“The Prospector's Only Prospect” by Dani Collins
A Very Good Story
I enjoyed this story despite the spicier scenes that I could have totally lived without. That said, I truly did appreciate the realism portrayed in this story. All the characters came to life and made the time period come alive. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I downloaded this story via NetGalley.

Will the wounds of their past always stand between them …

This book was a surprise, a good one.
I was not sure what to expect, but it was much more than I thought.
Sure it is a bit like in the old western comedy movies with John Wayne and cie, with blunt rough men and petulant misses, as they needed to be to survive the era and area.
Marigold has reached her last teetering, it is marriage to a stranger or she might have to accept to board a room at the cathouse. Robbed from everything except her dignity, she will accept any bargain if she can avoid making her reputation a really thing.
Yet here too, she is not really expected, sure she took her sister’s train ticket and thus offers herself in exchange, but once more she is in the way. Until she can prove the opposite.
Virgil needs a mother for his children and the spite-fire who has just landed in front of him is not who he seeks. So he believes. But in a rush, he must do again with what life is throwing at his feet. And who knows, he might be surprised, if he lets her slip inside in skin.

From this meeting ensues an experiment, both are so strung-up, wounded by their past and wary of others, they dance around one a wild waltz, but alas always take two step backwards for one forwards.
The building of their relationship is cute and unnerving with many mishaps and hitches, all the while battling their intense chemistry.
But for a romance, it is also a story about friendship, sisterhood and family. Because Virgil and Marigold would never have been here if not for his children and the men who stand by them.

5 stars for this enjoyable tale of two wounded persons so similar in their prejudices, they harm unwillingly the other by fear of being hurt first.


𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

Virgil is brooding and scarred (literally) and so haunted it's magical watching his heart crack open to let his kids and Marigold in. Honestly I am going to start crying again if I think about it too hard oof 😩 I just love a hard-working man who will do anything to protect his loved ones, but is also a grumpy smart-ass who is numbed out from his own feelings by a terrified fear of not being good enough. He's defined SO clearly in this book, you know exactly who Virgil is and why you love him. It's me. i love him. The only thing that could've possibly improved this already perfect book would've been a good shirtless ditch-digging scene.

The kids are fantastic and fun and funny, while they tear your heart out at how frightened and alone they are, stuck here in the wildneress with their cold and overwhelmed dad. All the side characters are so great too, and I am hoping a few get their own love stories please!

The pacing was perfection, and I needed to know what was going to happen next at every turn. There was never a dull moment. And I actually LOVED the third-act breakup even though it surprised me and ripped my heart out and stomped on it. Because goddamn it if Marigold isn't exactly what Virgil needs and this was the only way for him to really know it.The setting is the wilds of Colorado and it really paints a picture of how stark and grim it was. They didn't have mattresses, pillows, windows, y'know, all the luxuries of life. Something about these kinds of settings really makes me appreciate my own life that much more.

This book is set in prospector time so it feels so much more modern and fresh than a regency. There is a lot of cursing and so much humor and warmth. I really think I'm falling deeply in love with western romances and I sincerely hope Dani Collins writes more of these because holy hell. I will be buying this in every format because these two (well 5, counting the 3 kids) have my heart and soul.
Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review.

cute story. i really enjoyed these characters and their witty humor. this is the first story of Dani's I have read, and it won't be my last. It was a little slow paced at times but it had a great heat build up. Now I need Pearl's story.

It’s 1859, Virgil’s wife has died back east and the three children are being sent to him. He needs a wife and has been writing to a woman, sent her a ticket for the journey to him. However, her sister, Marigold, arrives instead. The situation is not what either expected but they decide to go ahead and make it work. Marigold will look after the children and Virgil is certain Marigold won’t last and then he can find a wife. It was so fun watching the two of them, watching the chemistry grow, seeing Virgil’s growth as a father.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The author of this book takes the story of a mail-order-bride "stand in" who is dropped into the gold-mining life in hopes of making a new life for herself in the Midwest ... and blows it right out of the water. Marigold is ahead of her time and has paid the price for standing up for herself and speaking her truth. Virgil is a hard man making a life for himself and his three motherless children in a place that offers no softness ... until Marigold arrives to care for his home and his children. This story has so much of what I love about historical romance: complicated, likable characters, humor, angst, a large cast of funny characters that populate the background, beautifully sweet children and a setting that allows readers to picture just how difficult and stark life was at this time in history. Amidst the hardship, Dani Collins has readers rooting for Marigold to break through Virgil's hard, protective shell and smiling at the internal struggle he goes through before he surrenders to what was meant to be. I loved it and highly recommend.

