Book Review: Texas On My Mind

 

Author: Delores Fossen

Title: Texas On My Mind

Publisher: HQN Books

Publish Date: Feb 23, 2016

Buy: Amazon

Book Blurb: 

The McCord Brothers are the most eligible bachelors in Spring Hill, Texas. But these cowboys are about to get wrangled by the love of some very special women—the kind who can melt hearts and lay it all on the line.

Air force Captain Riley McCord has come home on medical leave to find one heck of a welcome reception. Every unattached woman in Spring Hill, Texas, wants to nurse him back to health. That includes his childhood friend Claire Davidson—the only person who understands how damaged he really feels. In high school, she chose his best friend over him. According to Riley's rules, that should make her off-limits forever. But when Claire suggests a no-strings fling, he can't refuse.

Claire always wanted Riley—but she also craved the safety and stability he couldn't offer. So she chose another path, only to end up crazier about him than ever. She's even convinced herself that this time she won't be devastated when he leaves. Yet once Riley realizes the depth of Claire's feelings—and his own—he'll have to make the ultimate choice: return to the job he loves or stay home for the woman who's always lived in his heart.

Review: 

I'm seriously burned out on romance and this book didn't help matters. I'm not sure which killed romance more for me the main story aka Riley and Claire or the short story at the end Heath/Anna.

Either story combines the good ole boys that annoy me the most in reading, Cowboys and Super Military Dudes.

Groan.

Too much testosterone.

Oh and in Texas on my Mind there's the matter of Claire and her mommy issues, which are a big thing, as well as who the father of her son, Ethan is.

Truth be told, I started skimming at the end of the book and I'm not even sure if we got closure on Ethan's daddy.

The problem with this story for me is it just felt like so many other plot lines for the hero. Military guy suffers an injury and may end up having to become a civilian, and perish the thought, he might have to live like the rest of the world.

Nothing pulled me in here, which is why it took forever for me to read it. There wasn't even a lot of conflict other than the two exes that were really in the middle of the book. Nothing, and I do mean nothing made this book stand out for me.

The writing was fine. The characters were likable. Ethan was probably the best of the bunch. He was just adorable, but all young kids are in stories, at least for me. I wish I could say this was a great book, but for me it just fell flat.

Rating: 3 flowers

Book Review: The Sweetest Burn

Author: Jeaniene Frost

Title: The Sweetest Burn

Publisher: HQN

Publish Date: June 17, 2017

Buy:  Amazon

Book Blurb: 

The breathtaking second novel in New York Times bestselling author Jeaniene Frost's Broken Destiny series finds Ivy and Adrian rekindling their alliance—and passion—as the struggle for the fate of the world begins…

Conquering a supernatural realm turned out to be easier than getting over a broken heart. But her initial victory has made Ivy a target for revenge, forcing her to reunite with the dangerous—and dangerously sexy—Adrian. Ivy isn't sure which will be harder: finding the hallowed weapon that will repair the crumbling walls between the demon and human realms, or resisting Adrian, who's decided that come hell or high water, he will make Ivy his.

At first, Adrian tried to resist his feelings for Ivy. Now, determined to break the curse that dooms their love, he's vowed to save her and to have her. If only he can persuade her to forgive his past sins. But defying destiny—and surrendering to the smoldering desire between them—will bring consequences and sacrifices they never imagined…

Review: 

This is why you don't read books based on the cover. I really was expecting a lot from this book but it didn't really deliver for me.

Ivy is the last Davidian (the good guy) and Adrian is a half demon. (the baddies) They have a history and it seems to be a very boring one. And yes these two are in love...but have been apart and yada yada yada.

The most exciting bits of the story involve the gargoyle Brutus that is glamorized as a seagull whenever he can be seen by humans. Brutus was the only thing I liked about this book.

I expected more action or something but really the story plodded along and well there weren't even many good steamy bits between Ivy and Adrian to justify my reading this. And when the action did happen it felt so half hearted that it just left me feeling very meh about the story.

Ivy was a spunky heroine, but she had nothing to go on. I wasn't even sure why she was "so" in love with Adrian, as he was really a cardboard character.

I wanted to read something to get me out of my comfort zone a bit with this one and the blurb promised so much more than it delivered. I mean demon realms and all that. It sounded exciting at first. Then, it really made me wish I were reading any of the Twilight series. OK? So you know for me this book didn't work.

Rating: 2 flowers

Book Review: Unbroken Cowboy

Author: Maisey Yates
Title: Unbroken Cowboy
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: April 23, 2019
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: In Gold Valley, Oregon, forbidden love just might be the sweetest…

Dane Parker traded in his trailer-park roots for glory as a bull rider. But when a serious injury sidelines him for months, it’s the first time he can’t just pull himself up by his bootstraps. The last thing he wants to deal with is sweet family friend Bea treating him like one of her wounded animals—or the unexpected attraction that suddenly flares between them.

Beatrix Leighton has loved Dane for years, while he’s always seen her as another sister. When she enlists his help to start her animal sanctuary, she thinks it will give him purpose. Instead, it brings all the desire she feels for him to the boiling point. Bea’s father taught her early on that love means loss. But could her forbidden crush turn into a love that will last a lifetime?

Review:  I have mixed feelings about this book. For the most part, even with the sex between Beatrix and Dane that doesn't happen until halfway through the book, this is a sweet read. Bea is adorable, until she has sex with Dane.

Allow me to explain. She's a poor little rich girl with a lot of issues because of family stuff. (To say anymore would be a spoiler) She's crushed on Dane and is a 24 year old virgin as a result.

REALLY! WTF!

This is a trope I'm getting sick of.

Pine....pine...pine over one guy...never knowing or getting involved with anyone...because that one crush has just spoiled you for the whole world.

Uh...NO!

I can deal with the virginity thing if this were a Christian based novel..but nope..not that.

And Dane is a rodeo rider who got pretty messed up..and Bea is taking care of him because he's quasi- family. Her brother was married to his sister.....

Is your head spinning yet?

Dane has spent his life working to be something and to make something to prove that he's important to his dad, who he hasn't seen since he was 13.

There's a lot of Daddy issues in this book, did I mention that?

Dane is also pretty grumpy, but his situation warrants it really. He's in pain and he's fighting with himself over what he can actually do now that his career may be over.

But the two get together and things should be happy happy joy joy. Right?

No that's not how romance works..there must be conflict.

Only the conflict made me want to beat Bea with a stick or a crowbar or drop an anvil on her head.

These two characters both had a pity party theme about them that drove me a little bit nuts at times.  Bea was sweet though, and I loved that she was a caring animal lover. I adored Evan, the panty thieving, Cheerio eating raccoon. Even Dane, grumpy though he was, wasn't as bad boy as he might seem.

It was a good enough read, but definitely not something that stood out for me.

Rating: 3 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Lone Star Christmas

About Lone Star Christmas: Cowboy Christmas Eve (A Coldwater Texas Novel)

Series: A Coldwater Texas Novel (Book 1)

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: HQN; Original edition (October 1, 2018)
Synopsis:

A family crisis brings him home…

Just in time for Christmas

Cattleman Callen Laramie has no intention of returning to his hometown of Coldwater, Texas, until a Christmas wedding and a family secret convince him he has no choice. And when he’s reunited with his childhood crush, the girl who’d always been off-limits, Callen knows leaving might not be so easy this time.

Shelby McCall is as pretty as a Christmas snowfall, and Callen wants to kiss her under the mistletoe…and the Christmas tree…and the stars. But once Shelby knows the whole truth behind this homecoming, will their holiday fling come to an abrupt end? Or will she accept the gift of his heart?

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review: I have go to authors when it comes to certain types of books and when it comes to cowboys, it is always Delores Fossen. I was totally excited to see that she had written a holiday themed book, because those are my favorite types of books. Ever since I was in junior high, if there was a holiday romance, I wanted to read it.

Shelby and Callen have a relationship that was a long time in coming.  They both had a crush on each other back when Callen was a foster at Shelby's family ranch. Their relationship is steamier than what I'm used to in Delores' books, in fact it seems that their relationship is all about sex. Love is declared, but there is no reason for it. There's no reason why they love each other, they just have good sex and that didn't even happen until midway through the book.

This book comes complete with a Christmas wedding and some super quirky characters, including a trench coat wearing flasher named Gopher. He was one the funniest parts of the book, along with Rosy, the cake toppers and the plethora of bridesmaids.

This book also has its share of family secrets and illness. It wasn't the easiest read for me at the current time of my life especially as the illness didn't seemed to be handled according to procedure. The mass, Buck had on his lung would not have been removed without a biopsy done first. I hate when medical stuff is off in books, mostly because I've dealt with so many illnesses from my parents that I know my stuff.

Then there's Rosy, Buck's intended. As a first book in a series, I wish I had more knowledge of the dad and Rosy, because even though she was sweet, she drove me bonkers. I wanted to know how they got together and why at this point in their lives they decided to take a walk down the aisle in such a big way.

Like Delores' other books her characters are all flawed individuals. Buck fostered Callen and his brothers years ago. Callen was the one brother that flew the coop. Again, I wish there was more back story given. Though some of it shows up to add a little drama at the end of the book.

I felt that there was much more that needed to be clarified and it needed more romance instead of jump your bones sex because Callen and Shelby just didn't feel like they were a forever kind of romance.

This wasn't the way I'd want to start a new series, but I do hope Callen's other brothers get more interesting stories, with better romance.

Rating: 3 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: When We Found Home

Author: Susan Mallery
Title: When We Found Home
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: July 10, 2018
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: 
Becoming a family will take patience, humor, a little bit of wine and a whole lot of love...


Life is meant to be savored, but that's not easy with no family, limited prospects and a past you'd rather not talk about. Still, Callie Smith doesn't know how to feel when she discovers she has a brother and a sister--Malcolm, who grew up with affection, wealth and privilege, and Keira, a streetwise twelve-year-old. Callie doesn't love being alone, but at least it's safe. Despite her trepidation, she moves into the grand family home with her siblings and grandfather on the shores of Lake Washington, hoping just maybe this will be the start of a whole new life.


But starting over can be messy. Callie and Keira fit in with each other, but not with their posh new lifestyle, leaving Malcolm feeling like the odd man out in his own home. He was clever enough to turn a sleepy Seattle mail-order food catalog into an online gourmet powerhouse, yet he can't figure out how to help his new sisters feel secure. But affection isn't Malcolm's strong suit...until a beautiful barista teaches him that an open heart, like the family table, can always make room for more.


In this emotional, humorous and heartfelt story, Susan Mallery masterfully explores the definition of a modern family--blended by surprise, not by choice--and how those complicated relationships can add unexpected richness to life

Review: This was a book that I fell in love with from the minute I started reading it. There aren't many books like that, so finding one always brings me joy.

I just instantly fell in love with all the characters, they were just so lovable, especially Keira and Callie. Those two were so broken and in need of real love and a real family.

Malcolm was quirky and lovable in his own way. Santiago was an Italian Superman. Really the characters couldn't get much better than that. I have to admit though, that the teenage Keira stole the show more often than not. She was perfection. An adult in a teenage body. I loved her observations, especially when talking to Malcolm.

The story is really a fairy tale. A grandfather bringing together the illegitimate children of his son, who has passed on.  Malcolm, Callie and Keira are such a dysfunctional lot on first glance. Malcolm is the lucky one, as he has been with his grandfather the longest. His two newly discovered sisters need more nurturing.

I loved the romances that built between Malcolm and Delaney and Callie and Santiago. These were light romances that perfectly fit with the story, though the sex scenes felt a bit much for the type of book this was. Santiago was a great foil to Malcolm. The two men were friends since college and both so very different.

It is funny because I liked Malcolm better than Santiago, because Santiago was too perfect and Malcolm, just kept trying and failing and with the ladies, Callie was really the more likable of the two, though Delaney was a nice enough woman, it was just her issues seemed so trivial in comparison to everyone else's. Delaney also came across as selfish especially at the end. Her actions towards Malcolm made me want to slap her simple.

The climatic events in Callie's life were a bit predictable for me, but that didn't detract from a perfect story.

This was an absolute winner for me. I love Susan Mallery!

Rating 5 flowers

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TLC Book Tours Book Reviews: Moonlight Over Manhattan

About Moonlight Over Manhattan

Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (November 28, 2017)

Sarah Morgan is back with more love and laughter in her acclaimed series, From Manhattan With Love, which Publishers Weekly calls a “sweep-you-off-your-feet romantic experience.” 

Determined to conquer a lifetime of shyness, Harriet Knight challenges herself to do one thing a day in December that scares her, including celebrating Christmas without her family. But when dog walker Harriet meets her newest client, exuberant spaniel Madi, she adds an extra challenge to her list—dealing with Madi’s temporary dog sitter, gruff doctor Ethan Black, and their very unexpected chemistry.

Ethan thought he was used to chaos, until he met Madi—how can one tiny dog cause such mayhem? To Ethan, the solution is simple—he will pay Harriet to share his New York apartment and provide twenty-four-hour care. But there’s nothing simple about how Harriet makes him feel.

