The second installment of Outlaw Mail Order Brides is brilliant.

Fast paced action, brilliant banter, action, adventure! Jack and Nora are wonderfully cast and so likeable. Mixed in with the adventure and action that this western historical romance brings is brilliant and I'd highly recommend it to any western or historical romance fans; or anyone wanting to try something different.

Broday’s Western historical romances are the perfect escapism for me. This is the second book in a stand-alone series about reformed outlaws looking for love and finding tough as nails women with pasts they’re running from. I enjoyed Jack and Nora and didn’t even mind the insta-love. It’s kind of a must when trying to outwit both the law and criminals. The camaraderie of the town is enviable as well and I wouldn’t mind spending some time there.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

Adventure-filled historical romance…

This is the second read of the series and I’m loving the journey back to the Wild West! Nora and Jack were destined for each other, whether by fate or mail order, and their first face-to-face meeting was exactly how their courtship would go. Full of danger, tension and lots and lots of chemistry…

Jack had been an outlaw, denied clemency even though he was living a new life. Nora may not have seen the good in him right away but as they struggled to stay one step ahead of the bad guys, there was time to see more. To feel more… Jack had such a good heart and Nora couldn’t help but see that as he saved them, as they saved each other.

Everything moved fast as they fought for their very survival and, at the same time, had the craziest, yet heart-warming, courtship. Another great read in the series!

Linda Broday doesn’t shy away from the dark side of the Old West. Yes, the central characters in her stories always manage to save each other in the nick of time and find their happily ever afters, but there’s plenty of gritty realism thrown in along with the sappy sweetness of romance. In Saving the Mail-Order Bride, for example, Jack and Nora end up with a baby girl after the child’s mother dies in childbirth and the father perishes in a simple accident. It’s a sobering reminder that life could be cruel even if you didn’t run afoul of those who held it cheaply, as Jack and Nora did multiple times throughout the book, both of them being on the run for different reasons.

I admit I started out feeling a little frustrated with Jack as he hadn’t been honest with Nora in his letters, and the fact she was using him to escape a bad situation made no real difference - she had every reason to expect she’d left that behind her whereas he was asking her to walk into an unknown situation without even the truth about the man she was agreeing to marry being known. I could also see Jack’s point of view, though, as he was obviously desperately lonely and what woman would agree to marry an outlaw with a price on his head?

Something I really enjoy about Broday’s writing is the inner strength of her female characters. Nora’s fortitude was extraordinary, especially considering her background, and I loved the way she stepped up to help Jack, not waiting to be rescued. She also didn’t fall into the trap of being too stubborn and refusing offered help, something I often see in writers determined to write a ‘strong female character’ without understanding that there’s no shame in accepting help when it’s freely offered, or a fair exchange of labor or money for skills you don’t have. Being strong does NOT mean doing everything yourself, and Broday’s female characters show that character trait superbly (though her men can be pretty boneheaded about it until the women show them the error of their ways).

I’d caution readers with triggers that Broday’s work may not be for them. There’s physical and emotional abuse of women and children, lots of minor character deaths including deaths of children, violence, a fair bit of gore and threatened and attempted sexual assaults. Which was, frankly, very much what the real Old West was actually like, but if it’s a bit strong for your sensibilities you might need to look for a sanitized version. Personally I enjoy the very real flavor Broday brings to her work and I’m happy to give this one five stars.

