A pregnant Lila Scott had no idea that trying to escape the man chasing her, would cause her to enter the year 1882, simply by driving through a tunnel. She has no idea of how she got to that year but desperately wants to return home to the 21st century so she can have her baby in a hospital. Now she is stuck, both in an unfamiliar year, and facing a ghost, of a man, who is wonderfully chiseled, yet in no time getting on her last nerve. It is bad enough she is already edgy, for fear of being killed by a madman on her trail. Still she can't help but find this ghost a bit charming. Steven, 'Skeeter,' Quinter has been a ghost since the age of twenty-three and has found it boring. He has never been a bad person and had no idea why this had to happen to him. He misses his family and remembers how his pa would say he was pesky as a mosquito when he was growing up, giving him the nickname, Skeeter. Since becoming a ghost, he has been given enough time to fully examine the old house in which he dwells. When Lila enters his life and can actually hear him talking, he almost finds it a blessing. As they begin spending more time together, Lila and Skeeter begin to see each other differently even more so, when Skeeter is reunited with his family. Can the two find romance with each other while Lila fears for her life? Wishing to return to the present and not be killed by an abuser pursuing her, what fate will Lila choose?

Badland Bride is absolutely charming and one story that this reader couldn't put down. Lauri Robinson paints a very descriptive tale that allows the audience to visualize the complete story of Lila and Skeeter. The imagery of it all is truly captivating. The characters became friends to this reader; ones that this reader will indeed never forget. I love how Ms. Robinson sculpts her players into robust and vivacious people with problems that they face, with a way to navigate through all of them. A wide range of emotions were distributed well throughout the book. The expressions with Lila and hearing about the Indians were priceless, as well as many other acts in the story. This story truly leaves a lasting impression branded in the heart. Honestly, I could almost see through to the heart and soul of Skeeter in this well-executed read from beginning to end, and a cover that is lovely.

Reviewed by: Linda L.