Title: Blue Beard
Author: Barri Bryan
Published in 2006 by New Concepts Publishing
Genre: Story/Sensual Spicy/Humorous
ISBN: N/A
Other books by Barri: Caanan MailOrder Bride
Mavis Maureen Donovan was a prostitute in one of the fanciest brothels in New Orleans, but one thing about Mavis, she had a pure heart even though her reputation was a bit blemished. Even though she was employed in one of the oldest profession, it wasn’t by choice. At the early age of sixteen she had fallen prey to such hardship. Five years later, fate happens to fall on her doorstep when Dennis enters her life making things a bit easier. When the Reverend Dennis Douglas went to preach to the poor incarcerated souls at the jail, one look at Mavis, and immediately he knew she was the one. Three months later, he wishes to take care of her problems, so they wed, and he moves her into the lovely parsonage behind the church building.
To Mavis, Dennis offered her protection and security, something she didn’t have. They had two lovely daughters, even though some thought that they really didn’t belong to Dennis since the colorization of the hair, among other things didn’t really favor Dennis. Either way Abigail and Beatrice were lovely girls. Everything appeared to go well for Mavis until one spring night; Dennis ventured out to check on an ailing parishioner only to never return. Mavis waited and waited but some suspect that he met foul play. Others felt he just moved on down the road. Either way the elders of the church told Mavis to leave. Mavis had no other place to go but the elders assured, God would provide, so they cast her to the street.
Tobias Perkins is nasty as all get out in the whole land of Cross Bone County, not to mention the ugliest man in the county. He has land as far as the eye can see, cattle practically coming out of his ears, and whatever doesn’t belong to him, he holds the mortgage. Tobias may be a wealthy man but he is lonely and never satisfied. One thing he demands is respect and he will not tolerate anyone talking behind his back. He likes to be referred to as Bluebeard since he feels being as ugly as a bucktoothed buzzard, with a sinister bluebeard that no amount of shaving will eliminate, he will never generate the respect he requires. Hank Heartly, his rugged handsome foreman, and Wesley Wiseman, his charming and clever bookkeeper, normally accompany him where he goes. When Hank informs there are squatters at the old cabin, Tobias immediately tells him to get over there and run them off his land.
Mavis, considers herself a widow, with no one but her two daughters, so she hitches the mule and wagon, loads their belongings and she and her two daughters, Bea and Abby, head west. The trip is long but they continue on until one day Abby spots a cabin where they take refuge. After staying for a while they fear they may get caught, but one day leads into another then another. All they wanted was a place to call home and a roof over their head. Mavis could tell the cabin was a shack most likely used by cowhands but it didn’t matter, it was home to them. One day someone drops by who seems to be a bit of an enigma, even with the name of Rump L. Stilskin, with some sheep, who stays for a while, who Mavis finds a bit odd.
When he suddenly slips away, leaving his sheep behind, Mavis take the sheep and what money is left, where he had paid her in advance to stay, and decides to think of a way to put it to good use. The daughters believe that they might be considered squatters but Mavis assures they are only there temporary until one day the owner most likely will arrive. That one day happens when Wesley and Hank decide to go shoot up the place, not only running the women off but killing all the sheep. Of course they never imagined the women to be stark naked taking a bath which only set their minds thinking of other possibilities. In no time sparks fly between Hank, Wesley, Abby and Bea, but Tobias is furious that the women are still on his land, and wants them thrown out immediately. Of course Mavis has her own skills of persuasion that she plans to work on Tobias to change his whole lookout on a good many things, but when Rump decides to make another appearance, it seems he has tricks up his sleeve. Now Mavis has her hands full trying to cipher how to make a life, not only for her daughters, but one for her, too.
I found Blue Beard to be a delicious romping tale. There are so many colorful casts in this story with some delightful twists and turns, and humorous moments that it is hard to put down. It is like a different sort of fairy-tale that keeps moving along at a steady pace to keep the readers interest. Mavis and her daughters are really whimsical in their actions. Bea and Abby are great cast against Hank and Wesley, who ooze with heated chemistry.
Barri Bryan takes individuals and creates different personalities that leap from the pages. Mavis and her daughters weave an interesting dialogue in their journey as well as a blended courtship that is most alluring. I was fascinated by this tale never expecting something so witty and enchanting, so enticingly erotic that was an enjoyable read. Even Tobias was a character that was quite interesting. I always know when I pick up a book by Barri Bryan that I will never be disappointed.
Sincerely good reading,
Linda
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