Ethan’s kisses make Harriet shine brighter than the stars over moonlit Manhattan. But when his dog-sitting duties are over and Harriet returns to her own home, will she dare to take the biggest challenge of all—letting Ethan know he has her heart for life, not just for Christmas?

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Connect with Sarah

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Review: 

Favorite Quotes: She took a cautious sip ad closed her eyes. "How could anyone not like it? This is a hug in a mug. Comfort in a cup."

"Because you're irritable, shouty and you think you know it all."

 Lately I've not been loving romance novels. I was scared that my disappointment would find its way to Sarah Morgan's latest, but THANK GOD! it was fabulous. It was really beyond fabulous.

Sarah's books are like the stars in the sky, the are sparkly little things that bring joy into a dark world. 

Harriet and Ethan are just wonderful. Am I gushing? Of course, I am. This is a Sarah Morgan book and it just made my day, and reminded me that there are still some good romances out there.

Harriet is such an fabulous character. I love how good she is. How could she not be, she's a dog walker. But she's more than that, she cares about people. That is the same for ER doctor, Ethan.

Both characters have their flaws; Harriet has issues with strangers and stutters, Ethan is an overworked ER doctor with a failed marriage.

The strengths each character possesses helps the other grow. Without Ethan, Harriet wouldn't gain the courage to step beyond her comfort zones. I loved her "Challenge Harriet." it is something many of us could grow from. (Though maybe not climbing out restaurant windows because of a bad date) Ethan learns how to bring his "human" side out and start feeling again. I especially loved how he came to care for his sister's dog, Madie.

Of course the O'Neill's are back, and it is nice to have a brief visit with them in this book as well. I love Snow Crystal. I always find myself longing to visit this fictional destination when its featured in one of Sarah's books.

This is must read book for romance lovers and a perfect read for the Christmas season.

Rating: 5 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Christmastime Cowboy

About Christmastime Cowboy

• Series: Copper Ridge
• Mass Market Paperback: 480 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (October 24, 2017)

It’s Christmas in Copper Ridge, and love is waiting to be unwrapped… 

Falling for a bad boy once is forgivable. Twice would just be foolish. When Sabrina Leighton first offered her teenage innocence to gorgeous, tattooed Liam Donnelly, he humiliated her, then left town. The hurt still lingers. But so does that crazy spark. And if they have to work together to set up her family winery’s new tasting room by Christmas, why not work him out of her system with a sizzling affair?

Thirteen years ago, Liam’s boss at the winery offered him a bribe—leave his teenage daughter alone and get a full ride at college. Convinced he wasn’t good enough for Sabrina, Liam took it. Now he’s back, as wealthy as sin and with a heart as cold as the Oregon snow. Or so he keeps telling himself. Because the girl he vowed to stay away from has become the only woman he needs, and this Christmas could be just the beginning of a lifetime together…

Purchase Links

Amazon | Books-A-Million | Barnes & Noble

Review: I'm a fan of Maisey Yates and Christmas romances. (I've been a sucker for Christmas romances since I was in high school)

I have some mixed feelings about this book, because it falls under a that "I never got over this guy in an insane number of years" thing going on, which is something that I've been having a huge problem with lately. The worst part was Sabrina holding on to her virginity for 13 years. I can't deal with 30 year old virgins. I just can't. That was a big issue for me with this book. It just didn't feel realistic for me.

That aside, Maisey delivers with character that you feel instantly connected to and that includes the secondary characters as well. (If you've read any of Copper Ridge series, you'll know Liam's brothers and their significant others). Liam''s brothers provide a lot of levity in this book, since there are so many things everyone seems to be going through.

I loved Liam. He was a bad boy and a bad boy with a real crappy childhood. Actually crappy is a pretty mild description for how bad he had it growing up.

I didn't feel the love that I wanted to feel for Sabrina. Even the way she treated her friend Olivia, who was having relationship woes of her own, made me want to give her a shake. I mean, I felt really sorry for Olivia.

I love the dialogue in Maisey's books. There's a scene with Liam and his brother's and they are talking about his love life, and it is just hilarious. This is what makes her books stand out. These guys sound real. Yes, there's the romantic fantasy, but there's a hearty dose of reality too. Except of course for that virginity thing. Grrr.

I liked that Maisey gave Sabrina some resolution with her father, though it seemed a little too easy coming.

This wasn't the usual Christmas romance. In fact, it didn't feel Christmasy at all to me. The holiday just seemed to be a backdrop for the new venture that brought Sabrina and Liam together.

I enjoyed this read, just not as much as I have others by Maisey.

