Kevia Caplan spent her entire life as a caregiver, first to her parents and then to her spoiled baby sister. Working as a database administrator for the FBI, she came across files of the worst in human behavior. When her sister tells her she’s going to become a mail-order bride, Kevia tags along to ensure her sister’s safety.Things go horribly awry and Kevia finds herself stranded in Arizona with a note from her sister. “You must learn to trust…find Brecklin Murphy in Roosevelt.”The wedding is in three days as Kevia makes her hilarious journey to get to the man her sister is scheduled to marry, however, along the way, she discovers many things about herself and the groom to be.Brecklin Murphy is waiting for her. The wedding.The reception.The journey is only the start of their love story.
Olivia is a USA Today Best Selling, Emma Award and multiple award-winning author who loves a good laugh coupled with some steam, mixed in with a man and woman finding their way past the words of "I love you." An author of contemporary romances, she writes heartwarming stories of blossoming relationships filled with heart and humor. The Technicians, The Blakemore Files, and the Modern Mail Order Brides, are one clicks for thousands of readers.
When Olivia is not writing, she enjoys quilting, playing Scrabble online against other word lovers and spending time with her family. She is an avid world traveler who writes many of the locations into her stories. Most of the time she can be found sitting quietly with pen and paper plotting more adventures in love.
Olivia lives in Hephzibah, Georgia with her husband, son, grandson and snotty evil cat, Katness Evermean.
Sheeeee’s Back!!!! OMG, when I tell you Miss Olivia Gaines put her foot in this book, I mean it. Baby, the silliness, the trickery, the outright foolishness!!! I am here for all of it.
The crazy cast of characters that I have grown accustomed to in a OG book take center stage. We got an appearance from the sex crazed couple, Paunch and Judy. Lawd!!! We had all kinds of crazy going on, from that cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs Helen, to the Vulcan mind melting deaf lady, to the wild bikers and let’s not forget the cross dressing friend. I tell you I hollered and cried at all the antics in this story.
Kevia was a very challenging personality. As an analyst for the FBI sex crimes unit, she has seen some things. Pair that with a challenging upbringing and it is a recipe for a very jaded pissed off woman. Forced to take on the care of her out of control little sister since she was a teen made her Uber responsible and not so fun. Her sister Dionne got on my nerves, but in the end was the biggest blessing to Kevia.
Brecklin was a different kind of man. A survivor of Columbine, he moved to the middle of the desert to get away from society and became a naturalist. Apparently he was also a very decent, but lonely man. I am so glad he got his bride!
A word of advice to the readers: if you are ever out camping and think you see a dog chasing a kitty, just let it happen!!! That’s not a cat!!!!
Twenty years was long enough to hide from the world with PTSD. Brecklin Murphy kept seeing the screams and blood from an event that kept him isolated on a farm in Arizona until Kevia Caplan's picture arrived. He was 45 and lonely and trusted Coraline Newair of Perfect Match to find a wife for him. The only problem was that his prospective wife had a severe trust issue being an FBI analyst for sex crimes and deviant behavior. She lost all trust in mankind seeing the things she had to log into her computer at work and witnessed as a young girl. To top it off, her baby sister Dionne just knew how to aggravate the hair off of a frog and she was at it again with the mail order bride stuff, and this was another one of her hair-brained ideas that Kevia just knew she would have to rescue her from. Her sister was headed to marry a man she did not know. To top it off, the girl had the nerve to leave her stranded in the middle of nowhere Arizona with no money, ID or credit card. She just had her service pistol with one bullet. She had three days to get to Dionne so she could tear her a new one.
Well, Dionne ended up teaching her big sister a lesson in trust. A lesson she was happy to learn. Both she and Brecklin were what each other needed. She gave him a reason to get into the real world again. He just knew there was a connection that spoke to him from her picture that told him, she needed him too. Besides, she licked him so he was hers.
Olivia did it again in this light-hearted story she wrote. She has such a way with words. I laughed my head off at poor Kevia's three-day adventure to get to the wedding. Their trip back to Philly had so many funny moments, not to mention Dionne and Kevia's interview with Coral Newair. Olivia, how do you come up with these funny scenarios. I just love them. I was so glad that Kevia and Brecklin got their HEA in their new life as Mr. & Mrs. Murphy.
Do opposites really attract? In Stranded in Arizona we have to total opposites with Kevia and Brecklin. Both have been through some terribly tragic events that has shaped the way they see life but after being alone they are both are looking for some thing better than the tight confines of their current existences. Maybe if they give each other a chance and have a little faith, especially Kevia, they can fine that with each other. Kevia and Breck's story was not your run of the mill meet, like, and eventually fall in love story. Theirs was a journey of many quirky roadblocks in the form of several outrageously funny characters that they encounter. I was not a fan of Kevia's early on, but after getting to know her a little better I understood her more and softened towards her while I was a goner for Breck from the start.. It has taken these two a long time to get to the point of even being open to a relationship, so the journey to finding each other is a entertainingly bumpy ride but one they both feel was well worth the bruises.
There was a lot going in this book with uptight Kevia trying to keep track of her flighty sister Dionne. Off to AZ they go as Dionne is going to marry Brecklin, however well, motorcycle rides, horseback rides, train rides, kidnapping, and really trying to find yourself, and it's Kevia who marries Brecklin. It was at times over the top, comedy, sexy times and sisters coming to blows.
…In comparison to the other books in this series. I’ve enjoyed those books and this series…. But this book was slow for me in the beginning and took longer to get into. The storyline wasn’t to my liking, pieced together, a reach, even bringing in other crazy characters from a previous book in the series…again, a reach…and the lead female character, although I got used to her, was hard to like, rough, not very open or caring. The lead male character was charming, caring, passionate and quite lovely. I would have liked it more if there was a hot and heavy love story where he could flex his skills, but that wasn’t this book. I hope the next book in the series gets back on track.
4⭐️Enjoyable Romantic Romp Quite a delightful, romantic, laugh-out-loud mail order bride story. Kevia’s antics were just plain hilarious, especially given the various people she met as she tried to make her way to the wedding. Brecklin was an absolute dream. There was some sex in the book but nothing erotic.
This was a romantic romp that is bound to please. There were only a few dropped words in this book and no major editing issues. That is a marked improvement from considerable detracting editing problems I found in a few of her other books In the past. I applaud this change and hope it continues because I really enjoy her books.
Truly awesome book! There’s games you never fail to produce awesome reading. I really loved this couple and the entire journey was not only gut splitting funny but, But inspirational and warm. Thank you once again for another great story.
This book had me laughing out loud so many times. I had real tears coming out of my eyes at some of the dialogue. I love Olivia 's humor...it's just like mine
About time for Breck to come out of hibernation and about time for me to have finished and reviewed this novel. I bought this in 2020. It is 2022 and I'm just now finishing it. I started reading, stopped and then totally forgot about it. 😳 I had to put aside my own natural feelings had this happened to me..my sister in real life. No way would I have decided to marry Breck had I been in Kevias' place. I would have been too pissed and wouldn't have cared how many people showed up to see the nuptials or how handsome the groom to be was. Sis would have been cursed from an amazing Grace to a floating opportunity, I would have washed my smelly behind..got clean clothes, my I.'D. and made my way back home pronto. Leaving Ms. Dionne there to do whatever the heck she pleased. Brecklin, that Bama family and that rag tag collection of friends are to die for though and they make you laugh, cry and hope that despite all the wickedness in the world there are still good people, small miracles & blessings everyday also. Gaines always gives you the most colorful characters and insights into such a variety of lifestyles and I almost always finish and enjoy the ride. I'm going right into the next installment. Well done!👍☺
Brecklin and Kevia's story is a fun read, and not just cuz of the bear / skunk hullabaloo. He's finally ready to return to the world after a devastating event (loved integration of real-life tragedy's lingering effects). Her sister wants her to loosen up and learn to trust people. Everyone isn't bad, even if Kevia's job is to catch the bad guys. They both agonize as she travels to meet him. Him - Is she coming? What'll I do if she doesn't? Her - What has Dionne (lil sis) gotten herself into this time? Oh yeah, Kevia doesn't know she's on her way to meet her future hubby, not bro-in-law.
Trains, a motorcycle gang, a hippie van with a purple haze machine, and a retired racehorse get Kevia into her future love's arms. They wed as planned, with the very colorful characters she met along the way in attendance. Now Breck just has to win her heart and teach her that she can trust that he'll always protect her and their family.
I really enjoyed this story, my favorite in the series so far. The editing could have been much better though.
Kevia Caplan has been watching over her sister for 21 years. So when said sister decides to become a mail order bride, Kevia follows if only to make sure her sister doesn’t get murdered or raped. Except this adventure might be an eye opener for Kevia, who might just find the man of her dreams.
Finishing this book means that I’m all the way caught up with Olivia Gaines’ Modern Mail Order Bride series, and I must say that it’s been a fun ride. As I’ve said before, I appreciate Gaines’ ability to create new and interesting characters as the series goes on. I even like how she manages to tie some of them back into each other.
I don’t blame Kevia for wanting to beat the crap out of her sister. As interesting as that adventure was, there was nothing to stop it from going horribly wrong. I also thought Brecklin’s aversion to guns should have been a bigger issue, but it was very well handled.
I recommend this series to anyone who likes the building of relationships between people who KNOW they want to be together. It’s not always sunshine and roses, but it is the warmth that strengthens marriages and makes them last.
I really loved this story and these characters but I related entirely too much to Kevia. Bring the caretaker in your family. The mistrust of people, having my guard up all the time, all of it. I only hope that one day I can let my guard down and learn to let people in. It's not easy taking chances, especially when people really do suck all around you. You never know who to trust, who's plotting on you, or who's wishing you well and it's scary most of the time just being alive. I feel like I really needed to read this book. Definitely a new perspective going forward, I don't often get these types of messages.
This is a awesome series with captivating characters. WOW it's a enjoyable experience just like all of the other stories in this series. There is a great ending and it's one of the best kinds. There is so much excitement romance and drama. I am a huge fan of Olivia Gaines so much that I can't read one because I absolutely enjoy binging on all of her stories. I always enjoy reading them more than once which I find that they are such a enjoyable experience every time. So if you are like myself than you will enjoy this amazing series. I'm so excited to read another one of the stories in this series. It's well worth the time.
I loved the lessons taught in this book! It was so detailed and and so funny! I laughed out loud multiple times leaving my husband to think I was losing my mind. All the characters were unique in their own way. Breck was such a sweetheart. Kevia was a sweet force of nature and the supporting characters were colorful. You have to read to get the full experience! 🤣😂🤣
I have given this interracial mail order bride story a five star 🌟rating because it was a beautiful dramatically hilarious written modern day romance story! I love what Dionne did for her sister Kevia. I am happy that Brecklin was enlightened by Kevia and that Kevia found love without looking for it. Kudos
This story of Kevia and Brecklin was very entertaining. I wasn't sure where we would end up with Levis and her uptight behind, but she got done here should needed to be with the underhanded assistance of he sister, Dionne. Enjoyed this love story and found the other characters quirky and enjoyable as well.
Another great book. Their story was refreshing as the next stage of the story couldn’t be guessed. Loved the way Kevin had to endure those strangers to get to her man. The scene with her getting high was hilarious. I would recommend this book. The ending was different to the other books. So again we’ll written.
I enjoyed reading this book! I found myself laughing while reading because of the things Kevia went through and how she dealt with them! Her ordeal did lead her to her man, Mr. Murphy! I do believe everyone who reads this book will enjoy it and I definitely recommend it!
I love everything O. Gaines. The heros are to die for and this one, Brecklin, is no different. Kevia is a little difficult, but her life has made it so for her. Just another enjoyable journey.
I really love the way Olivia Gaines writes. I get how the humour keeps one going through dark stories. Really going for a skunk thinking that it is a kitten 🤦🏾♀️😈That was hilarious. Olivia Gaines l am going to read all your books cause humour alone keeps me going.
Another great read, just love this series, it is just so entertaining. It has me in stitches of laughter. Really lovely characters, excellent storytelling. I recommend you will not go wrong.
Enjoyed this with book of love, adventure and humor. This book, to me, is about getting yourself it of the way and learn to trust and embrace life. Allowing yourself to enjoy new experience and take a chance in love.
Here’s another good one from Olivia Gains in the mail order bride series. I loved the issues and circumstances in this story, and the way they were handled was excellent. I laughed a lot out loud while reading this story which is why I say another good one. Enjoy!
Good book but it took a moment to get into it. The sisters had me a little confused . Kevia was a demanding sour pus who could not trust people . Dionne was funloving person who wanted the best for her sister Berklin and his friends were good people but really funny