BOOK REVIEW- Short-Order Sheriff (River's End Ranch Book 1) by Kristen Osbourne

 Discover River's End Ranch, a gorgeous "destination ranch and resort" in Riston, Idaho, that is run by the six Weston siblings and their well-meaning, semi-retired parents. Five bestselling Western romance authors have created a world like no other--full of fun outside activities, a huge family in need of love, and side characters you will never forget. A world where our characters learn, laugh, and love

Kelsi Weston, the youngest of six siblings, loves life. She has a job she adores, is surrounded by people she loves, and gets to work with people she cares about. If only she could keep cooks in the café she manages, life would be perfect. When her long-time boyfriend announces he’s leaving town for a new job on the same day her cook leaves with no notice, she does what she always does. She handles it.
Sheriff Shane Clapper has loved Kelsi for years, going to her café for lunch every day simply so he can see her. When he hears she’s broken up with her boyfriend, he immediately goes to the café to make his move. Why let grass grow under his feet? He knows what he wants, and he plans to get it! Will the sheriff be able to convince Kelsi she would be happier with him? Or will she give into her mother’s demands to date the man picked out for her?   AMAZON 3 STARS

Although it was a cute town with a quirky, likable main character in Kelsi...this story just didn't do it for me.  I liked it but not at a high level of pleasure.  The town was interesting, Shane's long time love interest for Kelsi was a nice touch as was her twin sister and other family members.  It just wasn't enough to be memorable for me or to want to read any further about the rest of the family. It just seemed to lack real depth.
One thing it had going for it was that it did have a H.E.A. 

BOOK REVIEW- Why not Tonight? (Happily Inc Book 3) by Susan Mallery

 







 Natalie Kaleta will do anything for the artists at her gallery, including risk life, limb and the effect of humidity on her naturally curly hair. Braving a downpour to check on reclusive Ronan Mitchell, Natalie gets stranded by a mudslide at his mountain home, where the brooding glass artist reveals his playful side, sending her inconvenient crush from under-the-radar to over-the-top.

After a secret tore apart his family and made him question his sense of self, Ronan fled his hometown for Happily Inc, but the sunny small town can’t fix his damaged heart. He won’t give in to his attraction for beautiful, perpetually cheerful Natalie. She’s untouched by darkness—or so he thinks.

Natalie knows that when a heart goes through the flame, it comes out stronger. Life may not be a fairy tale, but sometimes dreams do come true. Why not this one? Why not tonight?
AMAZON   3 STARS

It turns out that this was a good story idea that was just okay.  It had some good points like good characters and a got your back kind of town.  Similar in some ways to the town of Fool's Gold which I had read quite a few of those books.  It is different in that it isn't as much into Festivals as it is a Wedding town.  The town just kind of pulled most people to them and welcomed them into family.  Natalie was fun, quirky and honest to a fault.  Oh, she didn't say things to hurt people but there sure were some interesting things that came out of her mouth. Sometimes it made it kind of hard for people to keep up with her.  Even those who knew her and loved her. 
Ronan is in the  middle of a identity crisis meltdown of sorts.  And he is super hurt and angry about the lies about who he is.  One thing he is certain of is that he wants NOTHING to do with becoming like his talented but selfish father.  
Although I kind of enjoyed the story I can't say that it was a favorite for me. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Parent Pact (Return to Redemption, Book 3) by Laurie Kellogg

Cinderella and Prince Charming never had to consider the welfare of their children

When widower Tyler Fitzpatrick meets Annie Barnes at his daughter’s school, his libido goes tilt. The sexy single mother is everything he and his grieving little girl need. Unfortunately, Annie flatly refuses his dinner invitation. She wants a husband and a father for her son—not just a boyfriend. And the last time she checked, wealthy, summa-cum-laude lawyers didn’t marry high-school-drop-out housekeepers.

Tyler concedes there’s a vast difference between their experiences and lifestyles. Still, he’s inexplicably drawn to the impoverished young woman—even though her little boy reminds Tyler of an underprivileged past he’d rather forget. While becoming better acquainted, he offers Annie a job caring for his daughter and home in Redemption, PA. He also proposes a Parent Pact—an agreement to become role models to each other’s child and to fill one another’s needs as single parents while they continue to search for true love.

Accepting Tyler’s offer would solve a lot of Annie’s problems. However, surrendering to her weak-in-the-knees attraction to the irresistible widower could very well leave her and her son heartbroken. Yet, when circumstances threaten her ability to feed her child, Annie reluctantly agrees to the pact, making it clear she has no desire for Tyler to fill her so-called needs in bed. It’s a bald-faced lie, but she knows the man’s desperation to give his daughter the nurturing she needs will compel him to accept a purely platonic relationship.

