Genre: Western
Publisher: Dell
Publication Date: July 25, 2017
Series: Bitter Creek #15
Print Length: 432 pages
Characters: Marcus, Josie
A rogue nobleman, a rescued lady, and revenge undone by romance all play a part in New York Times bestselling author Joan Johnston’s irresistible novel of best-laid plots, delicious deception, and unexpected passion.
Two years have passed since Josie Wentworth was bought from the Sioux for a gold watch and whisked back to England by Marcus Wharton, the Duke of Blackthorne. When Marcus breaks his promise to return Josie to America, she ends up as a maid in the home of his charming but neglected nephews. Once Josie’s long-lost family finds her, however, the suddenly wealthy heiress sets out to save the two boys from their indifferent uncle—and teach the duke a lesson in honor.
Learning that Marcus is seeking a rich American bride to save his estate, Josie plots to catch his eye—certain he’ll never recognize the beauty she’s become as the ragged captive he rescued. But Josie doesn’t wager on her marital charade taking a tender turn, as the nobleman she’s despised for years proves to be a very different man than she’s imagined. And there’s no denying his passionate caresses, as she falls deeper under the spell of a husband determined to claim her heart.
Out of A Bitter Creek series, I missed only one book. But Blackthorne’s Bride is right up there with her early works. Josie reminded me of Sloan, Bayleigh and Creighton (Joan Johnston’s Sisters of the Lone Star Series) Josie was just as strong and determined just like those women. Strong in that he takes a strong person to overcome be almost bitten to death. And later finding yourself kidnapped and held against your will.
Of course, behind a strong female character must be a strong male character. And Marcus Wharton fit that bill. Marcus had his own issues. Getting over the death of his wife and child. And, caring the responsibility of taking care of twin sisters and the estate that was left to him by the death of his father the Duke of Wharton. To do that he must find an heiress, but Marcus isn’t ready to take on another bride so soon.
Blackthorne’s Bride illustrated that you can overcome just about anything if one sets their mind to it.
The Bitter Creek Series (Contemporary Novels)
The Cowboy
The Texan
The Loner
The Price
The Rivals
The Next Mrs. Blackthorne
A Stranger’s Game
Shattered
Sinful
Shameless
Surrender
The Bitter Creek Series (Historical Novels)
Texas Bride
Wyoming Bride
Montana Bride
Blackthorne’s Bride
Sisters of the Lone Star (Prequel to The Bitter Creek Series)
Frontier Woman
Comanche Woman
Texas Woman
