Colorado Bride
Matchmaker & Co. Book 4
Historical Western Romance
Firehouse Publishing
February 3, 2017
316
Reviewed by: Linda Tonis
Member of the Paranormal Romance Review Team
It is 1875 and Ben Logan stands next to his best man, Nathan Ravenclaw, awaiting the arrival of his fiancée, Melissa. Unfortunately, Ben is left at the altar, something that makes everyone except him and his mother happy. Ben and his mother seemed to see a different Melissa than everyone else. While the rest of his family and friends are relieved and thankful, he is heartbroken and swears never to love again.
After a few months, Ben decides he wanted a wife and family, so he approaches Maggie Black and orders a bride. He wants a woman who will not be a city girl like Melissa. His mother, on the other hand, wants him to wait for Melissa’s return so Ben can marry her.
Emily Loring grew up in an orphanage and left to become a governess. Unfortunately, her new position proved to be her last when the wife found her husband trying to seduce the new employee. Emily tried very hard to push him away. However, it was much easier for the wife to believe her husband. Now, not only is she fired, but also the wife will destroy her reputation for other governess positions.
With no income and nowhere to go, she asks her best friend Sally if she can stay with her. Luckily, Sally works for Maggie who had just received a letter for a mail-order bride for Ben. Sally realizes immediately that Emily is the right person and presents her with the option to become Ben’s bride. With no other options available, Emily accepts. A husband and family are something she has always wanted. Her biggest fear is Ben will not accept her since she is not a thin woman. She learned the hard way that her size is not what most men want.
When Ben and Emily first meet, he assures her that he is not sending her away and she insists they marry immediately. She’s afraid to give him a chance to change his mind. That very night they consummate their marriage. From then on, they fall into a very pleasant relationship. Ben lets Emily know that love is not something he is able to give her, but she is convinced she can change his mind.
I loved Emily and Ben, but she had such a go get them personality, she did not take things without a fight. That went for his mother Doris, especially. Doris knows Melissa is back and wants Ben. Now that he is married, the only way that can happen is for Emily to die. Both Doris and Melissa have reasons for what they are going to do and I don’t want to share that in this review.
I have read other reviews and it is true that many of the other books are similar in story line. They take place in the 1800’s, a man who was hurt and refuses to love again mail-orders a bride, but when all is said and done they are enjoyable books about love. They are easy reads and the characters are always wonderful, so that is why I highly recommend these books. I have read them all and I don’t tire of them. There are always surprises and secrets revealed and suspense so what’s not to love.
