Tag Archives: Western

A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman – Review & Giveaway

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A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Lily Salt has sworn off men. After finally gaining her independence, the last thing she needs is another man telling her what to do. But the handsome railroad engineer from New York isn’t at all what she expected. He’s kind, gentle…and tempting enough to make her wonder what a second chance at love might be worth.

A self-acknowledged black sheep, Roen Shepard knows what it means to feel alone. Recognizing a kindred spirit in the reserved widow whose fascinating blue-green eyes have seen too much, and charmed by the warmth of her ready-made family, the two begin an unlikely friendship.

When a complication from his past follows him to Frost Falls, Roen proposes a mad scheme to protect the new life he’s built and keep close the stubborn woman he’s accidentally fallen for–a marriage of convenience. But Lily has secrets of her own, and the closer he gets to uncovering them, the more he comes to realize that the only truth that matters is the secret to unlocking her heart.

 

 

Review:

A Touch of Forever by Jo Goodman is the 3rd book in her Cowboys of Colorado series.  This is a western historical romance, that though this is the third book, it does read very well as a standalone.

We meet our hero, Roen Shepard, who is in Frost Falls to survey the land and assign routes for the railroad company that he works for.  He soon meets Lily Salt, our heroine, when her young son, Clay takes a liking to Roen, and wants to learn about calculations and routes. Roen finds himself attracted to the widowed Lily, but she is very cold and unfriendly.  Both Roen and Lily have their own issues, with Roen being in this small town, to avoid contact with his ex-girlfriend, Victorine, who wants to marry him. Lily has come off an abusive marriage that ended with her husband dying, and is determined to not become involved in any relationship, not to mention she has three young children to take care of.

When Roen discovers that the woman (Victorine) he is trying to avoid (she also shot him), is coming to Frost Falls, he goes to Lily to make a proposition. He asks if she will marry him in name only, and whenever she wants they can get a divorce.  He does explain his situation, and Lily realizing that Roen is a decent man, who would never hurt her, gets along well with her children and he could help them financially; she then accepts his proposal as a marriage of convenience.

To lead into the Lily and Roen relationship, and her children, the story was a bit slow early on, but it certainly picked up later to be a wonderful story.  I loved Roen, especially how caring and gentle he was with Lily; especially when he learns the truth about her abusive marriage.  I liked Lily, and as the story moved on, she became even better and stronger. It was nice to see her trust and fall in love with Roen.  The children were a great added element that made this story enjoyable and fun.   The side story about Victorine and her private investigator, Mr. Cabot was more intense, and leading into an exciting climax.  To say too much more would be spoilers.

Jo Goodman did another excellent job in creating a wonderful couple in Roen & Lily, and a story which had a lot of banter, an enjoyable romance, as well as a mystery.  A Touch of Forever was a wonderful story of family, tragedy, and a sweet marriage of convenience that turns into a beautiful romance. If you enjoy romance, a western and historical background, with a fun sexy couple, then you should read A Touch of Forever.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Jo Goodman’s Publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of A TOUCH OF FOREVER  to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Legacy Found by Jillian David – a Review

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Legacy Found by Jillian David – a Review

 

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Description:
Following a traumatic accident in the Army, Kerr Taggart returns to Hell’s Valley to come to terms with the man he’s become, so he can take the biggest chance of his life . . . asking the beautiful and forbidden Izzy Brand out on a date.

But even if he achieves Mission Date Izzy Brand, Izzy’s family remains intent on destroying the Taggart family, and remains aligned with the rising supernatural creature plotting to steal Taggart land.

Meanwhile, Izzy is chafing against her family’s on-going vendetta, and rats out her own brothers to the Taggarts. A decision that turns the evil entity’s sights Izzy’s way.

Now, to save the woman he loves, Kerr Taggart must find a way to overcome his own demons and use his psychic powers, because this time . . . failure is not an option.

The Hell’s Valley Series

Legacy of Lies
Legacy Lost
Legacy of Danger
Legacy Found

 

 

 Review:

In Legacy Found by Jillian David, finally …. Kerr gets his book? he is brother to Garrison and Vaughn, and twin to Shelby (each have their own books.) They are the Taggart family and they own a ranch.

