E.E. Burke's Best of the West: A Bride That Needs Saving

Get lost in a new heartwarming romance from New York Times Bestselling Author Linda Broday

He may be a wanted man, but all outlaw Jack Bowdre ever desired was a second chance. Now he’s on his way to jail, completely unaware that his unexpected—and unexpectedly beautiful—traveling companion is none other than Nora Kane…his mail order bride.

Unaware that Jack is her groom-to-be, all Nora sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes and the truth comes spilling out, they’re suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they’re together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after...but first, they’ll have to shake the devil from their trail. 

Read an excerpt!

The barrel-chested marshal smiled at Lenora. “Sorry that you have to endure this a bit longer, ma’am. He’s little more than a savage animal.” He said that like the outlaw had a case of rabies or something. Dollard continued in a tone full of righteous contempt. “Why, he’s so mean the rattlesnakes won’t even come near him. I heard his own kin disowned him.”

Lenora’s gaze followed the outlaw’s long legs and lean form from which enormous power radiated, felt his deep irritation and anger to be cuffed to the marshal. She’d read about men like this one who lived outside the law in dime novels that were all the rage back East. But reading about one and coming face to face with one in the flesh were two totally different things.

Awareness sizzled between them and when he turned his gaze to her, a rush of heat flooded her cheeks.

His chiseled features appeared hewn from the hardest stone that the good Lord probably reserved for those like him who lived outside the law. The marshal appeared barely able to contain him. In fact, she got the impression the prisoner merely bided his time until an opportunity for escape came.

He glanced toward the window, allowing her to study him better. The outlaw had uncommon good looks with a hard, angled jaw that sported brown stubble. The rise high on his nose indicated it had been broken few times. Ha! She wasn’t surprised at that.

But most striking were his gray eyes—gunmetal gray. At times they stormed, and other times, like when the marshal shot warnings and threats, they became icy and hard. But amusement colored his gaze when he turned his attention to her.

Lenora thought about leaning across the space and slapping his brazen face. Except she’d never struck anyone even though she’d been sorely tempted a few times.

The way he glanced at the door then back to the marshal told her he was planning an escape.

Lenora stilled and held her breath, her pulse racing. Would he use her somehow in his escape plan? Maybe take her hostage? Oh dear. She glanced at the marshal, wondering if he’d pull his gun and shoot him if he tried anything.

The handsome outlaw lifted a finely arched brow. “Here in Texas they make you pay to gawk, ma’am. But I reckon this is the first time a gentle woman like yourself has laid eyes on a born and bred killer. Who knows? Maybe you can come to my hanging. Now that’ll be a real treat.”

Beneath his mocking tone, she saw the layer of sorrow, felt his heavy heart, tasted his bitterness. She couldn’t bear the thought of him swinging from a rope.

Where to get Saving The Mail-Order Bride 

AMAZON  |  APPLE  |  B&N  |  KOBO  |  IndieBound

Q&A

E.E.: What turns you off like nothing else?

Linda: Whiny people who sit around constantly complaining about how they feel, why they can’t have a happy life, how everything is against them. I just want to shake them hard.

E.E.: What’s something you’d like to tell your fans?

Linda: Thank you for reading my books, believing in me, supporting me, and leaving reviews. I couldn’t keep writing if it wasn’t for my readers and knowing they’re waiting for my next one. I’m so grateful for each one and love them dearly.

E.E. What one thing about your hero drives his heroine crazy? And what one thing about your heroine drives her hero nuts?

Linda: Jack Bowdre counts whenever he’s trying to keep his temper down and it drives Nora crazy. And Nora’s insistence on always looking on the bright side makes Jack climb the wall. These make for some funny scenes.

E.E.: How did you come up with the idea for your book?

Linda: I’m always trying to think of ways to get characters together and keep them there and one day me and another author were brainstorming and she said to handcuff them together. Yes! That’s one sure-fire way to get to know one another fast! And it works. I loved torturing Jack and Nora by making them unable to part after cross words. The handcuffs made them stay and work things out.

E.E.: When I want to relax, I ___________.

Linda: Go to the movies. There is nothing better than sitting in a dark theater and watching a story unfold on the screen. It’s pure magic for me and so entertaining. I’m a movie addict.

E.E.: Have you read any good books lately that you’d recommend?

Linda: Oh yes! The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson! Oh my gosh, this was such a gripping story about 1930s life in the Kentucky mountains for people whose skin is blue. These people really existed and they were ostracized and treated like trash because of it. The main character was a horseback librarian, taking books to people living in way back in the hills. This is based on historical fact and such an interesting book.

E.E.: What’s coming next?

Linda: In September, Longing for a Cowboy Christmas releases – an anthology with Leigh Greenwood, Rosanne Bittner, Margaret Brownley, Anna Schmidt, and Amy Sandas. These stories will put you in the holiday spirit.

Linda's Awesome Giveaway: A $25 Amazon gift card, Two copies of Saving the Mail Order Bride.

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How long would you be able to survive in the open with only the clothes on your back, handcuffed to an outlaw, and a posse behind you?

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