She was bound for a prearranged marriage. Will she answer when the untamed West is her one chance at love and freedom?
Grayson Beckett’s life is rooted in duty and order. A steadfast U.S. Marshal, Grayson’s world is centered around his work and the promise of a quiet ranch life in Montana. Until his plans are upended when he’s tasked with ensuring a spoiled Southern socialite’s safe passage to a future she dreads.
Jolene Dixon is a rebellious young woman. The journey forced upon her by a self-absorbed father is fraught with danger and challenges. Determined to forge her own destiny, she believes she’s discovered an unlikely ally in a taciturn U.S. Marshal. Though they share a mutual yearning for something more, he’s hesitant to go against a lifetime of duty.
As they approach their destination, Jolene’s defiance against her arranged marriage turns to desperation. What will this mean for the fragile alliance between her and Grayson?
Can they truly break free from the constraints of their pasts? Will Jolene’s fight for freedom lead to a life she never imagined? Can Grayson reconcile his duty with his heart’s desire?
Montana Bound Marshal, a Prequel in the Montana Becketts – Wild Spirit Ranch Historical Western Romance series, is a novelette with an HEA and no cliffhanger.
Linda Knight (verified owner) –
A short but sweet romance of a Marshall escorting a young woman to an arranged marriage that she was not in favor of. She kept trying to figure ways out of the marriage, and he kept trying to reason with her of doing it the right way. Each mile closer to Denver from Savannah the closer they became romantically. Jolene was a strong willed woman determined to live life on her own terms. Grayson mainly did not want to see her run away making matters worse. An excellent read of thinking everything through, before you act. Great beginning for the new series.
Marlene Larsen (verified owner) –
Excellent introduction to a new series. A family of brothers with two sisters on a ranch in the hills of Montana. Each had special interests as they grew into responsible men. Grayson Beckett chose law and order so took on the job of U.S. Marshal. He had enough of this travel finding the worst of mankind and looked forward to returning to the ranch. One more job out of Savannah, Georgia, and he was done. Acting as escort, protector and lawman, he was to deliver a debutante to Denver. The catch was that she didn’t want to go into this arranged marriage to this much older man. Why had her father insisted she marry this man? Poor Grayson had his hands full with this stubborn gal as they traveled north, chaperone and all. Loved this prequel and I’m excited to read all about this Beckett family, way up north.
Rita Meston (verified owner) –
A lovely start to what I am sure will be another fantastic series. Jolene is travelling with her cousin, Dana as a chaperone, to meet a man twice her age that she has never met but that her father has arranged for her to marry. Marshal Grayson has been tasked with accompanying them to ensure they arrive safely. His last assignment before returning home to his family’s ranch in Montana. However, Jolene feels if she can escape during her travels, she will be able to create her own life for herself instead of being forced into a loveless marriage. Grayson persuades her that running away is not a solution and that she should contact her father to tell him she cannot go through with it. As they get closer during their travels, Grayson and Jolene realise that they have feelings for each other and that they can create a future together.
Bonnie Blackledge (verified owner) –
I love Shirleen’s books and am so excited that she’s starting another series. Montana Bound Marshall is the prequel to that series. Jolene is facing a future that she is unhappy with. She wants to be able to forge her own path and decide what she wants to do instead of being forced to marry a man that her father has chosen for her. This is a short book introducing us to the new series and I’m excited to read the book that shows Jolene’s future with Grayson (I hope!).