Rating: 4 flowers

About Maisey Yates

New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Maisey Yates lives in rural Oregon with her three children and her husband, whose chiseled jaw and arresting features continue to make her swoon. She feels the epic trek she takes several times a day from her office to her coffee maker is a true example of her pioneer spirit.

In 2009, at the age of twenty-three Maisey sold her first book. Since then it’s been a whirlwind of sexy alpha males and happily ever afters, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. Maisey divides her writing time between dark, passionate category romances set just about everywhere on earth and light sexy contemporary romances set practically in her back yard. She believes that she clearly has the best job in the world.

Connect with Maisey

Website | Facebook | Twitter

Blog Tour: Call To Engage

About Call to Engage:

Title: Call To Engage

Author: Tawny Weber

Publisher: Harlequin

Release Date: June 27, 2017

Series: Team Poseidon

Genres: Contemporary Romance/Romantic Suspense/Military Romance

ISBN: (Digital) 9781460397886
ISBN: (Print) 9780373801961

Lieutenant Elijah Prescott should be spending his precious leave somewhere with sun, surf and scantily clad women. Instead, he's heading home with two goals in mind. Figure out exactly how his last assignment went to hell and almost killed him—and reconnect with the woman who might offer salvation.

Ava Monroe has streamlined her life, eliminating every source of pain—including a marriage touched by tragedy. One glimpse of her ex and those good intentions turn to bad-girl desires. Her strategy: get over Elijah by getting under him again, sating herself until she can finally let go. But as betrayal within the rank of the SEALs turns deadly, there's no denying that her heart and her life are on the line. Elijah is the only man who can protect both…

Add to your TBR list: Goodreads

Available: Amazon | Harlequin | Kobo | B&N | iBooks

Review: Tawny Weber is known for writing stories with sexy Navy SEALs. I  have read many of them that were part of the Harlequin Blaze line. This is the second book in the Team Poseidon series. Uh, not sure how I missed the first book, but I did. Bad me!

This is a novel of second chances. (God I've been reading a lot of these lately) Elijah and Ava were married before and they are very different people now, but they still have feelings for each other. Ava is now working in a gym. Ava reminded me a little of one of Tawny's past heroines with that career choice. If you've read her Uniformly Hot series, Ava reminded me of Livi.

Ava and Elijah are very hot when they are together. Tawny makes those scenes full of spice and steam. I wish I could say I loved Ava, but she wasn't quite my favorite heroine. She's the type of person, I know I'd avoid in real life, not that she would't be a nice person, but she was way to "health conscious" for me. Definitely suitable for a Navy SEAL wife, but not for someone's BFF.

Her back story with Elijah is a pretty sad one, which is why I couldn't hate her. Her family was controlling and she really didn't find her inner strength until after their relationship dissolved and she lost a child while married to Elijah.

The driving force of this story was the mission involving the dirty SEAL and the possibility that another member of Poseidon might be bad as well.

The rekindling romance of Ava and Elijah was a little ho hum for my tastes, it just happened, with a small amount of conflict, but not enough to make that part of the story interesting enough for me. It was more, Elijah is back..and boom...they are falling back into things together.

I enjoyed this book, especially getting to know Elijah's team members. I can't wait to read this next book. (and the first)

Rating: 4 flowers

About Tawny Weber:

New York Times and USA TODAY Bestselling author of more than forty books, Tawny Weber loves writing about sexy heroes, most notably her popular Navy SEALs series. Her sassy, emotional romances are filled with men dedicated to being the best—and women determined to have the best. Tawny credits her ex-military alpha husband for inspiration in her writing, and in her life. The recipient of numerous writing accolades, including Romantic Times Reviewers Choice and in addition to the NY Times and USA Today bestseller lists, Tawny has also hit the number one spot on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.

A homeschooling mom, Tawny enjoys scrapbooking, gardening and spending time with her family and dogs in her Northern California home.

Connect with Tawny: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest | Goodreads

TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Lady Traveler's Guide To Scoundrels and Other Gentlemen

Author: Victoria Alexander
Title: The Lady Travelers Guide to Scoundrels & Other Gentlemen
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: May 23, 2017
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: Embark on the breathtaking romantic adventures of The Lady Travelers Society in the brand-new series by #1 New York Times bestselling author Victoria Alexander

Really, it's too much to expect any normal man to behave like a staid accountant in order to inherit the fortune he deserves to support the lifestyle of an earl. So when Derek Saunders's favorite elderly aunt and her ill-conceived—and possibly fraudulent—Lady Travelers Society loses one of their members, what's a man to do but step up to the challenge? Now he's escorting the world's most maddening woman to the world's most romantic city to find her missing relative.

