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Reidsville #2
Marry Me
Her Heart Was Locked Away
Rhyne Abbot is fierce, brave, and used to a life of isolation on her father's spread on the outskirts of Reidsville, Colorado. But when, overcome with sickness, she collapses, she knows she must return to town if she is to have any hope of recovery. Only there is no place for her but the new doctor's home, and he wants more than just to heal Rhyne. He wants her hand in marriage.
Until One Man Found The Key
Doctor Cole Monroe's hands are already more than full with his orphaned little sister to look after, and yet somehow he can't resist the magnetic pull of Rhyne's bewitching eyes--or her tempting kiss. But convincing her to trust him won't be easy. For Rhyne's heart needs as much tender care as her ailing body. And the only cure is the thing she most fears: to let herself fall in love. . .
Rhyne Abbot is fierce, brave, and used to a life of isolation on her father's spread on the outskirts of Reidsville, Colorado. But when, overcome with sickness, she collapses, she knows she must return to town if she is to have any hope of recovery. Only there is no place for her but the new doctor's home, and he wants more than just to heal Rhyne. He wants her hand in marriage.
Until One Man Found The Key
Doctor Cole Monroe's hands are already more than full with his orphaned little sister to look after, and yet somehow he can't resist the magnetic pull of Rhyne's bewitching eyes--or her tempting kiss. But convincing her to trust him won't be easy. For Rhyne's heart needs as much tender care as her ailing body. And the only cure is the thing she most fears: to let herself fall in love. . .
439 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2010
105 people are currently reading
804 people want to read
About the author
Jo Goodman
60 books479 followersTo find characters to illustrate my first family saga, I cut out models from the Sears catalogue. I was in fourth grade, but it was a start. In seventh grade I wrote a melodrama about two orphan sisters, one of whom was pregnant. There was also a story about a runaway girl with the unlikely name of Strawberry and one about mistaken identities and an evil blind date. My supportive, but vaguely concerned parents, sighed with relief when I announced I was going to write children's books. They bought me an electric typewriter and crossed their fingers, but somehow PASSION'S BRIDE came out. No one was really surprised.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
I graduated from Indiana University of Pennsylvania with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry and some notion that I would do marine research. Years of competitive swimming didn't help me anticipate seasickness. A career change seemed in order. I began working with adolescents and families, first as a childcare worker and later, after graduating from West Virginia University with a master's degree in counseling, as a therapist. I am currently the executive director of a child caring/mental health agency and find my work and my writing often compliment each other. One grounds me in reality and the other offers a break from it.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
December 18, 2010
I think this is the simplest book I’ve read by Goodman in awhile, and I mean that in the most complimentary way. I often find her plots hard to follow but this one had its share of surprises without being painfully convoluted; even better, the over ornateness of language that bothered me in the first book of this series was largely gone. (You don’t have to have read Never Love A Lawman to follow this one, by the way.)
The story concerns Cole, a dedicated doctor who’s come to live in the small town of Reidsville, with his younger sister. He’s a lovely, caring, intelligent man -- well matched by a woman with the strength to overcome a complicated and very painful past.
This is a book for people who really enjoy historical detail and atmosphere. Cole’s medical knowledge and scientific curiosity play a big part, and the plot was obviously inspired by an actual historical incident, which I won’t mention because of spoilers.
I found Marry Me to be thoroughly engrossing, but not quite as emotionally engaging as I would like. I think not enough time was spent on the heroine’s point of view; in particular, one scene in which Cole did something hurtful to her (a small, understandable flaw in an otherwise just about perfect hero) had no obvious emotional repercussions at all. My goodness, what’s the point of having a hero be nasty if we don’t get to enjoy some vicarious suffering? A little more heart-tugging might have tipped me over from really liking it to loving it.
I should mention that the ebook version (both Kindle and Nook) has some really unfortunate formatting errors. Everything seems to be there, as far as I can tell, but lines of dialog are frequently squashed together, making it hard to follow who's saying what and spoiling the conversational rhythm. It's a shame that it messes up a very good book.
The story concerns Cole, a dedicated doctor who’s come to live in the small town of Reidsville, with his younger sister. He’s a lovely, caring, intelligent man -- well matched by a woman with the strength to overcome a complicated and very painful past.
This is a book for people who really enjoy historical detail and atmosphere. Cole’s medical knowledge and scientific curiosity play a big part, and the plot was obviously inspired by an actual historical incident, which I won’t mention because of spoilers.
I found Marry Me to be thoroughly engrossing, but not quite as emotionally engaging as I would like. I think not enough time was spent on the heroine’s point of view; in particular, one scene in which Cole did something hurtful to her (a small, understandable flaw in an otherwise just about perfect hero) had no obvious emotional repercussions at all. My goodness, what’s the point of having a hero be nasty if we don’t get to enjoy some vicarious suffering? A little more heart-tugging might have tipped me over from really liking it to loving it.
I should mention that the ebook version (both Kindle and Nook) has some really unfortunate formatting errors. Everything seems to be there, as far as I can tell, but lines of dialog are frequently squashed together, making it hard to follow who's saying what and spoiling the conversational rhythm. It's a shame that it messes up a very good book.
December 8, 2011
Doctor Coleridge (Cole) Monroe doesn't get on well with the powers that be at the big city hospital (they don't like change and Cole's interest in research in new medical treatments) and accepts a trial position as the town doctor in Reidsville, Colorado. In order not to spoil, I'm not going to tell how and why Cole meets Rhyne Abbot, but she's a young gal who has been sorely abused and Cole might be just the man to heal her.
"You're the first person that ever held me, except for those that held me down. That counts for something."
Wow. Taking into consideration my past experiences with historical romances being published in today's market (over sexed wall paper), I was pleasantly surprised with this one. There is quite a lot of sex in the latter half, but due to Rhyne's history prior to Cole that girl's in serious need of healing, both physically and emotionally so you don't even get a hot kiss until halfway through. I liked the banter between the pair as well, usually when authors try to throw some humor into their romances it comes off as just plain silly, but really worked well with Rhyne and Cole.
My only real complaint, and a very minor one is the final twist on the baddie and the subsequent medical impact just went on a wee bit too long to wrap things up. I did like the epilogue and glimpse at the future storyline and I'll be picking that book up as soon as it's done. There are portions of the book that go into great detail with Cole and his medical practice, and might be a bit heavy handed for readers liking their romances on the *lite side*. To each his own, just don't say I didn't warn you.
"You're the first person that ever held me, except for those that held me down. That counts for something."
