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The Harder They Fall
CHILD OF LOVE
Helene Danforth had loved her late fiancé, though he'd never stirred the passion she knew was in her. So when she found herself alone, unmarried and pregnant with his unborn child, she realized she had to do something to make things right. She never expected that Martin's brother Chris, a Wyoming rancher and rodeo champion, would offer her marriage; she never dreamed she'd be hungering for Chris' long, lean body...
Chris Murdock swore to give his bother's child a secure life, but he wasn't about to let the "innocent" Miss Danforth lure him into her gold digging trap. But Chris soon discovered that he had no defenses against his own fiery longings...
Helene Danforth had loved her late fiancé, though he'd never stirred the passion she knew was in her. So when she found herself alone, unmarried and pregnant with his unborn child, she realized she had to do something to make things right. She never expected that Martin's brother Chris, a Wyoming rancher and rodeo champion, would offer her marriage; she never dreamed she'd be hungering for Chris' long, lean body...
Chris Murdock swore to give his bother's child a secure life, but he wasn't about to let the "innocent" Miss Danforth lure him into her gold digging trap. But Chris soon discovered that he had no defenses against his own fiery longings...
192 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1993
112 people are currently reading
141 people want to read
About the author
Doreen Owens Malek
80 books66 followersaka Faye Morgan
{From Amazon} "I am Doreen Owens Malek, author of over forty books and lifelong fan of romantic fiction. I live in PA with my husband and college student daughter, a mini dachshund and a sun conyer parrot. I would like to tell you a little about myself.
I came to writing by a circuitous route, starting out as an avid reader of JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS and GONE WITH THE WIND and REBECCA and any other similarly themed books I could find. I first worked as a teacher and then graduated from law school when I desired a more lucrative and independent career. I had always been discouraged from pursuing a writing career by the volatile nature of the business and the relatively poor chance for success. But the realization that I needed a focus for the future encouraged me to do what I had always wanted to do. I sold my fledgling novel to the first editor who read it, and I have been writing ever since. I have written all types of books for all types of people, but my favorite literary pursuit is and always has been romance. Nothing is as rewarding as hearing from my readers, so please use my website to communicate your thoughts and criticisms, as I am always eager to learn from you.
A romance novel rarely disappoints me: in an uncertain world filled with tragedy and sadness, reading about an appealing woman finding a strong man to love her and share her life is the perfect escape. I like to read and write stories in which the main characters overcome obstacles to get together, and then stay together because their mutual devotion cannot be denied no matter what else is happening around them. They always HELP each other and reinforce the quaint but enduring notion that love conquers all - at least in the fictional universe of my imagination. So pull up a chair and take down a book- or pick up a Kindle- and join me in a world where the heroes are tough and headstrong but never boorish and the heroines are feminine and sympathetic but never helpless."
{From Amazon} "I am Doreen Owens Malek, author of over forty books and lifelong fan of romantic fiction. I live in PA with my husband and college student daughter, a mini dachshund and a sun conyer parrot. I would like to tell you a little about myself.
I came to writing by a circuitous route, starting out as an avid reader of JANE EYRE and WUTHERING HEIGHTS and GONE WITH THE WIND and REBECCA and any other similarly themed books I could find. I first worked as a teacher and then graduated from law school when I desired a more lucrative and independent career. I had always been discouraged from pursuing a writing career by the volatile nature of the business and the relatively poor chance for success. But the realization that I needed a focus for the future encouraged me to do what I had always wanted to do. I sold my fledgling novel to the first editor who read it, and I have been writing ever since. I have written all types of books for all types of people, but my favorite literary pursuit is and always has been romance. Nothing is as rewarding as hearing from my readers, so please use my website to communicate your thoughts and criticisms, as I am always eager to learn from you.
A romance novel rarely disappoints me: in an uncertain world filled with tragedy and sadness, reading about an appealing woman finding a strong man to love her and share her life is the perfect escape. I like to read and write stories in which the main characters overcome obstacles to get together, and then stay together because their mutual devotion cannot be denied no matter what else is happening around them. They always HELP each other and reinforce the quaint but enduring notion that love conquers all - at least in the fictional universe of my imagination. So pull up a chair and take down a book- or pick up a Kindle- and join me in a world where the heroes are tough and headstrong but never boorish and the heroines are feminine and sympathetic but never helpless."