While India Prendergast only suspects his organization defrauds gullible travelers, she's certain a man with as scandalous a reputation as Derek Saunders cannot be trusted any farther than the distance around his very broad shoulders. As she struggles not to be distracted by his wicked smile and the allure of Paris, instead of finding a lost lady traveler, India just may lose her head, her luggage and her heart.

Review:  Finally a historical romance that isn't totally an adventure romance. I've read a lot of Stephanie Laurens recently and though she is a wonderful writer, traveling the high seas in every book can get tiresome.

I was quite happy that the traveling in this book was on "the continent".

India is the perfect heroine for this type of novel.  She's spunky, smart, bookish and has no desire to wed, because she feels she's not attractive.  Her cousin Heloise is traveling and gone missing.

Derek is the nephew of one of the lady's who run the semi-shady traveling group.

India and Derek end up looking for Heloise.

India is a bit hard to take at times. Not that she's unlikable, just more than a bit stuffy. She feels more like a Regency heroine, rather than one from Victorian England.

The time they spent in Paris is quite fun, as we see India becoming a little less proper. Trust me, she needed to be a little less proper. She becomes much more likable and even a little fun.

She's the type of woman that is prim, proper and doesn't care too much for fashion. How can you be in Paris and not care for fashion? And she didn't like the Eiffel Tower! Oh my!

I adored this story. It did start out a little slowly. (That seems to be the typical way Historical's seem to go these days, especially as they have to be 400 pages long these days)

Derek and India's relationship progressed slowly, but the pace was perfect for the type of book this was. What sets Derek apart from other romance heroes, is his genuineness. He has a bad reputation, but he is reforming, even before the whole situation with India and her cousin explodes. He loves his family and is doing his best to protect them.

When his mother arrives on the scene, you fall in love with her instantly. She's perfect, more a mother than a Lady, though she's every inch a lady too.

Then there's Martin, India's boss. In the first pages, I was almost on his side, waiting to see if she'd realize that he cared for her, but it was easy to see once Derek became a fixture in her life, you knew nothing was going to happen there.

The other focal character is Derek's step brother Val (Percy). He's the true rake, but he's so lovable. I hope he gets a story at some point, cos I'd like to see him reformed.

The characters are really such fun, and you'll even like India, once she pulls the stick out of her bum and starts to act a little freer.

The mystery with Heloise is quite interesting too, especially when things get resolved.

Victoria Alexander has another winner here.

Rating: 5 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Slow Burn Cowboy

Author: Maisey Yates
Title: Slow Burn Cowboy
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: April 18, 2017
Buy: Amazon
Book Blurb: If Finn Donnelly makes a plan, he sticks to it. After his brothers left Copper Ridge, Finn stayed behind, determined to keep their ranch going by himself. And when he realized his feelings for Lane Jensen were more than platonic, he shoved that inconvenient desire away. It was easy…until it wasn't. Suddenly his brothers are coming home to claim their share of the property. And Lane is no longer just in his fantasies. She's in his arms, and their friendship is on the line…

He's been her buddy, her handyman, her rock. But until that one breathtaking kiss, Lane somehow overlooked the most important thing about Finn Donnelly—he's all man. They're right together, no matter how much his volatile past has bruised him. Finn wants to hold Lane's body, but he doesn't want to hold her heart. But Lane is falling fast and now she's got a plan of her own…to show Finn there's nothing hotter than friendship turned to slow-burning love.

Review: Maisey Yates is one of my favorite Harlequin authors, so I was super excited to read her latest book. (Oh and I'm a sucker for cowboys too)

I love the friends to lovers trope and that's what we've got here. However the story is a bit slow going, which is a bit of a shame because the characters are so great. Finn is a typical alpha male cowboy. You can tell Maisey writes Harlequin Presents novels. (That series is where the alpha male originated)

This is a wonderful mixture of the guy who wants the girl, but not commitment and the girl who wants a relationship.

Finn and Lane are wonderful and if the pacing of this story were just a little bit better this would be a perfect read.

