Fiery Bride (Matchmaker and Co., #3)

by Cynthia Woolf

[Lindsey Gray]

This is the third installment in the Matchmaker & Co series. I was introduced into the Western/Historical Romance genre when I read the second book in the series, “Heiress Bride”. This series has left me hungry for more and I hope it will be continued.

In this installment, it is the matchmaker’s turn to be a possible bride. Margret “Maggie” Selby was the matchmaker for the two women in the first two books. When the would-be bride she is forced to accompany to Colorado from New York City falls in love on the train ride, Maggie is pressured into taking drastic measures.

Caleb Black kept refusing every bride’s portfolio Maggie sent to him because the matchmaker herself had captivated him. With a ranch to run and a seven-year-old daughter to raise, Caleb needs a wife and he lets Maggie know the instant she arrives alone that she is whom he wants.

Maggie agrees to fill a wife-like roll on his ranch until she can find him a suitable bride. Once she realizes the man from the letters is as amazing in person, she knows she is in for heartache.

I love how Woolf writes the strong-willed Maggie. The story begins in April of 1871. In that era, marriage meant ownership and the widow Maggie was not willing to let another man own her. Woolf gives Maggie quite a challenge with Caleb and I thoroughly enjoyed their lively banter.

Once Caleb and Maggie get their act somewhat together, Woolf creates some steamy period love scenes. A romp in the hay loft has never seemed so intriguing.

I don’t know if this is the last in the series, but I do hope Woolf continues with it. If not, I will be sure to read what she releases in the future. She has made me a true fan of the genre.

Thank you to Cynthia Woolf and Black Lion Book Tours for offering me a copy of “Fiery Bride” in exchange for an honest review. I am honored to be part of this tour and share my love of this delightfully sinful series.