I received a complementary copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review.

Marigold is such a cute, flawed character that you fall in love with her quirks, her wittiness, her ability to not take herself too seriously and see the love she has for Virgil, his children and the others in their little community. Virgil is kind of a mess of a guy that will endear himself to you with his desire to protect his family and his business. You can even sympathize with his stubbornness. Marigold quickly becomes part of his family. Both have been hurt and are so protective of their hearts.

Ms. Collins gave Marigold and Virgil time to get to know each other, fall in love and then fight it out! Virgil’s final proposal was worth the wait. The agony between allowed us to feel for these two as they fought to reach their HEA.

My favorite paragraph in the book is, “It’s called a wishing stone. You wish someone would leave you alone, then you throw it at their head.” There are times when a wishing stone might come in handy, at least in my mind!

By the end, I began to hope Pearl might get her own HEA, too. She may have messed things up, but made them right in the end.

I enjoyed this book it was well written and easy to read. I liked the main characters and the story line.

I always enjoy these mail-order bride books. Even if they find one another attractive they still take time to get to know each other better.

After a rough journey, Marigold Davis has arrived in Denver City. Life in Kansas City had become unbearable so she traveled here to accept Virgil Gardner's proposal. Only she's not the bride he was expecting.

Virgil is grumpy but he's fine with the reputation he's made for himself. This is not the woman he agreed to marry but he does need someone to help him with his children. He's sure she wouldn't be able to handle the Rocky Mountain harshness, so he'll wait for her to quit before he advertises for a new wife.

But Marigold is not to be underestimated. She's ready to make the best of this situation and it doesn't hurt that the children are easy to fall for. The children love her, the crew appreciates her willingness to help and Virgil is beginning to see Marigold in a different light.

Thank you so much to the author, Entangled and NetGalley for this ARC to review.

Marigold Davis heads west to a prospective bridegroom as the gold rush is under way in Colorado. The trip is difficult and she is not sure she will arrive alive. She is quickly taken aback by the backwardness of the area before she ever meets the man her sister was supposed to marry. her sister. Mr. Gardner, the groom, needed someone to help with his children along with wanting a wife. He finally agrees to hire her as his live in housekeeper to look after his children and the house to pay off the debt she owes him for the train ticket and postage. As she adapts to the rough living and half finished home will love grow and flourish between them?

It is 1859 and Virgil Gardner is a gold miner in the Rocky Mountains outside of Denver. After his wife dies in childbirth back east and his three children are sent to him he needs a bride. Instead of the woman he has been writing her sister Marigold Davis arrives in Denver. Feeling duped they agree she can work off her stagecoach ticket by her caring for the kids and housekeeping. Marigold isn’t a widow but shockingly is a divorcee and a suffragist.

I was expecting cliches but instead got a good close proximity romance. I love that although the living conditions are primitive, all five are sharing a one room cabin, Marigold isn’t a fish out of water. She takes to caring for the children, cooking and even doing extra tasks like writing letters for miners or cutting hair to earn a little extra. She isn’t perfect at everything but she doesn’t complain as she learns about life in the mining camp. Virgil himself is hard working, stubborn and cares for his workers and his children.

I think the author brings more to the story by giving Marigold a background that has toughened her up. She needs protection of a man but really wants a partner. She earns the respect and affection of others in camp almost before Virgil can lower his defenses. Virgil has his own back story that includes years chasing the lure of gold and being away from his wife and kids. It is hard to reconcile that person to the man he is now. I didn’t love the two conflict points that arrive but things resolve quickly. And there is just the right amount of passion between the two. He doesn’t take liberties just because she is a divorcee.

I am new to Dani Collins and happily see she has a large book catalog of books that are available. I’m not sure if she will continue this western series but I would love to read a story about Marigold’s sister Pearl. Thank you to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for the eARC in exchange for a review.

