Release Day Review: Saving The Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

Series: Outlaw Mail Order Brides #2 Genres: Historical Romance, Western

When the West was wild

And man’s law favored the few

These extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

He may be a wanted man, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he’s on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected—and unexpectedly beautiful—traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane…his mail order bride.

It’s too bad Nora doesn’t know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes and the truth comes spilling out, they’re suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they’re together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after…but first, they’ll have to shake the devil from their trail.

**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**

"You're not alone, Jack. You have me. I'll stand by your side through sunny days and storms."

I just can't get enough of Linda Broday's books. I have been reading less and less historical romances (HR) lately, but I can never turn down any of Linda's books. Her books are set in the Wild West, which is my favorite type of historical romance subgenre. Her books are original, engaging, suspenseful, romantic, emotional and fun. It's the whole package I crave from HR, and Linda keeps on delivering. Saving the Mail Order Bride is my favorite so far. The characters were well rounded, intriguing, and very lovable. This doesn't mean they were perfect, however everything they did, they did for a good reason. Jack is a lawman turned outlaw, who is wanted and knows one day he will be hanged for his crimes. Nora Kane is his mail order bride, who hasn't had an easy life.

"Even if he spent the rest of his life in her arms, he'd never get his fill of Nora Kane. She set his world straight and gave it color. No longer was everything in black, white, and dull gray."

When they first meet they don't know the identity of each other, which created some very unfortunate and sometimes funny scenes. Nora, definitely stood up for herself, and I loved her strong and caring personality. Jack is also a very good man who never took advantage of Nora. These two were perfect for each other, and I had a blast going on a journey with them. Normally, I am not a big fan of stories that for the majority take place on the road, however, I really enjoyed it this time. It really gave the characters the time to get to know each other, and grow stronger as individuals and eventually as a couple. I was happy that we got to see what the characters from the previous books were doing, and it always feels like being reunited with family. If you are a fan of historical western romances, then I highly recommend you to pick up any of Linda's books. I am already looking forward to her next book.

 EXCERPT 

The barrel-chested marshal smiled at Lenora. “Sorry that you have to endure this a bit longer, ma’am. He’s little more than a savage animal.” He said that like the outlaw had a case of rabies or something.

Dollard continued in a tone full of righteous contempt. “Why, he’s so mean the rattlesnakes won’t even come near him. I heard his own kin disowned him.”

Lenora’s gaze followed the outlaw’s long legs and lean form from which enormous power radiated, felt his deep irritation and anger to be cuffed to the marshal. She’d read about men like this one who lived outside the law in dime novels that were all the rage back East. But reading about one and coming face to face with one in the flesh were two totally different things.

Awareness sizzled between them and the tiniest movement captured her attention. But when he turned his gaze to her, a rush of heat flooded her cheeks.

His chiseled features appeared hewn from the hardest stone that the good Lord probably reserved for those like him who lived outside the law. The marshal appeared barely able to contain him. In fact, she got the impression the prisoner merely bided his time until an opportunity for escape came.

He glanced toward the window, allowing her to study him better. The outlaw had uncommon good looks with a hard, angled jaw that sported brown stubble. The rise high on his nose indicated it had been broken few times. Ha! She wasn’t surprised at that.

But most striking were his gray eyes—gunmetal gray. At times they stormed, and other times, like when the marshal shot warnings and threats, they became icy and hard. But amusement colored his gaze when he turned his attention to her.

Was it her appearance or her nervousness that caused his reaction?

Lenora thought about leaning across the space and slapping his brazen face. Except that wouldn’t be the thing to do. She’d never struck anyone even though she’d been sorely tempted a few times.

The way he glanced at the door then back to the marshal told her he was planning an escape.

He suddenly swung his attention back to her and slammed into her bold perusal. Lenora stilled and held her breath, her pulse racing.

Would he use her somehow in his escape plan? Maybe take her hostage? Oh dear. She glanced at the marshal, wondering if he’d pull his gun and shoot him if he tried anything.

The handsome outlaw lifted a finely arched brow. “Here in Texas they make you pay to gawk, ma’am. But I reckon this is the first time a gentle woman like yourself has laid eyes on a born and bred killer. Who knows? Maybe you can come to my hanging. Now that’ll be a real treat.”

Beneath his mocking tone, she saw the layer of sorrow, felt his heavy heart, tasted his bitterness. She couldn’t bear the thought of him swinging from a rope.

Source

At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day

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