Duncan's Bride

SWM seeking SF to cook, clean, and be a brood mare -- this is what Duncan's ad SHOULD have read; but Madeline isn't going to take any less than complete surrender when she agrees to be his mail-order bride. I was pleasantly surprised by how real the story and characters seemed. Madeline is no pushover, but she's no ice princess either. And Duncan may be bitter and a bit bruised, but he has every right to be wary of women.

This little modern-day-western romance was FAN-TAB-U-LOUS! The whole "advertising for a bride in the paper" thing might not have been realistic when this was first written, but in today's world, with internet and online dating services, I found it very believable that Maddie would consider her options and answer Reese's ad. It was my first time to read Linda Howard's work and I was super impressed. She's created a very realistic love story, with realistic emotions and reactions.

There was so much about this book that I liked. It was refreshing to read a virgin's wedding night that wasn't fireworks and rainbows. Reese was gentle with Maddie, but let's face it. Losing your virginity is uncomfortable at best and painful for most. I also show more really enjoyed the emotions between the couple. Talk about chemistry and the passion was a twenty-five on a scale of one to ten. At times I was ready to clock Reese with a hammer, but then Maddie swept in and took care of business in her own way. She had far more patience than I would have, but it wasn't so far fetched that it affected my enjoyment. Maddie wanted the relationship to work and she was committed from the beginning.

Floris was a riot and there were so many moments in the book that I laughed so hard I snorted. The writing was effortless and I breezed through the story in a world of my own. Bravo, Ms. Howard! I highly recommend this for any romance fan! ****Adult content**** show less

Cross one sophisticated, slow-moving Southern lady with a blunt, hard-working, suspicious Montana rancher, and what do you get? Sparks. The premise may be a bit dated, but Madelyn and Reese are still perfect for one another.

Reese Duncan almost lost everything in a nasty divorce but he wants to try again. He advertises for a bride (he's too busy to look himself though I think this takes place just before the internet went big). Madelyn Patterson is everything he doesn't want: a big-city girl who knows nothing about ranching.
This story required some suspension of belief for me as it's a contemporary mail-order bride plot which didn't seem too probable as Madelyn is from a wealthy, sophisticated family, and her life up until now reflects that lifestyle. I do like Madelyn though and was quickly won over. Reese was different, too hung up over his first marriage and not very likable. It isn't until the end when Madelyn finally stands up to him and wins him over show more that I warmed up to him. It's a quick read and enjoyable. show less

I really like this book. I love the mail order bride theme. The characterization of both the hero and the heroine are very full and complete. LH is a prime example of showing not telling. By the actions and words of the characters you know who they are. Reece is embittered and needs Maddie to help him live again. Maddie is a very different character. I love the way she seems to stroll through life while really getting a lot of stuff done. Her calm nonchalant character is very different from most romantic heroines. Just a good solid romance with no wrong notes.

I love this book and have kept it since it first came out. A nice play with the mail order bride, embittered Reese just wants a wife, but Maddie is more than he bargained for. It's wonderfully sensual and it also has an emotional core. I believed in these characters and believed in their love. So it's a keeper and a reread for me. Vintage, excellent Howard.

This is such a great story. Reese spends most of the book acting like an idiot ( a hot one), but Madelyn saves it. She's a wonderful heroine, strong, smart and capable of handling an alpha-hole like Reese.

Recommended reading for anyone who wants a strong female lead.