Texas Mail Order Bride

Bachelors of Battle Creek #1

by Linda Broday

"Linda Broday's books always take me back to a west that feels true. Her love stories run deep with emotion. A delightful read." —Jodi Thomas, New York Times bestselling author of Promise Me Texas

North Central Texas, 1875: When Delta Dandridge shows up claiming to be Cooper Thorne's mail-order bride, he scrambles to set her straight. The tempestuous woman makes him see red and at the same time, challenges all his vows to remain a bachelor.

Rancher Cooper Thorne thinks his life is finally on an even keel—until Delta Dandridge steps off the stagecoach and claims she's his mail order bride. Brash and quick-witted, the meddling Southern Belle is everything Cooper thought he never wanted…and everything his heart is telling him he needs.

But Cooper swore long ago that he'd never marry, and he aims to keep his word, especially now that the demons from his past have returned to threaten everything—and everyone—he holds dear…

Bachelors of Battle Creek

Texas Mail Order Bride (Book 1)

Twice a Texas Bride (Book 2)

Forever His Texas Bride (Book 3)

Genres: Historical Romance, Westerns, Romance, Historical, Western Romance, Historical Fiction, Western Historical Romance

346 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 6, 2015

About the author

I'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. I live in the Texas Panhandle on land they call the Llano Estacado where the Native Americans and Comancheros once roamed and I can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. History is thick here with the ghosts of the people who settled this land. I love writing western historical romance and can't imagine doing anything else. I love a man in a Stetson and tight pants. Oh man! Those cowboys sure make my heart beat faster.

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 5 out of 5]

5 BREATHTAKING STARS!

Oh my, my! I cannot sing this book's praises enough. I simply fell in love with Ms. Broday's writing. It's superb and magical. I really felt as though I were in Texas right smack in Battle Creek. I loved the characters, all of them. The richness of their personalities drew me in quickly. The banter between Cooper and Delta is fabulous. I even laughed out loud in some parts. I say, what good is a story without some humor thrown in?? This story has a bit of everything: passion, action, adventure, mystery... you name it, it probably has it. I cannot wait to read the next book in this series! I would highly recommend this book to anyone who loves romance, western, or just loves a stellar story to get wrapped up in for a few hours.

This is one of my favorite parts of the book:

Delta covered the space between them so quickly Bandit (the dog) scurried for safer territory. She glared up into eyes that reminded her of a cold winter's day. "I can't believe this. You have a lot of gall, Mr. Thorne. The way I see it, you have up your right to meddle in my affairs when you told me in no uncertain terms that you weren't looking for a wife. Therefore, what I do is none of your concern. if I want to-"
"Do what?" Live in sin with Rand?" Cooper brushed her cheek with a fingertip. "You won't. Women like you won't throw your reputation to the wind. You want it all or nothing."
She glared. "You're awful sure of yourself."
"I know more than you think." His words were soft. "I see the yearning for permanence in your eyes. Dear God, you're a difficult woman to forget."
Cooper tugged her against his lean body, lowered his head, and pressed his sensual lips firmly on hers. The long kiss held passion and promise and warmth. Delta's breath got caught somewhere between the need for more and wishing she'd stayed in town, far away from men who indulged in contradictory behavior.
Her knees grew weak and she clutched the shirt covering his broad chest to keep from falling as the world tilted on its axis.
As the kiss deepened, their breaths mingled in a heated flurry while blood pounded in her ears. She heard a low moan and realized it came from her. Strange how it sounded so very far away.
Her stomach whirled and dipped as though she 'd fallen from a great height. Tingle raced up her spine in some kind of mindless confusion. The anger that had propelled her into dangerous territory melted away and left a strange desire in its wake. She shouldn't have let this happen. Before she could unclench her hands from his shirt to take a step back, he released her.
The kiss ended suddenly, leaving her wanting more.
Cooper's sinful half smile turned her knees to jelly. "And that, Miss Delta, is how we do things here in Texas."

[Lover of Romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a arc copy in exchange for a honest review.

Cooper Thorne, is one of the three well known bachelors, and a trio of bonded brothers, all of them orphans, and struck up a friendship and a brotherhood. Cooper is more than content in his single status, until he meets Delta Dangridge. Delta has come to Texas to answer an ad in the paper for a mail order bride, a man she had been corresponding with for quite some time. But when she arrives no one greets her, and she gets angrier by the minute. When she learns that Cooper has no plan on marrying her, and tells her to leave town. Well Delta is no wilting flower, and after she stays a couple of days in Battle Creek, in Texas, she starts to love it, and realizes this is the best place to set down roots and begin a new life here, without Cooper Thomas. Cooper is appalled when he learns that Delta is staying around, and at first he figures it will be easy to ignore her presence, but he soon learns that there is a lot more to Delta than meets the eye. Soon Delta and Cooper can’t resist the attraction that seems to build between them. But Cooper has an enemy, and doesn’t believe himself worthy of a future with Delta, will his past destroy them both or be the key to redeeming them….

