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Outlaw Mail Order Brides #3
The Mail Order Bride's Secret
When the West was wild and man's law favored the few...
These extraordinary women could be found...in the heart of an outlaw.
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity's doorstep, he knows he can't help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can't bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he'd been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.
Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She's rough and tumble...and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she'll have to betray her new husband. There's only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister...or the man she loves.
These extraordinary women could be found...in the heart of an outlaw.
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity's doorstep, he knows he can't help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can't bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he'd been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.
Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She's rough and tumble...and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she'll have to betray her new husband. There's only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister...or the man she loves.
416 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 28, 2020
100 people are currently reading
282 people want to read
About the author
Linda Broday
59 books787 followersI'm a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. I live in the Texas Panhandle on land they call the Llano Estacado where the Native Americans and Comancheros once roamed and I can often hear their voices whispering in the wind. History is thick here with the ghosts of the people who settled this land. I love writing western historical romance and can't imagine doing anything else. I love a man in a Stetson and tight pants. Oh man! Those cowboys sure make my heart beat faster.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
January 12, 2020
The Mail Order Bride's Secret is book 3 in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. While I haven't read books 1 & 2 and the couples appear in this book it reads fine as a standalone. I thought this book was ok. I liked all the characters enough but I could never connect to the story or to this authors writing. Overall I found the story boring and the ending was rushed. I don't plan to read anymore books in this series.
***ARC Provided by NetGalley***
***ARC Provided by NetGalley***
January 10, 2020
**ARC provided by publisher in exchange for an honest review**
The Mail Order Bride's Secret is another great historical western romance (HWR) by Linda Broday. What I liked most was how different of an heroine Melanie was. In most HWR the woman is innocent, sweet, and sometimes a bit naive. But that was not the case with Melanie. Her mother died while giving birth to her and her twin Ava, and they were 'raised' by their father, who is a gambler, a con man, and a cheat. This resulted in her being more on her guard and learning about the shady side of life. She and her twin are arrested for carrying fraudulent bank notes that their father thrust on them, who left them to take the fall. She is able to get out of jail and have her and her twin's charges dropped if she marries Tait, gains his trust, and deliver him and the money he'd stolen. She of course agrees to this, but has no idea the feelings she will develop for the handsome broken outlaw Tait.
Tait has honestly one of the most heartbreaking back stories I have read in a very long while. He already has gone through so much, and life keeps hitting him with new challenges. He is a good and loyal man regardless of the things he has done in his past. I understand where he was coming from, so I can't really blame him for the decisions he made. Melanie is tough and has a goal, but slowly but surely falls for Tait. I think these two characters had a great chemistry, and were a good fit. There was a strong partnership and understanding of each others pasts. The suspense and action was really good in this book, and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It was also nice to see what the rest of the characters from previous books were up to. The Mail Order Bride's Secret was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
The Mail Order Bride's Secret is another great historical western romance (HWR) by Linda Broday. What I liked most was how different of an heroine Melanie was. In most HWR the woman is innocent, sweet, and sometimes a bit naive. But that was not the case with Melanie. Her mother died while giving birth to her and her twin Ava, and they were 'raised' by their father, who is a gambler, a con man, and a cheat. This resulted in her being more on her guard and learning about the shady side of life. She and her twin are arrested for carrying fraudulent bank notes that their father thrust on them, who left them to take the fall. She is able to get out of jail and have her and her twin's charges dropped if she marries Tait, gains his trust, and deliver him and the money he'd stolen. She of course agrees to this, but has no idea the feelings she will develop for the handsome broken outlaw Tait.
Tait has honestly one of the most heartbreaking back stories I have read in a very long while. He already has gone through so much, and life keeps hitting him with new challenges. He is a good and loyal man regardless of the things he has done in his past. I understand where he was coming from, so I can't really blame him for the decisions he made. Melanie is tough and has a goal, but slowly but surely falls for Tait. I think these two characters had a great chemistry, and were a good fit. There was a strong partnership and understanding of each others pasts. The suspense and action was really good in this book, and it definitely kept me on the edge of my seat. It was also nice to see what the rest of the characters from previous books were up to. The Mail Order Bride's Secret was a great addition to the series, and I look forward to reading more books by this author.
January 30, 2020
Heart-pounding action from the deadly start to the daring rescue in the end.
The full review is on my website maidamalby.com.
The full review is on my website maidamalby.com.
January 29, 2020
He's got a price on his head, but that's not nearly as scary as the three children who get off the stage that are now his. Her life has always been a gamble and now she's up against a stacked deck. Now, it's time to roll the dice and take their chances together. I perked right up when I spotted the blurb on this latest in a fabulous Texas frontier romance series.
The Mail Order Bride's Secret is the third in a spin-off series of standalone western historical romances that are loosely tide together and are much more engaging when read in order and especially, after the Men of Legend series.
Professional gambler and reluctant con artist, Melanie Dunbar is in a peck of trouble when her con artist father skips town leaving incriminating fake promissory notes in the possession of her and her twin sister. They are at the mercy of a sleazy, crooked sheriff and an ambitious and equally crooked judge who are after bigger game. Melanie is just the bait for a trap needed to draw out the hard-bitten outlaw, Tait Trinity and the thousands he stole from the railroad. She can gain the freedom for her sister and herself when she follows up on the letters she has been exchanging with Tait through a mail order bride service and seduce him into giving up the money and leaving the protection of the secluded town of Hope's Crossing. If only it didn't feel like she was selling her soul. Or, that on meeting Tait and learning his situation, which is her dream of home, husband and family, she must make an impossible choice of who to betray- Tait or her own sister?
Tait Trinity has rode the owl-hoot trail and earned some hard-bitten enemies, but none so set on destroying him and leaving him in misery as the Berrigers and the railroad man. They started the criminal acts and he responded with force, but lost all he held dear in the process. And, now he has lost even more as his sister is killed and he now has charge of her three grieving children who want nothing to do with their no-account uncle. With the men after him and the law that will catch up eventually, he does not need this added complication. In desperation, he sends out a plea to marry immediately to the sweet seamstress he has been writing. He knows the moment the woman gets off the stage that Melanie has secrets and she is no shy seamstress. He is confused by her responses to his care and attention as if she wants to embrace the new life together, but has reasons to hold back. Slowly, he learns they both have troubling pasts and may be the very thing to heal and help each other. Until Melanie's secrets and his bloody past blows up in his face...
I love this author's writing and I love this series. I didn't even hesitate to pick this book up. But, I would be lying if I said I didn't wonder just how much I would like this book when the woman is lying from the moment she hits town and there were kids involved. The past books have shown me that the author does a great job of backing her characters into a corner and then getting them out again. Secrets, though...yeah, tough hurdle.
Melanie was confusing at first. Her thoughts and feelings were all over the place. I expected it since she's come to do a terrible thing to save her sister and then she falls in love with the man, his kids, and his town and learns he's not ONLY an outlaw. I had more patience with her as a result knowing that nearly every person on the planet would have done the same under those circumstances. Even her fear to put it all out there made sense the longer she let things ride and knew that the way Tait felt about the truth and had poured out his entire past to her would make it worse. In truth, the only time I thought she pulled a stupid was that part she played in the climax scenes which I can't detail out because spoilers. Let's just say that she got lucky and this is a romance because in real life, I'm pretty sure the outcome would have been different considering that particular villains proven track record.
As to Tait, I liked that he owned to his past, but had matured and made himself into something more after all the tragedy he had endured. He's gritty and morose at times, but when the kids and Melanie were there, oh so gentle, caring and loving. He felt he was undeserving, but he still wanted to make the world a better place for everyone he could whether it was with his gun or anything he could give. He had so much on his plate, but he stayed strong even in the face of the further trials that came his way.
