“Beautifully written, enduring stories of love.”—JODI THOMAS, New York Times bestselling authorWhen 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 … 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.
Outlaw Mail Order Brides series:
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride (Book 1)
Saving the Mail Order Bride (Book 2)
What People Are Saying About Linda Broday:
“Fans of classic Western tales will delight in the rough-and-tumble world Broday creates…” —RT Book Reviews for To Love a Texas Ranger
“A shining example of the talent of one of the best historical western authors.”—Fresh Fiction for Forever His Texas Bride
“Broday’s Westerns always captivate with realistic settings, rugged cowboys and feisty heroines.”—RT Book Reviews, 4 Stars for Forever His Texas Bride
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4.5 stars
“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.
Saving The Mail Order Bride, the 2nd book in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series, was so very good. I loved book one. I believe I loved Jack’s story just a bit more than Clay’s. Jack was just so lovable. He was that sexy damaged hero, with a past that rips your heart out. His was such a sad backstory that I just wanted to kiss the pain away. Jack was a reformed outlaw that had a core of honor. He did bad, but only when he needed too. He was protective and brave. I just loved him to pieces. Nora was great too. She was brave, smart, and had just enough sass to give her some grit. A little wet behind the ears and way over her head, but she was a quick learner. Both Nora and Jack had big hearts. They also meet in a really cute/funny way. The plot of the book was great. The action kept me on edge. The romance was really well written. There was such a good build up, that their love felt real. I loved that they helped the 2 kids they found. A sweet insta-family. Sawyer was so cute. I hope he gets his own book down the line. Overall I really loved this book and I am really enjoying this series. I can’t wait for the next book!
full review on maidamalby.com
Such a wonderful story filled with adventure that will keep you turning the pages until the end! Linda Broday is a master at writing a western romance! He discreptions and characters make you fall back in time with her heart warming tales.
Jack and Nora meet while sharing a coach but Jack is handcuffed to a Marshall who is taking him to jail. What is ironic is that Nora is the mail order bride he has been writing to! But when the coach crashes and they are left to fend for themselves in the wilderness. Neither are what they appear but I loved Jack, he was so protective of Nora and the two are really attracted to each other.
Can Jack evade the men hunting him and will he and Nora survive and act on the attraction they have? Loved this story and I highly recommend !! I read this through NetGallery
A meet-cute for the ages occurs when mail order bride, Nora, rides a stage coach sitting opposite a manacled felon only to learn that he’s the man she’s come west to marry. The author’s tough and authentic western storytelling, engaging characters and their heartwarming romances really shines in this second of the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.
Saving the Mail Order Bride is the second book that tells the story of another Hope’s Crossing reformed outlaw, Jack Bowdrie. It can be read standalone, but works ever so much better read after the first when the Hope’s Crossing world is established and several of the characters, including Jack, are introduced.
In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack finds himself suddenly taken captive right about the time he is anticipating his own mail order bride. He struck out with the first one at no fault to either, but then he started writing for another lady to come and have a fresh start with him. His suspicions are aroused over the timing of the Marshal arriving at the right spot and the right time, but doesn’t have long to ponder that because he no sooner realizes that the cool eastern woman sitting opposite him in the stage coach is Nora his would be bride and then the stage is in a dreadful accident leaving them to make their way together.
Nora wants to be upset at Jack for neglecting to mention in his letters that he was a wanted outlaw, but then again, she’s got a few deadly secrets of her own and has danger dogging her all the way to Texas. If Jack doesn’t killer for annoying him and causing trouble, she’s pretty sure the trouble in her past will. Meanwhile, she might just be falling in love with this surprising husband and the little family they gather along the way.
I went into this one with no doubt in the world that I would love it. Jack was a character in the previous book that I wanted so much for him to get his happily ever after, too. His past broke my heart and Nora is just the sassy, stubborn, and courageous gal to be his match. She had a rough start for her first time out west, but she was plucky and owned that she was in over her head. This pair were so wonderful together. And, the kids, oh how I love that the romances this author writes frequently center around these brought together families. I thought I loved the first book, but I have fickly transferred my top affections for Jack and Nora.
All the excitement and twists I loved in the first book were matched in this one. I saw some coming, but others took me by surprise. I love the rise of action and situations that are unique to this western setting and time period. The author writes this well blended with her romances and people who fit the backdrop.
All in all, I thought this was absolutely fabulous and am greedy for more outlaws at Hope’s Crossing to get their romances. Western Historical Romance fans need look no further for an engaging series to love on.