Now, Annie’s only problem is resisting the overwhelming temptation to let sin-in-a-tailored-suit Tyler seduce her.   AMAZON   3.5 STARS

I liked it but with some reservations. It was kind of a mixed bag for me. The emotions were there although it seemed to repeat a theme or two quite a bit.   The story did start out strong but then kind of dogged down about half way through.  Part of that I think had to all the detailed wealth but it also showed the huge gap between the lifestyles of the two main characters.  There is hope for the rest of the book though because it finally does pick up and it also solves a mystery about Annie's father's death.  There is also a good Epilogue which I was glad to see. 
There was some humor in the story and I thought the cover was kind of cute too.
 Both Tyler and Annie were interesting characters as was their children, Mandy and Noah.  Two other people who added to the story was Tyler's long time friends, Luke and Ben.  Tyler's sister Sabrina also shows up in the book and adds a promising side story to the book.   It looks like she will have her own story in, "A Heart Decision (Return to Redemption, Book 5")

BOOK REVIEW- Gianni: Azzarra Crime Family Book One by Annie Jacoby

I must kill her...she knows too much...


Grace is my hostage. A beautiful, sweet hostage who makes my entire body light up, but my hostage nonetheless. Her crime? Being in the wrong place at the wrong time. She was kidnapped by Piero Ferrarro, who I had to hit due to his involvement in a plot against me. Grace knows that I'm behind Piero's murder, and if I let her go, it would spell disaster to my entire organization.

It's not fair, but I have to always look at my long-term survival, and Grace endangers that. So, I have to either keep her my hostage for the rest of her life, so that she cannot go to the authorities, or I have to kill her.

There's only one problem.

I'm in love with her.   AMAZON 4 STARS


It's a crime family book so you know going in that there is going to be deaths, murder, violence but there is also some interesting twists and people in the story too.  Quite a few twists as it turns out. There is also some major surprises as the book comes to it's conclusion. 
Grace goes through so much that you wonder if she is ever really going to catch a break.  But that also keeps you reading because you want to see her win but your just not sure how that is going to happen. The interactions between Grace and Gianni keep things interesting too.

Gianni is The Boss but there is a whole lot more to him that is first seen.  His twin sister Antonia is a tough customer maybe even tougher than Gianni.
I will say that this book is of course for Adult readers but I guess that probably goes without saying.  After all, the book blurb does warn you with it's description.

BOOK REVIEW- Message in a Bottle A Surf's Up Romance Novella by Beth Wiseman

 One man. Two women. A child desperate for medical treatment. How can Kyle choose between the woman he once loved and his current fiancée? Is there a solution that suits all involved, or will someone end up out of the triangle forever?

Morgan Calhoun and her parents are whisked away in the middle of the night, something Morgan always knew was a possibility because of her father's CIA job. But she'd always thought if such a scenario played out that she would have time to say goodbye to those she loved—particularly her boyfriend, Kyle. Adding to her unbearable situation, several weeks after the move, Morgan finds out that she's pregnant.

Kyle Brossmann doesn't even get a break-up letter from Morgan. She's just gone, along with her parents. His heart broken, Kyle continues with his plans. He graduates from high school and attends college, where he meets his fiancée, Lexie. But two men visit Kyle and encourage him to travel to an undisclosed location, where he will meet his five-year-old daughter. Rocked by the news that he has a child, Kyle learns he is the only person who might be able to save his daughter's life.

Will Kyle choose his first love and his daughter? Or will he stay with Lexie and live the life they’ve been planning?   AMAZON  4 STARS
 illness
This was an unusual story with a whole bucketful of emotion. It was well written with interesting people and plenty of danger and twists and turns.  The danger part mostly comes into play with the need to stay hidden from Morgan's father's enemies and also from the life threatening illness of Kyle's daughter.
Kyle has his life turned upside down with the surprise of learning he has a daughter and the secretive nature of getting to her.  

 I did enjoy the whole message in the bottle idea and how it played out in Kyle's life one last time.   

The book also has an unexpected but interesting ending as well.  I am glad that there is a look into the lives of everyone at a much later date.

BOOK REVIEW- Accidental Agent (River's End Ranch #3) by Amelia C. Adams

Discover River's End Ranch, a gorgeous "destination ranch and resort" in Riston, Idaho, that is run by the six Weston siblings and their well-meaning, semi-retired parents. Five bestselling Western romance authors have created a world like no other--full of fun outside activities, a huge family in need of love, and side characters you will never forget. A world where our characters learn, laugh, and love.

Liz Colby is an aspiring author who works at Kelsey’s Kafé while waiting to make it big. When a handsome, mysterious customer comes in and orders a burger, she immediately begins wondering about him, thinking he’d be a great addition to her new novel.

