When the West was wild and man’s law favored the few… These extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity’s doorstep, he knows he can’t help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can’t bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he’d been writing to, hoping the demure … been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.
Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She’s rough and tumble…and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she’ll have to betray her new husband. There’s only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister…or the man she loves.
Outlaw Mail Order Brides series:
The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride (Book 1)
Saving the Mail Order Bride (Book 2)
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret (Book 3)
Praise for Linda Broday:
“Linda Broday’s heroes step right out of her books and into your heart.” —Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author
“Linda Broday, who epitomizes the classic western author… once again captivates us with her storytelling.” —Fresh Fiction for Twice a Texas Bride
“Fun and sensual…great for fans of history, romance, and some good old Texas grit.” —Kirkus Reviews for Texas Redemption
“The exciting plot, rich setting, and superb writing will delight fans of historical romances.” —Publishers Weekly STARRED REVIEW for The Heart of a Texas Cowboy
“Outstanding…an unforgettable journey through the Old West.” —Booklist STARRED REVIEW for To Marry a Texas Outlaw
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Loved getting to visit Hope’s Crossing again. Ridge and Addie took me by surprise. Their story was so engrossing and I hated having to put it down. Things are never boring in this story. If you like some action with your romance then pick up this book. This whole series is worth a read.
Ridge Steele is a former preacher who is accused of crimes he didn’t commit. Forced to give up everything he’s known, he now lives among his outlaw family. Now he awaits the arrival of his mail-order bride. They’ve exchanged letters and when he finally meets her he immediately finally the need to protect her.
When Addie learned Ridge was an ex-preacher she almost called the whole thing off. Having grown up with a religious father/preacher who used his position to control their entire small town, she’s wary to trust her new husband.
Addie knows she must share parts of her painful past with her husband in order for their bond to grow.
He’s got a price on his head, but that’s not nearly as scary as the three children who get off the stage that are now his. Her life has always been a gamble and now she’s up against a stacked deck. Now, it’s time to roll the dice and take their chances together. I perked right up when I spotted the blurb on this latest in a fabulous Texas frontier romance series.
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is the third in a spin-off series of standalone western historical romances that are loosely tide together and are much more engaging when read in order and especially, after the Men of Legend series.
Professional gambler and reluctant con artist, Melanie Dunbar is in a peck of trouble when her con artist father skips town leaving incriminating fake promissory notes in the possession of her and her twin sister. They are at the mercy of a sleazy, crooked sheriff and an ambitious and equally crooked judge who are after bigger game. Melanie is just the bait for a trap needed to draw out the hard-bitten outlaw, Tait Trinity and the thousands he stole from the railroad. She can gain the freedom for her sister and herself when she follows up on the letters she has been exchanging with Tait through a mail order bride service and seduce him into giving up the money and leaving the protection of the secluded town of Hope’s Crossing. If only it didn’t feel like she was selling her soul. Or, that on meeting Tait and learning his situation, which is her dream of home, husband and family, she must make an impossible choice of who to betray- Tait or her own sister?
Tait Trinity has rode the owl-hoot trail and earned some hard-bitten enemies, but none so set on destroying him and leaving him in misery as the Berrigers and the railroad man. They started the criminal acts and he responded with force, but lost all he held dear in the process. And, now he has lost even more as his sister is killed and he now has charge of her three grieving children who want nothing to do with their no-account uncle. With the men after him and the law that will catch up eventually, he does not need this added complication. In desperation, he sends out a plea to marry immediately to the sweet seamstress he has been writing. He knows the moment the woman gets off the stage that Melanie has secrets and she is no shy seamstress. He is confused by her responses to his care and attention as if she wants to embrace the new life together, but has reasons to hold back. Slowly, he learns they both have troubling pasts and may be the very thing to heal and help each other. Until Melanie’s secrets and his bloody past blows up in his face…
I love this author’s writing and I love this series. I didn’t even hesitate to pick this book up. But, I would be lying if I said I didn’t wonder just how much I would like this book when the woman is lying from the moment she hits town and there were kids involved. The past books have shown me that the author does a great job of backing her characters into a corner and then getting them out again. Secrets, though…yeah, tough hurdle.
