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The Ladies of Cascade Creek #1.5
Romancing Rosalie: A Cascade Creek Christmas
Rosalie Weld's fiancé has a mistress, and he doesn't intend to give her up just for marriage. After breaking her engagement, Rosalie flees Boston for her cousin's homestead in the Colorado Territory and it might just be the perfect refuge, if she can learn to accept the hard work and solitude of frontier life.
Even on her journey, she can't avoid womanizers like Garrett Ballinger, who stumbles out of a brothel and straight onto the stagecoach. But Rosalie will be safe when she arrives in Cascade Creek; the local marshal will escort her to Audra's homestead.
Trouble is, Garrett is the marshal and he's plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. He may not be the man she thinks he is, but she can't trust him--until she's forced to. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie's frozen heart?
Even on her journey, she can't avoid womanizers like Garrett Ballinger, who stumbles out of a brothel and straight onto the stagecoach. But Rosalie will be safe when she arrives in Cascade Creek; the local marshal will escort her to Audra's homestead.
Trouble is, Garrett is the marshal and he's plenty interested in the pretty Easterner. He may not be the man she thinks he is, but she can't trust him--until she's forced to. Can a Christmas miracle warm up Rosalie's frozen heart?
65 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 23, 2014
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233 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
August 4, 2014
After reading "Loving Lucas", Ann Marie invited me to participate in an event and, as I subscribed to her newsletter, I won a copy of "Romancing Rosalie".
In a way, this is very different than "Loving Lucas" but we do get reacquainted with both Lucas and Audra as Rosalie is Audra's cousin.
Rosalie is a woman after my heart. Without getting into more détails than what has already been said in the short summary presenting the book, let's say that I like how Rosalie went from what she was to becoming a strong woman. A woman who knows what she's expecting from life, what she likes and what she doesn't like. I can't help but applaud her for daring to leave Boston like she did and head over to the unknown.
I like how things evolved between her and the gruffy marshal. Loved the argument between her and her ex-fiancé when he chased her all the way to Cascade Creeks. What he jerk he is - I have to say that I love to hate a well-written villain. :) And I absolutely loved Garrett's intervention and felt like shouting: "Yes, way to go," and clap my wings - hum, sorry, I meant my hands - when the marshal dealt with the ex-fiancé.
All in all, it was a good read and I can't wait to see what other readers will think of the different characters.
Well done, AnnMarie.
In a way, this is very different than "Loving Lucas" but we do get reacquainted with both Lucas and Audra as Rosalie is Audra's cousin.
Rosalie is a woman after my heart. Without getting into more détails than what has already been said in the short summary presenting the book, let's say that I like how Rosalie went from what she was to becoming a strong woman. A woman who knows what she's expecting from life, what she likes and what she doesn't like. I can't help but applaud her for daring to leave Boston like she did and head over to the unknown.
I like how things evolved between her and the gruffy marshal. Loved the argument between her and her ex-fiancé when he chased her all the way to Cascade Creeks. What he jerk he is - I have to say that I love to hate a well-written villain. :) And I absolutely loved Garrett's intervention and felt like shouting: "Yes, way to go," and clap my wings - hum, sorry, I meant my hands - when the marshal dealt with the ex-fiancé.
All in all, it was a good read and I can't wait to see what other readers will think of the different characters.
Well done, AnnMarie.
September 1, 2014
A quick read about a young woman who's been pampered and sheltered her whole life by her parents. Rosalie is engaged to be married to Winslow and is looking forward to their wedding when she hears a disturbing rumour. She decides the way to go is to ask Winslow outright if what she's heard is true. Winslow arrogantly confirms that not only does he have a mistress, but she's pregnant and he has no intention of giving her up.
Rosalie determines to run away especially after her parents try to tell her that's the norm, that husbands have mistresses. Rosalie leaves and goes to visit her cousin Audra. This is where she meets Garrett the town marshal.
This is a pleasant story that is simplistically written, I felt it might have benefitted from a little more depth. In particular there is a complete lack of description of the characters. The ending felt a little rushed as well.
Rosalie determines to run away especially after her parents try to tell her that's the norm, that husbands have mistresses. Rosalie leaves and goes to visit her cousin Audra. This is where she meets Garrett the town marshal.
This is a pleasant story that is simplistically written, I felt it might have benefitted from a little more depth. In particular there is a complete lack of description of the characters. The ending felt a little rushed as well.
October 1, 2014
Short, sweet, adorable!
Rosalie Weld and Marshall Garrett Ballinger haven't met under the best circumstances. Rosalie was fleeing Boston after her fiancé's mistress is rumored to be pregnant with his child - a mistress she didn't know even existed, one that the so-called fiancé is not willing to give up, either. Garrett was thrown out of a brothel, nearly knocking her out. She knows she doesn't need any more womanizers like her ex in her life. But is Garrett all that she made him to be? And what happens when they end up spending a snow storm together?
Romancing Rosalie was just the read I needed now that the summer days are over, and it's getting colder each week. Hot coffee in hand, warm blanket around me, it was really nice to have a cute Christmas romance to read. It wasn't fast, and it was way too predictable, but it was still appreciated.
Rosalie was one of those females that you can't help but adore. She was sweet, and she tried to stand on her own two feet, without being too much of a tomboy - which would have been unrealistic for someone of her upraising. She was a true lady, and one that, despite soft-spoken, didn't take flaws like adultery lightly just because it was expected of her. She was hurt from being cheated on, and she understandably became cautious of men, but not in a way that would have made others pity her as a victim. In other words, her dignity was her most positive trait.
Garrett, too, was a main hero really well-crafted. He was an Alpha male, but not in a bold way - you know, the animal-like resemblance that makes Alphas bang their fists on their chests like King Kong? Instead he was patient, understanding, and romanced Rosalie to the point where I nearly got glued in my chair from the sweetness! That, of course, didn't mean he was a wuss. When his woman needed him, he took the lead, and he was mighty fierce when he was in protective mode. Plus, any man who can make love like that, is allowed any kind of corny and cheesy actions, I say.
Now that I've read about Rosalie, I'm really curious about how Audra and her husband met. I read somewhere she was a gun-wielding, capable woman, so I think I'll make sure to read that book, too!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
Rosalie Weld and Marshall Garrett Ballinger haven't met under the best circumstances. Rosalie was fleeing Boston after her fiancé's mistress is rumored to be pregnant with his child - a mistress she didn't know even existed, one that the so-called fiancé is not willing to give up, either. Garrett was thrown out of a brothel, nearly knocking her out. She knows she doesn't need any more womanizers like her ex in her life. But is Garrett all that she made him to be? And what happens when they end up spending a snow storm together?
Romancing Rosalie was just the read I needed now that the summer days are over, and it's getting colder each week. Hot coffee in hand, warm blanket around me, it was really nice to have a cute Christmas romance to read. It wasn't fast, and it was way too predictable, but it was still appreciated.
Rosalie was one of those females that you can't help but adore. She was sweet, and she tried to stand on her own two feet, without being too much of a tomboy - which would have been unrealistic for someone of her upraising. She was a true lady, and one that, despite soft-spoken, didn't take flaws like adultery lightly just because it was expected of her. She was hurt from being cheated on, and she understandably became cautious of men, but not in a way that would have made others pity her as a victim. In other words, her dignity was her most positive trait.
Garrett, too, was a main hero really well-crafted. He was an Alpha male, but not in a bold way - you know, the animal-like resemblance that makes Alphas bang their fists on their chests like King Kong? Instead he was patient, understanding, and romanced Rosalie to the point where I nearly got glued in my chair from the sweetness! That, of course, didn't mean he was a wuss. When his woman needed him, he took the lead, and he was mighty fierce when he was in protective mode. Plus, any man who can make love like that, is allowed any kind of corny and cheesy actions, I say.
Now that I've read about Rosalie, I'm really curious about how Audra and her husband met. I read somewhere she was a gun-wielding, capable woman, so I think I'll make sure to read that book, too!
***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.***
Read this and other reviews at: http://cupcakesandpopcorn.wordpress.com/
November 2, 2016
When Rosalie hears her fiance has a mistress - who is pregnant - she confronts him about it expecting him to say it's not true. But it is true and he doesn't plan on giving her up after the wedding. Rosalie breaks the engagement and goes to Cascade Creek in the Colorado Territory to visit her cousin, Audra. Even though the don't know she is coming, Audra and her husband, Lucas, welcome Rosalie.
Garrett is the marshal and a friend of Lucas' who takes Rosalie to her cousin's house since she had bought supplies to last several months and he had a wagon. She didn't think much of him because the first time she saw him he was tossed out of a saloon and a "lady of the night" was calling to him to come back in.
What kind people Audra and Lucas are to let Rosalie stay with them, especially when she is due to have her first baby any day. Rosalie learns how to cook and helps with the chores. Which is a good thing because when Audra goes into labor, Rosalie stays to care for the animals. When Garrett learns Rosalie is alone he goes to check on her. When a blizzard blows in they are both stranded there together making it hard for them to ignore their attraction.
I loved what a strong woman Rosalie was. She wouldn't put up with marrying just because she was suppose to but had enough pride in herself to leave. It took a lot of courage to travel from Boston to Cascade Creek on her own. She was a woman before her time.
Even though Rosalie didn't get a good first impression of Garrett she did like him as she got to know him. He was a kind, patient and protective man who was hard not to like.
I was impressed with the detail in this book since it was such a quick read. I love all the Cascade Creek books and will be reading them again.
I did receive a complementary copy of this book but I am reviewing it on my own as I do with all the books I read.
Garrett is the marshal and a friend of Lucas' who takes Rosalie to her cousin's house since she had bought supplies to last several months and he had a wagon. She didn't think much of him because the first time she saw him he was tossed out of a saloon and a "lady of the night" was calling to him to come back in.
What kind people Audra and Lucas are to let Rosalie stay with them, especially when she is due to have her first baby any day. Rosalie learns how to cook and helps with the chores. Which is a good thing because when Audra goes into labor, Rosalie stays to care for the animals. When Garrett learns Rosalie is alone he goes to check on her. When a blizzard blows in they are both stranded there together making it hard for them to ignore their attraction.
I loved what a strong woman Rosalie was. She wouldn't put up with marrying just because she was suppose to but had enough pride in herself to leave. It took a lot of courage to travel from Boston to Cascade Creek on her own. She was a woman before her time.
Even though Rosalie didn't get a good first impression of Garrett she did like him as she got to know him. He was a kind, patient and protective man who was hard not to like.
I was impressed with the detail in this book since it was such a quick read. I love all the Cascade Creek books and will be reading them again.
I did receive a complementary copy of this book but I am reviewing it on my own as I do with all the books I read.
August 31, 2014
Quick sweet romance.
Rosalie Weld is happy, she's engaged to a wonderful man she loves and is busy planning her wedding but then she hears a rumour that her fiancé Winslow has a mistress and to make matters worse this mistress is expecting, it can't possibly be true but when she confronts him he admits that not only is it true but he's not giving up the mistress even after he's married. Rosalie can't live with this and leaves Boston and travels alone to visit her cousin in Cascade Creek in the Colorado Territory, it's a difficult journey to make alone but she does it. While switching from the train to the stagecoach in Denver a man stumbles out of the brothel and nearly knocks her down, well at least she'll never see him again, but it would appear this isn't true since he's not only on her stagecoach he's the Marshall of Cascade Creek, and Rosalie has to wonder what is it about her, men and scarlet women.
This is an enjoyable enough romance, it's a quick read with likeable characters, the ending seemed a little rushed but maybe that's just me I am a fan of epilogues after all, some might complain that a couple of parts, one in particular wasn't realistic but my opinion is that it's a romance not a history book so just go with it.
Rosalie Weld is happy, she's engaged to a wonderful man she loves and is busy planning her wedding but then she hears a rumour that her fiancé Winslow has a mistress and to make matters worse this mistress is expecting, it can't possibly be true but when she confronts him he admits that not only is it true but he's not giving up the mistress even after he's married. Rosalie can't live with this and leaves Boston and travels alone to visit her cousin in Cascade Creek in the Colorado Territory, it's a difficult journey to make alone but she does it. While switching from the train to the stagecoach in Denver a man stumbles out of the brothel and nearly knocks her down, well at least she'll never see him again, but it would appear this isn't true since he's not only on her stagecoach he's the Marshall of Cascade Creek, and Rosalie has to wonder what is it about her, men and scarlet women.
This is an enjoyable enough romance, it's a quick read with likeable characters, the ending seemed a little rushed but maybe that's just me I am a fan of epilogues after all, some might complain that a couple of parts, one in particular wasn't realistic but my opinion is that it's a romance not a history book so just go with it.
June 10, 2015
"A Short Romance Story in the Wild West Days"
After breaking her engagement with arrogant and misleading Winslow, Rosalie Weld is heartbroken. Winslow has refused to give up his mistress which at that time was very common among the male elite. Born and raised in the advantaged lifestyle in Boston, her parents are shocked and non-supportive of her decision. For Rosalie, marriage is about love, not about status and role playing. She makes the decision to go west to Cascade Creek in the Colorado Territory to visit her cousin at her isolated homestead. Audra is expecting her first child around Christmas time. Rosalie travels alone from Boston to Denver on the Union Pacific. When she arrives in Cascade Creek, she goes to a general store to purchase many supplies to contribute to Audra and her husband as she may be staying with her for several winter months. She needs transportation to the homestead and finds the local marshal, Garrett Ballinger, will drive the wagon and supplies for her. This is a great story of a woman becoming independent, learning how to survive in the wild west. The characters are compelling, and the novel is sweetly written. I really enjoyed the story line.
After breaking her engagement with arrogant and misleading Winslow, Rosalie Weld is heartbroken. Winslow has refused to give up his mistress which at that time was very common among the male elite. Born and raised in the advantaged lifestyle in Boston, her parents are shocked and non-supportive of her decision. For Rosalie, marriage is about love, not about status and role playing. She makes the decision to go west to Cascade Creek in the Colorado Territory to visit her cousin at her isolated homestead. Audra is expecting her first child around Christmas time. Rosalie travels alone from Boston to Denver on the Union Pacific. When she arrives in Cascade Creek, she goes to a general store to purchase many supplies to contribute to Audra and her husband as she may be staying with her for several winter months. She needs transportation to the homestead and finds the local marshal, Garrett Ballinger, will drive the wagon and supplies for her. This is a great story of a woman becoming independent, learning how to survive in the wild west. The characters are compelling, and the novel is sweetly written. I really enjoyed the story line.
August 26, 2014
To say that I laughed my butt off while reading most of this short story is an understatement. I REALLY love Rosalie AND Garrett!! From scene to scene to scene, it just got more comical to me. The way they first met, then the train and then the ride to the ranch. I mean HOLY fun reading! Very entertaining all around. The character of Rosalie and Garrett both were so well developed, you couldn't help but love them. As in Loving Lucas, this story was feisty and fun and a page turner. It's actually too bad it was so short. And the snowstorm ...... wowser kids (you'll have to read to understand) let's just say that love is IN THE AIR and leave it at that! LOL
My very highest compliments to AnnMarie Oakes with this series. The woman, the men, everyone has just been a delight to read!
***Copy provided via author for an honest review*** and boy am I glad she did because this series has been a wonderful historical western to read!
My very highest compliments to AnnMarie Oakes with this series. The woman, the men, everyone has just been a delight to read!
***Copy provided via author for an honest review*** and boy am I glad she did because this series has been a wonderful historical western to read!
October 26, 2016
I received a free copy of this book and chose to post a review with no compensation.
Rosalie lives in Boston with her family and is engaged to a stuffy man. Unfortunately, Rosalie has found out that he has a mistress and a baby on the way. She confronts him and he had hoped to keep it from her. Since her mother insists that Rosalie still marry him, she decides to visit her Cousin Audra. Her introduction to the wild west is interesting to say the least. When she arrives in Denver, she has a layover. On her way to the hotel a man falls out of a brothel and falls down in front of her and laughs. On the stagecoach to Cascade Creek, the man from Denver draws his gun and the outlaws leave quickly. When she arrives in Cascade Creek, she is told the marshal might take her. Guess who the marshal is. Will her cousin be welcoming since Rosalie had no time for a letter to her?
Rosalie lives in Boston with her family and is engaged to a stuffy man. Unfortunately, Rosalie has found out that he has a mistress and a baby on the way. She confronts him and he had hoped to keep it from her. Since her mother insists that Rosalie still marry him, she decides to visit her Cousin Audra. Her introduction to the wild west is interesting to say the least. When she arrives in Denver, she has a layover. On her way to the hotel a man falls out of a brothel and falls down in front of her and laughs. On the stagecoach to Cascade Creek, the man from Denver draws his gun and the outlaws leave quickly. When she arrives in Cascade Creek, she is told the marshal might take her. Guess who the marshal is. Will her cousin be welcoming since Rosalie had no time for a letter to her?
August 17, 2020
Not much interaction between the hero and heroine
September 26, 2014
I received a free kindle copy of Romancing Rosalie - A Cascade Creek Christmas: A Ladies of Cascade Creek Novella (The Ladies of Cascade Creek) (Volume 5) by AnnMarie Oaks from Amazon for fair review. I gave it two stars.
This novella is a historical western romance. While most of the writing seems within keeping of the era in which stagecoaches would be ridden, some of it seems incongruous with that time frame. Or perhaps I'm simply naive. I don't think young ladies who had been sheltered from activities where a man may have a mistress, would be so quick to place themselves in a sexually charged setting with a man of fairly recent acquaintance.
Rosalie Weld, the young heroine is engaged to Winslow & just received some unpleasant news about his character. "She frowned. “Katherine, what are you talking about?” “Winslow’s … situation.” Katherine released Rosalie and began twisting the ribbons that decorated her reticule."
She turns to her mother for comfort. She doesn't receive it. Instead she is told: “Winslow cares for you in his own way. That is all you can expect.” Her mother waved her hand as if to wipe Rosalie’s concerns away."
"Humiliation and misery had been replaced by anger. Her whole body vibrated with rage— rage at Winslow for not being the man she thought he was, and rage at her parents for not believing she deserved better."
She decided to travel to Colorado to her cousin's home. "There was no time to post a letter to Audra and Lilah regarding her visit, as she would likely arrive at the same time as the mail. However, based upon their correspondence, she was sure an invitation would have been extended had she inquired. She didn’t allow herself to imagine differently."
She confronted Winslow & he was quick to admit it but not inclined to give up his mistress who was with child. The following is in the note she leaves behind for him. "I must tell you that your shameful behavior has broken my heart and I am unwilling to proceed with our marriage. Despite assurances that your situation is not at all unusual, I find myself unable to put it in the past and forget what I have learned regarding your character."
Her ride in the stagecoach was something with which she had previously been unacquainted. "Unpleasant smells emanating from the other passengers wafted her way and she surreptitiously tried to keep the end of her scarf over her nose and mouth. Her head ached and her stomach rolled. Her toes were frozen."
Garrett Ballinger was a lawman she met on the way to Cousin Audra's house. "He was rough around the edges, but he’d become entwined in her runaway flight. She frowned as she remembered where she met him. His heroism on the stagecoach kept overriding the image of him sprawled on the plank sidewalk outside a brothel."
To earn her keep, she attempted to help with the household chores. "Rosalie was still trying to get the hang of milking but was secretly proud of her progress with cooking. “Rosalie, these biscuits are your best yet.”
Garrett's smile changed his appearance. "His friendly grin softened the hard planes of his face, making him quite handsome."
He tells her “I’m sorry, Rosalie, for your pain. I’m not sorry you came here.”
They end sleeping on the floor in front of a fireplace. Audra had gone to the midwife & Rosalie stayed behind to tend the animals. Garrett showed up to help her. They reach a place of intimacy very quickly. "An ache pulsed through her, settling low in her belly. It was desire— hot and languid, eager and shy."
Winslow travels to Colorado because the arranged marriage would have been good for his business. He's quickly set straight & Garrett places him into a stagecoach to return to Boston.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500...
This novella is a historical western romance. While most of the writing seems within keeping of the era in which stagecoaches would be ridden, some of it seems incongruous with that time frame. Or perhaps I'm simply naive. I don't think young ladies who had been sheltered from activities where a man may have a mistress, would be so quick to place themselves in a sexually charged setting with a man of fairly recent acquaintance.
Rosalie Weld, the young heroine is engaged to Winslow & just received some unpleasant news about his character. "She frowned. “Katherine, what are you talking about?” “Winslow’s … situation.” Katherine released Rosalie and began twisting the ribbons that decorated her reticule."
She turns to her mother for comfort. She doesn't receive it. Instead she is told: “Winslow cares for you in his own way. That is all you can expect.” Her mother waved her hand as if to wipe Rosalie’s concerns away."
"Humiliation and misery had been replaced by anger. Her whole body vibrated with rage— rage at Winslow for not being the man she thought he was, and rage at her parents for not believing she deserved better."
She decided to travel to Colorado to her cousin's home. "There was no time to post a letter to Audra and Lilah regarding her visit, as she would likely arrive at the same time as the mail. However, based upon their correspondence, she was sure an invitation would have been extended had she inquired. She didn’t allow herself to imagine differently."
She confronted Winslow & he was quick to admit it but not inclined to give up his mistress who was with child. The following is in the note she leaves behind for him. "I must tell you that your shameful behavior has broken my heart and I am unwilling to proceed with our marriage. Despite assurances that your situation is not at all unusual, I find myself unable to put it in the past and forget what I have learned regarding your character."
Her ride in the stagecoach was something with which she had previously been unacquainted. "Unpleasant smells emanating from the other passengers wafted her way and she surreptitiously tried to keep the end of her scarf over her nose and mouth. Her head ached and her stomach rolled. Her toes were frozen."
Garrett Ballinger was a lawman she met on the way to Cousin Audra's house. "He was rough around the edges, but he’d become entwined in her runaway flight. She frowned as she remembered where she met him. His heroism on the stagecoach kept overriding the image of him sprawled on the plank sidewalk outside a brothel."
To earn her keep, she attempted to help with the household chores. "Rosalie was still trying to get the hang of milking but was secretly proud of her progress with cooking. “Rosalie, these biscuits are your best yet.”
Garrett's smile changed his appearance. "His friendly grin softened the hard planes of his face, making him quite handsome."
He tells her “I’m sorry, Rosalie, for your pain. I’m not sorry you came here.”
They end sleeping on the floor in front of a fireplace. Audra had gone to the midwife & Rosalie stayed behind to tend the animals. Garrett showed up to help her. They reach a place of intimacy very quickly. "An ache pulsed through her, settling low in her belly. It was desire— hot and languid, eager and shy."
Winslow travels to Colorado because the arranged marriage would have been good for his business. He's quickly set straight & Garrett places him into a stagecoach to return to Boston.
Link to purchase: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1500...
September 18, 2014
Rosalie Weld was raised in the Society of Boston & engaged to a man she loved, but her cheating fiancé is having a child with his mistress & refuses to let either go, ever. She is devastated & her parents don't care, so she hopped a train for Cascade Creek, Colorado to hopefully stay with her Cousin Audra & her hubby. Her trek across the country via train is an eye opening experience & she starts to believe in herself. Soon Rosalie bumps into this winking cowboy exiting the local brothel, then on the stagecoach where he stops an armed robbery & when they get to Cascade Creek, she learns that same winking man is the Sheriff Garrett Ballinger & her only ride to her cousin's home. As Rosalie learns the ends & outs of wild west, the yummy Garrett's touch make her tummy quiver & shiver with unknown desires. Can a pampered Boston lady survive in the wilds of Colorado? Will yummy Sheriff Garrett be able to use his cowboy charm to get the girl? How close will they need to get to get warm on the cold winter nights?
This is my 1st Ms. Oakes romance & I rarely find a good Western, but Ms. Oakes snagged me! I love a gutsy heroine & Rosalie is ballsy for a privileged lady from the East. She wants to be married on her terms, not any one else. Garrett had a tiny part of the story & I do wish his POV was written, but this was a quickie romance. There some only 1 semi-steamy scenes, but again this was a quickie so I will let it pass. Ms. Oakes did make her Wild West romance fast paced & slightly touches on the rough lives folks lived back then. Ms. Oakes is an author I will be looking out for & wish listing all her upcoming books, so I give this Western Romance a score of 3 fingers up & 6 toes!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
This is my 1st Ms. Oakes romance & I rarely find a good Western, but Ms. Oakes snagged me! I love a gutsy heroine & Rosalie is ballsy for a privileged lady from the East. She wants to be married on her terms, not any one else. Garrett had a tiny part of the story & I do wish his POV was written, but this was a quickie romance. There some only 1 semi-steamy scenes, but again this was a quickie so I will let it pass. Ms. Oakes did make her Wild West romance fast paced & slightly touches on the rough lives folks lived back then. Ms. Oakes is an author I will be looking out for & wish listing all her upcoming books, so I give this Western Romance a score of 3 fingers up & 6 toes!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
September 4, 2014
Romancing Rosalie - A Cascade Creek Christmas. by AnnMarie Oakes is a quirky little western tale beginning in Boston. Rosalie discovers her fiance has a pregnant mistress. She is appalled. Her parents say it's no big deal and when she calls off the marriage they tell her no way. It's a good match. So she makes arrangements to take the train to Denver in the Colorado Territory. Rosalie takes off. The conductor on the train watches out for her chasing away the riff raff. She reaches Denver and takes the stage coach to Cascade Creek. While waiting she sees a handsome man fall out on the street from a brotherly. He sees Rosalie and winks at her. Surprise he gets on the stagecoach. It's a cold and drafty ride. Then they are approached by bandits. The man slides out the door and next thing you know there is gunshots. The man enters the stage and says ne nicked one of the bandits. They won't be back. Thinks it was the Bolton boys. When they reach their destination he helps her out from the stagecoach. She enters a merchantile store and orders enough supplies to get a person through for the winter and inquires about her cousin Audra and her husband Luke. She asks if there was a way to get to their homestead. The proprietor tells her to see the marshal as he is friend of theirs. imagine her surprise when the marshal turns out to be the man from the stage. His name is Garrett Balinger. Garrett tells her they will leave in the morning. Read on to see what happens when her former fiance shows up trying to bring her back to Boston.
July 27, 2014
Romancing Rosalie-A Cascade Creek Christmas is a historical romance by Ann Marie Oakes. It is a cute book and a short and easy read. It is just right for late nights when you can’t sleep but don’t want to stay up too late.
Rosalie Weld is happily engaged and looking forward to her marriage when she learns her fiancé has a mistress who is expecting a child. Unwilling to change her standards of conduct, she breaks her engagement as she leaves town to go west to Cascade Creek to see her cousin Audra Canton Blake. She plans on staying until the rumors of her broken engagement are stilled. She leaves her parents as well as Winston a note.
When she arrives in Cascade Creek, the only one available to take her to the Blake farm is Garrett the marshal. She first saw him in Denver when he was exiting a saloon and again on the stage to Cascade Creek where he thwarted a holdup. Now she has to ride to Lucas’ farm with him. It doesn’t help that he is handsome and she is attracted to him.
Readily accepted on the farm, Rosalie helps Audra with her chores and begins to learn to cook and care for herself. She becomes independent and is proud of her accomplishments. She will need this when she is left to fend by herself during a blizzard while Lucas takes Audra to town to have her baby. Will she survive on her own on the farm?
The attraction between Rosalie and Garrett is palpable. Can it withstand a visit by Winston?
Rosalie Weld is happily engaged and looking forward to her marriage when she learns her fiancé has a mistress who is expecting a child. Unwilling to change her standards of conduct, she breaks her engagement as she leaves town to go west to Cascade Creek to see her cousin Audra Canton Blake. She plans on staying until the rumors of her broken engagement are stilled. She leaves her parents as well as Winston a note.
When she arrives in Cascade Creek, the only one available to take her to the Blake farm is Garrett the marshal. She first saw him in Denver when he was exiting a saloon and again on the stage to Cascade Creek where he thwarted a holdup. Now she has to ride to Lucas’ farm with him. It doesn’t help that he is handsome and she is attracted to him.
Readily accepted on the farm, Rosalie helps Audra with her chores and begins to learn to cook and care for herself. She becomes independent and is proud of her accomplishments. She will need this when she is left to fend by herself during a blizzard while Lucas takes Audra to town to have her baby. Will she survive on her own on the farm?
The attraction between Rosalie and Garrett is palpable. Can it withstand a visit by Winston?
August 13, 2014
Rosalie Weld is set to marry Winslow but when she hear a rumor, can’t believe it is true. She has to talk to Winslow before he hears the gossip. When she confronts him, it is true, he has a mistress that is pregnant. She can’t believe what she is hearing. She talks to her mother and her mother knows all about it and so does her father. Seems Rosalie is the only one who didn't know. So knows now that she cannot marry Winslow so she leaves Boston, headed to the Colorado Territory to visit her cousin Audra Blake in Cascade Creek. It is a long train ride into Denver and then a stagecoach ride to town. She meets an interesting man in Denver and he is on the stage too. Turns out he is the sheriff of Cascade Creek. Garrett Bollinger will take Rosalie to Audra’s farm. Sparks fly when he touches her and she is not sure what is going on but she likes the feelings he causes. Will Audra and Lucas accept her showing up unannounced? Will she get to know Garrett better? Will her parents send someone to take her back to Boston? Another great historical romance story in the Ladies of Cascade Creek and I loved it, can’t wait for more.
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
**Copy provided by the author in exchange for my honest review**
January 2, 2017
This is a new to me author who has drawn me in and made me want to read more from them. Historical pieces and especially a western is usually a hard sell for me, but this was not. I immediately liked the character of Rosalie even if she was a bit timid to start out, she got over it quick. The story moved along very quickly and got you from beginning to end before I was ready for it to end. I was pulled in from page one and found myself transported, though only a short time, to another time and place.
Rosalie Weld has a fiance who she finds out has been keeping a secret from her that seems to be known by everyone else around her. When she confronts him and he refuses to make changes for her she decides that she cannot stay and marry a man who does not seem to love her. Her parents seem to think what he is doing is fine and that she should just give in.
Rosalie goes to her cousin Audra's homestead on the frontier and learns a lot about herself and what she is capable of doing. She also meets Garrett Ballinger who shows her that first impressions are not always what they seem to be.
I expected this to be tame but it had some spice that gave it another dimension. Recommend to all!
Rosalie Weld has a fiance who she finds out has been keeping a secret from her that seems to be known by everyone else around her. When she confronts him and he refuses to make changes for her she decides that she cannot stay and marry a man who does not seem to love her. Her parents seem to think what he is doing is fine and that she should just give in.
Rosalie goes to her cousin Audra's homestead on the frontier and learns a lot about herself and what she is capable of doing. She also meets Garrett Ballinger who shows her that first impressions are not always what they seem to be.
I expected this to be tame but it had some spice that gave it another dimension. Recommend to all!
July 9, 2014
This is a great novella and a wonderful story of love loss and betrayal that has are heroines fleeing from her life to a new one out west you will truly love this book I know I did this book starts in theast and ends in the west on the wild frontier.
Rosalie Weld's fiancé has a mistress, and he doesn't intend to give her up just for marriage. And the girl is pregnant after She confronts him she turns to her mother and is shocked by her mother and father thinking this is OK she runs away to her cousins place in Colorado and the frontier life. Even on her journey, she can't avoid womanizers like Garrett who stumbles out of a brothel an ends up in the stagecoach. But Rosalie knows when she gets to Cascade Creek she will be find she goes to the mercantile for directions and suplys and's aent the local marshal will escort her to Audra's homestead only one problem Garrett is the marshal and he's plenty interested in Rosalie and she soon learns to love the frontier life when winter comes and she's stuck alone Garrett comes to check on her and their snowed in they soon fall in love but will it last and will her past stay away
Rosalie Weld's fiancé has a mistress, and he doesn't intend to give her up just for marriage. And the girl is pregnant after She confronts him she turns to her mother and is shocked by her mother and father thinking this is OK she runs away to her cousins place in Colorado and the frontier life. Even on her journey, she can't avoid womanizers like Garrett who stumbles out of a brothel an ends up in the stagecoach. But Rosalie knows when she gets to Cascade Creek she will be find she goes to the mercantile for directions and suplys and's aent the local marshal will escort her to Audra's homestead only one problem Garrett is the marshal and he's plenty interested in Rosalie and she soon learns to love the frontier life when winter comes and she's stuck alone Garrett comes to check on her and their snowed in they soon fall in love but will it last and will her past stay away
October 29, 2016
I liked this book, the characters are wonderful, charming, and it's Christmas! I'm so glad we get introduced to Audra's cousin, Rosalie, from Boston. She's running away from a broken engagement, and decides to visit her cousin in the Colorado Territory. Along the way she happens to run into Garrett who's the very handsome marshal in Cascade Creek, and sparks seem to fly. But, did she bite off more than she can handle? After all she's a pampered lady from Boston, and now she finds herself doing farm chores, cooking, and cleaning. Can she stay in this wild wilderness, or will she go back to Boston to her family. This was a fun short story, with love, laughter, and of course a smokin' hot hero. I'm so glad I read this, that I didn't miss getting to know more wonderful characters from Cascade Creek. I recommend Romancing Rosalie: A Cascade Creek Christmas, and it doesn't really matter if you read Loving Lucas, and Loving Lilah first, because these are all stand alone novellas. Be sure to read all The Ladies of Cascade Creek, by AnnMarie Oakes.
June 1, 2014
Received this book as an ARC for an honest review. I am not much for historical books but I am a fan of westerns. This book however had me from the first word till the very end. We meet two characters in this book Rosalie who has lived in Boston's society all of her life so when she is betrayed by her fiance she runs to the wilds of the Colorado Territories. While on her way there she meets the town sheriff named Garrett. Now Garrett has yet to meet a woman he wants to commit to until the lovely Rosalie come to town. Garrett knows there is something special about this woman he just needs time to figure out a way to show her that though she has been hurt there are men out there that will love her just for her. This is a great story about love, commitment and finding out what you really want out of life. I thought this book was riveting and a must read for anyone and everyone.
June 24, 2014
I never thought of the historical western as my cup of tea. I did enjoy it. It was very descriptive, which allowed me to form a great mental picture of the dress, the stagecoach, environment, etc.
I found this to be sweet, sexy, romantic, with a touch of suspense and didn't expect any of that.
I was wondering if anyone from Boston cared enough to follow Rosalie, and then get ex showed up. Surprise.
I loved Rosalie's backbone and determination. I was expecting a heroine who kept having the 'vapors' or something along those lines. :-)
I didn't expect her to act on her feelings for Garrett, so quickly. When he showed up after her cousin left to have her baby, I thought she would be very reserved. Surprised again.
This book made me remember that I need to keep an open mind and try new genres.
I found this to be sweet, sexy, romantic, with a touch of suspense and didn't expect any of that.
I was wondering if anyone from Boston cared enough to follow Rosalie, and then get ex showed up. Surprise.
I loved Rosalie's backbone and determination. I was expecting a heroine who kept having the 'vapors' or something along those lines. :-)
I didn't expect her to act on her feelings for Garrett, so quickly. When he showed up after her cousin left to have her baby, I thought she would be very reserved. Surprised again.
This book made me remember that I need to keep an open mind and try new genres.
July 11, 2014
Rosalie thought everything was wonderful in her life, then she finds out the her fiancé is a cheating rat. Her parents know and they think she should still marry the man. Well Rosalie decides to head west to her cousins place. She meets Garrett along the trail and after she arrives she finds out that he is the law. Garrett is friends with Lucas and Audra, so he takes Rosalie to their homestead. The attraction is intense between these two. We see how she becomes a strong woman when she is left alone. I really enjoyed this book. It is the 2nd book in the series and it flowed just great from Loving Lucas to Romancing Rosalie, we got to see how everyone is doing in this 2nd book of the series. Even though it is a standalone I just love being able to reconnect with the previous characters in book 1. I cannot wait for the next book, This is a great read for someone who wants a HEA.
October 19, 2016
Great read about Audra's cousin Rosalie. She leaves Boston to break off and get away from her fiance after finding out he not only has a mistress but that his mistress is pregnant. He has no intentions of abandoning her and Rosalie's parents are supported of him because that's just what men do. Rosalie wants love and faithfulness. She heads west to stay with Audra and Lucas, meeting Garrett on the way. She's seen him get tossed out of the bordello before he boards the coach heading west from Denver. She finds out later that not only is he the Marshall but Lucas's friend. When Garrett finds out that Rosalie is alone in the house, he travels out in the snowstorm to take care of her and help her out.
Things heat up from there and not just in the fireplace. This book was given to me and i chose to give an honest review.
Things heat up from there and not just in the fireplace. This book was given to me and i chose to give an honest review.
June 6, 2014
I'm a Regency fan, with the odd Scottish Historical thrown in, and this is my first foray into Frontier stories. I like Rosalie and the way, she stood true to herself and her world view, even when everybody around her (in Boston) tells her to pretend nothing happened. She knows that she knows nothing about Frontier life, but she’s willing to give her best shot. I couldn’t quite get a feeling of Garrett, the story focused on Rosalie and her thoughts and feelings. The book is quite short and I felt they were having sex too quickly, I would have liked them to get to know each other a bit more before doing the deed. Besides the “early” sex, I liked the book and it being a novella makes it a nice read to be enjoyed in one sitting.
June 2, 2014
Her parents sucked major donkey balls. But I guess that was the only way they knew how to act. I liked that she made the journey by herself, no maid who keeps telling her this is a bad idea and wrings her hands, as so many historicals tend to have. She steps in to help even though she is a guest, and was willing to learn right away. She never needed Garrett, she wanted him. And hopefully Winslow got a one-way ticket to Australia.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this ARC from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 13, 2014
I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book I have read by AnnMarie Oakes and it certainly won't be my last! I just loved Rosalie and Garrett's story. Escaping the conventions of her family's intentions that she marry her cheating fiancé anyway, Rosalie escapes to the Colorado territory to seek refuge with her cousin Audra and her husband Lucas. Garrett is every woman's dream of a western lawman and his smoldering passion for Rosalie was delicious!! I highly recommend this historical Christmas romance novella! I loved it!!!
September 16, 2014
Having read the first book in this series (Loving Lucas) I was sure I'd enjoy this book and I was correct. The book is well written, humorous, has great characters and a good storyline. I loved the fact that we get to see Rosalie as a rather naïve girl evolving into a strong, mature woman. The way she first met Garrett and reacted was exactly the way I'd expect, so it was right on the mark. I'm sure that I'll read Loving Lilah and that I'll like it just as much as the others in the series.
You've done it once again, AnnMarie.
You've done it once again, AnnMarie.
October 26, 2014
Rosalie is all set to be married when she hears the rumor that her fiancé has a mistress and a child on the way. She only wants to marry for love so she escapes Boston to the wild frontiers of Colorado to visit her cousin. On her way she meets the Marshall, Garrett, who doesn't seem to be any better than her ex. But when she learns a little more about him and finds that she misinterpreted his actions, she finds he's nothing like her ex fiancé.
Also a visit to see what's up in the lives of Audra, Lilah and Lucas.
Very short story but moved along smoothly.
Also a visit to see what's up in the lives of Audra, Lilah and Lucas.
Very short story but moved along smoothly.
June 4, 2014
** I received this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.**
First off, I have not read many historical romance books, but I thought I'd give this book a try. I am so glad I did. This book was great. The storyline is easy to follow and well written. I love the way the story played out. I was pulled in from the first few pages. The characters are great. A great add to your tbr list. Definitely recommended.
First off, I have not read many historical romance books, but I thought I'd give this book a try. I am so glad I did. This book was great. The storyline is easy to follow and well written. I love the way the story played out. I was pulled in from the first few pages. The characters are great. A great add to your tbr list. Definitely recommended.
July 2, 2014
I quite like book series that tells the story of different people but they still are somehow related to each other and to the other stories. Like this. I loved Loving Lucas and I certainly loved this. It isn't quite often that you get to read about women in the old days who take their lives into their own hands and that is something I truly enjoy. Of course a good romance gives a book a nice ring to it and in my opinion is usually worth of full five stars.
*ARC received from the author
*ARC received from the author
July 26, 2014
Quick little western book sent to me from the author. I didn't even put together that Rosalie was staying with Lucas from "Loving Lucas" an earlier read. Boy I don't think I would have survived the Old West that is for sure, times were really hard. This was a cute little romance. Definitely a fun read.
July 29, 2014
I am really enjoying this Author Ann Marie Oakes. The book starts out and you think that Rosalie is going to be one of those push over characters. Until she finds her strength and walks away the life her family wanted for her then she goes west and gathers strength and finds love all at the same time. I am anxiously waiting on the next story.
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