He may be a wanted man, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he's on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected—and unexpectedly beautiful—traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane...his mail order bride. It's too bad Nora doesn't know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes and the truth comes spilling out, they're suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they're together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after...but first, they'll have to shake the devil from their trail.
This was a good story and a nice change of pace from the ones I normally read. I enjoyed following both characters through their journey. I highly recommend.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book

Saving The Mail Order Bride, the 2nd book in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series, was so very good. I loved book one. I believe I loved Jack's story just a bit more than Clay's. Jack was just so lovable. He was that sexy damaged hero, with a past that rips your heart out. His was such a sad backstory that I just wanted to kiss the pain away. Jack was a reformed outlaw that had a core of honor. He did bad, but only when he needed too. He was protective and brave. I just loved him to pieces. Nora was great too. She was brave, smart, and had just enough sass to give her some grit. A little wet behind the ears and way over her head, but she was a quick learner. Both Nora and Jack had big hearts. They also meet in a really cute/funny way. The plot of the book was great. The action kept me on edge. The romance was really well written. There was such a good build up, that their love felt real. I loved that they helped the 2 kids they found. A sweet insta-family. Sawyer was so cute. I hope he gets his own book down the line. Overall I really loved this book and I am really enjoying this series. I can't wait for the next book!

"Even if he spent the rest of his life in her arms, he'd never get his fill of Nora Kane. She set his world straight and gave it color. No longer was everything in black, white, and dull gray."

Jack and Nora meet under unusual circumstances, sharing the same coach with Jack being handcuffed to a Marshal on his way to jail. Jack doesn’t know the pretty woman sitting across from him is his intended mail order bride, and neither does Nora but that quickly changes when the carriage crashes and they’re left in the wild to make it on their own back to Hope’s Crossing.
Jack and Nora are immediately attracted physically.I simply adored how their spark lit up their connection, how quickly and naturally they grew to care and depend on each other!It was a great read.The romance was perfect!

Saving the Mail Order Bride is chock-full of cheeky flirting between two characters with hearts of gold. I always enjoy Ms. Broday’s writing and this book is no exception.
The flirting starts with a bang, knees ‘accidentally’ touching across a stagecoach. Jack is handcuffed to a marshal while Nora sits across from him. He subtly moves his leg closer to her. This action angers Nora and entertains Jack. But of course, once Jack looks away, Nora is just as intensely interested in Jack. I just love this scene! It is masterfully written. There is subtle body movements and limited conversation. It sets the flirty tone for the book and Jack and Nora’s whole relationship. Well done, Ms. Broday!
The novel is peppered with great quotes between Jack and Nora, showcasing their teasing flirtation. Here are a couple that I really wanted to share with you.

“How am I going to keep my hair back now? I’ve lost all my pins but that one.” [Nora]
“Maybe you can tie it into one of those pretzel things.” [Jack]

“I wear black clothes for every person who’s been wronged, beaten down, deprived of a living, and for the poor and hungry. Why did you discard your bustle?” [Jack}
“It was in my way, and I’m tired of wearing what men decide women must.” [Nora]
(I might have raised my arm in solidarity over that last quote! 😉 )

Jack is a hardened outlaw with a soft and gooey underside. The above quote is a great example of his heart of gold. For me, he’s an outlaw in name only. He’s certainly more of a good guy than the lawmen chasing him. He is also extremely stubborn, but does finally realize that he’s no less a man if he accepts the help of a strong woman. Jack has my vote for a fantastic book boyfriend.
Nora is a woman with the heart of a warrior. She’s a fierce protectress, taking care of herself and others.
“I’ll stand by your side and hand you the bullets.” [Nora to Jack in her wedding vows!]
She loves quickly and wholeheartedly. I would want Nora in my corner anytime. She’s absolutely the type of woman who would make a loyal friend.
I enjoyed the first book in this series (read my review here: The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride). I did struggle, however, with how quickly Clay and Tally fell in love. In the case of Saving the Mail Order Bride, the romantic pace is just as quick. But in this case, I really think the fast pace works. Jack and Nora are handcuffed together, trying to stay alive in the wilds of Texas, while outrunning a posse. Their closeness grows as a result of the hardships they face and survive together. The love between these two characters reads as authentic and swoony.
Saving the Mail Order Bride is full of sassy flirting and Texas-sized hearts. Enthusiastically recommended.

This is a fabulous addition to the series! Jack and Nora’s story had me hooked from the beginning and I could not put it down. This is a whirlwind of a romance full of great characters, action and romance. I loved it!

This is Jack Bowdre and Nora Kane’s tale, 2nd in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides Series, set in the west, a standalone, happily ever after, no cheating, historical romance with action, adventure,second chances and a heartwarming romance.
This story starts off with a bang and keeps you hooked until the end. Love the banter between the hero and heroine; nicely painted characters.
I look forward to many more stories from this author.
I received a copy of this story through NetGalley for my honest opinion.

Saving the Mail Order Bride, by Linda Broday is a 2019 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication.

Before Jack Bowdre can meet up with his bride-to be, he’s arrested. As he is being transported to jail, he winds up traveling with a fiery young lady he finds himself attracted to despite his situation. But, when their stagecoach crashes, he discovers the lovely lady is none other than Nora Kane, his mail order bride.

While Jack’s situation is obvious, Nora has a few secrets some folks are determined see remain that way. This means that both Jack and Nora have a price on their heads and must stick together- at least for now.

Despite the attraction they feel towards each other, the tension between them simmers beneath the surface as they struggle to survive. Along the way they must learn how to trust each other with their deepest secrets, thoughts, and fears. However, as their enemies begin closing in on them, the couple may end up separated by circumstances beyond their control- if they make it out alive- that is.

The momentum of the first book in this new series carries over into this second installment without a hitch. The only thing different, in my opinion, was that the story seemed to have a slightly lighter tone despite the serious circumstances the couple face. That’s not a bad thing, just an observation.
I thoroughly enjoyed this fast-paced western style adventure. Nora and Jack are both wonderful characters! I think I warmed up to Nora a little more because of her positive attitude and fierce determination. Jack is carrying around some heavy baggage, which caused him to hold back on expressing his conflicted feelings and emotions.

The author did a terrific job of depicting the landscape, and scenery, as well as the social mores and attitudes of the time period. There’s plenty of suspense and danger to keep readers alert and engaged in the story, but there’s also a lot of humor and warmth in these pages, as well.

The romance is a little emotional at times, moderately angsty, but very tender and romantic. What more could you ask for?

This is another well-written, highly entertaining installment in the series! I'm feeling pretty excited about the next chapter in the ‘Outlaw Mail Order Brides’ series.

4.5 stars

Linda Broday certainly knows how to keep the tension at a fever pitch, with just enough tender and humorous moments mixed in to give the reader a chance to breathe.

Saving the Mail Order Bride is more than a simple western romance about a man and a woman falling in love. Similar to the first in this series, The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride, this second book has a strong plot and a slew of characters that are good, bad, downright evil, sweet, Texas tough, and misleading. Broday delivers all the characters, including two little dogs that band together to protect their human families.

Some outlaws want nothing more than to put their lawbreaking ways behind them and live honest lives. But second chances don't usually sit well with some when bounty money is at stake or when a grudge refuses to loosen its hold. Jack Bowdre is just such an outlaw, yearning for a clean slate in a budding community. His mail order bride, Nora Kane, happens to be on the run as well but for entirely different reasons. Nora's backstory adds an unexpected layer to an already solid plot, and Jack quickly learns that his bride is determined and stubborn but with a heart as big as Texas.

Jack and Nora survive a carriage wreck in the first chapter, and the excitement never slows down. Amidst the surprises around every bend, these two form a bond that turns their formal mail-order relationship into one of immense respect, loyalty, and sweet romance. Jack and Nora are well matched and cuffed together, literally in the beginning, providing a unique situation between strangers that is both humorous and touching. Even after they finally break free from those manacles, their new connection is unbreakable.

Linda Broday weaves into the story the importance of family and friends and the need for a safe and loving space in which to grow up, grow together, and grow old. Hope's Crossing is no longer that outlaw hideout. This tucked-away community is quickly becoming that safe place where everyone is welcome and no one's past is held against him or her. Second chances are treasured in Hope's Crossing, and Nora learns that her new husband and the two lost children who have found their way into their hearts and home fill her with the strength and courage to face the demon from her past who has finally caught up with her.

Hope's Crossing sounds like a wonderful, enriching place to live, and perhaps another favorite character will soon find his soulmate just as Colby does in the first book and Jack does in the second. The wilds of Texas can be harsh and dangerous, filled with snakes, evil men, greedy ne'er-do-wells, and an angry US Marshall looking for revenge. But Jack and Nora quickly discover that together, they can vanquish that darkness with their love, laughter, and new beginnings.

I hate having to give this author such a low rating, this is the first time ever but I honestly tried my hardest to get through this story and just couldn't do it. Maybe I will try it on audiobook later when that version is released. I just couldn't connect to the story and the beginning just threw me off.

Just when I thought I had Linda Broday pegged, she goes and reveals another wonderful facet of her amazing talent as a writer. While the first book in this series (The Outlaw's Mail Order Bride) had me almost in despair for Clay and Tally's chances in making it through their challenges--spoiler alert: they did--Saving the Mail Order Bride assured me of Jack and Nora's happy-ever-after right from the start of their action-packed escape adventure. That's because Ms. Broday infused this book with light humor and boundless optimism rather than angst and incessant suffering.

I loved that Jack and Nora's objective changed while on the run. Instead of getting away from enemies, it had become more about reaching a specific destination: Hope's Crossing. Because in that place was community, support, and love.

I adore that during their journey, they managed to acquire an entire family. A family that's formed from tragedy and abuse with a promise of a better future for the children.

I enjoyed how Jack and Nora always worked together to escape, evade, provide for one another, face their adversaries, and plan a course of action. I really appreciate how strongly the characters were drawn with admirable qualities and all-too-human weaknesses. Despite the title, it wasn't only Jack who was saving the mail order bride, it was also Nora saving the outlaw.

At the beginning of the book, Linda Broday wrote a letter saying she hopes the readers are entertained by this story and that we're left wanting to know more about the characters from Hope's Crossing. Well, this reader is happily entertained and is looking forward to reading more about these outlaws and the community they're building from nothing. Bring on Ridge's story please, Linda. I can't wait for more.

Anyone who follows my blog knows that I am quite the fan of the romance novel. I love the tropes (most of them), strong heroines, worth-the-wait heroes, and the HEAs (Happily Ever Afters).

Based on all that - Saving the Mail Order Bride did not disappoint! We had the trope of "forced proximity" in that both Nora and Jack find themselves, not only together, but eventually stranded together against the elements when the carriage they were traveling in crashes. At first, neither knows the true identity of the other (the fact that Nora is indeed the mail order bride), so it is quite a shock when the two experience their growing attraction to each other, and eventually get to know who the other is. Nora doesn't expect an "outlaw" to be her groom-to-be. However, what she believes turns out to be very different when she realizes the kind of man Jack actually is.

This was a lovely romance book that was not too heavy to enjoy (sometimes, you just want some fluffy romance, you know?). The book was well written, and the characters were so easy to care about. I love a story where you can really enjoy who the characters are - as if they were real people. I typically do not go for "wild west" stories, but STMOB was definitely stepping out of my comfort zone for!

If this book doesn't make you laugh at something, you really need to look at your sense of humor. We are given a look at what it was like to be on the run during the Wild West days of the Midwest and it’s hilarious. All of the little things we take for granted get bungled in this book, housing, food, transportation, oh and did I mention the lovers are handcuffed?? Yep, they are handcuffed to one another and it couldn’t be funnier. Lucky for them it is the correct hands so they can both walk forward.
I liked the adventure in this book, but found a few things strange. I don't remember from my history that the lady would act in any way how Nora did. She was super outgoing, no frills, no sensitivity, and no comportment. I felt like it was a serious breach of etiquette the way she just jumped right in, handcuffed herself to him and then the rest of her behavior didn't work for me. I was hoping for more of a traditional lady and him actually trying to treat her as such. He never did and if he was going to meet his future wife, and after he found out she was his bride, he never did treat her as the precious lady he should have. That was some of the lure for me when I used to read a lot of Westerns. I wanted to see the demure, self-assured woman, not the outgoing hussy.
While this was supposed to be the Wild West, there were lots of things that made the time and space relationship to close for foot or horse transportation. Them continuously running into the same people after going in opposite directions and leaving them in the proverbial dust for a few hours of walking. I just didn't buy it.
What I did buy was how crazy and adventurous the couple was and I loved the town of Hope's Crossing. How great is this series about a town full of outlaws making amends and becoming upstanding citizens starting a new town?!? I love this part and will continue to read the series even though I feel she writes a bit out of time. The love story was over for me about a third of the way through. For these reasons, I’m only giving this a 3 of 5 rating.

Jack is a wanted outlaw. Nora is his mail order bride on the way to her new life. The stagecoach Nora was in crashed, and left some dead, and an outlaw on his way to jail, and her alone. Without thinking, Nora handcuffs herself to the outlaw so he won't escape. Maybe she should have thought that through a little more. Thus begins her adventure and angst running from the law, and her past. There are many adventures these two go through, and end up picking up a few stragglers to join them. Can Nora and her outlaw survive? Can they really escape their past? You'll have to read this book to find out! Great read that I thoroughly enjoyed!

"Even if he spent the rest of his life in her arms, he'd never get his fill of Nora Kane. She set his world straight and gave it color. No longer was everything in black, white, and dull gray."

Jack and Nora meet under unusual circumstances, sharing the same coach with Jack being handcuffed to a Marshal on his way to jail. Jack doesn’t know the pretty woman sitting across from him is his intended mail order bride, and neither does Nora but that quickly changes when the carriage crashes and they’re left in the wild to make it on their own back to Hope’s Crossing.
Jack and Nora are immediately attracted physically.I simply adored how their spark lit up their connection, how quickly and naturally they grew to care and depend on each other!It was a great read.The romance was perfect!

Such a wonderful story filled with adventure that will keep you turning the pages until the end! Linda Broday is a master at writing a western romance! He discreptions and characters make you fall back in time with her heart warming tales.
Jack and Nora meet while sharing a coach but Jack is handcuffed to a Marshall who is taking him to jail. What is ironic is that Nora is the mail order bride he has been writing to! But when the coach crashes and they are left to fend for themselves in the wilderness. Neither are what they appear but I loved Jack, he was so protective of Nora and the two are really attracted to each other.
Can Jack evade the men hunting him and will he and Nora survive and act on the attraction they have? Loved this story and I highly recommend !!

SAVING THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE drew me in from the start and never let go. Jack and Nora are an engaging couple who might have made a good marriage to a stranger work but life just got interesting for them both and their original intentions soon fly away as danger leads them closer to each other – and maybe even trusting their lives to each other as well.

We first met Jack in THE OUTLAW’S MAIL-ORDER BRIDE and his story turned out to be as interesting as I thought it might be. The idea behind this series intrigues me, and I’m certainly enjoying getting to know these “outlaws” and their future brides.

Jack and Nora were realistic in their actions, even as stubborn as only desperate people can be. I liked them both and on their journey on the run we got to know them, their background and hopes as they opened up to each other. The attraction is certainly there between them, now they just have to deal with this mess and maybe there is a happy ending for them eventually. They each have their secrets and their reasons for how they got to this point in life. Nothing like a bit of real danger to hasten the trust factor, right? We’ll also run into some familiar faces and that will always make a series more realistic to me. I had fun with this story, I enjoyed the characters and what they faced on the run only brought them closer in the end.

If you’re in the mood for a really good romance then SAVING THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE should be on your list – high on your list.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*