The romance had the added complexities of two strangers arranging to come together in a marriage. But, they were both people who had no hesitation in a healthy romp in bed. Tait respected Melanie being experienced and didn't hold her past as a female gambler and daughter of a con artist who didn't exactly live the life of the straight and narrow. He supported her even when she admitted to not having any domestic skills and showed her that he thought her a beautiful woman and mother to his nephews and niece. I had no doubt they were good for each other and could only wait to see what the fallout would be when Melanie came clean.
A few enjoyable extras were the town children getting up a circus show, the town dance, and the visit from all the Legend men. Le sigh... I do love a Legend men appearance.
The villains were vile and one was a crazed sadistic who I really wanted to find a gruesome end. The bad guys had it all their own way for most of the book and were a formidable force which made the action-packed climax series of scenes a nail-biter. I love that the author doesn't go soft on the western action plot side to the story.
So, my qualms were soothed and my senses assaulted in a good way between the gritty action scenes, sizzling sexy times, and a patchwork group coming together as a family. Those who enjoy western historical romance really must give this author/series a look see.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
The Mail Order Bride's Secret is the third in a spin-off series of standalone western historical romances that are loosely tide together and are much more engaging when read in order and especially, after the Men of Legend series.
Professional gambler and reluctant con artist, Melanie Dunbar is in a peck of trouble when her con artist father skips town leaving incriminating fake promissory notes in the possession of her and her twin sister. They are at the mercy of a sleazy, crooked sheriff and an ambitious and equally crooked judge who are after bigger game. Melanie is just the bait for a trap needed to draw out the hard-bitten outlaw, Tait Trinity and the thousands he stole from the railroad. She can gain the freedom for her sister and herself when she follows up on the letters she has been exchanging with Tait through a mail order bride service and seduce him into giving up the money and leaving the protection of the secluded town of Hope's Crossing. If only it didn't feel like she was selling her soul. Or, that on meeting Tait and learning his situation, which is her dream of home, husband and family, she must make an impossible choice of who to betray- Tait or her own sister?
Tait Trinity has rode the owl-hoot trail and earned some hard-bitten enemies, but none so set on destroying him and leaving him in misery as the Berrigers and the railroad man. They started the criminal acts and he responded with force, but lost all he held dear in the process. And, now he has lost even more as his sister is killed and he now has charge of her three grieving children who want nothing to do with their no-account uncle. With the men after him and the law that will catch up eventually, he does not need this added complication. In desperation, he sends out a plea to marry immediately to the sweet seamstress he has been writing. He knows the moment the woman gets off the stage that Melanie has secrets and she is no shy seamstress. He is confused by her responses to his care and attention as if she wants to embrace the new life together, but has reasons to hold back. Slowly, he learns they both have troubling pasts and may be the very thing to heal and help each other. Until Melanie's secrets and his bloody past blows up in his face...
I love this author's writing and I love this series. I didn't even hesitate to pick this book up. But, I would be lying if I said I didn't wonder just how much I would like this book when the woman is lying from the moment she hits town and there were kids involved. The past books have shown me that the author does a great job of backing her characters into a corner and then getting them out again. Secrets, though...yeah, tough hurdle.
Melanie was confusing at first. Her thoughts and feelings were all over the place. I expected it since she's come to do a terrible thing to save her sister and then she falls in love with the man, his kids, and his town and learns he's not ONLY an outlaw. I had more patience with her as a result knowing that nearly every person on the planet would have done the same under those circumstances. Even her fear to put it all out there made sense the longer she let things ride and knew that the way Tait felt about the truth and had poured out his entire past to her would make it worse. In truth, the only time I thought she pulled a stupid was that part she played in the climax scenes which I can't detail out because spoilers. Let's just say that she got lucky and this is a romance because in real life, I'm pretty sure the outcome would have been different considering that particular villains proven track record.
As to Tait, I liked that he owned to his past, but had matured and made himself into something more after all the tragedy he had endured. He's gritty and morose at times, but when the kids and Melanie were there, oh so gentle, caring and loving. He felt he was undeserving, but he still wanted to make the world a better place for everyone he could whether it was with his gun or anything he could give. He had so much on his plate, but he stayed strong even in the face of the further trials that came his way.
The romance had the added complexities of two strangers arranging to come together in a marriage. But, they were both people who had no hesitation in a healthy romp in bed. Tait respected Melanie being experienced and didn't hold her past as a female gambler and daughter of a con artist who didn't exactly live the life of the straight and narrow. He supported her even when she admitted to not having any domestic skills and showed her that he thought her a beautiful woman and mother to his nephews and niece. I had no doubt they were good for each other and could only wait to see what the fallout would be when Melanie came clean.
A few enjoyable extras were the town children getting up a circus show, the town dance, and the visit from all the Legend men. Le sigh... I do love a Legend men appearance.
The villains were vile and one was a crazed sadistic who I really wanted to find a gruesome end. The bad guys had it all their own way for most of the book and were a formidable force which made the action-packed climax series of scenes a nail-biter. I love that the author doesn't go soft on the western action plot side to the story.
So, my qualms were soothed and my senses assaulted in a good way between the gritty action scenes, sizzling sexy times, and a patchwork group coming together as a family. Those who enjoy western historical romance really must give this author/series a look see.
My thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
January 18, 2020
· “Sometimes a person had to cling to hope no matter how slender the thread.” ·
*I got an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The first thing you probably need to know about this book is that, even though it’s a standalone novel, it’s also the third book in the “Outlaw Mail Order Brides” series and sometimes the “abundance” of characters can get a bit confusing when you haven’t read the first two books in the series.
However, I’m gonna try and focus my review on the main story of this book—Melanie and Tait’s love story. As an avid romance reader, I was a bit dissapointed at the lack of that intense-tension-leading-to-passion-and-heated-fights that’s so characteristic of this genre and that the plot in the blurb clearly suggested (outlaws, secrets, broken promises and treason? Yes, please!). The characters, instead, quickly agree on having a marriage of convenience with no love and only after consumating the marriage they seem to develop deeper feelings for one another. Personally, I’d have preffered falling in love with them slowly.
One thing I really loved about this book is the setting. I have a soft spot for western stories and anything that can transport me to a land full of dirt roads, saloons, outlaws, some pistoleros, or the so-called wild west, keeps me going. And that’s the main reason I had to continue reading this book—I simply wasn’t ready to return to the present.
However, I felt the conflicts were too loosely built and very easily solved. Also, the character’s mistakes were too quickly forgiven and that, in itself, represented a problem of plausibility for me, since I found it very hard to relate to them or to get on their side. If you think of Melanie as a gambler who had a pretty rough childhood and whose twin sister’s life depends on her betraying a virtual stranger, the fact that she’s having second thoughts right after meeting Tait doesn’t speak very highly of her loyalty to her sister (the only person she could always count on no matter what).
Luckily, all’s well that ends well and that’s the case for our bandit characters. At the end of the day, good and love conquer all and these two finally get the second chance they so-much deserve.
*I got an ARC of this book through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*
The first thing you probably need to know about this book is that, even though it’s a standalone novel, it’s also the third book in the “Outlaw Mail Order Brides” series and sometimes the “abundance” of characters can get a bit confusing when you haven’t read the first two books in the series.
However, I’m gonna try and focus my review on the main story of this book—Melanie and Tait’s love story. As an avid romance reader, I was a bit dissapointed at the lack of that intense-tension-leading-to-passion-and-heated-fights that’s so characteristic of this genre and that the plot in the blurb clearly suggested (outlaws, secrets, broken promises and treason? Yes, please!). The characters, instead, quickly agree on having a marriage of convenience with no love and only after consumating the marriage they seem to develop deeper feelings for one another. Personally, I’d have preffered falling in love with them slowly.
One thing I really loved about this book is the setting. I have a soft spot for western stories and anything that can transport me to a land full of dirt roads, saloons, outlaws, some pistoleros, or the so-called wild west, keeps me going. And that’s the main reason I had to continue reading this book—I simply wasn’t ready to return to the present.
However, I felt the conflicts were too loosely built and very easily solved. Also, the character’s mistakes were too quickly forgiven and that, in itself, represented a problem of plausibility for me, since I found it very hard to relate to them or to get on their side. If you think of Melanie as a gambler who had a pretty rough childhood and whose twin sister’s life depends on her betraying a virtual stranger, the fact that she’s having second thoughts right after meeting Tait doesn’t speak very highly of her loyalty to her sister (the only person she could always count on no matter what).
Luckily, all’s well that ends well and that’s the case for our bandit characters. At the end of the day, good and love conquer all and these two finally get the second chance they so-much deserve.
January 27, 2020
Review to come later.
1/27/2019
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity's doorstep, he knows he can't help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can't bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail-order bride he'd been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.
Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She's rough and tumble...and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she'll have to betray her new husband. There's only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister...or the man she loves.
This book was action-packed. From the opening scene all the way till the very end.
An outlaw and a mail-order bride made it hard to resist this book after reading the description. It was great when they each realized that they loved each other. After saying telling each other that their arrangement was not about love.
The last 25% was hard to put down. I had to know what was gonna happen.
This was my first time something from this author and I look forward to reading her earlier books.
1/27/2019
When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity's doorstep, he knows he can't help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can't bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail-order bride he'd been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.
Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She's rough and tumble...and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she'll have to betray her new husband. There's only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister...or the man she loves.
This book was action-packed. From the opening scene all the way till the very end.
An outlaw and a mail-order bride made it hard to resist this book after reading the description. It was great when they each realized that they loved each other. After saying telling each other that their arrangement was not about love.
The last 25% was hard to put down. I had to know what was gonna happen.
This was my first time something from this author and I look forward to reading her earlier books.
August 26, 2022
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is book three in the Mail Order Brides series by Linda Broday. I somehow have missed some books by this author and in general I truly do love her work. I have been meaning to get back to this series though, I ended up loving the first book, so I was really was looking forward to this one even though after reading the blurb of it I was a bit nervous on how the heroine would be handled. But I have to say that I became very impressed with how Linda Broday wrote this story and the way in which the romance was developed and the gritty feel of a western it was delivered in. Linda Broday always knows how to write a solid western. And I also was impressed with how she “handled” the secret that the heroine has, it was done better than I thought it would be.
Summary
The gist of the story is that our hero and heroine, Trait Trinity and Melanie Dunbar, have been exchanging letters in hopes of getting married. They were matched by a ex outlaw who wanted to bring couples together that had skirted the law but had hearts of gold. Trait is a outlaw, and has been known to steal money on trains. Then we have Melanie who with her sister and father work gambling tables. Trait hates his past and what he had to do, but the money he gained from his theft he has tried for good and to help others. Then Trait’s sister and brother in law are murdered with three children he is now in charge of. Then we have Melanie, who has been captured along with her sister for the crime of her father who abandoned them. A corrupt judge, has given her a deal, if she can get the money from Trait and bring Trait to him, her sister and herself will be cleared of all charges. Her sister is sick and she knows she won’t last in prison. But when Melanie and Trait get married, a instant chemistry builds and they also discover a sweet strong love, but is it going to be enough to survive the secret that Malanie is keeping from Trait?
What I Loved
I was so hooked into the way that the romance actually developed between these two. I also was thrilled to see the way that the family really comes together. From the beginning you really feel for the heroine and what she feels she has to do. I did have some issues with what led up to that, but I did like that she does come clean with Trait. Most times its the truth coming out before they tell the big secret, so I was impressed that the author didn’t drag it out until the end AND that the heroine came clean on her own. I really enjoyed the “family” aspect of the story. We have these three orphans, who are just babies and so scared and in need of love. They have had this trauma of losing their parents in such a horrific way, There are some fun times that happened including the kids putting a “circus” together for the town. We also see some old favorites from the Legend family that come into play with this story. There is quite a big climax and I was really impressed with how gritty the end of the story was built into. Linda Broday really worked her talent there. But we do have some pretty dark villains that come into play, and it really slides into home how dangerous the “wild west” can be.
What I Struggled With
The only aspect that I really struggled with was the heroine and it’s what keeps this book from being a higher rating, everything else I fell in love with. I just didn’t like how long the heroine kept the secret from Trait, it went on way too long. I just wasn’t a fan with how the heroine was a bit manipulative and especially when see that Trait had 3 kids that needed him, I just didn’t understand her motivations in not telling him the truth earlier. And it just rubbed me the wrong way the way in which the heroine went about certain actions.
The Narration
I really enjoyed the narration, I think that this heroine does a solid job with Linda Broday’s work, she isn’t too good sped up too quickly and the most you can comfortably listen to at is between 1.4-1.5 but I normally listen at that speed, but those that like faster might struggle. I did enjoy the way that she brought in the various levels of emotion into the story. She has such a lovely voice and quickly draws you into it.
Overall View
I found The Mail Order Bride’s Secret to be a powderkeg of a western romance and really brings together the feelings of hope and family. There is a sense of thrill and adventure mixed in with intrigue and some well-brushed villains that compound into a solid win of a read!
This review may contain spoilers, so fair warning, upon reading the review.
First Impressions
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is book three in the Mail Order Brides series by Linda Broday. I somehow have missed some books by this author and in general I truly do love her work. I have been meaning to get back to this series though, I ended up loving the first book, so I was really was looking forward to this one even though after reading the blurb of it I was a bit nervous on how the heroine would be handled. But I have to say that I became very impressed with how Linda Broday wrote this story and the way in which the romance was developed and the gritty feel of a western it was delivered in. Linda Broday always knows how to write a solid western. And I also was impressed with how she “handled” the secret that the heroine has, it was done better than I thought it would be.
Summary
The gist of the story is that our hero and heroine, Trait Trinity and Melanie Dunbar, have been exchanging letters in hopes of getting married. They were matched by a ex outlaw who wanted to bring couples together that had skirted the law but had hearts of gold. Trait is a outlaw, and has been known to steal money on trains. Then we have Melanie who with her sister and father work gambling tables. Trait hates his past and what he had to do, but the money he gained from his theft he has tried for good and to help others. Then Trait’s sister and brother in law are murdered with three children he is now in charge of. Then we have Melanie, who has been captured along with her sister for the crime of her father who abandoned them. A corrupt judge, has given her a deal, if she can get the money from Trait and bring Trait to him, her sister and herself will be cleared of all charges. Her sister is sick and she knows she won’t last in prison. But when Melanie and Trait get married, a instant chemistry builds and they also discover a sweet strong love, but is it going to be enough to survive the secret that Malanie is keeping from Trait?
What I Loved
I was so hooked into the way that the romance actually developed between these two. I also was thrilled to see the way that the family really comes together. From the beginning you really feel for the heroine and what she feels she has to do. I did have some issues with what led up to that, but I did like that she does come clean with Trait. Most times its the truth coming out before they tell the big secret, so I was impressed that the author didn’t drag it out until the end AND that the heroine came clean on her own. I really enjoyed the “family” aspect of the story. We have these three orphans, who are just babies and so scared and in need of love. They have had this trauma of losing their parents in such a horrific way, There are some fun times that happened including the kids putting a “circus” together for the town. We also see some old favorites from the Legend family that come into play with this story. There is quite a big climax and I was really impressed with how gritty the end of the story was built into. Linda Broday really worked her talent there. But we do have some pretty dark villains that come into play, and it really slides into home how dangerous the “wild west” can be.
What I Struggled With
The only aspect that I really struggled with was the heroine and it’s what keeps this book from being a higher rating, everything else I fell in love with. I just didn’t like how long the heroine kept the secret from Trait, it went on way too long. I just wasn’t a fan with how the heroine was a bit manipulative and especially when see that Trait had 3 kids that needed him, I just didn’t understand her motivations in not telling him the truth earlier. And it just rubbed me the wrong way the way in which the heroine went about certain actions.
The Narration
I really enjoyed the narration, I think that this heroine does a solid job with Linda Broday’s work, she isn’t too good sped up too quickly and the most you can comfortably listen to at is between 1.4-1.5 but I normally listen at that speed, but those that like faster might struggle. I did enjoy the way that she brought in the various levels of emotion into the story. She has such a lovely voice and quickly draws you into it.
Overall View
I found The Mail Order Bride’s Secret to be a powderkeg of a western romance and really brings together the feelings of hope and family. There is a sense of thrill and adventure mixed in with intrigue and some well-brushed villains that compound into a solid win of a read!
February 5, 2020
It’s no secret that I cherish my time visiting the town of Hope’s Crossing with Linda Broday. The town progresses – we have a newspaper now! – we meet new characters, and we fall in love over and over. This time around, we even have a visit from Stoker Legend and his sons (from the Men of Legend series). It’s always great to catch up Ms. Broday’s characters. (And dang. I just realized I never read Sam Legend’s story. I MUST fix that error on my part!)
Tait is still a wanted man when we meet him. A gunsliger with a large bounty on his head. I enjoyed Ms. Broday’s description of when Tait and Melanie first meet that he:
sauntered towards her, slow and easy like a wild animal stalking his prey
The visual description paints such a great picture for me that I can almost hear his boots as he walks towards Melanie. As Melanie (and the reader) becomes more acquainted with Tait, we really get a sense of his character. He may be a criminal in the eyes of the law, but really, he’s looking for justice, which is rather admirable. He steps up when needed to take in his niece and nephews. He’s willing to put his life on the line for those he loves, including his friends in Hope’s Crossing. I do seem to have a soft spot for bad guys who are really good guys!
When we meet Melanie, she’s between a rock and a hard place. She’s being blackmailed: her twin sister’s freedom in exchange for her new husband’s. She needs to make some difficult decisions, and those decisions really weigh on her shoulders. What I appreciate about Melanie is that she knows her mind and isn’t afraid to go for what she wants. She isn’t completely straight-forward with Tait with her motives at the beginning, but she isn’t afraid to speak up when it’s needed. Including in the bedroom. She really shines towards the end of the novel. I think Melanie is someone I would get along with.
The romance between Tait and Melanie is realistic and starts more as a business deal than love. I really appreciate this aspect. The insta-love in many romances feels inauthentic. Here, we really see how the love between these two characters slowly develops and grows as they get to know one another. And by the end of the novel, I was hoping for their own version of happily ever after.
Generally, I can take or leave kids in my romance books (Preferably leave. I know. I’m just not into kids.) But Ms. Broday does seem to have a way with making me feel for the kids in her novels. In the case of Mail Order Bride’s Secret, Tait’s niece and nephews really play an important part in the romance between Tait and Melanie and the plot of the novel. The twins, Joe and Jessie are rapscallions! And toddler Becky is just adorable. I chuckled over Joe’s initial description of Becky being not ‘housebroke yet’. I smiled while the kids were trapping and training animals for their circus. And had a large twig or something in my eye towards the end of the novel when redacted for spoilers occurs.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed The Mail Order Bride’s Secret. The romance progresses naturally. The characters are believable. Check this out if you are a fan of historical romance!
November 24, 2019
This book started out different, but then grew with intensity. I was pulled into the story from the beginning, and then three kids appeared and I knew this was going to be a great book. You have the outlaw Tait, and his mail order bride Melanie, both have secrets they are hiding. Both have pasts that are influencing the present.
Linda Broday has out done herself in this book. I had to read until I finished the book, because I needed to know everything worked out for everyone.
Linda Broday has out done herself in this book. I had to read until I finished the book, because I needed to know everything worked out for everyone.
September 22, 2019
Melanie and her twin sister get into trouble and the only way that Melanie can save her sister is to marry a wanted outlaw. No one told her that Tait (the outlaw) was a handsome gunslinger who now was caring for his three orphaned niece and nephews. Tait needs Melanie to help with the children but neither one expected to be attracted to each other. It was just supposed to be a union that needed to happen for each one's personal reasons. The kids really steal the story in this trip to the Wild West! I really enjoyed laughing at their antics and liked this story that can boast of many great characters. Four stars for this one!
January 12, 2020
While this was a well-written and entertaining story, it was a tough one for me to get hooked into and stay involved in until about half way through. While I liked both main characters, I just never really connected to either of them the way I normally would have expected/hoped. I can't pinpoint exactly what it was because I enjoyed the plot line and there was lots to love about both Tait and Mellie (and the kids), so maybe it was just the timing of reading it. The last half—most especially the last big "event"—is what saved this book for me and made me glad I kept pushing through.
Tait and Mellie both had some pretty horrific pasts and heavy burdens they were carrying, both afraid to fully trust in what they got in each other and grasp hold of something good. I could feel Tait's struggle especially. I appreciated after the big reveal of Mellie's secret that after the dust from the explosion settled, there was a maturity to how they interacted with each other - even though I wished it would have played out a bit differently.
The last part of the book where everything built to it's ultimate climax kept me at the edge of my seat watching how all the threads weaved together. I adored the strength and love shown through actions (in all the relationships, not just between Tait and Mellie), the bonds made, the way everything worked out.
Readers who enjoy some laughter mixed in with drama (almost angsty)-fueled secrets and a good bit of old-fashioned shoot-'em-up action will enjoy this story.
Tait and Mellie both had some pretty horrific pasts and heavy burdens they were carrying, both afraid to fully trust in what they got in each other and grasp hold of something good. I could feel Tait's struggle especially. I appreciated after the big reveal of Mellie's secret that after the dust from the explosion settled, there was a maturity to how they interacted with each other - even though I wished it would have played out a bit differently.
The last part of the book where everything built to it's ultimate climax kept me at the edge of my seat watching how all the threads weaved together. I adored the strength and love shown through actions (in all the relationships, not just between Tait and Mellie), the bonds made, the way everything worked out.
Readers who enjoy some laughter mixed in with drama (almost angsty)-fueled secrets and a good bit of old-fashioned shoot-'em-up action will enjoy this story.
December 20, 2019
Another masterfully written novel by Linda Broday and excellent addition to the Outlaw Mail Order Bride Series. The Mail-Order Bride's Secret drew me in from the very first few paragraphs and kept me needing to know more right up until the end. A must read for Historical Western romance readers or anyone wanting an action packed romance novel.
