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Taming of the Sheenans #3
The Kidnapped Christmas Bride
All he wants is a Christmas memory… Trey Sheenan has cultivated his reputation as Marietta’s resident bad boy, until one day he lets things go too far and he loses everything—his freedom, his fiance McKenna Douglas, and his infant son. McKenna has loved Trey since they were kids, but she’s had enough. When Trey is sent away for five years, McKenna is determined to do what’s right for her and baby TJ, which means putting her mistakes—namely Trey—behind her, and move on. When Trey is released early, he returns to Marietta determined to beg McKenna’s forgiveness and become the father TJ needs him to be, only to discover that he’s too late. McKenna’s marrying local insurance agent Lawrence Joplin in a candlelight Christmas wedding. Or is she? Once again, Trey risks everything, but this time it’s for love….and the memory of one perfect Christmas together as a family.
204 pages, Paperback
First published November 25, 2014
About the author
Jane Porter
586 books2,063 followersBorn in Visalia, California, I'm a small town girl at heart. I love central California's golden foothills, oak trees, and the miles of farmland. In my mind, there's nothing sweeter in the world than the heady fragrance of orange blossoms on a sultry summer night.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
As a little girl I spent hours on my bed, staring out the window, dreaming of far off places, fearless knights, and happy-ever-after endings. In my imagination I was never the geeky bookworm with the thick coke-bottle glasses, but a princess, a magical fairy, a Joan-of-Arc crusader.
My parents fed my imagination by taking our family to Europe for a year when I was thirteen. The year away changed me (I wasn't a geek for once!) and overseas I discovered a huge and wonderful world with different cultures and customs. I loved everything about Europe, but felt especially passionate about Italy and those gorgeous Italian men (no wonder my first very Presents hero was Italian).
I confess, after that incredible year in Europe, the travel bug bit, and bit hard. I spent much of my high school and college years abroad, studying in South Africa, Japan and Ireland. South Africa remains a country of my heart, the people, the land and politics complex and heart-wrenching.
After my years of traveling and studying I had to settle down and earn a living. With my Bachelors degree from UCLA in American Studies, a program that combines American literature and American history, I've worked in sales and marketing, as well as a director of a non-profit foundation. Later I earned my Masters in Writing from the University of San Francisco and taught jr. high and high school English.
I now live in Seattle and Hawaii with my three sons. I never mind a rainy day, either, because that's when I sit at my desk and write stories about far-away places, fascinating people, and most importantly of all, love. I like a story with a happy ending. We all do.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 200 reviews
October 7, 2017
Which one does our female character choose?
Man #1:
... he was sweet, and thoughtful, gentle and kind. If he said he'd be there at seven, he always showed up... five minutes early. If she needed anything, he was there. He treated her like she was the best thing since sliced bread [...] It felt good not to worry that he'd be out too late, drinking too much, getting heated, instigating fights.
Man #2:
[...] everyone said... that he was reactive, responding instinctively without regard to risks and consequence, and she'd seen that they were right. He refused to grow up, refused to control his temper, refuse to bend or yield which meant he could never be depended on.
You guessed right, she chose #2. What else can I say? This book is awful.
PS: Joan and I made up our own extravagant stories to begin to justify the characters' poor decisions.
Man #1:
... he was sweet, and thoughtful, gentle and kind. If he said he'd be there at seven, he always showed up... five minutes early. If she needed anything, he was there. He treated her like she was the best thing since sliced bread [...] It felt good not to worry that he'd be out too late, drinking too much, getting heated, instigating fights.
Man #2:
[...] everyone said... that he was reactive, responding instinctively without regard to risks and consequence, and she'd seen that they were right. He refused to grow up, refused to control his temper, refuse to bend or yield which meant he could never be depended on.
You guessed right, she chose #2. What else can I say? This book is awful.
PS: Joan and I made up our own extravagant stories to begin to justify the characters' poor decisions.
February 22, 2015
4 Stars!
There is just something about a bad boy hero: The type of hero who has just enough sweetness to qualify him as a “good decision”, and just enough bad-boy in him to make him interesting. Trey definitely qualifies under the “bad boy with redeeming qualities” category!
This book is the third book in a series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. If you love holiday romances, second chance romances, and cabin romances, this one is all three of those bundled together in one sweet book.
Trey has just been released from prison and is eager to reconnect with his son and ex-fiancée. When he finds McKenna, he realizes that she is about to marry another man. Trey is not about to lose the woman he loves and his son, so he does what any protective, recently released convict would do: he “kidnaps” them both.
The three of them end up in a remote cabin together and the magic of this book lies in the memories that are made in that cabin. The little boy TJ was such a sweet little boy, and his desire to have his family reconnected was so touching.
Trey and McKenna actually were very good at communicating and once they were given a chance to reconnect, it was so very clear that they shared a deep, all-consuming love for one another.
This was a quick read, but was not a shallow read. The characters were all highly likable, but I did knock off a star because I felt that McKenna should’ve never left Trey in the first place. Trey needed her and TJ, and when things didn’t go as planned, she bailed on him. I had a hard time with that and never quite got over that fact.
Overall, a lovely story about second chances and becoming a family.
There is just something about a bad boy hero: The type of hero who has just enough sweetness to qualify him as a “good decision”, and just enough bad-boy in him to make him interesting. Trey definitely qualifies under the “bad boy with redeeming qualities” category!
This book is the third book in a series, but can definitely be read as a stand-alone. If you love holiday romances, second chance romances, and cabin romances, this one is all three of those bundled together in one sweet book.
Trey has just been released from prison and is eager to reconnect with his son and ex-fiancée. When he finds McKenna, he realizes that she is about to marry another man. Trey is not about to lose the woman he loves and his son, so he does what any protective, recently released convict would do: he “kidnaps” them both.
The three of them end up in a remote cabin together and the magic of this book lies in the memories that are made in that cabin. The little boy TJ was such a sweet little boy, and his desire to have his family reconnected was so touching.
Trey and McKenna actually were very good at communicating and once they were given a chance to reconnect, it was so very clear that they shared a deep, all-consuming love for one another.
This was a quick read, but was not a shallow read. The characters were all highly likable, but I did knock off a star because I felt that McKenna should’ve never left Trey in the first place. Trey needed her and TJ, and when things didn’t go as planned, she bailed on him. I had a hard time with that and never quite got over that fact.
Overall, a lovely story about second chances and becoming a family.
June 13, 2015
This is one of those rare stories that you will read and never, ever be able to forget. It is intense throughout, heartbreaking at times, and completely satisfying as a whole. Porter takes a look at a life most of us rarely think of, and if we do, it’s with a frown. She humanized things in a manner that allows you to think about them logically while at the same time slowly drawing you into the story. At the same time, she tells us a brilliant story of love and redemption and takes you away to the picturesque Montana countryside.
