Ed Talbot isn’t husband material. He’s an outlaw, was forced into his father’s gang at the age of thirteen, and is wanted Dead or Alive in more than one territory. But now his father is dead, he hates the life, the blood, and his brother’s rages. When a stagecoach robbery goes awry, Ed ends up with a satchel full of charming letters from an enticing young miss. Unfortunately for Miss Lizzie Cobb, … Cobb, her betrothed is now dead, and Ed Talbot sees a way out. Impersonating a fine, upstanding young man shouldn’t be too difficult. Despite the risks, falling in love with her proves to be all too easy.
Isolated on her mother’s ranch just outside of Tombstone, Miss Lizzie Cobb doesn’t have the time or the means to find a respectable husband. As a half Apache woman in the Arizona Territory, being a mail order bride seems like the only solution to her problem until she realizes that San Francisco is too far away, and she’ll have to leave her vulnerable mother and baby brother behind. Her solution? Call off the wedding.
When her groom shows up on her doorstep, she’s shocked. He’s handsome, strong, and has traveled hundreds of miles to claim her. His kisses inflame her body and his presence soothes her soul. Falling for the rugged man is beyond her control. But the past has a way of catching up to outlaws, and facing the truth is going to be hard…for both of them.
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This was a nice change in POV. Normally the bride is the one that goes cross-country to marry the groom. This book was the other way around; the groom is the one that went to the bride.
I loved this story. The not bad guy is really a good guy and he’s such a great character with a great arc. The subtle racism/gender inequality that doesn’t go unnoticed and gets dealt with was excellent. Highly recommend. Can’t wait to read more from this author.
You don’t often get Second Chances especially if you’re in gang that robs Stagecoaches. This is one of those stories. He was forced into a his dads gang at the age of 13 yet he never killed anyone. His brother went crazy after the stagecoach robbery went wrong and his dad got killed.
One of the passengers on that coach was going to meet his bride. That is until he wound up dead after Harvey killed everyone on the coach. Ed tried to help but it was too late and he fell in the woman after reading the letters.
The only thing standing between “Mal” is his brother and the “bride” after she finds out who really is.
I loved how Mal and Lizzie worked together on the ranch, side by side to get the work done. Even though you know the ending is an HEA, it’s still action-packed and you wonder if the bad guy is going to be get away with what he is doing. The characters are strong and likeable. The decision Lizzie has to make is hard. I can’t imagine having to do so. Great read. Absolutely a five star!
Audible Review
I have enjoyed so many stories by Cynthia Woolf and could not wait to listen to an audible! Wow.. The story of an outlaw, Ed Talbot, who was dragged into the life by his mean father and half brothers. Wanting to get out without his brother tracking him down and killing him, he saw his chance by taking the identity of a passenger on a stagecoach they robbed and acted as the mail order husband.
Lizzie Talbot has been taking care of the ranch along with her mother and younger brother since her father passed away. She had been corresponding with a gentleman in hopes they would be a match and marry. In a twist of fate, Ed impersonates her groom and the journey starts!!
A wonderful story told by narrator Lia Frederick who was perfect with her different voices.. She made me believe I was there watching the story unfold! Cannot wait for the next in the series!!
Excellent book loved it loved it loved it I will recommend very good I loved every bit of it from beginning to end was awesome I reread it several times and how I love it
I am really enjoyed this book. The characters were well written and you got to know them. This book is part of a series but can be read independently.
It kept me going to the next page.
I loved this book, Cynthia Woolf is a talented writer, her characters are amazingly real for the most part. She has many Mail Order Bride books! If you read one you will become addicted to her writing style and stories!!!
Karen B.
It really wasn’t a bad book, but it just didn’t hold my attention.
A bit predictable but fun read. As usual, I enjoyed the beginning and learning about the characters. Plot concluded well, everything wrapped up well. Nice work by the author.
Loved the clean romantic story.
Language was so BAD I couldn’t read IT!!
Predictable
Easy enjoyable read. There was one incident that bothered me. I do not want to give details but Lizzie’s mom should have been told they were OK. After all she knew…………I really liked that there was an Epilogue, that is always appreciated.
Good book!
Loved it!
I wish it would have been longer.
I liked this book and the characters.Interesting story line.
different.
the ending was satisfying.
Great read!