Long and Short Reviews welcomes Linda Broday who is visiting with us today to celebrate the upcoming release of The Mail Order Bride’s Secret, the third book in her Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. Enter the Rafflecopter for a chance to win a copy of the second book in the series,
Saving The Mail Order Bride.

When the West was wild and man’s law favored the few, these extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

When three young children show up on outlaw Tait Trinity’s doorstep, he knows he can’t help them—a wanted man has no business raising kids. And yet he can’t bring himself to turn them away. At a loss, he sends for the mail order bride he’d been writing to, hoping the demure dressmaker will be the answer to his prayers.

Melanie Dunbar is nothing like the bride Tait was expecting. She’s rough and tumble…and hiding an ulterior motive. Dangerous men have taken her sister hostage, and if Melanie wants to see her alive, she’ll have to betray her new husband. There’s only one problem—the more time she spends with Tait, the more she comes to care for him. Yet as the noose begins to tighten, Melanie will have to make a terrible choice: save her sister…or the man she loves.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Melanie took in the small town, awash in the dying, plum-colored light, and at first glance found it welcoming. Then she turned her attention to the man, this outlaw she’d corresponded with for the past month. Had manipulating Luke Legend been worth it? On the outside, Tait Trinity appeared every bit the lethal outlaw she’d once glimpsed aboard the train he was robbing. He’d had a bandana covering his face then, of course, but she’d never forget those eyes—hard and gray, like chips of ice.

What kind of a husband would he be? Only time would tell.

She took in his tall, lean figure, the long hair that touched his shoulders, and lingered a second longer than necessary on those gray eyes that now reminded her of quicksilver in the fading light. He was a squinter, as evidenced by the crinkles around the corners of his eyes, and at the moment his eyes lacked the hardness she saw too often in men living on the lawless frontier. Yet, like quicksilver, she thought they might change very abruptly under certain situations.

Tait Trinity could buy her ticket to freedom. She took in the heavy gun he wore in the holster strapped around his lean hips.

Suddenly her confidence slipped a notch. It had been one thing to talk about what she had to do. It was quite another coming face-to-face with the man whose life she meant to destroy. He wasn’t some dumb hayseed—he was a killer.

Her pulse raced and her palms sweated under Tait’s piercing gaze that seemed to notice every detail about her.

One of the boys jostled Tait’s elbow, and, shaking herself, she focused on the children. He hadn’t mentioned having children to raise. This would complicate things. She knew nothing about the care of children, and they were noisy and cried at the drop of a hat. Frankly, kids scared her, and she’d avoided any contact with youngsters as a grown woman.

Before she could open her mouth, Tait put a hand on each of the boys’ shoulders, drew them forward, then lifted the small girl into his arms. “Miss Dunbar, meet my niece and nephews. The boys are Joe and Jesse, and this little one is Becky.”

Only his kin. Melanie relaxed. They must live in Hope’s Crossing with their parents.
She smiled. “Hello. It’s really nice to meet you.”

Tait captured her gaze and held it longer than was needed before he lifted the corner of his mouth in a sudden, crooked grin that almost vanished before she saw it. “I’m the children’s guardian. Their parents were killed, leaving them with no one. I should’ve let you know before you came all this way, but frankly I’ve been a tad busy adjusting to this arrangement myself.”

“I see. We need to talk, Mr. Trinity.”

Tait scowled and glanced around, motioning to two women. He spoke in a low voice to them, after which the women collected the children and moved off toward a row of houses. He picked up Melanie’s heavy bags as though they weighed nothing. “Come with me to the hotel, Miss Dunbar.”

She nodded and fell into step with him. They didn’t stop until they reached a comfortable office in the Diamond Bessie Hotel. “We can borrow this room.” Tait removed his hat, laid it on a table, and closed the door. Streaks of blond shot through his caramel hair. No one had told her how handsome he was.

Painfully aware of his scrutiny, she swung to glance at the room, admiring the blue velvet sofa, chairs, and pretty wallpaper. “It’s nice.”

“I didn’t mean to mislead you, and I’m sorry if you feel that way.” He paced in front of a large desk that had a painting of a snow-covered pasture behind it. “Have a seat.”

Melanie removed her bonnet, but instead of sitting, she wandered to the window and pushed the thin curtain aside. “I wish I had known before I made the trip. I didn’t sign up to be a nursemaid. This changes things.”