This is one of those novels that embody the saying ‘nobody’s perfect, but you’re perfect for me.’ I thoroughly enjoyed the male lead. The bad-boy-trying-to-turn-good aura really drew me in. Combined with his long time love you have the perfect pair to capture your heart and your attention. This is all topped off with their young son who strengthens the story, taking it to a whole new level.
As a whole, this was a fantastic tale that I fell in love with. Porter made me laugh & cry. She made me contemplate things I wouldn’t normally think about. Above all, however, she made me fall in love with her story & her characters.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
This is one of those novels that embody the saying ‘nobody’s perfect, but you’re perfect for me.’ I thoroughly enjoyed the male lead. The bad-boy-trying-to-turn-good aura really drew me in. Combined with his long time love you have the perfect pair to capture your heart and your attention. This is all topped off with their young son who strengthens the story, taking it to a whole new level.
As a whole, this was a fantastic tale that I fell in love with. Porter made me laugh & cry. She made me contemplate things I wouldn’t normally think about. Above all, however, she made me fall in love with her story & her characters.
Please note that I received a complimentary copy of this work in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2014
This was a sweet reunited lovers story. The main couple dated through high school and after, even getting engaged and having a baby together. Unfortunately, the hero, Trey, wasn't exactly a model citizen and landed himself in jail. His lady love, McKenna, wanted better for their son so she moved on after a few years. When Trey was released early for good behavior, he decided he wanted to show McKenna he was a changed man. However, much to his surprise, she was getting married. So what does he do? Why, kidnap her and their son of course! Lol. While the premise of this book sounded right up my alley, I'm afraid it fell a little short for me. I did enjoy it, as I usually do with Christmas stories, but it lacked.... something. I'm not sure what exactly, it just didn't hit all my buttons like I'd hoped it would. I liked how McKenna and Trey communicated with each other while staying in the cabin and that she didn't want to keep their son from him and was even able to admit to herself that the man she was supposed to marry wasn't the love of her life, as Trey was. Trey was obviously still in love with her and wanted them to work it out and be a family. I felt for him and how he felt like an outsider in his family. I liked how they talked things out and got back together rather quickly. Not over night, but it didn't take the whole book either. Overall, this was a sweet clean romance about two people who were meant for each other and just needed to find their way back together.
April 25, 2015
Well this is Goodreads at its BEST. So this title says I read it on Dec 29th, 2014 but apparently decided to not give it a rating or review. Yea, NO! #sigh
Anywho ..... ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
OK, so if you keep track of my reviews at all, you MUST know that Marietta is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours in. This was a really heart-warming story about second chances, forgiveness, love, hope, family and faith! Kenna and Tray haven't had the best traveled road in life, but they have a child together and their love is STRONG. You can feel it. But is it strong enough to blur the past and not let it get in the way of the future. Is it really what's best for the family they have already created ..... ? Well, of course THIS reader thinks so, but you just go on and read and let me know what YOU think, k!
Beautifully written and well executed story. Nice, quiet afternoon read!
Anywho ..... ARC provided by Tule Publishing via NetGalley for an honest review.
OK, so if you keep track of my reviews at all, you MUST know that Marietta is one of my favorite places to spend a few hours in. This was a really heart-warming story about second chances, forgiveness, love, hope, family and faith! Kenna and Tray haven't had the best traveled road in life, but they have a child together and their love is STRONG. You can feel it. But is it strong enough to blur the past and not let it get in the way of the future. Is it really what's best for the family they have already created ..... ? Well, of course THIS reader thinks so, but you just go on and read and let me know what YOU think, k!
Beautifully written and well executed story. Nice, quiet afternoon read!
October 12, 2017
I have to admit I skimmed through to then end in the vain hope that Lawrence did turn out to be an FBI agent, (this was a buddy read and we had great fun trying to come up with plots that might JUST explain some people's behaviour in this book) but alas, it was not to be. Trey was one of the most unbelievable, self-centred, idiotic men I have ever had the unpleasantness to meet in a book. What sort of man thinks its acceptable to kidnap his own son? And what sort of woman was McKenna going along with him.
Dreadful.
Why it has so many 5 star reviews I have no idea. Do women really fall in love with oafs like Trey? Would YOU want to marry him? (Don't answer that. Really)
euw.
Dreadful.
Why it has so many 5 star reviews I have no idea. Do women really fall in love with oafs like Trey? Would YOU want to marry him? (Don't answer that. Really)
euw.
December 30, 2014
Autry‘s review posted on Guilty Pleasures Book Reviews
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
McKenna is waiting for her wedding to start, any second she will be given the go ahead to walk down the aisle to her future. Fortunately for Trey he has been given a gift, after being gone for 5 years, he can finally speak to Mac (McKenna) and their son TJ. After searching for her unsuccessfully the night before he has no choice but to interrupt Mac’s wedding.
Mac’s world has just come crashing down around her, her first love, her son’s father, the town bad boy has just walked in and interrupted her wedding. And he does the unthinkable, he kidnaps her and her son. McKenna quickly realizes her feelings are flooding back to her, shes at risk of falling back in love with Trey, as if she had ever stopped loving him. Trey is enjoying himself for the first time in years, he has his son and the love of his life all to himself in the family cabin. McKenna has called off her engagement, and his heart is falling steadily for his high school love.
The Sheenan family is picking up where they left off until Trey risks it all to help strangers. Helping a stranger is what go him sent away for years, and now he is risking it all again. As McKenna watches Trey risk his life all of his reckless behavior begins to make sense. But is is too late for Trey and McKenna to put all the pieces together and salvage their relationship, will this last risk take Trey’s life again?
This second chance romance will make you believe in life, love and happiness all over again, Jane Porter did a fantastic job with The Kidnapped Christmas Bride. I enjoyed reading about TJ and Trey and how they were interacting and bonding, and how McKenna was going to fight for their relationship after Trey’s revelation. The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is a great, quick read for the Holiday season.
4 STARS
Review copy provided for an honest review
McKenna is waiting for her wedding to start, any second she will be given the go ahead to walk down the aisle to her future. Fortunately for Trey he has been given a gift, after being gone for 5 years, he can finally speak to Mac (McKenna) and their son TJ. After searching for her unsuccessfully the night before he has no choice but to interrupt Mac’s wedding.
Mac’s world has just come crashing down around her, her first love, her son’s father, the town bad boy has just walked in and interrupted her wedding. And he does the unthinkable, he kidnaps her and her son. McKenna quickly realizes her feelings are flooding back to her, shes at risk of falling back in love with Trey, as if she had ever stopped loving him. Trey is enjoying himself for the first time in years, he has his son and the love of his life all to himself in the family cabin. McKenna has called off her engagement, and his heart is falling steadily for his high school love.
The Sheenan family is picking up where they left off until Trey risks it all to help strangers. Helping a stranger is what go him sent away for years, and now he is risking it all again. As McKenna watches Trey risk his life all of his reckless behavior begins to make sense. But is is too late for Trey and McKenna to put all the pieces together and salvage their relationship, will this last risk take Trey’s life again?