We start the book with a flash back, to when Kerr was in the army, we see the accident that alters Kerr’s life forever. He’s been bitter and angry for a long time. But seeing his siblings find love, Kerr wants that, and he knows exactly where to find it …..

Izzy is a Brand, but the Taggart’s and the Brand’s aren’t friends, in fact Izzy’s family have been trying to gain the Taggart’s ranch by any means necessary (including trying to kill a few of the family) Izzy isn’t like that, and she’s had enough, she’s sees an opportunity and informs Kerr and his family what her brothers are up to!!!

Seizing the chance, Kerr makes his intentions plain for Izzy. He will protect Izzy, don’t let the fact he’s got a prosthetic leg fool you into thinking he isn’t capable, he is and he will prove it to Izzy any way he can.

Each sibling had a unique quality/power that is theirs to own and control. Garrison can detect lies, Shelby can find anyone, anywhere and can see into the future, Vaughn has a built in danger and protection radar (it lets him know when bad things will happen to him) and Kerr has a psychic link to his twin and has the ability of knowing when danger will strike and how to combat it.

Now for those who have read the other books in this series (and to get the full story I think they need to be read in order) you’ll know there are forces controlling what’s going on. And each Taggart sibling has had to do battle in one form or another, and Kerr and Izzy are no exception. In fact because of Izzy telling the Taggart family what her family are planning, the evil stalking Kerr and his siblings turns its gaze upon Izzy, and now she’s in big trouble.

I’ve really enjoyed these books, there is the right amount steamy scenes (so many authors have pages and pages and pages of it?) and plenty of action and adventure thrown in.

So will the Kerr and the Taggart family win against the evil stalking them? And how will Izzy cope if Kerr has to kill her brothers?

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplied for review

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The Charmer in Chaps by Julia London – Review & Giveaway

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The Charmer in Chaps by Julia London – Review, Guest Post & Giveaway

 

 

 

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Description:
Cimarron County knows the youngest son of the fabled Prince family as a womanizing hell-raiser, but Luca has another side to him. He intends to turn the overworked pasture land his father left him back to its natural beauty. There’s just one problem–a woman with sparkling eyes and more fight than a barnyard cat is grandfathered into some acreage on his portion of Three Rivers Ranch.

After years of living in foster homes, Ella has exactly three things to her name: A dog, a pig, and the rundown house she just inherited. Luca may not remember her from high school, but she definitely remembers him. He is as seductive as he was then, but Ella isn’t about to fall for his flirting–if only she could stop melting at his touch.

What begins as a game of seduction for Luca quickly turns into something more, but Ella has learned the hard way to trust no one but herself–especially when it comes to her deepest secret. Yet the closer Luca gets to Ella, the more he wants to be the one she leans on. For once, Luca is determined to do something right and give the woman he loves the home she deserves

 

Review:

The Charmer in Chaps by Julia London is the first book in her new Princes in Texas series.  I loved reading this sweet romance, in a small western town, with some great characters.

Ella Kendall, our heroine, returns to Three Rivers, Texas, after her grandmother died and left her a rundown house.   Ella, just barely makes ends meet, as she tries to find more work as an accountant.  Ella had a difficult childhood, moving from different foster homes, as her mother was in jail; but before that she had a huge crush for the handsome and rich prince charming, Luca Prince. She has never forgotten an out of no where kiss from Luca when school was over; now that she has returned to Three Rivers 12 years later, she tries her best to avoid Luca.  Ella is very shy, and lacks confidence, and when she does run into him, she is surprised that he doesn’t even remember her.  Being the playboy that he is, Luca finds himself interested in the beautiful Ella, and knows he wants to find out more about this girl that intrigues him.

Luca doesn’t understand why Ella wants nothing to do with him, but quickly learns that she went to school with him, and doubles his effort to make amends in trying to win her over.   With Ella’s house falling apart, Luca starts offering his help to fix things, as well as helping with Ella’s dog, a pig and 3 wild horses that came with the house. This was a cute addition.  Slowly, Ella begins to enjoy Luca’s company and the chemistry between them grew hotter with each passing day.

