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Darby's Quest #1
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley
When Darby McPhee falls in love with Cayo Bradley, a wild cowboy from a nearby ranch, her world is ripped apart. Caught in a lifeless existence of caring for her father and brothers since her mother’s death, Darby does little else but work. But a death-bed promise to her mother to get her education now stands in the way of her heart’s desire to belong to the rough-and-tumble Cayo Bradley.
Darby is Cayo’s redemption from a horrific act in his past that torments him. After being captured as a young boy by the Jicarilla Apache, he now tries to settle back into white society—but how can he? If he loses Darby, he loses everything.
Darby is determined to keep her promise to her mother, but will Cayo wait for her? In this stunning tale of love and loss, Darby comes to understand that no matter what happens, she will always be THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY…
Romano’s story sizzles with the tension of lovers—one struggling to blend Apache ways and white, the other torn between East and West—searching for a way to join two lives going in opposite directions.
Darby is Cayo’s redemption from a horrific act in his past that torments him. After being captured as a young boy by the Jicarilla Apache, he now tries to settle back into white society—but how can he? If he loses Darby, he loses everything.
Darby is determined to keep her promise to her mother, but will Cayo wait for her? In this stunning tale of love and loss, Darby comes to understand that no matter what happens, she will always be THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY…
Romano’s story sizzles with the tension of lovers—one struggling to blend Apache ways and white, the other torn between East and West—searching for a way to join two lives going in opposite directions.
Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2019
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32 people want to read
About the author
Nina Romano
34 books160 followersNina Romano's latest novel, Dark Eyes, a Russian historical thriller, hit #1 in Russian and Soviet Literature E-books on Amazon on 2/13/2023 Pre-order. The print release date was February 24, 2023.
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, a Western, Historical Romance is Book 1 in the Darby's Quest series and a stand-alone novel. It covers a great deal of Apache and Native American history and lore in New Mexico, is a well-researched novel, and a semi-finalist in the Laramie Book Awards. It was released October 2021 by Speaking Volumes, LLC.
Romano's Wayfarer Trilogy has been published by Turner Publishing. Book #1 of the Historical Saga: The Secret Language of Women was a Foreword Reviews Indie-Fab Book Award Finalist. The novel won the Independent Publisher 2016 IPPY Gold Medal in the Historical/Romance Book Awards. Book #2 of the series, Lemon Blossoms was a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Reviews Book #3, In America, was a finalist in the 2016 Chanticleer Media's Chatelaine Book Awards for Romance.
Nina Romano earned a B.S. from Ithaca College, an M. A. from Adelphi University and a B. A., and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from FIU. She’s a world traveler and lover of history. She lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She authored a short story collection, The Other Side of the Gates, five poetry collections, and two poetry chapbooks. Her most recent collection, Westward: Guided by Starfalls and Moonbows, was published from LLC Red Dashboard. She co-authored, Writing in a Changing World. Romano has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize.
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, a Western, Historical Romance is Book 1 in the Darby's Quest series and a stand-alone novel. It covers a great deal of Apache and Native American history and lore in New Mexico, is a well-researched novel, and a semi-finalist in the Laramie Book Awards. It was released October 2021 by Speaking Volumes, LLC.
Romano's Wayfarer Trilogy has been published by Turner Publishing. Book #1 of the Historical Saga: The Secret Language of Women was a Foreword Reviews Indie-Fab Book Award Finalist. The novel won the Independent Publisher 2016 IPPY Gold Medal in the Historical/Romance Book Awards. Book #2 of the series, Lemon Blossoms was a finalist in the Foreword INDIES Reviews Book #3, In America, was a finalist in the 2016 Chanticleer Media's Chatelaine Book Awards for Romance.
Nina Romano earned a B.S. from Ithaca College, an M. A. from Adelphi University and a B. A., and an M.F.A. in Creative Writing from FIU. She’s a world traveler and lover of history. She lived in Rome, Italy, for twenty years, and is fluent in Italian and Spanish. She authored a short story collection, The Other Side of the Gates, five poetry collections, and two poetry chapbooks. Her most recent collection, Westward: Guided by Starfalls and Moonbows, was published from LLC Red Dashboard. She co-authored, Writing in a Changing World. Romano has been nominated twice for the Pushcart Prize.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
March 7, 2019
There are some stories that grab you from the first sentence, and there are others that build tension and depth slowly. “The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley” manages to do both as it shuttles back and forth between young Darby McPhee and renegade Connor Bradley.
Darby is a young woman in a household of men; she dreams of a life away from the family ranch, where she can study to be a schoolteacher, as her late-mother wanted her to do. She also dreams about Cayo Bradley, the enigmatic cowboy who has stolen her heart. She hatches a plan to fulfill the first agenda item, but then realizes that will foreclose on her heart’s true desire of becoming Cayo’s girl, forever and always.
This engaging, beautifully written story of the hardscrabble life in middle America during the mid-1800s toggles back and forth between these two passionate souls, one young and innocent and anxious to begin her adult life, the other an old soul in a young man’s body, consumed by guilt and grief, hardened by life’s cruelest wrongs, but still fundamentally sound and good. It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go, tempting me and worrying me in equal measure as these characters came to life in my mind’s eye. An absolute delight—a book that will stay in my heart forever!
Merged review:
There are some stories that grab you from the first sentence, and there are others that build tension and depth slowly. “The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley” manages to do both as it shuttles back and forth between young Darby McPhee and renegade Connor Bradley.
Darby is a young woman in a household of men; she dreams of a life away from the family ranch, where she can study to be a schoolteacher, as her late-mother wanted her to do. She also dreams about Cayo Bradley, the enigmatic cowboy who has stolen her heart. She hatches a plan to fulfill the first agenda item, but then realizes that will foreclose on her heart’s true desire of becoming Cayo’s girl, forever and always.
This engaging, beautifully written story of the hardscrabble life in middle America during the mid-1800s toggles back and forth between these two passionate souls, one young and innocent and anxious to begin her adult life, the other an old soul in a young man’s body, consumed by guilt and grief, hardened by life’s cruelest wrongs, but still fundamentally sound and good. It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go, tempting me and worrying me in equal measure as these characters came to life in my mind’s eye. An absolute delight—a book that will stay in my heart forever!
Darby is a young woman in a household of men; she dreams of a life away from the family ranch, where she can study to be a schoolteacher, as her late-mother wanted her to do. She also dreams about Cayo Bradley, the enigmatic cowboy who has stolen her heart. She hatches a plan to fulfill the first agenda item, but then realizes that will foreclose on her heart’s true desire of becoming Cayo’s girl, forever and always.
This engaging, beautifully written story of the hardscrabble life in middle America during the mid-1800s toggles back and forth between these two passionate souls, one young and innocent and anxious to begin her adult life, the other an old soul in a young man’s body, consumed by guilt and grief, hardened by life’s cruelest wrongs, but still fundamentally sound and good. It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go, tempting me and worrying me in equal measure as these characters came to life in my mind’s eye. An absolute delight—a book that will stay in my heart forever!
Merged review:
There are some stories that grab you from the first sentence, and there are others that build tension and depth slowly. “The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley” manages to do both as it shuttles back and forth between young Darby McPhee and renegade Connor Bradley.
Darby is a young woman in a household of men; she dreams of a life away from the family ranch, where she can study to be a schoolteacher, as her late-mother wanted her to do. She also dreams about Cayo Bradley, the enigmatic cowboy who has stolen her heart. She hatches a plan to fulfill the first agenda item, but then realizes that will foreclose on her heart’s true desire of becoming Cayo’s girl, forever and always.
This engaging, beautifully written story of the hardscrabble life in middle America during the mid-1800s toggles back and forth between these two passionate souls, one young and innocent and anxious to begin her adult life, the other an old soul in a young man’s body, consumed by guilt and grief, hardened by life’s cruelest wrongs, but still fundamentally sound and good. It grabbed me from the start and didn’t let go, tempting me and worrying me in equal measure as these characters came to life in my mind’s eye. An absolute delight—a book that will stay in my heart forever!
December 29, 2020
The story is a romance in the hard times of the West in 1874. Darby McPhee has a tough life. She has promised her mother to get educated and move on, in her life.
Cayo Bradley was kidnapped as a child and brought up in an Apache tribe.
Cayo is not accepted by the society of his times and that is when he meets Darby. The two fall in love and the story records of whether they get together despite all odds.
The characters and the times were all portrayed very well and the narration was excellent. Enjoyed it.
Cayo Bradley was kidnapped as a child and brought up in an Apache tribe.
Cayo is not accepted by the society of his times and that is when he meets Darby. The two fall in love and the story records of whether they get together despite all odds.
The characters and the times were all portrayed very well and the narration was excellent. Enjoyed it.
December 15, 2019
What does it really mean to be madly in love? I am not simply talking about attraction or infatuation here. Indeed, I mean so in love that you would do virtually anything for the object of your affection. Willing to sacrifice everything you have in order to protect them and ensure their happiness. All this being done despite whatever consequences may be sure to follow. Would you be willing to put everything on the line in the name of love? In the novel The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley by author Nina Romano, we are able to witness this very scenario in action. A beautiful piece of Western Historical Romance which will keep readers riveted until the very end.
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley is a Western Romance which takes place in the harsh ranchlands of New Mexico in 1874. It follows the lives of the protagonists, Darby McPhee and Cayo Bradley. Darby is a young woman living on the family ranch with her father and brothers. Cayo on the other hand is a rugged ranch-hand who was abducted as a child and raised by the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. Traumatized by tragic events during the initial experience, Cayo is haunted by his past and has surrounded himself with impenetrable walls. Upon his return to white society he is virtually ostracized and sees no reason to tear down those walls that enclose him. That is until he meets Darby. They fall in love and pledge to be with one another forever. Be that as it may, life often has other plans. Darby had promised her dying mother that she would get a proper education and she must travel to St. Louis to do so. Further, Cayo develops some significant complications of his own as his past and present begin to collide. Will these two lovers from entirely different worlds honor their promise and unite in the end? Or was their love doomed from the very start and simply not meant to be?
When I read this novel I am reminded of the phrase, "the more things change, the more they remain the same." While it is essentially a love story at heart, the author uses her exceptional writing prowess to very effectively explore the themes of bias and division. The cultural divide between white society and the Jicarilla Tribe is prominent. Perhaps even more conspicuous is the blatant ignorance they have toward one another. Something which we can easily draw a parallel to in many areas of the world today. In the middle of all of this are two individuals who come from entirely different backgrounds and have had every potential obstacle thrown in their way. Yet they cannot forget one another and are willing to sacrifice anything in order to make their love come to fruition. This all comes together in a tale which will continuously keep the reader guessing as to what is coming next. Utterly captivating and engaging!
The engrossing plot of this novel would potentially fall flat if it were not for the assortment of dynamic characters to support it. There are a number of minor players in the novel such as Aunt Bea and Mary who have their assigned roles and play them very well. However, as the main characters, both Darby and Cayo develop and grow in the most depth by far. They are realistic and memorable characters whom the reader is not likely to forget anytime soon. For instance, Darby shows significant growth as she blossoms from a wide-eyed and innocent young girl into a force all unto her own. Similarly, Cayo evolves from an aloof and distant enigmatic character, to one whose emotions begin to become crystal clear. Particularly when it comes to Darby. By alternating scenes between the two main characters and using a series of flashbacks, the author is clearly able to create compelling and very believable characters.
I would highly recommend this novel to all adult readers. It is an exciting Western love story which flows beautifully and captures all the required elements needed to keep the reader captivated from beginning to end.
5 out of 5 Western Stars for this one! *****
The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley is a Western Romance which takes place in the harsh ranchlands of New Mexico in 1874. It follows the lives of the protagonists, Darby McPhee and Cayo Bradley. Darby is a young woman living on the family ranch with her father and brothers. Cayo on the other hand is a rugged ranch-hand who was abducted as a child and raised by the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. Traumatized by tragic events during the initial experience, Cayo is haunted by his past and has surrounded himself with impenetrable walls. Upon his return to white society he is virtually ostracized and sees no reason to tear down those walls that enclose him. That is until he meets Darby. They fall in love and pledge to be with one another forever. Be that as it may, life often has other plans. Darby had promised her dying mother that she would get a proper education and she must travel to St. Louis to do so. Further, Cayo develops some significant complications of his own as his past and present begin to collide. Will these two lovers from entirely different worlds honor their promise and unite in the end? Or was their love doomed from the very start and simply not meant to be?
When I read this novel I am reminded of the phrase, "the more things change, the more they remain the same." While it is essentially a love story at heart, the author uses her exceptional writing prowess to very effectively explore the themes of bias and division. The cultural divide between white society and the Jicarilla Tribe is prominent. Perhaps even more conspicuous is the blatant ignorance they have toward one another. Something which we can easily draw a parallel to in many areas of the world today. In the middle of all of this are two individuals who come from entirely different backgrounds and have had every potential obstacle thrown in their way. Yet they cannot forget one another and are willing to sacrifice anything in order to make their love come to fruition. This all comes together in a tale which will continuously keep the reader guessing as to what is coming next. Utterly captivating and engaging!
The engrossing plot of this novel would potentially fall flat if it were not for the assortment of dynamic characters to support it. There are a number of minor players in the novel such as Aunt Bea and Mary who have their assigned roles and play them very well. However, as the main characters, both Darby and Cayo develop and grow in the most depth by far. They are realistic and memorable characters whom the reader is not likely to forget anytime soon. For instance, Darby shows significant growth as she blossoms from a wide-eyed and innocent young girl into a force all unto her own. Similarly, Cayo evolves from an aloof and distant enigmatic character, to one whose emotions begin to become crystal clear. Particularly when it comes to Darby. By alternating scenes between the two main characters and using a series of flashbacks, the author is clearly able to create compelling and very believable characters.
I would highly recommend this novel to all adult readers. It is an exciting Western love story which flows beautifully and captures all the required elements needed to keep the reader captivated from beginning to end.
5 out of 5 Western Stars for this one! *****
September 27, 2025
This is a sweeping family saga and historical romance set in New Mexico and St. Louis which captivates from the first page to the last.
The author has brought the time and the events of the time to life with wonderful, and carefully researched detail, bringing a cast of fascinating characters together masterfully.
Cayo has a past that haunts him and he is torn between two worlds, and not entirely comfortable in either. Over the developing story, we learn more about his childhood and the traumatic events that took place when still a young boy, and his assimilation into the village of his captors. It is clear he is strong and has a will to survive, and that will be tested when he re-enters the world of white men and tries to find his place there.
Darby is also caught between two worlds… in New Mexico with her father and brothers on a ranch and in St. Louis with her mother’s family, pursuing her dying wish of gaining and education and a different life from her own.
But love and passion can change hearts and minds in an instant, and both Cayo and Darby had no idea that their love for each other would lead to such turmoil and loss.
From the historical perspective the author has captured the period in technicolour, from the increasingly perilous plight of the Apache nation and other tribes, and the rugged and often dangerous life of the settlers. I am very pleased that there is a sequel due out shortly which continues the adventure, and follows the lives of these two lovers who seem to be destined to be together, despite everything conspiring to keep them apart. Highly recommended.
The author has brought the time and the events of the time to life with wonderful, and carefully researched detail, bringing a cast of fascinating characters together masterfully.
Cayo has a past that haunts him and he is torn between two worlds, and not entirely comfortable in either. Over the developing story, we learn more about his childhood and the traumatic events that took place when still a young boy, and his assimilation into the village of his captors. It is clear he is strong and has a will to survive, and that will be tested when he re-enters the world of white men and tries to find his place there.
Darby is also caught between two worlds… in New Mexico with her father and brothers on a ranch and in St. Louis with her mother’s family, pursuing her dying wish of gaining and education and a different life from her own.
But love and passion can change hearts and minds in an instant, and both Cayo and Darby had no idea that their love for each other would lead to such turmoil and loss.
From the historical perspective the author has captured the period in technicolour, from the increasingly perilous plight of the Apache nation and other tribes, and the rugged and often dangerous life of the settlers. I am very pleased that there is a sequel due out shortly which continues the adventure, and follows the lives of these two lovers who seem to be destined to be together, despite everything conspiring to keep them apart. Highly recommended.
August 2, 2019
I love historical westerns. I think it goes back to sitting with my Grandfather watching his old cowboy shows when I was young. So when author Nina Romano mentioned she had a western historical romance book coming out, I was absolutely thrilled! I am a huge fan of Ms. Romano’s work, she’s an author who puts her heart and soul into her writing. Her stories are always extremely well researched, rich with emotion, romance, and exquisite writing.
Connor “Cayo” Bradley is a young man who’s experienced a tremendous amount of pain, heartbreak, and tragedy in his very short life. Connor was only 10 years old when he was captured during a raid on his family home by the Jicarilla tribe. He lived with the tribe as “Coyote” until he returned to his people as a young man. A man of two worlds who struggles to fit in, and then he meets Darby the love of his life.
Darby McPhee is just turning sixteen. She has been taking care of her father, four brothers and the household for the last four years, ever since her mother died. She longs for something more, an education and a certain cowboy... But when dreams of Cayo become a reality, she’s torn on what path to take.
First I have to say, Darby was not the only one who fell in love with Cayo Bradley! His story was heartbreaking and to see all that he endured made my heart ache for him. He was a good person, who was forced into a nightmare of a situation at a very young age. As for Darby, she was a sweet young girl who was forced to grow up way too soon! I liked her, she was a hard-working girl who just wanted to better herself but struggles with leaving the man she loves.
Set in 1874 in New Mexico, this story was fantastic, truly captivating from beginning to end. Nina Romano’s writing is as always wonderful, flawless and detailed. You never just read her books, you feel them, you become drawn into them. Cayo and Darby were characters I quickly became invested in and wanted to see them get their HEA. The book is filled with fabulous secondary characters, lush and detailed descriptions of the time and places, it’s a book I struggled to put down. I would love to catch up with this couple again at a later date. Definitely a book I will be pulling out again to reread! Highly recommend the book and author!
Connor “Cayo” Bradley is a young man who’s experienced a tremendous amount of pain, heartbreak, and tragedy in his very short life. Connor was only 10 years old when he was captured during a raid on his family home by the Jicarilla tribe. He lived with the tribe as “Coyote” until he returned to his people as a young man. A man of two worlds who struggles to fit in, and then he meets Darby the love of his life.
Darby McPhee is just turning sixteen. She has been taking care of her father, four brothers and the household for the last four years, ever since her mother died. She longs for something more, an education and a certain cowboy... But when dreams of Cayo become a reality, she’s torn on what path to take.
First I have to say, Darby was not the only one who fell in love with Cayo Bradley! His story was heartbreaking and to see all that he endured made my heart ache for him. He was a good person, who was forced into a nightmare of a situation at a very young age. As for Darby, she was a sweet young girl who was forced to grow up way too soon! I liked her, she was a hard-working girl who just wanted to better herself but struggles with leaving the man she loves.
Set in 1874 in New Mexico, this story was fantastic, truly captivating from beginning to end. Nina Romano’s writing is as always wonderful, flawless and detailed. You never just read her books, you feel them, you become drawn into them. Cayo and Darby were characters I quickly became invested in and wanted to see them get their HEA. The book is filled with fabulous secondary characters, lush and detailed descriptions of the time and places, it’s a book I struggled to put down. I would love to catch up with this couple again at a later date. Definitely a book I will be pulling out again to reread! Highly recommend the book and author!
April 29, 2019
Cayo was captured b by the Jacrillo tribe,.Darby makes a promise to her dying mother. Both struggling with personal demons/trauma.Cayo, hard,rogh around the edges and one who is not easily swayed by a pretty face *among other issues). Darby, is coping with the fact that she has,essentially, put her life on hold, i.e. her education to be a school 'marm' as her dying mom had wanted her to be as an adult.
Nina Romano has once again created a true engaging,page-turning adventure. Moreover, the accurate details of the the tribe that abducted Cayo at an early age, is spot on. Kudos for the enormity and very well researched background of, not only the tribe, but of the time period as well! Mrs. Romano's writing appears effortless and each word is/has a definitive impact,most especially, on your senses.One truly feels as they are characters within the story and not just reading a well-written flawless account of two anguished,torn souls finding each other. A true emotional roller coasterand, again, a must read! ride. Come meet Cayo a hard cowboy with a 'shady' past and Darby, a docile,dutiful,albeit, resentful/confused daughter. Take an adventure through the 1800's,visit the sights and sounds of Midwestern America and fall in love!
Nina Romano has once again created a true engaging,page-turning adventure. Moreover, the accurate details of the the tribe that abducted Cayo at an early age, is spot on. Kudos for the enormity and very well researched background of, not only the tribe, but of the time period as well! Mrs. Romano's writing appears effortless and each word is/has a definitive impact,most especially, on your senses.One truly feels as they are characters within the story and not just reading a well-written flawless account of two anguished,torn souls finding each other. A true emotional roller coasterand, again, a must read! ride. Come meet Cayo a hard cowboy with a 'shady' past and Darby, a docile,dutiful,albeit, resentful/confused daughter. Take an adventure through the 1800's,visit the sights and sounds of Midwestern America and fall in love!
April 7, 2019
Well-researched and engaging Western historical romance, with an appealing heroine and a haunting, haunted hero. I learned a great deal about Native American culture in that time and place, as well as everyday life on the range.
October 10, 2020
I love this story so much! It was a book I savored. I read it slowly as it would completely sweep me into another time, another place. I was right there with Cayo and Darby. It wasn’t always a pretty story. Life is as hard as it sweet. Life in the Old West was, often, brutal. The author does not shy away from this. She faced it, along with the prejudices and beliefs, (which sadly we are still working on), bringing a truth to the story. The author was very descriptive making it easy to imagine the scenes as I was reading. I love her writing style. I believe she must love words as much as I do. I know that might not make sense to some. As readers, don’t we all love them? Yes and no. We love the words that tell us the story. I love words that are not commonly used anymore. As a young girl I was heavily influenced by a red haired girl named Anne with an E who loved words. I sometimes use words that my friends look up. It’s a joke with us that is funny because it’s true. In this book I found some of those words, (yes I did show them to some of my friends, haha). This story was a linguistic feast for my soul.
Cayo has a tragic yet rich and interesting life. Darby had a struggle with hers. I really loved her strength in being true to herself. The story of Cayo’s life is woven into Darby and Cayo’s present. The story does swing a bit back and forth but I had no problem with it. To me, this book was not really a romance, yet it was. It was more about life, the choices we make, the ones made for us, and being true to our hearts. I loved this quote from the book that I feel really sums it up:
“Choices. Each one of them that a person made had consequences.”
I believe the author must have spent a lot of time researching Native Americans and white settlers to be able to tell some truths about them. It does bring to question who the “savages” were. Bad people are found in every races as are good people. Most often, though, people are a mix of bad and good. It can depend on so many factors making it difficult to decide if someone is bad or good. I spent a lot of time, while reading, thinking about what I read, thinking about the people and their choices. I love when a book does this.
I would, and have, recommended this book to friends who read historical romance. If you enjoy the Old West, I would tell you to get this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
Cayo has a tragic yet rich and interesting life. Darby had a struggle with hers. I really loved her strength in being true to herself. The story of Cayo’s life is woven into Darby and Cayo’s present. The story does swing a bit back and forth but I had no problem with it. To me, this book was not really a romance, yet it was. It was more about life, the choices we make, the ones made for us, and being true to our hearts. I loved this quote from the book that I feel really sums it up:
“Choices. Each one of them that a person made had consequences.”
I believe the author must have spent a lot of time researching Native Americans and white settlers to be able to tell some truths about them. It does bring to question who the “savages” were. Bad people are found in every races as are good people. Most often, though, people are a mix of bad and good. It can depend on so many factors making it difficult to decide if someone is bad or good. I spent a lot of time, while reading, thinking about what I read, thinking about the people and their choices. I love when a book does this.
I would, and have, recommended this book to friends who read historical romance. If you enjoy the Old West, I would tell you to get this book. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have.
October 19, 2020
Let me start by saying I never read westerns or romance. Except for the occasional Elmore Leonard, I read almost exclusively literary fiction or YA/Middle Grade. This one took me far outside my normal reading zone and wow, I'm glad I went. This is classified as Western Historical Romance. That is because people need categories. This novel is what I would call JUST AMAZING. The breathtaking sweeping scope of this novel puts me in awe. There is a big difference between wanting to love a book and then loving it. From the moment I learned that Cayo is named after the Trickster I was fully engrossed. This novel has the best of all things to me. The landscape of New Mexico is almost a separate character. I really saw myself in both Cayo and Darby. Raised in a family of Cherokee I very much related to Cayo in that sense but I also related to Darby in the sense that she is deeply driven and willful and coincidentally I lived in St Louis And the language, the incredible language and detail and description that never descends into overly long passages but is perfect and precise and moves the narrative forward. This book is simply perfect. Impossible to put down, exceedingly well written, dynamic and it kept me guessing. From the opening chapters I could not have predicted the outcome. I never give spoilers so I will keep that tradition going but I will tell you this is an amazing read and if you're criteria is simply "a great novel" then you've found it right here. SO glad I found this gem.
I am in love with this author's work and have started the Secret Language of Women and read two complete books of her poetry which I highly recommend as well. The Author's grasp of language and imagery is inspiring and magnificent.
I am in love with this author's work and have started the Secret Language of Women and read two complete books of her poetry which I highly recommend as well. The Author's grasp of language and imagery is inspiring and magnificent.
November 22, 2021
A friend of mine passed this book onto me after she finished it. “I know you don’t read Westerns,” she said, “but I know you love well-written books and this one is exceptional.” She knows me well. I’ve never had a favorite genre of book because quality writing triumphs over everything else.
I’m so glad that I read this. I found Nina Romano’s writing captivating from beginning to end. The historical details, especially about the Native American culture, were fascinating, but what drew me into this book was the incredible love story of two very different people, Cayo and Darby. There wasn’t one “good” reason for them to have ever noticed one another, but that’s what makes true, passionate, soul-crushing love so powerful: It is what it is. It’s when the all-consuming hunger two people feel for one another defies description, even as life pulls them in different directions, tugging as hard as it can. And this is exactly why I loved this book so much. It’s why I loved the characters of Cayo and Darby so much. The author did a brilliant job of painting true love and the agony it can bring when everything in life pulls that love apart, but yet, cannot kill it.
I also thought the story and the secondary characters were expertly crafted, and they all came to life for me in this rich tale. For those who appreciate historical fiction, beautiful writing, and a heart-pounding love story, I highly recommend this book. I really loved it.
I’m so glad that I read this. I found Nina Romano’s writing captivating from beginning to end. The historical details, especially about the Native American culture, were fascinating, but what drew me into this book was the incredible love story of two very different people, Cayo and Darby. There wasn’t one “good” reason for them to have ever noticed one another, but that’s what makes true, passionate, soul-crushing love so powerful: It is what it is. It’s when the all-consuming hunger two people feel for one another defies description, even as life pulls them in different directions, tugging as hard as it can. And this is exactly why I loved this book so much. It’s why I loved the characters of Cayo and Darby so much. The author did a brilliant job of painting true love and the agony it can bring when everything in life pulls that love apart, but yet, cannot kill it.
I also thought the story and the secondary characters were expertly crafted, and they all came to life for me in this rich tale. For those who appreciate historical fiction, beautiful writing, and a heart-pounding love story, I highly recommend this book. I really loved it.
December 18, 2022
SUPERBLY ENGAGING
Wow, what a well-written, captivating story. Nina Romano is one of the best at drawing the reader into her world and generously entertaining them. I had difficulty putting the book down and grew so fond of the characters that I didn't want it to end. Thank you, dear Nina, for sharing your extraordinary gift of writing.
Wow, what a well-written, captivating story. Nina Romano is one of the best at drawing the reader into her world and generously entertaining them. I had difficulty putting the book down and grew so fond of the characters that I didn't want it to end. Thank you, dear Nina, for sharing your extraordinary gift of writing.
October 26, 2021
I usually read action-adventure or mystery novels. And although this book falls outside of my favorite genres, I took a chance because I’d heard a lot of good things about the author, Nina Romano. I was not disappointed.
From the first word to the last, I was completely lost within the pages of this story. This is more than just a Western-Romance. Yes, there is a love story at the core of this book, but the way the storyline is weaved between the harshness of life in the old west and the rich history of the Native American culture, we are offered up a truly fascinating reading experience.
Darby McPhee is a young girl, quickly approaching her sixteenth birthday, who has her hands full taking care of her widowed father and her four brothers. They take care of farming the ranch and she takes care of everything else. But she is determined to better herself. While keeping a promise to her late mother, she plans a move to St. Louis where her Aunt lives, so she can pursue an education... but she is also a young woman in love.
Cayo Bradley is a young man who, through a series of unfortunate events, was captured as a boy and raised by a tribe of the Jicarilla Apache of New Mexico. Now living on his own, he takes a job as a hired hand on the Pederson Ranch in Parcel Bluffs, New Mexico. And it is there in Parcel Bluffs where he crosses paths with the lovely, young Darby McPhee.
Through a blending of flashbacks and alternating POVs, Romano treats us to a powerful look at the struggles Darby and Cayo endure as they profess their love and commitment to beat the odds and build a life together. As in any love story, it’s never easy. And there are plenty of obstacles that get in the way. No spoilers here. This is a novel that must be experienced and savored by the reader.
I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this remarkable story. The author has given us a vibrant cast of characters that draw you in and make you care about their lives. And it is the balance between these intense characterizations, a vivid 19th century southwestern backdrop, and an expertly crafted plot, that truly showcases the writing talent of Nina Romano. I highly recommend this book to anyone who simply appreciates great storytelling or loves a good fictional romance combined with a touch of historical reality.
From the first word to the last, I was completely lost within the pages of this story. This is more than just a Western-Romance. Yes, there is a love story at the core of this book, but the way the storyline is weaved between the harshness of life in the old west and the rich history of the Native American culture, we are offered up a truly fascinating reading experience.
Darby McPhee is a young girl, quickly approaching her sixteenth birthday, who has her hands full taking care of her widowed father and her four brothers. They take care of farming the ranch and she takes care of everything else. But she is determined to better herself. While keeping a promise to her late mother, she plans a move to St. Louis where her Aunt lives, so she can pursue an education... but she is also a young woman in love.
Cayo Bradley is a young man who, through a series of unfortunate events, was captured as a boy and raised by a tribe of the Jicarilla Apache of New Mexico. Now living on his own, he takes a job as a hired hand on the Pederson Ranch in Parcel Bluffs, New Mexico. And it is there in Parcel Bluffs where he crosses paths with the lovely, young Darby McPhee.
Through a blending of flashbacks and alternating POVs, Romano treats us to a powerful look at the struggles Darby and Cayo endure as they profess their love and commitment to beat the odds and build a life together. As in any love story, it’s never easy. And there are plenty of obstacles that get in the way. No spoilers here. This is a novel that must be experienced and savored by the reader.
I can’t say enough about how much I enjoyed this remarkable story. The author has given us a vibrant cast of characters that draw you in and make you care about their lives. And it is the balance between these intense characterizations, a vivid 19th century southwestern backdrop, and an expertly crafted plot, that truly showcases the writing talent of Nina Romano. I highly recommend this book to anyone who simply appreciates great storytelling or loves a good fictional romance combined with a touch of historical reality.
June 18, 2020
In the interest of full disclosure, I don’t generally read romances, and I haven’t read a lot of Westerns. I’m going to have to rethink that.
Not only does Nina Romano have a wonderful way with words, she is a master of all the right skills—plot, characterization, dialogue, social commentary, psychology. She puts us fully in the scene from beginning to end. This is what her readers have come to expect from her award-winning novels. I will, too, going forward.
The diverse cast of characters seem real and authentic to the period. Romano has clearly done her research, and she takes us deep into everyday life in the New Mexico and St. Louis in the late 1800s.
The contrast between Darby McPhee’s life, as a fifteen-year old, stuck taking care of her father and brothers, and Cayo Bradley’s, as an accomplished cowhand, are stark and believable. But there’s more. Cayo has had a hard life, although the time he spent as a member of a band of Jicarilla Apaches, was arguably the best part of it. He balances his ethics and his values between the two cultures admirably, though not always easily. Cayo is illiterate, rough around the edges. Darby is more refined and hopes to become educated. Yet they fall deeply in love, almost at first sight. And they struggle mightily to overcome the major obstacles in their path along the way. Are they successful? You’ll have to read The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley to find out.
The supporting characters are nearly as memorable as Darby and Cayo. The unforgivable malicious intentions of Hannah Pederson make you cringe. Aunt Bea’s attempts to control Darby’s life are irritating, even though she clearly means well. And Mbai’, the Jicarilla elder is both more patient and wiser than anyone else in the novel.
Romano isn’t afraid to tackle the racial, gender, and social issues of the time—sadly, many of them are still with us. These issues are part of the story always, but they never get in the way of the plot.
Bottom line, I loved this novel. Trust me, you will, too.
Not only does Nina Romano have a wonderful way with words, she is a master of all the right skills—plot, characterization, dialogue, social commentary, psychology. She puts us fully in the scene from beginning to end. This is what her readers have come to expect from her award-winning novels. I will, too, going forward.
The diverse cast of characters seem real and authentic to the period. Romano has clearly done her research, and she takes us deep into everyday life in the New Mexico and St. Louis in the late 1800s.
The contrast between Darby McPhee’s life, as a fifteen-year old, stuck taking care of her father and brothers, and Cayo Bradley’s, as an accomplished cowhand, are stark and believable. But there’s more. Cayo has had a hard life, although the time he spent as a member of a band of Jicarilla Apaches, was arguably the best part of it. He balances his ethics and his values between the two cultures admirably, though not always easily. Cayo is illiterate, rough around the edges. Darby is more refined and hopes to become educated. Yet they fall deeply in love, almost at first sight. And they struggle mightily to overcome the major obstacles in their path along the way. Are they successful? You’ll have to read The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley to find out.
The supporting characters are nearly as memorable as Darby and Cayo. The unforgivable malicious intentions of Hannah Pederson make you cringe. Aunt Bea’s attempts to control Darby’s life are irritating, even though she clearly means well. And Mbai’, the Jicarilla elder is both more patient and wiser than anyone else in the novel.
Romano isn’t afraid to tackle the racial, gender, and social issues of the time—sadly, many of them are still with us. These issues are part of the story always, but they never get in the way of the plot.
Bottom line, I loved this novel. Trust me, you will, too.
April 22, 2020
A ballad of love, life and destiny in the West…
There aren’t many romantic masterpieces out there or stories where two souls are truly meant to be but this book is both and so much more. Nina Romano delivers an epic story of love and life while conveying a rich history of the American West. It’s both poetic and sometimes poignant while even being brutal in parts, of course the old world was back then and you cannot fault the factual elements that are intertwined with the fiction.
‘Darby McPhee’ is introduced to readers as an ambitious and even plucky young woman who aspires to find and education and be someone more than she is. Her roots consist of waiting hand and foot for her brothers and Father; it’s a life she would prefer to leave behind. Her conflict arises in the form of mysterious man known as ‘Cayo Bradley’ whom she is madly in love with. Their romance arrives while plans look to split them apart, one of them is a runner and the other is a lover, they seemingly spend the story going round and round in what is a journey.
‘”Forever” is a dream word. An Illusion. It really doesn’t exist...’
On that journey we learn of ‘Cayo’s’ extensive backstory. As a boy he was unwillingly taken in by a Native American tribe and saw some truly brutal sights. He lived a whole life before ‘Darby’ ever arrived. As much as he isn’t a true born Native, they become his family and life force throughout even though Cayo never forgot his roots. On the other side of the world seemingly Darby is mixing with those of high society while achieving an education. Of course she meets various affluent suitors but in this case, her love and destiny is that mystery journeyed man ‘Cayo’.
‘He’s a ghost of my past in my ever present...’
No matter what happens some things are meant to be and that’s what I took away after reading this book. The writing style is both immersive and inviting. It’s adventure, tragedy, history and love all in one tale.
There aren’t many romantic masterpieces out there or stories where two souls are truly meant to be but this book is both and so much more. Nina Romano delivers an epic story of love and life while conveying a rich history of the American West. It’s both poetic and sometimes poignant while even being brutal in parts, of course the old world was back then and you cannot fault the factual elements that are intertwined with the fiction.
‘Darby McPhee’ is introduced to readers as an ambitious and even plucky young woman who aspires to find and education and be someone more than she is. Her roots consist of waiting hand and foot for her brothers and Father; it’s a life she would prefer to leave behind. Her conflict arises in the form of mysterious man known as ‘Cayo Bradley’ whom she is madly in love with. Their romance arrives while plans look to split them apart, one of them is a runner and the other is a lover, they seemingly spend the story going round and round in what is a journey.
‘”Forever” is a dream word. An Illusion. It really doesn’t exist...’
On that journey we learn of ‘Cayo’s’ extensive backstory. As a boy he was unwillingly taken in by a Native American tribe and saw some truly brutal sights. He lived a whole life before ‘Darby’ ever arrived. As much as he isn’t a true born Native, they become his family and life force throughout even though Cayo never forgot his roots. On the other side of the world seemingly Darby is mixing with those of high society while achieving an education. Of course she meets various affluent suitors but in this case, her love and destiny is that mystery journeyed man ‘Cayo’.
‘He’s a ghost of my past in my ever present...’
No matter what happens some things are meant to be and that’s what I took away after reading this book. The writing style is both immersive and inviting. It’s adventure, tragedy, history and love all in one tale.
August 17, 2022
Author Nina Romano penned an excellent novel with all the twists one could hope for in a romance novel. This book is more than a love story. It is one of hardship, perseverance, and resilience. I admired the way the author took care in the writing of the love scenes and the emotional turmoil after. I felt she was able to portray the essence and difference between loving someone and being in love with someone so well. The ending took me by surprise and continued to exemplify the true talent the author possesses. Well worth 5 stars!
January 10, 2020
I was given the book The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley by Nina Romano as a gift. A brilliantly written novel. Every page reads like poetry-
A few excerpts out of her book: "She hugged her arms around herself to keep from falling off the edge of eternity."
"She focused on the wall of the carriage house until those thoughts made the wall shimmer like summer heat waves rising from a sun-scorched paved stone pathway. Shimmering heat waves, but she felt cold..."
This is a beautiful love story that flows like warm air currents over desert sands, awakening the senses, strumming the heart-strings, and holding you captive to the final page.
A beautiful love story that takes place in New Mexico during the 1800's. The characters, Darby McPhee and Cayo Bradley are well established, their love, fire-hot and filled with tragic circumstances that keep them apart.
Romano did extensive research on the Apache Indians, bringing their customs and struggles of the past to life. Her book contains romantic tension, deep unforgettable love, and heartbreak. A page turner that will stay with you long after you finished. A five star romantic western that I highly recommend.
A few excerpts out of her book: "She hugged her arms around herself to keep from falling off the edge of eternity."
"She focused on the wall of the carriage house until those thoughts made the wall shimmer like summer heat waves rising from a sun-scorched paved stone pathway. Shimmering heat waves, but she felt cold..."
This is a beautiful love story that flows like warm air currents over desert sands, awakening the senses, strumming the heart-strings, and holding you captive to the final page.
A beautiful love story that takes place in New Mexico during the 1800's. The characters, Darby McPhee and Cayo Bradley are well established, their love, fire-hot and filled with tragic circumstances that keep them apart.
Romano did extensive research on the Apache Indians, bringing their customs and struggles of the past to life. Her book contains romantic tension, deep unforgettable love, and heartbreak. A page turner that will stay with you long after you finished. A five star romantic western that I highly recommend.
October 9, 2019
Nina Romano has written an astounding love story. Darby McPhee promises her dying mother that she'll get an education. When the time comes to travel east to begin her schooling, she only has one problem. She loves Cayo Bradley. Cayo Bradley lives with the ghosts of his past. While he is able to forgive the horrific acts of others, he is unable to forgive himself. His saving grace is his love for Darby McPhee. “Wild things know each other, I suppose,” Romano writes. Darby and Cayo know each other. Will they overcome all that separates them? Will they find a way to be together? Romano’s characters are full of heart and courage. They are lovable, deep, and transformative. Her language is poetic and detailed, full of wonder and daring. I loved “The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley.” I stayed up until 4 in the morning finishing it, immersed in the story, amazed at how the time had passed so quickly. “The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley” has all of the right elements of beauty, intrigue, tension, and love. I highly recommend this rich, well-researched, and very moving novel.
September 18, 2024
Another stellar book by Nina Romano!
She's done It again! It's no wonder she's now one of my favorite authors! I can't imagine ANYONE that wouldn't thoroughly enjoy her books!
Her writing style is so poetic and offers images to your mind's eye that you won't soon forget! Here are three instances in this book that spoke volumes to me...
"There was a harvest moon above. Its reflection seemed as bright as the lighted fires below, which gave the jealous sphere pause to stop its glow momentarily, hiding behind some clouds."
AND...
"On the ride back, with the departing light of evening, she knew there'd soon be a smattering of stars, but the sky was sullen, only boasting a shadow of a moon, a moon bereft with clouds-- how she felt every time she left Cayo."
AND...
"His cheek was wet with tears she never dreamed he possessed. "
How awesome was THAT? All of her books I've read so far are filled with lyricism similar to those few I quoted! Simply marvelous!
You will love her books!
She's done It again! It's no wonder she's now one of my favorite authors! I can't imagine ANYONE that wouldn't thoroughly enjoy her books!
Her writing style is so poetic and offers images to your mind's eye that you won't soon forget! Here are three instances in this book that spoke volumes to me...
"There was a harvest moon above. Its reflection seemed as bright as the lighted fires below, which gave the jealous sphere pause to stop its glow momentarily, hiding behind some clouds."
AND...
"On the ride back, with the departing light of evening, she knew there'd soon be a smattering of stars, but the sky was sullen, only boasting a shadow of a moon, a moon bereft with clouds-- how she felt every time she left Cayo."
AND...
"His cheek was wet with tears she never dreamed he possessed. "
How awesome was THAT? All of her books I've read so far are filled with lyricism similar to those few I quoted! Simply marvelous!
You will love her books!
April 14, 2019
Nina Romano's 'The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley' is a love story between a pair of star crossed lovers whose own ambitions, fears, deep rooted insecurities get in the way of their coming together.
Cayo is a white boy raised as an Indian and shunned by the all white community he lives in but his love for Darby burns bright.Can he forget his past long enough to embrace the love the Darby offers him?
And Darby, she is torn between her desire to be the proper young lady her mother wanted her to be, the one with an education and being a wife to Cayo and raising his children.
The novel is filled with rich details of a different time as it encapsulates a beautiful journey where characters introspect and rise above their inner demons and the need to do right by the false standards set by society.
Love can be a dream but we have to strong enough to conquer all and make it real. Can Darby and Cayo do that?
Cayo is a white boy raised as an Indian and shunned by the all white community he lives in but his love for Darby burns bright.Can he forget his past long enough to embrace the love the Darby offers him?
And Darby, she is torn between her desire to be the proper young lady her mother wanted her to be, the one with an education and being a wife to Cayo and raising his children.
The novel is filled with rich details of a different time as it encapsulates a beautiful journey where characters introspect and rise above their inner demons and the need to do right by the false standards set by society.
Love can be a dream but we have to strong enough to conquer all and make it real. Can Darby and Cayo do that?
March 9, 2019
Nina Romano has a real talent for creating characters with a veracity which grabs you the minute you open the book. Darby is an engaging young woman, on the threshold of life, who finds the road between her and the love of her life strewn with difficulties and obstructions.
Her research and historical detail really lends a magnificent, and visual, backdrop to this beautiful love story. Her hero is a wonderful man, burdened by his past, compellingly damaged, and with a decent core.
For lovers of the Western genre this is a must, but I'd recommend it to any romance readers, as it's such an accessible and timeless story.
Her research and historical detail really lends a magnificent, and visual, backdrop to this beautiful love story. Her hero is a wonderful man, burdened by his past, compellingly damaged, and with a decent core.
For lovers of the Western genre this is a must, but I'd recommend it to any romance readers, as it's such an accessible and timeless story.
March 8, 2019
Intense Romance
Quite an interesting but intense sensual romance. Good characters and well-done back story well-paced that added suspense and interest to the story.
Quite an interesting but intense sensual romance. Good characters and well-done back story well-paced that added suspense and interest to the story.
February 11, 2023
Mesmerizing! Five Glorious Stars! 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
Mesmerizing; Adj., capturing one's complete attention as if by magic.
At the intersection of Art and Prose is the Author, Nina Romano, and the magic of her vivid imagination, thirst for the truth, and her incredible capacity to intricately weave the two seamlessly together into a book.
Created and compellingly brought to life through the emotions and experiences of its characters and their intertwined lives, this book grabs ahold of your soul and takes it for the ride of a lifetime.
Emotional residue is a strong thread to pull from, and Romano weaves that thread into a captivatingly mesmerizing story of unimaginable anguish, intensely deep and compelling, almost primal, instinctual, arousing and sensationally, nearly forbidden, secret, sensual love.
She beautifully describes what love could be like if, if we were willing to give ourselves over to it, completely…
Diamonds have many facets, and so do great stories. A great story compels us to temporarily suspend disbelief and judgment. Really great stories compel us to try and fill in the blanks as the story unfolds. They invite us into the minds and lives of the characters we’re reading about. They ask us to feel what the characters are feeling.
If it’s joy, my brain should experience joy. If it’s sorrow, I should feel compelled to cry. I should be able to place myself into the body of the character and experience the story first hand. My heart should race, my palms should sweat, my soul should ache. If compassion is called for, I should feel compelled to experience compassion. If love is being described, I should not be disturbed by my own feelings of arousal or attraction to the character…
And, if People are being described, they should be represented in all their majesty and magnificence, in cultural completeness, in the presence of The Great Mystery, so they can be acknowledged, and appreciated for the fullness and richness of their lives and not degraded or represented as savages so their senseless slaughter and brutal treatment could be justified. Romano did this exceptionally well.
All of these things, these emotions, these feelings, the unfolding of an unlikely love story in a brutally difficult period of history that is rarely ever captured authentically, was captured and it was captured with grit, tenacity, determination, persistence, and resilience.
The friction of this story is to be felt, considered, reflected upon, experienced, and ultimately, savored…
Not since experiencing Braveheart on the big screen in all its cinematic glory have I been so compelled by the idea of love, true love…
If six stars were available, I would give seven!
The following quote best describes what Romano brings to life with her writing:
“Art makes life bearable. It isn’t a luxury. Like our capacity for understanding, and our experience of love, it is a vitally important part of life.”
– Gillian Pederson Krag
Nina Romano is an Artist. She is a word artist!
Submitted with Gratitude… 🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼
Mesmerizing; Adj., capturing one's complete attention as if by magic.
At the intersection of Art and Prose is the Author, Nina Romano, and the magic of her vivid imagination, thirst for the truth, and her incredible capacity to intricately weave the two seamlessly together into a book.
Created and compellingly brought to life through the emotions and experiences of its characters and their intertwined lives, this book grabs ahold of your soul and takes it for the ride of a lifetime.
Emotional residue is a strong thread to pull from, and Romano weaves that thread into a captivatingly mesmerizing story of unimaginable anguish, intensely deep and compelling, almost primal, instinctual, arousing and sensationally, nearly forbidden, secret, sensual love.
She beautifully describes what love could be like if, if we were willing to give ourselves over to it, completely…
Diamonds have many facets, and so do great stories. A great story compels us to temporarily suspend disbelief and judgment. Really great stories compel us to try and fill in the blanks as the story unfolds. They invite us into the minds and lives of the characters we’re reading about. They ask us to feel what the characters are feeling.
If it’s joy, my brain should experience joy. If it’s sorrow, I should feel compelled to cry. I should be able to place myself into the body of the character and experience the story first hand. My heart should race, my palms should sweat, my soul should ache. If compassion is called for, I should feel compelled to experience compassion. If love is being described, I should not be disturbed by my own feelings of arousal or attraction to the character…
And, if People are being described, they should be represented in all their majesty and magnificence, in cultural completeness, in the presence of The Great Mystery, so they can be acknowledged, and appreciated for the fullness and richness of their lives and not degraded or represented as savages so their senseless slaughter and brutal treatment could be justified. Romano did this exceptionally well.
All of these things, these emotions, these feelings, the unfolding of an unlikely love story in a brutally difficult period of history that is rarely ever captured authentically, was captured and it was captured with grit, tenacity, determination, persistence, and resilience.
The friction of this story is to be felt, considered, reflected upon, experienced, and ultimately, savored…
Not since experiencing Braveheart on the big screen in all its cinematic glory have I been so compelled by the idea of love, true love…
If six stars were available, I would give seven!
The following quote best describes what Romano brings to life with her writing:
“Art makes life bearable. It isn’t a luxury. Like our capacity for understanding, and our experience of love, it is a vitally important part of life.”
– Gillian Pederson Krag
Nina Romano is an Artist. She is a word artist!
Submitted with Gratitude… 🙏🏼🕊️🙏🏼
February 12, 2023
At the heart of The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley is a powerful love story, but is also so much more. It has a wonderful historical setting for a start. Combine that with a superbly crafted and thought-provoking plot, a fabulous cast of characters, and Nina Romano’s beautifully descriptive and evocative prose and we have an excellent novel.
Most of the story unfolds against the stunning New Mexico landscape in the late 1870s. Approaching her sixteenth birthday, Darby McPhee realises she wants more in life than the daily rounds of cooking and cleaning for her pa and four brothers at the ranch. Determined to gain an education and make a life for herself with her aunt further east, Darby decides to leave. But could she bear to leave behind the rugged, multi-skilled ranch hand who filled her dreams every night?
Cayo is a complicated man, tormented by events of his past – a glimpse of which the author cleverly provides. An Apache raid on the family homestead of ten-year-old Connor (later Cayo) Bradley results in the deaths of his parents and two younger sisters, whilst Cayo is taken to be raised as an Apache. A particularly harrowing incident during that capture continues to haunt him over the years, and only falling in love with Darby helps to ease the pain.
The love story is beset with problems, not least of them Darby’s leaving and Cayo’s constant struggle to fit back into the world of the white man. He is convinced that Darby will never return to him, and Darby is torn definitely torn between her life in the East and that in the West. This is further complicated when an unfortunate twist in the plot convinces Darby that Cayo will never be hers.
This book is an engrossing read, with beautiful imagery and realistic characters that seem to come alive. It is also a great look at the Old West and the struggles of the Native Americans for survival with the ever-increasing spread of the settlers. A wonderful story that kept me guessing how it would all turn out until the very end.
Most of the story unfolds against the stunning New Mexico landscape in the late 1870s. Approaching her sixteenth birthday, Darby McPhee realises she wants more in life than the daily rounds of cooking and cleaning for her pa and four brothers at the ranch. Determined to gain an education and make a life for herself with her aunt further east, Darby decides to leave. But could she bear to leave behind the rugged, multi-skilled ranch hand who filled her dreams every night?
Cayo is a complicated man, tormented by events of his past – a glimpse of which the author cleverly provides. An Apache raid on the family homestead of ten-year-old Connor (later Cayo) Bradley results in the deaths of his parents and two younger sisters, whilst Cayo is taken to be raised as an Apache. A particularly harrowing incident during that capture continues to haunt him over the years, and only falling in love with Darby helps to ease the pain.
The love story is beset with problems, not least of them Darby’s leaving and Cayo’s constant struggle to fit back into the world of the white man. He is convinced that Darby will never return to him, and Darby is torn definitely torn between her life in the East and that in the West. This is further complicated when an unfortunate twist in the plot convinces Darby that Cayo will never be hers.
This book is an engrossing read, with beautiful imagery and realistic characters that seem to come alive. It is also a great look at the Old West and the struggles of the Native Americans for survival with the ever-increasing spread of the settlers. A wonderful story that kept me guessing how it would all turn out until the very end.
October 12, 2020
Nina Romano’s historical novel, The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, takes place in the rugged ranchlands of New Mexico in the mid-1800s. Ever since her mother died, Darby McPhee, 16, has taken care of her father and four brothers. She dreams of doing what her mother wanted for her, to become educated. She has an invitation from her aunt, her mother’s sister, who will pay Darby’s way to St. Louis, Missouri, to live with her and get an education. It’s a dream come true.
Darby has been attracted to shy Cayo Bradley, a cowboy who works on a neighboring ranch. Cayo never says much to her, but his attraction is obvious and Darby yearns to hear the words she knows he wants to say.
Cayo’s real name is Connor Bradley. He was abducted as a child and raised by the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. The story covers his years with the Apaches, how he becomes one of them, learning their ways, using the name they give him, Coyote. He eventually leaves the tribe and finds work as a cowhand on a ranch.
As Darby and Cayo become acquainted, they fall in love. Still, Darby feels compelled to get the education she’s always wanted. Their parting is heart-wrenching, but both feel it’s temporary. In just a few years they can be together forever.
Darby loves school and does well, cramming as much education as she can into her busy schedule, yet always dreaming of returning to Cayo. Cayo, on the other hand, is having a tough time of it. He misses Darby; she’s in his every thought. He’s desperate to be with her. Then uncontrollable circumstances threaten to shatter their dreams.
By using flashbacks to Cayo’s previous life and alternating between the two main characters, the author delivers a fast-paced, heart-rending story with compelling and believable characters. I heartily recommend The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, a story that kept me captivated to the end.
Darby has been attracted to shy Cayo Bradley, a cowboy who works on a neighboring ranch. Cayo never says much to her, but his attraction is obvious and Darby yearns to hear the words she knows he wants to say.
Cayo’s real name is Connor Bradley. He was abducted as a child and raised by the Jicarilla Apache Tribe. The story covers his years with the Apaches, how he becomes one of them, learning their ways, using the name they give him, Coyote. He eventually leaves the tribe and finds work as a cowhand on a ranch.
As Darby and Cayo become acquainted, they fall in love. Still, Darby feels compelled to get the education she’s always wanted. Their parting is heart-wrenching, but both feel it’s temporary. In just a few years they can be together forever.
Darby loves school and does well, cramming as much education as she can into her busy schedule, yet always dreaming of returning to Cayo. Cayo, on the other hand, is having a tough time of it. He misses Darby; she’s in his every thought. He’s desperate to be with her. Then uncontrollable circumstances threaten to shatter their dreams.
By using flashbacks to Cayo’s previous life and alternating between the two main characters, the author delivers a fast-paced, heart-rending story with compelling and believable characters. I heartily recommend The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley, a story that kept me captivated to the end.
February 22, 2023
After her mother’s death, Darby McPhee’s life is planned out for her. Her aunt seeks to introduce her into genteel society with a reputable husband. But Darby is forever besotted by her first love, Cayo Bradley who her family sees as nothing more than an ignorant rough-neck. A rough-neck brought up by the Apache Indians.
Cayo constantly carries the guilt of a dreadful act, a promise made to his parents that haunts him and destroys his feeling of self-worth. He loves Darby with all his heart and they are seemingly made for each other, but Hanna, her childhood friend has other ideas. Can Cayo and Darby’s love ever prevail?
THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY is a beautifully written five-star love story of life in New Mexico in the 1870s. Packed with intrigue, Indian folklore, and outstanding characterisation, this is a must-read for devotees of Western historical fiction.
Cayo constantly carries the guilt of a dreadful act, a promise made to his parents that haunts him and destroys his feeling of self-worth. He loves Darby with all his heart and they are seemingly made for each other, but Hanna, her childhood friend has other ideas. Can Cayo and Darby’s love ever prevail?
THE GIRL WHO LOVED CAYO BRADLEY is a beautifully written five-star love story of life in New Mexico in the 1870s. Packed with intrigue, Indian folklore, and outstanding characterisation, this is a must-read for devotees of Western historical fiction.
May 3, 2020
Author Nina Romano delivers a breathtaking, sometimes heartbreaking, and definitely heart-pounding tale in The Girl Who Loved Cayo Bradley!
Although a love story set in the 1870s American Wild West- depicted poetically through beautiful language and illustrations of unspoiled land with clean rivers, a variety of native trees, and colorful wildflowers which leave their scents in the wind as it caresses the fertile peaks and valleys- the intensity between young Darby McPhee and her more mature lover Cayo Bradley, and the obstacles they face, are relatable in modern times.
This novel is a masterful juxtaposition by Romano of many elements of the late 19th century. The Whites, who are farming, ranching, or running local businesses in small, dusty towns on the western frontier vs. the American Indians, who hunt and gather as they try to co-exist, and the brutal clashes that occasionally occur as both groups fight to survive in the sometimes harsh and unforgiving environment. The unspoiled nature- the land and its animals, such as free-roaming cattle and horses- all being tamed by man. Cities growing in the east, modernizing and threatening the ways of the west. Masculinity vs. femininity- their musical, passionate, yet delicate interplay- and the need for both.
This book is an observant narration of the balance of nature: the ebbs and flows of the earth's days, weeks, months, years- cycles and seasons. It is also a keen representation of humanity: work, school, family love, romantic love, doubt, faith, life, and death. These human experiences transcend time, racial lines, and gender and can be understood by all people- as uniquely different, however, as each individual.
A delightful read of many layers that can be re-read over and over, I recommend it to anyone!
Although a love story set in the 1870s American Wild West- depicted poetically through beautiful language and illustrations of unspoiled land with clean rivers, a variety of native trees, and colorful wildflowers which leave their scents in the wind as it caresses the fertile peaks and valleys- the intensity between young Darby McPhee and her more mature lover Cayo Bradley, and the obstacles they face, are relatable in modern times.
This novel is a masterful juxtaposition by Romano of many elements of the late 19th century. The Whites, who are farming, ranching, or running local businesses in small, dusty towns on the western frontier vs. the American Indians, who hunt and gather as they try to co-exist, and the brutal clashes that occasionally occur as both groups fight to survive in the sometimes harsh and unforgiving environment. The unspoiled nature- the land and its animals, such as free-roaming cattle and horses- all being tamed by man. Cities growing in the east, modernizing and threatening the ways of the west. Masculinity vs. femininity- their musical, passionate, yet delicate interplay- and the need for both.
This book is an observant narration of the balance of nature: the ebbs and flows of the earth's days, weeks, months, years- cycles and seasons. It is also a keen representation of humanity: work, school, family love, romantic love, doubt, faith, life, and death. These human experiences transcend time, racial lines, and gender and can be understood by all people- as uniquely different, however, as each individual.
A delightful read of many layers that can be re-read over and over, I recommend it to anyone!
March 7, 2022
A lifetime love.
Darby McPhee lives a lifetime moving from her father's farm to the East to learn. However, her heart will always belong to Cayo Bradley.
Nina Romano has intertwined history and romance in a story that pulls at your heartstrings. Her characterization of the time is excellent. You can almost smell the dust and hear all the noise of the passing trains and cattle.
I highly recommend this book.
Darby McPhee lives a lifetime moving from her father's farm to the East to learn. However, her heart will always belong to Cayo Bradley.
Nina Romano has intertwined history and romance in a story that pulls at your heartstrings. Her characterization of the time is excellent. You can almost smell the dust and hear all the noise of the passing trains and cattle.
I highly recommend this book.
January 29, 2022
I enjoyed reading this historic western romance. It tackled the difficult topics of fear, hatred and prejudice.
As the story progresses, I enjoyed the flashbacks that filled in holes, especially Cayo's.
This is one romance story you won't want to skip to the last page to find out the ending.
An enjoyable read, and one I recommend.
As the story progresses, I enjoyed the flashbacks that filled in holes, especially Cayo's.
This is one romance story you won't want to skip to the last page to find out the ending.
An enjoyable read, and one I recommend.
October 10, 2022
Life is often cruel and brutal
Life in the old west was often cruel and brutal but there were moments of beauty and love. Each day offered a new beginning and a time for hope as long as you were strong and didn’t give up. Darby represented all those strong, brave women who didn’t give up on love and their happy ending.
Life in the old west was often cruel and brutal but there were moments of beauty and love. Each day offered a new beginning and a time for hope as long as you were strong and didn’t give up. Darby represented all those strong, brave women who didn’t give up on love and their happy ending.
July 20, 2020
This is a great western story!
Told through the eyes of a troubled cowboy with a checkered past and a young frontier woman with dreams of something more than the hard scrabble existence she grew up in. Nina Romano takes us along for the ride as the lives of Cayo and Darby twist and turn through the sage brush and changing times of the post civil war west.
Well done and highly recommended.
Told through the eyes of a troubled cowboy with a checkered past and a young frontier woman with dreams of something more than the hard scrabble existence she grew up in. Nina Romano takes us along for the ride as the lives of Cayo and Darby twist and turn through the sage brush and changing times of the post civil war west.
Well done and highly recommended.
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