Linda Broday continues to dazzle me with her story telling. I was hooked from the first page and continued to be entertained to the last page. If you’re looking for a fun historical western romance to read, then be sure to pick this one up.
Adventure-filled historical romance…
This is the second read of the series and I’m loving the journey back to the Wild West! Nora and Jack were destined for each other, whether by fate or mail order, and their first face-to-face meeting was exactly how their courtship would go. Full of danger, tension and lots and lots of chemistry…
Jack had been an outlaw, denied clemency even though he was living a new life. Nora may not have seen the good in him right away but as they struggled to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, there was time to see more. To feel more… Jack had such a good heart and Nora couldn’t help but see that as he saved them, as they saved each other.
Everything moved fast as they fought for their very survival and, at the same time, had the craziest, yet heart-warming, courtship. Another great read in the series!
*Reviewed for 1-Click Addict Support Group
**Thank you to NetGalley
Linda Broday doesn’t shy away from the dark side of the Old West. Yes, the central characters in her stories always manage to save each other in the nick of time and find their happily ever afters, but there’s plenty of gritty realism thrown in along with the sappy sweetness of romance. In Saving the Mail-Order Bride, for example, Jack and Nora end up with a baby girl after the child’s mother dies in childbirth and the father perishes in a simple accident. It’s a sobering reminder that life could be cruel even if you didn’t run afoul of those who held it cheaply, as Jack and Nora did multiple times throughout the book, both of them being on the run for different reasons.
I admit I started out feeling a little frustrated with Jack as he hadn’t been honest with Nora in his letters, and the fact she was using him to escape a bad situation made no real difference – she had every reason to expect she’d left that behind her whereas he was asking her to walk into an unknown situation without even the truth about the man she was agreeing to marry being known. I could also see Jack’s point of view, though, as he was obviously desperately lonely and what woman would agree to marry an outlaw with a price on his head?
Something I really enjoy about Broday’s writing is the inner strength of her female characters. Nora’s fortitude was extraordinary, especially considering her background, and I loved the way she stepped up to help Jack, not waiting to be rescued. She also didn’t fall into the trap of being too stubborn and refusing offered help, something I often see in writers determined to write a ‘strong female character’ without understanding that there’s no shame in accepting help when it’s freely offered, or a fair exchange of labor or money for skills you don’t have. Being strong does NOT mean doing everything yourself, and Broday’s female characters show that character trait superbly (though her men can be pretty boneheaded about it until the women show them the error of their ways).
I’d caution readers with triggers that Broday’s work may not be for them. There’s physical and emotional abuse of women and children, lots of minor character deaths including deaths of children, violence, a fair bit of gore and threatened and attempted sexual assaults. Which was, frankly, very much what the real Old West was actually like, but if it’s a bit strong for your sensibilities you might need to look for a sanitized version. Personally I enjoy the very real flavor Broday brings to her work and I’m happy to give this one five stars.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book for review via NetGalley.
Beautifully written, enduring stories of love.
“She was all of his tomorrows, his forever. His always. His life.”
There is nothing better than opening up your favorite authors’s book and knowing your about to be swept away into an amazing journey!!
Ms. Linda Broday has done it again. Just when I think she couldn’t outdo herself from her last book, she goes and sets the bar even higher with Saving The Mail Order Bride.
Jack Bowdre and Nora Kane’s love story is a fast and wild ride to the alter.
Both are running from their past, both bring baggage to their marriage, but they’re true to their vow’s and never back down from their enemies.
They both have a heart overflowing with love and aren’t afraid of giving it to two orphaned children in need of a home.
This book truly melted my heart.
I laughed so hard at the antics and situations they are thrust into and the uplifting humor they continue to display toward each other.
As I’ve said before, Ms. Broday’s books are timeless and will weave themselves into your heart and soul for eternity.
“She met his gray eyes, the color resembling a dove’s wing in the light. “Always as long as it’s with you.” Then she touched her lips to his ever so softly.
Jack Bowdre was her saving grace, her light in the darkest hours.”
“She was his lifeblood. His every Breath.”
I like this series, yes sometimes I shake my head and then remember that this is from a different era, I didn’t start with the first book but it didn’t change my enjoyment of it. I actually started with the book previous to this one, the one with Tally and Clay and was one over with that one, so I really recommend you to get them it will just further enhance your liking of it. This book was Jack and he had a pretty tragic past which made you understand what he went thru, I am really happy that he got to meet Nora and she was definitely the one for him. Nora was a little stuck up at first but it wasn’t really that she was just terrified and when you hear everything that she went thru you felt for her and wanted her to also get a happy ending. These two struggled to get to someplace safe not only for them but for the two children that they saved on the way. We get to reconnect with the other characters and I love knowing what they went thru, and I can’t wait for Ridge’s story and hopefully Rebel to get the happy ending that she has been waiting for..enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.