Texas Mail Order Bride is the first book in the latest series by this author. Now I just adore western romances, there is just something about those southern drawls, Stetsons, and a gorgeous man on a horse is mouthwatering…and this story was no different. I fell in love with it from the first moment. I read this one in no time at all and what a fun reading moment this one came to be. I just couldn’t help but read this one, without putting it down. I can’t believe I haven’t tried this author before now, but I definitely can’t wait to read more from this author in the future.

What did I love most about it? The sizzling connection between Delta and Cooper. These two at first don’t like each other much. Cooper not wanting to marry a stranger, content being a bachelor. They are both at odds with each other, but then certain events draw them closer. I really enjoyed this couple and their connection to each other. This story was revolved around the building of their relationship, and setting up the plot. There is quite a bad villain in this one…and boy did I want to shoot him myself LOL. I really grew to admire the way that this story developed and there was quite an emotional edge to it that almost acts like compulsion to read more. You feel so drawn to the story and the way that this author writes her characters, you can’t help but admire her talent to weave together a story that is stunning and magnificent. This is one that I won’t be forgetting any time soon, a romance that is poignant, wild, and vibrant….guaranteed to take your breath away!! Watch out for this story, because you just might fall head over heels in love….I know I did.

[Chantal ❤️ · Rating 1 out of 5]

Can't say I loved this book, in fact, I HATED IT!

Firstly, it was too long and the guy was going on about how he did not love her but he just wanted to f*ck her.
This would have been okay in today's society but this was set in the 1800. Back when a woman became "fallen" woman in a small community.
But did the hero care about that? NOOO HE JUST WANTED TO GET OFF!

I don't understand why he could not leave her alone then!?
He was this fine and fair upstanding person and he was pulling this crap!?
Bullsh*t!

And of course LAME AND mousy heroine says sure why not!
Because it was good enough for my fallen mother it's good enough for me.

And did I mention that we don't get to read about their sextimes?

Oh and he never wants to have kids because the crazy has to stop with him.

Wow!

So to recap NO kids and a fallen woman too!
He is a prince!
Not!!!

Then, for no reason, they marry at the end and who the hell cares. She has already been labeled a whore and f*ck if you care!!
I was just wondering why!?
You got what you wanted and she is too stupid to know any better, never mind that she lived through hell being a bastard in a small town in the first place!
That shouldn't bother you, you don't care what others think except that she is being treated like garbage and you are failed f*cking ALPHA to not protect her from this!!!
Double asshole jerk face!

This story made nooooo sense at all.
The characters where all wishy washy and it was just nuts watching the drama unfold.
I was so mad!
What a big waste of time reading this one!
Done.
Never again.

[Jenn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm sad to start 2016 off with a 2 star read that could have been an easy 3-4 star read. However, the story dragged way too much, and the couple took way too long in this long tale to become an official couple. I didn't like how he yo-yo'd back and forth with her and their feelings. I also didn't like how she let him become aquatinted with her body for the time period and her being unmarried and a virgin. One other complaint- I didn't like how she gets a big shock of her life, which is a big fat coincidence for all the things she wants to accomplish with her new women's club.

I loved the start of this story- and I loved a good portion of it, until it became ridiculous in parts, dragged on, and how the couples relationship took a 'millennium' for something to happen.

[Jonel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Broday brings the trials of the west to life in a vividly real manner. Her quietly picturesque descriptions allow readers to visit this town. Her writing tone and style takes you back to old Texas. The harshness of the land and times shine through but the characters’ persistence and love for one another capture your heart. Top this off with an exciting and suspenseful story and you won’t be able to put this one down. Broday has definitely created a complexly multifaceted romance that definitely stands out.

This story started out as a bit of a comical comedy of errors that endeared me to the characters. Broday lets you in on her characters’ inner thoughts so that by the end of the novel you feel like you’ve spent time with old friends. And this doesn’t just refer to the main characters. I felt like I was part of this town, getting to know all of its inhabitants. It was a wonderful feeling.

This is the type of story that has you thinking about it all day and rushing home from work to finish reading it. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to others and will be waiting with baited breath for the next novel in the series.

Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.

[ᑭᑌᑎƳᗩ [Punya Reviews...] · Rating 4 out of 5]

My review contains spoilers and they're mostly my thoughts as I went with the book... for more, visit Punya Reviews...

Last month, I was craving for a good Historical Western read, and Linda Broday’s Texas Mail Order Bride seemed to fit the bill perfectly. The author being a new-to-me prior to this, I didn’t know what to expect, but right now I’m glad I read this book. Texas Mail Order Bride, book 1 of the Bachelors of Battle Creek, had a lovely story with some down-to-earth characters who have known their share of hardship in life.

