This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Genres: Historical Romance, Western Romance
Published by Sourcebooks Casablanca
Released on January 29, 2019
Pages: 384
Format: eARC
Source: Publisher
The Delight
Sometimes you see the title of a book and you just hafta. Outlaw + Mail Order Bride… yeah, that caught my fancy and I was eager to jump into the next exciting Western Historical romantic adventure by an author who has written some of my favorites in the genre. And, it was a good call. This book gripped me from page one and I was engaged with the characters and their struggles and wanting them to find their happiness nearly more than they did.
Review
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride is the start of a new series. But, surprise! I loved that this series is a spin off from the last book in the Men of Legend series, To Marry a Texas Outlaw, Luke and Josie’s story. For those who read that, remember the fugitive women that Luke knew out in that canyon and some of his equally tarnished hero outlaw friends? Yep, we are getting their stories now.
The story opens on a dramatic scene when Clay wakes to the day his mail order bride is to arrive and hopes she is the kind of woman who can live simple, work hard, and believe in his dream of starting over. Then an outlaw and his cronies who don’t want reform and a new town of hope burn up Clay and the other’s hard work and threaten more if he doesn’t quit. So, he only has smoldering buildings, a dugout cabin and a tent city to greet Talley. This is it for him and he will give his all to make it happen, but the past just won’t let him, it seems.
Tally has her own demons to slay and she doesn’t have much trust and hope left after the horrendous things that have been done to her, but the sight of Clay’s resolve and his gentleness with blind little Violet. She’s willing to take just one more chance to find the unconditional love and acceptance with a man and family of her own that she’s always wanted even if she has to work hard beside Clay to have it.
Things are really hard for both Clay and Tally to get a new start. They are both wanted outlaws and circumstances more than evil intent now have them paying. My heart broke for both of them and all the other men and women outlaws who wanted a second chance and were corresponding back and forth with Luke and Josie acting as the go betweens.
Clay and Tally were strong people and there was a spark between them from the beginning. Wariness on both their parts, but longing and vulnerability too. They were amazing together and I loved seeing their frontier life and the town come into shape as their relationship grew as well.
One thing I love about this author’s historical westerns- okay two things- is the attention to historical details and making sure her stories fit in with the authentic background of the times. I also appreciate that she isn’t afraid to make frontier life a little dark and gritty which also lends itself to giving the story a good balance of romance and realism. The bad guys were tough and made the conflict formidable. The tension leading up to the big showdowns kept me flipping pages just as much as the fabulous hard-fought romance.
The surrounding cast of characters from both their posse of friends were just as wonderful as the romance pair. This book was the set up for all these others to get their story, too.
All in all, I was enthralled and can’t wait to get my hands on the next book in the series. Historical western romance fans, we have a winner. Grab it!
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
Challenges Met
New Release #4
COYER Winter #48
Literary Pickers #14 horse-drawn cart
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I’ll have to check out this author, Sophia. I’d not heard of her (I don’t think) but Clay and Tally’s story sounds exciting and heartwarming, if emotional. I figure I’ll have to start with Broday’s other series first, right? But I can do that. 😉 I’m glad this gamble paid off so handsomely and you enjoyed the story so much. Great review!
Yes, very emotional, Brandee! But, hey, you can start here if you don’t mind the occasional references to the past. 🙂
This sounds exciting. I miss reading historicals that deal with the old west, they are so much fun 🙂
I agree! Especially when the author isn’t afraid to make it dangerous and exciting, too. 🙂
It’s been too long since I haven’t read a HR novel
I go through moods when I don’t touch one for the longest time and then read a bunch in a row. 🙂
I love that cover picture! It looks like they’re just poised to sweep into a heart-stopping dance 🙂
It does! I had the impression of a tempestuous argument that would resolve with a kiss, but I like a dance, too. 🙂
Glad to hear you liked it so much.
Thanks, Mary! It was great. I really love her books and can’t wait to get the rest of the series now.
So happy this worked out so well for you Sophia. I like how hopeful both characters are down deep even in the face of so much bad in their lives. I think the bad guys would have me yelling at my Kindle!
Oh yes, they would, Lorna. Her stepmother was definitely the wicked type who started her mess and then there are the outlaws who don’t want reform, but won’t go away. Grrr!
I really need to start reading historical romances again. This one looks good. It is good that your decision to give this one a try proved worthwhile.
Yes! This was a great series to perk up my love of western HR. I like that she writes a tough situation for the people and there are personal conflicts for them to overcome as well. Hope you get the chance to try these, Nadene.
I don’t think I’ve ever read this author, thanks for the super review Sophia Rose I want to try her
I came to her stuff rather late when I tried the second Heroes of Texas book. I’ve read about half a dozen and loved all, but one which I still liked. 🙂 She does good historical backdrop and setting and has an exciting plot with engaging characters.
Well….you got me to check this out
*tosses onto TBR list*
Stupendous, Carole! I love tempting folks with books. 🙂
I do enjoy historical western romances, but I’ve never read this author so just passed on this one. I’ll have to give her a try. This sounds like something I’d enjoy, too! 🙂
There are so many choices out there. It’s impossible to try them all. I was glad to stumble on her books with a previous series. I enjoy her writing style. Hope you get the chance, Rachel!
It’s always great to get a spin-off from a series you enjoy. Sounds like they both have their struggles and it must be great to see them find each other. The mailorder bride trope can be so fun if done well. And that’s awesome the author pays attention to historical details and makes them feel authentic. And I love it when the side characters are great too. I hope the rest of the series is good too. Great review!
I agree. This was an all around win. I already got the next book for review. Can’t wait! 🙂
I can’t wait to pick this book up and I agree that she does a great job with the historic setting and details. Lovely review.
I think you’re really going to love this pair, Renee. They totally won me over and the situation was so drastic. Plus cute little blind Violet with her new adopted daddy made me swoon.
Oh good. Yes, I like that about her books, too. They sure don’t sugar coat it but they’re still wonderful and romantic, too. I’ll have to get this one on my list 🙂
No, its not a fluffy story when you read her stuff and I appreciate that, too. Yep, you won’t be sorry, Anna. 🙂