This second chance romance will make you believe in life, love and happiness all over again, Jane Porter did a fantastic job with The Kidnapped Christmas Bride. I enjoyed reading about TJ and Trey and how they were interacting and bonding, and how McKenna was going to fight for their relationship after Trey’s revelation. The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is a great, quick read for the Holiday season.
November 29, 2014
A wonderful read!! A story of forgiveness, hope, and love. I read this in one sitting because I just couldn't put it down. Kenna and Trey have a love so strong it has been able to survive the most trying times. But is it the love Kenna and her young son TJ needs?? Read this one and find out. You will be so happy you did.
August 24, 2015
2.5 I wanted to like this one a whole lot more. Story fell flat for me.
December 27, 2015
Love this series!
August 12, 2021
3. 5Stars for me!
My rating range throughout the story... 2.75 - 3.5
Main Character Ratings... H = 7 - h = 7
Scenes with heat.. No - Clean Romance
Heat Rating... 2/10
Clean - 1 or 2
Descriptive Sex - 5 or above
Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
The back story... He served time for involuntary manslaughter after stepping in when a guy was beating a pregnant woman. She is about to get married, one day after he was released.
The Romance... Mostly a rehash of their early life and combined love for their child.
The drama explosion... The H risks his life but the h ultimately understands.
Final Notes... OK story.
HEA or HFN? HEA
My rating range throughout the story... 2.75 - 3.5
Main Character Ratings... H = 7 - h = 7
Scenes with heat.. No - Clean Romance
Heat Rating... 2/10
Clean - 1 or 2
Descriptive Sex - 5 or above
Beyond Descriptive Sex - 8 or above
The back story... He served time for involuntary manslaughter after stepping in when a guy was beating a pregnant woman. She is about to get married, one day after he was released.
The Romance... Mostly a rehash of their early life and combined love for their child.
The drama explosion... The H risks his life but the h ultimately understands.
Final Notes... OK story.
HEA or HFN? HEA
June 22, 2023
Heartwarming story of bad boy Trey Sheehan who barges into his ex's wedding and kidnaps her and his son. Sounds bad but he is actually not the bad guy he is portrayed.
McKenna and Trey were high school sweethearts and have a five year old child together.
Trey wants just one Christmas with McKenna and his son before he gives up on them.
He feels maybe he can win her over.
His son is overjoyed to be with his father as they are two peas in a pod and are both rough and tumble guys. McKenna was trying to move on with a sweet stable guy but he is not Trey.
Trey risks it all to try for one more chance.
McKenna and Trey were high school sweethearts and have a five year old child together.
Trey wants just one Christmas with McKenna and his son before he gives up on them.
He feels maybe he can win her over.
His son is overjoyed to be with his father as they are two peas in a pod and are both rough and tumble guys. McKenna was trying to move on with a sweet stable guy but he is not Trey.
Trey risks it all to try for one more chance.
December 9, 2022
This was a good third book in the series. Tray was a good man who was a rebble. It was lovely to see him and Macenna grow together through the book. Although he did not always handle things correctly Tray had good intentions and principals. He was just wild but it was good to see him really grow and take responsibility through out the book. It was lovely to see Macenna start to accept tray for who he was as the book went on. Falling in love with the characters in this series.
December 16, 2020
I mean there's literally zero chance the cops don't show up after 48 hours. And what about poor Lawrence, he completely disappears with no fight? Damn bro.
It's actually a pretty good second-chance romance despite the completely bonkers set up.
It's actually a pretty good second-chance romance despite the completely bonkers set up.
December 8, 2014
Posted on Les Romantiques - Le forum du site
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
The Kidnapped Christmas bride is the third volume in the Taming of the Sheenans series. I haven’t read yet (but I’ll do it) the first volume, Home to me, but I read the second which I liked very much (review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
After finishing Beauty’s kiss, I couldn’t wait to read Trey and McKenna’s story and I was delighted to see their volume was to be published before the end of the year.
As soon as I began The Kidnapped Christmas bride, I loved Trey. This novella doesn’t really tell the story of the reunion between him and his heroine. It tells how he must improve for her to trust him again.
The love they felt one for the other has never been a problem. But Trey’s behavior has always been an obstacle to a lasting relationship between them. Indeed, he is a real bad boy: he hangs out with rather unsavory friends, he has been arrested several times for minor (generally) crimes, he’s often fighting with the objective to protect the weakest and he ended in jail after being convicted for involuntary manslaughter. Let’s just say that he really perpetrated the crime for which he is punished and it’s what put him in prison for 5 years and what makes McKenna realize she must protect their son. In Beauty’s kiss, the reader learns she accepted to marry another man, and she didn’t let Trey know.
When the story begins, Trey is released from prison with good behavior after 4 years of imprisonment. He learns even before arriving in his home town that McKenna is to be married the next day, when one moment before he was thinking about how to show her he had grown up. His feelings for the heroine never changed and he loves his son. He really doesn’t accept McKenna marrying someone else, however he is conscious of his faults and at the beginning tries not to interfere. This decision doesn’t last long.
I often think in this case that it’s a pity one of the two heroes is very timely to prevent the wedding of the other. Sometimes, that can even make me doubt the happy end. In this story, I think it was absolutely necessary that the hero steps in. And I would absolutely not have been mad at the heroine for marrying another man, for once lol. However, I reassure you, there is no love triangle. The heroine’s feelings are clear as are her wishes for her son. It’s also up to the heroine to take the decision concerning her and her little boy’s futures. Indeed the hero already knows what he wants.
I really liked their little boy, TJ. He can seem a little hard with his mother, but we understand his reactions when we realize the real nature of his mother’s fiancé. TJ needs a man who really loves him, which is why he strongly insists on keeping touch with Trey. And even if Jane Porter has not had the fiancé be a mean future father-in-law in the novella, I think he wouldn’t have been good for TJ’s long-term well-being.
We meet again the previous heroes and the ending of the novella is wonderful. When I closed the novel, I didn’t doubt for a moment our heroes’ HEA, while knowing their relationship won’t exactly be a walk in the park. But meanwhile, McKenna will really have learned to accept Trey as he is, and he will have really matured, therefore he will accept more easily the compromises necessary to a love relationship.
You’ll have understood that I really liked this story and I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel with Dillon and Cormac.
Reviewed by Fabiola
Review Copy from the Publisher
The Kidnapped Christmas bride is the third volume in the Taming of the Sheenans series. I haven’t read yet (but I’ll do it) the first volume, Home to me, but I read the second which I liked very much (review here https://www.goodreads.com/review/show... ).
After finishing Beauty’s kiss, I couldn’t wait to read Trey and McKenna’s story and I was delighted to see their volume was to be published before the end of the year.
As soon as I began The Kidnapped Christmas bride, I loved Trey. This novella doesn’t really tell the story of the reunion between him and his heroine. It tells how he must improve for her to trust him again.
The love they felt one for the other has never been a problem. But Trey’s behavior has always been an obstacle to a lasting relationship between them. Indeed, he is a real bad boy: he hangs out with rather unsavory friends, he has been arrested several times for minor (generally) crimes, he’s often fighting with the objective to protect the weakest and he ended in jail after being convicted for involuntary manslaughter. Let’s just say that he really perpetrated the crime for which he is punished and it’s what put him in prison for 5 years and what makes McKenna realize she must protect their son. In Beauty’s kiss, the reader learns she accepted to marry another man, and she didn’t let Trey know.
When the story begins, Trey is released from prison with good behavior after 4 years of imprisonment. He learns even before arriving in his home town that McKenna is to be married the next day, when one moment before he was thinking about how to show her he had grown up. His feelings for the heroine never changed and he loves his son. He really doesn’t accept McKenna marrying someone else, however he is conscious of his faults and at the beginning tries not to interfere. This decision doesn’t last long.
I often think in this case that it’s a pity one of the two heroes is very timely to prevent the wedding of the other. Sometimes, that can even make me doubt the happy end. In this story, I think it was absolutely necessary that the hero steps in. And I would absolutely not have been mad at the heroine for marrying another man, for once lol. However, I reassure you, there is no love triangle. The heroine’s feelings are clear as are her wishes for her son. It’s also up to the heroine to take the decision concerning her and her little boy’s futures. Indeed the hero already knows what he wants.
I really liked their little boy, TJ. He can seem a little hard with his mother, but we understand his reactions when we realize the real nature of his mother’s fiancé. TJ needs a man who really loves him, which is why he strongly insists on keeping touch with Trey. And even if Jane Porter has not had the fiancé be a mean future father-in-law in the novella, I think he wouldn’t have been good for TJ’s long-term well-being.
We meet again the previous heroes and the ending of the novella is wonderful. When I closed the novel, I didn’t doubt for a moment our heroes’ HEA, while knowing their relationship won’t exactly be a walk in the park. But meanwhile, McKenna will really have learned to accept Trey as he is, and he will have really matured, therefore he will accept more easily the compromises necessary to a love relationship.
You’ll have understood that I really liked this story and I’m anxiously awaiting the sequel with Dillon and Cormac.
January 3, 2015
Can a BAD BOY remake himself, grab a hold of his forever girl & son & start anew?
McKenna Douglas is the town GOOD GIRL, but when she saw Trey, she was hooked! She even had to seduce him because he thought he wasn't good enough for her. When McKenna was 15, her family ranch was broken into & her parents & 3 siblings were murdered & Trey was the only person she felt SAFE with! After her son was born, she wanted Trey to be less chaos & more reliable, but with just 1 punch, her world fell part!
Trey Sheenan is an all American BAD BOY with drinking & fighting, but his heart has always belonged to McKenna Douglas. They meet in high school & have been HOT & STEAMY ever since, but with the birth of their son, TJ, he wanted to put a ring on her finger & life Happily Ever After as their perfect family! But it all fell apart, when Trey was defending a woman from her abusive hubby at the local bar, a punch was thrown, the hubby die & he was put away for manslaughter!
Now Trey is out of jail & all he wants is to spend Christmas with his son & maybe be friends with McKenna, but his brother tells him that McKenna is getting married tomorrow! McKenna is finally marrying a man who is steady, reliable & a good role model for her son, but a hilarious thing happened at the altar! Trey wants to straighten out visitation with TJ before McKenna says, "I DO" & her hubby-to-be is PISSED! The next thing McKenna sees is TJ running out of her wedding to be with, "HIS REAL DAD!"
That is how McKenna became a KIDNAPPED BRIDE as she, TJ & Trey are at his mom's cabin celebrating Christmas together! TJ is a Fairy Goddude-in-training sprinkling his PIXIE DUST all over his parents & soon McKenna is breaking off her wedding & thinking that she might have an HAPPILY EVER AFTER with her Trey! Trey just wants to earn McKenna's respect & friendship & to prove that he is a different man. Will McKenna think with her head or heart? Can Trey prove that he is a better man? Is TJ going to get his REAL DAD & MOM forever from Santa?
This is the 2nd book I have read by Ms. Porter & I absolutely LOVED Troy's, Trey's twin, romance, but I do have a soft heart for a yummy BAD BOY! I must say that McKenna is a ROCKING name that just so happens to be my maiden name & my daughter is always complaining that I didn't name her McKenna! McKenna was a grown up woman wanting a grown a$$ Trey, but she still craved his inner wildness! Trey had a great beginning in this romance as his jail journey was filled with shame, pain, loneliness & regret, but he REBULIT himself into a better & stronger man. Trey's tale had me UGLY CRYING my eyes out & that was only the first chapter! This romance would not of work as well without the Fairy Goddude-in-training TJ! He was the Christmas heart of this emotional rollercoaster ride romance! Now my romance peeps know I LOVE some scorching scenes, but Ms. Porter had a squeaky clean G rated romance & it totally worked for this tale & I didn't miss the scorchingNESS! Ms. Porter has a great Montana hometown feel & she even had all the Sheehan boys & their clans join in the holiday mayhem & she makes me want to GOBBLE UP all the other male Sheenans books! I am a BIG SUCKER for a gorgeous BAD BOY, a Fairy Goddude-in-training sprinkling his LOVING PIXIE DUST aplenty & a REUNITED LOVERS storyline, but Ms. Porter stepped it up with her warm & embracing Montana small town feel, so she earns my score of 4 fingers up & 8 toes & I will so push her Amazon AUTHOR FAVORITE BUTTON!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
McKenna Douglas is the town GOOD GIRL, but when she saw Trey, she was hooked! She even had to seduce him because he thought he wasn't good enough for her. When McKenna was 15, her family ranch was broken into & her parents & 3 siblings were murdered & Trey was the only person she felt SAFE with! After her son was born, she wanted Trey to be less chaos & more reliable, but with just 1 punch, her world fell part!
Trey Sheenan is an all American BAD BOY with drinking & fighting, but his heart has always belonged to McKenna Douglas. They meet in high school & have been HOT & STEAMY ever since, but with the birth of their son, TJ, he wanted to put a ring on her finger & life Happily Ever After as their perfect family! But it all fell apart, when Trey was defending a woman from her abusive hubby at the local bar, a punch was thrown, the hubby die & he was put away for manslaughter!
Now Trey is out of jail & all he wants is to spend Christmas with his son & maybe be friends with McKenna, but his brother tells him that McKenna is getting married tomorrow! McKenna is finally marrying a man who is steady, reliable & a good role model for her son, but a hilarious thing happened at the altar! Trey wants to straighten out visitation with TJ before McKenna says, "I DO" & her hubby-to-be is PISSED! The next thing McKenna sees is TJ running out of her wedding to be with, "HIS REAL DAD!"