Delta, an orphan has never known the love of a parent. Her father never acknowledged her while her weak-willed mother always blamed her for her ‘fallen’ state. Needless to say, because of her illegitimacy, the society didn’t accept her either, she always being the brunt of one vile rumor or the other. The result? The poor girl has been battling heartbreak since her childhood. There is no detail accounting of Delta’s life in Georgia, before she set foot in the town of Battle Creek in Texas to become a mail order bride to a man she’d never known but for a few nice letters. Delta wanted to escape her past, and moving to a faraway place, with a dream to have her own family, seemed like the perfect solution for her miserable life. She’s beautiful, though she never was acknowledged as such before. But never in her life she dreamed that the man she thought to have been corresponding with for the past months directly rejecting her, not to mention completely denying the responsibility of writing of those letters! His reason? He wants to remain a bachelor forever. Oh boy, talk about more heartbreak. :(

When she’s rebuffed by Cooper Thorne, Delta had nowhere else to go, had no money to return to Georgia. Not that she wanted to as she had buried that part of her life. Determined to make a life in this new town, Delta seeks out work at a local store. The owner, a grouchy elderly man, refuses to help her at first. But after observing her ways with the customer, as well as her care for the old store, he grudgingly accepts her as an assistant. Delta had already been staying at a local boarding house, whose female owner, Mabel, becomes a good friend in no time. Unfortunately, Delta can’t keep her thoughts away from the handsome rancher’s steely grey eyes, and hurt his rejection caused her. And so, when she’d find Cooper in the store, Delta would try to hold herself up with a stiff greeting, best she could do in the wake of the hurt and humiliation she’d felt at his rejection.

To anyone reading this, Cooper probably comes off as an a$$ but he truly didn’t know who wrote those letters. When his brother Rand came to him with the news, he was shocked. Cooper and his brothers, Rand and Brett, have no intentions of becoming leg-shackled. That’s why they even opened a Bachelor’s Club, something that Delta found silly (have to say, me too). Cooper had apologized to the beautiful blonde girl who claimed to have been invited to come here to marry him but he rejected her with regrets. If not for his unpleasant past, he’d probably accept the offer that instant. Right now, he wants to find the culprit who wrote those letters and made him such villain in the eyes of Delta Dandridge.

Cooper, Rand and Brett aren’t brothers by blood but became so by circumstances, out of necessity but they love each-other just the same and are fiercely loyal to one-another. All were orphaned young when they met, and Cooper being the eldest of the three, have been taking care of Rand and Brett. He has his own ranch, Long Odds, a bit away from the town, build through much blood and sweat. It has been Cooper’s dream that finally came to fruition after they rode to this town some years ago. Rand, a couple of years younger than Cooper’s late 20s, is the handsomest of them all. He’s already proven to be a ladies’ man, running a saloon in Battle Creek. He’s a successful businessman and avoids anything shady in his saloon. Brett, the youngest, is half-Indian. He also owns a ranch, Wild Horses, though it seemed to me that he solely takes care of it. He’s more reserved, seems much older than his early 20s. All of them are well-known to Battle Creek and are in good standing with its people (Rand’s heartbreaker reputation notwithstanding). Cooper is proud of them both, as they are of him.

Cooper’s father was a violent man, something we learn much later in the story. Cooper knew he inherited his father’s temper, a fact that scared the hell out of him. This was why he didn’t want to marry at all because he was very reluctant to have children after suffering what he had. All three brothers also shared another secret; an old enemy. A vile, abusive man named Talbot Early. The brothers thought they’ve gotten rid of that piece of junk long time ago when they found him abusing a young Brett. It was never said out loud, but I assumed that’s what happened. I don’t know correctly how they came to know Early but there was a scuffle and Cooper seemed to have pulled the trigger. That was another thing made Cooper think he’s not good husband material. Though he didn’t regret what he did to save his brothers, he still murdered men. After that incident, they ran. Finally, all three were taken in by a kindly man, who raised them as his own. Cooper had a few more missions in his mind, including making his ranch a success.

We find Long Odds in turmoil much early in the story. Someone was trying to sabotage Cooper by mixing up sick animals with his healthy herd in the dead of the night. If his animals got sick one by one, it would be a calamity that would surely bring down his ranch, which seems to be the exact idea behind it all. This made Cooper anxious as well as suspicious. But not knowing the culprit, he notches up the security around Long Odds. Soon enough though, he gets his answer. It’s as if their past has returned to haunt them. Apparently they didn’t get rid of Talbot Early, who is now hell-bent on revenge; his primary target is to destroy Cooper.

We also get to know some secondary characters like the boarding house owner, Mable and her sister, Jenny, who was being abused by her husband. Cooper was protective of Jenny, something that made Delta jealous in the beginning. The assumptions she’d made regarding their relationship, I didn’t see why she did because Cooper obviously saw Jenny as a younger sister. But Jenny becomes a friend of Delta nonetheless. There was Mr. Abercrombie, the store owner where Delta was working. A Granny Kechum, who becomes Delta’s adoptive grandmother in no time. She loved spending time with the old woman and taking care of her needs. There was also Widow Sharp, a mysterious woman who always loved keeping herself under veil, as if still mourning her deceased husband. She was working at Rand’s bar as a baker. Funnily enough, no one had ever seen her face or had any idea about her past. The revelation about Widow Sharp’s relationship with Rand, along with the identity of the mysterious letter writer, comes into light at the end of the story.

While she was working, or trying to avoid Cooper Thorne, Delta was also planning greater things for Battle Creek. But she didn’t know that she had already slain Cooper, posing a threat to his peace of mind. He won’t say it out loud but he won’t deny it either. No matter how much he tries to ignore the pang somewhere near his heart every time he’s near her, Cooper knows she’d gotten into him. Delta is inherently caring and kind, qualities not only captured Cooper but the rest of the people of Battle Creek. He even warns Rand when it became apparent that he was harboring some ideas about her. As I said, Rand was kinda ‘love ‘em, leave ‘em’-type, and knowing him, Cooper didn’t want to see Delta hurt. When she begins to win the people around her by planning projects and ideas to improve the ramshackle town, Cooper couldn’t help but be impressed. She’s not only beautiful, but smart as well! And it seemed that she’s doing everything in her power to do some good for the town that she’d adopted as her home.

Cooper is forced to be on Early’s trail when he begins to become a menace around his ranch. He sets a rigorous pace with Brett and Rand joining him, but it seems that Early is still as devious as he was before, that age hasn’t soften him up, for he kept on fooling them and escaping in time. Then we learn that Early has formulated a plan to bring Cooper down...

In the meantime, the frostiness between Cooper and Delta begins to thaw. Different circumstances regarding people they care about bring them together more than once and at one point, they end up kissing. After that there was no turning back. Cooper, though still unsure about any future for them, didn’t want to deny his feelings. Delta has always been attracted to him, and though hurt before, by now knew him much better. She knew she was falling in love with him, which made the whole situation doubly miserable for her. People around him only had praise for him; his hard work, loyalty, his caring nature. Delta has witnessed all these herself, so she couldn’t help but fall for him bit by bit. When they finally become lovers, it didn’t feel awkward or rushed to me. I knew it was building from a long time. While Delta didn’t care if she’s a ‘fallen woman’ now as long as she has Cooper, he was still trying to grab a hold of the whole situation. Oh he wants to have her, not just as a lover, but for a lifetime but old vulnerabilities won’t let him take any risk. Once he comes clean about why he didn’t want to get married, it was up to Delta to give him hope, to make him understand that he was a good man and nothing like his nasty father.

Delta’s projects were taking shape brilliantly, but so was trouble following her footsteps. One was Early’s first attack on her. It surprised her, and knowing about the man already, she was scared to death. Because Cooper was hot on his trail that he was able to save her in time. But it also made Early’s plan clear to me. He knows one very weak spot of Cooper Thorne that can very well help him succeed in his vengeance. Nevertheless, this incident made Cooper more protective of Delta. Then she runs into financial problems. Every restoration and construction on the old buildings needed money, if not the rest of her projects. A very unexpected solution to that situation comes to Delta one day out of nowhere; a source of money that she never even imagined she had. And she puts a big chunk of it for her projects, making her another winner in the small town.

The last couple of chapters were amazing! From Delta and Cooper’s romance, the yearning to be together, to Cooper, Rand and Brett’s mission to find Early to get rid of him once and for all, I can say there were no shortage of thrilling moments in Texas Mail Order Bride. No headache inducing melodrama either. I also enjoyed the writing, as Linda Broday brought each character to life. Cooper was absolutely sexy, while I found Delta to be smart and enchanting. I’m thinking Rand and Brett would have their own stories as well. I can’t wait to find out more about the brothers! 4 solid stars and recommended.


This ARC was provided to me by Sourcebooks Casablanca via netgalley which didn’t influence my review and rating in any way.

[Mummy Cat Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really like western romances. They are completely fake and nothing about them is real life but there is something about reading a western romance novel that puts me in a happy place.

This book put me in my happy place. The characters, Cooper and Delta, are attention grabbing. When we first meet the two characters, they are discussing/fighting about Delta's arrival. But Cooper tells her he's not going to marry her.

As the book goes on we find out the history of both characters. I liked what Broday came up with. Delta and Cooper's history was interesting and plausible. The secondary characters are just as good as the leads. There was depth to them and they seemed like real towns folk. Cooper's brothers intrigued me. I sense some romance coming there way. Brand wasn't my favorite of the three and even though the third brother wasn't mentioned in this book much, what was was to my liking. I am looking forward to the third brother's book.

Delta was a bit ahead of her time. She was an independent woman with many inventive ideas that would have been greatly disliked in her time. I just feel like it was a man's world more than she was willing to accept. However, the author included opposition to her plans. Cooper even mentioned some grumbling. It just made things more real.

Overall, if you are a fan of western romance then this book won't disappoint. It definitely has re-read qualities. The book isn't clean but it isn't overly graphic. I can't remember details but I don't think the author added much, you just know what is going on. I liked that too about the book. It seems sometimes that this style of book can become nasty and not romantic. Broday is an author to look out for. I really like what she has brought to the table.

Content: Not clean but not overly dirty.

I received a copy of the book from Netgalley.

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper he is something else, "I'm sorry, ma'am. Didn't mean to plow over you. I wasn't expecting anyone to sneak up behind me. Bet you thought you could put one of those letters of yours in my pocket and I'd have to reconsider." He's also quick to defend his experience with women, "hey, wait a cotton-pickin' minute. I never said I don't like women. I love 'em. For your information, I've kissed more than my share. Just don't intend to be married to one." He's also like a beast when it comes to Delta, "I know more than you think." His words were soft. "I see the yearning for permanence in your eyes. Dear God, you're difficult woman to forget." Cooper tugged her against his lean body, lowered his head and pressed his sensual lips firmly on hers." I loved Cooper and I'm really hoping his brothers get a story of their own because they helped make Cooper the type of man he is today.

[Zoe]

Don't like the heroine much.

1. Her name is Delta.

2. It seemed to me that she was running after the hero. Very insecure. I don't like that in a woman.

No rating because I only read 20%.

I don't seem to do well with Linda Broday's heroines. This is kind of a deal breaker for me. That is indeed sad because I do so love a good western historical romance.

[Lydia · Rating 3 out of 5]

"I don't know anything about love. Lord knows, I've never had occasion to see it between a man and a woman. But you've stolen my heart. I've found the man who can finally SEE me." - Delta Dandridge

Just when I was about to give up on heroines completely, Miss Delta Dandridge barged in my neat little world and decided to show me how a really strong woman gets things done. The result? I wasn't disappointed!

Cooper Thorne knows he's made himself pretty clear: he doesn't want to get married, doesn't want to father chidlren, he hates anything even close to settling down with a good little wife. One would think that with him being the leader of the Bachelors Club in Battle Creek, people would get the point already. But when pretty Delta Dandridge comes into town, claiming he sent for her hand in marriage, the loner cowboy will have his hands full trying to keep her at a distance - and tracking down whoever thought tricking him and the poor lady was funny. Problem is, Delta has reasons of her own for sticking to Battle Creek longer than expected. And with an old enemy of Cooper's out for blood, it'll take the rough rancher some real guts to man up and either accept what's been given to him in the form of the fiesty blonde or ignore it and lose it in order to keep his pride as a bachelor...



I think this book was the first western romance in which I actually adored the heroine - and truth be told, didn't give a damn about the romance. I mean, if Cooper didn't want it to happen, why should I?!

Allow me to elaborate. It's not that I don't like my love and steam taking place in a Texas small town. On the contrary, I never seem to stop starving for such things. But the fact remains that Cooper made me wish he never truly realized what kind of treasure the good Lord had sent him, and that Delta would become a strong, independent woman, finding happiness on her own - with that stupid rancher watching from the sidelines and knowing he woke up too late to smell the roses. Why? Because no woman should ever be treated the way he treated her!

How can I accept a guy who keeps pushing and pulling a woman around? Who keeps leading her on, stealing her first everythings, only to decide every single time that nooo, this isn't what he wants, and she shouldn't get the wrong idea, and she should never forget that he never intends to get married. By the middle of the book, Cooper's bitch mode had gotten old... If you don't want the poor girl, stop trying to impose your presence on her, stop trying to destroy her attempts at making a life for herself - especially when she doesn't bother you with said attempts! - stop trying to undermine her ideas and actions, stop trying to keep other males from getting close. Just stop trying altogether, because God knows you have no right and no claim on her, mister! And it was YOUR decision to be so, in case you forgot!!!



(and no, your childhood issues give you no right to act like this to a woman who is just trying to find a place for her to belong, jerk!)

As for Delta, she was a breath of fresh air. Finally a heroine that decides "the hell with all men, I'll be my own woman" and works hard - yet with respect to those around her - to achieve her goals. She was determined, she was hard-working, she was as honest as she could be and made sure to treat almost everyone with love and in equal manners. She never backed down from a challenge, and she didn't flaunt her body around to snatch another husband. Plus, she had dignity and pride, and she was always on the giving end, never the receiving, without complaining. All that poor woman wanted, was a home, and people to accept and love her.

The love story, thus, left me disappointed, despite my extreme love for Delta. It was always about Cooper being hot and cold, and poor Delta trying to keep her heart from breaking. What's worse, after a point she started forgiving him things because she was in love with him. No! NO! Why does every female become soft when cupid's arrows strike her heart?! And let's not forget the fact that all that sexual tension ended up reaching its climax way to abruptly. Where's my foreplay? Where's my anxious and looong first lovemaking time?! I felt cheated!



However, the rest of the story was ok. The pace, the suspense, the constant danger that Tolbert Early brought with the mere mention of his name... Not to mention the antics of the rest of the Battle Creek citizens, with their quirks and often funny little scenes. I definitely can't wait to get back there - and with Rand, my favorite of the brothers, being the next main hero, it's bound to be quite a ride...

"I make you these four promises. You'll never have to walk alone. You'll never be invisible to me. You'll always be my forever woman. And finally, I'll help you blaze the trail only you were meant to travel." - Cooper Thorne

***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/

[Sharon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Just couldn’t get into this - the characters felt one dimensional and then I read some spoilers from another review and decided to call it quits.

Life’s too short and my tbr list is too long!

[Roxie Jones · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very good book from the first line to the end. Cooper Thorne could not believe that someone set him up for a Texas Mail Order Bride. Delta Dandridge, a strong woman would not let him send her back because he refused to recognize her as his bride. So she had to show him that she can make it on her own without a husband. In the end, Cooper could not resist. Great historical love story So glad I downloaded it.

[Angela DeSilva · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just loved this book. Jodi Thomas said "Takes me back to a west that feels true. A delightful read." I certainly agree. This was such a good book. I think it should be a trilogy as there are three brothers. This book has the best hero and heroine ever! I'm checking out her other work as well. Recommend for people who like historical western romances. Definitely and favorite and a keeper.

[Mei · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's always fun to read about this trope: mail order bride, and this book didn't disappoint!

Cooper was the quintessence of a cowboy! Rude, but gentle, silent, capable, but a complete ignorant of how to treat a lady who stands up to him!

A very nice and also hot romance!

[Bree Hodges · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great, steamy romance novel :)

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an expertly written western which contains all the elements I love in a tale of the old west: a beautiful, courageous, strong, loveable heroine. An accomplished hero that is her equal in strength, courage and stubbornness. A town of normal, flawed misfits and everyday folks, each with their own story of struggles to survive. An evil cowardly villain. Family by birth or by choice flawed but perfected in love and loyalty. A well trained faithful horse or two. Beautifully described scenery. And finally, a plot full of twists and turns that kept me riveted until the last page. I loved this story and cannot wait to read the books Ms Broday has written that follow in this series.

[Kimberly Rocha~ Book Obsessed Chicks · Rating 4 out of 5]

This first book in the Bachelors of Battle Creek series by Linda Broday, Texas Mail Order Bride, is a gratifying trip into the old West.

The lovely Miss Delta Dandridge has answered a Mail Order Bride advertisement. Eager to begin a new life in a new town, Delta arrives in Texas only to be thwarted by her intended, Cooper Thorne. Evidently, Cooper did not place the ad, some ne'er do well , believing to know what was best for the confirmed bachelor did.

Cooper, Rand and Brett are as close as brothers can be, but the meddling that one of Cooper's handsome brothers does in this case makes for a wild ride. Cooper may want to run from Miss Dandridge, but the more he is in her presence, the more he is attracted to the beauty. The Bachelor's Club will do anything to thwart the marriage market, but even sometimes the most diligent naysayer gets drawn in.

Delta is shocked and dismayed when she finds out that she isn't to be a bride after all, but she can't return to whence she came. Delta sticks it out in Battle Creek, where she finds herself self sufficient and very well liked. Penniless but not without determination, Delta gets a job in the mercantile and things begin to look up for her. Now she doesn't exactly need her groom, but it sure would be interesting to see these two together.

This first venture into Battle Creek, Texas Mail Order Bride, is a wonderfully written tale with solid characters who draw the reader in. Delta has pluck. I love her tenacity as well as her ability to adapt and endure. Watching the determined to stay single, Cooper wilt in Delta's presence is fabulous. Cooper also has an issue with someone trying to put him out of business and that mystery lead to a few tense and action filled moments in this book by author Linda Broday. A true fan of the Mail Order Bride sub-genre, this is a wonderful read and I eagerly await the next installment of the Bachelors of Battle Creek, for it is a pleasure to watch them fall.

~KIMBERLY~

[Isabelle MBTL · Rating 4 out of 5]

 

One bachelor, one small town and one special lady to take them on!

Someone has play matchmaker with Cooper and sent out for a mail bride. Now, he doesn't know what to do with her. In fact, he is totally at loss with her. Delta Dandrigde is no wilting flower. When Cooper send her back home, she sticks around, and make a life for herself.

Texas Mail Order Bride is my type of story. It's fun, sexy and romantic! Matchmakers prove once again, they are better than pairing than most, because the chemistry between Cooper and Delta is  unbelievable, and their dance around each other really great to read.

I love both characters, in fact I love the entire bachelor group, I adore the small town, and Delta is one of the best heroines out there. She is so fun and so full of grit and ready to take on her problems. She is not at fault she ended up in this situation, and Cooper was no gentleman in the way he dealt with it from the beginning, but she turns around and get her on life on this little town.

This is my first book from Ms. Broday, but definitely not my last. I'm crazy to read about the other two bachelors.

You MAY read this because you enjoy a fun read; you SHOULD read this because you like western stories; but you MUST read this if you want to fall in love with characters and a small little town!

This review was originally posted on More Books Than Livros

[SammieSue · Rating 5 out of 5]

'I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher through netgalley in exchange for an honest review'

Cooper is set as far as he is concerned. He and his brothers now live in Battle Creek. They each had their own bad childhoods. Which is what bonded them and made them brothers in the first place. So imagine his surprise when one of his brothers tells him that his mail order bride is waiting for him in town. He did not send for a mail order bride. Now he needs to send this little liar on her way back home. Or so he thinks until he meets Delta. He can see that she has been duped just like he has. He still does not want a bride so she still needs to go. She decides to stay. Now every time he turns around she is there.

Delta cannot go back home. Answering the mail order bride add was her chance to get away from her past. When she finds out that she was scammed and she did not have a groom expecting her she decides to stay in Battle Creek anyways. She gets a job at the mercantile. The owner is a grouchy man that she is determined to win over. She is bound and determined to stay away from Cooper. Which is hard to do when he won't stay out of the store!

This is the first book that I have read from this author and I am hooked! I cannot wait for the next book in this series to come out. I will definitely be checking out other books from this author. It is a great Western Romance that draws you in from the start and keeps you hooked! I definitely recommend reading!

'Read and Reviewed by LSK Sweetheart Reviews'

[The Written · Rating 1 out of 5]

Okay - Recommend

For those who don’t like sex scenes or explicit sex scenes this is the book for you. It’s less a romance than it is a western because more time is spent on the events of the leads’ lives then is spent on their relationship. I for one don’t like hot and cold, push and pull, I do I don’t build up to a relationship. An actual author knows how to write the build up, tension and response but fast fiction writer's write based a formula and they cannot finesse this because there is no depth to the characters nor the relationships.
There are some good moments but I wish it had been a book about the relationship and not all of the external things.
There’s no cursing which is fine with me. Adults have sex and I read romance for the relationship, the emotions and the sex which, again, is all lacking in detail from this book.
SEX SCENES - Yes, not explicit, very vanilla. The kissing scenes are more erotic.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. It has been a long time since I have read a book set in this time period. I must say that I actually really enjoyed it. This book is set in the ole west. I loved the way the author pulls you in with a spunky heroine and a hunky hero. I honestly loved the story but it was a little bit long for me. However, it is definitely worth the read.

[Bigedsgirl1 · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book made me cry, sigh, laugh out loud, and curse at the villain! I became totally immersed in the romance of Delta and Cooper, as well as the lives of the colorful residents of Battle Creek, Texas. I read this series out of order, and after having read the 2nd book and then the 3rd and final book, I had to read the beginning of this captivating series. Each book can be read as a standalone, but trust me, once you've read one, you'll crave more and have to read all three.

[Jacqui Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cooper, Rand and Brett are brothers who've decided they will always be bachelors - forever. What fun it was watching the feisty Delta Dandridge barrel into town and prove the first brother, Cooper, wrong! By the end of the book I wanted to move to Battle Creek. Instead, I did the next best thing - I immediately bought book 2 in the "Bachelors of Battle Creek" series.

[Judith · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you are into clean westerns, then this romance is for you. I like things a little more steamy, so it wasn't my cup of tea. Perfect for fans of Jodi Thomas and Diana Palmer.

[Lynn Put · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have no idea how this book got so many great reviews. The characters were wishy washy, the main male character was an ass. He knew he never wanted to marry her and would lead Delta on and give her hope that maybe he cared about her only to lash out with a nasty comment that would leave her hurt. Only for her to say she was done with him and then turn around and say she couldn’t live without him and take him right back. NO THANK YOU! Poor writing.

