The Lassoed by Marriage Romance Collection: 9 Historical Romances Begin After Saying "I Do" 

by Angela Bell, Mary Connealy (Goodreads Author), Angela Breidenbach(Goodreads Author), Rebecca Jepson (Goodreads Author), Amy Lillard(Goodreads Author), Gina Welborn (Goodreads Author), Kathleen Y'Barbo(Goodreads Author), Rose Ross Zediker (Goodreads Author) 

• Paperback: 448 pages
• Publisher: Barbour Books 
• January 1, 2016
• ISBN-13: 978-1634091206

Come along on a romantic journey jam-packed with all the angst of marriages founded upon practical choices as well as coercion. Meet nine couples who barely know each other before they find themselves suddenly married—to please family, to stem the tide of gossip, to save the land—and joined for life. But can love grow when duty comes before romance? 

The Substitute Bride

Angela Bell

In a way, The Substitute Bride reminds me of the Biblical story of Jacob and Leah. Except, in this book Lord Elliot does not win his beautiful Cynthia, too. Instead he finds himself married to the ugly older sister and not quite sure how to proceed! His servants suggest that he should get to know Gwen, but Elliot has not the slightest interest in knowing her--until a horrific event shakes both of their worlds in the one place they mesh and they find themselves drawn together to save their personal, private retreats. The language was a bit formal, but probably true for the era in Britain. I enjoyed the story. Truly related to both Elliot and Gwen. 4.5 stars. 

Bridal Whispers

Angela Brieidenbach

Wow, wow, wow! This was a totally great book! Burton was a grieving widow and no thanks to gossips he was forced into a marriage he never wanted. Maila dreamed of marrying Benjamin and working as a nurse in St. Paul. A short trip home to help out her family after so many died ends in an unwanted marriage? She can't compete with Burton's first love--and he can't compete with hers. It was great watching them navigate the rocky ground and find the possibilities that could be. 5 stars. 

Mule Dazed

Lisa Carter

A cute and funny story about "Crazy Hair" and Brax who  grew up together, but she was the bane of his existence. When a simple mistake results with Brax and Harriet sharing a jail cell, Hattie's five brothers (named after the first five books of the Old Testament!) insist that he make an honest woman out of her. Forced to marry at gun-point, Brax only wants the judge to come and annul the wedding... Nothing new or exciting, but still funny and enjoyable. Several funny moments. I couldn't help but fall in love with these characters, though at time it felt a bit contrived. 4 stars. 

The Sweetwater Bride

Mary Connealy

A hidden valley containing a young woman all alone in the world are discovered by a young cattle rancher starting out on his own. Tanner thinks he  hears a woman scream so he goes to investigate. He discovers Debba who is so excited to see another human she latches on and pretty much won't let go. She won't let him leave but she won't go with him, so he hog-ties her and takes her to his mama. Except they are followed by a herd of long horns. A funny story that is unrealistic at times but that just adds to the humor. This really didn't have them finding love after marriage though as the collection claims. Still a decent story. Classic Mary Connealy. I enjoyed it. 4 stars. 

A Highbrook Hoodwink

Rebecca Jenson

This was a sweet, well-told story of a woman who made one mistake, her small son with no father (a result of the mistake) and the father's brother come to claim an heir to save his family's reputation and legacy. Henry is a (by his own admittance) a drunk and a gambler, yet he dares hold Katie in contempt. Both he and his mother treat her as nothing better than dirt. There is a very slight mystery in the story, A quick read, classic tale. 3 stars. 

Not So Pretty Penny

Amy Lillard

This is a totally sweet story of Penny and her crazy plan to buy a husband from the gallows. With only three to choose from, one too old, one too young, and one just right, she choses the obvious choice... but he is charged with murder! Wash (George Washington Bannock) is an adorable character that I couldn't help but love. And Penny, the poor dear. I wanted to hug her and remind her of the verse that says beauty is vain. . .  She is truly lovely on the inside which is what matters. 4.5 stars. 

All's Fair

Gina Welborn

A family feud - think Hatfields and McCoys. Two very different people marry--just to get out of jail after yet another family rumble in the middle of downtown. Jack is a doctor who wants to stay in town. Coral wants nothing more than to leave. Despite both families  coming to blows, somehow they manage to find a little common ground but is it enough to stay together? Jack's temper and disregard for Coral's feelings say otherwise. But on the other hand, Coral is mighty demanding at times. A truly good story. 4 stars.

The Colorado Coincidence

Kathleen Y'Barbo

Another wow story. Mack is an illegitimate son of a Duke, on the run for his life. Gloree (love her name) is a recent widow. Her husband promised to send someone to take care of her when he died, and when Mack shows off during a gunfight where she's defending her land and herself, she marries him. Brilliant resolution to this story. Moments of intrigue are mixed with romance. A very sweet story.  4.5 stars. 

Railroaded into Love

Rose Ross Zediker

A very sweet story of a missionary preacher who has been selected to travel on a chapel railroad car to preform funeral services, church services, and weddings. (I'd like to find out more about this type of ministry and how common it was). He finds himself married to save a once-upon-a-time neighbor from jail. His brother is spouting nonsense about her brother being a cattle rustler and abandoning her at a saloon. A very cute story that has several twists. Enjoyed it. 4.5 stars. 

4.22 stars average for the collection. Recommended.