That is how McKenna became a KIDNAPPED BRIDE as she, TJ & Trey are at his mom's cabin celebrating Christmas together! TJ is a Fairy Goddude-in-training sprinkling his PIXIE DUST all over his parents & soon McKenna is breaking off her wedding & thinking that she might have an HAPPILY EVER AFTER with her Trey! Trey just wants to earn McKenna's respect & friendship & to prove that he is a different man. Will McKenna think with her head or heart? Can Trey prove that he is a better man? Is TJ going to get his REAL DAD & MOM forever from Santa?
This is the 2nd book I have read by Ms. Porter & I absolutely LOVED Troy's, Trey's twin, romance, but I do have a soft heart for a yummy BAD BOY! I must say that McKenna is a ROCKING name that just so happens to be my maiden name & my daughter is always complaining that I didn't name her McKenna! McKenna was a grown up woman wanting a grown a$$ Trey, but she still craved his inner wildness! Trey had a great beginning in this romance as his jail journey was filled with shame, pain, loneliness & regret, but he REBULIT himself into a better & stronger man. Trey's tale had me UGLY CRYING my eyes out & that was only the first chapter! This romance would not of work as well without the Fairy Goddude-in-training TJ! He was the Christmas heart of this emotional rollercoaster ride romance! Now my romance peeps know I LOVE some scorching scenes, but Ms. Porter had a squeaky clean G rated romance & it totally worked for this tale & I didn't miss the scorchingNESS! Ms. Porter has a great Montana hometown feel & she even had all the Sheehan boys & their clans join in the holiday mayhem & she makes me want to GOBBLE UP all the other male Sheenans books! I am a BIG SUCKER for a gorgeous BAD BOY, a Fairy Goddude-in-training sprinkling his LOVING PIXIE DUST aplenty & a REUNITED LOVERS storyline, but Ms. Porter stepped it up with her warm & embracing Montana small town feel, so she earns my score of 4 fingers up & 8 toes & I will so push her Amazon AUTHOR FAVORITE BUTTON!
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
July 28, 2016
I received this book as an e-ARC free from Netgalley. Below is my review.
I've been glomming the Montana Born books for some time now, but this is my first book about the bad Sheenan boys. As feel-good Christmas stories go, this is a really good one. As a standalone book, not so good, and as a complete story, not so good.
Trey Sheenan has a bad reputation. He's always been a little too wild, a little too quick to anger, a little too much for the residents of Marietta. When his "latest" display of "temper" lands him in jail for 4 years (5 minus 1 for good behavior), he leaves behind a pregnant girlfriend. Now, four years later, he's out and she's getting married.
So, what does he do? Why kidnap his son and McKenna from the church, of course. Up to that point, I was actually enjoying the story. It worked; it made sense. After that, it went off the rails into "are you kidding me? territory". No one calls the cops, no one comes looking for them, no one seems concerned. Yes, McKenna left messages that she was ok, but I'd want someone to come looking for me if that happened. No dice.
And once we get to our new location for the holiday, where does Trey get the money to buy stuff? He's been in jail for 4 years. Does he still have an ATM card? Is his driver's license valid? It takes ages to get all the paperwork and stuff taken care of, how does it happen in less than a day? Where is his parole officer?
As for McKenna, where is her backbone? It takes her all this time to be proud of Trey for protecting a woman getting beat up? Really? With friends like these...
And once they get home, no outraged ex-fiance, no nothing. It's like the wedding never even was on the radar.
Huge plot holes that are never explained do not a good book make. Yet I liked Trey and T.J. I liked how father and son bonded. I liked how eventually McKenna got the point. I liked how the Sheenans came together in support of Trey. Those emotional bonds held the story together enough for me.
Also note: This is a sweet romance: read "no sex".
I've been glomming the Montana Born books for some time now, but this is my first book about the bad Sheenan boys. As feel-good Christmas stories go, this is a really good one. As a standalone book, not so good, and as a complete story, not so good.
Trey Sheenan has a bad reputation. He's always been a little too wild, a little too quick to anger, a little too much for the residents of Marietta. When his "latest" display of "temper" lands him in jail for 4 years (5 minus 1 for good behavior), he leaves behind a pregnant girlfriend. Now, four years later, he's out and she's getting married.
So, what does he do? Why kidnap his son and McKenna from the church, of course. Up to that point, I was actually enjoying the story. It worked; it made sense. After that, it went off the rails into "are you kidding me? territory". No one calls the cops, no one comes looking for them, no one seems concerned. Yes, McKenna left messages that she was ok, but I'd want someone to come looking for me if that happened. No dice.
And once we get to our new location for the holiday, where does Trey get the money to buy stuff? He's been in jail for 4 years. Does he still have an ATM card? Is his driver's license valid? It takes ages to get all the paperwork and stuff taken care of, how does it happen in less than a day? Where is his parole officer?
As for McKenna, where is her backbone? It takes her all this time to be proud of Trey for protecting a woman getting beat up? Really? With friends like these...
And once they get home, no outraged ex-fiance, no nothing. It's like the wedding never even was on the radar.
Huge plot holes that are never explained do not a good book make. Yet I liked Trey and T.J. I liked how father and son bonded. I liked how eventually McKenna got the point. I liked how the Sheenans came together in support of Trey. Those emotional bonds held the story together enough for me.
Also note: This is a sweet romance: read "no sex".
December 7, 2014
I would have to say I loved this story, it was so sweet and just made my heart melt in such a good way.
Trey and Mckenna had history together since high school. Trey was the bad boy in high school. After high school he still had that reputation that followed him. When Trey is sent away to prison for five years, McKenna tried, she has a son with Trey and it was just to hard to keep taking the baby to the prison. So she stopped going.
A year later, Trey was only in for four years, he couldn't wait to get home and see her and their son TJ. Except he came home to find out she was marrying someone else. So like any man who is in love goes to the wedding, he wants to see her before she gets married, he wants his rights as well to their son. Well the wedding didn't happen, you will have to read this sweet story to find out what happens.
Awesome story, the author did a great job.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for letting read this book and give it an honest review.
Trey and Mckenna had history together since high school. Trey was the bad boy in high school. After high school he still had that reputation that followed him. When Trey is sent away to prison for five years, McKenna tried, she has a son with Trey and it was just to hard to keep taking the baby to the prison. So she stopped going.
A year later, Trey was only in for four years, he couldn't wait to get home and see her and their son TJ. Except he came home to find out she was marrying someone else. So like any man who is in love goes to the wedding, he wants to see her before she gets married, he wants his rights as well to their son. Well the wedding didn't happen, you will have to read this sweet story to find out what happens.
Awesome story, the author did a great job.
Thanks to NetGalley and Tule Publishing for letting read this book and give it an honest review.