Wow. Taking into consideration my past experiences with historical romances being published in today's market (over sexed wall paper), I was pleasantly surprised with this one. There is quite a lot of sex in the latter half, but due to Rhyne's history prior to Cole that girl's in serious need of healing, both physically and emotionally so you don't even get a hot kiss until halfway through. I liked the banter between the pair as well, usually when authors try to throw some humor into their romances it comes off as just plain silly, but really worked well with Rhyne and Cole.
My only real complaint, and a very minor one is the final twist on the baddie and the subsequent medical impact just went on a wee bit too long to wrap things up. I did like the epilogue and glimpse at the future storyline and I'll be picking that book up as soon as it's done. There are portions of the book that go into great detail with Cole and his medical practice, and might be a bit heavy handed for readers liking their romances on the *lite side*. To each his own, just don't say I didn't warn you.
December 8, 2025
10 Stars! This is one of those books where you read the whole thing with a lump in your throat. If any of you have read Annie's Song, then you know what I am talking about. Cole has come to Riedsville to be the new doctor of the town. Him and that no account Beatty boy are on their way out to meet one of the outliners. On the way Will is prepping Cole the whole way on there on how he needs to handle Runt. He is a prickly thing that Runt. However, when they get there Runt is a really bad place and requires immediate medical intervention. During the process we find out that Runt isn't a he, he is a she, her name is really Rhyne and she is in trouble.
Once Cole gets a handle on the situation, it is determined that she can't stay out there with her horrible father and comes to town to live with Cole and his sister. She becomes their housekeeper but along the way also becomes the love of Cole's life. That is a light run through of the book, but it is hard sometimes to convey the emotions that flow through the book, as Rhyne struggles with not only what was done to her, she struggles with being a woman. She was raised to be a boy, so her situation is doubly compounded by her feelings for Cole. My niggles with the book were just that I wasn't ready for Cole and Rhyne's book to be over. I would have loved to have seen her with her relatives that she didn't know she had and I would have love to meet her brothers and get their take on their sister's situation. Did they even know what had happened to her? Did they even care? I want more Reidsville stories, as I love this little town.
Once Cole gets a handle on the situation, it is determined that she can't stay out there with her horrible father and comes to town to live with Cole and his sister. She becomes their housekeeper but along the way also becomes the love of Cole's life. That is a light run through of the book, but it is hard sometimes to convey the emotions that flow through the book, as Rhyne struggles with not only what was done to her, she struggles with being a woman. She was raised to be a boy, so her situation is doubly compounded by her feelings for Cole. My niggles with the book were just that I wasn't ready for Cole and Rhyne's book to be over. I would have loved to have seen her with her relatives that she didn't know she had and I would have love to meet her brothers and get their take on their sister's situation. Did they even know what had happened to her? Did they even care? I want more Reidsville stories, as I love this little town.
December 15, 2011
4.5 stars! This was a wonderful surprise for a free ebook! The beginning caught me completely off guard and captured my attention entirely.
Set in 1880s small-town Colorado, Jo Goodman set the scene early on and brought the town of Reidsville to life. The characters were fleshed out, fascinating, and absorbing. The story was imaginative and compelling. The missing half star is due to the fact that it was undoubtedly slightly too imaginative for that time period. Nevertheless, it was a wholly enjoyable story! I encourage readers of historical romance to give it a try!
This book is second in a series, and, though strictly speaking it isn't necessary to have read the first, I will be going back and doing just that. It's my hope that this series will continue. Marry Me was an easy and very enjoyable read. It's exactly what I needed!
Set in 1880s small-town Colorado, Jo Goodman set the scene early on and brought the town of Reidsville to life. The characters were fleshed out, fascinating, and absorbing. The story was imaginative and compelling. The missing half star is due to the fact that it was undoubtedly slightly too imaginative for that time period. Nevertheless, it was a wholly enjoyable story! I encourage readers of historical romance to give it a try!
This book is second in a series, and, though strictly speaking it isn't necessary to have read the first, I will be going back and doing just that. It's my hope that this series will continue. Marry Me was an easy and very enjoyable read. It's exactly what I needed!
January 7, 2011
The cover makes me think Marry Me will be a sweet, romantic love story. And at some points it is but it also has a few very dark, disturbing scenes that some readers may find upsetting. I was surprised at what happened to Rhyne since the blurb gives no indication of what a truly horrendous event Rhyne has gone through. Having said that, I did enjoy Rhyne and Cole's interactions when they were able to be themselves, talking and teasing each other. The scenes with just the two of them were some of my favorites.
Dr. Coleridge Monroe loves his little sister but she can truly be a meddlesome creature. It is because of Whitley's meddling that Cole finds himself accepting the position of Town Doctor in Reidsville, Colorado. I liked Whitley right off. She is a sixteen year old young woman with strong opinions and a fierce loyalty to her brother. It's just the two of them and while Cole is Whitley's guardian, I think they both took care of each other. Cole is a dedicated doctor but he is also interested in continuing his research and moving to Reidsville would allow him to do that. Cole is an intelligent hero and while he might be accustomed to city living he does try and usually succeeds when confronted with something out of his realm of experience. I liked that he didn't suddenly become this perfect western hero, as comfortable in the wild west as he was in the city.
The youngest of the Abbott clan has a reputation for shooting straight and never shying away from a fight. When the new town doctor pays a visit, he finds Rhyne in desperate need of medical attention. After seeing to her immediate needs, he convinces her to come back to town with him. It's there that she begins her new life. As Rhyne recovers from her injuries she is hesitant to leave the doctor's home. She has conflicted feelings - she wants to stay but she doesn't feel as if she fits in. Rhyne is a heroine who is certainly outside the normal realm of heroines. I liked how she is shown to be intelligent and not afraid to ask questions about the things that interest her. She doesn't understand that it's not proper for her to discuss the body and it's various parts with Cole, an unwed man. Those were some of the scenes that I enjoyed best. Cole and Rhyne would discuss whatever interested them at the time. It showed not only their intelligence but how they were comfortable in each others company.
Cole, being a doctor, is far more matter of fact about what he discusses with Rhyne and with Whitley. He can be blunt at times and overprotective at other times. It's as if the practical doctor warred with the protective brother/lover. His wanting to marry Rhyne was based on practicality with his desires coming in second. I liked how he began to see her for who she still was and who she was becoming. It was as if a new Rhyne had emerged and Cole's practicality be damned! He wanted her simply because he couldn't live without her.
There is a lot of drama in this little town with Cole and Rhyne in the midst of it. The way they both handled the crisis showed how well they had come to know each other. They worked well as a team and I think it was Cole's professionalism that gave Rhyne confidence when helping him. Once again, some of my favorite scenes were with just Cole and Rhyne, without any interference from the secondary characters.
