"DNF. Okay, while I LOVED "Texas Mail Order Bride" I struggled with this novel. It wasn't because I didn't like the characters or the setting because I tremendously did. It was because once I put the book down to deal with everyday life, I never felt the urge to get back to it and read more. I wasn't hooked and so I gave up around 30% of the way into it.

Nevertheless..."

Read more of this review here: http://frommetoyouvideophoto.blogspot.com/2016/06/spreading-word-bachelors-of-ba...

Twice a Texas Bride by Linda Broday is a 2015 Sourcebooks Casablanca publication. I was provided a copy of this book by the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

If you have been following my reviews over the past year, in particular, you will have picked up on my personal crusade against so many regency romances being published. (Don't get me wrong, I read lots of them, but don't you ever want to read something different?) So, I was delighted to see this book up on Netgalley and I felt the need to support anyone who dared write something that didn't include the ton, dukes, earls, and the strictures of polite society.

I really wanted to love this book, but in the end I had to admit, I only liked it. This is pretty much a standard western historical, with nothing all that notable about it, that would make it stand apart from any other historical romance.

The story got off to such a slow start I had trouble staying focused on it. But, the second half of the book picked up steam with a little more excitement and adventure. The story still didn't flow smoothly enough and suffered from too much down time between the action.

The characters were a little bland, but Rand showed a few moments of fire and temper and seemed more emotional that Callie, who was always so guarded and kept her feelings inside. Little Toby was a blessing and so cute, he kept the story from becoming too stale.

I did like the romance although the chemistry was slow in forming. Kudos to the author for creating intimacy and an emotional connection between Callie and Rand before they embarked on the physical side of the relationship, something romance novels, even historical ones, are moving away from and I do find this troubling. I also enjoyed the HEA ending which left me smiling in the end.

Although I had some issues with the book, I still found it an enjoyable enough read and enjoyed reading a little Western Americana for a change. Overall this one gets 3 stars ( )

"I love you, my cowboy. Please don't give up on me." - Callie Quinn

Well, I have to stop being so right about who I'll like the most in a series - it's getting to be a routine, really. Even so, it was to be expected. Rand was absolutely delicious!

Rand Sinclair, the second of the yummy bachelor trio of Battle Creek, has finally decided to give up on his saloon and take up the ranching life his brothers already have. But things are not that simple. He will need help, and with more than just getting his ranch steady and working. Because the two strangers he's helping to hide, Callie Quinn and the boy who is with her, are slowly worming their way into is heart - a heart he thought had iced over long ago. Suddenly, settling down and being a family man doesn't seem that bad. Now, if only Callie could give what they obviously have a chance...

So, let's get to the point: I do think this was a great improvement to the previous book.

For starters, Rand was a much better main hero than Cooper. He was sweet, compassionate, romantic, and caring. He never contradicted himself - unlike a certain someone - and he immediately knew what he wanted, and went after it. But he always did so with respect to the desires of those he cared for. He was patient with Callie, and his fatherly manners with the kids was one that would make even a modern woman swoon!

What I didn't like was Callie's attitude. I understand, she was scared, and life had taught her not to trust easily. But the poor man had done nothing but submit to her wishes from day one, so it was really unfaiir to him, if you ask me. I admit I even shed a tear or two when I saw how much her words and actions hurt him at times, and he was trying so hard to hide it. Still, she was a good mother figure, so there's the reason why I didn't lower the rating.

Rand's story was even more emotional, and with more plot twists and more danger than Cooper's. I lost count of the times I thought things were finally at peace, only for a new surprise to come my way. And I liked that. It's nice to break the routine of knowing almost always what will happen next.

Now I can't wait for Brett's story - I'm sure it will be brilliant with all the layers his character has! Add to that Broday's unique way of storytelling, and you've got yourselves a masterpiece waiting to happen, hands down!

"I once foolishly told you that I'd never give my heart to you. I was wrong. You had it a long time ago. Darlin', I love you more than my own life." - Rand Sinclair

***I was given an ARC from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinion stated in this review is solely mine, and no compensation was given or taken to alter it.*** ( )