Could she live with Cameron…but without his love? Struggling to operate her ranch, Terra Lee Bradford realizes the full extent of the Glory B’s dire financial straits. Cameron Stoner’s neighboring ranch, on the other hand, is thriving. Yet he’s overwhelmed with problems trying to tame his three motherless children—not to mention his libido….Concocted as an instant solution to everyone’s woes, … an instant solution to everyone’s woes, their marriage of convenience soon turns into a lusty battle of wills. He’ll be damned if he’ll give her his heart, and she refuses to settle for less!
If you yearn for uplifting, unpredictable, humorous contemporary Western romance … complete with characters who come alive on the pages … Barbara Catlin is your new go-to author! Fans are immediately drawn to the small-town charm of her authentic, pulse-pounding novels. To her sweet yet sensual stories that, at the same time, deliver cleaner-than-usual language and old-fashioned values galore.
So if you’ve enjoyed the past writings of “The 3Ms”—Debbie Macomber, Susan Mallery, Ava Miles—but are clamoring for something fresh and exciting, turn to award-winning author Barbara Catlin. Fall in love with the captivating heroes and heroines, with ALL the endearing characters, of tiny Bitterpill, Texas 78020!
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I listened to this story twice and came to the same conclusion both times. I really liked it! It was witty, passionate, and often frustrating. Terra and Cam thought they were solving each other’s problems by marrying, but only compounded them. The children benefited initially. Terra and Cam rested easier initially. But assumptions and insecurities did them in. Terra had her secret; she was afraid to say the “L” word first and harbored insecurities stemming from her comparing herself to Cam’s first wife. Cam was gun-shy, because his ex had suddenly walked out on him and the kids. Both Terra and Cam had good parenting skills, but I was struck by the children being almost too well-behaved. And Cam’s ex-wife was a real piece of work. I quite enjoyed the narrator. He did not overplay Terra’s part, but I had no problem identifying the different speakers. I appreciated that he didn’t give Terra a high voice; that doesn’t happen with us taller, less than willowy ladies. And the children’s voices were appropriate. I look forward to another book in this series. I voluntarily listened to an audio copy of this book and the views expressed are my honest opinions.
This is the second book by Barbara Catlin that I have read or listened to and I absolutely love her style and the dead-on portrayal of small-town life. Her characters are well-developed and realistic and her banter and humor spot-on.I’m a sucker for single dads and if they are cowboys too, I’m a goner. Cameron has been doing double duty as parent and rancher since his wife up and left him years ago. A man has needs and no one in the lonely hearts ads quite seems to strike him as someone who will stay long term. When his neighbor/friend Terra Lee come with a proposition to buy her ranch, which he isn’t in a position to do at the time, he comes up with an alternate idea: a marriage of convenience but a real marriage in every way, except for the love part.
Terra Lee has been in love with Cameron nearly all her life, but it’s getting her nowhere. Realizing she can no longer keep her struggling ranch afloat, she’s ready to pack up and leave Bitterpill. Cam’s offer surprises her but when she accepts his proposal, she sees what a truly good man Cameron Stoner is and vows to be the best wife she can be. However, while life should be golden, each has concerns that the other isn’t all-in in the relationship. Add in three kids, a nasty ex-wife, an ill-timed illness, meddling friends, and more insecurity and miscommunication than two people should have to deal with and you have a delightfully written romance. Cameron is a swoon worthy cowboy, but having been burned by a woman who wanted to be anything but a rancher’s wife, he’s naturally insecure and refuses to have his heart broken again. While Terra constantly compares herself to the ex-wife and sees herself falling short, but is willing to fight to win the heart of her husband.
Jim Cooper’s narration brings Ms. Catlin’s characters to life. His smooth voice and sexy timbre makes him the perfect narrator for this story. His voice pulls the listener into the story and keeps you there. I am anxious to read more by this author.
Sometimes, we are our own worst enemy
The course of true love doesn’t run smoothly for two people who’ve known each other forever. Getting to know your husband is trickier than ‘loving Thy neighbor’ from across the fence.
The emotions run hot as a Texas summer, their love runs across everyday acts (a lesson we should learn for real life). But how can such an organic love go awry? Easy… Watch these two lovers Texas two step all over their relationship. Learn from Cam how three simple words need saying, often.
This book is clearly evocative of normal and paints what I hope is not a vanishing lifestyle. I want to move in next door.
This is a thinking reader’s romance
Fantastic read!!! Characters were so likeable–and I loved the small-town setting. This book was quite funny, too. I read it in one sitting and hated for it to end, even tho the ending was dynamite!!!