When the Prince family loses their patriarch, the family is in disarray, and we get to spend time with their dysfunctional family, Luca, Nick, Hallie and their mother, as they realize that they will need to live differently, as the money is not as much as they thought it was, due to their father’s gambling problem.   Luca having inherited 2000 acres want to build his environmental conservation dream, and Ella gives him more confidence, especially as she learns he is dyslectic, and never could read.  This was another wonderful addition to this story, as we watch Luca learn to overcome his disability.

The Charmer in Chaps was a wonderful, fun, enjoyable story that holds our attention throughout.  Both Luca and Ella were great, and we loved them together.  It is Ella’s fear of having always lived on the poor side, that holds back her relationship with Luca.  Will she trust his love and allow him fully into her life?

I always find that when you have a lot of likeable characters, it makes the story so much better.  I did like the Prince family despite some issues.  I loved Luca and Ella.  I did not like two characters, Stacy (Ella’s friend who used her constantly) and the sheriff, Blake; but there were so many other great characters, this did not matter.  The Charmer in Chaps was a perfect, small town romance that was written so well by Julia London.   I suggest you start with this first book of a series that I intend to be reading.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

Cinderella is one of the most enduring stories of time. Did you know one of the earliest renditions of the tale appeared in 7 BC in Greece? The story has been told many times over in many different languages, and in many different iterations. But in all of them, the main theme holds true—the girl is plucked from obscurity and wins the prince. Well, who doesn’t want to be whisked away to the ball in the most beautiful gown, and then knock the socks off the prince?

But why is this tale so enduring? Why do we still relate to it? There are laws against evil stepmothers enslaving us as charwomen now.  If we aren’t happy with our lot in life, we can get an education, or a new job, or move—there are any number of things we could do to better our situation. And yet, the fundamental appeal of the story just keeps on keeping on. I think it’s because it goes to themes that are a little deeper than we might realize from watching the Disney movie.

Cinderella is persecuted. While we may not be persecuted, who among us hasn’t felt neglected from time to time? Or invisible? It is so easy to allow ourselves to be buried under the needs of our work and our families. Everyone else comes first, am I right, ladies? So the fantasy that a Prince Charming—someone who is handsome, and strong, and rich enough to take care of all your problems—would choose you, and make life better for you, is still a pleasant little fantasy.

The story is also about rags to riches. Most of us work hard for what we have. We make budgets, we balance the needs and wants of everyone in our family, we make ends meet. How fun to imagine going from rags to riches. And this fantasy is one step better than the lottery, because not only do you get the riches, you get a prince. It’s the modern Prince Harry fantasy—that he would notice you, fall in love with you, then offer you a place at the top of the world in a fancy castle with servants and anything your heart desires. We might have to check in with Duchess Meghan to see if that’s what actually happened, but we can dream, just like we did the day she got married.

The story is also about good prevailing over evil. Cinderella is held down by the evil stepmother and her odious daughters, but in the end, she is the one who rises from the ashes. It’s not hard in this day and age to see the appeal of the idea of good triumphing over evil.  Good people want to believe in the good in everyone, and when they can’t see it, they still want to believe that good will always triumph over evil in the end. Cinderella gives us those feels in spades.

In The Charmer in Chaps, Ella Kendall is the girl who has been neglected—she was a foster care kid. She’s lived a hard life, has been imprisoned by the state, but now, she is all on her own. She has gone out into the world, has earned a degree, and she is building her house, one brick at a time. But when she runs across Luca Prince, her high school crush, the guy they literally called Prince Luca because he was so popular and so rich, the fantasy roars back to life. She doesn’t expect anything, of course, because life has taught her not to expect much. But just like the prince noticed Cinderella, Luca notices Ella. He sees past her situation, which is vastly different than his own. He sees someone with layers and stories to tell. He’s a good man. He wants good to prevail for Ella. The trickery part will be convincing her that he can give her a good life and that she deserves it. I hope you enjoy the novel.