Tait dropped into the chair behind the desk and let out a heavy breath. “What’s the problem? Don’t you like kids?”

“It’s not that. I’ve never been around children and know nothing about their care.” She let the curtain fall back into place and got comfortable on the sofa. She stared directly at him and gave him a warm smile as though they were discussing the weather. “I will not be a nanny, a maid, a cook, or a laundress, although I’ll do my fair share.”

Confusion crossed his face. “So, what are you saying exactly?”

“I came to be your wife, not to have you pawn your niece and nephews off on me and go your merry way. I’ve heard stories of widowers who advertised for brides with nothing more in mind than to dump a bunch of kids on them and take off for good.” She removed her gloves. “If you intend that, then our business is concluded, and I’ll leave on the next stage.”

“Hold on a minute, missy. That was not my intention.” He paused, and the guilt in his expression told her that had been exactly why he’d sent for her. He straightened from his slouch. “Okay, maybe that might’ve been the reason I telegraphed you a week ago, but the situation has gotten better. What if the two of us work together as a team? We’d bear the load fifty-fifty.”

Melanie narrowed her gaze at him. “You won’t ride out at the first opportunity and stay gone for months at a time, leaving me stuck here with the children?”

“I give my word.” He rose and perched on the corner of the walnut desk, rolling his neck. There was something he still wasn’t saying. She waited. Tait cracked his knuckles. “What I have to tell you next may be the deal breaker.”

***

Excerpted from Mail Order Bride’s Secret by Linda Broday. © 2020 by Linda Broday. Used with permission of the publisher, Sourcebooks Casablanca, an imprint of Sourcebooks, Inc. All rights reserved.

About the Author At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day.

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, IndieBound, or BAM.

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Long and Short Reviews welcomes Linda Broday who is celebrating the upcoming release of Saving the Mail Order Bride , the newest book in the Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of the book.

When the West was wild
And man’s law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found…
…in the heart of an outlaw.

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.

Enjoy an Excerpt

For Nora there were lots worse things than being shackled to Jack Bowdre. Why she trusted this outlaw was hard to explain yet instinct told her he wasn’t a threat—not to her. She gave Jack’s rugged profile a sideways glance. He seemed deep in thought the way he stared into the distance.

Maybe how to get rid of her?

Panic swept up her spine. What if he got their handcuffs unlocked and left? How would she survive?

He rose. “I need to find a good rock so I can break this chain. I had planned to shoot out one of the links, but without bullets, the gun is useless.”

“You can break these iron links apart with a rock?”

“Planning to.”

“Can’t you use the butt of the Colt?” That sounded logical to her.

“That’ll damage it and it won’t fire.” He said that like it was something everyone should know.

“But we have no cartridges so why keep something that doesn’t work?” Lord help this poor outlaw.

Jack stopped and stared as though she’d suggested he gnaw through the iron links with his bare teeth. He inhaled a slow breath and seemed to be…counting? “Even if a gun has no ammunition, it still has plenty of worth. If someone corners us, I can still point it at someone. I’m very good at making men believe they’re about to die.”

“Oh. I guess that’s why you’re the outlaw and I’m…a bride you kept secrets from.”

The way color flooded his face said he didn’t appreciate her remark. “Over there.” He pointed to a group of rocks that seemed to have been stacked on purpose.

She allowed him to pull her along, and he chose a hefty one, about nine by six inches. Although he had very large palms, she still had no idea how he’d lift the makeshift sledgehammer and slam it onto the chain with one hand. But with his inability to accept criticism, she thought it prudent to hold her tongue.

Stretching the six-inch chain across a boulder, Jack lifted the rock. The mighty blow jarred her, sending vibrating waves along the chain and stinging her wrist. Plus, the impact didn’t even put the slightest dent in the iron. He slipped his free arm out of the duster sleeve and tried again. Nothing. He unbuttoned his shirt, tugging at the collar, and Nora sucked in a breath at the sight of that broad chest with rippling muscles.
My oh my!
To run her hands over that. She’d always assumed men who lived by the gun would be too thin, too pale, their bodies too…standard. After all, what work did an outlaw do other than ride his horse and shoot?

Apparently, Jack did physical work of some kind. She tried not to stare, but her eyes refused to obey.

Over and over he pounded the chain and with each strike, she flinched, dodging the flying chips of stone. Sweat poured off him despite the cool day. Frustrated curses slipped from his mouth, although he restrained himself far better than she expected.

“I have a hairpin if you want to try picking the locks.” That idea made more sense to her.

“I’ll get this in a minute. It’s stubborn, that’s all. I have to hit it just right.”

The sun rose higher, he kept working until the rock finally broke in half…but the chain held.

He met her gaze. “Failure is just the opportunity to begin again. We’re not licked.”

Nora cocked her head, catching a faint sound. “Someone’s coming.”

“Hurry.” Jack took her hand and led her down into a ravine, where they flattened against the side. “Don’t make a sound.”

Her heart hammered in her ears. Or was that his heartbeat? He put his free arm around her and pulled her against all that brawn. The scent of the wild Texas land melded with leather and manly sweat, and Nora could do nothing but sag against him as limp as warm jelly.

His mouth was mere inches from hers.

Perspiration trickled between her breasts, and she could barely draw a shaky breath into her lungs. No one had a right to be so rugged, so enticing, so…so sensual.

What would it be like to feel his lips on hers? Her pulse raced.

He shifted a little, knitting his brows, frowning down at her. Shoot! Had she spoken aloud?

The empty Colt tucked in his waist pressed into the area above her belly, reminding her they were in grave danger. In truth, she was having trouble forming a complete thought.

The hoofbeats became louder until the rider was right above them. The horse snorted with impatience. Other than the horse, all was silent.

Good. That meant only one person, not a whole posse.

Jack removed his hat, gripped the empty gun, and took a look. The suspense proved too much for Nora. She raised on tiptoe to peek and froze.

The horseman was the man she’d caught following her in Fort Worth. The white of her discarded bustle bulged from his saddlebag.

She ducked, pressing the trembling length of her body tightly against Jack. How could the tracker have found her? If he’d seen the stagecoach wreck, he’d put two and two together.

Jack’s hard gaze followed the man as he rode on. “Who was that? You recognized him.”

Careful. The lies would pile up on top of each other until she couldn’t keep them straight.

Her eyes widened. “No one here in Texas would have absolutely any interest in me. I came to marry you, Jack, and I have to say it’s been a rather arduous trip. If I could just go back to the moment when I snapped the marshal’s handcuff on me and threw the key I would.”

She smiled brightly, refusing to let the outlaw’s dark scowl worry her.

“We’ll have to talk about the marrying part, Nora.”

About the Author: At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes and Noble, iBooks, Kobo, IndieBound, or BAM.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Long and Short Reviews welcomes Linda Broday, who is celebrating today’s release of The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride, the first book in her new Outlaw Mail Order Bride series. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of the book.

When the West was wild
And man’s law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found…
…in the heart of an outlaw.

Former outlaw Clay Colby is abuzz with his mail order bride’s expected arrival. He’s fought long and hard to drag Devil’s Crossing out of lawlessness…so when his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter rival, he’s heartbroken. There’s no woman in the world who’d stand by him now.

But Tally Shannon is no ordinary woman.

After escaping the psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn’t mind that Clay’s home is dang near burned to the ground—not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it’s only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling…and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride—and the family they built together—to his very last breath.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Tally followed Clay into his dugout. She liked the strong set of his jaw and broad shoulders. He gave the impression that wouldn’t give under a heavy load. The two-inch scar down his face and the revolver swinging from his lean hip suggested he’d seen trouble too many times to count. His dark hair sported a few silver stands at the temples and curled possessively over his collarless shirt like a gunslinger’s hand around his gun.

She scanned the dim interior of the dugout, not caring that it was part of the hillside. She loved the scent of the earth and the safety Devil’s Crossing represented. A stack of uncut leather laid in a corner, and pink and yellow flowers on the table added an unexpected homey feel.

This outlaw was already surprising her in a lot of ways. Tally motioned to the leather. “What do you make?”

“Saddles, harnesses, boots, you name it.” Clay flicked her a nervous smile. “I know this doesn’t look like much, but it’s only temporary. As soon as I can, you’ll have a real house.”

Her mouth tried to turn up in a return smile but her nerves wouldn’t let it. She sat at the table in the chair Clay pulled out for her. “Don’t say anything you don’t mean. I’ve been lied to enough.”