The Prospector’s Only Prospect is a mail order bride romance with a pinch of friends to lovers historical western romance. Virgil Gardner has already been burned my marriage but the gold miner needs a wife to care for his children. Recently divorced, Marigold Davis‘s reputation is tatters and homeless after being burned out of her home for her political views. When her sister seems ready to find love in Kansas instead of accepting the mail order bride offer in Denver City, Marigold grabs a ride on a stagecoach hoping for a chance to find happiness and a home. Not the bride he agreed to, Virgil agrees to hire Marigold as a housekeeper and a caretaker for his children. Both are stubborn and burned by love and butt head’s around every corner but they’re HEA is a hard won sweet and steamy ride. Satisfying and easy to read, Dani Collins pens a heart warming tale of second chances. My voluntary, unbiased review is based upon a review copy from NetGalley.

I don’t read western historical fiction all that often but this was definitely a treat. I really enjoyed the mature characters and funny banter. The only thing that threw me off was the epilogue otherwise a read I can recommend.

I loved this historical romance! It’s interesting and immersive, and it has unique and layered characters, especially Marigold and Virgil. The story is told from both of their perspectives, which really gives you a deeper look at their points of view. They have the best romance, and the book includes some of my favorite tropes

Set in Denver City in 1859, the story examines issues that were prevalent at the time, like voting rights, the rights of women, and the struggles of the gold mining industry, and shows how these issues affect different characters. Marigold, for example, is vilified because of her divorced status. She and others have fewer rights than many men. The author did a fantastic job of weaving history into the story, bringing the setting and characters to life.

Marigold is a divorcee tired of the stigma and shame that follows her. She is such a great character – strong, outspoken, and someone who tries to make the best out of a bad situation. Marigold is much stronger than she gives herself credit for, especially considering everything she faced in her divorce and in this book. From living in an unfinished cabin to fending off bears to taking care of three impetuous children and a cantankerous man, Marigold has her hands full.

Marigold’s failed marriage, divorce, and the aftermath deeply wounded her, much like Virgil’s marriage wounded him. His past explains so much about the man he is, and my heart broke for him so many times. Both characters have interesting and heartbreaking backstories, and both struggle to trust and love again. Plus, Virgil isn’t very vocal, and his expressions are often unreadable, so it’s difficult to know how he really feels. Luckily, Marigold breaks down his walls. The longer Marigold is with Virgil and his children, the more he opens up. I like how he slowly becomes more demonstrative and vulnerable. He falls in love not just with Marigold but with his children too.

And their romance! It’s so angsty and filled with sexual tension and longing, and I loved every second of it. Marigold and Virgil are such an unlikely pair, and after their not so meet cute, a romance between them seemed unlikely. However, everyone can see how these two feel about each other except themselves. It’s pretty comical how some of the other miners tease and torment Virgil. Their relationship has a ton of obstacles, but Marigold and Virgil are so great together. They have AMAZING chemistry, and I love the grumpy/sunshine vibes!

There is one character who appears later in the story, and as eager as I was to learn more about the person, she was so selfish. I have a feeling she’ll be the focus of the next book, and I’m dying to see a little groveling or redemption for how she treated a certain someone. And I adore the children. They bring a bit of lightness, happiness, and chaos to the story which is delightful. Virgil had an awkward and kind of strained relationship with his children, but again, Marigold’s influence was just what they needed. She is so kind and thoughtful, and she becomes the matriarch of this family and the entire mining community.

Speaking of community, what a fabulous found family Marigold finds! I adored the secondary characters, all of whom welcome Marigold into their fold. They are fun and generous and funny, and the ease they have with each other shows how close they are. They are a village, and it is so different from the world Marigold is from, where she learned a lot about being shunned, isolated, and abandoned. Here, she finds the community she never had but always longed for.

This was a wonderful historical romance, and I’m hoping this is a series so I can revisit these amazing characters and see who will find love next! Special thanks to NetGalley and Entangled Publishing for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

I love a good western historical romance. Marigold takes the place of her sister as a mailorder bride. Upon arrival she tells her (sister's) intended that she will care for his three children but wants no part of the marriage since she doesn't have a great experience with marriage. Virgil is caught of guard but also desperate so he agrees but he doubts she has what it takes to live the harsh life of gold prospecting.
I loved the funny banter and all the swooning. Marigold and Virgil are perfect for eachother. I really enjoyed the descriptions of the beautiful and wild frontier setting.

