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Married For His One-Night Heir by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

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Married For His One-Night Heir by Jennifer Hayward – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Commanding Santo Di Fiore is stunned to see Giovanna Castiglione again. Her unexpected appearance at his luxurious party in the Bahamas leaves him craving answers. Why, after that one forbidden encounter, did she leave? But when Gia reveals their secret consequence, Santo won’t let her go a second time. The Italian will claim his son—and Gia as his wife!

Experience the passion in this marriage of convenience romance

 

 

Review:

Married for His One-Night Heir begins with Giovanna Castiglione, (Gia), in her boss’ office in the Bahamas discussing interior designs for a new property her boss is proposing.  Gia’s boss invites her to a party that evening, where she’ll be hosting prospective investors.  Gia reluctantly accepts, but only after she gets her son to bed.  Once she spends time with her son and gets him tucked in, she heads to the party.  However, once she arrives at the party, she spots none other than Santo Di Fiore.  She tries to duck and evade him, but Santo has questions………lots of questions.  Gia has been in hiding from her infamous mob father, and come to find out, hiding from Santo as well. 

Santo has tried to get Gia out of his mind for a very long time.  After all, he’s known for his playboy ways, but what most don’t know is that there is one woman he can’t get out of his head……..Gia Castiglione.  Once he approaches her, their worlds are changed forever.  Not only do they share a son that Santo knew nothing about, but the demands he’s making of her will force her out of hiding and her comfort zone.  Oh, and by the way, no one says no to a Di Fiore.

Married for His One-Night Heir is the final installment in The Powerful Di Fiore Tycoons trilogy, and it does not disappoint.  Your heart will break for Gia and the life that had been forced upon her that forced her into hiding.  She is fierce in her protectiveness of her son, for whom she has vowed will never be exposed to the things she was as a child and young adult.  To say Santo was shocked to his soul finding out he had a son would be a gross understatement, and I didn’t like his heavy handedness when it came to the ultimatums he gave Gia regarding their son, but I understood them.  Once he gets past the hurt and really focuses on him and Gia and their son though?  Swoonworthy……. I loved his protective nature and I loved the chemistry between he and Gia.  When you read the scenes with him and his son, you’re heart will melt. 

Married for His One-Night Heir is a story about second chances and ultimately having to lower the walls they’ve erected trying to protect themselves.  Once they figure out they don’t have to hide their true selves from each other?  Sweet baby Jesus…………  This was a wonderfully written end to the trilogy, but that statement makes me a little sad.  If you’re a lover of this genre, you’ll NEVER go wrong with one of Hayward’s stories.  Well done, Jennifer Hayward!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

 

Award-winning author JENNIFER HAYWARD has been a fan of romance and adventure since filching her sister’s Harlequin Presents novels to escape her teenaged angst.

Jennifer penned her first romance at nineteen. When it was rejected, she bristled at her mother’s suggestion that she needed more life experience. She went on to complete a journalism degree and intern as a sports broadcaster before settling into a career in public relations. Years of working alongside powerful, charismatic CEOs and traveling the world provided perfect fodder for the arrogant alpha males she loves to write, and free research on some of the world’s most glamorous locales.

A suitable amount of life experience under her belt, she sat down and conjured up the sexiest, most delicious Italian wine magnate she could imagine, had him make his biggest mistake and gave him a wife on the run. That story, The Divorce Party, won her Harlequin’s 2012 So You Think You Can Write contest and a book contract. Turns out, Mother knew best.

With the first item on her bucket list complete, Jennifer is working her way through the rest. She put #2 in the bag when she talked her way into the jump seat of an Airbus for landing on a flight from San Jose to Toronto. Complete with headphones and a flight plan the only thing missing was a follow-up date with the Robert Redford lookalike pilot. Figuring #3 – walking the runway as an angel at the Victoria’s Secret Christmas fashion show – is not likely to happen, she’s concentrating on #s 4 & 5, which include touring Australia and building a dream beach house in Barbados.

An Amazon Top 100 Bestselling author, Jennifer is the Romantic Times Magazine Reviewer’s Choice Best Harlequin Presents for 2014 winner for her novel, The Magnate’s Manifesto, which also received a Harlequin Junkie Top Pick award for 2014. She is also a New Jersey Romance Writers of America Golden Leaf Contest finalist in Short Contemporary Romance.

A native of Canada’s gorgeous East coast, Jennifer lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia with her Viking husband and their young Viking-in-training.

