"In the wake of his parents’ murder, Matthew Graham must take the reins at the Circle Eight. He also needs to find a wife in just thirty days, or risk losing it all. Plain but practical, Hannah Foley seems the perfect bride for him . . . until after the wedding night.
Their marriage may make all the sense in the world, but neither one anticipates the jealousies that will result, the treacherous danger they’re walking into, or the wildfire of attraction that will sweep over them, changing their lives forever."
Type: Historical Romance (1836), Western
Heat: 3 out of 5
Rating: 4 out of 5
Also Writes As: Beth Williamson (erotica)
Matthew is a very sweet historical western about a young family of brothers and sisters that have been through hell and are fighting their way back after the murder of their parents months earlier. You can't help but feel for the characters Lang creates or keep from falling in love with them just a little bit. They're hard working, passionate and doing their best as they struggle to accept their new lives.
I really liked both Matthew and Hannah. As the new head of the household Matthew's dealing with tremendous responsibilities and desperately needs a wife to keep from losing land his family needs.You could really feel his frustration and how overwhelmed he was with life. Barely hanging on and fighting to stay in control of everything. Luckily he meets Hannah who desperately wants what Matthew can give her but doesn't think she'll ever get...a family of her own. I loved Hannah and watching her grow as a character. She really struggles to find her place in a new family that's not all that accepting of her but she finds an inner strength, courage and determination that's amazing. I also really liked that she wasn't the conventional/proper little Miss and had a thing for cussing and speaking up for herself.
She put her foot in the stirrup and tried to boost herself into the saddle.I loved how their marriage of convenience turned into so much more. It was very touching to see these two create a life together, to actually fall in love and find comfort in one another. There were some definite bumps and awkward moments along the way and more than once I wanted to pinch Matthew for his wavering feelings/actions towards Hannah but even then I could understand his reluctance and inner turmoil.
Matt put his hands on her behind and pushed her up.
"Oh shit!" The curse popped out of her mouth fast and hard. Matt barely had time to react before she did it again as she landed on the saddle. "Son of a bitch."
She turned to look at him, this time not hiding her pinkened cheeks. "Oh my God."
Matt did the only thing he could think of. He threw back his head and laughed. "Hannah, I can't even begin to tell you how glad I am you married me."
"I, uh, do tend to cuss sometimes," she confessed.
"Me, too." He patted her thigh. "We're going to be just fine Hannah Graham."
The unsolved murder of the Graham parents also came into play. Bringing Texas Ranger Brody, danger and betrayal into the mix. I liked that while part of the mystery is dealt with not everything was tied up all nice and tidy and I'm guessing will carry on into the rest of the series. The mystery wasn't too shocking but it was still interesting to watch how things unfolded and see the truth come out.
This was my first time reading Emma Lang and I gotta say I thoroughly enjoyed the experience. If you have a thing for cowboys, historicals or just sweet love stories you'll want to check this one out. I know I'm hooked on the series and already swooning a bit over Texas Ranger Brody who is the hero of book 2.
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Do you have a favorite Cowboy series? Ever read a cowboy historical?
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To celebrate this weeks release of next Circle 8 book, BRODY, we're giving away a paperback copy of MATTHEW to one lucky follower and a bunch of swag!
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