The cover is totally ridiculous, and I hope it doesn't drive away readers. I don't usually read western romance, but the mail order bride trope has been a draw ever since I read a collection of actual memoirs of mail order brides some fifty years ago.

I'm so glad I opted for this one, which is set in Denver City, the Territory of Kansas in 1859. It's an important date to note, because of the political ructions Kansas was going through with respect to statehood, and what it meant to the rest of the young nation.

Our heroine is Marigold, whose sister Pearl actually was the mail order bride. Marigold, divorced and flat broke and totally disgraced, needs a fresh start. She comes to a town that seems to be made mainly of mud and mess, to marry grumpy Virgil Gardner, who needs a wife to take over his household and deal with his three kids while he tries desperately to get his new mining company going.

Of course you know they are going to have the hots for each other, but are fighting it. This is a romance. But given that predictable substrate, what you get here is a range of delightful characters, and a sure touch with period detail, after what seems to be impressive research. The book just kept getting better when Pearl shows up...

I loved the vivid descriptions, the characters, the brisk pacing, and above all the humor.

This historical western romance was unputdownable!

This book has a ton of heart, lots of laugh out loud moments, and of course plenty of steam.

Marigold and Virgil meet under very unexpected circumstances, and with some perfect forced proximity readers will definitely enjoy their mutual pining and lust.

I have not read a lot of western historical romances, but this one felt unique and exactly what I needed.

Pacing in this book was spot on, and I loved the growth of the male main character. The side characters were perfection, and I truly hope we get additional book in this series!

I really liked Marigold and her relationship with the children. Overall I enjoyed this book’s setting and grumpy x sunshine trope. The mmc was a jerk who was starting to change his attitude toward the end of the book. I felt it lacking in a couple areas.

If you’re looking for a western historical romance overflowing with funny banter and plenty of swooning, pick this up!!! An endearing, spicy, mail-order bride trope.

It’s set in Denver City, the Territory of Kansas in 1859, with a feisty heroine, Marigold (she’s replaced her sister Pearl—the intended mail-order bride), who is to be the grumpy hero Virgil Gardner’s new bride. After an 8-hour stagecoach ride from Topeka, upon meeting Virgil, Marigold lets it be known that she will be a caretaker for his three children.. but that she wants no part of marriage. She’d been there before.. got burned, her reputation ruined. Virgil is completely caught off guard by the change-up in brides, but needing someone desperately as a mother figure for his kids agrees to this new arrangement.. or at least until she figures out the harsh life of gold prospecting is too much for her.. and he then can finally find a bride and marry (which is what he intended in the first place).

I loved Marigold.. that she fell head over heels for the children and protected them with her life (against a bear!) The same goes for Virgil who’s actually a sweet teddy bear underneath all the mean facade he puts out to everyone. The best parts.. their BANTER IS HILARIOUS(!!!), their SECRET SWOONING for each other, and I ADORED Virgil’s growth as a father.. all had my HEART MELTING. Everyone around them could see the two were perfect for each other, and I couldn’t agree more. I also enjoyed the excellent descriptives of the beautiful, but dangerous ‘n wild frontier setting. So good! ❥ 4.5 stars — Pub. 3/28/23

Much thanks to Entangled Publishing via NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.

Historical romance. Pre-Civil War America. Standalone novel. Divorced and disgraced with nowhere to go, Marigold sets off to marry a stranger. Her sister had been set to be a mail order bride, but found another suitor, so Marigold takes her place and travels west. When she arrives, Virgil is angry to find a stranger instead of his bride, but takes her home with him anyway to keep house and care for his three children. They bicker and argue, but it’s clear that Marigold is good with the kids and adapts well to her primitive surroundings. It’s definitely a slow burn romance with lots of missteps (mostly from Virgil), but the writing is refreshingly humorous and you’ll appreciate the competence from both parties and willingness to work together. I had a great time reading this book and can’t wait to see more from this author in this setting.