Sunlight cast his shadow across the plank floor. “Look, Tally Shannon, I never waste words and what I say you can count on. I want something better for you, and already have the land picked out.”

Tally Shannon cleared her throat. “I have some things to ask of you, Clay. Refusal of any will be a deal-breaker.”
“Sounds fair enough. I’m sure you won’t need anything too difficult.”

“I’ll help build your town, share your bed, and raise your children.” She hardened her gaze. “In return, you promise never to put me back in the asylum and you’ll fight anyone who tries. Also extend that promise to Violet and if anything should happen to me, you’ll raise the child. You’ll never collect the reward that’s offered for me and I’ll never collect yours.” She paused before adding. “One last thing—you’ll release me next spring if this marriage doesn’t work.”

Clay brushed his fingers across her cheek that carried the mark. “You have my word on every stipulation.” His gaze shifted to the gun on her hip and she thought she saw admiration and some intimidation. “I only have one simple request. You have to promise never to shoot me, no matter how mad you get.”

“That depends on what you what do.” She leaned close, putting her lips next to his ear. “Hurt Violet and I’ll kill you in a heartbeat.”

He chuckled softly. “Trust me, I’d never be fool enough to cross you. Nor will I ever cause that little girl grief. That’s a vow I’ll never break.”

“Then we’re clear.” She straightened in her chair.

Clay leaned forward and lifted a tendril of hair, rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. “Are you crazy, Tally?”

She allowed a smile. “Some would say that and at times I wonder. Back in Deliverance Canyon, I’d often wake in the dead of night and stand in the moonlight, letting the breeze brush my face. I needed the reassurance that I wasn’t back in that hellhole.”

“Do you mind if I ask why you were put there?”

“My stepmother put me there to get rid of me so she could steal what was mine. She told them that I was a sexual deviant and preyed on children.” She hated her strained voice.

“I can tell you’re not. I assume she had a ruthless plan.”

Tally’s voice turned cold and hardened. “When my father died, he had quite a large estate that included land, money, and other possessions. He left everything to me which angered my stepmother. She put something in my food that made me deathly ill and unable to fight her or speak. Some men loaded me into a wagon and Lucinda drove me to the Creedmore Lunatic Asylum.”

“I’ve heard of the place. Most never escape—except in a coffin. You were lucky, Tally.”

“A fierce determination helps. I was there a year and suffered—” her voice broke. She forced calm and continued. “Crimes you couldn’t imagine. But it only strengthened my resolve. I watched and waited for the right opportunity and when it came, I took it. Five of us broke out that moonless night. I’ve been back several times, once recently, for others like me.”

“Why do they want to imprison perfectly healthy women? What do they gain?”

“Money. Families pay a good deal to get rid of who they want. Men are getting rich off them and it’s become a big rotten business.” She watched his eyes darken, his anger build.

He let her strand of hair fall from his fingers. “Why was Violet there?” he asked, his voice tight.

“Her parents thought raising a blind child too much trouble.”

“Dear God! Such fools.” Clay rose to stand at the thick window.

She didn’t know what the tall, broad-shouldered outlaw was staring at, but the muscles of his jaw clenched tight, speaking of deep anger. He might convince himself that he was through dispensing justice but she could see that it continued to burn.

Could such a man love her?

An ache filled Tally. Could he make a little room in his heart for her?

She bit back a sob that tried to escape. Would she ever find someone who loved her fully and completely? Or would she have to settle for less as she’d always done? She was weary of settling. She wanted to be all of someone’s world, not just a part. She yearned to fill a man’s heart so full that his love for her spilled out all over the place.

About the Author: At a young age, Linda Broday discovered a love for storytelling, history, and anything pertaining to the Old West. After years of writing romance, it’s still tall rugged cowboys that spark her imagination. A New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, Linda has won many awards, including the prestigious National Readers’ Choice Award and the Texas Gold. She resides in the Texas Panhandle where she’s inspired every day

Buy the book at Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iBooks. Indiebound, or Walmart.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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Long and Short Reviews welcomes Linda Broday who is celebrating the release of her newest book To Catch a Texas Star. Enter the Rafflecopter at the end of the post for a chance to win a copy of Knight on the Texas Plains.

He’ll do what it takes to prove his love

The son of a notorious outlaw, Roan Penny yearns to make his life count…but heroism comes with a price. Left badly injured, only the kindness of a gentle stranger can save him. He longs to be with the captivating beauty—his savior, his Texas star, his Marley Rose McClain—but he knows he’d bring her nothing but trouble.

If only he could convince his heart of that.

Marley’s lived a charmed life, and she’s determined to spend the rest of her days at her quiet hero’s side…but she isn’t what she seems. A life-long secret threatens to destroy everything she knows—and everything she could hope to be. As dangerous men threaten to pull her back into the shadows, a desperate Roan must ride hell-bent for leather to save the other half of his heart…before he can lose her light for good.

Enjoy an Excerpt

Unable to bear the torture, Roan whirled and crushed his lips to Marley’s.

A hunger so powerful that it hurt to breathe spread through him, rushing along his limbs and touching off a whirlwind inside him. He stood in the storm and let the emotion wash over his body, healing his ragged spirit and muzzling his fear.

A raspy moan escaped. His heart beating like a thundering herd of buffalo, he held Marley so tightly against him that he expected her to complain. If he could somehow open himself up and draw her inside, he would. He’d protect her with every bit of strength he had and carry the beautiful woman with him forever.

Dear, God, he wanted her. Wanted her more than anything in the world. His hands roamed over her curves, memorizing every indentation and soft swell. She seemed to be learning every inch of him as well, and the way she clutched, kneaded, and caressed him spoke of a great need of her own.

The air seemed to vibrate with this craving that swept through him. His senses filled with her, Roan deepened the kiss and backed her against a work table where they repaired harnesses and saddles. Tightening his grip, he lifted her onto the planks. She reached for him, knocking off his hat and it tumbled to the floor.

His heartbeat roared in his ears and drowned out everything except this overpowering desire for her.

How long they stood wrapped in each other’s arms, he didn’t know. He was barely conscious of where they were, or of the dawn breaking. Men and children would spill out any second and find them.

It took everything he had to break the kiss. He tenderly brushed a tendril of hair from her eyes and studied her dark eyes. “You’re like those shooting stars we watched. You blaze across a man’s life with such a streak of color and pageantry it steals a man’s breath. You’re my Texas star, Marley Rose McClain. That is if you don’t object to the title.”

His Texas Star. Yes, that’s exactly what she would always be.

Marley’s breath hitched. “That’s beautiful. I’ve never been compared to a shooting star before.”

“Well, you are. I don’t know what the future holds or if I’ll ever see you again,” he mumbled against her mouth. “Keep shining, Texas Star, for as long as you live.”

“I will.” Marley’s glistening gaze met his and she ran a fingertip along his jawline. “No promises, no regrets.”

“None.” The rooster finally crowed, reminding Roan he’d best hurry. “Maybe you’ll write a story one day about me and how you saved my life one frosty morn.”

Tears bubbled in her eyes. “You’d better come back or I’ll come looking for you.”

“You will, huh?”

“I’ll brave a den of snakes and go through a hail of bullets to get to you, and you can count on that.” Marley straightened his collar and picked a piece of lint from his coat. “You’re a handsome man, Roan Penny. Women are going to chase you, but it doesn’t mean you have to let them catch you.” Her voice broke.

Roan swallowed a lump in his throat. This was tearing him up inside.

With a cry, she tangled her fingers in his hair and pulled him close for another kiss.

“I’ll pray for you, Roan,” she whispered.

“Save your prayers for those who believe in their power.”

Before the banked fire had a chance to flare again, Roan stepped away from her and issued a stern warning. “Don’t come after me. I mean it. You don’t know the danger waiting in San Saba. If they knew I cared for you, they’d kill you. Promise you’ll stay here. You have to promise not to come after my sorry hide. Go on with your life.”

Marley shook her head, her dark eyes large in the low light. “I can’t do that.”

About the Author:I’m a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of historical western romance. I’m a Texas girl through and through and reside in the panhandle. From an early age, I was lucky enough to discover wealth didn’t exactly pertain to money. Though my parents could barely afford the necessities, they managed to instill deep rooted values and a thirst for books. My favorite memories are the yearly road trips we made to California on Route 66 to visit grandparents. We’d stop at museums, trading posts, ghost towns and anything else that held our interest. I’m sure that’s where my love of history and the Old West was born.