FBI agent Jack Saunders had to get out of LA, so he just got in his car and started driving. When he ends up at a place called River’s End Ranch and goes into the diner, he overhears a suspicious conversation, and his instincts tell him there’s something about this cute blonde waitress that needs further investigation.

Two mysteries to be solved, and two lonely hearts looking for a home . . . just another day at Kelsey’s Kafé, where romance is always on the menu.   AMAZON  3 STARS

I really wanted to like this story more because it had what I felt was potential.  But for me it was so slow it really killed some of the enjoyment for me.  I know it takes time to establish people in a story and there were some sweet and sometimes humorous times. But by the time I was 43% in I was almost screaming for something to happen.  It took a little longer and some action did finally come into play.  It had to do with a case that Jack had been pursuing for a while. 
The story ends with a sweet H.E.A. for Jack and Liz.  

BOOK REVIEW- Her Queen City Ranger: A Victorian Western Romance (Colorado City Series Book 1) by Emilee Harris

Introducing "Her Queen City Ranger"- a new Historical Western Romance by Emilee Harris.  Her Queen City Ranger” is a work of historical western romance fiction. It is a standalone romance set in Victorian era Colorado. A guaranteed HEA with no cliffhangers.

Circumstance has placed them at odds, can love lead them to common ground?

A woman on the run...

When Sofie Augustine is kidnapped from her father's estate in Prussia, she finds herself halfway across the world in the United States. Though she manages to escape her captors, she’s not out of danger. They’ve turned the tables and her only chance is to reach her father’s solicitor in Denver for protection.

She soon realizes, however, that she won’t make it alone. Stranded on the Eastern Colorado plains, the only person she can turn to is a man who believes the worst of her.

A man determined to do what's right...

Cleighton Palmer has spent his life trying to prove his worth in a world where good breeding is everything. As a Colorado Ranger, he’s taken an oath to uphold the law in his wild western state. When news of a murderer on the run comes over the wire, he’s not about to let that threat make it to his town.

But Sofie isn’t what he expected, and when she’s put in danger, he has to decide who’s side he’s on.

Sofie and Cleigh battle the elements, hired guns, and growing attraction as they make their way to Denver and put together a plan to clear her name.  AMAZON    3.5 STARS

I liked this story and enjoyed the main characters.  They sure did come from a huge difference when it came to backgrounds.  I also liked the woman Lucy who became like a second mother to Cleighton.  She was his lifelife since he was about seven years old.

I also liked the struggle between Sofie and Cleigh; the struggle to get to the truth of what is really going on.  Sofie has one wild story and he finds it hard to believe what she is telling him.  He does have a good way of measuring up people.  Hes usually pretty good at telling when people are telling the truth or not.  It's kind of a good thing that Sofie held a few things back because it would have made things even harder for him to believe.

There are a few surprises awaiting Cleight and Sofie as well as fighting to get their own H.E.A together.  Sofie's father loves her so dearly but in his determination to protect her almost ruins the whole thing.  He has a few secrets of his own too.  And seeing Lucy again stirs up a lot of memories that only they know about.   

I want to say in passing that I really don't understand the title for this book.  It's not a biggie but I just don't get it.  I must have missed something. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Mail-Order Bride Carries a Gun (Brides of Sweet Creek Ranch Book 1) by Wanda Ann Thomas

THE BRIDES OF SWEET CREEK RANCH is an uplifting Sweet Historical Western Romance series introducing the untamed Haven brothers. A cattleman, gunslinger, rodeo cowboy, cattle rustler, and gambler, the adopted brothers struggle to save the family’s frontier ranch. Only women with grit and courage would consider making a home in the remote wilds of Wyoming as well as give the safekeeping of their hearts to the Haven men. Come visit Sweet Creek Ranch and experience love, adventure, and happily ever after. 

The mail-order bride seeks justice. Not a husband…

ELLA HUNTER never thought she’d be a mail-order bride. But when she sees a photo in the Marriage Gazette of the man she believes killed her brother, Ella agrees to marry the Civil War soldier turned cowboy. Prepared to confront a cold-hearted killer then return home, she finds all her expectations dashed when her intended husband appears to be a good man. Ella’s loyalties are torn between honoring the memories of her family and her undeniable attraction to Ty Haven. 

TY HAVEN needs a wife. The ranch he runs in the wilds of Wyoming Territory could use a woman’s influence. Frankly, so could he. So when Ella arrives like a gift tied up in a cornflower-blue hair ribbon, more intelligent, practical, and, yes, beautiful, than he could have imagined, he hopes she will give him and the West a chance. Turns out, he doesn’t just need a wife. He needs Ella. But she has a secret, and it might destroy their marriage almost before it’s begun. 

Can the unforgivable be forgiven? What will the cowboy ranchman do when he learns why…THE MAIL-ORDER BRIDE CARRIES A GUN?   AMAZON  5 STARS

 I feel like I just ate a full, satisfying meal after reading this book. 
It had great main characters, both with their own emotional scars but putting one foot in front of the other.  The longer Ella was around Ty, the more attracted she became to him.  She also began hoping that there was more to the story of her brother's death and his saber.  As she watches him with his brother/second chance boys she sees a side to him that really makes her wonder.  One minute her mind is made up that she was leaving in the spring and the next, she wanted to stay.  
The emotional tug of war for both of them was so well done.
The other men and boys at the ranch added so much more to the story and  Seth is at least one of the boys struggling almost as much as Ella is.  
I just felt like the author did a really good job building the personalities, challenges and pasts for each one of the people in the story. I also want to credit the author with grabbing my attention right away with a really great title for this book. 

What was an unexpected surprise was when Boone, one of the "brothers" from the ranch shows up with more of his story included.  He is a gunslinger looking to get out of the game.  Things really hit the fan when one of his brothers signed him up for a mail order bride. Then things really go south after he marries Margaret Lily.  But not at first, you see Margaret has a few dangerous secrets of her own.  This is a really interesting story line that won't be finished in this book.  "Gunslingers Don't Die (Brides of Sweet Creek Ranch Book 2)" continues that story. 
I've got to be honest and say that I will be following that story soon.  
Overall I was really happy with how the book ended.  Well, except for that black-hearted wannabee land baron, Blackwell.  Can someone please do something about him WITHOUT getting hanged for it? 

BOOK REVIEW- JACK 11 by Stella Marie Alden

Just when I thought I had it made, I stepped in shit.

I overheard someone blackmail a senator, my wife got kidnapped, and now I'm accused of murder.

Are you f'cking kidding me?

Even if you didn't read book 1, you'll love Jack II. He and Blakely will take you on a rollercoaster ride that you won't soon forget. AMAZON 4 STARS

This was a fast moving story with a lot danger and action in it.  Also the two main characters Blakely and Jack are still wildly in love with each other and it shows.   Even after having appeared in the first book, they still were having "adventures."  It was danger of a different kind but still with the possibility of being lethal.  I think that it probably would be pretty easy to get into and understand even without having read the first book.  
If you didn't guess from the book blurb yes, there will be some rough language and hot married sex but there is a story there.  I felt like the sex scenes could have been scaled back a it.  But the story isn't sacrificed by being overtaken with only sex and language.  There is still some strong friends and allies in this book too.  Good thing, Jack and Blakely are going to need them.   There are some big egos, big dollars and several power plays going on.  All which make the book even more interesting.  Also a plot twist that I didn't see coming.
What a great cover on the book, right?

I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book and this is my honest opinion of it.  

BOOK REVIEW- Christmas with the Sheriff (Shadow Creek, Montana Book 1) by Victoria James

After fleeing her beloved small town five years ago, Julia Bailey is back to spend Christmas with her family. Returning is hard, but keeping the devastating secret about her late husband is even harder. Her place isn't in Big Sky Country any longer...but the more time she spends with the irresistible Sheriff who saved her once before, and his adorable little daughter, the more Julia starts wishing she could let go of the past and start a new life.

Single dad and county Sheriff Chase Donovan had been secretly in love with his best friend's wife for years. But after her traumatic loss he knew Julia needed to get away from Shadow Creek, even though helping her leave was the last thing he wanted to do. Now she's home and he doesn't intend to lose her a second time. Chase is going to prove to Julia just how good they can be together this Christmas...and forever.  AMAZON 3.5 STARS

This was a sweet story with really good main characters.  Main characters that had gone through a boat load of heartache too. So there was a bitter sweet element to the story too.  Maggie ( who is Chase's daughter)  added some sweet but spunky flavor to the story too.   She made me smile more than a time or two.  And what a great relationship she had with her father.  He wasn't perfect  especially when it came to girly things but he did try.

It was a great community of people too and some of the best people were Julia's ins-laws.  Her late husband, Michael's parents were the best and still loved her like another daughter. 

The patient love that Chase had for Julia was so well drawn, that it just made you want to see that rewarded.  Julia needed to stop running but I could see why she was. She was terrified to put her heart out there again.

I liked the ending but would have like to have the Epilogue added.  I see that you can get that Epilogue if you sign up for the author's newsletter.  I'm not a fan of doing things that way even though there is a bonus when you sign up with being able to read for free, "Sweet Surrender."