The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde

Title: The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde
Jubilee, TX Series Book One
Publisher: HarperCollins
Imprint: Avon
Genre: Contemporary, Romance
Length: 389 pages
Book Rating: C+

Review Copy Obtained from Publisher Through Edelweiss

Summary:

Ex-champion bull rider-turned-cutting-horse cowboy Joe Daniels isn’t quite sure how he ended up sleeping in a horse trough wearing nothing but his Stetson and cowboy boots. But now he’s wide-awake, and a citified woman is glaring down at him. His goal? Get rid of her ASAP. The obstacle? Fighting the attraction he feels toward the blond-haired filly with the big, vulnerable eyes.

When out-of-work wedding planner Mariah Callahan learns that her estranged father has left her a rundown ranch in Jubilee, she has no choice but to accept it. Her goal? Redeem her career by planning local weddings. The obstacle? One emotionally wounded, hard-living cowboy who stirs her guilt, her heartstrings, and her long-burned cowgirl roots . . .

The Review:

The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde is an emotional but very sweet love story. With her estranged father’s death, unemployed Mariah Callahan gets the opportunity to leave the big city behind and begin a new life in Jubilee, Texas. She is instantly attracted to Joe Daniels from their first tempestuous meeting, but Mariah is not planning on staying in Jubilee. Nor does she plan on losing her heart to the sexy cowboy.

Mariah Callahan and Joe Daniels are emotionally wounded protagonists. Mariah’s inability to let go of her bitterness and resentment over her father Dutch’s abandonment results in serious trust issues. Her unresolved issues with Dutch frequently come between her and Joe, and affect her ability to commit to a relationship with him.

Joe is still mired in grief from his wife Becca’s death. He shared a close friendship with Dutch and he is devastated by his unexpected death. Afraid of losing another person, Joe is unwilling to risk his heart with Mariah.

Joe and Mariah’s relationship slowly unfolds throughout The Cowboy Takes a Bride. They gradually form a close friendship and begin to open up and share their feelings. Their friendship turns to romance but that is when the communication ends and both characters begin to make assumptions about the others’ thoughts and feelings. Which then ends up in the “Big Misunderstanding” plot device that seems out of character given Joe and Mariah’s previous ability to talk to one another. Their reconciliation is sweet yet rather unbelievable.

The Cowboy Takes a Bride is an enjoyable romance. Lori Wilde has an engaging writing style, and the story flows well. If you are looking for a light romance with appealing characters, then you are sure to enjoy The Cowboy Takes a Bride.

I am looking forward to the next installment of the Jubilee, TX series.

6 Comments

Filed under Avon, Contemporary, HarperCollins, Jubilee TX Series, Lori Wilde, Rated C+, Romance, The Cowboy Takes a Bride

6 Responses to The Cowboy Takes a Bride by Lori Wilde

  1. Tamsyn

    I quite like the blurb. Sounds like a fun read.

  2. Lynne

    Might give this one a try. I love cutting horses….

    • Book Reviews & More by Kathy

      It’s a good book, and she gives a great view of the cutting horse lifestyle.

  3. Timitra

    I like the sound of this…thanks for the heads up Kathy!