Rating: 4 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: No Getting Over A Cowboy

Author: Delores Fossen
Title: No Getting Over A Cowboy
Publisher: HQN
Publish Date: March 28, 2017
Buy: Amazon 
Book Blurb:  The golden cowboy of Wrangler’s Creek returns home to Texas to discover some old flames never fizzle… There are plenty of things Garrett Granger hadn’t counted on losing—his child to miscarriage, his wife to another man and the family business thanks to a crooked CFO. He also hadn’t counted on moving back to the family ranch, where he’s met by another surprise—former flame Nicky Marlow, who is renting his grandmother’s old house.

Nicky’s been rebuilding her shattered life since her husband’s death two years ago. But Garrett’s timely arrival in Wrangler’s Creek doesn’t automatically make him the missing piece of the puzzle. Even if he does seem to adore her two-year-old daughter… Even if seeing him again stirs up old feelings Nicky would gladly keep buried, forcing her to wonder if moving forward has to mean leaving everything behind…

Review: Delores Fossen is one of my favorite romance writers these days. I wasn't usually a cowboy type of girl, until I read her books.

This is Garrett and Nicky's story. Delores does a wonderful job at mixing family and humor into a story that you won't be able to put down.

Sometimes I wish I could write a review that really brings across how good this book was without giving away spoilers or just plain gushing.

So just trust me on this one. Delores Fossen delivers every time!

Rating: 5 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: Renegade's Pride

About Renegade’s Pride

Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (February 28, 2017)

The renegade cowboy returns 

It’s been nine years since Trask Beaumont left Gilt Edge, Montana, with an unsolved crime in his wake, and Lillian Cahill has convinced herself she’s finally over him. But when the rugged cowboy with the easy smile suddenly shows up at her bar, there’s a pang in her heart arguing the attraction never faded. And that’s dangerous, because Trask has returned on a mission to clear his name and win Lillie back.

Tired of running, Trask knows he must uncover the truth of the past before he can hope for a future with the woman he’s never forgotten. But if Lillie’s older brother, the sheriff, learns that Trask is back in town, he’ll arrest him for murder. Now Trask is looking for a showdown, and he won’t leave town again without one—or without Lillie.

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Review: BJ Daniels is one writer you should always reach for when you want romantic suspense with a western setting.

This is the first book in a new series, which is always welcome.

Lately it seems that most intrigues are second chance books, and this one is no different, but it has the mystery to go along with it, and that's what B.J. Daniels does best.

This is a book that will grab you early on and will keep you turning the pages until you finish.

I loved the backstory with Lillie's father and the alien abduction. I really hope this little plot tidbit plays a part in the upcoming stories of this series. There's a missile silo near the town, which adds some intrigue, especially with the stories of aliens.

Trask has returned home to clear his name of a murder he didn't commit, there's a missing woman. Lillie's brother, Flint is trying to solve that crime. It was also a bit of unfinished business  to this story, which left me a little bit frustrated.  Oh and Trask has come home to win Lillie back.

Lillie joins in on the search for answers,which stirs trouble in the small town of Gilt Edge. This town has a lot more secrets than you'd expect, and when things finally become clear, you'll be quite surprised.

I look forward to revisiting the Cahill family. 

Rating: 5 flowers

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TLC Book Tours Book Review: Sinful Scottish Laird

About Sinful Scottish Laird

• Mass Market Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: HQN Books (February 28, 2017)

A young widow puts her sexy suitors to the test in New York Times bestselling author Julia London’s scintillating return to the idyllic Scottish Highlands. 

Widowed and forced to remarry in three years’ time or forfeit her son’s inheritance, Daisy Bristol, Lady Chatwick, has plenty of suitors vying for her hand…and her fortune. But a letter from a long-lost love sends Daisy and her young son to her Scottish Highland estate to buy time for his return. Along the way she encounters the powerful Cailean Mackenzie, laird of Arrandale and a notorious smuggler, and she is utterly—though unwillingly—bewitched.

Cailean has no use for any Sassenach in his glen. But Daisy’s brazen, flirtatious nature and alluring beauty intrigue him. When her first love appears unexpectedly at her estate, Cailean knows that a passionate woman like Daisy cannot marry this man. And to prevent the union, Cailean must put his own life at risk to win her heart.

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Review: Finally a historical romance that has romance in it. I should have known that Julia London wouldn't disappoint.

Cailean and Daisy are a fabulous duo. He had a bad relationship with an English woman and Daisy is a widow, whose husband left a will that states that she had to marry within three years of his death or forfeit her son's inheritance.

That was the main reason I wanted to read this book. What husband is going to tell his wife to remarry STAT after his death or else their would be nothing for their child? I wish there would have been some explanation as to why Chadwick would have cut off his heir, if his wife didn't remarry. That was the only thing that struck me as odd.