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 5, 2022
Typhoon of tackiness. Heroine goes from one brother to the next. The funeral is hardly over when the "hero" proposes, for the sake of her unborn child of course. Soon, the promises of a chaste marriage of convenience are forgotten and they are jumping each other's bones and reminiscing about how much they lusted for each other when they first met but had to keep it under wraps because the older brother was still alive. He dreamt of her at night and she gave her virginity to her fiance hoping it would cure her of wanting his younger brother. It's one thing to succumb to lust but to make your emotional cheating and disloyalty to your dearly departed brother/fiance your pillow talk is unimaginably callous. But the talk of how much they wanted each other makes these two depraved lunatics even hotter for each other. On top of it, there is an extremely inappropriate housekeeper who keeps poking her nose into her employers' private lives, including fishing out a pregnancy test from the trash can and showing it to the hero, in a huge violation of heroine's privacy. And the hero's ex-girlfriend won't be stopped by the proverbial black hole despite knowing he is married and his wife is expecting, with the hero enabling it and relishing his wife's jealousy. I told you, total typhoon of tackiness ugh.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 24, 2012
When the book starts the heroine is with her new fiancee, about to meet her brother in law. From the outset we are told her engagement is not a love match. Martin her fiancee is a good man, who helped her family out when they were in a bind due to her father's legal troubles and then proposed to her. She refused at first but being sheltered and having no experience she agreed, since she respected and cared for Martin. Then she meets his brother Chris who takes a dislike to her and even though Martin tells him it is because of his brother's initial upbringing with his alcoholic mother, that has him so suspicious, it makes her uncomfortable and they cut their visit short.
Helene doesn't feel right with the engagement so thinks maybe being intimate may make her feel more, so she loses her virginity but the experience doesn't make her feel differently about Martin and six weeks later she receives a phone call from Chris telling her Martin is dead.
She attends the funeral knowing she is pregnant and when Chris finds out he proposes a marriage of convenience since he doesn't want his brother's child to go through the same stigma he did, of being illegitimate.
At the start things don't go very well between them, Chris took her to be a gold-digger at the start and does his best to ignore her and she in turn does too but for some reason his late night absences and his old girlfriend's make her jealous. All the while the housekeeper tells her to be patient, his childhood has left scars that make it difficult for him to trust.
Soon things do get better, she finds that her jealousies are unfounded and soon they are in love and happy though Chris still has a hard time letting go of his past and how shameful it is and how it isn't fit for her. She tries to make him see that it doesn't matter to her and then they have a fight and while he is gone, she mis-carries.
She decides to leave and file for divorce then, while he is wallowing in guilt. They do work things through.
If I had to describe this book, I would say it was a quick, decent read. I did feel the hero was the one more hung up about his past than anyone else. All in all a decent read.
Helene doesn't feel right with the engagement so thinks maybe being intimate may make her feel more, so she loses her virginity but the experience doesn't make her feel differently about Martin and six weeks later she receives a phone call from Chris telling her Martin is dead.
She attends the funeral knowing she is pregnant and when Chris finds out he proposes a marriage of convenience since he doesn't want his brother's child to go through the same stigma he did, of being illegitimate.
At the start things don't go very well between them, Chris took her to be a gold-digger at the start and does his best to ignore her and she in turn does too but for some reason his late night absences and his old girlfriend's make her jealous. All the while the housekeeper tells her to be patient, his childhood has left scars that make it difficult for him to trust.
Soon things do get better, she finds that her jealousies are unfounded and soon they are in love and happy though Chris still has a hard time letting go of his past and how shameful it is and how it isn't fit for her. She tries to make him see that it doesn't matter to her and then they have a fight and while he is gone, she mis-carries.
She decides to leave and file for divorce then, while he is wallowing in guilt. They do work things through.
If I had to describe this book, I would say it was a quick, decent read. I did feel the hero was the one more hung up about his past than anyone else. All in all a decent read.
August 3, 2012
Writing was decent, but the whole story felt very rushed and choppy, and was, overall, very cheesy. This is an older category romance, which I don't normally read, so maybe this is typical of other books in the 'Silhouette Desire' line. This is the first book I've read by this author, and since I have many of her books on by TBR because of Kindle freebies - I will give her another shot. My guess is this book is just not her best sample. The story was full of silly misunderstandings, and stubborn and childish behavior from both hero and heroine.
December 20, 2018
new 2 this author, interesting style, i love Montana and Wyoming ...so i really enjoy reading books set in those states ...not sure which cover is right, both social sites are way different. will read more from Doreen soon enough!! such a new fan. ( :
March 20, 2012
Helene was going to marry Martin but before doing so, Martin wanted Helene to meet his younger brother Chris who ran a ranch out in Wyoming. So Helene and Martin traveled there to meet him, upon their arrival Chris seemed to despise Helene, saying she was a manipulator and a gold digger and he wasn't fooled by her. When Helene asked to leave, Martin obliged.