Melanie was confusing at first. Her thoughts and feelings were all over the place. I expected it since she’s come to do a terrible thing to save her sister and then she falls in love with the man, his kids, and his town and learns he’s not ONLY an outlaw. I had more patience with her as a result knowing that nearly every person on the planet would have done the same under those circumstances. Even her fear to put it all out there made sense the longer she let things ride and knew that the way Tait felt about the truth and had poured out his entire past to her would make it worse. In truth, the only time I thought she pulled a stupid was that part she played in the climax scenes which I can’t detail out because spoilers. Let’s just say that she got lucky and this is a romance because in real life, I’m pretty sure the outcome would have been different considering that particular villains proven track record.
As to Tait, I liked that he owned to his past, but had matured and made himself into something more after all the tragedy he had endured. He’s gritty and morose at times, but when the kids and Melanie were there, oh so gentle, caring and loving. He felt he was undeserving, but he still wanted to make the world a better place for everyone he could whether it was with his gun or anything he could give. He had so much on his plate, but he stayed strong even in the face of the further trials that came his way.
The romance had the added complexities of two strangers arranging to come together in a marriage. But, they were both people who had no hesitation in a healthy romp in bed. Tait respected Melanie being experienced and didn’t hold her past as a female gambler and daughter of a con artist who didn’t exactly live the life of the straight and narrow. He supported her even when she admitted to not having any domestic skills and showed her that he thought her a beautiful woman and mother to his nephews and niece. I had no doubt they were good for each other and could only wait to see what the fallout would be when Melanie came clean.
A few enjoyable extras were the town children getting up a circus show, the town dance, and the visit from all the Legend men. Le sigh… I do love a Legend men appearance.
The villains were vile and one was a crazed sadistic who I really wanted to find a gruesome end. The bad guys had it all their own way for most of the book and were a formidable force which made the action-packed climax series of scenes a nail-biter. I love that the author doesn’t go soft on the western action plot side to the story.
So, my qualms were soothed and my senses assaulted in a good way between the gritty action scenes, sizzling sexy times, and a patchwork group coming together as a family. Those who enjoy western historical romance really must give this author/series a look see.
Linda Broday wrote a story which captured my heart and kept me turning the pages, all the way to the gripping finale’. Readers who have an appetite for western romance will love Tait and Melanie’s story!
As a steadfast Linda Broday fan, I noticed slight variation from her style in previous books but was not disappointed in the least by this latest addition to the stellar books before.
A story surrounding real life characters placed in life and death struggles in a time where the line between outlaw and the law were often blurred by unfathomable circumstances. A time when redemption, love and life could hang in the balance of everyday choices. This western romance takes you through page after page of discovery and where the town and heart of Hope’s Crossing and its citizens shine through it all. Love the visits of characters from other series as well. Highly recommend this one!
Linda is truly a powerful voice in historical western romance! Highly recommend all her books!
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is the third book in Linda Broday’s exciting historical western romance series Outlaw Mail Order Brides. Never fear, this book stands alone quite well. This is not one of those sweet clean mail order bride books that abound; this series has some grit! The men are outlaws, the women sassy, and the sex hot.
Tait Trinity is an outlaw who comes to Hope’s Crossing, a town built by outlaws, to heal and make a life for himself. One afternoon a trio of children – a set of young rambunctious twin boys and a sweet 3 year old girl – are delivered to him. They are his sister’s children, now orphaned. Tait is flummoxed; what the heck is he going to do with them?! He knows nothing about children, plus he wants to avenge his sister who was brutally murdered. Then he remembers the possible mail order bride with whom he has been corresponding…perfect! He requests that she join him immediately. When she arrives, however, he finds a woman who is not going to let him leave her with the children as he heads out! Unbeknownst to Tait, mail order bride Melanie Dunbar has a secret. She is sent to Tait to find the money he stole from the railroad, return it to its owners and betray Tait. If she doesn’t, her twin sister will be killed. As she begins to know Tait, however, she doesn’t know if she can betray him…
This book was fast paced, heartbreaking, sexy and exciting. I normally don’t care for kids in books (once again, don’t judge me!), but these kids grew on me, especially little Becky. Both Tait and Melanie had secrets they were keeping from each other. That romance trope usually annoys me, but it works well here; we see how emotionally attached they are becoming to each other and the children. How will they possibly get past the hurt of betrayal? Though Tait is a tough outlaw, he opened up his heart to his new family. Melanie was a tough cookie herself, but the thought of losing Tait or her sister almost brought her to her knees. The battle near the end of the book was most exciting. Also, I really enjoyed seeing favorite characters from previous books. It’s like coming home again. Definitely a western romance you don’t want to miss!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
While this was a well-written and entertaining story, it was a tough one for me to get hooked into and stay involved in until about half way through. While I liked both main characters, I just never really connected to either of them the way I normally would have expected/hoped. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it was because I enjoyed the plot line and there was lots to love about both Tait and Mellie (and the kids), so maybe it was just the timing of reading it. The last half—most especially the last big “event”—is what saved this book for me and made me glad I kept pushing through.
