The Cowboy and the Bride: Fatherhood

Jake Montgomery had already survived one bad marriage, and danged if he was going to get hitched again. He had his little girl, Annie Jane, to take care of, and that was about all the female influence he wanted or needed in his life. Besides, Jake was convinced that he was incapable of being a good husband, and the ghosts of his past are haunting him. So Jake's content enough to just be a father and work on his struggling ranch - that is, until he finds a bride strung up on his barbed wire fence! Madeline Tate was leaving Vegas in a hurry, after her no-good fiance ditched her at the altar and took off with all her luggage. The only thing she had to wear was her wedding dress, and she was in such a hurry to get away from Vegas that she didn't care if people were staring - and didn't notice that her gas tank was hovering dangerously near E until it was too late. After finding herself snared upon a barbed wire fence, she feels an attraction for her rugged rescuer, Jake Montgomery. Jake makes it abundantly clear, however, that he doesn't want Madeline hanging around for long. Only when his daughter, Annie Jane, takes a shining to her does Jake relent and ask Maddie to stay for a few weeks and help out with his daughter. Can Maddie convince Jake in those few weeks that he'd make a perfect husband, or will both of them leave with broken hearts? I really enjoyed this book. Madeline was pretty confident despite being a ditched bride, and Jake was delectable despite the ghosts of his past. Annie Jane was adorable, despite her penchant for mischief, and they made a great family of three - if only Jake would realize it! :) The townspeople were really funny and added a lot of character to this book. I often found myself laughing out loud after reading something, or groaning in embarrassment for one of the characters. The author leaves you guessing about what exactly is eating at Jake for quite some time, and is skilled at weaving an emotional tale that will tug at your heartstrings. I highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a heartwarming, yet funny, love story.

Seattle ad agency employee Madeleine Tate is irate that her fiancé Jonathon "ass" Carter deserted her at the altar in Vegas. Dressed in her wedding gown, Madeline flees into the desert only to run out of gas in the Nevada desert near the Idaho border. She heads to a nearby ranch only to see Cyclone the bull destroy her dress though she got off without a scratch.Rancher Jake Montgomery observes how kind Madeline is to his five year old daughter Annie Jane even coaxing smile out of the sad child. When Madeline mentions she needs a place to stay for three weeks before heading back to work, Jake offers her a deal to stay at his ranch but baby-sit Annie. Madeline accepts and rather quickly falls in love with the Montgomery pair. Little Annie and Jake reciprocate, but the older Montgomery believes that his beloved would rather be Sleepless in Seattle than cherished in Nevada.Though the jilted bride theme may seem trite, fans will appreciate the well written contemporary romance because the two adult protagonists and the child are a delightful cast. Jake is worried about Annie especially once Madeline, a new light in his kid's life, leaves; that deep concern comes across as much as his own desire for Madeline to stay. It is that subtly that makes for a wonderful family drama.Harriet Klausner

When barbed wire snares her bridal dress, Madeleine Tate finds herself at the mercy of the property owner to rescue her from spectators and a bad tempered bull. But then, since her fiancé stood her up in Vegas after making off with her luggage, Madeline had already had a really bad day. Driving across Idaho, she ran out of gas. And before her would be rescuer can free her from the barbed wire, a bull named Cyclone puts in an appearance. With the flick of a knife, the bull makes off with the gauze and Madeleine reveals her sexy silk stockings and garter belt.Jake Montgomery has little time to rescue women between running his ranch and caring for his five-year-old daughter. But Madeline's fortuitous arrival does mean she can pitch in caring for his daughter temporarily, even if she cannot remember to drain the wading pool or cook anything that is not burned. But Jake knows that Madeleine belongs in bright lights and pursuing a career rather than living in the wilds of Idaho. Author Marin Thomas adds her unique flair to the traditional jilted bride theme in THE COWBOY AND THE BRIDE. The opening scene will absolutely leave the reader in stitches as the taciturn observers discuss their unusual find even as Madeline struggles valiantly to free herself from barbed wire. And the light touch continues to lend the story sparkle even as more serious danger appears or as deeper emotional issues surface. While all the characters are wonderfully memorable, it's Madeline's refreshing view of the world that adds extra zest to this delightful tale. THE COWBOY AND THE BRIDE come very highly recommended.