What do you think?
Rate this book
Corralling Callie
For eighteen-year-old orphan Callie Broderick, going west as a mail-order bride seems to be the only hope she has for a decent husband. But when she sets out for the gold-mining town of Sacramento with nothing more than the clothes on her back and a stagecoach ticket, she quickly discovers that the trip will be quite a bit different than she expected.
As a former soldier and an experienced coachman, Jude Johnson is used to difficulties and dangers of all kinds during the arduous journey west, but he has never had to deal with trouble like Callie before. Not being the kind of man to kick a penniless orphan off his coach, he puts up with the sassy, disobedient girl for as long as he can, but when Callie’s antics put the lives of his passengers at risk Jude is forced to take matters into his own hands and spank her soundly.
The stern punishment leaves her thoroughly chastened and promising to behave, and Jude soon realizes that when she puts aside her foul-mouthed, defiant façade, the real Callie is as sweet and kind as she is beautiful. As the days pass, he takes it upon himself to guide her, care for her, and give her the loving discipline she so desperately needs, as often as she needs it. But when they reach their destination, will he be able to give her up?
Publisher’s Corralling Callie includes sexual scenes and spankings. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
As a former soldier and an experienced coachman, Jude Johnson is used to difficulties and dangers of all kinds during the arduous journey west, but he has never had to deal with trouble like Callie before. Not being the kind of man to kick a penniless orphan off his coach, he puts up with the sassy, disobedient girl for as long as he can, but when Callie’s antics put the lives of his passengers at risk Jude is forced to take matters into his own hands and spank her soundly.
The stern punishment leaves her thoroughly chastened and promising to behave, and Jude soon realizes that when she puts aside her foul-mouthed, defiant façade, the real Callie is as sweet and kind as she is beautiful. As the days pass, he takes it upon himself to guide her, care for her, and give her the loving discipline she so desperately needs, as often as she needs it. But when they reach their destination, will he be able to give her up?
Publisher’s Corralling Callie includes sexual scenes and spankings. If such material offends you, please don’t buy this book.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 19, 2016
74 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Amelia Smarts
42 books298 followersAmelia Smarts is a USA Today bestselling author of fast-paced, steamy western romances with dominant cowboys, Dom/sub discipline, and heartwarming HEAs. Amelia holds graduate and undergraduate degrees in creative writing and English. She loves to read, which allows her writing to be influenced by many different genres in addition to romance, including mystery, adventure, history, and suspense. To learn more, sign up for her newsletter. You'll get an alert whenever Amelia releases a new book and exclusive content like free excerpts and giveaways. https://goo.gl/forms/VlnDVsYoSXCiN2hw1
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
May 23, 2017
5 ROLLICKING STARS!
I have been a MEGA fan of Amelia Smarts for a while—in my opinion she provides the gold standard for penning loving domestic discipline stories set in the rugged Old West--but this is my first ever audiobook of hers. And YEE HAW...CORRALLING CALLIE was one DANG good listen!!
Narrator Gideon Welles breathed so much flesh and blood life into the beloved characters of Jude Johnson and Callie Broderick that I truly felt like I was transported to the Wild West and was a passenger on the long, dusty journey from St. Louis, MO to Sacramento, CA! His rough-hewn, rumbly baritone and raspy western drawl was perfectly suited for the role of gruffly sexy former soldier-turned-expert-Coachman Jude Johnson, and Mr. Welles did an admirable job of portraying sweet, native Callie as well!
I found myself so immersed in the story and the vivid emotions of the characters that my heart was palpitating, my girly parts were tingling and my belly had flutters throughout. I literally could not stop swooning, squirming and giggling in girlish delight and kept smiling from ear to ear. This was most a definitely binge listen for me and left me on a giddy high!
As for the story itself, Amelia Smarts continues to DAZZLE and ENRAPTURE with her astounding talent and her deep rooted insight into the Old West. There is so much rich flavor and genuine authenticity to her Wild West tales that at times I am just as enthralled as by her intricate knowledge of the pioneer life as I am with the breathtaking romance. And this particular tale LASSOED my heart from page one!!! The sparks between this duo was utterly captivating, the romantic interludes delightful and the spankings were SIZZLING HOT!
I ached so profoundly for poor Callie, an orphan who had been horribly mistreated and had so little love or joy in her life yet her resilience and her bright shining light could not be dimmed. Jude, a tough, taciturn yet exquisitely gentle-hearted Alpha Male sure had his hands full with sweet, sassy Callie who he took under his wing during their arduous journey when it became clear she needed looking after.
And my oh my did the spunky little darlin’ give a well-intentioned Jude a run for his money! She was prone to getting herself into mischief, spinning tall tales and sulking like a child when she didn’t get her way. She raised his ire—as well as that of the other passengers--and found herself over his knee for hard, humiliating spankings on many an occasion. But his good old fashioned discipline was always done with KINDNESS and CARE, for the impetuous young lady’s own good. He never could stay angry with Callie for long, either, because he has such a soft spot in his big ole heart for the spritely young orphan who had dreams for a better life as a mail order bride to a man named Albert. Of course things did not pan out exactly according to plan when she arrived at her final destination, but through thick and thin Jude was always there to envelop her in his big, comforting arms and give her a sturdy shoulder to lean on.
Their connection was so incredibly special and I love what a SOOTHING presence strong, stalwart Jude was in young, achingly lonely Callie’s life and how he became her self-appointed protector. He didn’t stand for the other passengers to mistreat her or hurt her feelings and always managed to bring a smile to her lovely young face. So even though he was strict and firm with her when needed, he had an enormous amount of tenderness and compassion for the love-starved little darlin’ that I found incredibly endearing.
Bottom line...CORRALLING CALLIE gave me WARM FUZZIES and SWOONY feels throughout!!! So if you have a hankering for a high-spirited and homespun western romance chock full of love, drama, heartache and yummy bottom warmings, then I highly recommend this AMAZING audiobook!!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Amelia Smarts. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
I have been a MEGA fan of Amelia Smarts for a while—in my opinion she provides the gold standard for penning loving domestic discipline stories set in the rugged Old West--but this is my first ever audiobook of hers. And YEE HAW...CORRALLING CALLIE was one DANG good listen!!