The characters in the Broday book are phenomenal. Melanie Dunbar, the heroine, becomes a mail-order bride under false pretenses and soon wishes she hadn't lied to Tait Trinity about her intentions. She enters into her arraignment to save her sister from a crooked judge and sherif. She has to find money her to-be husband stole from a train and give the loot and him in trade for her sister's and her own freedom. She has no other choice in the matter. She find the money, get it back to Canadian and give up her bretroved as soon as possible, no problem or so she thinks.
Tait Trinity is a wanted man. He has his face on wanted posters and outlaws wanting to kill him. Three young children get off a stage coach in Hope's Crossing and Tait suddenly and very unexpectedly now has twin nephews and a niece to raise. How can a man with his past, reputation and not knowing one thing about kids raise these children? He does the only thing he can think of, he sends for the Mail-order-bride that he has been corresponding with but he doesn't tell her three children are part of the deal.
You will fall in love with all the characters in this book and they'll live on in your heart. My only complaint is that I want more books in this series! There is too much unfinished business in Hope's Crossing. There are too many characters in this series that need a happily-ever-after for this to be the end. Every time I think I've found a favorite Linda Broday book she writes another amazing book. Excellent read.
The characters in the Broday book are phenomenal. Melanie Dunbar, the heroine, becomes a mail-order bride under false pretenses and soon wishes she hadn't lied to Tait Trinity about her intentions. She enters into her arraignment to save her sister from a crooked judge and sherif. She has to find money her to-be husband stole from a train and give the loot and him in trade for her sister's and her own freedom. She has no other choice in the matter. She find the money, get it back to Canadian and give up her bretroved as soon as possible, no problem or so she thinks.
Tait Trinity is a wanted man. He has his face on wanted posters and outlaws wanting to kill him. Three young children get off a stage coach in Hope's Crossing and Tait suddenly and very unexpectedly now has twin nephews and a niece to raise. How can a man with his past, reputation and not knowing one thing about kids raise these children? He does the only thing he can think of, he sends for the Mail-order-bride that he has been corresponding with but he doesn't tell her three children are part of the deal.
You will fall in love with all the characters in this book and they'll live on in your heart. My only complaint is that I want more books in this series! There is too much unfinished business in Hope's Crossing. There are too many characters in this series that need a happily-ever-after for this to be the end. Every time I think I've found a favorite Linda Broday book she writes another amazing book. Excellent read.
December 2, 2019
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is hands down, hands up or whatever way you want to look it’s Linda Broday’s Best book yet. This book was absolutely mesmerizing with non stop action, full of laughter, tears and just a downright good Old fashioned Wild West story as only Linda Broday can do. Tait and Melanie’s story is one that must be read to experience the greatness of their story. Tait’s two nephews and niece only add to this story’s splendor. The whole Trinity family is forever imbedded deep into my heart as are all of Linda Broday’s books characters. I wish Hope’s Crossing was a real place we all could live where goodness overcomes all evil especially in today’s world. This is one book definitely not to be missed by the Wonderful Linda Broday if you never read a book by her before why not???
February 7, 2020
"Sometimes a person had to cling to hope no matter how slender the thread."
The Mail Order Bride's Secret by Linda Broday is Book Three of the Outlaw Mail Order Bride Series. While all the books can stand alone, don't do it! The characters overlap, and each book is a treasure to be enjoyed and savored.
In 1881, Hope's Crossing in the Texas Panhandle is home to outlaws, renegades, and anyone else looking for a new beginning and a fresh start. Tait Trinity is the star of The Mail Order Bride's Secret and next in line for a bride. But this particular intended bride, Melanie Dunbar, has a secret as big as Texas and a hidden agenda that could very well spell the end of Tait Trinity. But what is a young lady to do when her life and her twin sister's life are at stake?
Tait is a wanted outlaw, holed up in Hope's Crossing and biding his time until he can hopefully secure a pardon for his crimes and begin anew as a free man. Melanie is the daughter of a gambling father who has no qualms about leaving his twin girls to take the heat as he escapes into the night to avoid an angry town. But Melanie is no shrinking violet and has seen her share of saloons, bedrooms, and card games. When Melanie finally arrives in Hope's Crossing to meet Tait in person, she finds a smoldering hunk of a man and his recently orphaned niece and twin nephews. The situation for both of them has taken a decidedly unexpected turn. Watching these two navigate a new relationship and handle two angry and frightened young boys and their adorable three-year-old little sister will make you laugh and turn you to mush.
Linda Broday has created a believable Texas world and populated it with all sorts of wonderful characters, both good and bad; young and old, who entice, intrigue, and entertain. For Melanie, her marriage to Tait starts off as nothing more than a cruel sham to save herself and her sister, but can she come clean and throw the truth down at Tait's feet? Can the love they are beginning to feel conquer the betrayal and the danger headed their way? It is only a matter of time before Tait must face the consequences of his past and Melanie must face an incredibly hard decision.
A main theme in The Mail Order Bride's Secret (in the entire series, actually), is family and what it means to be a family. Children play a vital, contributing role in all these stories, and it is interesting to see how gruff outlaws and women who never knew they wanted children rise to the occasion when children are in need of family and love.
While revenge and shootouts are served up and dished out, The Mail Order Bride's Secret is ultimately about trust, loyalty, love, and the sweet human need for companionship, family, and friends. Even as the romance heats up between Tait and Melanie, the danger and drama run high as these two first face off against each other before joining forces to outwit and outmaneuver an extremely bad man with an old grudge and no scruples whatsoever in how he exacts revenge. Keep a close eye on Melanie's father because he is full of surprises and may just steal your heart, and one recurring character in Hope's Crossing that I personally want to read more about is Dr. Mary and her necklace made of bullets.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
The Mail Order Bride's Secret by Linda Broday is Book Three of the Outlaw Mail Order Bride Series. While all the books can stand alone, don't do it! The characters overlap, and each book is a treasure to be enjoyed and savored.
In 1881, Hope's Crossing in the Texas Panhandle is home to outlaws, renegades, and anyone else looking for a new beginning and a fresh start. Tait Trinity is the star of The Mail Order Bride's Secret and next in line for a bride. But this particular intended bride, Melanie Dunbar, has a secret as big as Texas and a hidden agenda that could very well spell the end of Tait Trinity. But what is a young lady to do when her life and her twin sister's life are at stake?
Tait is a wanted outlaw, holed up in Hope's Crossing and biding his time until he can hopefully secure a pardon for his crimes and begin anew as a free man. Melanie is the daughter of a gambling father who has no qualms about leaving his twin girls to take the heat as he escapes into the night to avoid an angry town. But Melanie is no shrinking violet and has seen her share of saloons, bedrooms, and card games. When Melanie finally arrives in Hope's Crossing to meet Tait in person, she finds a smoldering hunk of a man and his recently orphaned niece and twin nephews. The situation for both of them has taken a decidedly unexpected turn. Watching these two navigate a new relationship and handle two angry and frightened young boys and their adorable three-year-old little sister will make you laugh and turn you to mush.
Linda Broday has created a believable Texas world and populated it with all sorts of wonderful characters, both good and bad; young and old, who entice, intrigue, and entertain. For Melanie, her marriage to Tait starts off as nothing more than a cruel sham to save herself and her sister, but can she come clean and throw the truth down at Tait's feet? Can the love they are beginning to feel conquer the betrayal and the danger headed their way? It is only a matter of time before Tait must face the consequences of his past and Melanie must face an incredibly hard decision.
A main theme in The Mail Order Bride's Secret (in the entire series, actually), is family and what it means to be a family. Children play a vital, contributing role in all these stories, and it is interesting to see how gruff outlaws and women who never knew they wanted children rise to the occasion when children are in need of family and love.
While revenge and shootouts are served up and dished out, The Mail Order Bride's Secret is ultimately about trust, loyalty, love, and the sweet human need for companionship, family, and friends. Even as the romance heats up between Tait and Melanie, the danger and drama run high as these two first face off against each other before joining forces to outwit and outmaneuver an extremely bad man with an old grudge and no scruples whatsoever in how he exacts revenge. Keep a close eye on Melanie's father because he is full of surprises and may just steal your heart, and one recurring character in Hope's Crossing that I personally want to read more about is Dr. Mary and her necklace made of bullets.
I received a free copy of this book from Lone Star Book Blog Tours in exchange for my honest review.
January 5, 2020
The first Linda Broday book I read was free from Amazon. With free books you either 1. thank goodness it was free because it was horrid or 2. you immediately go and buy the next two books in the series. Linda's book was the latter. Not only did I buy the next two books in the Men of Legend Series, but the first book in this series. AMAZING!
The Mail Order Bride's Secret was one of, if not my favorite Linda Broday book. It has romance, family, sacrifice, and pure love. Tait, a former train robber/outlaw, has had loss: wife, parents, and now his sister/brother-in-law. This last loss gives him his twin nephews and adorable 3 year old niece. He immediately knows, I need a wife. Mellie (love the nickname) is a conwoman who agrees to get Tait and the money he stole to a judge (real jerk wad) in exchange she and her twin sister go free instead of spending 20 years in prison. What follows is a story of love: man/woman, parent/child, and friend/friend. It is a story about sacrificing yourself for those you love and those who love you refusing to allow that to happen. I laughed, cried, cheered, and had that moment of absolute peace because finally, an beautiful happily ever after.
If I could give this book 10🌟 I would. I cannot recommend this book enough. It was AMAZINGLY 💗 WONDERFUL💞!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am giving my honest review.
The Mail Order Bride's Secret was one of, if not my favorite Linda Broday book. It has romance, family, sacrifice, and pure love. Tait, a former train robber/outlaw, has had loss: wife, parents, and now his sister/brother-in-law. This last loss gives him his twin nephews and adorable 3 year old niece. He immediately knows, I need a wife. Mellie (love the nickname) is a conwoman who agrees to get Tait and the money he stole to a judge (real jerk wad) in exchange she and her twin sister go free instead of spending 20 years in prison. What follows is a story of love: man/woman, parent/child, and friend/friend. It is a story about sacrificing yourself for those you love and those who love you refusing to allow that to happen. I laughed, cried, cheered, and had that moment of absolute peace because finally, an beautiful happily ever after.
If I could give this book 10🌟 I would. I cannot recommend this book enough. It was AMAZINGLY 💗 WONDERFUL💞!
I received an ARC of this book from NetGalley and am giving my honest review.
March 26, 2020
Got all teary eyed reading the last bit of this book. The town really came together at the end. The kids in this book are amazing. Tait and Melanie are a great match. I really enjoyed this book. I’m glad the couple worked out the lies , secrets, and problems. Now hopefully they will start working on a baby ;)
Really loved this book.
Thank you Linda, for another wonderful book!!
Really loved this book.
Thank you Linda, for another wonderful book!!
October 5, 2020
i had read this book when it came out and seemed weird that I didn't review so am going to update this since I am about to read the next one. we have Tait who is now in charge of his sisters kids and they seem to cause issues everywhere they go, but you can't blame they lost everyone they love and now are with a family member they dont even know and who is clueless with there care. He send for a bride and gets Melanie who also knows nothing about kids but seems to be able to handle herself but she is there for a different reason and now she is in love with Tait and the kids, but can she have that and save her sister? read it
December 14, 2019
Linda Broday’s book, The Mail Order Bride’s Secret, delves into past injustices suffered by Tait Trinity. The fiery pits of hell surround Tait as he suffers the unbearable killings of wife Lucy, Sister Claire, and her husband. Vengeance and revenge taint Tait’s heart.
Tait soon finds himself guardian of his twin nephews and niece. They will steal your heart from the get go, along with residents of Hope’s Crossing. He summons a mail order bride, Melanie Dunbar, who has deceptive secrets of her own. She will do whatever it takes to gain freedom for herself and sister. Soon her cold, deceptive heart is warmed by the three children she learns to mother. And Tait, well his heart is learning to trust. But can he, when her shenanigans prove untrustworthy?
The fight for freedom is rugged, dangerous, and unforgiving. It is a story of what love, forgiveness,and commitment can lead to; learning how to become a real family.
“Without the storms, you wouldn’t appreciate the sunshine.”
A book well developed and written. The residents of Hope’s Crossing will remain in your heart. The best of Linda Broday’s thus far.
Tait soon finds himself guardian of his twin nephews and niece. They will steal your heart from the get go, along with residents of Hope’s Crossing. He summons a mail order bride, Melanie Dunbar, who has deceptive secrets of her own. She will do whatever it takes to gain freedom for herself and sister. Soon her cold, deceptive heart is warmed by the three children she learns to mother. And Tait, well his heart is learning to trust. But can he, when her shenanigans prove untrustworthy?
The fight for freedom is rugged, dangerous, and unforgiving. It is a story of what love, forgiveness,and commitment can lead to; learning how to become a real family.
“Without the storms, you wouldn’t appreciate the sunshine.”
A book well developed and written. The residents of Hope’s Crossing will remain in your heart. The best of Linda Broday’s thus far.
April 18, 2020
I did enjoy this despite some... discrepancies. I enjoyed Tait and Melanie as a couple and their learning to cope with his orphaned niece and nephews was a nice touch.
Early on, Melanie takes a shovel up on the bluff where they were married and starts digging holes, searching for the stolen railroad money. Then a little while later, she and Tait go up on the same bluff to look at the sky. Tait would have seen the disturbed dirt from the freshly dug and filled holes. Why didn't he? Do a lot of people dig holes on that bluff?
After Tait rides out and leaves Ridge to watch over Melanie, the stage coach brings a man who's been sent by Judge McIlroy to check on her progress. The man tells Melanie to call him Spade. She tells Ridge the man's name is Spade and then a few pages later, when Tait returns, she tells him the man's name is Spade. Yet on the next page, she says the man's name is Slade. So is the man's name Spade or Slade?
While Melanie is still trying to locate where Tait's buried the stolen railroad money, there is this sentence - "... She'd been watching Tait's movements and had twice seen him coming from the little valley where they grew their crops very late at night...." They grow crops very late at night?
A proofreader, beta reader and/or editor should have caught those - especially that last one.
This was fun, like the TV Westerns on TV back in the day, where guns never run out of bullets, no one ever needs to reload and the hero (and heroine) always hit where they aim.
Early on, Melanie takes a shovel up on the bluff where they were married and starts digging holes, searching for the stolen railroad money. Then a little while later, she and Tait go up on the same bluff to look at the sky. Tait would have seen the disturbed dirt from the freshly dug and filled holes. Why didn't he? Do a lot of people dig holes on that bluff?
After Tait rides out and leaves Ridge to watch over Melanie, the stage coach brings a man who's been sent by Judge McIlroy to check on her progress. The man tells Melanie to call him Spade. She tells Ridge the man's name is Spade and then a few pages later, when Tait returns, she tells him the man's name is Spade. Yet on the next page, she says the man's name is Slade. So is the man's name Spade or Slade?
While Melanie is still trying to locate where Tait's buried the stolen railroad money, there is this sentence - "... She'd been watching Tait's movements and had twice seen him coming from the little valley where they grew their crops very late at night...." They grow crops very late at night?