Characters from the previous book, Never Love a Lawman, also made appearances and impacted Rhyne and Cole's lives. I must say I do wish everyone would stop referring to Will Beatty as "that no-account Beatty boy" it got very old, very quickly. He is a deputy and not some low-life drunkard. The town itself plays an important role in the shaping of Cole and Rhyne's relationship. Through the opinions of the townsfolk, the treatment of Rhyne and how the people react to Rhyne and Cole as a couple, Goodman showed how strong those outside influences can be.
Even though Rhyne gets away from her father, he still has a strong hold on her. That story line involving Rhyne's father left me cold. Someone should have shot him and put him out of everyone's misery! There is a lot that Rhyne doesn't know about her mother and father and while some of the discoveries are shocking, she handles them well. Almost too well. I think that was part of the problem I had with Rhyne. I liked her but because she had suppressed her emotions and feelings for so long, she kept herself distant and wasn't easy to get to know.
There is some sequel bait that comes riding in at the end. I didn't mind it and at this point, I find myself looking forward to Whitley's book. I do hope she gets one but would imagine it's a ways down the road.
Dr. Coleridge Monroe loves his little sister but she can truly be a meddlesome creature. It is because of Whitley's meddling that Cole finds himself accepting the position of Town Doctor in Reidsville, Colorado. I liked Whitley right off. She is a sixteen year old young woman with strong opinions and a fierce loyalty to her brother. It's just the two of them and while Cole is Whitley's guardian, I think they both took care of each other. Cole is a dedicated doctor but he is also interested in continuing his research and moving to Reidsville would allow him to do that. Cole is an intelligent hero and while he might be accustomed to city living he does try and usually succeeds when confronted with something out of his realm of experience. I liked that he didn't suddenly become this perfect western hero, as comfortable in the wild west as he was in the city.
The youngest of the Abbott clan has a reputation for shooting straight and never shying away from a fight. When the new town doctor pays a visit, he finds Rhyne in desperate need of medical attention. After seeing to her immediate needs, he convinces her to come back to town with him. It's there that she begins her new life. As Rhyne recovers from her injuries she is hesitant to leave the doctor's home. She has conflicted feelings - she wants to stay but she doesn't feel as if she fits in. Rhyne is a heroine who is certainly outside the normal realm of heroines. I liked how she is shown to be intelligent and not afraid to ask questions about the things that interest her. She doesn't understand that it's not proper for her to discuss the body and it's various parts with Cole, an unwed man. Those were some of the scenes that I enjoyed best. Cole and Rhyne would discuss whatever interested them at the time. It showed not only their intelligence but how they were comfortable in each others company.
Cole, being a doctor, is far more matter of fact about what he discusses with Rhyne and with Whitley. He can be blunt at times and overprotective at other times. It's as if the practical doctor warred with the protective brother/lover. His wanting to marry Rhyne was based on practicality with his desires coming in second. I liked how he began to see her for who she still was and who she was becoming. It was as if a new Rhyne had emerged and Cole's practicality be damned! He wanted her simply because he couldn't live without her.
There is a lot of drama in this little town with Cole and Rhyne in the midst of it. The way they both handled the crisis showed how well they had come to know each other. They worked well as a team and I think it was Cole's professionalism that gave Rhyne confidence when helping him. Once again, some of my favorite scenes were with just Cole and Rhyne, without any interference from the secondary characters.
Characters from the previous book, Never Love a Lawman, also made appearances and impacted Rhyne and Cole's lives. I must say I do wish everyone would stop referring to Will Beatty as "that no-account Beatty boy" it got very old, very quickly. He is a deputy and not some low-life drunkard. The town itself plays an important role in the shaping of Cole and Rhyne's relationship. Through the opinions of the townsfolk, the treatment of Rhyne and how the people react to Rhyne and Cole as a couple, Goodman showed how strong those outside influences can be.
Even though Rhyne gets away from her father, he still has a strong hold on her. That story line involving Rhyne's father left me cold. Someone should have shot him and put him out of everyone's misery! There is a lot that Rhyne doesn't know about her mother and father and while some of the discoveries are shocking, she handles them well. Almost too well. I think that was part of the problem I had with Rhyne. I liked her but because she had suppressed her emotions and feelings for so long, she kept herself distant and wasn't easy to get to know.
There is some sequel bait that comes riding in at the end. I didn't mind it and at this point, I find myself looking forward to Whitley's book. I do hope she gets one but would imagine it's a ways down the road.
May 8, 2011
Thank god that finally ended. The padded out ending was like salt in an open wound.
I'll try to review this at length later. In summary: too much telling, not enough showing, wooden characters, choppy scene changes, a perfunctory romance and a partridge in a pear tree.
I'll try to review this at length later. In summary: too much telling, not enough showing, wooden characters, choppy scene changes, a perfunctory romance and a partridge in a pear tree.
November 7, 2022
"you have to decide what kind of woman you are,” she said. “That’s different from the kind of woman other people think you are. It’s that simple, and it’s that hard. Mostly it’s about not letting folks beat you down."
It was definitely, first of all, a romance. But the historical part of it was above average for the genre (historical romances). I am not totally sure that a doctor in New York in those times could have known so much but I want to think (for the sake of the book) that he could.
I hadn't remembered what was the novel about (I hadn't read the previous part of the series and thankfully, I hadn't checked the plot summarize before reading), so, I was totally surprised by how the story went on. There were a few surprises that made me enjoy more the reading.
The characters were interesting too.
If you know absolutely nothing about it - don't even look at GR-info about the book. Just read it (if you like the genre). If you know the main idea, I recommend to check also Misfit's review.
December 6, 2011
This is the first book by Goodman I've read, but I doubt it will be the last. I found it surprising, understated, and extremely satisfying. Far from conventional. Really excellent.
I can understand readers who wanted deeper heroine POV and more depth to the love story -- as well as with complaints that the heroine's emotional healing is underdeveloped -- but I was happy with the way the story unfolded. It was never quite what I expected it to be, yet I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
I noticed someone complaining that there was no obvious sexual interest or tension of any sort between hero and heroine for a long, long time. Yes -- this is true. And yet it's one of the things I liked most about the book. Before that, we watch Cole and Rhyne sparring intellectually, negotiating one another, but keeping their distance. It's obvious what their relationship will one day be, but only because of what sort of story this is. And I just *loved* that aspect of the book. I can see why it would make some readers impatient. It made me really happy.
I can understand readers who wanted deeper heroine POV and more depth to the love story -- as well as with complaints that the heroine's emotional healing is underdeveloped -- but I was happy with the way the story unfolded. It was never quite what I expected it to be, yet I thoroughly enjoyed the journey.
I noticed someone complaining that there was no obvious sexual interest or tension of any sort between hero and heroine for a long, long time. Yes -- this is true. And yet it's one of the things I liked most about the book. Before that, we watch Cole and Rhyne sparring intellectually, negotiating one another, but keeping their distance. It's obvious what their relationship will one day be, but only because of what sort of story this is. And I just *loved* that aspect of the book. I can see why it would make some readers impatient. It made me really happy.
October 24, 2015
MARRY ME is the second book in the Reidsville series by Jo Goodman. A historical western romance set in 1884 Colorado, this story has a darker side than most love stories. Be sure and read NEVER LOVE A LAWMAN to learn about the townspeople first. You will appreciate this story more.
Dr. Cole Monroe had led a privileged life before an accident caused his younger sister and him to move to Reidsville. The 'whys' and 'reasons' to the move and the accident are explained completely when you read this romance.
'Runt' Rhyne Abbott was thought to be a boy/man. Dressed as one, her hair was cut short, she was dirty and one of her vices was chewing tobacco. She never allowed anyone to get too close. Her home life was more like a life from hell. Something happened that had the sheriff (the hero from NLAL) send Cole to check on the Abbott family. Up to this point only one other character guessed she was a female. And it wasn't Cole.
Flash forward and Rhyne is now both his housekeeper and helpmate to his sister Whitley. The story moves along with various people taking a more active part in their lives. And Cole slowly learns the importance of having Rhyne by his side. Again, no insta-sex here -see my review for NLAL- but you will find a good buildup of chemistry between the two.
"His eyes dropped to those lips, their shape defined now by the dark and narrow space between them. He felt a vibration travel the length of her, and had it been capable of sound he would have heard something as delicate and sweet as a plucked violin string." Oh, how I love Ms. Goodman's gift using words!
Almost complete opposites, Cole's worldliness and Rhyne's unabashed naivety play off each other. "The Lord has a deep well of humor to make a man so smart and not give him a lick of common sense." And there is the constant interfering-but-she-means-well Whitley; a sixteen year old going on 40. All I can say is she tries hard.
This is only the second book I have read by this author but I think of her now as the kindred sister of author Kristen Higgins who writes contemporary romances. If you like historical romances but have enjoyed Ms. Higgin's books you need to look at this series. The main characters are flawed but that puts a more realistic spin on the story. Not everyone looks perfect, as in real life. The secondary characters are almost just as important as the hero and heroine, and the stories contain some really good dialog: all of these are strong plusses with each of these authors. Be aware that Ms. Goodman writes more explicit sex scenes than Ms. Higgins.
I was going to mention that this story, like NLAL, is long. It is more in-depth because of a situation that takes place about 2/3's of the way through. Also, it is not a light romance which will turn some people off. The ending and epilogue leave it open for a third book, one I would look forward to read. This story deserves four solid stars.
Dr. Cole Monroe had led a privileged life before an accident caused his younger sister and him to move to Reidsville. The 'whys' and 'reasons' to the move and the accident are explained completely when you read this romance.
'Runt' Rhyne Abbott was thought to be a boy/man. Dressed as one, her hair was cut short, she was dirty and one of her vices was chewing tobacco. She never allowed anyone to get too close. Her home life was more like a life from hell. Something happened that had the sheriff (the hero from NLAL) send Cole to check on the Abbott family. Up to this point only one other character guessed she was a female. And it wasn't Cole.
Flash forward and Rhyne is now both his housekeeper and helpmate to his sister Whitley. The story moves along with various people taking a more active part in their lives. And Cole slowly learns the importance of having Rhyne by his side. Again, no insta-sex here -see my review for NLAL- but you will find a good buildup of chemistry between the two.
"His eyes dropped to those lips, their shape defined now by the dark and narrow space between them. He felt a vibration travel the length of her, and had it been capable of sound he would have heard something as delicate and sweet as a plucked violin string." Oh, how I love Ms. Goodman's gift using words!
Almost complete opposites, Cole's worldliness and Rhyne's unabashed naivety play off each other. "The Lord has a deep well of humor to make a man so smart and not give him a lick of common sense." And there is the constant interfering-but-she-means-well Whitley; a sixteen year old going on 40. All I can say is she tries hard.
This is only the second book I have read by this author but I think of her now as the kindred sister of author Kristen Higgins who writes contemporary romances. If you like historical romances but have enjoyed Ms. Higgin's books you need to look at this series. The main characters are flawed but that puts a more realistic spin on the story. Not everyone looks perfect, as in real life. The secondary characters are almost just as important as the hero and heroine, and the stories contain some really good dialog: all of these are strong plusses with each of these authors. Be aware that Ms. Goodman writes more explicit sex scenes than Ms. Higgins.
I was going to mention that this story, like NLAL, is long. It is more in-depth because of a situation that takes place about 2/3's of the way through. Also, it is not a light romance which will turn some people off. The ending and epilogue leave it open for a third book, one I would look forward to read. This story deserves four solid stars.
December 17, 2016
This book was not what I was expecting. According to the blurb, I was expecting a lighter and fluffier story, but this book definitely wasn't that. It was dark, sad, and depressing. Had I known the premise of this book, I would not have chosen to read it. It is that sad. That being said, the writing was what I've come to expect from Jo Goodman. It was funny and witty at times, poignant at others, and the characterization was spot on. Unfortunately, the h's character was very sappy, especially as she's discovering . I enjoyed the H's character very much, as he is probably the only one of Goodman's Hs who didn't visit prostitutes. Call me old fashioned, but I liked him a lot for that reason. The pace at which the relationship between the MCs developed was nice as well. One thing for Goodman's westerns, the MCs never go rushing into a physical relationship and it just makes that aspect so much more meaningful. However, if you're looking for a very romantic book, pass this one by. The romance was very understated. I also feel the need to add that I'm not generally a fan of the Eliza Dolittle being rescued from her sad, little life by the educated, polished doctor. The epilogue did a little to settle my mind on this count, but it was almost too little too late.
The medical aspect of this book was very interesting. Funnily enough, this was the aspect of the story that interested me most, instead of the romance as I was hoping.
Overall, this story was very sad, almost to the point of forcing me to mark this as a DNF. I did enjoy the resolution, but I do wish that I had not been subjected to the premise of this story in the first place. One star for the engaging writing, half a star for a wonderful H, and another half star for the interesting medical twist in this story.
The medical aspect of this book was very interesting. Funnily enough, this was the aspect of the story that interested me most, instead of the romance as I was hoping.
Overall, this story was very sad, almost to the point of forcing me to mark this as a DNF. I did enjoy the resolution, but I do wish that I had not been subjected to the premise of this story in the first place. One star for the engaging writing, half a star for a wonderful H, and another half star for the interesting medical twist in this story.
November 8, 2016
I looooooooove Jo Goodman's characters. There is no other word for it.
Rhyne is a difficult character to write about. Under most writers' hands, they would have turned Rhyne into a bitter fiery man-hating heroine. But Jo Goodman makes me like Rhyne Abbot, feel for her and hope for a happy ending for her.
I have seen other reviewers commenting on how Cole Monroe would be a beta hero, being the cool and collected medical doctor that he was. I am not sure what a beta hero should be. But I didn't get the impression that Cole was weak. He just had a different kind of presence.
Jo Goodman specializes in writing heroines who had been abuse victims. Rhyne Abbot was that. But Jo Goodman also specializes in illuminating the dignity of these victims. They had been abused, but they rose as a phoenix under Jo Goodman's pen. I greatly respect that.
This book did not get very good ratings and I understand why. While the book features 2 great characters, the plot, especially in the last 30%, was confusing and anti-climatic for me. I finished the book feeling a little lost. I had wanted more excitement for Cole and Rhyne. Sometimes it is through a little drama that we know, that we live.
Rhyne is a difficult character to write about. Under most writers' hands, they would have turned Rhyne into a bitter fiery man-hating heroine. But Jo Goodman makes me like Rhyne Abbot, feel for her and hope for a happy ending for her.
I have seen other reviewers commenting on how Cole Monroe would be a beta hero, being the cool and collected medical doctor that he was. I am not sure what a beta hero should be. But I didn't get the impression that Cole was weak. He just had a different kind of presence.
Jo Goodman specializes in writing heroines who had been abuse victims. Rhyne Abbot was that. But Jo Goodman also specializes in illuminating the dignity of these victims. They had been abused, but they rose as a phoenix under Jo Goodman's pen. I greatly respect that.
This book did not get very good ratings and I understand why. While the book features 2 great characters, the plot, especially in the last 30%, was confusing and anti-climatic for me. I finished the book feeling a little lost. I had wanted more excitement for Cole and Rhyne. Sometimes it is through a little drama that we know, that we live.
January 19, 2011
I read this one a long time ago and I have no idea why my review wasn't showing............I'll have to redo it later.
Merged review:
This is the first book by Jo Goodman but it wont be my last. I really loved her writing style, her love scenes were pretty hot, and she made the characters feel real. The one and only complaint that I have is that I wanted Cole (H) to show more outrage, anger, sympathy, anything except his quiet exceptence of what Rhyne's (h) father did to her. I liked her confrontation with her father at the end, however I wanted Rhyne to shoot him. =)
Merged review:
This is the first book by Jo Goodman but it wont be my last. I really loved her writing style, her love scenes were pretty hot, and she made the characters feel real. The one and only complaint that I have is that I wanted Cole (H) to show more outrage, anger, sympathy, anything except his quiet exceptence of what Rhyne's (h) father did to her. I liked her confrontation with her father at the end, however I wanted Rhyne to shoot him. =)
August 26, 2016
I just couldn't get into this story. I didn't come to care for any of the characters despite the horrendous events that happened to Rhyne. There was SO much potential in the story but it just didn't develop enough for me.
I read the eversion of this book and sometimes the scene changed mid paragraph leaving me lost and confused - very choppy.
I am not sure I will read another book by this author - but never say never.
I read the eversion of this book and sometimes the scene changed mid paragraph leaving me lost and confused - very choppy.
I am not sure I will read another book by this author - but never say never.
February 27, 2011
I loved this book. Jo Goodman creates a wonderful historical setting and her characters are believable, thoughtful, and authentic. The heroine, Rhyne Abbot, is very different and very engaging. Goodman is accomplished at getting deep into a character's psyche without long narratives or explanations. She trusts her readers to get it, and I really like that.
August 6, 2016
As the first book in the series this was wonderful western character driven romance with strong hero and heroine. There was much more angst in this story with heroine’s life wracked beyond imaginable. The hero was a dream one: gentle, sensitive and strong doctor. The secondary characters are very well developed as well.
September 15, 2019
SPOILERS:
Triggers : rape and abuse
Triggers : rape and abuse
September 20, 2025
September 2025 update: still a good book but I changed it to 4 stars from 5.
December 2010:
Jo Goodman is an excellent writer and this book was a good example of her talent for developing deep, interesting characters and describing her world so well that you are 'there'. I really, really wish her titles and covers were better suited to the stories held within the bindings. This book isn't about 'Marry Me' just as 'If his Kiss is Wicked' isn't about wicked kisses. Honestly; what the hell are the publishers thinking? They do a real disservice to their writers when they misrepresent them like that.
Goodman's characterizations are very solid. I felt as if I knew Cole, Rhyne, and Whitley, as well as many of the people who were introduced in the first book of the series. I like the way Goodman treats the growing relationships between characters and the personal growth experienced by so many of the characters. This book is about healing. Whitley and Cole have a shared baggage of pain and guilt that they need to unload, and Rhyne
Abbot has to basically start her life over and figure out how to go on.
Jo Goodman has done such a great job in creating Reidsville and populating it with people I want to meet that I'd like to take a trip back in time and visit them!
December 2010:
Jo Goodman is an excellent writer and this book was a good example of her talent for developing deep, interesting characters and describing her world so well that you are 'there'. I really, really wish her titles and covers were better suited to the stories held within the bindings. This book isn't about 'Marry Me' just as 'If his Kiss is Wicked' isn't about wicked kisses. Honestly; what the hell are the publishers thinking? They do a real disservice to their writers when they misrepresent them like that.
Goodman's characterizations are very solid. I felt as if I knew Cole, Rhyne, and Whitley, as well as many of the people who were introduced in the first book of the series. I like the way Goodman treats the growing relationships between characters and the personal growth experienced by so many of the characters. This book is about healing. Whitley and Cole have a shared baggage of pain and guilt that they need to unload, and Rhyne
Abbot has to basically start her life over and figure out how to go on.
Jo Goodman has done such a great job in creating Reidsville and populating it with people I want to meet that I'd like to take a trip back in time and visit them!
January 1, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. I really did, but...
That's the thing. There's a slight lingering "but" that I can't shake. (Ha. Can't shake my but? Sorry.) Anyway. I recommend the book, but I recommend going into it as revisiting the town of Reidsville more than a straight-up romance. There's actually very little conflict related to the primary romance arc.
And, if I was the heroine, I don't think I would have bounced back quite so easily and quickly emotionally or mentally from all the things that she'd been through. Then again, I don't think I would have wanted to read a realistic portrayal of the toll her life would have taken on her because it would probably be pretty heavy.
And yet, the four stars. I couldn't put it down. It's engrossing and I loved the characters, including the hero and heroine. And the secondary characters--both people we met in Never Love A Lawman and those introduced in Marry Me--were wonderful. The dialogue was charming and the developing relationship between the hero and the heroine, despite being a little short on real conflict, was very sweet.
That's the thing. There's a slight lingering "but" that I can't shake. (Ha. Can't shake my but? Sorry.) Anyway. I recommend the book, but I recommend going into it as revisiting the town of Reidsville more than a straight-up romance. There's actually very little conflict related to the primary romance arc.
And, if I was the heroine, I don't think I would have bounced back quite so easily and quickly emotionally or mentally from all the things that she'd been through. Then again, I don't think I would have wanted to read a realistic portrayal of the toll her life would have taken on her because it would probably be pretty heavy.
And yet, the four stars. I couldn't put it down. It's engrossing and I loved the characters, including the hero and heroine. And the secondary characters--both people we met in Never Love A Lawman and those introduced in Marry Me--were wonderful. The dialogue was charming and the developing relationship between the hero and the heroine, despite being a little short on real conflict, was very sweet.
August 24, 2011
My first read from this author. It was fine and I read it straight through but it lacked a little something to pull it up more stars. Mostly I think it needed a deeper characterization of the heroine. There was very little in her POV at all. She had had such an unusual upbringing that it definitely felt lacking. We knew practically nothing about how she felt being raised as a boy and now learning to be a female. That element was just skipped over.
The opening scenes of the book really set things up to be very angsty but the tone of the book doesn't follow through with that feel. The heroine seems too accepting of the stuff that happens to her and recovers from all sorts of incidents easily which makes her characterization kind of all on the surface.
Also, the story was not so much about the relationship between the hero and heroine as it was a story about a doctor. It was interesting and well researched but detracted from the romance.
All in all a pretty good book but not necessarily a keeper. I would be willing to try others by this author.
The opening scenes of the book really set things up to be very angsty but the tone of the book doesn't follow through with that feel. The heroine seems too accepting of the stuff that happens to her and recovers from all sorts of incidents easily which makes her characterization kind of all on the surface.
Also, the story was not so much about the relationship between the hero and heroine as it was a story about a doctor. It was interesting and well researched but detracted from the romance.
All in all a pretty good book but not necessarily a keeper. I would be willing to try others by this author.
June 11, 2016
The beginning drama lures you in with great suspense, smart city doctor who shows his mettle, heartwrenching brutality and a tragic turn of events. What follows is a new cast of characters showing up and engaging in irrelevant dialogue that skirts the main issue. Somehow the downtrodden main character is then able to embark on a whole new life, without any traumatic psychological adjustment that was sure to follow. The drama is good, characters interesting, the plot good enough, but the endless over explaining and improbable feats make it a dud. 125/350.
December 12, 2010
I love Jo Goodman's books and reread them regularly. This one is unusual in that the first 50 pages or so are through the eyes of the hero, not the heroine, and it really works.
I also think Jo Goodman is really good at showing heroines who have been abused physically or sexually come to trust men and enjoy physical pleasure again, and this book falls solidly into that category.
The pace of this book also moves along a little quicker than some of her others.
I also think Jo Goodman is really good at showing heroines who have been abused physically or sexually come to trust men and enjoy physical pleasure again, and this book falls solidly into that category.
The pace of this book also moves along a little quicker than some of her others.
February 13, 2015
I was leery about this book in the beginning because it was almost too descriptive in her miscarriage. I didn't think it would improve but I was wrong. While the book remained a serious book with few lighthearted moments, it was a touching story about a woman who was abused physically and mentally from the first moment she was born. I was happy with the overall plot, and even though I knew the basic idea of what was happening, I didn't know the how so it stayed interesting to me.
April 6, 2013
This is not your typical historical romance, and that is definitely a plus in its favor. It's really, really. good. Don't be put off by the cheesy title or cover art, because the story is a lot deeper than it would have you believe.
July 27, 2012
Pretty good book. I liked the abused heroine, and while there wasn't as much angst as I generally like, I really appreciated the hero and the subplots.
March 12, 2025
Rounded up
December 19, 2010
I first became acquainted with Reidsville when I read Joe Goodman's Never Love a Lawman in 2009 and couldn't wait to get back there again. I loved revisiting the small mining town of Reidsville, Colorado in the 1800's with all its unusual characters and circumstances, by reading Marry Me. I must point out that although these two books are set in the same town with some characters introduced in the first book, Marry Me can be read as a stand alone novel without a problem.
In 1884, Doctor Coleridge Monroe and his teenage sister Whitley move from New York City to the small town of Reidsville, after receiving and agreeing to a probationary contract with the town for a one year period to become the town Doctor. Cole is a first rate doctor with research experience, and huge responsibilities when it comes not only to the town, but also to his orphaned little sister. Whitley is a spunky, smart young woman with an amusingly deceitful nature who loves her brother above all else.
While out on a medical visit to the outliers in the mountains with deputy Will Beatty, -- that 'no-account Beatty boy' -- Cole comes across an unusual set of circumstances. He meets a young woman in trouble, and with the help of Sheriff Wyatt and his wife Rachel, he takes this young woman home to care for her until she's fully healed. Later, he offers her a job as housekeeper and companion to his troublesome sister Whitley setting up the stage for the romance.
Of all those unusual characters in Reidsville, our female protagonist Rhyne, turns out to be the most extraordinary of them all. She's a deeply troubled young woman when we first meet her having experienced some deeply traumatizing events. Rhyne's change is a slow process throughout the story and I love how the layers to her character are pealed back and how she evolves as a person. Cole and Rhyne fall in love slowly, everything between them developed through trust and friendship first and then on to passion and love. Jo Goodman really took her time exploring these characters and their motivations in this story, so that the reader gets a complete and well-rounded character in the end.
The excellent character development includes Whitley as a key secondary character with depth. I loved her. The dialogue in this book is full of witty moments provided by Rhyne and Cole. However, Whitley also provides much of the amusement throughout the story. She definitely put a smile on my face more than once. Characters from the previous book, Never Love a Lawman, play significant roles without overwhelming the story, as do Reidsville's citizens. And new secondary characters are introduced, including the villain of the piece.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. It was well written with well developed three dimensional central characters, and a story that is well-balanced between deeply troubling subjects, romance and humor. All of it kept me reading until that last page. I particularly enjoyed the intimate moments between Rhyne and Cole, as well as the medical sleuthing and problem solving that went with it.
The storyline involving Rhyne's father was interesting with a good resolution. A thread involving Rhyne's background was left hanging towards the end of the epilogue that had 'unecessary sequel bait' written all over it. Fortunately this was a small enough niggle not to bother me overmuch, and Marry Me turned out to be a highly enjoyable historical romance.
