Review: Good and Funny
Rating: 4 out of 5
Date: 10 3, 2013
I really enjoyed this book.  It's the first for this author that I've read, and I have to say that I was impressed.  Not only did I enjoy the story, but I also liked Ms. De Medeiros' writing style.  The story is romantic, and sweet, with hot sex, and LOL humor.  As much as I loved Gabriel and Melody, I have to say that for me, Gabe's grandfather,Fergus, stole the show!  Gabriel is the head of the family and has carried the weight of responsibility on his shoulders, ever since his parents' death.  In the seven years since, the now 30 year old Gabe, has worked hard and built up a successful ranch.  He also has the task of TRYING to keep his grandfather from continually getting into trouble, and raising his two younger brothers, ages 15 and 13.  There is nothing Fergus wants more than to see Gabriel happily settled.  To that end, unknown to Gabe, Fergus (along with his cohorts on the town council) advertises for a mail-order bride on Gabe's behalf.  When Melody responds to the ad, Pops then embarks on a "courtship" with Melody--who believes that she's corresponding with Gabe.  Fergus says nothing about the scheme until AFTER he sends for Melody.  He then blithely informs Gabe that he has sent for a bride for him.  Gabriel, of course, is absolutely furious!  The last thing he wants is to get married, and he certainly doesn't want a bride that his grandfather chose for him.  Initially, Gabriel is adamantly opposed to the idea, but with pressure from Fergus and both his brothers endorsing the idea, not to mention the fact that his "bride" is already en route, he decides to give her a chance.  Melody is a really sweet character.  She too has endured her share of life's hardships.  Since the recent death of her parents, 23 year old Melody is left destitute and responsible for her 9 year old sister, Lily  In the intervening five months since their parents died, Melody and Lily lost their farm to foreclosure and have been existing hand to mouth.  In desperation, Melody answered Fergus' ad for a mail-order bride and the sisters make the journey to Liberty.  Gabe and Melody first meet, when he picks her up at the stagecoach.  Needless to say, their relationship doesn't get off to a smooth start.  The story that unfolds is sweet, with lots of LOL moment, mostly involving Fergus and his town council cronies.  The plot is also chock full of excitement with murder, kidnapping, and race-related violence.  I thoroughly enjoyed this book and would recommend it to anyone who enjoys historical westerns.  FYI, this is NOT a clean romance.  Happy reading!