A proofreader, beta reader and/or editor should have caught those - especially that last one.
This was fun, like the TV Westerns on TV back in the day, where guns never run out of bullets, no one ever needs to reload and the hero (and heroine) always hit where they aim.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2020
As a steadfast Linda Broday fan, I noticed slight variation from her style in previous books but was not disappointed in the least by this latest addition to her stellar books before.
A story surrounding real life characters placed in life and death struggles in a time where the line between outlaw and the law were often blurred by unfathomable circumstances. A time when redemption, love and life could hang in the balance of everyday choices. This western romance takes you through page after page of discovery and where the town and heart of Hope's Crossing and its citizens shine through it all. Love the visits of characters from other series as well. Highly recommend this one!
A story surrounding real life characters placed in life and death struggles in a time where the line between outlaw and the law were often blurred by unfathomable circumstances. A time when redemption, love and life could hang in the balance of everyday choices. This western romance takes you through page after page of discovery and where the town and heart of Hope's Crossing and its citizens shine through it all. Love the visits of characters from other series as well. Highly recommend this one!
May 26, 2020
This was a great book. I haven’t read the series but think I reading the previous books would have helped me to keep up with all the characters. The characters were great and were well developed. The book was full of emotions, action, intrigue, and Old West drama.
January 27, 2020
The Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday is the 3rd book in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. As I have said previously, I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: The story takes place in Hope’s Crossing, which is a town run by outlaws, who have started a clean slate on their lives, with building a family and changing their lives for the better.
Tait Trinity, our hero, is suddenly left with three young children (two twin boys and a baby girl), when his sister is brutally murdered. Tait decides to get a mail order bride to help him take care of the children; he also knows his life could be short term and dangerous, as other criminals are also after Tait.
Melanie Dunbar, our heroine, finds herself in trouble, as she and her sister, Ava are put in jail because of something her father did. The crooked Judge makes a deal with Melanie; he will free them if she can bring Tail Trinity to him, as well as the money he stole. Knowing they could be in jail for a very long time, Melanie accepts the deal. In doing so, she responds to Tait’s letter accepting her as his bride.
When Melanie arrives in Hope’s Crossing, she is immediately surprised at her attraction to Tait, and though she has no experience taking care of children, in a short time she finds herself caring about them all. Quickly, her relationship with Tait heats up, and they both find themselves caring deeply about each other. Melanie feels guilty, and tries to find a way to get the money and return it to the Judge, to free her sister, and at the same time, not have Tait hurt.
Tait is determined to find the man who murdered his sister, and knows that the children and Melanie will always be in danger with threats against him. He will take matters in his own hands when Becky (the baby girl) is kidnapped, and he with Jack and Clay (previous book heroes), will try to rescue her, and find the man who killed his sister. When Melanie gets a threat by the Judge to bring the money, she too takes matters in her own hands by traveling to free her sister.
What follows is an exciting story line, with nonstop action, dangerous situations, with their lives on the line and a wonderful sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them. The last half of the book was tense and exciting, as they both find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the evil villains.
Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful western historical romance story, as The Mail Order Bride’s Secret was a great addition to this series. It was emotional, tense, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
Tait Trinity, our hero, is suddenly left with three young children (two twin boys and a baby girl), when his sister is brutally murdered. Tait decides to get a mail order bride to help him take care of the children; he also knows his life could be short term and dangerous, as other criminals are also after Tait.
Melanie Dunbar, our heroine, finds herself in trouble, as she and her sister, Ava are put in jail because of something her father did. The crooked Judge makes a deal with Melanie; he will free them if she can bring Tail Trinity to him, as well as the money he stole. Knowing they could be in jail for a very long time, Melanie accepts the deal. In doing so, she responds to Tait’s letter accepting her as his bride.
When Melanie arrives in Hope’s Crossing, she is immediately surprised at her attraction to Tait, and though she has no experience taking care of children, in a short time she finds herself caring about them all. Quickly, her relationship with Tait heats up, and they both find themselves caring deeply about each other. Melanie feels guilty, and tries to find a way to get the money and return it to the Judge, to free her sister, and at the same time, not have Tait hurt.
Tait is determined to find the man who murdered his sister, and knows that the children and Melanie will always be in danger with threats against him. He will take matters in his own hands when Becky (the baby girl) is kidnapped, and he with Jack and Clay (previous book heroes), will try to rescue her, and find the man who killed his sister. When Melanie gets a threat by the Judge to bring the money, she too takes matters in her own hands by traveling to free her sister.
What follows is an exciting story line, with nonstop action, dangerous situations, with their lives on the line and a wonderful sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them. The last half of the book was tense and exciting, as they both find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the evil villains.
Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful western historical romance story, as The Mail Order Bride’s Secret was a great addition to this series. It was emotional, tense, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
January 25, 2020
The Mail Order Bride's Secret is the third book in Linda Broday's exciting historical western romance series Outlaw Mail Order Brides. Never fear, this book stands alone quite well. This is not one of those sweet clean mail order bride books that abound; this series has some grit! The men are outlaws, the women sassy, and the sex hot.
Tait Trinity is an outlaw who comes to Hope's Crossing, a town built by outlaws, to heal and make a life for himself. One afternoon a trio of children - a set of young rambunctious twin boys and a sweet 3 year old girl - are delivered to him. They are his sister's children, now orphaned. Tait is flummoxed; what the heck is he going to do with them?! He knows nothing about children, plus he wants to avenge his sister who was brutally murdered. Then he remembers the possible mail order bride with whom he has been corresponding...perfect! He requests that she join him immediately. When she arrives, however, he finds a woman who is not going to let him leave her with the children as he heads out! Unbeknownst to Tait, mail order bride Melanie Dunbar has a secret. She is sent to Tait to find the money he stole from the railroad, return it to its owners and betray Tait. If she doesn't, her twin sister will be killed. As she begins to know Tait, however, she doesn't know if she can betray him...
This book was fast paced, heartbreaking, sexy and exciting. I normally don't care for kids in books (once again, don't judge me!), but these kids grew on me, especially little Becky. Both Tait and Melanie had secrets they were keeping from each other. That romance trope usually annoys me, but it works well here; we see how emotionally attached they are becoming to each other and the children. How will they possibly get past the hurt of betrayal? Though Tait is a tough outlaw, he opened up his heart to his new family. Melanie was a tough cookie herself, but the thought of losing Tait or her sister almost brought her to her knees. The battle near the end of the book was most exciting. Also, I really enjoyed seeing favorite characters from previous books. It's like coming home again. Definitely a western romance you don't want to miss!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Tait Trinity is an outlaw who comes to Hope's Crossing, a town built by outlaws, to heal and make a life for himself. One afternoon a trio of children - a set of young rambunctious twin boys and a sweet 3 year old girl - are delivered to him. They are his sister's children, now orphaned. Tait is flummoxed; what the heck is he going to do with them?! He knows nothing about children, plus he wants to avenge his sister who was brutally murdered. Then he remembers the possible mail order bride with whom he has been corresponding...perfect! He requests that she join him immediately. When she arrives, however, he finds a woman who is not going to let him leave her with the children as he heads out! Unbeknownst to Tait, mail order bride Melanie Dunbar has a secret. She is sent to Tait to find the money he stole from the railroad, return it to its owners and betray Tait. If she doesn't, her twin sister will be killed. As she begins to know Tait, however, she doesn't know if she can betray him...
This book was fast paced, heartbreaking, sexy and exciting. I normally don't care for kids in books (once again, don't judge me!), but these kids grew on me, especially little Becky. Both Tait and Melanie had secrets they were keeping from each other. That romance trope usually annoys me, but it works well here; we see how emotionally attached they are becoming to each other and the children. How will they possibly get past the hurt of betrayal? Though Tait is a tough outlaw, he opened up his heart to his new family. Melanie was a tough cookie herself, but the thought of losing Tait or her sister almost brought her to her knees. The battle near the end of the book was most exciting. Also, I really enjoyed seeing favorite characters from previous books. It's like coming home again. Definitely a western romance you don't want to miss!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
March 7, 2020
Unexpectedly needing to raise his niece and nephew, outlaw Tait Trinity finds himself totally unprepared. He decides he desperately needs the help of a wife. He sends for the mail order bride he has been corresponding with for about a month, failing to mention the children. For her part, Melanie Dunbar is hiding big secrets of her own which are responsible for her quick acceptance. Tait's vendetta against the railroad and an outlaw's death grudge against him put everyone he holds dear in danger. Deception, cruelty, mistrust, betrayal, love, heartbreak, loyalty, and sacrifice all come into play as the story unfolds.
Once again Linda Broday takes us back to 1880's Texas, giving us a feel for the time and place. It is a land trying hard to tame the lawlessness which is widespread. Good people are still at the mercy of the evil and bad people are trying to change their ways. Sometimes the line between good and evil is blurred and those who should be on the side of good are not.
Characters from this series and the previous Men Of Legend series play roles in this story, but it works well as a stand alone read. It will just be a richer story knowing the history of the characters and how they got where they are. I think this is her strongest couple yet in this series. It has a nice straight storyline developing the characters, their relationships, and the plot well. When I read the last paragraph, I turned the page expecting more - wanting more. I was pleased to learn there will be one more book in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. Not only do i look forward to another story, but I look forward to checking in on the characters I have gotten to know so far.
Once again Linda Broday takes us back to 1880's Texas, giving us a feel for the time and place. It is a land trying hard to tame the lawlessness which is widespread. Good people are still at the mercy of the evil and bad people are trying to change their ways. Sometimes the line between good and evil is blurred and those who should be on the side of good are not.
Characters from this series and the previous Men Of Legend series play roles in this story, but it works well as a stand alone read. It will just be a richer story knowing the history of the characters and how they got where they are. I think this is her strongest couple yet in this series. It has a nice straight storyline developing the characters, their relationships, and the plot well. When I read the last paragraph, I turned the page expecting more - wanting more. I was pleased to learn there will be one more book in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. Not only do i look forward to another story, but I look forward to checking in on the characters I have gotten to know so far.
December 4, 2019
Tait Trinity rides with a high bounty on his head, always looking over his shoulder for the next bullet. He knows his time here on earth is numbered in weeks more than years, but he gambles that Hope’s Crossing will be his safe haven.
Jesse, Joe and Becky are survivors with only one family member left to take them, Tait Trinity.
When they unexpectedly arrive on a stage to Hope’s Crossing and Tait he sees them, his only thought is revenge on his sister’s death, for the sake of these precious children, so heartbroken.
The only regard Melanie Dunbar has is to save her sister and herself. The cost does not matter, as long as she succeeds. Sometimes you just have to make a deal with the devil.... and she goes all in!!!!!
She’s been conserving as a mail-order bride with the mysterious outlaw Tait Trinity.
Melanie has a secret that will destroy Tait, a secret that will save her sister.
Tait only needs her to marry him to help raise his orphaned niece and nephews.
Can these two get their revenge and survive what fate has in store for them?
Sometimes that special book comes into your life and sweeps you off your feet. It becomes such a compelling story that you truly believe you are living it right along with the characters.
Linda Broday’s The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is certainly this type of book. I cannot even begin to praise all the credit this one deserves. It is an amazing book that will forever resonate in my soul.
Jesse, Joe and Becky are survivors with only one family member left to take them, Tait Trinity.
When they unexpectedly arrive on a stage to Hope’s Crossing and Tait he sees them, his only thought is revenge on his sister’s death, for the sake of these precious children, so heartbroken.
The only regard Melanie Dunbar has is to save her sister and herself. The cost does not matter, as long as she succeeds. Sometimes you just have to make a deal with the devil.... and she goes all in!!!!!
She’s been conserving as a mail-order bride with the mysterious outlaw Tait Trinity.
Melanie has a secret that will destroy Tait, a secret that will save her sister.
Tait only needs her to marry him to help raise his orphaned niece and nephews.
Can these two get their revenge and survive what fate has in store for them?
Sometimes that special book comes into your life and sweeps you off your feet. It becomes such a compelling story that you truly believe you are living it right along with the characters.
Linda Broday’s The Mail Order Bride’s Secret is certainly this type of book. I cannot even begin to praise all the credit this one deserves. It is an amazing book that will forever resonate in my soul.
January 10, 2020
Good historical Western romance. A nice change from the sweet and innocent bride order bride. This time the bride is rough around the edges and has her own agenda and past. Great read that still has the fun of the mail order bride drama
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
I received a copy of this book for a honest review.
January 30, 2020
When Tait's nephews and niece show up at his doorstep after their parents are killed, he knows that he has no idea how to raise them. Having been corresponding to a mail order bride, he requests that she come to him so that they van meet and decide if they will suit. As a wanted man, he knows that he can't leave the kids without someone to care for them.
Melanie is surprised to find three kids along with the man that she has been corresponding to, but can't complain too much as she has secrets of her own. The only reason she agreed to marry Tait was to save her sister. She must find out where he is hiding the money that he stole from the railroad and give it to the corrupt judge that is holding her sister.
While this is a marriage of convenience, Tait and Melanie start to have feelings for one another. But what happens when Tait realizes the reason that Melanie married him?
I really enjoyed Tait and Melanie's story. It is always interesting to watch those in a marriage of convenience learn about one another because they are already married and in close proximity to one another. So much different than if Tait would have had time to court Melanie before getting married. The kids in this story were also a nice addition. They sure kept things lively!!
Melanie is surprised to find three kids along with the man that she has been corresponding to, but can't complain too much as she has secrets of her own. The only reason she agreed to marry Tait was to save her sister. She must find out where he is hiding the money that he stole from the railroad and give it to the corrupt judge that is holding her sister.
While this is a marriage of convenience, Tait and Melanie start to have feelings for one another. But what happens when Tait realizes the reason that Melanie married him?
I really enjoyed Tait and Melanie's story. It is always interesting to watch those in a marriage of convenience learn about one another because they are already married and in close proximity to one another. So much different than if Tait would have had time to court Melanie before getting married. The kids in this story were also a nice addition. They sure kept things lively!!
April 29, 2025
I love Tait.
September 15, 2025
3.5 stars
February 23, 2020
This is Melanie Dunbar and Tait Trinity’s story, third in the Outlaw Mail Order Bride series; a standalone, happily ever after, no cheating, historical romance with sizzle.
I have mixed feelings about this story, its well written, characters are well developed, era is well represented. Spoiler alert --What had me tossed is the unconcern for her sister in jail. I felt like Melanie should have been working harder and smarter to gain her release. If she was trusting enough to sleep with Tait, she surely should have trusted him with her secret.
I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
I have mixed feelings about this story, its well written, characters are well developed, era is well represented. Spoiler alert --What had me tossed is the unconcern for her sister in jail. I felt like Melanie should have been working harder and smarter to gain her release. If she was trusting enough to sleep with Tait, she surely should have trusted him with her secret.
I received an electronic copy of this book through NetGalley for my honest opinion.
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