Book picks similar to
Polite Enemies by JoAnn Smith Ainsworth


historical-romance
western
western-romance
contest-books

The Last Day For Rob Rhino (Twisted Crime #2)


Kathleen O'Donnell - 2013
    I became more immersed with every page, as the plot twisted and turned its way to the end. Kathleen O'Donnell has done an outstanding job with her first book. Can't wait to hear more from her. Hurry! – Ryker, five star review on Amazon. Claire’s a rich widow on a mission, who partakes with abandon from the pharmacy stored in her Prada purse. Rob’s an aging reality show celebrity. Stuck on the same flight, bound for the same eccentric town, she hates him on sight. She thinks she knows all there is to know about him but is dying to find out more. He’s disinterested but somehow still sees right through her. But they’ve both got big problems. Hers is in the Louis Vuitton carryon in the overhead. His is in his pants. To Claire’s dismay, Rob turns up everywhere she goes, yet they form the unlikeliest of friendships. He cares for her in ways she’s never known before. He could be the best thing in her life—or the worst. In a place full of secrets, including their own, they help each other find answers they didn’t even know they were looking for, yet some questions linger. What happened to Rob’s first wife? What happened to Claire’s husband? Will they live through the answers? The Last Day for Rob Rhino is a dark, tragic, and funny novel about the bonds of family and friendship. If you’d love a Gillian Flynn, Paula Hawkins, or Stieg Larsson novel with a humorous twist, this would be it.

An Uninvited Bride for the Cowboy’s Heart: A Western Historical Romance Book


Lydia Olson - 2021
    He becomes her husband out of duty. How will they find each other souls amidst trials?Velma is a kind-hearted woman who has experienced heartbreak. Although she works hard, after the loss of her beloved husband, falling into poverty is inevitable. With no other choice, she replies to a mail-order bride ad. Love is not what she’s looking for, but rather a sense of stability. When she meets Charles, everything changes. How can he mend her broken heart?Charles is a lonely rancher and a widower. His sister Martha not only helps him with the workload but also takes care of his little boy. He doesn’t try to connect with his son and dwells too much on the past. Martha has had enough and places an ad for him. When Velma arrives, Charles will be conflicted by his unexpected feelings for her. How can she help him heal his scars and connect with his child?Both of them, will have to abandon their fears, trust their hearts, and give love a second chance. But Charles' past at the saloon where he used to spend so much time comes back to haunt him. How will they find each other's hearts when their honor is in danger?

Missing Montana Groom and the Merchant's Bride: Series Starter 2-in-1 Special (The Elusive Groom)


Terri Grace - 2017
    On arrival in Glendive, Montana, as a mail order bride, she is shocked to discover that Titus, her intended, has disappeared without explanation. Honara’s determined journey to find him takes her on a roller coaster ride of romance, where she finds herself embroiled in more than one love story along the way, before finally completing her own! Each book in the series is a wonderful standalone story, but be warned, once you read one you won’t be able to resist reading all of them! BOOK 1: Missing Montana Groom Honora Carson has found the man of her dreams, and is traveling heart in hand to Glendive, Montana, to his welcoming arms. When she arrives he is gone! No one knows where, but suspicions run high. Despite being told to forget him, that her husband-to-be is an unreliable, irresponsible man, Honora can’t shake the feeling that something is not quite as it seems. So begins a fervent search for clues to his whereabouts. The elusive husband. Will this courageous, trusting bride ever find her beau? Or will Honora’s greatest fear come to pass and her innocent heart crushed and broken by a liar and a scoundrel? BOOK 2: The Merchant's Bride Selina Fuller decides to accept her best friend’s invitation to visit in Glendive, where she expects to find her already married and settled down. Instead she discovers that her friend’s fiancé is missing. Staying to help, her own heart gets torn apart when she falls in love with Malcolm Burns, but he seems to only have eyes for Honora Carson, her best friend. Does Selena dare reveal her true feelings? And will Malcolm recognize her love before it is too late? All the while, the search for Titus Ridge continues. The Elusive Groom series follows the incredible journey of Bride-to-be, Honora Carson, in her search for her missing groom. On arrival in Glendive, Montana, as a mail order bride, she is shocked to discover that Titus, her intended, has disappeared without explanation. Honara’s determined journey to find him takes her on a roller coaster ride of romance, where she finds herself embroiled in more than one love story along the way, before finally completing her own! Each book in the series is a wonderful standalone story, but be warned, once you read one you won’t be able to resist reading all of them!

Jesse James and the Secret Legend of Captain Coytus


Alex Mueck - 2013
    When a Harvard history professor receives a thesis paper titled Jesse James and the Secret Legend of Captain Coytus, from Ulysses Hercules Baxter-an underwhelming student-he assumes the paper must be a prank. He has never read such maniacal balderdash in his life. But after he calls a meeting with the student, Professor Gladstone is dismayed when Baxter declares the work is his own. As he takes a very unwilling Professor Gladstone back in time via his thesis, Baxter's grade hangs in the balance as he attempts to prove his theory. It is 1864 as philanderer and crusader Captain Coytus embarks on a mission to avenge his father's death and infiltrates the Confederate Bushwacker posse looking for the man responsible, Jesse Woodson James. Accompanied by the woman of his dreams, Coytus soon finds himself temporarily appointed to be the sheriff of Booneville and commissions his less-than-loyal deputy to help him carry out his plan. But when tragedy strikes, the Captain is forced to change his immature ways and redefine his lofty mission-more or less.

A Bride for Wesley - Book #6: Sons of Nora White Series


Cyndi Raye - 2018
    A historical western pioneer and frontier romance filled with secrets and romance. Wesley Young, twin brother to Russell, decides it's time for his own mail order bride. He doesn't really need a wife but decides to appease his mother, whose only wish is to see him happy and settled. He has no idea what he's getting into! Olivia Morris is determined to marry as a mail-order bride because of a broken promise from childhood and a secret wish she's held deep in her heart. They both have their own purpose in mind when they tie the knot but is it enough? Then there is that 30 day clause in the marriage contract. What will they choose? This historical western romance is like an old west romance, filled with pioneer and frontier happenings and adventures sure to keep you turning the page. This can be read as a stand alone, but be sure to collect the rest of the series, you won't be sorry! Disclosure: books 1-3 have a secret in it that can't be revealed until book #3. Sons of Nora White reading order #1 A Bride for Luke #2 A Bride for Adam #3 A Bride for Samuel #4 A Groom for Nora #5 A Bride for Russell #6 A Bride for Wesley #7 A Groom for Widow Young (coming soon)

A Scout for Skyler (Mail-Order Mama, #16)


Heather Blanton - 2021
    On his death bed, he announces he’s sending her off to become the mail-order bride of an army captain. His dying wish is that she make the man a good wife, be happy…and wear a dress once in a while.A recent widower, Captain Skyler Corbett is an arrogant Scotsman who believes women should have babies not opinions. Regardless, the last thing he needs is a wife. His daughter is coming of age, however, and friends argue she needs a woman’s influence.When the headstrong, unrefined and unexpected Priscilla Jones shows up, Corbett is not inclined to marry her. Ever. Priscilla agrees, firing back that the snooty Captain Corbett is no prize, either.It seems this arranged marriage is destined for the ash heap. Embers, though, do have a sneaky way of catching fire…

Jesse's Find


Penny Estelle - 2014
     He spies something hiding in the tall grass. His temper sizzles at the sight of a horse, dead from exertion, and is ready to string up the cowboy that has done this. What Jesse finds is no cowboy at all, but a woman who has been shot and an infant, both, he fears will not make it to his home alive. Jesse didn’t ask for this, but he knew he couldn’t turn his back on them. What he didn’t know was somebody wanted that woman dead and didn’t care who else had to die to get that job done.

TumbleStar


Sandra Cox - 2019
    Still reeling from the loss of his sister, he receives another shock when his childhood friend Randa Lockhart steps off the stage with his niece Kallie. He’s stunned to see that the little pigtailed nuisance that tagged after him, and his best friend, years ago has turned into a beautiful young woman. Randa and Kallie have barely settled in when Coop finds buffalo hunter Marvin Doolin beating the local blacksmith within an inch of his life for laming his horse. Coop steps in and when the buffalo hunter tries to kill him, shoots him. Now Doolin’s four brothers are out to even the score. When they go after Randa, they cross the line. They’re about to find out that’s there’s nothing Coop won’t do, and no one he won’t track down to protect the two females that have burrowed hard and fast into his heart.

The Second Chance Bride (A Love to Last a Lifetime Book 1)


Indiana Wake - 2018
    Can she ever hope to heal her wounds or is her life over? Read for FREE on Kindle Unlimited When young Grace Salter loses her husband on the Oregon Trail, she doesn’t think there’s anything worth living for. With nothing left she goes in search of a suitable profession. Josh Lacey is desperate. Having lost his wife he now struggles to control his distraught daughter. Once again he is looking for a housekeeper, once again he wonders if she will stay. The job is a life saver for Grace, but the real challenge is Janet, Josh’s eleven year old daughter. Janet is belligerent, difficult, and angry at the world and at Grace for the passing of her mother. Meanwhile, Grace and Josh’s strictly work relationship is developing into something more. Although both long to let their feelings be known, neither wish to disrupt their stable little worlds. When Grace finds she is expecting a new baby she is overjoyed to have something left of her late husband but terrified she will lose her job. The baby further complicates things but can love and faith overcome the deepest of divides? Find out in this sweet historical western romance with a guaranteed happy ending. Other Bestsellers from Indiana Wake The Jamestown Brides: Breaking the Chains of the Past Love’s Hardest Choice Love for the Warrior’s Heart Inspirational Western Brides: An Impossible Love The Broken-Hearted Bride The No-Good Cowboy and the Unwanted Baby Let Love In The Rancher’s Son – 2 book special edition Pioneer Brides of the Oregon Trail: Trinity’s Loss Carrie’s Trust Josie’s Dream Polly’s Choice Charlotte’s Wedding The Brides of Russets Reach: Strength from Within The Wrong Proposal A Leaf on the Breeze Love Will Find You This is just a few of the bestselling books by Indiana Wake scroll up now and grab this book to find out why.

A Wild Bride For The Wealthy Rancher: A Clean Western Historical Romance Novel


Daphne Barnes - 2021
    

A Desperate Christmas Bride for the Cold Hearted Rancher: Mail Order Bride Historical Romance (The Twelve Mail Order Brides of Christmas Book 3)


Emma Morgan - 2018
    She’s ready to make the best of her new life, but when faced with a gruff, uncaring husband and a lonely ranch in need of repair, she’s not sure she’s up to the task. Abraham knows life on his ranch is hard. In fact, it’s even scared off several brides already. While every man needs a wife to help with the home and children, he’s not sure what woman would want him to share it with. But when Cora's life is in danger, Abe is forced to admit what he knew all along, and find a way to open his heart to this kind and lovely woman.

Mail Order Bride: Brides and Orphans (Western Brides Sweet Romance Book 6)


Emily Woods - 2016
     A sweet western romance from #1 Bestselling author Emily Woods Follow the stories of three courageous women who travel West to find love. When orphaned children are mixed in, their love stories get more complex…and so much more beautiful. Will they embrace the extra love and start a truly loving family? Brides and Orphans is a clean western romance from #1 Bestselling author Emily Woods. If you like clean, historical fiction about women who risk everything for love as mail order brides, you will love the Western Brides Sweet Romance series from Emily Woods. Download Brides and Orphans and get lost in a sweet western romance today. Always FREE on Kindle Unlimited

Save Us a Seat


Fletcher McHale - 2013
    As the young wife of the much sought after and wealthy Jack Whitfield, Carrigan's days revolve around having fun with her best friends, Ella Rae and Laine, playing sandlot softball and juggling an affair...or two. But on an idyllic summer day, a shocking and unexpected discovery turns her 'perfect' life into a tumultuous storm and transforms a girl into a woman. Save Us a Seat is the endearing testament of a brutally honest, no holds barred and fiercely loyal friendship between three women. Ride the rollercoaster of emotions as the friends navigate the sometimes hilarious, often touching and always loyal road of friendship and the joys and trials it brings.

A Bride for the Texas Ranger


Charlotte Dearing - 2019
    He must, however, work a deal with her. She needs money to save her ranch and he needs access to the spring on her property. Seems simple, right? But nothing’s ever easy with Pearl. The woman is steely and stubborn, but she’s lovely too, with a carefully concealed, vulnerable side. As much as he tries not to notice, thoughts of Pearl distract him plenty. She stirs all sorts of protective notions. He yearns to shield her from the dangerous outlaws that lurk in the nearby canyons. When whispered rumors turn into deadly threats, Levi vows to do whatever it takes to keep Pearl safe.

Heart of a Family


Rita Hestand - 2014
    But now, four years later, she was out of money, and short on ideas. She had to form a plan. The only thing she could come up with was to find a husband that would help her. She'd never done anything so bold in her life.