Beautiful, spirited, Texas born Ellie Burnett needs a husband. Fast. Her father, rancher Archibald Burnett, is dying, and she’s determined to marry to protect the ranch and preserve her father’s legacy in Montana’s rugged Paradise Valley. The trouble is, she wants to wear the boots in the family and the man she has in mind, Irishman Thomas Sheenan would never stand for that.Independent and … and taciturn Thomas Sheenan isn’t looking for a wife, having spent far too much of his life taking care of others. He’s come to Montana to carve out his own identity, and be his own man. The last thing he needs is a headstrong bride, but when Ellie approaches him with the offer of a lifetime, he can’t refuse.
Thomas didn’t anticipate falling for his new bride. He moved to Montana to stake his claim…he never planned on losing his heart.
Paradise Valley Ranch series
Book 1: Away in Montana
Book 2: Married in Montana
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MARRIED IN MONTANA (Paradise Valley Ranch Book 2) by Jane Porter is a wonderful historical romance that takes you back to 1890 Marietta, Montana. This book has a marriage of convenience storyline that focuses almost completely on the emotional growth of the hero and heroine without any trope scenes of external jeopardy or harm to force a sudden declaration of love. This story has a few references to Book 1 in the series, but can easily be read as a standalone.
Ellie Burnett is the pampered and spirited child of Archibald Burnett who is dying. To protect their large ranch and her father’s legacy, Ellie must marry and quickly. Though she can ride, shoot and run the ranch, her father wants her settled with an honorable man. What Ellie wants is to still be in control even after she marries.
Thomas Sheenan has come from Ireland to work hard and be his own man. The last thing he wants is a wife. He had to care for and bury his family in Ireland and he believes he is emotionally dead inside. When Ellie comes to him and proposes, he cannot turn her or the opportunity down, but he tells her he will never love her.
These two strong, independent and stubborn characters are then taken on an emotional journey by this author. Ellie starts out not knowing why anyone would not want the ranch and money that comes with her and an immature view of marriage. Thomas starts the marriage by taking complete control to gain the respect of the ranch hands and keep Ellie at a distance. The death of Ellie’s father devastates her and after months of depression, we begin to see small steps forward in understanding as Thomas forces her back into day to day living.
Ellie and Thomas are portrayed with strong emotions that continue to change and grow as the two become a couple. The sex scenes are well written and add to the growth of intimacy between Ellie and Thomas. These two start from very different places in life and yet deserve to find their HEA together.
I have enjoyed all the books set in Marietta, Montana. The historic aspect of this helped round out the characters that have made up this community. I loved it.
A sweet enjoyable and entertaining read
I just got tired of the struggle of these two. I found it difficult to read page after page with no joy in the book.
This is an entertaining story with some unique characters. I was entertained and will read this author again.
Loved the characters and how they found love dispirit old hurts
This is book 2 in the Paradise Valley Ranch series.
It is the story of Ellie and Thomas.
Ellie was born in Texas. She is lovely, determined and in need of a husband. She is committed to marrying in order to protect her father’s legacy. Her father is dying and she knows she needs to keep the family ranch in Paradise Valley. She is headstrong and takes charge of things concerning her family.
Thomas was born an Irishman. He is very independent and introverted, and certainly not looking for a wife. He has taken care of others for most of his life and he certainly doesn’t need a strong-minded bride. He has come to Montana to develop into the man he wants to be.
Ellie knows that Thomas would be a hard worker and would help her keep her family’s ranch. She offers Thomas the chance of a lifetime. He is not sure he can turn it down.
Can Ellie convince Thomas to marry her, even if it isn’t for love? Can she leave the ranch she has always known as home?
I enjoyed reading their story, and i enjoyed the epilogue! I love how their marriage of convenience turned into a great love story. Jane Porter has another winner!