 

 

Jennifer is graciously offering a copy of her trilogy The Powerful Di Fiore Tycoons and a $20.00 Amazon Gift Card to (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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9. Giveaway runs from November 20 to 24, 2018

 

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The Butterfly Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

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The Butterfly Bride by Vanessa Riley – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM

Description:
Frederica Burghley wants to be married by Yuletide. Or else her father will set her up with one of his friends. The bonbon-loving illegitimate daughter of the duke wants to choose her own husband. Advertising in the newspaper seems like the way to go. But a sinister response, with threats against her life, leads her to enlist the help of her very handsome, dear friend Jasper Fitzwilliam, Lord Hartwell.

 

A father and widower, Jasper is not only tasked with keeping Frederica safe but also with helping his vibrant friend choose a suitable husband. The more he tries to keep the ever-surprising woman alive and find her a good match, the more Jasper realizes he cares for her. The two friends risk their lives for each other, so they should be able to risk their feelings for a chance at a deep and true love together. But he’s not looking for marriage and she’s not looking for convenience.

 

 

Review:

The Butterfly Bride begins with Frederica Burghley going up to her room, not feeling well.  The next thing she knows is that someone is coming in through her bedroom window.  Scared, but still feeling ‘off’, she flees her room, only to wake up some time later in a strange bed with none other than her longtime friend, Jasper Fitzwilliam.  Shocked to her core, she knows that if anyone finds out that she was alone with a man, even though she knows nothing happened, the scandal that followed would be, well, scandalous.  She convinces Jasper to climb out the window, and then makes her way back to her own room to discover that it has been ransacked and a treasured item that had belonged to her deceased mother had been taken.  Once her father, the duke, sees all of this, he makes the decision that she has to find a husband, or he’ll arrange one for her.

The duke is leaving on his own honeymoon, he entrusts her care and safety to Jasper.  Frederica finds herself, and those she cares for, threatened more than once.  Jasper vows that no harm will come to her on his watch, and also tries to help her find a suitable husband.  What he doesn’t realize is that the thing Frederica is most worried about is her heart………and his.

The Butterfly Bride is a nice addition to Vanessa Riley‘s Advertisements for Love series.  The first parts of the book were engaging and intriguing.  Frederica, being the product of an affair, has worked very hard to try and distance herself from said affair, all the while loving both of her parents dearly.  She’s feisty and loyal and tries to see the good in everyone.  Jasper, every so guarded, made me want to thump him a time or seventy.  I liked his character, but did not like the fact that it took him until almost the very end of the book to admit his love for Frederica.  I found the middle of the book repetitive and slow, but liked the overall story.  I did enjoy the two of them together, but I wished for more of a spark.  The revelation of the bad guy was satisfying, and as always, the secondary characters are well written and intriguing.  If you’re a fan of this genre, you’ll enjoy the read.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Meet Me In San Francisco by Shana Gray – a Review

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Meet Me In San Francisco by Shana Gray – a Review

 

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Description:
The single mom…

When Celia Fox’s ex-husband serves her with custody papers during the same weekend he’s getting remarried, she expects things to go downhill from there. So when her best friends show up to whisk her away for a girls’ getaway to San Francisco, it’s just what the doctor ordered. Add in the chance to see Landon Bryant again, and she can’t wait for the weekend to begin.

And the playboy millionaire…

Landon and Celia shared stolen moments of passion in Vegas, and Landon hasn’t been able to stop thinking about her since. He knows she’s under pressure to hold her family together, but he’s determined to prove he’s there for her – and that she deserves some fun of her own.

Are about to get wild.

As Celia rediscovers who she used to be and her relationship with Landon deepens, she begins to believe he’s someone she can rely on. But Celia has been keeping a secret from everyone – if the truth comes out, will they play it safe or take a leap of faith?

 

Review:

Meet Me in San Francisco begins with Celia in a funk.  She’s struggling a bit financially, but she’s also having her ex-husband served with custody papers.  And, oh yeah, her ex is getting remarried.  She was feeling rejuvenated after her girls trip to Las Vegas.  She loved getting away with her best friends.  It also helped that she hooked up with a hottie named Landon.  Yes, she and Landon have kept in touch, but as things at home kind of spiral downwards, she withdraws from everyone.   Sitting alone, after her ex picks up their kids for his wedding and some ‘quality time’, she is trying to gather herself and figure out just what she’s going to do.  Then, her doorbell rings and literally changes everything.

Her best friends show up and whisk her away on a road trip to northern California, to a vineyard, that just happens to be owned by Landon.  She finds out that he’s actually meeting up with them and taking her on a few adventures for just the two of them, and doesn’t quite know what to make of the whole thing.  Landon felt that she was pulling back from him and wants to remind her just who she is and bring back the sparkle in her eyes.  Things are going very well until a secret that she’s kept from everyone comes out and threatens her relationships with everyone she holds dear.  Feeling betrayed, Landon walks away, until his brother shows up and knocks some sense into him.  Once Landon looks at things logically, he knows there’s only one thing to do……..

Meet Me in San Francisco is an amazing addition to Gray’s Girls Weekend Away series.  Celia is relatable as a single mother trying to do her best for her children.  She is also loyal, almost to a fault.  She’s an amazing mom and an amazing friend, albeit a little misguided sometimes.  Landon is also a great character.  Steadfast, loyal, hot, drool-worthy……….. When the two of them are together, the chemistry leaps off of the page and pulls you in and takes you along for the ride.  I loved the first book in this series, but this one touched my heart.  It made me laugh, made me tear up, but most of all, it’s the feeling of hope that reeled me in, as it will you.  As with the first book, the characters are very well written, and I can’t wait for the next installment.  Romance, humor, amazing friends and sexy characters are always good things.  If you’re a fan of those things, you’ll love this series.  Well done, Shana Gray!  Very, very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland – a Review

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Going Down on One Knee by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

Amazon

Description:
Number-crunching Velma Johnson’s perfectly planned life is right on course.

That’s a lie. Sure, she’s got the lucrative job. She’s got the posh apartment. But her sister nabbed Velma’s Mr. Right. There has to be a man out there for Velma. Hopefully, one who’s hunky, wears pressed suits, and has a diversified financial portfolio. He’ll be exactly like, well… her sister’s new fiancé.

Badass biker Brek Montgomery blazes a trail across the country, managing Dimefront, one of the biggest rock bands of his generation. With the band on hiatus, Brek rolls into Denver to pay a quick visit to his family and friends. But when Brek’s sister suddenly gets put on bed rest, she convinces Brek to take over her wedding planning business for the duration of her pregnancy.

Staying in Denver and dealing with bridezillas was not what Brek had in mind when he passed through town, but there is one particular maid-of-honor who might make his stay worthwhile.

Velma finds herself strangely attracted to the man planning her sister’s wedding. Problem is, he ticks none of the boxes on her well-crafted list. Brek is rough around the edges, he cusses, and doesn’t even have a 401(k). But trying something crazy might get her out of the rut of her dating life—so long as she lays down boundaries up front and sticks to her plan…

 

 

Review:

Velma Johnson has a plan for her future.  She works for a financial planning firm and has been attracted to a co-worker for a long time.  He’s her dream man………..professional, dresses immaculately and is a planner as well.  Problem is that her sister snatched him up first. Neither her sister, nor her co-worker knew about Velma’s crush, which makes it even harder for Velma when they announce that they’re engaged.  Stunned is an understatement, but Velma would never try and come between the two of them. 

Her future brother-in-law’s friend, Brek Montgomery, just happened to be there when Velma got the news.  He’s everything Velma is NOT looking for.  He is a tattooed, motorcycle riding hottie who just happens to manage a rock band and is in town for a few days.  Velma admits to herself that he’s attractive, but he doesn’t exactly fit in to what she expects her life to be.  When Brek’s sister, who is a wedding planner, has pregnancy complications, can’t help with Velma’s sister’s wedding, she recruits her brother.  He agrees to stay in town long enough to handle the three weddings that she needs help with.  After all, he’s good at managing people, and things, so what could go wrong?  He’s only in town for a few weeks…..

Brek ends up recruiting Velma to help him with the weddings and as they spend more time together, there is a simmering attraction between the two of them.  An attraction that Velma vows she’ll never act on.  However, once she realizes that maybe she needs to ‘branch out’ and do something totally out of her comfort zone, and hook up with Mr. Hottie, she knows things will never be the same.  Problem is, will he stay, or will he go?

Going Down on One Knee is a fun and quick read.  Velma is very buttoned up and it is really fun to see her loosen up.  Brek is your typical bada$$, which isn’t a bad thing.  He’s got a heart of gold and when he shows his vulnerability, he pulls you right in.  When the two of them are together, the chemistry leaps off of the page.  The secondary characters are well written, and I hope maybe one or two of them get a book as well.  This is my second read of Christina Hovland’s work, and it won’t be my last.  She has a way of writing quirky characters that leaves you wanting more.  They’re funny, warm, charming and a little different.  If you are a fan of opposites attract stories that make you laugh one minute, and swoon the next, you’ll not go wrong with one of her books.  Well done, Christina Hovland!  Very, very well done.

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publicist

 

 

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The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland – a Review

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The Honeymoon Trap by Christina Hovland – a Review

 

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Description:
How to Survive Your Next Relationship Disaster 101

Step 1: Get pumped. Your new house, in your new town, comes with a sexy and shirtless man next door. Score!

Step 2: Don’t let your freak-out show when Mr. OMG Shirtless turns around—and it’s your old crush.

Step 3: Hold your head high when you run into him again on the first day of your new job—literally—and spill coffee all over yourself.

Step 4: Stay calm when he introduces himself as your new boss…and then announces that your first assignment is to go on a fake honeymoon together.

Step 5: Keep your $h*t locked tight when the new boss/old crush and you are forced to sleep in the same room…with one bed.

Step 6: Try to ignore just how freaking hot he is, and how much you want to touch him…

 

Review:

The Honeymoon Trap begins with William trying to interview a chicken for the t.v. station that his family owns.  Having just relocated back to Confluence as his 30th birthday approaches, he has two goals:  stay away from his dad, from whom he will take control of their media empire on said birthday and find a place to live.  Neither proves easy.  Seems his dad has a wide reach and is trying to force William’s hand (and his body) into moving back into the family home.

When his interview didn’t go as planned, he heads out, only to encounter a beautiful young woman who gets her car window shot out by a little boy with a slingshot.  Will intervenes, but has no idea that he and the young woman had before during a part of his life he’d rather forget. 

Lucy can’t believe it when Will intercedes on her behalf, as she thought she would never see him again.  She was both thankful and a little hurt that the man that she had crushed hard on didn’t recognizer her, even though she went through a transformation that left her almost unrecognizable………….almost.  It also doesn’t help when Lucy realizes that she and Will are neighbors in a little tiny apartment complex, let alone the fact that his family owns the very station she is starting her new job.  She settles into her new job well, and enjoys her co-workers, while getting to know Will again.  However, when a piece that Will is working on requires him to have a ‘wife’, she tries to distance herself and have him pick someone else.  But, he wants her.

They travel to the resort that their investigative piece is about, and to say she’s nervous about the whole setup is an understatement.  Once they reach the resort, tension is ramped up another notch when they find themselves in a little cabin with one bed.  They get to know each other better by playing an old board game that they find in the cabin and things get pretty steamy between the two of them.  However, when Lucy finds out that he is set to become her boss on his 30th birthday, she makes the decision that they will have a temporary fling and then it’s over.  One thing she didn’t count on was Will’s determination to keep her in Confluence, and in his life.

The Honeymoon Trap is a nicely written story, and the first I’ve read by Christina Hovland.  Lucy and Will are great characters who play well off of each other.  They both have histories that have affected the way they handle themselves.  Both of their backstories make your heart ache for each of them.  I love Lucy’s independent streak and love Will’s determination to become the man who would make his mother proud.  With all of that said, the thing I loved the most was that it made me laugh out loud.  A LOT!!  I loved the banter between the two of them, the sarcasm and the underlying vulnerability.  This is, honest to God, one of the most enjoyable reads I’ve had in a long time.  Not too complicated, just two characters who draw you in and make you cheer for them.  The secondary characters are awesome as well.  I loved their quirky little town and hope this is the start of a series, because I’d love to know more about the residents of Confluence.  As I said before, this is the first I’ve read by Hovland, but it will not be the last.  Well done, Christina Hovland!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

 

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The Women on Retford Drive by Alretha Thomas – a Review

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The Women on Retford Drive by Alretha Thomas – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
Julia Pritchard, an aging sitcom star making a comeback, and her
stepdaughter, Blythe Pritchard, an aspiring attorney,
form a pact to start fresh and pursue their dreams. But their plans go
awry when Keith Pritchard, Julia’s soon-to-be ex-husband
and Blythe’s father, goes missing and is presumed dead, the day they
plan to move out of his mansion.