Narrator Gideon Welles breathed so much flesh and blood life into the beloved characters of Jude Johnson and Callie Broderick that I truly felt like I was transported to the Wild West and was a passenger on the long, dusty journey from St. Louis, MO to Sacramento, CA! His rough-hewn, rumbly baritone and raspy western drawl was perfectly suited for the role of gruffly sexy former soldier-turned-expert-Coachman Jude Johnson, and Mr. Welles did an admirable job of portraying sweet, native Callie as well!
I found myself so immersed in the story and the vivid emotions of the characters that my heart was palpitating, my girly parts were tingling and my belly had flutters throughout. I literally could not stop swooning, squirming and giggling in girlish delight and kept smiling from ear to ear. This was most a definitely binge listen for me and left me on a giddy high!
As for the story itself, Amelia Smarts continues to DAZZLE and ENRAPTURE with her astounding talent and her deep rooted insight into the Old West. There is so much rich flavor and genuine authenticity to her Wild West tales that at times I am just as enthralled as by her intricate knowledge of the pioneer life as I am with the breathtaking romance. And this particular tale LASSOED my heart from page one!!! The sparks between this duo was utterly captivating, the romantic interludes delightful and the spankings were SIZZLING HOT!
I ached so profoundly for poor Callie, an orphan who had been horribly mistreated and had so little love or joy in her life yet her resilience and her bright shining light could not be dimmed. Jude, a tough, taciturn yet exquisitely gentle-hearted Alpha Male sure had his hands full with sweet, sassy Callie who he took under his wing during their arduous journey when it became clear she needed looking after.
And my oh my did the spunky little darlin’ give a well-intentioned Jude a run for his money! She was prone to getting herself into mischief, spinning tall tales and sulking like a child when she didn’t get her way. She raised his ire—as well as that of the other passengers--and found herself over his knee for hard, humiliating spankings on many an occasion. But his good old fashioned discipline was always done with KINDNESS and CARE, for the impetuous young lady’s own good. He never could stay angry with Callie for long, either, because he has such a soft spot in his big ole heart for the spritely young orphan who had dreams for a better life as a mail order bride to a man named Albert. Of course things did not pan out exactly according to plan when she arrived at her final destination, but through thick and thin Jude was always there to envelop her in his big, comforting arms and give her a sturdy shoulder to lean on.
Their connection was so incredibly special and I love what a SOOTHING presence strong, stalwart Jude was in young, achingly lonely Callie’s life and how he became her self-appointed protector. He didn’t stand for the other passengers to mistreat her or hurt her feelings and always managed to bring a smile to her lovely young face. So even though he was strict and firm with her when needed, he had an enormous amount of tenderness and compassion for the love-starved little darlin’ that I found incredibly endearing.
Bottom line...CORRALLING CALLIE gave me WARM FUZZIES and SWOONY feels throughout!!! So if you have a hankering for a high-spirited and homespun western romance chock full of love, drama, heartache and yummy bottom warmings, then I highly recommend this AMAZING audiobook!!
I received this audiobook as part of my participation in a blog tour with Audiobookworm Promotions. The tour is being sponsored by Amelia Smarts. The gifting of this audiobook did not affect my opinion of it.
May 23, 2017
I’m going to state right here at the very beginning that this will not be a book for everyone – even those who like historical romance might not find this to their tastes. Please take this disclaimer to heart before choosing to read this novel.
This is a very different kind of romance story; interwoven throughout the plot are elements of domestic discipline, particularly spanking (and not necessarily the erotic type, although that does come into play later on the novel for sure). On its face, I have no issues with that as an element, when used correctly and within a historical setting, because that was a more normalized way of life in the 1800s and on the frontier of the American West. I would have a much more difficult time with reading a story with these elements set within the modern day because that is not the typical way of life now. So knowing that, I left my modern sensibilities checked at the door when starting this book. With that out of the way, I did still have one issue that kept nagging at me throughout the entire story – this man who was doling out the discipline wasn’t her husband/boyfriend/father, quite honestly he was a complete stranger, which just felt sort of wrong to me. Yes, the author does go to a length to make the reasons known for why the male lead thinks it is his job to take the heroine to task for her wild ways, but it wasn’t quite believable enough for me to buy into this element of the story.
Moving on from that element, I did actually enjoy how the story unfolded, despite its brief length. I felt that I had a solid sense of who Callie was throughout the novel, even if a good portion of her backstory wasn’t revealed until right near the end. I still understood her motivations for heading out West to seek a husband and how she made many mistakes, but usually had the best intentions at heart. She is young, willful, and naïve. Jude comes off as your somewhat typical very masculine cowboy. He is strong and a no-nonsense straight-shooter. I didn’t have quite as much of a complete sense of who he was as a person, compared with Callie, but for me, his personality came off much larger than life and I didn’t feel like I needed as much to frame him in my mind.
This wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for from the novel, but it was a good read.
About the audiobook:
Gideon Welles was an excellent fit for voicing Jude in my opinion. He certainly came off as the weather-beaten cowboy and I bought into his character. I think that this helped frame his character in my mind despite having less actual information/story on the man himself. The exact opposite was true for his voicing of Callie. His voice has a difficult tone to try and replicate a woman’s in any way. This was unfortunate as at least half the novel takes place in Callie’s head and it would have been easier to get into her character with a more convincing voice. One issue I did have was with the pacing of the narration. The speed with which it was read was fine, however, Welles seemed to take pauses at some of the strangest locations within the text – places where it wouldn’t have even been appropriate for a comma/pause. I found myself getting hung up with this reading pattern because I would be anticipating a sentence to have reached its end only to find it pick back up again.
This is a very different kind of romance story; interwoven throughout the plot are elements of domestic discipline, particularly spanking (and not necessarily the erotic type, although that does come into play later on the novel for sure). On its face, I have no issues with that as an element, when used correctly and within a historical setting, because that was a more normalized way of life in the 1800s and on the frontier of the American West. I would have a much more difficult time with reading a story with these elements set within the modern day because that is not the typical way of life now. So knowing that, I left my modern sensibilities checked at the door when starting this book. With that out of the way, I did still have one issue that kept nagging at me throughout the entire story – this man who was doling out the discipline wasn’t her husband/boyfriend/father, quite honestly he was a complete stranger, which just felt sort of wrong to me. Yes, the author does go to a length to make the reasons known for why the male lead thinks it is his job to take the heroine to task for her wild ways, but it wasn’t quite believable enough for me to buy into this element of the story.
Moving on from that element, I did actually enjoy how the story unfolded, despite its brief length. I felt that I had a solid sense of who Callie was throughout the novel, even if a good portion of her backstory wasn’t revealed until right near the end. I still understood her motivations for heading out West to seek a husband and how she made many mistakes, but usually had the best intentions at heart. She is young, willful, and naïve. Jude comes off as your somewhat typical very masculine cowboy. He is strong and a no-nonsense straight-shooter. I didn’t have quite as much of a complete sense of who he was as a person, compared with Callie, but for me, his personality came off much larger than life and I didn’t feel like I needed as much to frame him in my mind.
This wasn’t exactly what I was hoping for from the novel, but it was a good read.
About the audiobook:
Gideon Welles was an excellent fit for voicing Jude in my opinion. He certainly came off as the weather-beaten cowboy and I bought into his character. I think that this helped frame his character in my mind despite having less actual information/story on the man himself. The exact opposite was true for his voicing of Callie. His voice has a difficult tone to try and replicate a woman’s in any way. This was unfortunate as at least half the novel takes place in Callie’s head and it would have been easier to get into her character with a more convincing voice. One issue I did have was with the pacing of the narration. The speed with which it was read was fine, however, Welles seemed to take pauses at some of the strangest locations within the text – places where it wouldn’t have even been appropriate for a comma/pause. I found myself getting hung up with this reading pattern because I would be anticipating a sentence to have reached its end only to find it pick back up again.
March 12, 2017
This book from the start was so good, I couldn't stop listening. Amelia Smarts can take a naive girl and a dominant man can create the hottest stories while keeping the storyline enjoyable and believable. Callie, an 18 year old orphan has been corresponding with her soon to be husband and has to get to Sacremento to marry him. Jude, a coach driver, is convinced to take her on his wagon while he is making the trip. Through her naïveté, spunk and bravery, she creates all kinds of havoc during this trip while trying to keep his paying customers happy. Her misbehaving results in blistering spankings and Jude's feelings developing to love. The slow burn between these two is hot it has to end once Callie reaches her fiancé. Or does it?
Gideon Welles has an incredibly low voice, that rasps perfectly for an old west character. His portrayal of this book is nothing less than perfection.
Gideon Welles has an incredibly low voice, that rasps perfectly for an old west character. His portrayal of this book is nothing less than perfection.
May 31, 2017
Callie Broderick is an orphan who is ready for a big change in her life. She’s masterminded a plan to ride a stagecoach out west to California where her fiance Albert awaits her. She’s willing to be a mail-order bride to get away from her poor life and past. However, as she comes to know the coachman, Jude Johnson, she starts questioning her choice to marry this unknown Albert.
I joined this blog tour on a whim because I do like a good western from time to time. Plus there’s spanking, which I always find both amusing and potentially erotic. This book was fun though there’s not much depth to it. Callie feels like she’s 16, though the description puts her at 18. She’s got this rough past as an abused orphan and yet she seems to lack some street smarts. Her character could have used a bit more to it.
Then we have Jude Johnson. He’s an ex-soldier and an experience coachman. He provides a steady, and sometimes stern, hand for Callie to clasp on to…. when he’s not using it to smack her bottom. He’s a decent guy and he felt like twice Callie’s age. I wanted to know more about him and his past. He carries a confidence that is attractive.
The main premise of the book was good. Callie wants to leave her old life behind and this chance to be the wife of a man with a stable income in far off Sacramento seems like a dream come true. She’s exchanged letters with Albert over the past several months and he appears to be a decent person. I did wonder how Callie came to read and write so well and how she came about the paper, ink, and postage to exchange so many letters. It’s these little things that would have made this a really good story had they been included.
So let’s talk about those spankings, because that is honestly why some of us picked this book up. The first few spankings were chaste punishments for Callie doing something that she shouldn’t. Her relationship with Jude really does start off with this older man in charge punishing a young disobedient pup feel to it. But then things start to shift as they become friends. Plus Callie is afraid of the dark and needs comforting nightly in order to sleep. That puts them in an intimate if still chaste position on a regular basis.
Eventually, we get 1 sex scene. It’s over quickly and lacks in description. While the romance and anticipation leading up to it were sweet, the actual love scene needed more page time. A lot more page time. The ending for Jude and Callie was a nice one and I can see how the author may well build upon this. Perhaps there will be a sequel. After all, there’s plenty more than spankings for the two to explore.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Gideon Welles can read to me any time he wants to. This is one of the sexiest voices I have heard in some time. He is excellent as Jude Johnson. He’s got just the right amount of gruffness to his voice. His female voice for Callie was decent. He also had distinct voices for the other characters in the story. I liked his regional accents as well.
I joined this blog tour on a whim because I do like a good western from time to time. Plus there’s spanking, which I always find both amusing and potentially erotic. This book was fun though there’s not much depth to it. Callie feels like she’s 16, though the description puts her at 18. She’s got this rough past as an abused orphan and yet she seems to lack some street smarts. Her character could have used a bit more to it.
Then we have Jude Johnson. He’s an ex-soldier and an experience coachman. He provides a steady, and sometimes stern, hand for Callie to clasp on to…. when he’s not using it to smack her bottom. He’s a decent guy and he felt like twice Callie’s age. I wanted to know more about him and his past. He carries a confidence that is attractive.
The main premise of the book was good. Callie wants to leave her old life behind and this chance to be the wife of a man with a stable income in far off Sacramento seems like a dream come true. She’s exchanged letters with Albert over the past several months and he appears to be a decent person. I did wonder how Callie came to read and write so well and how she came about the paper, ink, and postage to exchange so many letters. It’s these little things that would have made this a really good story had they been included.
So let’s talk about those spankings, because that is honestly why some of us picked this book up. The first few spankings were chaste punishments for Callie doing something that she shouldn’t. Her relationship with Jude really does start off with this older man in charge punishing a young disobedient pup feel to it. But then things start to shift as they become friends. Plus Callie is afraid of the dark and needs comforting nightly in order to sleep. That puts them in an intimate if still chaste position on a regular basis.
Eventually, we get 1 sex scene. It’s over quickly and lacks in description. While the romance and anticipation leading up to it were sweet, the actual love scene needed more page time. A lot more page time. The ending for Jude and Callie was a nice one and I can see how the author may well build upon this. Perhaps there will be a sequel. After all, there’s plenty more than spankings for the two to explore.
I received a free copy of this book via The Audiobookworm.
The Narration: Gideon Welles can read to me any time he wants to. This is one of the sexiest voices I have heard in some time. He is excellent as Jude Johnson. He’s got just the right amount of gruffness to his voice. His female voice for Callie was decent. He also had distinct voices for the other characters in the story. I liked his regional accents as well.
July 2, 2017
Hey Guys! Today I'm reviewing the audiobook Corralling Callie by Amelia Smarts and narrated by Gideon Welles.
Let's start with the narration. Gideon Welles has a deep voice. It is steady and sexy. However he pauses a lot. He pauses so much I thought my app wasn't working or that my phone had broken. When checking that my phone and app were working I became a little frustrated by how much he pauses. He would say a sentence like this: Well I don't...know....but well I....guess that's....fine. Now I'm from the south and I know we can talk a little slow, but people don't just pause for seconds in the middle of their sentences. And I highly doubt they do that over in Texas! In the last forty minutes of the audiobook he redeems himself and stops the annoying pausing habit. So the audio gets a 4/5.
Now for the plot. The plot itself is interesting. Callie is going on a month long trip to San Francisco to meet her fiance for the first time. On the way she has a thing with Jude, the stage coach driver. They fall for each other, but can't have each other. The story though is a tad boring. Nothing much is described. We are told what happens. I would have liked to see more scenes like the one where Jesse James comes to rob them, or Callie sitting in the dark humming. I didn't feel like I traveled with them, just heard about it.
There also was not much romance. It was only in the last thirty minutes, and it was definitely not graphic. For a book that said it was 18 plus I figured there would be more sex? But I guess not.
Callie was an issue. She acted like a ten year old most of the time and a five year old when she had tantrums, but she's supposed to be eighteen. I don't believe for a second she is 18 years old. And the fact that Jude, a 30? something year old man, is interested in her is just plain gross. It has to be for the fact that she is young looking. She doesn't really have a personality outside of her temper tantrums and naive and ignorance. I understand she was locked in a closet during her time at the orphanage when she would act out, but was she locked in their from 5 to 18 years old? Because she has not grown up at all! The only times Callie was somewhat redeeming as a character were when Jesse James came to steal from them and when she was in the dark humming to herself. The rest of the time she was too young for her age and didn't really do much in the story except wreck everything for everyone.
Overall I'd give the narration a 4/5. Story 3/5. And total experience 3.5/5.
Let's start with the narration. Gideon Welles has a deep voice. It is steady and sexy. However he pauses a lot. He pauses so much I thought my app wasn't working or that my phone had broken. When checking that my phone and app were working I became a little frustrated by how much he pauses. He would say a sentence like this: Well I don't...know....but well I....guess that's....fine. Now I'm from the south and I know we can talk a little slow, but people don't just pause for seconds in the middle of their sentences. And I highly doubt they do that over in Texas! In the last forty minutes of the audiobook he redeems himself and stops the annoying pausing habit. So the audio gets a 4/5.
Now for the plot. The plot itself is interesting. Callie is going on a month long trip to San Francisco to meet her fiance for the first time. On the way she has a thing with Jude, the stage coach driver. They fall for each other, but can't have each other. The story though is a tad boring. Nothing much is described. We are told what happens. I would have liked to see more scenes like the one where Jesse James comes to rob them, or Callie sitting in the dark humming. I didn't feel like I traveled with them, just heard about it.
There also was not much romance. It was only in the last thirty minutes, and it was definitely not graphic. For a book that said it was 18 plus I figured there would be more sex? But I guess not.
Callie was an issue. She acted like a ten year old most of the time and a five year old when she had tantrums, but she's supposed to be eighteen. I don't believe for a second she is 18 years old. And the fact that Jude, a 30? something year old man, is interested in her is just plain gross. It has to be for the fact that she is young looking. She doesn't really have a personality outside of her temper tantrums and naive and ignorance. I understand she was locked in a closet during her time at the orphanage when she would act out, but was she locked in their from 5 to 18 years old? Because she has not grown up at all! The only times Callie was somewhat redeeming as a character were when Jesse James came to steal from them and when she was in the dark humming to herself. The rest of the time she was too young for her age and didn't really do much in the story except wreck everything for everyone.
Overall I'd give the narration a 4/5. Story 3/5. And total experience 3.5/5.
May 24, 2017
Rating: 4.5 Stars
Would you consider the audio edition of Corralling Callie to be better than the print version?
Since I haven't read the book, I cannot answer that question. But I can tell you that it was a surprise and I would listen to it again. I would even purchase the book.
What other book might you compare Corralling Callie to and why?
For me it would be hard to compare an audible book unless I listened to one exactly like it. I would also then have to decide if I liked it just as much as the other book. And then there's the opposite side of the coin - did I like it less. Maybe it's a case of if I liked this author more than the other author. Or maybe I liked this author less. I would not disrespect either author that way.
Which character – as performed by Gideon Welles – was your favorite?
I would have to say Jude Johnson. Mr. Welles does a great job of bringing his character to life. I wasn't sure in the beginning if I would enjoy having him read to me but it wasn't long before I changed my mind. I wouldn't have been able to envision what Jude was like without Gideon's voice to put pictures in my mind.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
One thing that may be off-putting to some is how Jude handles Callie at times. Is he treating her like a child? Is he trying to teach her a lesson? Or is it an adult male showing an adult female what they can enjoy together than just straight vanilla sex. I think you have to have an open mind and get past that he is not abusing her in any way. And living the type of life he has led, he's not had a woman like her in his life before.
Any additional comments?