November 26, 2014
The cover tells you alot of what the story is about, I'll add it has characters who are so wonderfully real in Trey and McKenna and little TJ just stole my heart, I hoped so much for him to get the family Christmas he was wanting so bad.
I was brought to tears more than once as this story touched my heart and will stay with me forever as I am taking some of Treys words as my mantra I will say every night as I try to fall asleep "You don't have to solve all the problems of the world tonight. Just live. Just love. Just breathe."
And to you lovers of romance I say "Just don't miss this one!"
I was brought to tears more than once as this story touched my heart and will stay with me forever as I am taking some of Treys words as my mantra I will say every night as I try to fall asleep "You don't have to solve all the problems of the world tonight. Just live. Just love. Just breathe."
And to you lovers of romance I say "Just don't miss this one!"
December 1, 2014
This is one Christmas story that you do not want to miss reading. The story of Trey, just getting out of prison and going after the one thing that he values most in life his son, TJ, and of course McKenna if he can win her over again.
This book brings out the true meaning of Christmas and what is important in your heart, and that is family. Christmas does not only last one day but a whole week in this story. I will warn you though, have Kleenex ready, happy and sad tears are a guarantee in this story.
This is must read. Highly recommend.
This book brings out the true meaning of Christmas and what is important in your heart, and that is family. Christmas does not only last one day but a whole week in this story. I will warn you though, have Kleenex ready, happy and sad tears are a guarantee in this story.
This is must read. Highly recommend.
April 19, 2023
Just couldn’t get over the last straw being that Trey accidentally killed someone while defending a woman being beat up in public by her boyfriend. Like, that’s one of the few no brainer stand by your man through his prison term offenses. I might be resentful—especially if I asked him not to go out to the bar—but like I’m not break up mad at my guy over that.
January 15, 2015
Celebrate a wonderful love story!
A wild beginning. Two dynamic characters with a lot of history between them. And the perfect setting for a reunion story like none other.
I loved it.
A wild beginning. Two dynamic characters with a lot of history between them. And the perfect setting for a reunion story like none other.
I loved it.
December 5, 2014
These books about the Sheenan's have been great! This book was my favorite! Great Christmas stories.
September 7, 2016
Tear worthy
A beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and love. This installment of the Sheenan stories was packed with emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
A beautiful story of redemption, forgiveness and love. This installment of the Sheenan stories was packed with emotion. I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
December 22, 2017
http://celebrityreaders.com/2017/12/2...
3 stars -- This one ended up just being OK for me. It had some great moments, and it had a lot of moments that frustrated me or made me want to shake my head. And honestly? By the time I got to the end, I wasn't feeling super satisfied.
I will note that from my perspective this was a clean read...I don't even think there was fade to black, it was just sort of like all of a sudden it was the next morning and we learned they made love... I don't mind clean reads...though I prefer fade to black in those cases, b/c at least we get to see where they are heading instead of just being blindsided after the fact finding out we missed all of it. Made it so that the chemistry between them that was already only so-so became even more disappointing. Perhaps that is one area that explains my lack of satisfaction. Might work better for a different reader.
I wasn't thoroughly enchanted by either character. Trey at least felt a bit more redeemable, and honestly I just felt really sorry for him. My heart ached for the situation he was in, and how much you could feel he really loved both McKenna and TJ. I had a hard time understanding this supposed other side to him that was wild and free...I don't get how fighting and drinking (and did he seriously drink and drive, b/c it was implied at one point, and that is NOT cool) are signs of a spirited personality. That's where he lost me...those things we learn about his past self just didn't jibe with a lot of the rest of the stuff. Sure, as a teenager, but he did that as an adult too? I just...I don't know. I liked the Trey we saw in the book, not the one that was implied. AND OMG! I don't understand the whole reason he went to jail. Like AT ALL. And why that was some bad thing he should be ashamed of. I also don't understand McKenna's reaction to Trey and the climax at the lake part...I get being worried, but she initially made it out like the things he was doing were BAD QUALITIES. I know she eventually figured it out, but how could she have needed to figure it out??? Was I missing something??
And hence I wasn't a huge fan of McKenna. I know we were given sort of explanations for a lot of things, but the choices she made were not really inspiring. Not communicating with Trey? Not telling him why? Not telling him she was getting MARRIED? Like WTF? Seriously. WTF? And I was disgusted by her relationship with Lawrence... I get he didn't seem to be a prize, but way to use a guy...and the explanations we were given for her reasons for going that route were not enough...I needed more...otherwise it just made her look really really bad. And way to pay attention to how the situation is affecting your kid that you're trying to protect. Ugh. Apparently my tolerance is down the drain people. I'm not saying she didn't have redeeming qualities, but these other things just overshadowed.
Now TJ, in a total twist, was awesome. And I'm not a kid person you guys. But he acted his age, he was precocious, realistic, and I loved how they both loved him. And I appreciated their togetherness as a family after we got past the whole beginning part. And some parts of this story were really heartwarming, like the day playing in the snow, or the flashback to Trey and McKenna in high school.
*sigh* And I don't know if it was just me, but I kept feeling like I was missing a lot of stuff. There was a lot added to help give Trey and Mac depth, but I don't know if it worked. Like the stuff that happened to McKenna as a child...that sounded horrific, but I felt like I didn't really get enough to understand what I was supposed to be drawing from it. Like I know in theory, but I don't know if it was successful. And without reading any of the other Sheenan brother stories, I felt like maybe I was missing a bit there as well.
So yeah. There was definite potential, but it fell fairly flat for me. Maybe if there'd been more in the romance department it would have bumped it up a bit. Also? I was happy to read that the author is from California, b/c that explains why she thought that someone would be driving a motorcycle in winter after a snow and ice storm...but that doesn't excuse the editors. If you're gonna write a story in Montana, at least get someone who lives somewhere a bit north to check it over...
3 stars -- This one ended up just being OK for me. It had some great moments, and it had a lot of moments that frustrated me or made me want to shake my head. And honestly? By the time I got to the end, I wasn't feeling super satisfied.
I will note that from my perspective this was a clean read...I don't even think there was fade to black, it was just sort of like all of a sudden it was the next morning and we learned they made love... I don't mind clean reads...though I prefer fade to black in those cases, b/c at least we get to see where they are heading instead of just being blindsided after the fact finding out we missed all of it. Made it so that the chemistry between them that was already only so-so became even more disappointing. Perhaps that is one area that explains my lack of satisfaction. Might work better for a different reader.
I wasn't thoroughly enchanted by either character. Trey at least felt a bit more redeemable, and honestly I just felt really sorry for him. My heart ached for the situation he was in, and how much you could feel he really loved both McKenna and TJ. I had a hard time understanding this supposed other side to him that was wild and free...I don't get how fighting and drinking (and did he seriously drink and drive, b/c it was implied at one point, and that is NOT cool) are signs of a spirited personality. That's where he lost me...those things we learn about his past self just didn't jibe with a lot of the rest of the stuff. Sure, as a teenager, but he did that as an adult too? I just...I don't know. I liked the Trey we saw in the book, not the one that was implied. AND OMG! I don't understand the whole reason he went to jail. Like AT ALL. And why that was some bad thing he should be ashamed of. I also don't understand McKenna's reaction to Trey and the climax at the lake part...I get being worried, but she initially made it out like the things he was doing were BAD QUALITIES. I know she eventually figured it out, but how could she have needed to figure it out??? Was I missing something??
And hence I wasn't a huge fan of McKenna. I know we were given sort of explanations for a lot of things, but the choices she made were not really inspiring. Not communicating with Trey? Not telling him why? Not telling him she was getting MARRIED? Like WTF? Seriously. WTF? And I was disgusted by her relationship with Lawrence... I get he didn't seem to be a prize, but way to use a guy...and the explanations we were given for her reasons for going that route were not enough...I needed more...otherwise it just made her look really really bad. And way to pay attention to how the situation is affecting your kid that you're trying to protect. Ugh. Apparently my tolerance is down the drain people. I'm not saying she didn't have redeeming qualities, but these other things just overshadowed.
Now TJ, in a total twist, was awesome. And I'm not a kid person you guys. But he acted his age, he was precocious, realistic, and I loved how they both loved him. And I appreciated their togetherness as a family after we got past the whole beginning part. And some parts of this story were really heartwarming, like the day playing in the snow, or the flashback to Trey and McKenna in high school.
*sigh* And I don't know if it was just me, but I kept feeling like I was missing a lot of stuff. There was a lot added to help give Trey and Mac depth, but I don't know if it worked. Like the stuff that happened to McKenna as a child...that sounded horrific, but I felt like I didn't really get enough to understand what I was supposed to be drawing from it. Like I know in theory, but I don't know if it was successful. And without reading any of the other Sheenan brother stories, I felt like maybe I was missing a bit there as well.
So yeah. There was definite potential, but it fell fairly flat for me. Maybe if there'd been more in the romance department it would have bumped it up a bit. Also? I was happy to read that the author is from California, b/c that explains why she thought that someone would be driving a motorcycle in winter after a snow and ice storm...but that doesn't excuse the editors. If you're gonna write a story in Montana, at least get someone who lives somewhere a bit north to check it over...
September 15, 2025
Reviewed at Happily Ever After Romance
Update 2025: The Taming of the Sheenans series has recently had a cover change/update. The story within hasn’t changed, and neither has my opinion of this emotional romance. My original review of The Kidnapped Christmas Bride was in 2015; a decade later, I still enjoyed this story and actually love both covers. *shrugs with a smile*
The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is the third title in the Taming of the Sheenans series, featuring McKenna and Trey.
Whether you read for pure pleasure or combine the pleasure with reviewing, there are novels that touch you beyond the closing of the final page. The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is one of those stories that stick with you for a long time. I have now read four novels in the Taming of the Sheenans series by Jane Porter, and each one has been rich with family, small-town living, handsome, caring brothers and their special girl, and lots and lots of love. (I kinda reversed it and read the 4th Taming of the Bachelor first, then went back and bought the previous three stories) Trey and McKenna stayed with me beyond the story, past their happy ever after, and deep into my thoughts about what makes a happy couple, in love stories and in real life.
As readers have said many, many times before, there is just something about a bad boy. It’s undeniable. And Trey is not so much a truly bad guy, but he is a man who walks to his own tune, follows his own rules about life and what’s right or wrong. McKenna has loved him since she was a teen, and if truth be told, she’ll love him until her last breath. But everyone has their limits. She stood by Trey when he finally had to pay for his actions. Yes, they were justifiable; no man should beat up on a woman, and he had stepped in to help when no one else did – but in that action, when fists flew and a man died, Trey paid for his part with years in prison. By then, he and McKenna were engaged with a small baby, but as the years wore on, it got more difficult to see Trey behind bars and to hear the cries of their young son when they had to leave Daddy behind. It was time to let go.
Today was Trey’s first day of freedom. Tomorrow was McKenna’s wedding day – to another man. The rest of Trey, McKenna, and TJ’s story, I strongly suggest that you read for yourself. You will fall head over heels in love with little TJ, who is an exact duplicate of his Daddy. You will feel the heartache of Trey, the contained desperation of losing his family to a man so unworthy of them. You will hurt along with McKenna as she comes to see some truths that have evaded her. And you will adore and cherish the chance for this family to have their Christmas, reconnect and realize what is most important in life… and just maybe the best gift they receive this Christmas is a whole family full of love.
We all have stories that we know we will revisit. I have my own bookcase full of “keeper” novels – and this entire series is going in my Kindle equivalent to that physical bookcase. I will revisit The Kidnapped Christmas Bride again; I have no doubt about that at all. I hope you will pick this one up and find a story that will touch you as well.
*Any review is just one person’s opinion. You might feel the same or totally different. The only way to know for certain is for you to read it. This was my opinion of this particular book.*
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
Update 2025: The Taming of the Sheenans series has recently had a cover change/update. The story within hasn’t changed, and neither has my opinion of this emotional romance. My original review of The Kidnapped Christmas Bride was in 2015; a decade later, I still enjoyed this story and actually love both covers. *shrugs with a smile*
The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is the third title in the Taming of the Sheenans series, featuring McKenna and Trey.
Whether you read for pure pleasure or combine the pleasure with reviewing, there are novels that touch you beyond the closing of the final page. The Kidnapped Christmas Bride is one of those stories that stick with you for a long time. I have now read four novels in the Taming of the Sheenans series by Jane Porter, and each one has been rich with family, small-town living, handsome, caring brothers and their special girl, and lots and lots of love. (I kinda reversed it and read the 4th Taming of the Bachelor first, then went back and bought the previous three stories) Trey and McKenna stayed with me beyond the story, past their happy ever after, and deep into my thoughts about what makes a happy couple, in love stories and in real life.
As readers have said many, many times before, there is just something about a bad boy. It’s undeniable. And Trey is not so much a truly bad guy, but he is a man who walks to his own tune, follows his own rules about life and what’s right or wrong. McKenna has loved him since she was a teen, and if truth be told, she’ll love him until her last breath. But everyone has their limits. She stood by Trey when he finally had to pay for his actions. Yes, they were justifiable; no man should beat up on a woman, and he had stepped in to help when no one else did – but in that action, when fists flew and a man died, Trey paid for his part with years in prison. By then, he and McKenna were engaged with a small baby, but as the years wore on, it got more difficult to see Trey behind bars and to hear the cries of their young son when they had to leave Daddy behind. It was time to let go.