This is a fabulous addition to the series! Jack and Nora’s story had me hooked from the beginning and I could not put it down. This is a whirlwind of a romance full of great characters, action and romance. I loved it!
Linda Broday certainly knows how to keep the tension at a fever pitch, with just enough tender and humorous moments mixed in to give the reader a chance to breathe.
Saving the Mail Order Bride is more than a simple western romance about a man and a woman falling in love. Similar to the first in this series, The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride, this second book has a strong plot and a slew of characters that are good, bad, downright evil, sweet, Texas tough, and misleading. Broday delivers all the characters, including two little dogs that band together to protect their human families.
Some outlaws want nothing more than to put their lawbreaking ways behind them and live honest lives. But second chances don’t usually sit well with some when bounty money is at stake or when a grudge refuses to loosen its hold. Jack Bowdre is just such an outlaw, yearning for a clean slate in a budding community. His mail order bride, Nora Kane, happens to be on the run as well but for entirely different reasons. Nora’s backstory adds an unexpected layer to an already solid plot, and Jack quickly learns that his bride is determined and stubborn but with a heart as big as Texas.
Jack and Nora survive a carriage wreck in the first chapter, and the excitement never slows down. Amidst the surprises around every bend, these two form a bond that turns their formal mail-order relationship into one of immense respect, loyalty, and sweet romance. Jack and Nora are well matched and cuffed together, literally in the beginning, providing a unique situation between strangers that is both humorous and touching. Even after they finally break free from those manacles, their new connection is unbreakable.
Linda Broday weaves into the story the importance of family and friends and the need for a safe and loving space in which to grow up, grow together, and grow old. Hope’s Crossing is no longer that outlaw hideout. This tucked-away community is quickly becoming that safe place where everyone is welcome and no one’s past is held against him or her. Second chances are treasured in Hope’s Crossing, and Nora learns that her new husband and the two lost children who have found their way into their hearts and home fill her with the strength and courage to face the demon from her past who has finally caught up with her.
Hope’s Crossing sounds like a wonderful, enriching place to live, and perhaps another favorite character will soon find his soulmate just as Colby does in the first book and Jack does in the second. The wilds of Texas can be harsh and dangerous, filled with snakes, evil men, greedy ne’er-do-wells, and an angry US Marshall looking for revenge. But Jack and Nora quickly discover that together, they can vanquish that darkness with their love, laughter, and new beginnings.
From the moment Jack winked at Nora in the stagecoach, I fell in love and never looked back!
I was intrigued by the glimpse of Jack’s story that we caught in the previous book, and knew I needed him to find himself attached to his happy ever after soon. And haha, boy did he! Literally.
I simply adored how Jack and Nora met, how their spark lit up their connection, how quickly and naturally they grew to care and depend on the other — and then ultimately need and fully desire the other. How they communicated, and how they refused to let anything come between them from moment one. And truly, how it was them taking on the world together from the beginning.
Jack claimed my reader’s heart with his presence – he was rough, tough, strong, bossy, stubborn – but buried under that was a honor and respect and devotion that perfectly balanced him out. He had such a deep sense of loyalty to his brothers-in-arms and to his family he was building. And then add in the swoony charm he threw in pursuing his Nora? Oh yeah, I was a gonner. Nora, oh my goodness! This woman was perfection for Jack. She had guts, sass, determination, bravery, and such a huge amazing heart of gold. She didn’t allow her past to destroy her, she figured out what she wanted and needed and went after it with a passion. And despite the struggles, she remained soft and sweet. I truly adored them separately, and then together as a couple.
The adventure and dangers kept the pages turning – delivering quite a few surprises and heart-pounding moments. And generously balanced in was some moments of peace and beauty. Toss in some beloved secondary characters and main characters from past stories (Hello, Sam Legend – I’m looking at you, sir!) and I couldn’t get enough.
Honestly, no joke — my upmost favorite LB hero, Duel McClain, just had to scoot over to the side to let Jack have room next to him (I think they both kinda grumbled at each other having to share the space). Please, do NOT make me choose between them. They both rule as favorites in the Linda Broday’s little corner of Texas. So much of their story felt like it was written for me. Jack and Nora will remain treasured in my heart, and will be revisited often.