I loved how this author took me on an adventure back into the old west. It's a story that made my trips in the car much more enjoyable. And it had me wishing I was in a stage coach with horses in front of me instead of under the hood. I'm glad that no one asked what I was listening to because there are certain scenes I wouldn't want to explain. Not because I didn't enjoy the story but you just never know how the other person will handle the explanation. Our author does a great job of creating a character that I truly hated - one nice word, bully. Would I recommend this author? Without a doubt, yes. Would I listen to this author's work again? Without a doubt, yes. Would I read a book of hers? Yes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
Would you consider the audio edition of Corralling Callie to be better than the print version?
Since I haven't read the book, I cannot answer that question. But I can tell you that it was a surprise and I would listen to it again. I would even purchase the book.
What other book might you compare Corralling Callie to and why?
For me it would be hard to compare an audible book unless I listened to one exactly like it. I would also then have to decide if I liked it just as much as the other book. And then there's the opposite side of the coin - did I like it less. Maybe it's a case of if I liked this author more than the other author. Or maybe I liked this author less. I would not disrespect either author that way.
Which character – as performed by Gideon Welles – was your favorite?
I would have to say Jude Johnson. Mr. Welles does a great job of bringing his character to life. I wasn't sure in the beginning if I would enjoy having him read to me but it wasn't long before I changed my mind. I wouldn't have been able to envision what Jude was like without Gideon's voice to put pictures in my mind.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
One thing that may be off-putting to some is how Jude handles Callie at times. Is he treating her like a child? Is he trying to teach her a lesson? Or is it an adult male showing an adult female what they can enjoy together than just straight vanilla sex. I think you have to have an open mind and get past that he is not abusing her in any way. And living the type of life he has led, he's not had a woman like her in his life before.
Any additional comments?
I loved how this author took me on an adventure back into the old west. It's a story that made my trips in the car much more enjoyable. And it had me wishing I was in a stage coach with horses in front of me instead of under the hood. I'm glad that no one asked what I was listening to because there are certain scenes I wouldn't want to explain. Not because I didn't enjoy the story but you just never know how the other person will handle the explanation. Our author does a great job of creating a character that I truly hated - one nice word, bully. Would I recommend this author? Without a doubt, yes. Would I listen to this author's work again? Without a doubt, yes. Would I read a book of hers? Yes.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book.
August 7, 2017
Caroline "Callie" Broderick at age 18, is finally able to escape the abusive orphanage where she was raised and punished by locking her in a dark closet without food and water for long periods of time. Thanks to her cowboy father-figure Sam, she is given food. Sam also directs her to the mail-order bride advertisements in the newspaper. She writes a former California miner who struck it rich and agrees to marry Albert.
Taking the ticket Albert sent her, Callie adjusts the date to that day so she can leave with the best driver and on the best stage coach. Driver Jude Johnson has a full stage with the two couples aboard, but is short a guard in the box with him. He agrees to let her ride up top. Callie proves to be a chatterbox with her tall tales -- some true and some not. Soon he has to take the hellion in hand, but Jude also has strong protective feelings for her.
The long journey from Missouri to California has them fighting their growing affection for each other. Jude helps her fight the night terrors from being locked in the closet as a child. Jude won't leave her with Albert, unless he proves to be a good man.
A fun adventure with lots of heart and a happy ending.
Taking the ticket Albert sent her, Callie adjusts the date to that day so she can leave with the best driver and on the best stage coach. Driver Jude Johnson has a full stage with the two couples aboard, but is short a guard in the box with him. He agrees to let her ride up top. Callie proves to be a chatterbox with her tall tales -- some true and some not. Soon he has to take the hellion in hand, but Jude also has strong protective feelings for her.
The long journey from Missouri to California has them fighting their growing affection for each other. Jude helps her fight the night terrors from being locked in the closet as a child. Jude won't leave her with Albert, unless he proves to be a good man.
A fun adventure with lots of heart and a happy ending.
December 17, 2016
When you pick up a book by Amelia Smarts you know it will be well-written, fast-paced and full of characters who are so authentic they almost walk off the page.
Corralling Callie is all of that and more. It takes the reader on a stagecoach ride across the continent to Sacramento. Jude takes the reins (literally and figuratively) and smart, but slightly troubled, Callie sits at his side, confronting him with her candid and often wildly embellished view of the world.
The book looks at important questions in this genre, specially the difference between discipline and abuse (‘Someone who mistreats you is different from someone who disciplines you for your own good.’). It also addresses what can be one of the biggest challenges in everyday living: ‘When it’s hardest to be a good person, that’s when it’s most important.’
From the first page, Callie won my heart with her feisty manner in spite of much suffering. Sexy, dominant Jude was the perfect man for her.
Highly recommended.
Corralling Callie is all of that and more. It takes the reader on a stagecoach ride across the continent to Sacramento. Jude takes the reins (literally and figuratively) and smart, but slightly troubled, Callie sits at his side, confronting him with her candid and often wildly embellished view of the world.
The book looks at important questions in this genre, specially the difference between discipline and abuse (‘Someone who mistreats you is different from someone who disciplines you for your own good.’). It also addresses what can be one of the biggest challenges in everyday living: ‘When it’s hardest to be a good person, that’s when it’s most important.’
From the first page, Callie won my heart with her feisty manner in spite of much suffering. Sexy, dominant Jude was the perfect man for her.
Highly recommended.
May 13, 2017
A sassy spitfire heroine and a protective caring hero.
This is a sweet romance with a sassy spitfire heroine and a caring protective hero with a huge heart. The plot will take you through a variety of situations and incidents with characters of all types. The story is well written and entertaining. The author did a good job of wrapping the story up at the end. This was a fun and light read. There is some mentions of light spankings but nothing heavy or overly sexual in the book.
Gideon Welles did a good job narrating the book. He has a deep raspy voice that sets the western tone well. The only thing I didn’t care for is the voice sounded more mechanical to me. It was lacking something.
Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars based on the audio version. I wish I had enjoyed it more and it had kept my attention better. I had a hard time relating to the characters. I generally love western romance. This one just fell a little short for me.
If you are looking for a quick light read with some western flair, then I recommend this book to you.
This is a sweet romance with a sassy spitfire heroine and a caring protective hero with a huge heart. The plot will take you through a variety of situations and incidents with characters of all types. The story is well written and entertaining. The author did a good job of wrapping the story up at the end. This was a fun and light read. There is some mentions of light spankings but nothing heavy or overly sexual in the book.
