Editorial Reviews:
Something Old, Something NewTraveling west from Boston is the adventure of a lifetime for mail order bride, Matilda Cummingsuntil she learns her soon-to-be husband, Dawson Chandler, had no use for a wife. Switching places with her twin sister to become a mail order bride seemed like the thing to do, until feisty Matilda Cummings reaches the wilds of Dodge City and finds out her soon-to-be husband hadnt seen fit to meet her train, sending his brother instead. Dawson Chandler wants more than anything to strangle his younger brother when he learns hes unwittingly signed a binding marriage contract. Hes got no use for a wife, especially the tiny, prissy looking woman whose picture haunts him. A lady, polished and shined, has no business living on the Rocking C Ranch, nor with a man like himself. Afraid of hurting a delicate woman with his rough and tumble ways, Dawson never plans to marry. After all, why should he shackle himself to a lady when he prefers the experience of a seasoned whore in the bedroom? Much to his dismay, he finds his little lady is nothing like hed imagines. Soon, Dawson and Matilda find themselves struggling through not only their physical but emotional relationships in search of love. Will they find it?Something Borrowed, Something BlueWedding consultant Azure Kerr has seen the best of what love has to offer...professionally. Personally, shes been too busy to find a love of her own. That all changes the day sexy stranger Gavin Conner comes knocking at her door. But love, for Gavin, is a matter of once burnt, twice shy. When Azure finds a storied plum-colored wedding gownand decides she wants to wear itcan Gavin overcome his fears and persuade her to wear it for him?ASixpence in Her ShoeCan Melanie Parsons trust Brady Torres with her most trusted possessionher
Customer Reviews:
Five Blue Ribbons from Romance Junkies!
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHNG NEW BY MAGGIE CASPER:
Matilda Cummings has her sister to blame for the predicament in which she finds herself. She has traveled across the country to marry a rancher after corresponding with him by mail. When Matilda meets Duncan Chandler instead of his brother Dawson, she prepares herself for bad news. Duncan comes clean that his brother didn't actually know he was signing a marriage contract and sending for Matilda. Plus, he doesn't want a wife. Matilda thinks about and mentions breaking the contract but winces when Duncan reminds her that she hasn't been all that truthful either.
Dawson Chandler doesn't want a wife and refused to go meet her train. He can't stop himself, however, from watching and waiting for his bride-to-be to show up with Duncan. Finally, Duncan and Matilda arrive. After waiting weeks, Dawson sees his mail order bride step down from the wagon and he can't believe his eyes. Unable to help himself, he finds himself wondering what having a wife would be like and before he knows it, he is letting Matilda know exactly what he expects from her as his wife.
Dawson and Matilda come to an understanding. Well, Dawson thinks that he and Matilda have come to an understanding. When Matilda's stubbornness sets in, Dawson doesn't know what hit him.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW is Maggie Casper's first foray into writing a historical novel. Personally, I don't know why she waited so long because her talent shines brightly with SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW. The character of Matilda is perfect for a tough rancher like Dawson. I still smile thinking about Matilda's sewing abilities and then I blush thinking about Dawson's reaction to Matilda's type of sewing.
SOMETHING OLD, SOMETHING NEW had me under its spell from the first word. It was humorous and incredibly sexy at the same time, which I loved. To me, the writing of Maggie Casper continues to evolve and improve with each novel she writes. I look forward to reading any and everything she releases.
SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE BY LENA MATTHEWS:
Azure Kerr answers a strident knock on her door without looking or thinking about looking. She comes face to face with an attractive, fidgeting man who begs to use her facilities and uses his wallet as collateral. Azure laughingly allows him entrance figuring that if the man was a serial killer he wouldn't give up his wallet. Azure doesn't realize that the man she just allowed into her home will become important to her.
Gavin Conner promised a friend he would look in on his sister. The sister is not at home, and Gavin finds himself in an uncomfortable situation. Knocking on the neighbor's door, Gavin prays the owner is home. As soon as the door opens, Gavin promises to be a slave for life to the beautiful, African American woman who opened the door. Gavin is allowed admittance but has no idea how much his life and personal values are about to change. All Gavin knows is that he has to see this woman again and begins trying to convince her of that very idea.
Azure and Gavin become romantically involved and everything seems to be going well. They enjoy each other's company and care deeply for each other. That is, until Azure finds an antique wedding dress and shows it to Gavin stating that she wants to wear the dress at her own wedding.
Books by Lena Matthews are on my automatic read list. I looked forward to reading SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE very much. I had no idea how realistic and thought provoking it would be. Gavin could be anyone's marriage shy lover and while I found myself wanting to shake him, as a reader I relished how his views changed but his love for Azure never wavered. I applaud Azure for her understanding because I would not have been.
SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE is a perfect example of how versatile Lena Matthews is as an author. It is humorous, sexy, and shows off Ms. Matthews' talent. SOMETHING BORROWED, SOMETHING BLUE is now one of my favorite novels by Lena Matthews. I genuinely loved this book.
A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE BY LIZ ANDREWS:
Melanie Parsons is an exhibit curator at the Smithsonian. For the past few months, things going into her 20th century history exhibit have been disappearing. When securities officers are called after the latest museum robbery, Melanie is surprised to learn that Traditionalists are being suspected of foul play. Later that night, Melanie finds herself admitting Agent Torres into her home; not because of the robbery but because of the way he makes her feel. By allowing Brady to dominant her like she wishes, Melanie gives away the one thing she wanted to keep to herself; her feelings for Brady.
Securities agent Brady Torres has been waiting to make his move on Melanie. Not wanting to scare her with his needs, he has been waiting for her to advance their relationship further. That night after the robbery, when Brady arrives at Melanie's home, he is both surprised and aroused to find her ready to take that final step. Armed with handcuffs, Brady begins his seduction and domination; just like Melanie has dreamed he would do.
Brady is taken aback when he sees an antique wedding dress in Melanie's apartment. Finding out that it has been passed down through her family makes it even more of a surprise. The authorities think that the rash of thefts in the Smithsonian are being caused by Traditionalists; Brady thinks otherwise and needs Melanie's antique dress to prove it.
A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE by Liz Andrews is a delicious, naughty read. The sparks that fly between Brady and Melanie are combustible and I quickly found myself immersed in their story. Fully anticipating and just knowing who was behind the robberies, I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I was wrong. There is nothing better than when an author stumps a reader, and Liz Andrews got me on this one. As for her hero and heroine? Their interactions with each other left me almost to the point of needing a glass of ice water they were so hot. I love a dominant man and fell in love with Brady immediately.
A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE is the perfect culmination to the Wedding Dress series. While it is strong enough to stand alone, I recommend reading the prior two books of the series from Samhain first. Well written and totally captivating, I have gladly placed A SIXPENCE IN HER SHOE on my keeper shelf. Liz Andrews is now an author whose books I look forward to reading in the future. As this is the first novel she has penned alone, I have to say that she has written a winner in my book and I couldn't be more proud by having read it!
***Natasha Smith for Romance Junkies***
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