In 1884, Doctor Coleridge Monroe and his teenage sister Whitley move from New York City to the small town of Reidsville, after receiving and agreeing to a probationary contract with the town for a one year period to become the town Doctor. Cole is a first rate doctor with research experience, and huge responsibilities when it comes not only to the town, but also to his orphaned little sister. Whitley is a spunky, smart young woman with an amusingly deceitful nature who loves her brother above all else.
While out on a medical visit to the outliers in the mountains with deputy Will Beatty, -- that 'no-account Beatty boy' -- Cole comes across an unusual set of circumstances. He meets a young woman in trouble, and with the help of Sheriff Wyatt and his wife Rachel, he takes this young woman home to care for her until she's fully healed. Later, he offers her a job as housekeeper and companion to his troublesome sister Whitley setting up the stage for the romance.
Of all those unusual characters in Reidsville, our female protagonist Rhyne, turns out to be the most extraordinary of them all. She's a deeply troubled young woman when we first meet her having experienced some deeply traumatizing events. Rhyne's change is a slow process throughout the story and I love how the layers to her character are pealed back and how she evolves as a person. Cole and Rhyne fall in love slowly, everything between them developed through trust and friendship first and then on to passion and love. Jo Goodman really took her time exploring these characters and their motivations in this story, so that the reader gets a complete and well-rounded character in the end.
The excellent character development includes Whitley as a key secondary character with depth. I loved her. The dialogue in this book is full of witty moments provided by Rhyne and Cole. However, Whitley also provides much of the amusement throughout the story. She definitely put a smile on my face more than once. Characters from the previous book, Never Love a Lawman, play significant roles without overwhelming the story, as do Reidsville's citizens. And new secondary characters are introduced, including the villain of the piece.
I thoroughly enjoyed this romance. It was well written with well developed three dimensional central characters, and a story that is well-balanced between deeply troubling subjects, romance and humor. All of it kept me reading until that last page. I particularly enjoyed the intimate moments between Rhyne and Cole, as well as the medical sleuthing and problem solving that went with it.
The storyline involving Rhyne's father was interesting with a good resolution. A thread involving Rhyne's background was left hanging towards the end of the epilogue that had 'unecessary sequel bait' written all over it. Fortunately this was a small enough niggle not to bother me overmuch, and Marry Me turned out to be a highly enjoyable historical romance.
December 14, 2010
I bought the ebook version, and formatting errors kept getting in way of the story. Sentences kept getting chopped up, so the last word would end up on the next line in its own little paragraph, which was annoying but didn't detract too much from the storytelling. But when paragraphs ran on together, especially quotations, then I would have to pause and figure out who was saying what. After awhile, I stripped the drm off the book, and sat at my computer and edited the book as I read, so when I reread it, I'll have a much better experience, but it kind of ruined my enjoyment of the book.
As for the book, I really enjoyed the story. It wasn't my favorite Goodman, but I liked going back to Reidsville and seeing old characters and meeting the hero and heroine. The two of them just seemed to click and they had a simmering chemistry between them. The book deals with some heavy issues, but there's plenty of humor to balance it out. The writing is smooth and subtle, the pacing is never rushed, the characters are allowed time to develop, so when the plot does pick up, I became invested in the outcome.
I loved watching Rhyne gain confidence and learning to value herself. I loved the scene between the Cole and Rhyne in the hotel. Cole was such a great guy. I loved his sense of responsibility, intelligence, and overall competence. I loved how he encouraged Rhyne, and was just there for Rhyne when she needed him.
I also adored the relationship between Cole and Whitley, at first I thought she was going to be a precocious little kid usually found in romance books, but I underestimated Goodman. Whitley was a fully developed character and wonderful, she added so much charm to the story.
There's a plot with a villain here, and I won't say too much about it, just that part of the resolution ended up surprising me.
My only quibble is with the ending. It was kind of like The Return of the King movie, where the ending just kept going on.
I think this is the last we'll see of Reidsville, since Goodman has switched publishers, but I've really enjoyed the books in this town. And I hope that we get Whitley's story one day.
Cover: Such a bland cover. There's no indication that it's a western, or anything else about the book. This book deserves a much better ocver.
As for the book, I really enjoyed the story. It wasn't my favorite Goodman, but I liked going back to Reidsville and seeing old characters and meeting the hero and heroine. The two of them just seemed to click and they had a simmering chemistry between them. The book deals with some heavy issues, but there's plenty of humor to balance it out. The writing is smooth and subtle, the pacing is never rushed, the characters are allowed time to develop, so when the plot does pick up, I became invested in the outcome.
I loved watching Rhyne gain confidence and learning to value herself. I loved the scene between the Cole and Rhyne in the hotel. Cole was such a great guy. I loved his sense of responsibility, intelligence, and overall competence. I loved how he encouraged Rhyne, and was just there for Rhyne when she needed him.
I also adored the relationship between Cole and Whitley, at first I thought she was going to be a precocious little kid usually found in romance books, but I underestimated Goodman. Whitley was a fully developed character and wonderful, she added so much charm to the story.
There's a plot with a villain here, and I won't say too much about it, just that part of the resolution ended up surprising me.
My only quibble is with the ending. It was kind of like The Return of the King movie, where the ending just kept going on.
I think this is the last we'll see of Reidsville, since Goodman has switched publishers, but I've really enjoyed the books in this town. And I hope that we get Whitley's story one day.
Cover: Such a bland cover. There's no indication that it's a western, or anything else about the book. This book deserves a much better ocver.
February 7, 2011
Far be it from me to accuse anyone writing romance of a formula, especially Jo Goodman (whose books I adore). Nevertheless, last year, after reading about 8 of her books in the span of a few months, I did find a common pattern to many of them:
$HEROINE is the walking wounded, a victim of $ONE_SICK_PUPPY who has raped, tortured, or blackmailed her. At the opening of the book, $ONE_SICK_PUPPY is not obviously present, but nevertheless he is present somehow. $HEROINE is so damaged and Goodman is so determined to reveal her secrets later in the book, that $HEROINE appears somewhat of a cipher to the reader. $HEROINE meets $HERO, a nice guy who may be initially unfairly judge the heroine but generally falls for her pretty hard. $HERO begins the rescue of $HEROINE with his tender care and wang of mighty lovin'; she then reveals the perfidy of $ONE_SICK_PUPPY. $HERO uses spy or other hero-like skillz to defeat / kill / institutionalize $ONE_SICK_PUPPY and save $HEROINE and possibly assorted dependents.
I should mention, I think this pattern is full of win.
This book has certain elements of the identified pattern, but in other ways is absolutely unique. The heroine, after aforementioned (yet surprisingly spoilery) damage, finds herself recovering in the household of the Reidsville, Colorado town doctor (a recent transplant from New York), eventually employed at looking after the house and the doctor's vivacious yet scarred younger sister. The relationship between the hero and heroine is a lot more straightforward than the secrets of the heroine's past, which keep emerging to shock the reader at every stage, and eventually intertwine with the doctor's medical investigations when an epidemic breaks out. Unlike the previous book in the series, Never Love A Lawman, the final confrontation isn't action-packed, but the conclusion is satisfying nevertheless. An excellent book, highly recommended.