The women are filled with bittersweet emotions when they consider the idea
that Keith, a tycoon and functional alcoholic, could be
out of their lives for good. Moreover, they fear the police will name them
as persons of interest because of the abuse they suffered
at Keith’s hands. Julia believes Keith hasn’t met with foul play but
orchestrated his own disappearance, hoping the women will be blamed.
However, Blythe believes her father is dead. When the police reveal a
damning piece of evidence, which could result in one of them being
charged with Keith’s possible murder, they join forces to find out what
happened to him. Did one of the women go off script and kill Keith,
or is another agenda at play, unbeknownst to the women and the police,
that’s far more sinister?

 

Review:

The Women on Retford Drive begins with Julia Pritchard, and her stepdaughter, Blythe, finalizing their move into their own apartment, and leaving the home they’ve shared with Keith Pritchard for years.  They are both ready to move on with their lives, away from an abusive husband and father, until they receive a phone call from Keith’s assistant that he’s missed his flight and no one has heard from him.  Neither of them thinks much of it.  They talk to Martha, the housekeeper, who hasn’t seen Keith since yesterday evening, but things take a sinister turn when Martha discovers a bloody shirt of Keith’s between the washer and dryer.  As they all try to decipher what’s happened, things start to happen quickly.  The police are called and suspicions are raised.  What follows is a series of twists, turns and revelations that will leave you guessing until the very end………….

The Women on Retford Drive is a great start to Alretha Thomas’ new series, Dancing Hills Mysteries.  Told from several first person POVs, we are privy to the character’s thoughts and feelings.  Julia Pritchard was an interesting character.  She was a very protective step-mother, a very loyal friend and by all accounts, a loving and supportive wife.  She and Blythe were extremely close, but that didn’t stop either of them from suspecting (even just a little) each other.  Blythe was a nicely written character as well.  Thomas did a great job of writing about her insecurities, as well as her determination to see things through.

The secondary characters were well written as well.  We get to know just enough of them to make it interesting, and to also suspect them as you read along.  I would know, without a doubt, who the culprit was, until I read the next chapter.  Then, I knew again, and again……………  LOL!  I did end up figuring it out before the reveal, but not until I’d suspected basically everyone, which for me, is a good thing.  It means the author is doing her job.  I’m looking forward to getting more glimpses into the workings of Dancing Hills.  I’m guessing the detectives we meet in this installment will continue to appear, and I can’t wait to get to know more about them as well.  Talk about an odd couple!  But, I love them together.  The Women on Retford Drive is ultimately a story of self-discovery and proof that blood does not make you family.  I can’t wait for the next installment.  If you’re a fan of mysteries, with a little romance mixed in, you’ll definitely not go wrong with this one.  Well done, Alretha Thomas!  Very well done!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy supplied for review

 

 

 

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What Happens in Vegas by Shana Gray – a Review

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What Happens in Vegas by Shana Gray – a Review

 

Amazon / B&N / Kobo / BAM / Book Depository

 

Description:
When the cop…

Tough-as-nails detective Bonni Connolly is on a girls’ getaway in Vegas with her friends, when Lady Luck shines on her. Seizing the chance to treat them all, Bonni splurges on a little luxury including a VIP booth in an exclusive club. That’s when she sees him.

Meets the gambler…

Professional poker player Quinn Bryant is in town for one of the largest tournaments of the year. Fortune smiles on him when he spots Bonni across the dance floor. But what starts as a holiday fling soon turns into something more, as Bonni learns to see the man behind the poker face.

The stakes have never been higher.

Even though Bonni’s trip has an end date and there is another tournament calling Quinn’s name, their strong connection surprises them both. And by the end of the weekend they start to wonder if what happens in Vegas doesn’t have to stay there…

 

 

Review:

What Happens in Vegas begins with a group of girls, who have been friends since college, heading to Vegas for a girls’ weekend.  Life has taken then in different directions, each facing their own issues, but they’ve remained close.  When they all arrive, they have drinks and proceed to have a good time.  Sometime later, Bonni, hits a jackpot in the casino and their reunion gets pushed into overdrive.  They are moved into a huge suite and given VIP passes to a hot nightclub.  After shopping and getting dolled up, the girls head out for the night of their lives………

Once they arrive at the club and hit the dance floor, it doesn’t take professional gambler, Quinn Bryant, long to notice Bonni.  As he approaches her, Bonni has never felt more out of place.  She’s also never felt so attracted to someone so quickly.  And, what do you know?  Neither has Quinn.  They decide that a one-night fling is just what’s needed.  If they only knew…………

What Happens in Vegas is a fun story and the first I’ve read by Shana Gray.  Bonni and Quinn were both well written.   Bonni is a great friend, a great daughter and the best friend anyone could want.  When she won the jackpot, she didn’t hesitate to treat all of her girlfriends so that they could all have even more fun.  Quinn was just awesome.  I liked how he ended up being more the pursuer than she was.  He knew what he wanted and went after it.  The turmoil Bonni felt upon learning his ‘profession’ was believable and his willingness to do anything to make her his made this story one that kept me turning the pages.  The secondary characters were fun and well written, and I can’t wait to read more about them.  If you’re a romance fan, you won’t go wrong with this quick, funny and sexy read.  Well done, Shana Gray!