Today was Trey’s first day of freedom. Tomorrow was McKenna’s wedding day – to another man. The rest of Trey, McKenna, and TJ’s story, I strongly suggest that you read for yourself. You will fall head over heels in love with little TJ, who is an exact duplicate of his Daddy. You will feel the heartache of Trey, the contained desperation of losing his family to a man so unworthy of them. You will hurt along with McKenna as she comes to see some truths that have evaded her. And you will adore and cherish the chance for this family to have their Christmas, reconnect and realize what is most important in life… and just maybe the best gift they receive this Christmas is a whole family full of love.
We all have stories that we know we will revisit. I have my own bookcase full of “keeper” novels – and this entire series is going in my Kindle equivalent to that physical bookcase. I will revisit The Kidnapped Christmas Bride again; I have no doubt about that at all. I hope you will pick this one up and find a story that will touch you as well.
*Any review is just one person’s opinion. You might feel the same or totally different. The only way to know for certain is for you to read it. This was my opinion of this particular book.*
I own a Kindle edition of this title.
December 3, 2025
A powerful story involving Sheenan brother Trey, twin to Troy and the bad boy in the town of Marietta, Montana. The story begins with Trey leaving prison after serving four years for manslaughter that resulted from a bar fight, circumstances which will make you question whether Trey is a bad boy or a hero. On the trip home his brother breaks the news that the only woman Trey has ever loved, MaKenna Douglas, and mother of his young son, TJ, is getting married the next day. She had ghosted him for the last two years after being faithful to visit and bring TJ to see him the first years of incarceration; he didn’t know why and again it’s questionable as to whether this is all Trey’s fault and what his decision would have been if he had known the circumstances. Trey tries to find MaKenna that night but can’t. No options left, he has to speak with her about seeing his son in the future before she marries; yet knowing she’s going to be upset, he crashes her wedding. What happens next some may call kidnapping but others will see it as parental consent but there is no doubt that a deep, pure love is involved. As the story continues, Trey will pour out his love on his son, showing him how a father loves, and he will carefully navigate the love that still tentatively holds MaKenna’s heart to his, showing he has matured into a caring man but he will always be a man of protective action. Bad boy or hero? Read the book and make the decision for yourself. It’s a clean, emotional, well-written, family-oriented romance full of “agape” love, love that acts, sacrificing for the ones you love, protecting those in need. The Christmas, winter setting makes it a perfect winter’s night read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
November 28, 2025
This book is really good, and it is nothing like I thought it would be. Well, I guess I have been reading too many crime stories. When I see kidnapped, I think someone that was taken without their permission and this bride went along with her son on a ride with her ex-boyfriend. So, was it really kidnapping? I highly recommend that you all read " The Kidnapped Christmas Bride" and let us know what you think.
This is about a couple that was really in love and conceived a baby boy from that love. There is only one problem, Trey Sheenan is a known as Marietta, Montana's resident bad boy. And one day this bad boy goes too far in a fight. He hits a guy, and the guy falls and hits his head on the corner of a table and a few days later he dies. So now Trey is going to lose everything--his freedom, his fiancée McKenna Douglas, and his infant son.
Mckenna has loved Trey since they were kids, but when he got sent to prison, she has had enough. When Trey was sent away for five years, she determined to do what is right for her and the baby, so she is putting her mistakes behind her and moves on. So, she is now engaged to a local insurance agent Lawrence Joplin, and they are having a Christmas wedding.
Trey seemed to really change his life around in prison and is a model inmate. He even gets an early release. He cannot wait to get back to Marietta and beg McKenna to forgive him and become the father that TJ needs. On his way home his brother tells him that McKenna is getting married. Is he too late?
This is about a couple that was really in love and conceived a baby boy from that love. There is only one problem, Trey Sheenan is a known as Marietta, Montana's resident bad boy. And one day this bad boy goes too far in a fight. He hits a guy, and the guy falls and hits his head on the corner of a table and a few days later he dies. So now Trey is going to lose everything--his freedom, his fiancée McKenna Douglas, and his infant son.
Mckenna has loved Trey since they were kids, but when he got sent to prison, she has had enough. When Trey was sent away for five years, she determined to do what is right for her and the baby, so she is putting her mistakes behind her and moves on. So, she is now engaged to a local insurance agent Lawrence Joplin, and they are having a Christmas wedding.
Trey seemed to really change his life around in prison and is a model inmate. He even gets an early release. He cannot wait to get back to Marietta and beg McKenna to forgive him and become the father that TJ needs. On his way home his brother tells him that McKenna is getting married. Is he too late?
December 1, 2025
I absolutely loved this story. Trey was the bad boy of the community, but deep down he was a good man. McKenna saw that goodness in him and loved him deeply. When she was pregnant, she wouldn’t marry him until he changed his ways, I.e. quit his drinking, getting into bar fights and staying out late with his buddies. Then her world turned upside down when he was sent to prison for manslaughter. He stepped in to protect a pregnant woman who was being beaten by her boyfriend. The judge decided to make an example of Trey. When he gets an early release from prison for good behavior, his twin brother, Troy picks him up and tells him his ex-fiancée is getting married the next day. Trey needs to talk to McKenna to make sure he will still get to see his son, TJ, on a regular basis even though she has sole custody of their son. He arrives at the church and stops the ceremony asking for 5 minutes with McKenna, which she does allow against her brothers’ opinions. When TJ sees his daddy, he runs to him and begs him to not leave. A beautifully written storyline with a lot of emotional feelings. I loved Trey, his determination to prove he was a changed man and his love for both TJ and his mom was so evident. Awesome characters and a true story of love, passion and forgiveness. Looking forward to more in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
October 10, 2017
Definitely worth the time
The only thing keeping this from five stars was that there were places where not having read the first two books in the series meant missing something. Often a reader picks up a later volume in a seres, as this is, and periodically gets lost because of not having read earlier volumes. While that wasn't a major problem here, it did happen once or twice.
Other than that, however, this was a five-star read. The characters were believeable folks whose growth and development were realistic and based on concrete events or thoughts. There was enough description in this to give my mind something specific to picture--red, green and cream Christmas stockings and a red, green and cream one; the main street of town, and more. Dialogue was believable. The five-year-old sounded and acted like five-year-olds I have known and loved. Subplots moved the book forward. And the relationship between the protagonists was based on character infused with attraction, not on lust. I might actually look for other books in this series, something I don't usually bother doing.
The only thing keeping this from five stars was that there were places where not having read the first two books in the series meant missing something. Often a reader picks up a later volume in a seres, as this is, and periodically gets lost because of not having read earlier volumes. While that wasn't a major problem here, it did happen once or twice.
Other than that, however, this was a five-star read. The characters were believeable folks whose growth and development were realistic and based on concrete events or thoughts. There was enough description in this to give my mind something specific to picture--red, green and cream Christmas stockings and a red, green and cream one; the main street of town, and more. Dialogue was believable. The five-year-old sounded and acted like five-year-olds I have known and loved. Subplots moved the book forward. And the relationship between the protagonists was based on character infused with attraction, not on lust. I might actually look for other books in this series, something I don't usually bother doing.
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