$HEROINE is the walking wounded, a victim of $ONE_SICK_PUPPY who has raped, tortured, or blackmailed her. At the opening of the book, $ONE_SICK_PUPPY is not obviously present, but nevertheless he is present somehow. $HEROINE is so damaged and Goodman is so determined to reveal her secrets later in the book, that $HEROINE appears somewhat of a cipher to the reader. $HEROINE meets $HERO, a nice guy who may be initially unfairly judge the heroine but generally falls for her pretty hard. $HERO begins the rescue of $HEROINE with his tender care and wang of mighty lovin'; she then reveals the perfidy of $ONE_SICK_PUPPY. $HERO uses spy or other hero-like skillz to defeat / kill / institutionalize $ONE_SICK_PUPPY and save $HEROINE and possibly assorted dependents.
I should mention, I think this pattern is full of win.
This book has certain elements of the identified pattern, but in other ways is absolutely unique. The heroine, after aforementioned (yet surprisingly spoilery) damage, finds herself recovering in the household of the Reidsville, Colorado town doctor (a recent transplant from New York), eventually employed at looking after the house and the doctor's vivacious yet scarred younger sister. The relationship between the hero and heroine is a lot more straightforward than the secrets of the heroine's past, which keep emerging to shock the reader at every stage, and eventually intertwine with the doctor's medical investigations when an epidemic breaks out. Unlike the previous book in the series, Never Love A Lawman, the final confrontation isn't action-packed, but the conclusion is satisfying nevertheless. An excellent book, highly recommended.
January 27, 2011
Marry Me is the second book in Jo Goodman's Reidsville series. Cole Monroe finds himself accepting a position as town doctor for Reidsville, Colorado after his younger, mischievous sister sends the town his impressive resume. One of his first goals as the new doctor is to see all the patients in the town and that includes the recluses who live in the nearby mountains. Cole is escorted by the local deputy, Will “that no account Betty boy” to the Abbott's cabin in the woods. When he gets there he finds Runt Abbott in a very bad way. He stays to take care of her and then eventually offers her a position as housekeeper in his home.
Marry Me starts off at a very brisk pace with Dr. Monroe saving Runt or Rhyne Abbott’s life. I felt like the author started at the ending of the story and then slowly back tracked to allow the readers to figure out why Rhyne was in the situation she was in at the beginning of the story. This type of writing has the ability to just suck me right into the story and is one of the reason's I just love Jo Goodman. Not to mention that her characters are always fully fleshed out. In the case of Marry Me the situation was very unique and unusual.
Most of the book revolves around Rhyne and Cole, although Rhyne and her back story is the main focus. There are some secondary characters. I think Whitney, Cole's sister stands out the most to me. At sixteen she is a breath of fresh air. Most people think she has a strange way about her. I found her to be refreshing and her vibrancy was not annoying at all. She balanced Cole's staid personality very well. I wonder if she will get her own story down the road.
One little quirk in the book that sort of irritated me was that Will's character was always referred to as "that no account Betty boy". After a while that got old. Essentially, throughout the whole book he was ALWAYS referred to that way. But really, that aside, a Jo Goodman book is always a treat and Marry Me is no exception.
Marry Me starts off at a very brisk pace with Dr. Monroe saving Runt or Rhyne Abbott’s life. I felt like the author started at the ending of the story and then slowly back tracked to allow the readers to figure out why Rhyne was in the situation she was in at the beginning of the story. This type of writing has the ability to just suck me right into the story and is one of the reason's I just love Jo Goodman. Not to mention that her characters are always fully fleshed out. In the case of Marry Me the situation was very unique and unusual.
Most of the book revolves around Rhyne and Cole, although Rhyne and her back story is the main focus. There are some secondary characters. I think Whitney, Cole's sister stands out the most to me. At sixteen she is a breath of fresh air. Most people think she has a strange way about her. I found her to be refreshing and her vibrancy was not annoying at all. She balanced Cole's staid personality very well. I wonder if she will get her own story down the road.
One little quirk in the book that sort of irritated me was that Will's character was always referred to as "that no account Betty boy". After a while that got old. Essentially, throughout the whole book he was ALWAYS referred to that way. But really, that aside, a Jo Goodman book is always a treat and Marry Me is no exception.
September 21, 2011
I am really enjoying the discovery of Jo Goodman! Her books have been amazing so far, and I am glomming them as fast as I can get my hands on them. I pretty much sat down and read this straight through. If I hadn't needed to go to work--so needed SOME sleep--it would have been finished in one setting
I can best describe what I like about them by saying what I typically DO NOT like about romances. As my occasional reviews attest, I strongly dislike poorly plotted, poorly written romances with lackluster characterization. Jo Goodman's books are NONE of these things.
Two things that I especially appreciate about those I've read so far: 1) The slow growth of the relationship between the main protagonists - (I DESTEST insta-lust books) and 2) The way that bad things happen to good people but that she doesn't dwell on the events masochistically. (As a reader, I am not a wimp. But I hate that gleeful enjoyment that comes across in the painful and supposedly emotional descriptions of horror in many authors. That is a huge turn-off for me.)
I like that her books are written about adults and for adults -- and by that I mean the characters behave like real people in realistic ways, they're likeable, and respect-worthy. And the books are not written for the intellectually-challenged. Very good characterization. Supporting characters are distinct and have interesting stories as well.
Her books are very good so far. I recommend them to you. I'm on my 3rd now, and hope to make my way through her backlist.
I can best describe what I like about them by saying what I typically DO NOT like about romances. As my occasional reviews attest, I strongly dislike poorly plotted, poorly written romances with lackluster characterization. Jo Goodman's books are NONE of these things.
Two things that I especially appreciate about those I've read so far: 1) The slow growth of the relationship between the main protagonists - (I DESTEST insta-lust books) and 2) The way that bad things happen to good people but that she doesn't dwell on the events masochistically. (As a reader, I am not a wimp. But I hate that gleeful enjoyment that comes across in the painful and supposedly emotional descriptions of horror in many authors. That is a huge turn-off for me.)
I like that her books are written about adults and for adults -- and by that I mean the characters behave like real people in realistic ways, they're likeable, and respect-worthy. And the books are not written for the intellectually-challenged. Very good characterization. Supporting characters are distinct and have interesting stories as well.
Her books are very good so far. I recommend them to you. I'm on my 3rd now, and hope to make my way through her backlist.
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