Before I go into the review, I have to say that early on in the book there were two things that appealed to my tv geek. When Daisy was asking Belinda about Cailean's allure..I went all "Miranda" geeky, as Stevie, who was Miranda's bff was always going on about allure.

Then there was a mention of "Your Auntie Grizelda."  That's one of the silliest songs by The Monkees.

I can't believe how much I liked this book. It is everything I like in a historical romance. Granted, it suffers from the one issue I have with most books in this genre these days. Its a little too long. I'm a lover of the regency romance that was only about 200 pages long. (I grew up on these). Even the standard historical novels weren't as long. They got their point across, they had hot sex and the HEA.

I was oddly surprised that Cailean and Daisy didn't really have sex until the book was nearly half through. The chemistry between these two was amazing, even as Cailean fought against it. I also loved how he really took to Daisy's son Ellis. It was so easy to see that these two belonged together no matter what.

From the get go, I knew that there was something not right with Robert, Daisy's love from before her marriage. I wish he wouldn't have turned out to be such a fink, from the time he appeared in Scotland, I knew he wasn't all she was hoping he would be.

But I'm not complaining, because this book was such fun.  If you like historical romance, don't miss this book!

Rating: 5 flowers

TLC Book Tours Book Review: The Worthington Wife

About The Worthington Wife

Paperback: 448 pages

Publisher: HQN Books (December 27, 2016)

Sharon Page sparkles in this poignant and irresistibly entertaining follow-up to her breakout novel, An American Duchess 

Lady Julia Hazelton is the most dazzling among 1920s England’s bright young things. But rather than choosing the thrill of wanton adventure like so many of her contemporaries, Julia shocks society with her bold business aspirations. Determined to usher the cursed Worthington estate into a prosperous, modern new era, and thus preserve her beloved late fiancé’s legacy, the willful Julia tackles her wildest, most unexpected adventure in Cal Carstairs, the reluctant new Earl of Worthington.

The unconventional American artist threatens everything Julia seeks to protect while stirring desires she thought had died in the war. For reasons of his own, Cal has designed the ultimate revenge. Rather than see the estate prosper, he intends to destroy it. But their impulsive marriage—one that secures Julia’s plans as well as Cal’s secrets—proves that passion is ambition’s greatest rival. Unless Cal ends his quest to satisfy his darkest vendetta, he stands to ruin his Worthington wife and all her glittering dreams.

Purchase Links

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About Sharon Page

New York Times and USA TODAY  bestselling author Sharon Page is author of more than 20 books. Sharon has won two RT Bookreviews Reviewers’ Choice Awards, two National Readers’ Choice Awards, the Colorado Award of Romance, and the Golden Quill.

The mother of two children and wife of a terrifically supportive husband, Sharon has a degree in Industrial Design and worked in structural engineering before fulfilling her dream of becoming an author.

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Review:  I adore books set in the 1920s. I harbor a secret desire to have a flapper dress, someday about 80 lbs from now.

That said I'm on the fence with this book. First its book two in a series. How do I always miss book 1? I am forever starting a series on book 2..

So now my TBR pile has grown by one book.

What I found wonderful about Cal and Julia's story is the descriptions of the time period. Its very easy to get swept into the book and you can visualize the surroundings. I get pulled into these types of stories because of my love of Downton Abbey and that sort of thing.

Lady Julia reminded me a bit of Lady Edith to be honest. She lost a love to the Great War and another to because of their class. Really, all she needed was one love interest to disappear or leave her at the altar. She's the best part of the book. She has a big heart and wants to help people, yet she has strong ties to class. She's part modern woman, part old school aristocrat. That is what made her a little frustrating at times. She wanted the independence of the modern woman, but she still clung to the big estate.

Cal is an American that has inherited Worthington and he bears a grudge on the family. If you read on, you'll know why and frankly if you are like me, you'll think that they deserve it too.

Yet somehow the two find each other and they fall in love.  Julia brings out the goodness in Cal.

You get a little bit of the Upstairs/Downstairs in this book, and for awhile it doesn't quite make sense why, until the mystery involving the disappearance of some village girls is about to be solved. I wish this part of the story could have been a little more connected with Julia and Cal. It seems like a side story that is almost an afterthought.

There was a lot going on in this book, with mystery and a bit of romance, some of which seem pretty hurried, but it was an enjoyable read. One that would make me want to go back and read An American Duchess.

Rating: 4 flowers