Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

Saving the Mail Order Bride
(Outlaw Mail Order Brides #2)

Linda Broday
Western Historical Romance
Published in 2019

H/h - Jack Bowdre/Nora Kane
Setting: Texas, 1880.

Read in February-March, 2020.

My rating:

                                                        [spoiler alert]

Saving The Mail Order Bride is the book 2 of Linda Broday’s ongoing western historical romance series, Outlaw Mail Order Brides. I’ve been enjoying this series so far, as I have some of her previously published series. Her easy, to-the-point storytelling has always managed to hook me into a story even before I knew it was happening. This new installment was no different.

The Outlaw Mail Order Brides series is connected to the author’s previous series, Men of Legend. It’s not mandatory to read that series. However, I believe you’d enjoy this new series even more if you read it as the main characters were introduced in Men of Legend either as secondary characters or made a brief appearances. Former outlaw Luke Weston Legend, one of the sons of the well-known rancher Stoker Legend, had been instrumental in making these characters known to us; whom he met while living the life of an outlaw. These men were outlaws just like him, though they wanted to leave that life for good. Motivated by that need, former outlaw—who also worked in Stoker’s ranch for a short time— Clay Colby, alongside a few of his former outlaw buddies, has been trying to build a town. Something to call their own where they can finally settle down and call it a home. But easier said than done. Interested females are hard to come by and Clay and his comrades have been having a difficult time trying to make Devil’s Crossing a habitable place. Located in Texas Panhandle, not only the place was middle of pretty much nowhere, it was a rough terrain still. Though the place was hidden enough with canyons around it, which would make it safer from unwanted snooping, it was also a far cry from the town that Clay wanted to make. This series is mainly based in and around Devil’s Crossing, which has now been renamed as Hope’s Crossing as we find at the end of book 1.

The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride 
Outlaw Mail Order Brides #1

Linda Broday
Historical Romance
Published in 2019

H/h - Clay Colby/Tally Shannon
Setting: Texas, 1879.

Read in July, 2019.

My rating:

                                                         [spoiler alert]

The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride is the first book in Linda Broday’s newest western historical romance series, Outlaw Mail Order Brides. I’m a big fan of western historical romances and read a few of Ms. Broday’s previous series. Been a fan of her writing style and storytelling since I read the series Bachelors of Battle Creek. This new book was no different. A story in general full of a lot of heart and warmth.

Outlaw Mail Order Brides series is connected to the author’s previous series, Men of Legend. Some were played important secondary characters, while others were just featured for a spell. In Men of Legend series, former outlaw Luke Weston Legend, one of the sons of well-known rancher Stoker Legend, had introduced us to some of the characters in this new series; whom he met while living the life of an outlaw. These men were outlaws like him who wanted to leave that life for good. Motivated by that need, former outlaw—who also worked in Stoker’s ranch briefly— Clay Colby, alongside a few of his former outlaw buddies, has been trying to build a town. Something to call their own where they can finally settle down and call it a home. But easier said than done. Interested females are hard to come by and Clay and his comrades have been having a difficult time trying to make Devil’s Crossing a habitable place. Located in Texas Panhandle, not only the place was middle of pretty much nowhere, it was a rough terrain still. Though the place was hidden enough with canyons around it, which would make it safer from unwanted snooping, it was also a far cry from the town that Clay wanted to make it. TBH, he had big dreams but by the looks of how things were going for him, he had no idea whether he can actually make it.

To Marry a Texas Outlaw by Linda Broday

To Marry a Texas Outlaw 
Men of Legend #3

Linday Broday
Western Historical Romance
Published in 2017

H/h - Luke Weston/Josie Morgan
Setting: Texas, 1879.

Read in November-December, 2017.

My rating:

                                                        [spoiler alert]

To Marry a Texas Outlaw is the book 3 of Linda Broday’s Men of Legend series. It was my most anticipated installment of the series because of how much I adored the H, Luke. Since being introduced in book 1, I’ve been waiting for his story. Sadly, have to say it wasn’t how I expected it to be.

Much like Bachelors of Battle Creek, the other series of Linda Broday that I read and loved, Men of Legend focuses on a family or a ‘band of brothers’ if you can call them. Even though, the brothers of Bachelors of Battle Creek series weren’t brothers by blood, these Legends brothers certainly are! The first book focuses on Sam Legend, a former Texas Ranger, who was estranged from his family because of the demands his job used to put on him. Houston is his older brother and shoulders the responsibility of the huge Legend ranch called Lone Star. They met Luke, a brother they didn’t know existed, in Sam’s story.

Sam had enjoyed his job as a Texas Ranger until he thought death had finally caught up with him. A pretty terrifying description is given at the beginning of book 1, To Love a Texas Ranger, when he’s almost hanged by a group of outlaws. When he thought he was done for, a known outlaw he’s been chasing, Luke Weston becomes his unexpected savior. Luke has been so elusive that Sam had a tough time tracking him down, unable to catch him even once despite Sam’s expertise. Yet there was this odd game was being played between the two where Luke seems to chase Sam just as much as he did. And they enjoyed it as well. Why, he couldn’t tell. Until the day Luke saved his life, Sam wouldn’t have thought he’s capable of any good deed. Now he’s willing to rethink his opinion of the outlaw.

The Heart of a Texas Cowboy by Linda Broday

The Heart of a Texas Cowboy
Men of Legend #2

Linda Broday
Western Historical Romance
Published in 2017.

H/h - Houston Legend/Lara Boone
Setting: Texas, 1877.

Read in May, 2017.

My rating:

                                                    [spoiler alert] 

The Heart of a Texas Cowboy is the second installment of Linda Broday’s new series, Men of Legend. I have read her Bachelors of Battle Creek series and loved it, and now I’m loving this series as well. From book 1, I had thought Houston was the brother who had already had his HEA and won’t have a book. Who knew he had such a story to tell of his own?!

Much like Bachelors of Battle Creek, Men of Legend focuses on a family or a ‘band of brothers’ if you can call them. Even though, the brothers of Bachelors of Battle Creek series weren’t brothers by blood, these Legends brothers certainly are! The first book focuses on Sam Legend, a former Texas Ranger, who was estranged from his family because of the demands his job used to put on him. Houston is his older brother and shoulders the responsibility of the huge Legend ranch called Lone Star. They met Luke, a brother they didn’t know existed, in Sam’s story.

Sam had enjoyed his job as a Texas Ranger until he thought death had finally caught up with him. A pretty terrifying description is given at the beginning of book 1, To Love a Texas Ranger, when he’s almost hanged by a group of outlaws. When he thought he was done for, a known outlaw he’s been chasing, Luke Weston becomes his unexpected savior. Luke has been so elusive that Sam had a tough time tracking him down, unable to catch him even once despite Sam’s expertise. Yet there was this odd game was being played between the two where Luke seems to chase Sam just as much as he did. And they enjoyed it as well. Why, he couldn’t tell. Until the day Luke saved his life, Sam wouldn’t have thought he’s capable of any good deed. Now he’s willing to rethink his opinion of the outlaw.

To Love a Texas Ranger by Linda Broday

To Love a Texas Ranger 
Men of Legend #1

Linda Broday
Western Historical Romance
Published in 2016

H/h - Sam Legend/Sierra Hunt
Setting: Texas, 1877.

Read in December, 2016.

My rating:

                                                       [spoiler alert]

Linda Broday’s To Love a Texas Ranger is a brand new western historical romance and book 1 of her Men of Legend series. I’ve been waiting for this one because I read and loved other western historical series, Bachelors of Battle Creek.

Much like Bachelors of Battle Creek, Men of Legend will focus on a family or a ‘band of brothers’ if you can call them. Even though, the brothers of Bachelors of Battle Creek series weren’t brothers by blood, these Legends brothers certainly are! The first book focuses on Sam Legend, a Texas Ranger, estranged from his family for a while because of his job.

Sam Legend always knew he had a wanderer’s soul and the job of a Texas Ranger suited him just fine. Even though his father, Stoker, is one of the richest Ranchers living out there with miles and miles worth of lands and kettle, Sam knew ranching isn’t his call. His elder brother, Houston, was doing great on that regard. However, things weren’t as it seemed. The bond between the father and the brothers were thin, something deteriorated since their mother’s passing some 17yrs. ago. It’s then their father started drinking, becoming way too focused on acquiring more lands and kettle, making more money than caring for his sons. Everyone knew that grief did it to him but that was no excuse. Sam wanted out and even with his father’s protests he got out as soon as he could. Stoker let him, knowing he can’t stop him. After all, he’s a Legend and they are a stubborn lot.

Forever His Texas Bride by Linda Broday

Forever His Texas Bride
Bachelors of Battle Creek #3

Linda Broday
Historical Romance
Pub date: December 1, 2015 (ARC review)

H/h - Brett Liberty/Rayna Harper
Setting: Texas, 1879.
 
Read in November, 2015.

My rating:

                                                      [spoiler alert] 

Forever His Texas Bride brings the conclusion to Linda Broday’s charming western historical romance series, The Bachelors of Battle Creek. I loved the previous 2 installments, and glad to report that this final installment held the same uncomplicated storytelling laced with the same sweetness and courage that never failed to make me smile.