Tait and Mellie both had some pretty horrific pasts and heavy burdens they were carrying, both afraid to fully trust in what they got in each other and grasp hold of something good. I could feel Tait’s struggle especially. I appreciated after the big reveal of Mellie’s secret that after the dust from the explosion settled, there was a maturity to how they interacted with each other – even though I wished it would have played out a bit differently.
The last part of the book where everything built to it’s ultimate climax kept me at the edge of my seat watching how all the threads weaved together. I adored the strength and love shown through actions (in all the relationships, not just between Tait and Mellie), the bonds made, the way everything worked out.
Readers who enjoy some laughter mixed in with drama (almost angsty)-fueled secrets and a good bit of old-fashioned shoot-’em-up action will enjoy this story.
The unusual story line caught my attention right away. I thought, ” Oh the troubles that this could cause should make things really interesting.” So I crossed my fingers and plunged ahead. And boy, did it deliver!
Both Tait and Melanie bring a lot to the table as main characters. They also bring a lot to the table when it comes to trouble. I liked how Tait had a whole lot more tenderness and caring in him than you would have thought an outlaw would have. And Melanie has more grit than she ever knew she had too. When push came to shove, she might be scared but she pushed back!
There is a good balance in this story. A good mix of action, danger, friends and allies showing up, periods of time spent just like a family would. There is also this sense of waiting for the next threat to show up. Which of course it does and more than once.
The kids (Jesse, Joe and Becky) add to the story. The twin boys add some attitude and mischief and of course, the little girl adds some sweetness.
Hope’s Crossing is one unusual town with some out of the ordinary residents. All, I’m going to say about that is it houses many “criminals”. Many of them who are wanting to turn their lives around or already have. Because of that common goal and friendships that develop they truly do have each other’s backs. It made for some interesting secondary people in the story. Mac is Melanie and Ava’s father and he is one piece of work. You never knew if and when he would show up. Would trouble follow him? It usually did. From one con to another, he was always on the hunt for making the most money.
The action really takes off and keeps pretty steady until the end. That other shoe had finally dropped and it will get to be a fight to stay alive to the end.
Speaking of the end, I liked how it all finished up for everyone.
“I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is another great historical western romance (HWR) by Linda Broday. What I liked most was how different of an heroine Melanie was. In most HWR the woman is innocent, sweet, and sometimes a bit naive. But that was not the case with Melanie. Her mother died while giving birth to her and her twin Ava, and they were ‘raised’ by their father, who is a gambler, a con man, and a cheat. This resulted in her being more on her guard and learning about the shady side of life. She and her twin are arrested for carrying fraudulent bank notes that their father thrust on them, who left them to take the fall. She is able to get out of jail and have her and her twin’s charges dropped if she marries Tait, gains his trust, and deliver him and the money he’d stolen. She of course agrees to this, but has no idea the feelings she will develop for the handsome broken outlaw Tait.
Tait has honestly one of the most heartbreaking back stories I have read in a very long while. He already has gone through so much, and life keeps hitting him with new challenges. He is a good and loyal man regardless of the things he has done in his past. I understand where he was coming from, so I can’t really blame him for the decisions he made. Melanie is tough and has a goal, but slowly but surely falls for Tait. I think these two characters had a great chemistry, and were a good fit. There was a strong partnership and understanding of each others pasts. The suspense and action was really good in this book, and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It was also nice to see what the rest of the characters from previous books were up to. The Mail Order Bride’s Secret was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
Linda Broday just wrote her best book to date!
Tait Trinity rides with a high bounty on his head, always looking over his shoulder for the next bullet. He knows his time here on earth is numbered in weeks more than years, but he gambles that Hope’s Crossing will be his safe haven.
Jesse, Joe and Becky are survivors with only one family member left to take them, Tait Trinity.
When they unexpectedly arrive on a stage to Hope’s Crossing and Tait he sees them, his only thought is revenge on his sister’s death, for the sake of these precious children, so heartbroken.
The only regard Melanie Dunbar has is to save her sister and herself. The cost does not matter, as long as she succeeds. Sometimes you just have to make a deal with the devil…. and she goes all in!!!!!
She’s been conserving as a mail-order bride with the mysterious outlaw Tait Trinity.
Melanie has a secret that will destroy Tait, a secret that will save her sister.
Tait only needs her to marry him to help raise his orphaned niece and nephews.
Can these two get their revenge and survive what fate has in store for them?
Sometimes that special book comes into your life and sweeps you off your feet. It becomes such a compelling story that you truly believe you are living it right along with the characters.
Linda Broday’s The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is certainly this type of book. I cannot even begin to praise all the credit this one deserves. It is an amazing book that will forever resonate in my soul.
“Sometimes a person had to cling to hope no matter how slender the thread.”
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday is Book Three of the Outlaw Mail Order Bride Series. While all the books can stand alone, don’t do it! The characters overlap, and each book is a treasure to be enjoyed and savored.
In 1881, Hope’s Crossing in the Texas Panhandle is home to outlaws, renegades, and anyone else looking for a new beginning and a fresh start. Tait Trinity is the star of The Mail Order Bride’s Secret and next in line for a bride. But this particular intended bride, Melanie Dunbar, has a secret as big as Texas and a hidden agenda that could very well spell the end of Tait Trinity. But what is a young lady to do when her life and her twin sister’s life are at stake?
Tait is a wanted outlaw, holed up in Hope’s Crossing and biding his time until he can hopefully secure a pardon for his crimes and begin anew as a free man. Melanie is the daughter of a gambling father who has no qualms about leaving his twin girls to take the heat as he escapes into the night to avoid an angry town. But Melanie is no shrinking violet and has seen her share of saloons, bedrooms, and card games. When Melanie finally arrives in Hope’s Crossing to meet Tait in person, she finds a smoldering hunk of a man and his recently orphaned niece and twin nephews. The situation for both of them has taken a decidedly unexpected turn. Watching these two navigate a new relationship and handle two angry and frightened young boys and their adorable three-year-old little sister will make you laugh and turn you to mush.
Linda Broday has created a believable Texas world and populated it with all sorts of wonderful characters, both good and bad; young and old, who entice, intrigue, and entertain. For Melanie, her marriage to Tait starts off as nothing more than a cruel sham to save herself and her sister, but can she come clean and throw the truth down at Tait’s feet? Can the love they are beginning to feel conquer the betrayal and the danger headed their way? It is only a matter of time before Tait must face the consequences of his past and Melanie must face an incredibly hard decision.
A main theme in The Mail Order Bride’s Secret (in the entire series, actually), is family and what it means to be a family. Children play a vital, contributing role in all these stories, and it is interesting to see how gruff outlaws and women who never knew they wanted children rise to the occasion when children are in need of family and love.
While revenge and shootouts are served up and dished out, The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is ultimately about trust, loyalty, love, and the sweet human need for companionship, family, and friends. Even as the romance heats up between Tait and Melanie, the danger and drama run high as these two first face off against each other before joining forces to outwit and outmaneuver an extremely bad man with an old grudge and no scruples whatsoever in how he exacts revenge. Keep a close eye on Melanie’s father because he is full of surprises and may just steal your heart, and one recurring character in Hope’s Crossing that I personally want to read more about is Dr. Mary and her necklace made of bullets.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.