 

Julia London is the New York Times and USA Today best selling author of more than two dozen romantic fiction novels. She is the author of the popular historical romance series, the Cabot Sisters, including The Trouble with Honor, The Devil Takes a Bride, and The Scoundrel and the Debutante. She is also the author of several contemporary romances, including Homecoming Ranch, Return to Homecoming Ranch, and The Perfect Homecoming.

Julia is the recipient of the RT Bookclub Award for Best Historical Romance and a six-time finalist for the prestigious RITA award for excellence in romantic fiction. To keep up with all the Julia London news, please visit http://www.julialondon.com. Follow her on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/julialondon

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Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday

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Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – a Review

 

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Description:
Outlaw Jack Bowdre is on his way to jail—and completely unaware that he’s traveling with Nora Kane, the mail order bride he’s been corresponding with for so long. No wonder the chemistry is flying…

It’s too bad Nora doesn’t know Jack is her groom-to-be. All she sees is a scoundrel. But when their stagecoach crashes, they’re suddenly left to fend for themselves—and each other. The longer they’re together, the stronger their feelings grow. Hounded by desperate men bent on doing them harm, Nora and Jack will do whatever it takes to find their happily ever after…but first, they’ll have to shake the devils from their trail.

 

 

Review:

Saving the Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 2nd book in her wonderful Outlaw Mail Order Brides series.  I have become a big fan of Broday’s western historical romance stories, and Saving the Mail Order Bride is once again another fantastic story line. Refresher: Hope’s Crossing started as a town run by outlaws who wanted to begin a new clean life, and build a family.   

We met our hero, Jack Bowden, in the previous book, and we felt sorry for Jack, since he did not get the warrants against him removed.  In Saving the Mail Order Bride, Jack has been captured by a US Marshall and being brought to a jail to await his probable hanging. 

Nora Kane, our heroine is traveling on the same stagecoach with Jack, and when the stagecoach crashes, they end up together to escape those chasing them.  The problem is that Nora snapped the handcuffs on Jack and her to keep herself safe, and without a key they are bound together.  Jack is escaping the lawmen, and Nora is running away from someone from her past who wants something she has.   At first, neither of them get along, but in a short time, especially after they both find out that Nora is a mail order bride, and she was supposed to marry Jack.  The chemistry between them grew with each difficult passing day, as they both began to find themselves attracted to each other.  The humor between them was also great; it was just fun to watch them show their true feelings.  Jack was tough and strong, in protecting Nora, as well as loyal; Nora was equally as tough, and was determined to help Jack and become his bride.  I loved them together, as they were perfect for each other.

What follows is an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  When things appear desperate, they will get help from our last book’s heroes, Tally and Clay, and finally connect to Hope’s Crossing with the help of others.  I also loved when Jack and Nora rescued a young 8 year old boy from a mean outlaw, and takes the boy, Sawyer, with them, and eventually as part of their family when they arrive in Hope’s Crossing.  There is also a baby that is rescued along the way that becomes part of their family.  So nicely done

More people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process.  They all stick together to protect Nora, Sawyer and baby Willow. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Tally, Rebel, Dr Mary, and Jack’s friends, Clay, Ridge, Luke, etc.   The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with those who have been chasing them from the start.  Nora will try to use something valuable that she has to help save Jack.

Linda Broday once again gives us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with.  Saving the Mail Order Bride was a great addition to this series, as it was emotional, exciting, sweet romantic story, with a fabulous group of secondary characters and a great couple. 

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

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Taming the Troublemaker by Kadie Scott – a Review

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Taming the Troublemaker by Kadie Scott – a Review

 

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Description:
One daring kiss with the playboy tempts the good girl, but can she tame him? 

Autry Hill may be a cowboy to his boots, but he’s also gained quite the reputation as a charmer and playboy. His parents aren’t sure he’s ready to take the reins of the family’s prosperous Texas ranch, so they set up a challenge: No women or scandal for the next six months and the ranch house he grew up in is his. Easy peasy, Autry thinks. He’s already tired of late nights and romancing, until elementary school teacher Beth Cooper happens to cross his path. Suddenly Autry is losing his heart, his mind, and what’s left of his reputation. 

