over the plot or giving anything away.

I am looking forward to the rest of the series!

[Deborah Willborn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nolan and Theodora

What a wonderful written book…. I loved the whole storyline. And how that plot got thicker. When these two unexpected people end up being each others safe net. Miracles do happen, Healing happens.A family will be brought together when least expected and day to day life will be cherished. So glad I took the leap to start reading this new Author.

[Sally Harloff · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story caught me by surprise. Two people that are alike, yet so different. There was never a moment that I felt I had everything figured out. Families I felt I had figured out, the why and how come. The have and the nots. But when Theo and Nolan meet and each struggle with family secrets I knew they were met for each other; or so I thought.

[Sarah Briscoe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. What an amazing book. Marrying your sworn enemy! Could you do it ? I could if he had those blues eyes. Steamy and romantic. This tale keeps you gripped from start to finish and leaves you wanting more. Cannot wait for book 2.

[Jessica Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nolan and Theo romance was sweet and spicy. You could feel the protectiveness and love Nolan had for Theo. Their relationship started out unconventional but you could tell from the start the type of love they would have. I read this in one day and look forwards to the next books.

[Callie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Starts out a little confusing. After getting past the first chapter, you catch on to what is happening. I enjoyed this book it has a lot of different things happening that can be related to things in the real world.

[Coco.V]

🎁 FREE on Amazon today (10/22/2022)! 🎁

[Betty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two people who were never proposed to meet did and wow. Nolan and Theodora have a battle to fight. Well written and a great read!😊😊

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

First book I have read by this author. A really enjoyable story with realistic characters and a storyline that has some unexpected twists and turns that pop up. Lots of emotions are included too!

[Joann · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very romantic

This story was over the top, I still can't wrap my head around the cruelty and greed. But I have never heard of such a perfect all encompassing love.

[Jen · Rating 1 out of 5]

Got to page 66 🥱 so boring. Thankfully this was free on the kindle so I only lost my time.

[Joya]

DNF @ pg 88

[Courtney Leaman · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was really cute. I liked it. Can’t wait to read more in the series.

[Marika · Rating 1 out of 5]

⛔️(in notes)

[Brooke Hunter · Rating 1 out of 5]

I got bored and gave up around 60 pages in.