Sunday, February 28, 2016

My Review - A Sweet Misfortune


4 out of 5 stars
A SWEET MISFORTUNE, the second installment in the Virtues and Vices of the Old West series, may have been predictable, but was still a joy to read.
Rachel Matthews is doing what she can to make it through life. While waiting for her brother to strike it rich in California, Rachel has no choice but to work as a dance hall girl. She knows, once he returns, they will buy back their family ranch and make a life for themselves in Montana. But, when John McIntyre all but kidnaps her, Rachel’s direction in life takes an about face. Fiercely independent, Rachel is angry with John for interfering, but soon admits to herself she is far better off working for his grandmother. When Rachel feels a spark of interest for John, she quells her heart. John is a respectable man, she is merely a saloon girl. They are worlds apart and that’s where they’ll stay.
Wealthy ranch owner, John McIntyre, has only two interests in life—acquiring land and cattle. But, when his friend, Preston Matthews, asks him to rescue his sister from the life as a dance hall girl, John obliges. Thinking he’s doing Rachel a favor, John is shocked when she is anything but grateful. But, being a man of his word, he’s determined to keep Rachel under his roof and in his care until her brother returns to Montana. John soon finds himself infatuated with Rachel. She’s a hard worker, compassionate towards others, and doesn’t take things for granted. But, knowing the life she’s led in the dance hall, John isn’t sure he can overlook her past.
I really enjoyed A SWEET MISFORTUNE. I was under the gun to get this book read, in order to fulfill a commitment, but had no problem finishing it in a day. The pacing was good, the characters likeable, and there was enough action throughout the book to keep the story going. Rachel is a real firecracker (love that in a heroine), and John is all business, but with a tender heart (can you hear the swoon?). The interaction between these two was lively and entertaining. Secondary characters like Estelle, Molly, Annabelle, and even the snarky Beatrice, definitely added dimension to the story. I felt A SWEET MISFORTUNE had better pacing than THE TROUBLE WITH PATIENCE. It flowed well and had more substance.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available February 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Saturday, February 27, 2016

My Review - Always Watching


5 out of 5 stars
ALWAYS WATCHING, another riveting book from Lynette Eason.
Radio personality, Wade Savage, is being stocked. Thinking it is just an infatuated fan, he chooses to ignore it. But his father doesn’t. Unbeknownst to Wade, he is being watched by a bodyguard his father hired. When that bodyguard is attacked and nearly killed, Wade realizes his stalker could prove to be deadly. Caring for his daughter’s safety, Wade concedes to a team of bodyguards from the Elite Guardian Agency. But, this show of security does nothing to scare off his stalker. In fact, Olivia Edwards, the agency owner, has now become a target. Though he doesn’t have the time to devote to a love interest, Wade immediately finds himself attracted to Olivia. But . . . that attraction could get her killed.
Almost losing one of her agents—and best friend, Olivia Edwards takes over the Wade Savage case. Always the professional, Olivia is all business with Wade Savage. But somehow, the attraction she feels for him is like nothing she’s ever experienced. Reminding herself not to blur the lines between business and pleasure, Olivia focuses her attention on finding Wade’s stalker. Knowing everyone around Wade is a potential victim, Olivia calls in some favors from friends in local agencies to not only protect Wade and his family, but to find the stalker before it’s too late. As Olivia’s attraction for Wade grows, and knowing he feels the same way about her, Olivia realizes she’s not just protecting another client but the man she’s falling in love with.
Lynette Eason is one of my favorite authors, and she is yet to disappoint me. ALWAYS WATCHING is the first installment of the Elite Guardian series. Though at first, I had a hard time imagining a bodyguard agency made up solely of female agents—young ones at that, my skepticism quickly vanished the more I got into the story. Though I guessed early on who was behind the attacks on Wade’s life, there were still twists I hadn’t expected. I will be watching for the release of WITHOUT WARNING this summer.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available February 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

My Review - On Lone Star Trail


3 out of 5 stars
ON LONE STAR TRAIL was a sweet romance by Amanda Cabot.
Gillian Hodge is looking for direction. After suffering from a career ending motorcycle accident, Gillian goes to her friend’s resort—Rainbow’s End—to gain focus. Being a concert pianist is all she knows. Now, she needs to figure out what she’s going to do next. The one thing she is sure of—she’s not looking for romance. But, what if romance finds her? Mike comes from a wealthy family and has his sights set on politics. Gillian would fit into his world perfectly. Fancy parties, public appearance, an affluent circle of friends—things she’s already used to. T.J. is a man without direction, who’s trying to put the past behind him, and who rides a motorcycle—something that terrifies Gillian. Though her heart is drawn to T.J., in spite of their differences, her mind is constantly reminding her that Mike is a great guy and could provide her with a stable future. But, the heart wants what the heart wants.
ON LONE STAR TRAIL was enjoyable to read. Not many twists or turns or surprises along the way, just a sweet story with pleasant characters—some that reappear from the previous books in the Texas Crossroads series.
Book provided for review purposes.
Available February 2016 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

New Release - ONE SATURDAY

I am excited to announce,
ONE SATURDAY
will be released in the month of March.

Here 's a preview of the cover. More to follow.