Good girl teacher Beth Cooper is far too practical to fall for Autry Hill, even if she had a crush on him way back when. The man’s been breaking hearts since middle school. But when he becomes her unexpected champion and then they work together to help one of Beth’s troubled students who’s about to lose everything, she sees a different side of Autry – serious, compassionate, determined and dedicated. And that Autry is nearly impossible to resist. Does she need to?

Saving the Sheriff
Resisting the Rancher 
Taming the Troublemaker 

 

 

Review:

Taming the Troublemaker by Kadie Scott is the 3rd book in her The Hills of Texas series.

I’ve read the other books in this series, but you don’t need to worry, as each one is a stand-alone, not an ongoing story. We do catch up with previous characters from the other two books, but it only adds to the story. 

Autry is ready to take the reins of the family ranch. But his family thinks he’s not ready, his playboy past hasn’t convinced them, but they plan to change his ways. They give him an ultimatum….. clean up your act, stay out of trouble for six months and ranch is yours. 

Easy ….. well …. it would be if it wasn’t for a series of meetings with a certain teacher. He’s never really noticed Beth much, her two sisters were always the Center of attention, but helping out at the local school Autry sees Beth in a different light….. but a deal is a deal, so Autry can’t act on his feelings, but surely a few kisses won’t hurt ? 

Beth loves her job, she’s a good teacher, but she has a problem …..well she has a problem child at school. She needs help, and that comes in the shape of her school crush Autry, (he never noticed the plain Jane, her two sisters were far prettier than she could ever be) community service sees him helping her, and together they help the kid. 

So will Autry break his no women for six months promise to his dad and lose the ranch, or will Beth be worth the risk ?  You will need to read this book to find out.

Reviewed by Julie B.

Copy supplied for review

 

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The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – Review & Giveaway

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The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
When the West was wild
And man’s law favored the few
These extraordinary women could be found…in the heart of an outlaw.

Former outlaw Clay Colby is abuzz with his mail order bride’s expected arrival. He’s fought long and hard to drag Devil’s Crossing out of lawlessness…so when his homestead is set ablaze by a bitter rival, he’s heartbroken. There’s no woman in the world who’d stand by him now.

But Talley Shannon is no ordinary woman.

After escaping the psychiatric hospital in which she was wrongfully detained, Tally only wants someone to protect her and the little girl under her care. She doesn’t mind that Clay’s home is dang near burned to the ground–not when he makes her feel so safe. So cherished. But it’s only a matter of time before the ghosts of her past come calling…and her loving cowboy must defend his new bride–and the family they built together–to his very last breath.

 

 

Review:

The Outlaw’s Mail Order Bride by Linda Broday is the 1st book in her new western Outlaw Mail Order Brides series. I have enjoyed Broday’s previous books book in a couple of her other series, and I am happy to say this was a wonderful start to another good series.

We meet our hero, Clay Colby, who is in the process with some of his outlaw friends, trying to rebuild a town (Devil’s Crossing) for them to start a new clean life.   Clay is waiting for the wagon train to arrive bringing him his mail order bride. When Clay meets his bride to be, he is shocked to see a young girl with her.

Talley Shannon is determined to protect herself, as well as the young blind girl under her care.   Tally is on the run from some bad guys, and marrying Clay will help her begin a new life.  Tally’s history is sad, as she escaped a terrible psychiatric hospital that she was falsely admitted by her greedy evil stepmother, after her father died.  Both she and the little girl, Violet were abused and tortured, but Tally is a strong and forceful woman. Tally explains that if he wants to marry her, he will have to accept Violet too.

What follows is both an exciting story line, and a sweet romance between two people with flawed pasts that will catch up with them.  Tally has problems with trust, especially with always being on the look out of the evil men still stalking her.  In time she realizes that Clay is a good man, who will do anything to protect her, and Violet, whom he begins to treat like his own daughter.  Though early on, Tally tries to run in fear of those following her, but Clay will prove to her that he is in this for the long run, and promises to protect her.   Slowly more people come to join their town, and help with the rebuilding process.  They all stick together to protect Tally and Violet. There were some great secondary characters they we got to meet, and learn to care for, such as the Januarys, Dr Mary, Rebel, and it was great to see Luke and Josie from Broday”s previous series. 

What I loved the most was watching Tally fight her trust issues, and allow herself to fall in love with Clay. Violet, though struggling with her blindness, was a treasure, who became more self sufficient with the those in town who loved her.   Clay’s dog Bullet was a perfect companion for Violet, and protective of them all. 

The last half of the book was very exciting, as a few times they find themselves in dangerous situations, which will bring them face to face with the three evil men following Tally.  Another group of women who escaped the asylum were rescued by Clay and Tally, bringing some to their town.  When they stave off the bad men, and the nasty stepmother, they head home with good news.  Tally is free, and Clay receives amnesty, and a happy time for all.  But just when things begin to look good, a shocking surprise will come back to rear its ugly head, causing intense action and threats to their survival, with both Rebel and Bullet seriously injured.  

Linda Broday has once again given us another wonderful new western historical series, with a fantastic group of characters, and a couple we fell in love with.  The Outlaw Mail Order Bride was an emotional, exciting, romantic story that played often with our emotions.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

Tally followed Clay into his dugout. She liked the strong set of his jaw and broad shoulders. He gave the impression that wouldn’t give under a heavy load. The two-inch scar down his face and the revolver swinging from his lean hip suggested he’d seen trouble too many times to count. His dark hair sported a few silver stands at the temples and curled possessively over his collarless shirt like a gunslinger’s hand around his gun.
She scanned the dim interior of the dugout, not caring that it was part of the hillside. She loved the scent of the earth and the safety Devil’s Crossing represented. A stack of uncut leather laid in a corner, and pink and yellow flowers on the table added an unexpected homey feel.
This outlaw was already surprising her in a lot of ways. Tally motioned to the leather. “What do you make?”
“Saddles, harnesses, boots, you name it.” Clay flicked her a nervous smile. “I know this doesn’t look like much, but it’s only temporary. As soon as I can, you’ll have a real house.”
Her mouth tried to turn up in a return smile but her nerves wouldn’t let it. She sat at the table in the chair Clay pulled out for her. “Don’t say anything you don’t mean. I’ve been lied to enough.”
Sunlight cast his shadow across the plank floor. “Look, Tally Shannon, I never waste words and what I say you can count on. I want something better for you, and already have the land picked out.”
Tally Shannon cleared her throat. “I have some things to ask of you, Clay. Refusal of any will be a deal-breaker.”
“Sounds fair enough. I’m sure you won’t need anything too difficult.”
“I’ll help build your town, share your bed, and raise your children.” She hardened her gaze. “In return, you promise never to put me back in the asylum and you’ll fight anyone who tries. Also extend that promise to Violet and if anything should happen to me, you’ll raise the child. You’ll never collect the reward that’s offered for me and I’ll never collect yours.” She paused before adding. “One last thing—you’ll release me next spring if this marriage doesn’t work.”
Clay brushed his fingers across her cheek that carried the mark. “You have my word on every stipulation.” His gaze shifted to the gun on her hip and she thought she saw admiration and some intimidation. “I only have one simple request. You have to promise never to shoot me, no matter how mad you get.”
“That depends on what you what do.” She leaned close, putting her lips next to his ear. “Hurt Violet and I’ll kill you in a heartbeat.”
He chuckled softly. “Trust me, I’d never be fool enough to cross you. Nor will I ever cause that little girl grief. That’s a vow I’ll never break.”
“Then we’re clear.” She straightened in her chair.
Clay leaned forward and lifted a tendril of hair, rubbed it between his thumb and forefinger. “Are you crazy, Tally?”
She allowed a smile. “Some would say that and at times I wonder. Back in Deliverance Canyon, I’d often wake in the dead of night and stand in the moonlight, letting the breeze brush my face. I needed the reassurance that I wasn’t back in that hellhole.”
“Do you mind if I ask why you were put there?”
“My stepmother put me there to get rid of me so she could steal what was mine. She told them that I was a sexual deviant and preyed on children.” She hated her strained voice.
“I can tell you’re not. I assume she had a ruthless plan.”
Tally’s voice turned cold and hardened. “When my father died, he had quite a large estate that included land, money, and other possessions. He left everything to me which angered my stepmother. She put something in my food that made me deathly ill and unable to fight her or speak. Some men loaded me into a wagon and Lucinda drove me to the Creedmore Lunatic Asylum.”
“I’ve heard of the place. Most never escape—except in a coffin. You were lucky, Tally.”
“A fierce determination helps. I was there a year and suffered—” her voice broke. She forced calm and continued. “Crimes you couldn’t imagine. But it only strengthened my resolve. I watched and waited for the right opportunity and when it came, I took it. Five of us broke out that moonless night. I’ve been back several times, once recently, for others like me.”
“Why do they want to imprison perfectly healthy women? What do they gain?”
“Money. Families pay a good deal to get rid of who they want. Men are getting rich off them and it’s become a big rotten business.” She watched his eyes darken, his anger build.
He let her strand of hair fall from his fingers. “Why was Violet there?” he asked, his voice tight.
“Her parents thought raising a blind child too much trouble.”
“Dear God! Such fools.” Clay rose to stand at the thick window.
She didn’t know what the tall, broad-shouldered outlaw was staring at, but the muscles of his jaw clenched tight, speaking of deep anger. He might convince himself that he was through dispensing justice but she could see that it continued to burn.
Could such a man love her?
An ache filled Tally. Could he make a little room in his heart for her?
She bit back a sob that tried to escape. Would she ever find someone who loved her fully and completely? Or would she have to settle for less as she’d always done? She was weary of settling. She wanted to be all of someone’s world, not just a part. She yearned to fill a man’s heart so full that his love for her spilled out all over the place.


 

 

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Bound for Temptation by Tess LeSue – Review & Giveaway

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Bound for Temptation by Tess LeSue – Review & Giveaway

 

 

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Description:
Emma Palmer’s been a lady of the night and a gambler, a thief and a blackmailer, a liar and a peddler of sin. But mostly a lady of the night. She’s spent most of her life as the hard-as-nails, smart-talking ‘Seline’, working her way across the country to the goldfields of California, where she can finally ply her trade on her own terms. And she’s a darn good Madam, if she does say so herself. Her place is clean, her booze is cheap, and her bedrooms are fancy. But when a would-be patron won’t take no for an answer, she’s forced to fight for her life and run. And what better disguise than as a nun?

Tom Slater is a taciturn cattleman at the tail end of a long, hard season on the trail. He plans to have a quiet winter at his old family homestead in Mexico. What he doesn’t plan on is finding a foul-mouthed nun stranded in the middle of nowhere. She has sly green eyes and a way of looking at him that turns his head upside down. Tom doesn’t need to be trailsman to know that this woman will only lead to trouble.

 

 

Review:

Bound for Temptation by Tess LeSue is the 3rd book in her western historical romance Frontiers of the Heart series.  We met our heroine, Emma Palmer (Seline), in the previous book, as she was a madam in her own brothel, and knew both Luke & Matt Slater (previous book heroes).    When we meet Emma, she has sold her place, having saved enough money to travel to California and live a normal life.  But first she has to escape one of the rich locals, who is determined to make Seline his. 

Tom Slater, the 3rd Slater brother, is trying to clear his name, as his brother gave his name as a cover for the  infamous ‘Deathrider’.   When Emma makes arrangements with the real ‘deathrider’  having met him earlier, and Tom is assigned to bring Emma, her two friends and young girl on the trek, which could be dangerous, since she is running away from a dangerous man. 

When Tom meets Emma, the fun begins as the girls are dressed as nuns, to hide their appearance.  In a short time, Tom is beside himself, as he begins to find himself attracted to the Nun (Emma).  I really loved Emma, who is a strong, independent  and a fun heroine, whom you could not help but root for  her.  From the start, she found herself attracted to the hunky Tom, but knew she needed to play the part of a nun, which was hard for her, as she continued to act her rambunctious sassy way; this also confused Tom how she spoke her mind. Emma always had a plan to get out of certain situations, which was pretty hilarious.

The adventure was not only wild crazy, but a lot of humor along the way.   When they meet dangerous criminals during their travels, the situation becomes tense, and they must find away to escape  without revealing their true identities.   When Tom gets injured, things will change as Emma has to help fix his injuries, and it was fun to see Tom appalled; but this led to the truth….she was not a Nun.  Their relationship heated up, but not for long, as  Tom  discovers more truths about Emma’s past.

Tom was a good hero, but to me Emma was the star of this book.  I absolutely loved her.  I also loved how when she lost Tom, she planned to find a way to win him back, but had to travel where the Slater Brothers lived, which did not sit well with the other Slater wives.  Emma was a great cook and baker and used this to start her new life.  Would Tom ever return to his home?  Would he accept Emma’s past?  You will need to read this book to find out.

Bound forTemptation was a sweet fun historical western that was exciting adventure, romantic  and humorous.   I look forward to see what else Tess LeSue has in store for us.

Reviewed by Barb

Copy provided by Publisher

 

 

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Forgotten Hearts by Sloan Archer – a Review

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Forgotten Hearts by Sloan Archer – a Review

 

Amazon

 

Description:
n the summer of 1991, young love blossomed between Cash Axton and Vanessa Paul in the vast field of forget-me-nots that separated their family homes in small town Dunblair Ridge, Montana. The two became inseparable best friends, and ten-year-old Cash made a vow to Vanessa that he intended to one day carry out: I’m going to marry you. But with autumn came an unforeseen tragedy, resulting in an event that would tear the two apart and divide them by thousands of miles.

As adults, Cash and Vanessa are living separate lives until fate steps in and brings them back to Dunblair Ridge. Cash, haunted by the events he’d witnessed overseas as a photojournalist, comes home to heal and take over the family’s failing ranch. Vanessa, a workaholic financial planner who suddenly finds herself jobless and single, leaves New York City for Montana to claim the farmhouse she inherited.

Vanessa intends to stay in Dunblair Ridge just long enough to fix up her property and sell it, but then she reunites with Cash and a flood of memories comes rushing back. While the two cannot deny their mutual attraction, they struggle to ignore the ticking clock that counts down the days until Vanessa returns to New York.

Will Cash’s vow go unbroken?

 

 

Review:

Forgotten Hearts by Sloan Archer  is a lovely romance with a small town appeal and great characters.

Vanessa has worked very hard at J&W.  It’s been long hours and sacrifice, so when the partners accuse her of embezzlement,  all her hard work and dreams go down the drain. And if that isn’t bad enough her boyfriend of two years has not only been cheating on her with the coffee shop girl, but she’s knocked up too and oh! Ya! She has to move out of the apartment they shared immediately!

So when she gets a call that her aunt Jeanie has died and left her the farm and everything she owns,  it’s with a sad heart that she returns to the one place she felt loved and secure; it was just 3months but it was the best time of her life.

In returning to the farm she is surprised that it is in bad disrepair and in need of fixing up. When Cash finds out Vanessa is back he can’t wait to see her again, but alot has changed. Cash has been though his own share of hard times and working his ranch and keeping it going takes everything he has; when it  comes to romance he keeps it to one night stands. But seeing Vanessa brings back good memories and a new chance at love.

So he offers to help fix up the farm house hoping to reconnect and it’s no time at all that these two start falling in love and making plans for Dunblair Ranch.  Just about the time Cash is ready to lay his heart on the line, once again Vanessa is slipping though his fingers. Seems her old boss wants her to come back and become a partner, something that Vanessa has wanted for so long! Will love win this time of will Cash lose Vanessa forever?

Reviewed by Kat

Copy supplied for review

 

 

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