[Elise Blomberg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Easy to read, good plot.

[Jenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good story. Good characters.
Some humor.
Dragged a little in the middle.
Appeals to those who like historical romances of the Wild West themes.

[Shani · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4*

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The author takes you on a spin through the Wild West in a little town called Battle Creek before you are done you realize the town has the right name. Many battles will be fought in this little town from many different angles. Ms. Broday spins a tale that could have happen back when there were mail order brides. She throws in a little mystery which keep you turning the pages to see who did what and who will win what battle.

As Delta feet hit the ground in Battle Creek this little spit fire stirs things up to no end. She starts with a hand full of letters from her future husband..now things start getting interesting. It seems someone forgot to send the telegraph to Crooper who is totally clueless when he is told his has a bride waiting for him in town. Letters what letters he didn’t write any letters. No gold digger is going to take what is his…. He will get this straighten out right way the only thing he wasn’t planning was to find a very beautiful women waiting for him. He has to let the little missy down easy, he wasn’t counting on her to hold her head high and give him a few home truths as she saw them. He thinks she will leave town, she isn’t letting any no good for nothing man run her out of town. Oh my and the plot thickens faster than the gravy in the pan. These two will hit head more than once both being a little hot head not to mention bullheaded.

The author has stories inside of stories that all tie together in one way or another. The chemistry between these two is strong, the pull is powerful. They fight it but the whole town has fallen in love with Delta and is pulling for her. She has turned this town on its ear with putting her nose in where most think it doesn’t belong. She had a hard life but life might just be getting better for her, as in life things must get worse before they turn around. Crooper is about to find out a thing or two as he finds his self in a fight for his life in more ways than one.

I wish the author would have let us see Crooper reaction to him finding out who sent the letters that would have been interesting. I found this to be a delightful read and couldn’t put the book down. I loved the way she twisted the story giving us mystery bring us to the top only to twist a little more. There are a few shocks you do not see coming. I loved how the town took in a stranger after a few pit falls and make her one of their own. How they took care of each other and gave so much to make this a place you would want to live in. The author does touch on some serious issues of abuse and how it was taken care of as only the people from the west can do. I myself would have loved to have helped. There is much heartbreak but much love in this wonderful little town. I fell in love with it and it’s wonderful characters.

The author gives you a wonderful tale with wonderful characters from the brothers to the store owners. Each you will fall in love with and won’t be able to wait to see what the author has in store for you as she writes this series. I can’t wait to see Rand story he has had a troubled life as the author shows you life for him might be getting better real soon. These are strong characters that stand up for what they believe in, keep those they love safe, they have honor as only the west can have. I highly recommend this book of Western historical romance

[Tash · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reviewed for Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for a honest review
If there is one type of story I could read over and over again it has to be the mail order bride/groom scenario. It doesn’t have to be contemporary or historical; I will read anything with that scenario regardless of genre. So I decided to pick up Brody’s novel Texas Mail Order Bride which is her first in a number of years and discovered a story that is not what you expect at all in a good way.

Cooper Thorne has come a long way since he was young . With his ‘brothers’, all of them being orphans they have made something out themselves and formed the Bachelor Club of Battle Creek. They are determined to be bachelors as all they need is the bond of friendship and brotherhood and they are determined to make their ranches/businesses the best ones as possible.

However someone has decided to change things up in their lives and Cooper Is the first to be tested of his single status when Delta Dangridge comes town. Delta has come to answer a marriage ad in the paper for a mail order bride and is expecting the man she has been corresponding with her to met her as pre organised. She is expecting Cooper as she believes he is the man that she has been writing too but Cooper has no clue and no intention of marrying her.

Delta is in a predicament as she has barely 2 cents to her name and no family alive to speak of and she determined to stay in Battle Creek and find a to make a new life here despite Cooper Thomas apparent betrayal. Cooper though doesn’t like it one bit, and decides to ignore her but Delta has a way of making her presence known and she growing on him and there Is an attraction between them that is getting hard not to miss. However Cooper is still believes that he should remain a bachelor for rest his life but might be forced to admit something when his past comes to haunt him and his brothers.

Will these two get a chance love with a faceless enemy after them all?

Well you have to read to find out for yourself but I enjoyed this book as it wasn’t the typical mail order story that I have come to love. Texas Mail Order Bride was also a bit of western suspense story and I love the suspense angle in the story and it offered something different which I enjoyed a lot. I can’t wait to read the rest of the series and I have found new favourite western historical series. I loved this story and enjoyed the surprised twist at the end. Who knew and I look forward to see that particular sub plot being playing out in the following books.

I love Delta’s and Cooper story. Those two are fighting every step of the way and it not a easy road to happiness. It had everything I expected from a western and onceI was invested into this story, I couldn’t put this down.


4.5 couples

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