Duncan's Bride

You'll love this great little romance by Linda Howard. Here, she manages to put a modern twist on the mail order bride story, and it really works. The hero, Reese Duncan, is a hard-working ranch owner embittered from the devastation of his first marriage. He wants children and needs a companion to share his rugged lifestyle in a remote corner of Montana, but he isn't interested in any emotional attachment. Despite his reservations, he invites Maddie to share his life. Maddie is a bored city girl looking for some substance in her life. Much to Reese's surprise, she is not destined to be an ornamental wife. She challeges and frustrates him at every turn, and the ensuing contest of wills is wonderful. All the best elements of a romance novel are here in spades - sexy hero, engaging heroine, increasing sexual tension, hot love scenes, and emotional revelations. Enjoy!

This was the first Howard book I've read and was impressed. Take one old fashioned Montana rancher, who lost 1/2 of everything he owned to his first 'city' wife during a divorce & one 'city' girl who's determined to make him believe in love. Reese's heart guided him in his first disastrous marriage, he was determined his head would guide him the second time. So he advertised for a no-nonsense wife to bare is children, keep his bed warm, cook,clean, etc. Madelyn, city girl and somewhat wealthy,replied to his ad -- only to be told she didn't suit after their meeting! After all she was too cute and too city bred to survive the tough life on a ranch and he was cynical enough not to trust another 'city' girl. But there was a immediate attraction between the two. He eventually calls her in New York with his proposal and their life together on the ranch begins...through trials and triumph, this was a very good weekend read.

Reece, a man who has been 'taken to the cleaners' by his first wife, advertises for another to take care of him and home, love not necessary or even desired. Madelyn, tired of the hustle and bustle of New York City is drawn to this ad and applies. They set an appointment and meet. Sparks fly from the moment they set eyes on each other. Reece does not feel she is good 'ranch material' and decides to send her back. Obviously he can't stop thinking about her and reconsiders. She agrees to the marriage as she is already head over heels in love with this man that does not have love to give. He's too bitter with his first wife to see past it. At times he's rude and he has an explosive temper. Madelyn, a very strong woman makes it her mission to get him to love her and to make him see that she is nothing like his first wife. A great read. The paperback only 251 pages is one you will find difficult to put down. I read it in one day. The ending like the entire story, was great.