Gideon Welles did a good job narrating the book. He has a deep raspy voice that sets the western tone well. The only thing I didn’t care for is the voice sounded more mechanical to me. It was lacking something.
Overall, I give the book 3.5 stars based on the audio version. I wish I had enjoyed it more and it had kept my attention better. I had a hard time relating to the characters. I generally love western romance. This one just fell a little short for me.
If you are looking for a quick light read with some western flair, then I recommend this book to you.
March 26, 2017
Callie needed taming. She is an 18 year old orphan/mail order bride on her way to Sacramento to get married but nobody has taught her how to behave in polite society. Her punishment for misbehavior in the orphanage up until the beginning of this story was to be locked in a closet for long periods of time.
Jude is the coachman taking her to Sacramento and he cares for her and teaches her a thing or two about life.
They begin to have feelings for each other and ... You will either have to read the book or listen to the audio version to find out what happens.
It is a delightful story and the narration by the gravelly voiced Gideon Welles is great.
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.
I was supplied with the audiobook version by the author and this is my unbiased and honest review.
Jude is the coachman taking her to Sacramento and he cares for her and teaches her a thing or two about life.
They begin to have feelings for each other and ... You will either have to read the book or listen to the audio version to find out what happens.
It is a delightful story and the narration by the gravelly voiced Gideon Welles is great.
I hope you will enjoy it as much as I have.
I was supplied with the audiobook version by the author and this is my unbiased and honest review.
December 20, 2018
From start to finish this was a great story. Callie and Jude are both sweet, charming, and funny characters. Callie is a strong and brave woman even though she is a bit of a hellion with a penchant for tall tales. From the time she appears in front of Jude she starts telling outlandish stories. Jude has a bit of a soft spot for her from the beginning and even though he feels a need to protect her and give her loving discipline he didn't expect to fall in love. That is exactly what happens though.
There are a quite a few spankings considering the length of the story and even though I usually like a bit more detail to the discipline it worked here. I cannot say enough good things about Corralling Callie. I needed a 5 star read and I got it!
There are a quite a few spankings considering the length of the story and even though I usually like a bit more detail to the discipline it worked here. I cannot say enough good things about Corralling Callie. I needed a 5 star read and I got it!
October 19, 2022
My first book from Amelia Smarts and I am not disappointed. 🤩
Love love love this book ! 💕 This was written so well, the characters were a breath of fresh air, the buildup of the story and the detail of the characters and emotions was just chefs kiss! And I giggled so many times, I love the hero and the heroine, they are perfect for each other. The heroine is so funny, sweet and sassy. The hero is charming, sexy and sweet not to say he doesn't know how to discipline and be firm and Mr steamy dreamy 😉 haha.
Will definitely reread a lot of times!
Love love love this book ! 💕 This was written so well, the characters were a breath of fresh air, the buildup of the story and the detail of the characters and emotions was just chefs kiss! And I giggled so many times, I love the hero and the heroine, they are perfect for each other. The heroine is so funny, sweet and sassy. The hero is charming, sexy and sweet not to say he doesn't know how to discipline and be firm and Mr steamy dreamy 😉 haha.
Will definitely reread a lot of times!
July 24, 2017
Sweet western Spanking romance with a bit of humor"
A wonderful story that makes you laugh. I've only read/listened to a few of Amelia Smarts books, but she's becoming a favorite of mine.
The narrator has a wonderful deep western sound, but he doesn't quite get the females across right. Though I did enjoy him otherwise.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this voluntary review.
A wonderful story that makes you laugh. I've only read/listened to a few of Amelia Smarts books, but she's becoming a favorite of mine.
The narrator has a wonderful deep western sound, but he doesn't quite get the females across right. Though I did enjoy him otherwise.
This audiobook was given to me for free at my request from the publisher or author or narrator and I provided this voluntary review.
April 22, 2018
Loved it
I'll preface this by saying I don't normally read westerns, I know this isn't really considered a western but still in that era but I really love this style of story. I really liked this book it made me laugh and tear up and warmed the heart. I definitely recommend this book.
I'll preface this by saying I don't normally read westerns, I know this isn't really considered a western but still in that era but I really love this style of story. I really liked this book it made me laugh and tear up and warmed the heart. I definitely recommend this book.
January 20, 2020
Callie met her match and the patience of Jude as she travels to the west.
As a soldier and coachman he has meet many that have been a test to his patience,but not a woman that would be so unruly. The narration was an added plus bring this story to life, with the laughter and Taming Of Callie
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
As a soldier and coachman he has meet many that have been a test to his patience,but not a woman that would be so unruly. The narration was an added plus bring this story to life, with the laughter and Taming Of Callie
Given ARC for my voluntary review and my honest opinion
July 7, 2021
A headstrong orphan finds freedom on a stagecoach headed south to California. On the way to meet the man she's agreed to marry, she falls for the stagecoach driver who puts her in her place with a firm but loving hand.
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
"I was given this free review copy book at my request and have voluntarily left this review."
December 1, 2018
Love & Adventure
Good book about a mischievous, but smart, resourceful mail order bride who has never been anything but alone, and the strong, sensible, protective gentleman that falls in love with her on the way to meet her future husband.
Good book about a mischievous, but smart, resourceful mail order bride who has never been anything but alone, and the strong, sensible, protective gentleman that falls in love with her on the way to meet her future husband.
May 29, 2017
I really like the plot line of this story, its fun and has a lot of sweet moments. worth the read.
March 31, 2020
Great Little Story
This was a great book and very entertaining. A cute love story to spend reading on the weekend. You won't be disappointed.
This was a great book and very entertaining. A cute love story to spend reading on the weekend. You won't be disappointed.
August 23, 2016
Ms. Amelia Smarts has written an absolutely perfect story of how Jude corralled Callie. Callie is one sassy, witty, stubborn young woman. Jude is one patient, understanding man and a strict disciplinarian. From the first page to the last, all the drama and discipline fall neatly into place. It was engaging, entertaining and I wouldn't change a thing about this story. I loved it!
Callie sets out on her journey West with the aide of Jude as the stagecoach driver. Jude soon realizes that Callie's antics are upsetting the other travelers. She defends herself by revealing her past to him. "Seems like you needed to be shown more mercy than justice at the time. As a result of very little care and discipline, however, you've turned into a bit of a hellion." He's unhappy with her bragging and fibbing. "The point of punishment is to learn from it and modify how you behave going forward."
As stern as Jude is with Callie, he also shows her his sweet side too. When she panics in the dark, he holds her close to his side as he brushes his thumb on her cheek and over her ear to comfort her until she falls asleep. He lets her sit up front in the most comfortable box seat right next to him instead of in the back as it is more bumpy.
As their travels continue, another passenger Annie tells Callie that Jude is quite taken with her. "You know he's sweet on you, right? He's used to being in charge. Then here you come, a lady who challenges him, and he's all balled up by it. Your one of a kind, and you done tickled his fancy something fierce."
At the next rest stop, Jude comforts Callie yet again through one of her night terrors. "I can't bear to know you're scared. I want to make you feel safe." Callie wants that too. "She wanted him to continue to guide and enlighten her, and she wanted to continue to charm him."
As for the rest of the story, you will have to read how Jude and Callie lived happily ever after. I don't want to spoil it for you.
Callie sets out on her journey West with the aide of Jude as the stagecoach driver. Jude soon realizes that Callie's antics are upsetting the other travelers. She defends herself by revealing her past to him. "Seems like you needed to be shown more mercy than justice at the time. As a result of very little care and discipline, however, you've turned into a bit of a hellion." He's unhappy with her bragging and fibbing. "The point of punishment is to learn from it and modify how you behave going forward."
As stern as Jude is with Callie, he also shows her his sweet side too. When she panics in the dark, he holds her close to his side as he brushes his thumb on her cheek and over her ear to comfort her until she falls asleep. He lets her sit up front in the most comfortable box seat right next to him instead of in the back as it is more bumpy.
As their travels continue, another passenger Annie tells Callie that Jude is quite taken with her. "You know he's sweet on you, right? He's used to being in charge. Then here you come, a lady who challenges him, and he's all balled up by it. Your one of a kind, and you done tickled his fancy something fierce."
At the next rest stop, Jude comforts Callie yet again through one of her night terrors. "I can't bear to know you're scared. I want to make you feel safe." Callie wants that too. "She wanted him to continue to guide and enlighten her, and she wanted to continue to charm him."
As for the rest of the story, you will have to read how Jude and Callie lived happily ever after. I don't want to spoil it for you.
August 30, 2016
WHEN IT’S HARDEST TO BE A GOOD PERSON, THAT’S WHEN IT’S MOST IMPORTANT
I enjoyed this adventure along a stagecoach route from Missouri to Sacremento, California. Jude Johnson is the stagecoach driver, and he is expecting to take two couples on the trip. Caroline “Callie” Broderick showed up with a ticket for two weeks out but managed to convince Jude to allow her to come and ride in the box seat. She promises she will be no problem, and listen to whatever he says. Callie is to be a mail-order bride for a Mr. Albert Smith.
The plot is a journey full of circumstances and events with some colorful characters. Callie can spin a tall tale and stir up trouble along the way. She is crass, argumentative, has a temper and full of antics that doesn’t sit well with the other passengers or Jude. All along the way, Jude finds himself taking her in hand for the trouble she causes. She tells so many stories, and talks a good game; it is hard to know what is the truth, what is stretched and what is a bold-faced lie. Jude can’t help himself, the more he gets to know Callie, learns of the abuse she suffered at the orphanage, and sees her genuine fear of the dark, he knows he must help her. What will happen when they get to their destination, and Jude must watch Callie go with her intended? Nearly a year of correspondence is a long time, and things can change. So much can happen along the journey when two people get to know each other. Honorable people are willing to uphold their promises, even if circumstances have changed. “You’re strong and grown up in some ways but fragile and unruly like a child in others. I get the hankerin’ to kiss you and spank you at the same time.” Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
I enjoyed this adventure along a stagecoach route from Missouri to Sacremento, California. Jude Johnson is the stagecoach driver, and he is expecting to take two couples on the trip. Caroline “Callie” Broderick showed up with a ticket for two weeks out but managed to convince Jude to allow her to come and ride in the box seat. She promises she will be no problem, and listen to whatever he says. Callie is to be a mail-order bride for a Mr. Albert Smith.
The plot is a journey full of circumstances and events with some colorful characters. Callie can spin a tall tale and stir up trouble along the way. She is crass, argumentative, has a temper and full of antics that doesn’t sit well with the other passengers or Jude. All along the way, Jude finds himself taking her in hand for the trouble she causes. She tells so many stories, and talks a good game; it is hard to know what is the truth, what is stretched and what is a bold-faced lie. Jude can’t help himself, the more he gets to know Callie, learns of the abuse she suffered at the orphanage, and sees her genuine fear of the dark, he knows he must help her. What will happen when they get to their destination, and Jude must watch Callie go with her intended? Nearly a year of correspondence is a long time, and things can change. So much can happen along the journey when two people get to know each other. Honorable people are willing to uphold their promises, even if circumstances have changed. “You’re strong and grown up in some ways but fragile and unruly like a child in others. I get the hankerin’ to kiss you and spank you at the same time.” Disclosure: I received an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts, opinions, and ratings are my own.
August 1, 2018
Review originally posted on Ctrl, Alt, Books!
Corralling Callie was a short and sweet historical romance. We follow Callie and her journey to California. She is determined to leave her past behind her and move forward with her fiancé that she has never met. Callie is spunky, stubborn and likes to tell tall tales about her life. She convinces Jude to allow her on the coach to Sacramento. During her journey, Callie is taught a lesson and is punished by Jude. Per the publisher’s note, you can expect lots of spankings, so if that isn’t your thing, you’ve been forewarned.
Gideon did an amazing job with the audiobook. He has a voice that’s very easy to listen to. His accent really gives you that Southern vibe and suits the story perfectly. I had no problems sitting there listening to his voice for huge chunks of time.
The story was entertaining and Callie is such a little spit fire that you can’t help but chuckle at her actions sometimes. Callie and Jude end up falling for each other sometime during their journey but Callie is engaged and neither will act on their feelings. This story is set at a faster pace. Don’t worry, it ends in a happily ever after for everyone! There is some sexual content towards the end, meaning this is meant for a mature audience.