Two weeks before their wedding Martin was dead, Helene was pregnant and Chris was demanding she marry him for the babies sake, leaving out the fact that he was in love with her. Helene shared the same secret, she had fallen for Chris when she should still be wanting Martin. After feeling a bit guilty, she finally accepted. They were wed and then a couple months down the road, they had a fight and Helene lost the baby while Chris was out of town.
Now Helene is heading back to New Jersey and wants a divorce, Chris obviously doesn't trust her, so there is nothing left to say but Chris has other plans...
I enjoyed this book, it was really sweet and complicated at the same time. I thought it was an adorable harlequin compared to what is out there now and I can tell you in the future, I will be reading it again. It's definitely on my favorites list!
Two weeks before their wedding Martin was dead, Helene was pregnant and Chris was demanding she marry him for the babies sake, leaving out the fact that he was in love with her. Helene shared the same secret, she had fallen for Chris when she should still be wanting Martin. After feeling a bit guilty, she finally accepted. They were wed and then a couple months down the road, they had a fight and Helene lost the baby while Chris was out of town.
Now Helene is heading back to New Jersey and wants a divorce, Chris obviously doesn't trust her, so there is nothing left to say but Chris has other plans...
I enjoyed this book, it was really sweet and complicated at the same time. I thought it was an adorable harlequin compared to what is out there now and I can tell you in the future, I will be reading it again. It's definitely on my favorites list!
December 8, 2018
Switching love
OMG! That was amazing. It appears had something else in mind for Chris and Helene and Martin was the connection to get those two together. The sexual chemistry between those two was just leaping off the page. A great story with a happy ending deserving of two great people.
OMG! That was amazing. It appears had something else in mind for Chris and Helene and Martin was the connection to get those two together. The sexual chemistry between those two was just leaping off the page. A great story with a happy ending deserving of two great people.
July 11, 2020
This story line was very well done. I felt for all of the main characters and can only imagine the stress and guilt someone would feel in this situation. The story was smooth and the editing was great. I liked the way the author worked the H and h through their grief into their marriage and their HEA. This was the best tribute to Martin possible.
December 9, 2018
Found on FreeBooksy - Not my usual cuppa tea, (not a murder mystery) but I'm so glad I tried it - very touching story with " real" characters - and besides that, this author has a command of English and description not seen often today. I'll be checking out what else she has to offer.
December 9, 2018
Romance
What to say. The story lacked warmth. It’s a plot I’ve seen done better. Characters are distinct but missing a connection.
What to say. The story lacked warmth. It’s a plot I’ve seen done better. Characters are distinct but missing a connection.
December 10, 2018
Started out with Chris being a total ass but he totally redeemed himself and fought for what he wanted. Totally love that in a character.
December 28, 2018
Quick read
This was a good, quick read. I enjoyed the story as well as the happy
Ending. Curl up with a blanket for the afternoon to read this book..
This was a good, quick read. I enjoyed the story as well as the happy
Ending. Curl up with a blanket for the afternoon to read this book..
January 16, 2019
This was kind of strange if you ask me this would had happen (maybe) 150 years or so but not by today standards I don't think. But all in all a good one if you want to read something different.
September 22, 2013
In a few words summation: A J-rk hero and an almost d-mat heroine.
**spoiler**
I read the other reviews but none of them clearly pointed out that the Hero is a jerk to the heroine from their first meeting - onward - because he thinks she's in it for the money. The author attempted to excuse his rudeness, and at more than one occassion a real j..rk, by telling us a hard upbringing. I said that's not an excuse to be rude to someone you just met, more so when you have no concrete reason. It really got on my nerves that the author spend more than three chapters excusing the hero's a-holeness. Sure he can be distrustful of women because of his mother's bad example (I can even say I won't blame him) but he does not have to take it on someone. (I am glad not all kids with hard beginnings end up like him)
And the heroine, she is really pushing it to the TSTL line for me because she keep swallowing the excuses they are making for the hero's callous behaviour towards her. The first, the second or even the third times sure you can forgive for family's sake and goodwill. But to just stay there and take the emotional beatings over and over again just because you are attracted to the man is just plain to the doormat for me.
The .5 star for me is because at the last chapter the hero did see the proverbial light, unfortunately the excuse of a heroine took the hero with open arms before he even finished the word sorry. Oh, and the hero's excuse of his a-holeness is because he is attracted to the heroine who was then his brother's fiancee. I realize not all will see things my way so I am putting this out for those wanting information before buying.
**spoiler**
I read the other reviews but none of them clearly pointed out that the Hero is a jerk to the heroine from their first meeting - onward - because he thinks she's in it for the money. The author attempted to excuse his rudeness, and at more than one occassion a real j..rk, by telling us a hard upbringing. I said that's not an excuse to be rude to someone you just met, more so when you have no concrete reason. It really got on my nerves that the author spend more than three chapters excusing the hero's a-holeness. Sure he can be distrustful of women because of his mother's bad example (I can even say I won't blame him) but he does not have to take it on someone. (I am glad not all kids with hard beginnings end up like him)
And the heroine, she is really pushing it to the TSTL line for me because she keep swallowing the excuses they are making for the hero's callous behaviour towards her. The first, the second or even the third times sure you can forgive for family's sake and goodwill. But to just stay there and take the emotional beatings over and over again just because you are attracted to the man is just plain to the doormat for me.
The .5 star for me is because at the last chapter the hero did see the proverbial light, unfortunately the excuse of a heroine took the hero with open arms before he even finished the word sorry. Oh, and the hero's excuse of his a-holeness is because he is attracted to the heroine who was then his brother's fiancee. I realize not all will see things my way so I am putting this out for those wanting information before buying.
December 30, 2018
Completely unexpected yet amazing story!
Helene agrees to marry her friend, Martin, but is unnerved when she meets her fiance's brother, Chris, who seems to hate her on sight. When Martin's untimely death leaves her pregnant before they can marry, Chris assumes the worst in her motives yet has his own reasons for wanting to make sure his brother's child is taken care of.
Helene is a terrific character, guided by an inner strength that doesn't quite hide her vulnerability. Chris comes across as needlessly insensitive at first, but once we learn his entire story his role takes on new dimensions and we see him for the hero he truly is inside.
I loved this unique story; despite a familiar setup, this book takes a few unexpected turns and quietly makes the case for the all-consuming power of love.
Helene agrees to marry her friend, Martin, but is unnerved when she meets her fiance's brother, Chris, who seems to hate her on sight. When Martin's untimely death leaves her pregnant before they can marry, Chris assumes the worst in her motives yet has his own reasons for wanting to make sure his brother's child is taken care of.
Helene is a terrific character, guided by an inner strength that doesn't quite hide her vulnerability. Chris comes across as needlessly insensitive at first, but once we learn his entire story his role takes on new dimensions and we see him for the hero he truly is inside.
I loved this unique story; despite a familiar setup, this book takes a few unexpected turns and quietly makes the case for the all-consuming power of love.
June 29, 2014
First off I have never read this author before so I wasn't sure how her writing was going to be and I also didn't realize that this book is an older book so it is a bit dated. The first " love scene" is completely behind closed doors and the rest are fade to black, for those who are looking for a "clean" romance this is your book. However the writing was amateurish and the characters were cardboard cut outs. =/
January 17, 2015
2.5 ish. The book was okay. But I had
problems with the couple. Him never getting over his past. The way never trusted her. How every one expected her to accept everything about him without any backstory, which would helpful. And i mean just because you love a guy doesn't mean you can live with him. if he never trusted her, always is doubting her, the relationship will never last. he had to make changes to they elect her to all of them. overall, decent read.
problems with the couple. Him never getting over his past. The way never trusted her. How every one expected her to accept everything about him without any backstory, which would helpful. And i mean just because you love a guy doesn't mean you can live with him. if he never trusted her, always is doubting her, the relationship will never last. he had to make changes to they elect her to all of them. overall, decent read.
April 11, 2012
Der Titel wird dem Buch nicht gerecht, aber ansonsten fand ich diese Coboy-Lovestory sehr spannend, ein paar Logiklöcher, aber ich bin ein Fan des Marriage-of-Convenience Themas, was will ich also mehr!
July 1, 2015
Good story, I thought Martin being yanked out of the story was quite sudden. Chris had some issues he needed to work past that almost cost him the love of his life. He learned to fix it before it was almost too late. All in all it was a good read.
September 9, 2016
There are no surprises in this book. It is not bad or good it just is.
Want to read
June 5, 2012Free Kindle book June 5, 2012.
September 30, 2012
There was such heartache in this book. It takes a lot for Chris to be able to trust. When he trust completely it just might be too late.
March 5, 2015
Great read
It had a great story line. The love story was good. There was plenty of drama. Definitely would recommend for a quick read.
It had a great story line. The love story was good. There was plenty of drama. Definitely would recommend for a quick read.
June 1, 2016
Good book
This was a good book to read. Sad and then nice. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
This was a good book to read. Sad and then nice. I cannot wait to read more from this author.
Read
January 5, 2017Did not read...added in error
January 19, 2015
I liked this book!
March 9, 2019
Absolutely love it
Wonderful realistic story. It is totally relatable. I plan on reading again and will recommend it to others. Just wonderful.
Wonderful realistic story. It is totally relatable. I plan on reading again and will recommend it to others. Just wonderful.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews