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Stetsons, Spring and Wedding Rings
Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart Joseph Brooks suspects his mother of bringing a pretty young woman to town as a mail-order bride. Clara Woodrow?s insistent that she?s not that lady ? but Joseph is determined to have no other! Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy Fleeing a humiliating incident in Virginia, Brynn O?Keefe is horrified when handsome Travis Hollister tells the locals she is his sweetheart ? and even more astonished when she begins to like the very idea of it! Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne Constance Pauley becomes enamoured with the man who once saved her life ? then finds out the very same dashing Kyle Darby inadvertently caused her injuries all those years ago! Can she forgive him enough to become his bride?
304 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2009
3 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Hart
192 books601 followersJillian Hart grew up on her family's homestead in Washington state, where she raised cattle, rode horses and scribbled stories in her spare time.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
After earning her English degree from Whitman College, she worked in travel and advertising before selling her first novel.
When Jillian isn't working on her next story, she can be found puttering around her rose garden, curled up with a good book and spending quiet evenings at home with her family.
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
May 5, 2010
Goodness, this was a tough book to read, for a number of reasons.
First of all, this was one of the first books I read after my exhilirating experience of reading a book I'd been waiting for a long time and loved. Secondly, the first two stories weren't terribly exciting. I'll break down my review by each story.
Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart:
This is actually a good, sweet story. Joseph and Clara are adorable. I like that Joseph fell in love at first sight, and he didn't care that Clara was just a maid. She was the woman for him, and he was going to claim her heart. Clara had misgivings because of her rough life, and having had her heart played with by another man. But love conquers all. And as a nice little bonus, the hero is a virgin! If I rate this story merely based on its quality, and not my mindset at the time (I'm a very moody reader), it's a four star story.
Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy:
I really hate to have to do this, but I didn't care for this story. I tried, hard. I had to pick it up a few times. I'd have moments where I thought, I can like this story, but they got swallowed up by my annoyance of the foolish actions of the heroine. Brynn worked my nerves. She should have told Travis about the jewels that someone stashed in her bag. But, no, she had to lie about it. He was a freaking Pinkerton agent. He was there to help her, and going out of his way to do so. I realize that her past thoughtless actions had caused a social nightmare for her, leading to her being extra-cautious of her reputation, but that didn't warrant making such a bad decision in this case, to cover up for herself. She wasn't guilty. She should have just come clean. So, that's a major reason I didn't care for this story. I spent most of the time wanting to yell at her to tell him about the jewels. Also, I didn't like that they slept together, even though she was so careful about her reputation that she didn't even want to be alone with him for more than a few seconds, for most of the story. Completely inconsistent behavior. Also, Travis slept with a proper virgin and was about to put her on a train to back East. Yeah right. The climax just furthered my dislike for the book. You can know a man enough to have relations with him, but you don't want to marry him right away because you need to get to know each other. Okay, maybe that would work for a modern woman in the 21st Century, but not a woman in the 19th Century who was worried about her reputation, and went on tour with her aunt who wrote etiquette books. Sorry, I couldn't buy that. So, I'm sad to say this story got a rating of 1 star.
Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne:
I really liked this story. Ms. Kayne has such a way with words. I like how she managed to get quite a bit of western action in this short story, but it didn't get in the way of character development or a believable romance. I could understand Constance's insecurities after being badly burned, on top of a life as an orphan who had to go from place to place to make a living for herself. Oh, I loved Kyle. What a man. He was partly responsible for the fire that burned Constance, and did right by her, arranging for her to get the best care for her burns, and seeing her settled in a convent as she healed. Matchmaking relatives set things up so that she got hired to be the schoolteacher in the township that Kyle ran, and this couple met again. I was rooting for them to find their way together, and deal with a horrible man from their mutual pasts. This was too short, but it was really enjoyable. 4.5 stars.
I was so disappointed with the Judith Stacy story, although I normally like her books. And I had trouble reading the first story (I was too jittery), although it was very good. These factors kept this book from being highly rated. It just came along at a bad time for me, I guess. Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
First of all, this was one of the first books I read after my exhilirating experience of reading a book I'd been waiting for a long time and loved. Secondly, the first two stories weren't terribly exciting. I'll break down my review by each story.
Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart:
This is actually a good, sweet story. Joseph and Clara are adorable. I like that Joseph fell in love at first sight, and he didn't care that Clara was just a maid. She was the woman for him, and he was going to claim her heart. Clara had misgivings because of her rough life, and having had her heart played with by another man. But love conquers all. And as a nice little bonus, the hero is a virgin! If I rate this story merely based on its quality, and not my mindset at the time (I'm a very moody reader), it's a four star story.
Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy:
I really hate to have to do this, but I didn't care for this story. I tried, hard. I had to pick it up a few times. I'd have moments where I thought, I can like this story, but they got swallowed up by my annoyance of the foolish actions of the heroine. Brynn worked my nerves. She should have told Travis about the jewels that someone stashed in her bag. But, no, she had to lie about it. He was a freaking Pinkerton agent. He was there to help her, and going out of his way to do so. I realize that her past thoughtless actions had caused a social nightmare for her, leading to her being extra-cautious of her reputation, but that didn't warrant making such a bad decision in this case, to cover up for herself. She wasn't guilty. She should have just come clean. So, that's a major reason I didn't care for this story. I spent most of the time wanting to yell at her to tell him about the jewels. Also, I didn't like that they slept together, even though she was so careful about her reputation that she didn't even want to be alone with him for more than a few seconds, for most of the story. Completely inconsistent behavior. Also, Travis slept with a proper virgin and was about to put her on a train to back East. Yeah right. The climax just furthered my dislike for the book. You can know a man enough to have relations with him, but you don't want to marry him right away because you need to get to know each other. Okay, maybe that would work for a modern woman in the 21st Century, but not a woman in the 19th Century who was worried about her reputation, and went on tour with her aunt who wrote etiquette books. Sorry, I couldn't buy that. So, I'm sad to say this story got a rating of 1 star.
Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne:
I really liked this story. Ms. Kayne has such a way with words. I like how she managed to get quite a bit of western action in this short story, but it didn't get in the way of character development or a believable romance. I could understand Constance's insecurities after being badly burned, on top of a life as an orphan who had to go from place to place to make a living for herself. Oh, I loved Kyle. What a man. He was partly responsible for the fire that burned Constance, and did right by her, arranging for her to get the best care for her burns, and seeing her settled in a convent as she healed. Matchmaking relatives set things up so that she got hired to be the schoolteacher in the township that Kyle ran, and this couple met again. I was rooting for them to find their way together, and deal with a horrible man from their mutual pasts. This was too short, but it was really enjoyable. 4.5 stars.
I was so disappointed with the Judith Stacy story, although I normally like her books. And I had trouble reading the first story (I was too jittery), although it was very good. These factors kept this book from being highly rated. It just came along at a bad time for me, I guess. Overall rating: 3.5/5.0 stars.
September 13, 2016
I have not read a Mills & Boon-ish book in a while. I only liked two of the three books though.
April 27, 2017
I wish I could have rated each of the three stories separately. I really enjoyed Rocky Mountain courtship. I would have given it five stars. The other two books I didn't enjoy it as much. That's why I gave it four stars.
Want to read
June 22, 2020Note to self- This is several stories and as fr as I can tell by reviews, only the first one has a virgin hero.
December 20, 2016
Of the three stories, Courting Miss Perfect was the winner. Brynn was opinionated and her Pinkerton beau Travis was just as opinionated. What made Brynn approachable was her naivety outside the upper class. There's something real about a woman misjudging someone (the villain in this case) but still standing tall on her decisions. Unlike the first story (Rocky Mountain Courtship), where Clara has all these knocks against her but magically falls in love in without knowing the man really. And the same happened to Constance in Courted by the Cowboy. Hurt in the crossfire of marshal law, Connie is forced to face her demons and still falls in love with the guy who helped take away a lot of her life. There wasn't a lot of genuine emotional connection in the first and third stories. Everything felt paint-by-numbers. Too bad, too. Constance had a lot more potential as a protag love interest.
Brynn's best asset is her ability to adapt to whatever circumstances happen. And there's a little bit of a callback to the Regency style writing by a tempered cut at a grand dame of society. These are things that make a strong female protagonist. I wish that Clara had been given the chance to shine and show her abilities beyond being a set piece for Joseph's desires. And Kyle, Constance's beau, frames every relationship after a failed attempt and carries manpain at the mention of a woman.
Over all, I'd give a Judith Stacy story a chance above Jillian Hart or Stacey Kayne. Brynn's story gave the book a solid 2.5 out of 5. Too bad the other two stories didn't help raise the bar.
Brynn's best asset is her ability to adapt to whatever circumstances happen. And there's a little bit of a callback to the Regency style writing by a tempered cut at a grand dame of society. These are things that make a strong female protagonist. I wish that Clara had been given the chance to shine and show her abilities beyond being a set piece for Joseph's desires. And Kyle, Constance's beau, frames every relationship after a failed attempt and carries manpain at the mention of a woman.
Over all, I'd give a Judith Stacy story a chance above Jillian Hart or Stacey Kayne. Brynn's story gave the book a solid 2.5 out of 5. Too bad the other two stories didn't help raise the bar.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 18, 2016
**** 1. Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart Joseph Brooks suspects his mother of bringing a pretty young lady to town - as a mail-order bride. But Clara Woodrow is not that lady! Enchanted by her and determined to have no other, Joseph must use the magical last few days of spring to make Clara admit the desire they share for one another. - I really like Jillian Hart's writing. This story is so sweet and affecting. Joseph is young (early twenties) and hasn't had a lot of experience with women, but the way he thinks about Clara is so romantic, and the way her treats her isn't bumbling or super alpha, but polite and yet with plenty of heat!
***2. Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy Fleeing a humiliating incident in Virginia, the last thing Brynn O'Keefe needs is an interfering Pinkerton detective suspecting her of some ridiculous crime! Concerned for her reputation, Brynn is horrified when handsome Travis Hollister tells the locals she is his sweetheart - and even more astonished when she begins to like the very idea of it. - Cute little story. The jewel theft is handled well. The reason why she's in disgrace in Richmond is ridiculous. Travis is a great hero, I wonder what he's going to do for a living since Harmony already has a sheriff?
***3. Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne (Bride, #3) Constance Pauley becomes enamored with the man who once saved her life - then finds out the very same dashing Kyle Darby had inadvertently caused her injuries all those years ago! Now she can't forgive the way he has stolen her heart, and how easily she wants to become his bride. - This story is part of a series and there are a few too many characters for a short story. The romance is very good though. Connie is strong and determined despite her difficult background. Kyle is a great hero - a tough Marshall and yet sweet and loving to Connie.
***2. Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy Fleeing a humiliating incident in Virginia, the last thing Brynn O'Keefe needs is an interfering Pinkerton detective suspecting her of some ridiculous crime! Concerned for her reputation, Brynn is horrified when handsome Travis Hollister tells the locals she is his sweetheart - and even more astonished when she begins to like the very idea of it. - Cute little story. The jewel theft is handled well. The reason why she's in disgrace in Richmond is ridiculous. Travis is a great hero, I wonder what he's going to do for a living since Harmony already has a sheriff?
***3. Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne (Bride, #3) Constance Pauley becomes enamored with the man who once saved her life - then finds out the very same dashing Kyle Darby had inadvertently caused her injuries all those years ago! Now she can't forgive the way he has stolen her heart, and how easily she wants to become his bride. - This story is part of a series and there are a few too many characters for a short story. The romance is very good though. Connie is strong and determined despite her difficult background. Kyle is a great hero - a tough Marshall and yet sweet and loving to Connie.
February 7, 2013
I love reading these little collections of short stories. Sometimes I don't have a week to invest in a large novel and just want a cozy story to tide me over between books. These are perfect for that and give you a taste of authors you may have missed before.
I adored Rocky Mountain Courtship. Joseph was so dang cute! I love how he was crazy about Clara right from the start. He was so excited thinking that she was his future bride he was almost giddy! I loved that he didn't care where she came from or what her station in life was. He just loved her for her sweet self. Jillian Hart always makes my heart happy with her stories. I loved that they shared their first kisses together:)
I didn't love Courting Miss Perfect. I really liked it at times and strongly disliked it at others. It was ridiculous to me that Brynn couldn't find it in herself (properly bred and all) to just be honest! There were sooooo many times in the story that she could have trusted the hero, but she was a coward. I start to like the story again and then,...really? Having sex with someone you've not even courted? In that day and age? Getting ready to send her back on a train? You can't be alone in a hall with him, but you'll sleep with him? And sneak down to the kitchen? And not marry him til you get to know him better? It's too tough to like a story when the heroine is so unlikeable and...loose.
Courted By the Cowboy I did love. Kyle was gruff, and grumpy and so very, very kind. I loved the way he tried to guard his heart from the darling and brave Constance. I thought the story was great and the romance was sweet. My favorite part of the story was when he told her that it was nice being saved for a change. I'm planning to check out more from Stacey Kayne:)
I adored Rocky Mountain Courtship. Joseph was so dang cute! I love how he was crazy about Clara right from the start. He was so excited thinking that she was his future bride he was almost giddy! I loved that he didn't care where she came from or what her station in life was. He just loved her for her sweet self. Jillian Hart always makes my heart happy with her stories. I loved that they shared their first kisses together:)
I didn't love Courting Miss Perfect. I really liked it at times and strongly disliked it at others. It was ridiculous to me that Brynn couldn't find it in herself (properly bred and all) to just be honest! There were sooooo many times in the story that she could have trusted the hero, but she was a coward. I start to like the story again and then,...really? Having sex with someone you've not even courted? In that day and age? Getting ready to send her back on a train? You can't be alone in a hall with him, but you'll sleep with him? And sneak down to the kitchen? And not marry him til you get to know him better? It's too tough to like a story when the heroine is so unlikeable and...loose.
Courted By the Cowboy I did love. Kyle was gruff, and grumpy and so very, very kind. I loved the way he tried to guard his heart from the darling and brave Constance. I thought the story was great and the romance was sweet. My favorite part of the story was when he told her that it was nice being saved for a change. I'm planning to check out more from Stacey Kayne:)
January 18, 2011
Did I get this book from the library? I certainly did.
I got it for the third short story: Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne (Bride, #3). I was in the mood for a "she's not perfect but he loves her anyways" book- and that's exactly what I got. I don't read many historical romances, and don't think I've ever come across texas in this particular time period. I enjoyed hearing about their train rides, the need for chaparones, and horses.
Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy was Ok. There is a reason they put in the middle. Not because, like a sandwich the best stuff is in the middle, but because starting off and ending with a bang is important. This story had no bang but was enjoyable enough.
Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart made me go out and find the other stories in this series. These particular characters weren't my favourite, but the world they're in, and their circumstances made for a great story.
I got it for the third short story: Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne (Bride, #3). I was in the mood for a "she's not perfect but he loves her anyways" book- and that's exactly what I got. I don't read many historical romances, and don't think I've ever come across texas in this particular time period. I enjoyed hearing about their train rides, the need for chaparones, and horses.
Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy was Ok. There is a reason they put in the middle. Not because, like a sandwich the best stuff is in the middle, but because starting off and ending with a bang is important. This story had no bang but was enjoyable enough.
Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart made me go out and find the other stories in this series. These particular characters weren't my favourite, but the world they're in, and their circumstances made for a great story.
May 23, 2009
This is a 3 story anthology by 3 prominent western romance authors. The story by Jillian Hart was good, as I expected it to be. The one by Judith Stacy was borderline "just ok" but the one by Stacey Kayne was great! I think she could have made a longer stand alone book of this story.
March 23, 2010
Three cute little western "nibblets". Not memorable or something to write home about (maybe I'd make an exception for Ms. Kayne's story), but still a nice way to spend a few hours.
January 7, 2016
Rocky Mountain Courtship by Jillian Hart - 3 Stars
Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy - 2 Stars
Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne - 4.5 Stars
Courting Miss Perfect by Judith Stacy - 2 Stars
Courted by the Cowboy by Stacey Kayne - 4.5 Stars
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April 13, 2018Just what I needed, a brain break book. Three short stories that I could read through quickly and get my mind off the craziness of my week.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews