A meet-cute for the ages occurs when mail order bride, Nora, rides a stage coach sitting opposite a manacled felon only to learn that he’s the man she’s come west to marry. The author’s tough and authentic western storytelling, engaging characters and their heartwarming romances really shines in this second of the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.
Review

Saving the Mail Order Bride is the second book that tells the story of another Hope’s Crossing reformed outlaw, Jack Bowdrie. It can be read standalone, but works ever so much better read after the first when the Hope’s Crossing world is established and several of the characters, including Jack, are introduced.

In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack finds himself suddenly taken captive right about the time he is anticipating his own mail order bride. He struck out with the first one at no fault to either, but then he started writing for another lady to come and have a fresh start with him. His suspicions are aroused over the timing of the Marshal arriving at the right spot and the right time, but doesn’t have long to ponder that because he no sooner realizes that the cool eastern woman sitting opposite him in the stage coach is Nora his would be bride and then the stage is in a dreadful accident leaving them to make their way together.

Nora wants to be upset at Jack for neglecting to mention in his letters that he was a wanted outlaw, but then again, she’s got a few deadly secrets of her own and has danger dogging her all the way to Texas. If Jack doesn’t killer for annoying him and causing trouble, she’s pretty sure the trouble in her past will. Meanwhile, she might just be falling in love with this surprising husband and the little family they gather along the way.

I went into this one with no doubt in the world that I would love it. Jack was a character in the previous book that I wanted so much for him to get his happily ever after, too. His past broke my heart and Nora is just the sassy, stubborn, and courageous gal to be his match. She had a rough start for her first time out west, but she was plucky and owned that she was in over her head. This pair were so wonderful together. And, the kids, oh how I love that the romances this author writes frequently center around these brought together families. I thought I loved the first book, but I have fickly transferred my top affections for Jack and Nora.

All the excitement and twists I loved in the first book were matched in this one. I saw some coming, but others took me by surprise. I love the rise of action and situations that are unique to this western setting and time period. The author writes this well blended with her romances and people who fit the backdrop.

All in all, I thought this was absolutely fabulous and am greedy for more outlaws at Hope’s Crossing to get their romances. Western Historical Romance fans need look no further for an engaging series to love on.

**3.5 Stars**

I love historical western romances, and Linda Broday is quickly becoming my favorite author of the subgenre. SAVING THE MAIL ORDER BRIDE follows outlaw and former lawman Jack and his mail order bride Nora. They meet by happenstance in the same coach after Jack has been caught by the law. After the coach crashes, Jack and Nora have to work together to get to safety.

As with any Linda Broday novel, that synopsis is just the tip of a sweeping tale with many twists and turns. The plot always kept me guessing. He’s kind and brave and every time he got mad he counted so he wouldn’t blow up, which always made me laugh.

I’m in love with the former outlaw hideout turned small town where part of the story takes place. The cast of characters Ms. Broday has created is colorful and unique. I am already dying for many of the secondary characters to get their own book!

While I did love the story as a whole, I think the pacing was a little off. Some parts seemed rushed and others plodded a little bit. While I liked Jack, I had a harder time emotionally investing in Nora. She came off as flighty and immature at times, which I don’t think always balanced well with Jack. I also think her character changed rather abruptly mid-book. I like character development, but her’s was too sudden to be believable.

Overall, I am still a big fan of this series. The first book in this series is the best so far, but I have high hopes for book three. Linda Broday writes wonderfully rich novels and I can’t wait to see which outlaw finds his HEA next.

**I received an ARC of this book in order to provide an honest review**

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is book two in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. This historical western romance series is a spinoff of Broday’s Men of Legend series. Though it is second in a series this novel works well as a standalone.

Jack Bowdre is having a bad day. He’s been arrested on the day his mail order bride was to arrive, and he’s stuck in a coach with the marshal and a snooty Easterner. Lenora (Nora) Kane is having a bad day. She’s stuck in a coach with a marshal and his outlaw prisoner on the day she’s arriving to meet her intended husband. Unbeknownst to either of them, the bad day is just getting started. It’s a terrible way to start a romance but maybe they can make it work.

The untamed, but beautiful, Texas landscape and the animals that reside there are vividly described and function as a very real part of the story. Both the main characters and their friends are likable. Overall, I enjoyed this book and rate it 4 out of 5 stars. I recommend Saving the Mail Order Bride to readers of historical romance, especially those who enjoy western romance.

My thanks to SOURCEBOOKS Casablanca and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.

This is a fun read about an outlaw and a mail order bride. It was an interesting read with twists and turns that kept you guessing. Meeting his mail order bride while riding on the stage on his way to jail was definitely a new take on a mail order bride story. I would definitely recommend this book.

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.

Nora’s shocked to find out she’s engaged to an outlaw, but Jack isn’t doesn’t seem like your typical wanted man. This man is protective and has a heart, and she finally feels safe after so many years of living in fear. Plus, Nora comes with her own secrets, so they settle in forced to get to know each other as the try to survive not only the elements, struggling to find food, water and shelter, but also to stay one step ahead of the men out to get them.

Jack and Nora are immediately attracted physically, but they also form a close bond quickly with threats coming at them over and over, friendship, admiration and love building along the way.

Saving the Mail Order Bride was an exciting adventure, never a dull moment with danger at every turn, but also a sweet, drama free romance. I didn’t read the first book, and that was fine, this works well as a standalone. However, I was curious about the previous couple, Clay and Tally since they were a part of this story as well, so I may go back and read their story.

A copy was kindly provided by Sourcebooks Casablanca in exchange for an honest review.

A fun take on the mail order bride. This bride is for an outlaw and their meeting is not at the best time. Of course the outlaw is not that bad and the bride has secrets of her own. Add in a young boy and a baby and you have a great story. Seems the bride can love and save the outlaw. Part of a series with more mail order brides to come.

Book Info
Mass Market Paperback, 384 pages
Expected publication: April 30th 2019 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN 1492651079 (ISBN13: 9781492651079)
Edition Language English
Series Outlaw Mail Order Brides #2
Other Editions (1)
Source:Netgalley EARC

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BOOK BLURB


Outlaw Jack Bowdre is on his way to jail—and completely unaware that he's traveling with Nora Kane, the mail order bride he's been corresponding with for so long. No wonder the chemistry is flying...

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, 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 devils from their trail.

My Thoughts


The story of Outlaw Jack Bowdre and Mail Order Bride Lenora/Nora Kane is filled with new experiences for both characters.

What are the odds that two people who are pledged to each other end up on the same stagecoach at the same time? One as a prisoner and one as an innocent passenger on the way to meet her intended.

Thrown together under extreme circumstances both Jack and Nora find that despite their earlier lack of mutual admiration feelings that are out of their control soon manage to overcome Nora’s better judgement and Jack’s cautionary tendency to remain aloof.

First meeting was not exactly one inspiring confidence in Jack from Nora but that soon changed growing for them both into an undeniable bond that neither expected.

This couple take the long way to becoming partners in life but it does not stop them from finally succumbing to what turns out to be a life changing relationship for them both.

Jack finds a second chance at love and Nora finds the man of her dreams wrapped up in the unexpected package of a man at odds with the law.

Now if only that law allows them to live happily ever after all would be as it should!

[EArc from Netgalley]

On every book read as soon as it is done and written up for review it is posted on Goodreads and Netgalley, once released then posted on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles as well.

Saving the mail order bride is pretty interesting. It’s the first in the series for me and I was really impressed. Some great men make bad choices and become outlaws. Well for Hopes Croasing these men are trying to change their ways but will protect their own. Jack wants a chance at life again and writes for a bride, but of course life gets in the way and just as his bride is coming he is on his way to jail.

Nora is a strong character and very entertaining. She is from the east coast and has no idea what to expect coming to Texas but she’s got her own secrets. This books is full of action tender moments, finding your inner strength, and some adventures you can’t help but smile along the way. Enjoyed it a lot.

Love this series and the the series before it. Great chemistry between them. Loved the later editions Sawyer and Willow. Recommend reading it

I really enjoyed Jack and Nora's story! They were both trying to get away from their pasts and were able to help each other do so. I did really enjoy watching these two interact with one another, they were prefect for each other. This was a great addition to the Outlaw Mail Order Bride series!

I received a free copy of Saving the Mail Order Bride in exchange for an honest review. This book nailed it. The author, Linda Broday, had a great plot, lovable characters, and provided several hours of great reading. Jack is exactly the type of man you'd want to get to know. Nora was also very strong character that complimented Jack.

I would definitely recommend this book to friends and family.

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 2nd book in her wonderful Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and Saving the Mail Order Bride is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: Hope's Crossing started as a town run by outlaws who wanted to begin a new clean life, and build a family.

We met our hero, Jack Bowden, in the previous book, and we felt sorry for Jack, since he did not get the warrants against him removed. In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack has been captured by a US Marshall and being brought to a jail to await his probable hanging.

Nora Kane, our heroine is traveling on the same stagecoach with Jack, and when the stagecoach crashes, they end up together to escape those chasing them. The problem is that Nora snapped the handcuffs on Jack and her to keep herself safe, and without a key they are bound together. Jack is escaping the lawmen, and Nora is running away from someone from her past who wants something she has. At first, neither of them get along, but in a short time, especially after they both find out that Nora is a mail order bride, and she was supposed to marry Jack. The chemistry between them grew with each difficult passing day, as they both began to find themselves attracted to each other. The humor between them was also great; it was just fun to watch them show their true feelings. Jack was tough and strong, in protecting Nora, as well as loyal; Nora was equally as tough, and was determined to help Jack and become his bride. I loved them together, as they were perfect for each other.

What follows is an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them. When things appear desperate, they will get help from our last book’s heroes, Tally and Clay, and finally connect to Hope’s Crossing with the help of others. I also loved when Jack and Nora rescued a young 8 year old boy from a mean outlaw, and takes the boy, Sawyer, with them, and eventually as part of their family when they arrive in Hope’s Crossing. There is also a baby that is rescued along the way that becomes part of their family. So nicely done

More people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process. They all stick together to protect Nora, Sawyer and baby Willow. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Tally, Rebel, Dr Mary, and Jack’s friends, Clay, Ridge, Luke, etc. The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with those who have been chasing them from the start. Nora will try to use something valuable that she has to help save Jack.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with. Saving the Mail Order Bride was a great addition to this series, as it was emotional, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple.

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday was an enjoyable read full of twist and turns. This was the second book in the Outlaw Bride series but can be read as a stand-alone book easily. I really enjoy historical romance novels and this one did not disappoint me. It is Jack and Nora's story and what a roller coaster of a story. They both are bringing trouble trailing right behind them but together they face it. I enjoyed the humor as well as the suspense the story brought. The characters were well matched and fully developed. The story moved slowly in some areas and very quickly in other areas. Overall, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more from Linda Broday.

From the moment Jack winked at Nora in the stagecoach, I fell in love and never looked back!

I was intrigued by the glimpse of Jack's story that we caught in the previous book, and knew I needed him to find himself attached to his happy ever after soon. And haha, boy did he! Literally.

I simply adored how Jack and Nora met, how their spark lit up their connection, how quickly and naturally they grew to care and depend on the other -- and then ultimately need and fully desire the other. How they communicated, and how they refused to let anything come between them from moment one. And truly, how it was them taking on the world together from the beginning.

Jack claimed my reader's heart with his presence - he was rough, tough, strong, bossy, stubborn - but buried under that was a honor and respect and devotion that perfectly balanced him out. He had such a deep sense of loyalty to his brothers-in-arms and to his family he was building. And then add in the swoony charm he threw in pursuing his Nora? Oh yeah, I was a gonner. Nora, oh my goodness! This woman was perfection for Jack. She had guts, sass, determination, bravery, and such a huge amazing heart of gold. She didn't allow her past to destroy her, she figured out what she wanted and needed and went after it with a passion. And despite the struggles, she remained soft and sweet. I truly adored them separately, and then together as a couple.

The adventure and dangers kept the pages turning - delivering quite a few surprises and heart-pounding moments. And generously balanced in was some moments of peace and beauty. Toss in some beloved secondary characters and main characters from past stories (Hello, Sam Legend - I'm looking at you, sir!) and I couldn't get enough.

Honestly, no joke -- my upmost favorite LB hero, Duel McClain, just had to scoot over to the side to let Jack have room next to him (I think they both kinda grumbled at each other having to share the space). Please, do NOT make me choose between them. They both rule as favorites in the Linda Broday's little corner of Texas. So much of their story felt like it was written for me. Jack and Nora will remain treasured in my heart, and will be revisited often.

This series sure has been fun to read. Saving the Mail Order Bride, has a few slow places early. Other than that I enjoy seeing how these men and women turn their lives around and build a great town.

4.5 stars

"You're not alone, Jack. You have me. I'll stand by your side through sunny days and storms."

I just can't get enough of Linda Broday's books. I have been reading less and less historical romances (HR) lately, but I can never turn down any of Linda's books. Her books are set in the Wild West, which is my favorite type of historical romance subgenre. Her books are original, engaging, suspenseful, romantic, emotional and fun. It's the whole package I crave from HR, and Linda keeps on delivering. Saving the Mail Order Bride is my favorite so far. The characters were well rounded, intriguing, and very lovable. This doesn't mean they were perfect, however everything they did, they did for a good reason. Jack is a lawman turned outlaw, who is wanted and knows one day he will be hanged for his crimes. Nora Kane is his mail order bride, who hasn't had an easy life.

"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."

When they first meet they don't know the identity of each other, which created some very unfortunate and sometimes funny scenes. Nora, definitely stood up for herself, and I loved her strong and caring personality. Jack is also a very good man who never took advantage of Nora. These two were perfect for each other, and I had a blast going on a journey with them. Normally, I am not a big fan of stories that for the majority take place on the road, however, I really enjoyed it this time. It really gave the characters the time to get to know each other, and grow stronger as individuals and eventually as a couple. I was happy that we got to see what the characters from the previous books were doing, and it always feels like being reunited with family. If you are a fan of historical western romances, then I highly recommend you to pick up any of Linda's books. I am already looking forward to her next book.

Another stellar novel in the outlaw bride series! I loved the humor and adventure that the characters went through. I enjoyed each misadventure they went on together and how they ended up together. I can’t wait to read the next book In the series!

“She was all of his tomorrows, his forever. His always. His life.”

There is nothing better than opening up your favorite authors’s book and knowing your about to be swept away into an amazing journey!!

Ms. Linda Broday has done it again. Just when I think she couldn’t outdo herself from her last book, she goes and sets the bar even higher with Saving The Mail Order Bride.

Jack Bowdre and Nora Kane’s love story is a fast and wild ride to the alter.
Both are running from their past, both bring baggage to their marriage, but they’re true to their vow’s and never back down from their enemies.
They both have a heart overflowing with love and aren’t afraid of giving it to two orphaned children in need of a home.
This book truly melted my heart.

I laughed so hard at the antics and situations they are thrust into and the uplifting humor they continue to display toward each other.

As I’ve said before, Ms. Broday’s books are timeless and will weave themselves into your heart and soul for eternity.

“She met his gray eyes, the color resembling a dove’s wing in the light. “Always as long as it’s with you.” Then she touched her lips to his ever so softly.
Jack Bowdre was her saving grace, her light in the darkest hours.”

“She was his lifeblood. His every Breath.”

I loved this book, it has more twists and turns then you might want. Just when I thought I had things figured out, a new twist in the story happened. I was excited to visit with old friends, and meet some new friends. Loved visiting Hope's Crossing, and seeing the town grow.
I was left wanting more of the outlaws and town.

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I loved the concept. But the writing was too contrived. Too forced. I put it down and picked it up several times before giving up completely. I really, really wanted to like this book. But in the end, it just wasn't for me.