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The Brides of Paradise Ranch #0.5
Howard Haskell Takes a Bride
This novella--prequel to The Brides of Paradise Ranch series--was originally published as part of the Love's Prelude box set.
Elizabeth Ayers is done with her stuffy, city life. Engaged to a man who couldn’t care less about her to further her father’s business dealings, she longs for adventure and the chance to see the newly opened West. But time is running out as her wedding draws near and the walls of her constricted world close in on her…
Howard Haskell is a man who knows what he wants, and from the moment he sees Elizabeth across a Cincinnati ballroom, he wants her. The rules of society are meant to be broken, as far as he’s concerned, and regardless of disapproval on all sides, he sets out to win Elizabeth and make her his…in a matter of days…
Fans of The Brides of Paradise Ranch and Hot on the Trail know just how much Howard enjoys a good competition. Using a contest to win his wife is no exception. Only, Howard is the ultimate rule-breaker…
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level - HOT
Elizabeth Ayers is done with her stuffy, city life. Engaged to a man who couldn’t care less about her to further her father’s business dealings, she longs for adventure and the chance to see the newly opened West. But time is running out as her wedding draws near and the walls of her constricted world close in on her…
Howard Haskell is a man who knows what he wants, and from the moment he sees Elizabeth across a Cincinnati ballroom, he wants her. The rules of society are meant to be broken, as far as he’s concerned, and regardless of disapproval on all sides, he sets out to win Elizabeth and make her his…in a matter of days…
Fans of The Brides of Paradise Ranch and Hot on the Trail know just how much Howard enjoys a good competition. Using a contest to win his wife is no exception. Only, Howard is the ultimate rule-breaker…
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam Level - HOT
105 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 20, 2016
58 people are currently reading
136 people want to read
About the author
Merry Farmer
286 books1,133 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
December 16, 2018
2,5 stars
July 12, 2017
SO MUCH CUTE OH MY GOD HOWARD IS INCORRIGIBLE
December 21, 2022
Lol this was full-on Cheesy McCheeserton. The way the hero spoke reminded me of the Amy Adams movie Enchanted. Where the Prince Charming was spouting lovey flowery speech. For example, something along the lines of: 'Oh my precious rose darling, how will I ever survive another minute without your love.' Not a rough and tough type of hero I am used to in historical westerns, lol.
Having said that, I think it took me 1 hour to read this. Super short story, takes place in less than a week of time and they were head over heels in love during the first 10 minutes of meeting each other.
Having said that, I think it took me 1 hour to read this. Super short story, takes place in less than a week of time and they were head over heels in love during the first 10 minutes of meeting each other.
February 2, 2018
I know that trashy romance can be silly, absurd even, but this is probably one of most absurd trashy romances I've read... and not even in a likeable way!
There were too many cocky grins, too many knowing winks... UGH I think it was the first time I wanted the protagonists to fail.
Oh, alright... Elizabeth was tolerable, but it was Howard that was insufferable.
There were too many cocky grins, too many knowing winks... UGH I think it was the first time I wanted the protagonists to fail.
Oh, alright... Elizabeth was tolerable, but it was Howard that was insufferable.
September 6, 2018
Oh My Gosh!!
I could not put this book down! So very romantic and unexpected. It kept me reading with stars in my eyes and wishing there were more sexy men out there in the world that could be romantic and also, witty, fun, great lover, etc.etc. I am going to look into all of Merry Farmer's books that are related to this book and read them all!!
I could not put this book down! So very romantic and unexpected. It kept me reading with stars in my eyes and wishing there were more sexy men out there in the world that could be romantic and also, witty, fun, great lover, etc.etc. I am going to look into all of Merry Farmer's books that are related to this book and read them all!!
May 15, 2021
Howard Haskell Takes a Bride: Howard and Elizabeth
Wasn't expecting the campy tone in parts of the story, but it worked. Howard is bombastic and over-the-top, yet likeable and even charming. Looking forward to seeing him pop up in other Farmer titles.
Wasn't expecting the campy tone in parts of the story, but it worked. Howard is bombastic and over-the-top, yet likeable and even charming. Looking forward to seeing him pop up in other Farmer titles.
December 4, 2018
FANTASTIC!
This was so COMICAL ! I really enjoyed this fast paced love story. It also proves love at first sight does exist . Thank you for A great beginning to a fine series!
This was so COMICAL ! I really enjoyed this fast paced love story. It also proves love at first sight does exist . Thank you for A great beginning to a fine series!
June 13, 2019
very good
October 20, 2019
Elizabeth and Howard are a classic case of love at first sight. A whirlwind romance that is literally a race for their HEA. Loved it.
April 25, 2022
This was a crazy fun book….. I laughed out loud more then once…
November 26, 2024
Great story
Howard is so full of himself but also so endearing and adorable. He knows what he wants and how to get it. I can't wait to read more about them.
Howard is so full of himself but also so endearing and adorable. He knows what he wants and how to get it. I can't wait to read more about them.
September 4, 2016
Elizabeth is bored and is facing a loveless marriage when Howard blows into her life and turns it upside down.
This is a fast read. And I found Howard to be a bit over-the-top and a rascal to boot, but I positively loved him. Elizabeth was a perfect match for him, though at first it seems like she's not able to keep up with his shenanigans.
Ms. Farmer gave me such giggle fits during this story. The antics of Howard just barely hint at the man in her Paradise Ranch Series. I'm really glad she wrote this. Lucy makes so much more sense now.
This is a fast read. And I found Howard to be a bit over-the-top and a rascal to boot, but I positively loved him. Elizabeth was a perfect match for him, though at first it seems like she's not able to keep up with his shenanigans.
Ms. Farmer gave me such giggle fits during this story. The antics of Howard just barely hint at the man in her Paradise Ranch Series. I'm really glad she wrote this. Lucy makes so much more sense now.
July 24, 2016
Howard Haskell Takes A Bride
This is another example of how good of an author Merry Farmer is. From the first, Howard Haskell lets all and sundry know that he is going to marry his Elizabeth. The plan he uses is highly frowned upon, but with the dear Elizabeth's assistance (?), all's well that ends well. In movie ratings, this would probably be PG-13, at least. But it is a funny and good read.
This is another example of how good of an author Merry Farmer is. From the first, Howard Haskell lets all and sundry know that he is going to marry his Elizabeth. The plan he uses is highly frowned upon, but with the dear Elizabeth's assistance (?), all's well that ends well. In movie ratings, this would probably be PG-13, at least. But it is a funny and good read.
July 30, 2016
Howard Haskell's and Elizabeth's story was nothing less, but everything more than I expected. I keep thinking that there is a chance the next book in the series, which are all standalone, May lose the mud, but Merry Farmer continues to amaze me with her writing skills. Each one is amazing and I believe this is my favorite yet. The historical image I am able to bring forth in my mind is perfect and the characters are totally believable. Loved it!
July 24, 2016
Too short! Give me more!
July 26, 2016
Loved it
I am a huge fan of Kerry's, I eagerly wait for a new story to come out, when it does I am so excited I usually read it right away!!!!!!
I am a huge fan of Kerry's, I eagerly wait for a new story to come out, when it does I am so excited I usually read it right away!!!!!!
August 14, 2016
Delightful
Wonderful beginning to the story of Haskell, Wyoming! Well written and a real page turner. This is a must read
Wonderful beginning to the story of Haskell, Wyoming! Well written and a real page turner. This is a must read
October 27, 2016
As Above
This is not my kind of reading To me this Story was based on Sex and very open I did not read it all
Shirley Ketcham
This is not my kind of reading To me this Story was based on Sex and very open I did not read it all
Shirley Ketcham
December 29, 2016
Another great book in this series!
April 7, 2017
Howard and Elizabeth meet at a ball and decide they are going to get married. The problem is that she is already engaged and her parents strongly want her to keep that engagement.
At first Howards brashness and ridiculous way with words was very charming but it quickly became a little annoying. And then the way he chose to handle things seemed unnecessarily insensitive to Elizabeth's family.
At first Howards brashness and ridiculous way with words was very charming but it quickly became a little annoying. And then the way he chose to handle things seemed unnecessarily insensitive to Elizabeth's family.
January 16, 2018
Most definitely NOT the edited version.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews