The New York Times bestselling author of The Cowboy and The Rival returns to the Bitter Creek series with this thrilling and passionate novel that reveals who will become Clay Blackthorne’s wife.
A lavish summer wedding is being planned at Bitter Creek ranch. In one month, Clay Blackthorne will wed socialite Jocelyn Montrose. But when she hears stirrings of a corporate takeover by the family’s arch rival, North Grayhawk, Jocelyn covertly heads to North’s ranch to offer a valuable commodity—herself—if North will call off his plans. Striking a deal to spend the summer with the steely, seductive North, Jocelyn fails to see that her sacrifice to protect the man she loves may have dire consequences.
Stunned by his fiancee’s rejection, Clay, a newly appointed federal judge, begins presiding over an incendiary terrorism trial, which brings him face to face with his first love, Libby Grayhawk. As tensions mount, forces beyond Clay’s control threaten the women most precious to him in the past and the present. And only in a daring act of sacrifice will he know which woman will become the next Mrs. Blackthorne.
Joan Johnston (born Little Rock, Arkansas) is a best-selling American author of over forty contemporary and historical romance novels.
Johnston was the third of seven children born to an Air Force sergeant and his music-teacher wife. She received a B.A. in theatre arts from Jacksonville University in 1970, then earning an M.A. in theatre from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1971. She received a law degree (with honors) at the University of Texas at Austin in 1980. For the next five years, Johnston worked as an attorney, serving with the Hunton & Williams firm in Richmond, Virginia, and with Squire, Sanders, & Dempsey in Miami. She has also worked as a newspaper editor and drama critic in San Antonio, Texas, and as a college professor at Southwest Texas Junior College, Barry University, and the University of Miami.
Johnston is a member of the Authors Guild, Novelists, Inc., Romance Writers of America, and Florida Romance Writers. She has two children and one grandchild, and divides her time between two homes, in Colorado and Florida.
Awards
* Paperbook Book Club of America's Book Rak Award (twice) * Romantic Times' Best Western Historical Series Award (twice) * Romantic Times' Best New Western Writer * Romantic Times' Best Historical Series Award (twice) * The Maggie (twice) * Romance Writers of America RITA Award finalist for The Disobedient Bride
I'm a little disapointed that I read this book. It is the first book I've read by Joan Johnston and, therefore, the first of this series that I've read. I wish I had started from the beginning because I loved it. The drama and intrigue was like watching an episode of "Dallas" (does anyone remember that show?), but it was so much fun. I will probably be forced to return to the beginning and get to know these powerful rivals much better which I'm sure will be oh so painful. I usally go to the library on Tuesdays, but I think I will have to make a special trip this week to get more from this author!!!
Another great addition to the Bitter Creek series by Joan Johnston. Clay Blackthorne's life takes on many changes in The Next Mrs. Blackthorne. Clay is now a Federal Judge. His first case is a high profile, highly guarded terrorism trial that a bomb was used to kill. The explosion at the prior trial killed the former judge on the case. The trial puts all of the most important women in Clay's life in danger. Libby is in town because Kate is determined to make her parents spend time together. Kate is determined that her parents belong together. Kate is sure that if she can just get them to spend time together alone they will see how much they love each other.
Another issue in Clay's life is that his families ranch, that they they've had for in the family for generations, is at risk of a hostile corporate takeover. A takeover by none other than the families archrival North Grayhawk. Jocelyn Monroe, Clay's finance, comes up with a plan to show Clay how much she loves him. Jocelyn offers herself to North Grayhawk in exchange for North calling off his plans for the takeover. Needless to say that puts Clay and Jocelyn's wedding on hold if not off.
This book has so many twists, turns and surprises that you'll not want to put it down. A great read. So much happens in this book that I can't begin to imagine what else will happen in the lives of the Blackthornes, Grayhawks and Creeds. 8 A must read!
This book was like watching a soap opera. It was highly entertaining and focused on two rival families in Texas. Its main story was a trial of Bomber Brown, a trial which Kate's father is presiding. Kate is one of the main characters who spends the book trying to concoct a plan to get her star crossed parents together. This plan was easier once Joss, her father's fiance, was in the arms of her uncle. the author did a nice job making sure that even though this book is part of the series, I was able to understand what had happened in the past and was able to enjoy the story.
I'm kind of embarrassed to be reviewing this book. It was that bad. Since I went to the trouble of obtaining it through inter-library loan, I had to finish it. Also, it counts toward my total books read challenge/bet with my husband.
The last book in this series was a bit farfetched, but I found this one even worse. Jocelyn is a really vain woman to think that by offering herself sexually to her fiancé's nemesis would persuade said nemesis (North Grayhawk) to stop his Bitter Creek takeover plan. Or she's just really stupid. Maybe it's my age, but I found her to be both.
The other foolish character was Clay Blackthorne. I found it unbelievable that a man would tell his former fiancé that he would take her back should she decide to leave North's ranch (and bed). To me, Jocelyn's actions should have destroyed any trust or feelings Clay had for her.
This book had too much unnecessary drama and immature actions. I'm hoping the next book in the Bitter Creek series is better because it was checked out of the library at the same time as this one. So I have to read it and count it toward my total. Doh!
After three different Creed women married Blackthorne men, we've given up on mining that family feud, so the focus has shifted to the Blackthorne/Grayhawke rivalry and the remaining Blackthorne brother, Clay, who was old enough (and married enough) that it seemed like maybe we'd be skipping him. Turns out that's not the case and I'm not entirely sure which prospective bride brought the bigger ick factor - his late wife's much much much younger sister (21 years younger than Clay) or his daughter's mother (only 11 years younger than Clay but he got her pregnant when she was sixteen - we are fortunately spared those sex scenes).
Suffice it to say, if I was shipping anyone it'd have to be Jocelyn and North who had way better chemistry than Clay did with anyone. They, along with the secondary characters and side plots were great, and the hypocrisy of Clay objecting to his 19-year old daughter's relationship with a 30-year old man was entertaining - and the fact that that relationship was fake saved it from any ick factor though it's clear it'll be revisited at some point.
Oh, yes! A page turner that I couldn't put down! Poor Kate! She just can't seem to catch a break! First she's kidnapped in the mountains of Wyoming, then she moves to a big city and, yep, gets kidnapped again! She's just too trusting and nieve! After reading The Rivals you kinda know who the next Mrs. Blackthorne is going to be but it was fun to read the story of how it we get there. I really thought Kate might be coming into her own romance story but it was aborted before it really got off the ground. Will she and Jack McKinley address the fire between them in A Stranger's Game, book #7 in the Bitter Creek series?
I've already started Volume #7 in the series...another page turner! Interesting that it deals with Breed Grayhawk's story instead of further development of Kate's story. But I'm early in the book and that story may be yet to come!
**If you are new to the Bitter Creek Series start with the 1st one!!** ITS WORTH IT!
This is my second time reading this book. It’s been at least 10 years since I read it the first time. Such a good book, if you’re looking for something that has more than one “story line”, great characters with different personalities and backgrounds you’ve come to the right series. It has different depths in regard to other characters and their story line. It transitions so well from one “story line” to the next (involving different characters) that you’re not skimming through the next chapter just to get back to the other characters.
Hopefully this review makes sense enough to convince you to give this series a go! I ended up reading the book before this one forgetting it was a series this series hits checks all the right boxes for me!
Is anyone else tired of a) the stupid feuds and b) the lack of brain power in the women? I enjoyed the first few books although I thought Lauren was a bit of a dope for not knowing who she was screwing in the pond. As for Blackjack, with Lauren thinking he was someone else? I found it disturbing. Just too many stupid decisions. Jocelyn going to North to offer herself and North taking her? Again, not people I find sympathetic or believable. And Breed. What an unkind name for a child. I think mothers have a say in filling out a birth certificate. I’ll read the next one but if it is along the same lines as this one, I think I’m done.
The Next Mrs. Blackthorne: 4.75: Since Joan Johnston is a favorite author, it was no surprise to find this book to be an enjoyable, easy, entertaining read. The story contained plenty of romance, action, and suspense to keep one tied to most of the characters from beginning to end.
Hero One: 4.5: North Grayhawk: Although North was portrayed as a man with ice cold blue eyes who showed absolutely no emotion, Johnston did a fantastic job of revealing that underneath that cold facade beat the heart of deeply caring man, who protected those he loved. Just wished that North had been given more story time.
Heroine One: 4.5: Jocelyn Montrose: What a perfect mate for North. A beautiful, stunning woman with a kind, compassionate heart, who was willing to make any sacrifice to save the man she loves. Jocelyn may have been soft and sweet, but she was strong enough to stand up to the arrogant, determined North. Not enough time was given to North and Jocelyn's story.
Hero Two: 4.5: Jack McKinley: Although Jack was a very under-developed character, you could not help but love this charming rogue. Johnston gave readers a lot of Jack's history, revealing that this fascinating man has had a lot to overcome to be as successful as he was. And yet there are still roadblocks in his path he has to overcome every day. Can't wait to read his story.
Heroine Two: 4.5: Katherine "Kate" Grayhawk: What a fun, spontaneous, open-hearted character. Kate was, basically, the main character in this story in that she was given the most point of view time in the book. Loved the way Johnston made Kate feel real and had readers experiencing her love and frustration right along with her. Can't wait for her to mature so Johnston can tell her story.
Hero Three: 2.5: Clayton "Clay" Blackthorne: Although Clay is perfect hero material -- handsome, successful, strong, determined -- Johnston really failed to reveal his personality because she spent so much time detailing his history as a man groomed to be president and his disastrous love affair with Libby twenty years ago. Clay was not a fully developed character and that was a major disappointment in what was supposed to be his story.
Heroine Three: 1.5: Elsbeth "Libby" Grayhawk: The most under-developed main character in the book. Again, Johnston just revealed that this Jackson Hole, Wyoming wilderness guide regretted the loss of the love of her life and struggled to be reunited with the father of her child. It was like, I love Clay, I want Clay, I desire Clay, Clay, Clay, and then when Clay came to heel, she wanted "time to think about it." What!
Story Line: 4.0: Johnston told a fascinating and intriguing tale about a daughter who wanted to find a way to get her estranged father and mother to admit they loved one another and get married. The story was told against the backdrop of a high-profile, high-security trial of a serial bomber, over which the father presided. Johnston, again, put too many main characters in the story, which resulted in a lack of deep, rich character development.
Action: 3.0: Plenty of action moved the storyline along at a quick, steady pace. A high-profile trail, with every effort being made to protect the family of Judge Blackthorne. An effort by a loving fiancé to save the Blackthornes from a hostile takeover from an enemy buying up Bitter Creek Cattle Company stock. A suspect protector for Judge Blackthorne's daughter.
Emotion: 4.75: Although several of the main characters were lacking in character development, Johnston did such a great job of emotionally tying the reader to the other main characters that she brought forth laughter and tears.
Romance: 5.0: The romance in this book was front and center as three couples revealed their feelings for the other through action and deed. The desire and attraction between these three couples was powerful and potent.
Sensuous: 2.5: Johnston displayed her skill at writing incredibly moving love scenes that, while not graphically detailed, were filled with passion, heat and sizzle. North and Jocelyn's love scenes were particularly sensual.
Suspense: 3.5: Johnston definitely keep the readers guessing when she introduced Jack and the serial bomber's son, young Donnie Brown, into the story. Although the suspenseful aspect of the story was not kept at an intense level, there was just enough going on to keep the reader intrigued. And Johnston closed with a thrilling, exciting finale.
Secondary Characters: 4.0: Because she included so many main characters, there were very few secondary characters introduced into this story. However, when Johnston introduced Breed Grayhawk, she moved readers to tears for this neglected boy. And even though Donnie Brown was minimally developed, his addition to the cast of characters added more intrigue to the plot. As expected, Jackson "Blackjack" Blackthorne and Lauren "Ren" Creed Blackthorne made several cameo appearances in this book.
A more in-depth, detailed, spoiler-ridden review of The Next Mrs. Blackthorne appears at Wolf Bear Does Books
The saga continues... And this one is not for the faint of heart. Clay's ready to marry and Kate's on the warpath to make sure it's her Mom & Dad, not Jocelyn & Clay who make it to the alter. But as in true Joan Johnston fashion, things go array and danger lurks close. Who will be saved? Who will fall in love? & Who will finally become the next Mrs. Blackthorne???
Just when I think I can't fall any deeper under the damn Blackthornes spell I do. Thanks to a dear dear friend of mine for literally putting these books in my lap. I don't know that I have ever been so addicted to a book series as I have been with this one but addicted I am. All I can say one must read to understand so read them already!!!
This was the perfect book to read after finishing a really heavy series. It was hopeful and easy to read. The characters were a pleasure to be around, and there was a happily ever after ending. Joan Johnston has built a world of cowboys and ranch families that are good to visit often. I wonder what Kate will be up to in the next book!
Enjoyed it, ready for the next book to see where everything goes. Did not care for the relationship between Katie and her protector but we’ll see what happens next. Also curious what happens with breed.
the next mrs. Blackthorne was funny. Joss loves clay but he dont love her (or at least not in the same way she does.) Joss overheard about family trouble and called off her wedding in hopes of fixing that trouble. Even if it means sleeping with North. Will she go back to clay or stay with north.
Finally Clay and Libby end up together in this book! It is also interesting to watch North and Joselyn fall in love and North become a bit softer. I was a bit annoyed with Kate's easy association with Donnie Brown (Bomber Brown's son) in this book. It just seemed hard to believe that she would be so open to involving herself even as a friend to someone who is the son of someone on trial for killing so many after her kidnapping in the last book. Didn't she learn anything after that? I'd still be terrified of strange men after that experience. Other than that being a bit unbelieveable I really enjoyed this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The saga continues... And this one is not for the faint of heart. Clay's ready to marry and Kate's on the warpath to make sure it's her Mom & Dad, not Jocelyn & Clay who make it to the alter. But as in true Joan Johnston fashion, things go array and danger lurks close. Who will be saved? Who will fall in love? & Who will finally become the next Mrs. Blackthorne???
I usually like when authors bring back characters from their previous books but I wanted to hear more about North and Joss. I wish it was more about them because really I didn't care about Libby and Clay's story.
I think I must be growing weary of this author or of this genre. I just didn't enjoy this one as much as I've enjoyed others by this author. I think I'll switch it up for a while then come back because I am interested in the stories of the other Grayhawks and Blackthornes.
I couldn't read this -- not really the author's fault, but it is book #6 of a series. I haven't read any of the preceding books. My head was spinning mid-way through the first chapter trying to keep characters and back stories straight -- even the names.
I enjoyed this book very much. There were a few tense moments toward the end of the book but most of the story was about getting Libby and Clay back together after twenty years.
the real suspense part of the story didn't start until the last 50 pages, or so it felt to me. this is pretty much a blatant romance novel. ....but i still enjoyed reading it.