This series tells the tales of three brothers—Cooper Thorne, Rand Sinclair and Brett Liberty, who aren’t brothers by blood but became so by circumstances. But the fierce loyalty and their love for each-other have never wavered. All were orphans when they met. Cooper being the eldest of the three has been taking care of Rand and Brett. Things haven’t changed much as he’s still the ‘big brother’ to them. Tragic past has bound these three men together since childhood. When they escaped the orphan train in search of a better life, the brothers didn’t know the dangers that lay ahead. Fortunately it was because of one kindly man and his contribution to their lives is why they now have a future. Isaac treated them like his own. After his death, they each inherited substantial amount of money to move forward. The brothers then arrived in Battle Creek to start anew.

After what they’ve suffered through, the brothers also took a vow to never to get leg-shacked. They were essentially loners and wanted to stay that way. There was even this bachelors’ club that they opened up to honor their vows. Only they didn’t know that there were 3 women out there to help them conquer their fear of love and commitment.

Guest Post and Giveaway: Must Have Qualities of a Western Historical Romance Hero by Linda Broday, Author of Forever His Texas Bride

Today, I'm delighted to host author Linda Broday, and a guest post I think those of you who love western romances would enjoy a lot. She talks about the 3 must have qualities in her western historical romance heroes (I think I'm quite familiar with those myself having read the Bachelors of Battle Creek series). Alongside, also find a promo on the final installment of this series, Forever His Texas Bride-- the long awaited story of Brett Liberty, the remaining bachelor and brother to Cooper and Rand. My ARC review will be up anytime during this week.

There is a giveaway of a print paperback of Forever His Texas Bride, courtesy of Sourcebooks. To see if you're eligible to enter the giveaway, visit the rafflecopter widget below. Please note that the giveaway ends on December 19, 2015. I'd also recommend liking Punya Reviews facebook page to be notified about the winner.

What 3 Qualities Must a Western Historical Romance Hero Have?

I love writing western historical heroes. The cowboys on the American frontier were among the toughest kind of men in my opinion. The ones I write about must always have honor, physical strength and compassion. There are more but these are the main ones.

My heroes set certain rules for themselves and never betray their personal code. They have the courage to do what’s right no matter what they face. He has the belief that his actions represent more than just himself and his deep convictions often hurtle him into danger. In FOREVER HIS TEXAS BRIDE, Brett Liberty, a half-breed who’s hated and despised for his heritage, fights to save a group of sick Comanche orphans. He knows that bringing them to his Wild Horse Ranch will incite people’s wrath but he’s willing to face whatever he must. He won’t let his neighbor and an army of like-minded people kill these innocents even though the odds are greatly against him. Brett can’t betray his innate sense of what is right. He’ll face death if he has to, but he won’t turn back from the course he’s set.

My men must have not only physical, but mental strength. He’s possessed with a god-awful dogged determination to succeed in his quest and nothing will stop him. Brett Liberty will ride through hell to do what’s right. He’s encountered hate and prejudice all his life, although not on the level he faces in this book. As a boy in an orphanage, he was once chained to the fence and left without food or water, his punishment for trying to escape. And yet, he kept trying until he along with his brothers made it. He has an unyielding hardness about him that makes him a dangerous foe. The villain in this book finds out just how dangerous Brett can be.I just love making bad guys pay for what they do so I took great satisfaction in this story.

But even though my cowboys might have honor and strength in spades, he’s incomplete without compassion and kindness. Beneath the hardness, deep in his core lies tenderness. He can be as rough around the edges as a dried piece of leather, yet he treats women, children and animals with the utmost care. Though Brett stands toe to toe with men filled with hate and prejudice, his gentleness with Rayna, the orphans and his wild mustangs makes my heart melt. He shows the depth of his heart right off in the first of this book. Abigoted sheriff shoots him and throws him in jail. Then he begins building a gallows, intent on hanging him. In the midst of all this, Brett shows Rayna such kindness. She’s in the next cell and he sees how wounded and betrayed she is by life, her father and people. Because of her father’s profession, she’s been spit on and reviled and Brett immediately puts his problems aside in an effort to give her hope.

In this Bachelors of Battle Creek series, Cooper Thorne, Rand Sinclair and now Brett have shown great heart and a toughness reminiscent with true cowboys of yesteryear. If you haven’t tried this series yet, I suggest you start with Texas Mail Order Bride, follow with Twice a Texas Bride and end with FOREVER HIS TEXAS BRIDE. I think you’ll fall in love with these men like I did.