Reviewed by Vickie

Copy provided by Publisher

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A Cowboy’s Sweetheart (Rodeo Academy #1) by Crista McHugh-a review

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A COWBOY’S SWEETHEART (Rodeo Academy #1) by Crista McHugh-a review

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date June 5, 2018

Pampered New York Socialite and dressage rider, Kensington Pope, has been exiled by her jet-setting parents to her aunt’s Rodeo Academy in Wyoming. She wants nothing to do with the rough and tumble students there, especially one particularly handsome cowboy, Javier. But she won’t be there for long. She has a plan in place to break out after her next international competition.

Javier Cruz takes one look at the spoiled city girl and instantly dismisses her. The school of tough knocks has already educated him on what the important things in life are, and he has bigger things on his plate. He’s counting down the days until his eighteenth birthday when he can pull his younger siblings from the foster care program and reunite his family. But as he gets to know Kensi, he sees a kindred spirit and discovers there’s more to her than meets the eye.

Kensi begins to question her desire to flee the ranch as her relationship to Javier deepens and she learns the importance of family. But when he discovers her escape plan, will he be able to trust her again? And when tragedy comes to the ranch, will Kensi be able to step up and take her place in the family?

•••••••••

REVIEW: A Cowboy’s Sweetheart begins with Kensington Pope (Kensi) headed to her aunt and uncle’s ranch in Wyoming, out in the middle of nowhere. It’s worlds away from her home in New York city. However, she went one step too far and her parents decided to reign her in by sending her to the ranch to teach her a lesson. Kensi has an upcoming international dressage even coming up, so all she is concentrating on is practicing and getting the heck out of Dodge, or Wyoming, as it were.

Unfortunately, at least for Kensi, her uncle doesn’t seem any happier about her being there than she is. But, her aunt and cousin couldn’t be happier. When Kensi takes her beloved horse to the barn, she tries to hand his care off to a ‘ranch hand’, who just laughs at her and walks away. One thing she knows is that if she can survive the cliquey world that is her life in New York City, she can surely survive on a ranch in Wyoming. She did NOT even consider the fact that would be forced to *gulp* fend for herself and do actual manual labor though, but, she’s used to taking care of herself. Even if it is metaphorically.

Javier Cruz doesn’t have the time, nor the inclination, to engage in anything to do with a spoiled little rich girl who will be gone in a few weeks. He has his own issues he’s dealing with. The most important being bringing the family he has left back together under one roof. Not long after Kensi’s arrival, he sees her rehearsing in the arena and hears her coach (via FaceTime) berating her every single move. It doesn’t take him long to see that there is something underneath that tough façade that she’s desperately trying to hide.

As Kensi and Javier embark on a somewhat uneasy friendship, walls come down and discoveries are made. Kensi grows closer to her family on the ranch as well, which really throws her for a loop when she finds herself wondering what if…………what if she stayed? What if she has actually found a place where she feels loved? And, ultimately, what if she could build a life worthy of the people in Wyoming who have opened their home, and their hearts, to her?

A Cowboy’s Sweetheart is a wonderfully written young adult story. The world that McHugh has built draws you in at the very beginning, which is a mainstay for this author. The characters are believable and relatable. Kensi was a surprise. I tend to have issues with ‘poor little rich girl’ types, but Kensi grabbed me very early on. Her independence and determination get your attention, but it is that underlying vulnerability that grabs your heart. Javier’s backstory is heartbreaking. However, his determination to right the wrongs dealt his family will endear him to everyone. The secondary characters, Kensi’s ranch family namely, are very well written as well. You’ll also want to slap her parents more than once. The absence of the obligatory teen love triangle only made this one that much better. I say it in just about every review of McHugh’s works, if you’re not reading her, you are missing out on a phenomenal author. Well done, Crista McHugh. Very, very well done!!

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Vickie

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