4/5
~Layna
Corralling Callie was a short and sweet historical romance. We follow Callie and her journey to California. She is determined to leave her past behind her and move forward with her fiancé that she has never met. Callie is spunky, stubborn and likes to tell tall tales about her life. She convinces Jude to allow her on the coach to Sacramento. During her journey, Callie is taught a lesson and is punished by Jude. Per the publisher’s note, you can expect lots of spankings, so if that isn’t your thing, you’ve been forewarned.
Gideon did an amazing job with the audiobook. He has a voice that’s very easy to listen to. His accent really gives you that Southern vibe and suits the story perfectly. I had no problems sitting there listening to his voice for huge chunks of time.
The story was entertaining and Callie is such a little spit fire that you can’t help but chuckle at her actions sometimes. Callie and Jude end up falling for each other sometime during their journey but Callie is engaged and neither will act on their feelings. This story is set at a faster pace. Don’t worry, it ends in a happily ever after for everyone! There is some sexual content towards the end, meaning this is meant for a mature audience.
4/5
~Layna
August 1, 2018
Corralling Callie was a short and sweet historical romance. We follow Callie and her journey to California. She is determined to leave her past behind her and move forward with her fiancé that she has never met. Callie is spunky, stubborn and likes to tell tall tales about her life. She convinces Jude to allow her on the coach to Sacramento. During her journey, Callie is taught a lesson and is punished by Jude. Per the publisher’s note, you can expect lots of spankings, so if that isn’t your thing, you’ve been forewarned.
Gideon did an amazing job with the audiobook. He has a voice that’s very easy to listen to. His accent really gives you that Southern vibe and suits the story perfectly. I had no problems sitting there listening to his voice for huge chunks of time.
The story was entertaining and Callie is such a little spit fire that you can’t help but chuckle at her actions sometimes. Callie and Jude end up falling for each other sometime during their journey but Callie is engaged and neither will act on their feelings. This story is set at a faster pace. Don’t worry, it ends in a happily ever after for everyone! There is some sexual content towards the end, meaning this is meant for a mature audience.
4/5
~Layna
Gideon did an amazing job with the audiobook. He has a voice that’s very easy to listen to. His accent really gives you that Southern vibe and suits the story perfectly. I had no problems sitting there listening to his voice for huge chunks of time.
The story was entertaining and Callie is such a little spit fire that you can’t help but chuckle at her actions sometimes. Callie and Jude end up falling for each other sometime during their journey but Callie is engaged and neither will act on their feelings. This story is set at a faster pace. Don’t worry, it ends in a happily ever after for everyone! There is some sexual content towards the end, meaning this is meant for a mature audience.
4/5
~Layna
September 22, 2016
Miss Smarts is a pantie melter that's right a pantie melter every single book that she so cleverly writes and brings out for us her loyal and adoring fans.
This book was written in such a way it made my toes curl and my heart melt, the characters are all so outstanding each one is written in such a way that you think you're watching an honest to goodness movie as you are transported into the world that Miss Smarts has so cleverly written.
Jude is an honest but firm man he is the guy you crave and the one that makes you weak at the knees and he makes Callie do just that.
Callie is a young woman that yearns to be free and have the life that she so craves but she finds Judd instead and everything changes for her she loses her mind body and soul to this handsome firm man.
An exceptional spanktastic read
5 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
This book was written in such a way it made my toes curl and my heart melt, the characters are all so outstanding each one is written in such a way that you think you're watching an honest to goodness movie as you are transported into the world that Miss Smarts has so cleverly written.
Jude is an honest but firm man he is the guy you crave and the one that makes you weak at the knees and he makes Callie do just that.
Callie is a young woman that yearns to be free and have the life that she so craves but she finds Judd instead and everything changes for her she loses her mind body and soul to this handsome firm man.
An exceptional spanktastic read
5 Out Of 5 Hearts From Cariad Books
August 23, 2016
When Callie's parents were killed she was sent to a horrendous orphanage where the food was terrible and she often found herself locked in a closet, her only companions were the rats and vermin. As a result she had panic attacks. She run away and talked a wagon driver to take her with him. She is to be a mail order bride. Is she unpleasant to the fellow passengers? When she is pleasant she finds out she is liked. Is there an attraction to Jude, the driver? Does Jude like her? Does she marry the mail order groom?read the book to find out these and other answers. The was a lovely written book and I recommend it. I was given this book from the author for an honest revive. The thoughts and opinions are mine.
August 28, 2016
I received this book from Stormy Night Publications in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I am not usually crazy about Old West romances but this one is pretty dang good. FYI - this story has lots of spankings (well deserved and none boarding on abuse) but very, very little sex. The story is well written and enjoyable. Callie is just looking for a place to belong and be wanted. Jude is just trying to protect her. The story is detailed and really draws you in. The rather short wrap up to the story was not disappointing as the whole story does a fantastic job of leading to the ending that was written. It is well worth the time to read this book.
I am not usually crazy about Old West romances but this one is pretty dang good. FYI - this story has lots of spankings (well deserved and none boarding on abuse) but very, very little sex. The story is well written and enjoyable. Callie is just looking for a place to belong and be wanted. Jude is just trying to protect her. The story is detailed and really draws you in. The rather short wrap up to the story was not disappointing as the whole story does a fantastic job of leading to the ending that was written. It is well worth the time to read this book.
August 25, 2016
I loved this book but Callie stole my heart! She made me laugh and cry and I was thrilled when she got what she always wanted. I was entertained throughout and read this in one sitting! The only thing that I wished was to witness the comeuppance of the mean lady that managed the orphanage. Nicely done! I received this book from Stormy Night Publications as an Advanced Reader Copy.
August 23, 2016
Corralling Callie
A great book I really liked callie and Jude her excessive talent at telling tall storied gets her spanked several times. I would love to see them in another story
A great book I really liked callie and Jude her excessive talent at telling tall storied gets her spanked several times. I would love to see them in another story
April 2, 2017
Corralling Callie by Amelia Smarts was a good quick read. Callie is heading west as a mail order bride and she hopes that her future husband will at least be a decent person. She meets Jude, who is the coachman on her journey west. I enjoyed reading their journey west and their journey to eachother. This was a good read by Amelia Smarts.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews