BOOK REVIEW- Pretty Daring (Jaded Series Book 2) by Jenn Hype *

If you ask me, foolishness is like beauty - all about the eye of the beholder.

For instance - I’ve been told the amount of caffeine I consume on a daily basis will eventually kill me, which makes no sense, because that caffeine is essential to living. Then I have doctors telling me that I need to get more sleep if I want to live a happy, healthy life. I can easily refute those claims, because my life is neither happy nor healthy if I don’t utilize every possible second of each day to ensure my life’s goals are met.

Now I’ve got people claiming that hooking up with the sexy bodyguard I hired after someone tried to kill me in broad daylight is a mistake. And, okay, they might be right about that one. Even I can’t argue that it’s not healthy to sleep with someone you can barely stand to be around outside the bedroom.

But you know what? Life is already short enough. If there’s a chance I might die young, then I’m going to go out with a bang - preferably the kind that comes with an orgasm or twelve.
AMAZON LINK
                                         4 STARS
I enjoyed this book for the humor all on it's own.  There was some really funny dialogue especially when  Paige's best friend Clara was involved.  The two of them together made the outrageous level go way up.  But Clara was also really good at knowing where Paige was at emotionally, even without words having to be said. 
It also had great secondary people in it  including Brady, Sebastian’s brother, and Liam who has sparks flying with Clara.   There are other people in the story like Blake who is another outrageous but loving person.  She welcomes Paige with open arms, something that often is uncomfortable for Paige.  Yes, Paige wants love and acceptance but she's not used to getting affection.
The sparks flying off of Sebastian and Paige together makes for some tense situations but also funny too.  They both enjoy riling the other up no matter how juvenile. 
It has a good end with at least one twist and the rest was something that I had already guessed was coming.  There is a H.E.A. though.  

Isaiah 55:11-12: My word will accomplish what I please

 

This information was found elsewhere but mentioned this scripture.  This was also part of it:

Someone needs to hear this today.
Don’t lower or change your faith because of discouragement to meet your circumstances. Stay in ferocious faith. Not only is God bringing to pass what He said He would (Isaiah 55:11-12) but it’s coming with increase. More than you imagined or expected! He is faithful! (Lana Vawser)

BOOK REVIEW- The Sheikh's Stolen Bride-To-Be by Holly Rayner *

 This is a re-release of a book first released in 2017. It features an added epilogue, previously exclusive to subscribers to my newsletter. It is the second book in the All He Desires series

Book Details

Stephanie O’Hanlon is a typical American girl, caught in a very exotic bind. Under pressure from her old-fashioned parents - not to mention, more than a little eager to escape her small-town Vermont existence - she finds herself in the Middle East, on the eve of an arranged marriage to a man she’s never met.

Walking the dusty streets of El Farah, she meets a tall, dark, and devilishly handsome stranger, Mehdi, and in a desperate moment of honesty, she tells him all: her doubts, her fears, and the husband-to-be she’s never met. Hours later, and there’s only one man she can imagine marrying the next day.

On her way to the wedding venue, Steph realizes something isn’t right. She’s been stolen away from a fate she never asked for by Mehdi, the Sheikh of the land! But is he her kidnapper or her savior?

Swept away to paradise, Steph can’t escape reality forever. At some point, she knows she must face her parents’ wrath. And the groom she jilted…

Can this love transcend tradition? Will Steph ever find her way back to the man who broke all the rules to save the girl he met weeping at the fountain?   AMAZON LINK
         3 STARS

This story had potential, it had interesting main characters, and plenty of emotions. 
It also had me shaking my head when it came to Stephanie's mother and father's expectations.  You raise her as an American in America and you expect her to be totally okay with an arranged marriage to a stranger?  And she's expected to move to a foreign country that she knows almost nothing about.  It might be part of her heritage but they have told her practically nothing about that country either?  I found that kind of strange.

So much of the story was like being on a guided tour of El Farah and the surrounding countryside.  While it made for good world building it also began to feel a bit top heavy with it.
The book blurb is what got me interested in the story.  I have to admit that the story didn't exactly go in the direction that I thought it might. But that was an interesting twist.  There is another twist coming towards the end that I didn't see coming. It put a smile on my face though. 
It was sweet, charming story as well as including the challenges that Steph faced becoming her own woman.   She finds love instead of just bowing to tradition for traditions sake.  There is tender moments between Steph and Mehdi before everything gets cleared up.
There is a H.E.A. and a good Epilogue that pulls everything together. I just felt like it could have been deeper.


"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Full Circle (Willow Bend Romances Book 1) by Mona Ingram*

 New Cover April 2019
Single and pregnant, Bella is given a choice. Give up her child for adoption or leave town.
The choice was never in doubt. Bella moves across the country, settling in Santa Monica. Determined to make a life for herself and her child, she and her new friend Sophia sell children’s clothing at the Venice Beach market. When their creative designs are featured on television, their business takes off and they accept an offer from Rafael Vargas to expand their business. Bella fights her attraction to the handsome entrepreneur, but deep in her heart all she really wants is love.  AMAZON LINK
      4 STARS

I enjoyed this book even though it was a bit light on the romance part when it comes to Bella's life in the present.   
 I did like the fact that it was pretty easy to see what Bella hadn't yet.  Well to be honest, it takes her years because she is "all business".  And she is also all about her daughter, Melissa too.  Rafael was one sharp businessman who you could tell that he wanted Bella for more than just friendship.  But he did have her back as a businessman then partner and friend for many years.  I have to admit I really liked the way he was portrayed. 
 Even when Bella does acknowledge her attraction to him she doesn't think she can act on it.  It could endanger everything that she and her other friends have worked so hard for.  Bella is a go-getter when it comes to business .  She knows what she wants and goes after it.  In everything except her personal life that is. She's really left no room for romance. 

Speaking of friends, she develops some solid ones along the way.  These friends do add a lot to the story.  Sofia and Bella develop so well as friends and then business partners.  Carla is a childhood friend who is such a support as they re-enter each other's lives again. 
There is a "oh no"moment when Melissa meets Todd and they click.  There is surprise waiting though that makes this twist come out right. 
The H.E.A. was a good one when Bella and Rafael come together in the end.  
This is the original cover which I really liked too: 
 

BOOK REVIEW- Carriers of the Glory: Becoming a Friend of the Holy Spirit by David Diga Hernandez

 Discover your identity as a carrier of God’s presence, glory and power!Do you sometimes wonder how God can consider you a friend in light of your failures and defeats? Does your own insufficiency cause you to wonder whether the Holy Spirit truly dwells within you? Do you wonder why your own faith experience is so different from that of the heroes in the Bible?
Scripture makes it clear that communion with the Holy Spirit is the key to living the kind of empowered and authentic Christian life we see modeled in Scripture. The Holy Spirit works within us to form hearts that truly worship, minds that understand of the depths of God’s Word, and hands that accomplish the miraculous. This book will acquaint you with the mysterious third Person of the Trinity, helping you to draw closer to Him so that you may become a carrier of God’s Spirit—a chosen friend of God.
 This book provides answers to some popular questions about the Holy Spirit…

• What is the Holy Spirit’s purpose and nature?
• What is the blasphemy of the Holy Spirit and why is it an unpardonable sin?
• What does the Bible really teach about spiritual gifts?
• What does it mean to be friends with God?

If you desire to know God in a deeper and more intimate way, if you want your soul to be set ablaze with a passionate love for Him, if you want to walk in the fullness of all that He has created you for, then this book is for you!Draw close to His glory.   AMAZON LINK
           4  STARS

This was a good Bible based book, with plenty of opportunities to use it as a study as well.  Not only is there a good amount of scripture but David also adds his personal experiences as well.  Not only his victories through Holy Spirit but also the challenges and questions that he had along the way.  It was presented in an easy to understand way.
I liked that he pointed out that Holy Spirit doesn't play exclusive allegiance to any one denomination.  Nor have only a spiritually elite, if there is such a thing.   Holy Spirit is available to all.  It should be reassuring to some that it isn't disrespectful  to Jesus by wanting to speak with the Holy Spirit.  You are not overlooking Jesus because no single person is more passionate about Jesus than Holy Spirit. 
There is one important thing that I haven't heard mentioned before (anywhere) in Christian books. It's that as we begin to worship we need to focus on the image of Christ.  Allowing Holy Spirit to inspire true worship in your heart.  Like David said he simply follows the leading of the Spirit. Holy Spirit is like a river, just let Him flow the way he wants.  It feels as though a gentle stream is taking me away (David's words).  Having worshiped like this I think this is one of the best ways I have ever heard it explained!
 Just continue to focus on the image of Jesus and worship.
 There is plenty of other nuggets in this book for the new to Jesus and those who have known Him longer.


**************************EXTRAS***

-Your body and your spirit exist in a different realm.  Our body exists in the earthy realm, our spirit in the Heavenly real.  Our soul bridges the two realities. .what a great way of putting it.
-A new take on Acts 5:15-16.  We have misunderstood this.   It wasn't the shadow of Peter that people got healed from..it was the presence of Holy Spirit ON Peter.  It was WHO he carried that changed things around him. It was Holy Spirit on Peter that healed the people, not a shadow. 
- I really enjoyed Chapter Six, The Spirit and You.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Country Star's Bodyguard: Fame and Romance by Marian Wilson & Ruby Hill *

Fiona is a superstar who doesn’t know she needs to be rescued. Rocco is a bodyguard who won’t give up until she’s safe.

Country superstar, Fiona Walsh, sings about heartache and loss to her fans pleasure, but unbeknownst to them, she’s lived every word. She has done a wonderful job of hiding a past relationship and the pain behind it from the world, including those closest to her. But when her new bodyguard, Rocco De Luca enters the picture, the walls she has built up threaten to crumble around her.

Rocco sees a different side of Fiona than the world sees. He knows the weight of responsibility on her shoulders, and he wants to secure more than just her safety. But Fiona, is not interested in anything Rocco has to offer, including his protection.

When Rocco saves her from imminent danger, Fiona is at risk of losing her home, her life, and even her heart. Determined to shield herself from further heartache when she realizes she’s falling for him, Fiona goes on the run. But Rocco won’t give up until she’s secure in the safety of his arms and heart.
AMAZON LINK
                     3 STARS

Although this book had potential and many good descriptive details, it just didn't pull me in like I had hoped. 
It just felt like it was missing something.  Like I just didn't feel the depth to the story.  I wasn't even feeling the attraction or the romance between the two main characters.   
It does have a H.E.A. and Epilogue though and an attractive eBook cover.  

BOOK REVIEW- Slade (The Protectors Series Book #6) by Teresa Gabelman *

Highly trained VC Warrior, Dr. Slade Buchanan’s, role between lifesaver and lifetaker has been a constant battle, but nothing prepared him for half-breed VC Warrior trainee, Jill Nichols. Slade realizes his struggles from the past were nothing compared to the difficulty of resisting the woman who could never belong to a man like him.

Being the only female VC Warrior recruit, Jill Nichols, has an uphill battle. Falling for the sexy doctor, Slade Buchanan, has not made the battle any easier, especially when he constantly reminds her and others there will never be anything between them. Working harder than any male recruit, obstacles are thrown in her path, and with each challenge, it becomes clear that the two things she wants most may never be.   AMAZON LINK
4 STARS       B00RKVCI7U

This book was one that I have wanted to read after having read some of the other stories in the series.  It had good main characters with Jill being one tough little cookie because she has had to be.   I liked her and enjoyed her  sassiness as she fought against the odds.  Slade was fighting his attraction to Jill but that wasn't working so well for him either.  He tried to be harsh around Jill and it only worked on and off which gave a lot of mixed signals.   Jill knew what she wanted but also was pretty sure she wasn't going to get Slade. 
This is a story about warriors so be prepared for a fair amount of the "F" word.
There is plenty of danger to go along with the interesting secondary people in the story.  Plenty of emotion, some angst, guilt , some humor, romance, and some solid couples.  Along with several surprises towards the end of the story.  Jax and Caroline have a story warming up between the two of them which will continue in another book.  One of the things I didn't like was that there is more than one time when Caroline was talking to and getting information from Jax's dead sister.  
Jill and Slade do get their H.E.A. although you know that getting there is going to be work. 

BOOK REVIEW- Sirtfood Diet For People On The Go by Easy Health Essentials

 Are you ever concerned about how to lose weight and still get your job done? Or maybe you're worried that Meal prepping is not for you?

If your answer is yes, then this book is just the answer to your wish, because this book covers easy to make snack & cookie, dinner & dessert sirtfood recipes strictly for people on the go.

The ѕсiеnсе behind thе diet iѕ аll based аrоund these Sirtfооdѕ, whiсh аrе a group of rесеntlу diѕсоvеrеd еvеrуdау рlаnt fооdѕ high in a сhеmiсаl соmроund knоwn аѕ ‘ѕirtuin’ асtivаtоrѕ.

These ѕirtuin асtivаtоrѕ are a tуре оf protein, whiсh ѕwitсh on thе ѕо-саllеd ‘ѕkinnу gene’ раthwауѕ in the body.

This book provides 45 recipes with pictures that are easy to follow so you can implement the Sirtfood Diet into your life.   AMAZON LINK
  3 STARS

This book started off with some valuable information about the benefit of different spices, dark chocolate, fruits and vegetables.
Yes, there are plenty of good recipes but the only problem is that they contain a lot of foods that I don't really like.  Not sure that I could make the changes needed.  On the upside there is several dessert recipes that look good if you like dark chocolate.  


I especially appreciated the information about the benefits of Turmeric. Turmeric (Curcumin) is said to be a strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent.   It's a naturally occurring compound that reduces inflammation in your body.  It helps prevent arthritis, chronic pain, cancer, heart disease and various degenerative conditions.  Turmeric also enhances the body's antioxidant capacity fighting free radical damage and improves brain function. 

BOOK REVEW- Gunslingers Don't Die (Brides of Sweet Creek by Wanda Ann Thomas *

 MAGGIE REED HAVEN, formerly known as Lady Lily, Female Bounty Hunter, once loved risk and adventure, but she has exchanged her reckless ways for a more stable life. Ready to begin her career as a teacher, she has the shock of her life when she discovers that the gunslinger she had foolishly married, and who she believed had promptly got himself killed in a shootout, is alive and well. The revelation presents an enormous, unavoidable problem—Boone Haven is the father of her three-year-old son. Determined to do right by her son and Boone she returns to Wyoming, where the wild allure of the West and the dark danger of the gunslinger tempt her to give up the new life she has created. Maggie finds herself torn between her tornado-like attraction for this deadly gorgeous man and her need for a safe, respectable future.

BOONE HAVEN hates his lonely life. But a man who makes his living as a hired gun, is bound to attract a passel of trouble. Hounded by outlaws, he can’t go home. But when Maggie, aka Lady Lily, explodes back into his life with his son and dog in tow, Boone has no good choices. If he stops running, he risks exposing his loved ones to danger. If he continues his wandering existence, his son might never know his father. And if he forgives Maggie, he risks falling under her powerful spell again.

Can the gunslinger escape his past, and learn to trust and love? What does the future hold for the teacher when she discovers…GUNSLINGERS DON’T DIE?  AMAZON LINK
                                             4 STARS

 
This was a good story with great main characters and that includes Colt who is Boone and Maggie's son.  Maggie was unusual in her own right and tougher than she gives herself credit for. She is also loving and has raised her son well with her only real help being
Brigetta.  Her life has had several life-changing things happen in it that caused her to change her life's path more than once.
There is also some good supporting people in the story.  I really liked the second chance boys, who were rescued and are a part of the Sweet Creek Ranch.  Those boys" who ranged in ages added so much to the story.
Emotions, adventure, hot attraction between the M.C.'s and danger play a big part in the story.  As does loyalty and a desire to protect.  Boone was big on not staying around at the ranch for long because of his desire to protect those he cares about.  Many at the ranch don't understand that at first and just think he's someone who runs away, without getting close to many of them. 
One of my favorite people was Colt's nanny,  Swedish immigrant, Brigetta Lyndtz.  She was fierce, loving with the heart of a fierce warrior.  She also adds some humor with some of her sayings.  I'm happy to see that she gets her own story in the next book. 
The story has a H.E.A. ending for now.  Because things do get settled between Boone, Maggie and Colt.  But there still is a danger out there for the people of this town that hasn't been fully overturned yet.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Hasty Wedding by Debbie Macomber

 There's more than one way to capture a man's heart...On the day of her best friend's Las Vegas wedding, Clare Gilroy fears that her own walk down the aisle will never happen...until she finds herself falling for best man - and town outcast - Reed Tonasket. After a dizzying night in the glitter of Vegas, Clare wakes to find a ring on her finger and a husband by her side. It should be everything she's ever wanted, but can a man like Reed ever fit into the life she left back home?
AMAZON LINK
3 STARS

This book had potential, it had really good, interesting main characters but for me the story got caught into a bit too much angst.   The problems facing Clare and Reed were real and the emotions were there.  
Clare was ready to make the marriage work but Reed blew hot and cold on that one.  Hot,because he's loved her for quite a while.   And cold because he just figured they had too much to fight to make it work and he wanted to protect her. 
There are other people in the story that add drama to the story.  But in the end I was glad that the main characters finally worked things out and got their H.E.A. 
When it comes to this author's books I either liked them or don't enjoy them at all.  This book kind of landed in the middle for me.
 

BOOK REVIEW- Ramona and the Renegade (Forever, Texas Book 2) by Marie Ferrarella

 Deputy Joe Lone Wolf never would've guessed that helping someone at the side of the road in a thunderstorm would throw his carefully controlled world into a tailspin. But that's exactly what happens when he realizes the sexy "stranger" is his childhood best friend, Ramona. He's spent years convincing himself that she deserves more than a former rebel with a scarred past. But all it takes is one stormy night in a deserted cabin with Ramona to make the fierce lawman change his mind.

Falling for Joe is a risk veterinarian Ramona Santiago knows she shouldn't take. Everyone she's trusted has let her down and left her alone…except him. Can she possibly hope that she and Joe were always meant to be more than friends?  AMAZON LINK
     3 STARS

GOODREADS LINK

This book had good main characters.  The only thing is that for me it just didn't seem to really have all that much going on. The story itself was slow.   The "love" from a distance thing went on a bit too long for me.  Although it was clear that both Joe and Ramona had not had an easy childhood.   Their friendship is still in place..kind of.  And Ramona is SO prickly with Joe that also got kind of got old for me, even though I was understanding some of her issues.  Her world was at loose ends with all the changes that were doing on. 
There is a lot of inner dialogues for both of the M.C.'s.  Along with a fair amount of angst.
There is a H.E.A. that does count in it's favor for the story.  I also have to agree with the other deputy Larry when he basically said, "It's about time."
 

BOOK REVIEW- Highland Conquest (Sons of Sinclair #1 ) by Heather McCollum

Description

Cain Sinclair has a plan. In order to finally bring peace to his clan, he will wed the young female chief of their greatest enemy. Only problem: capturing her and forcing her back to Sinclair castle doesn’t exactly make her want to say yes. Ella Sutherland may be clever, passionate, and shockingly beautiful, but what she isn’t is willing.
Every attempt Cain makes to woo her seems to backfire on him. A gift? The kitten practically claws his eyes out. A competitive game of chess? Even when he wins, he loses. It seems the only time the two ever see eye to eye is when they’re heating up Cain’s bed. Still, the only thing Ella truly wants is the one thing he cannot offer her: freedom.
But when Cain discovers she’s been harboring a secret—one that could threaten both clans’ very existence—he’ll have to decide between peace for the Sinclairs or the woman who’s captured his heart.   AMAZON
   5 STARS

When I first started reading this book, I almost groaned thinking, ''I don't think this is a book that I am going to like.''   I was glad that there is a dictionary of some of the Scottish and other words listed before the story starts.  I also found the abundance of the Scottish words a bit distracting at first.  It finally settled down to more of a battle between the two clans, especially between Cain and Ella.  That's where the "fun" really starts.  And this is where I began to change my mind about this book.
This book should be turned into a movie.  It has everything that you could want in one.  Great, vibrant main characters and a great cast of secondary people. That cast of people not only include the "good" people but also include a cast of not so good people.   Okay, they are evil and each with their own agenda of  revenge but mainly a desire for power and money.  Greed and a thirst for power drives them and they will gladly commit murder to get them.  
Cain has a lot to learn when it comes to what he has been taught from birth.  The main thing he has been raised to do was to strategize and conquer.  He had some really good techniques and I especially liked the falcon and the different communications with the colored flags and knots.   I also enjoyed when Cain began to woo Ella and things weren't going easy for him.  He was used to women falling in his arms without much of any effort on his part.  The unexpected tenderness that he showed to Ella added to the romance.  It also surprised Ella too but she was good at escaping having lived with her cruel father.  Ella knew how to keep things stirred up and I enjoyed how creative she was.

 Each one of his brothers have their own roles to fulfill and they do.  Justice, Death, War as some of their specific duties that they are assigned by their lunatic father. 
This story has not only these things but plenty of plots, action, secrets, romance, even some humor.  Several twists come towards the end of the book and they put a smile on my face. 
So did the H.E.A. ending. 
 


  “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- In the Assassin's Arms: (Daggers of Desire Book 1) by Katherine Hastings *

Passions flare as swords collide.

When two opposing assassins join forces to solve a mystery threatening them both, sparks fly from more than just their swords.

John Douglas may be a well-trained political assassin, but he has met his match in the woman he once called a friend. When his childhood playmate reenters his life, she's not looking to rekindle their friendship...she's out for blood.

With a vendetta to settle, Charlotte Cornewalle isn't stopping until she finds the man who killed her father. All signs point to Robert Douglas, the leader of the opposing faction of assassins...and John's father. To get her revenge, no one will stand in her way...not even the boy she once adored.

Fate forces them together while they fight to prove their innocence and right the wrongs they have suffered. As they try to uncover the truth before it destroys them both, sparks fly from more than just their swords. AMAZON LINK
               4 STARS

 Both John and Charlotte are good main characters and it was a good start to the story that we meet them as children.  
 There are several good supporting people in the story and most come from Charlotte's side.  Charlotte who now calls herself Charlie because to her the Charlotte part of her died the day her father was murdered.  Anyway back to two of Charlie's friends.  Both Viktor and Connor are both fierce warriors who are also a part of the opposing team of assassins (The Liberta).  Not only are they fierce but they also add some humor to the story especially Viktor.  
Speaking of humor, the interactions between John and Charlie also have their moments as well.  John is often teasing Charlie and they have an ongoing "competition" of whose the best at everything.  More than once Charlie rescues John much to his dismay.  So, they are both extremely skilled.   Which leads to a lot of action as they fight of the enemy who is after both of them now.  Even John's beloved Order of the Lions start searching for him and not in a good way.  In-between those times, the attraction between the two flares up and Charlie who doesn't trust much anymore wants to run.  You know, that's going to last only so long.  
That unknown/unseen enemy?  I couldn't believe that John couldn't see who it was. Of course as the reader I could see it and was practically screaming " It's ___, It's ___."  

 It all comes out with a satisfying ending .  It was also satisfying to see that I was right about their enemy . It's also satisfying that they have a  H.E.A. with a new way of life.

 

BOOK REVIEW- Hidden Princess (The Elements #1) by M.A. Roth

If you like Graceling by Kristin Cashore or Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder, then the world of Saskia will entertain you for hours.

Book Details

How do you choose who lives and who dies?


I’ve been kidnapped and taken to another world, at least that’s what it feels like. This place is strange, the people stranger and I’m struggling to ignore the feelings I have for my captor.

That is until I find my missing mother, who is safe and well with my ‘father’ a man I’ve never known, and he is the king of this world.

I’m struggling with it all, and to add to this madness I’m told I’m powerful, and that magic exists in this place.

This place that I’m destined to rule, this place that I start to love, until I’m forced to make a choice between who lives and who dies.

Every decision I make has a price, everyone I love is put at risk, and I’m not sure that I will walk away intact.  AMAZON LINK
     5 + STARS


This story grabbed me from the start and never let me go. And the world building was outstanding.  So was the magical skills that are shown throughout.  There is also plenty of other action as well.  Tense drama continues from different avenues. 
Sarajane is surrounded by so many secrets and she has no idea on how deep they run.  And no one is in a hurry to explain anything to her either.  There are just keeping too many secrets.  They keep her in the dark  when it comes to answering the simplest questions and then wonder why she is ticked?   That had me shaking my head.  
Sarajane's mother has kept a whole world of information from her (pun intended).   And Morrick?  Yeah, I wanted to punch him in the throat a few times myself.  He may be a king but he gives Sarajane a hard time.  Several times he accused her of causing a situation when all the time HE was the one that put HER in the WHOLE situation. 
There were several other interesting people in the story.  Tristan is the one that was the hardest one to figure out in the beginning.   Was he a good guy, a bad guy or something in the middle?  It did keep things interesting. 
Alana is a woman with some unappreciated skills that don't get due attention until she meets Sarajane.  But they don't hit it off at first though.  
I liked the teasing and brotherhood that took place between Neve and Kiar.  In between the fighting they did relieve some of the tensions  with their humor. 
I do wish it had all ended in this one book but now I'm hooked.  Bring on the next one, hopefully this particular evil will be vanquished in the next book.   More adventure and it had better be as  good as this 5+ star story. 


 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Her Seafaring Scoundrel (The Crawfords Book 3) by Sophie Barnes *

 The last thing she wants is a husband…
Least of all one determined to win her heart…

Lady Cassandra has no desire to marry. But when Captain Devlin Crawford brings scandal to her doorstep and offers salvation, she cannot say no. Not with her daughter’s future at stake. So she decides to accept Devlin’s offer, provided he agrees to never being intimate with her. For although Cassandra is drawn to Devlin, she refuses to dishonor the memory of her one true love.

Devlin knows he’s made a mess, but now that it’s done, marrying Cassandra doesn’t seem like the worst idea in the world. Far from it, though it will take serious effort on his part to convince her of this. Especially since she’s never stopped mourning the man she was meant to marry over a decade ago. So once they set off on a grand ocean voyage, Devlin embarks on his greatest adventure yet – the wooing of his wife.  AMAZON LINK
       3.5. STARS

I really had mixed feelings on this one. On the upside I liked both Devlin and Cassandra and even Cassandra's daughter Penelope.  There were times though that I thought that Penelope (Penny) just might have been a bit more grown up than the other two. 
There was more than one time when I just wanted to shake Cassandra until her teeth rattled.   Yes, I know that she lost so much at such a young age and that Timothy was a friend of longstanding before he became her future husband.   But over a decade of faithfulness to a dead lover??  I did like though that she didn't bend to the will of her family and society when it came to living her life their way.  It was something that Devlin had in common with her.

Devlin's father was so controlling and tried to force Devlin and his brother's into the life that  he thought was worthy and acceptable. His father's attitude was my way or the highway.  Devlin chose the highway of the sea which he absolutely loved.  I really liked Devlin and his quirky, humorous approach to life.  But he is also a responsible person as well especially when it came to being the captain of his ship. 
One thing I did think was that the distance that Cassandra put between Devlin and herself went on a bit too long. Although the challenges they faced was well shown, it just seemed to slow the story down for me.  
I did enjoy how Devlin and Penelope interacted and the affection that he had for her.  He accepted her 100%.   Another relationship that added depth to the story was his best friend and shipmate,  Montgomery (Monty) Quinn. And Cassandra had some loyal friends of her own. 
There is an unexpected twist in the story that adds more drama but the story does come to a good end.  A H.E.A. and a good Epilogue.  So all and all it gets a 3.5 star rating when it opens for review on Amazon.

 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Low Country Daddy: A Surprise Baby Romance by Lexi Whitlow*

 Low Country Daddy is the sweetest, steamiest beach read you’ll need for the month of June. School is out, the pool is open, and this hot single dad is sunbathing shirtless on his boat. Lexi hates cheating and cliffhangers, so you won’t find that here. Enjoy!

 I never wanted to be tied down. No commitments. No family. Until baby Emma showed up on my doorstep...

I was just a man and his boat, wild and free, roaming the Carolina coastlines.
I wasn't tied down or bound to anyone.
Until she appeared — the most beautiful girl I'd ever seen.
Bright green eyes, just like mine. And a smile that melted my heart.
Emma, my baby girl, abandoned at my estate in the middle of a scorching day.
That was the day my world changed.
And the day I needed Maddie more than ever.

Maddie's a single mom. She's been through hell.
And she's the most beautiful, smart-mouthed woman I've ever met.
When she offers to help me through the sleepless nights,
I can't refuse her.
Soon, Emma isn't the only person I want to cherish and protect.
And Maddie is making my nights sleepless in a whole different way.
Somehow, they’re becoming the family I never expected.
When custody for Emma is in jeopardy — and Maddie's future is on the line,
I know I was a man meant to be tied down.
And I'll do anything to keep us all together.  AMAZON LINKS
                    3.5 STARS

Good main characters with real life challenges.  I liked both Maddie and Jeb and even Justin who is Maddie's seven year old little boy.  Justin is just a little boy but he's also had to be more grown up at times than his years.  That was shown very well.
Jeb's mother was another good character in the story.  She's one spunky woman as well.  She always has her son's back and doesn't suffer fools gladly.  She also has a bit of a suspicious nature but does welcome Emma with open arms. 
While I enjoyed the story, it also at times felt a bit top heavy with details of Jeb's business, home and countryside.  I'm not saying that I don't enjoy those things being fleshed out just that it got a bit distracting for me. Even after saying that, it still was a good story.  Just that I had mixed feelings about it.
 

BOOK REVIEW- Third Son's a Charm (The Survivors Book 1) by Shana Galen *

Ewan Mostyn thinks a job as a duke's daughter's bodyguard will be easy—but Lady Lorraine has a few tricks up her sleeve that spark an undeniable passion
Fiercely loyal to his friends and comrades, Ewan Mostyn is the toughest in a group of younger sons of nobility who met as soldiers and are now trying desperately to settle back into peaceful Society. Ewan trusts his brawn more than his brains, but when he's offered a job watching the Duke of Ridlington's stubbornly independent daughter, he finds both are challenged.
Lady Lorraine wants none of her father's high-handed ways, and she'll do everything in her power to avoid her distressingly attractive bodyguard—until she lands herself in real trouble. Lorraine begins to see Ewan's protectiveness in a new light, and she can only hope that her stoic guardian will do for her what he's always done—fight for what he wants.  AMAZON LINK
                                                    4 STARS

GOODREADS LINK

This was a good story with even better main characters.  Lorrie was one headstrong, impetuous woman who thought she knew her own heart.   She thought herself to be in love with Francis, who is someone she thought loved her because of his smooth ways.  One of the twists comes when you find out who Francis is related to.  That comes up pretty early so you're not kept in the dark about that.  The more people tried to keep her from him, the more she was determined to have him.  She did some stupid stuff of course but she was also one gutsy gal.
Ewan has quite the story with how abusive his life has been as a child.  He was continually pushed aside, not valued and seen to be a dimwit. That was well portrayed as was his longing to be loved, something he has never really felt before. He continually pushed that down because he believed it was a desire that would never be met.  He is also huge, fierce and knows how to knock heads together.  A skill that served him well in the military.  That's when he became a part of the Survivor's group where he was highly valued.  These men do play a vital part in the story as well.  The men in this group were more brothers than just military comrades.  The men in that group had nicknames and Protector was Ewan's.  Lorrie had a nickname for him too, she called him "the viking."
A side story has to do with Lorrie's mother and father and adds a bit more drama.  That adds to the story without confusing it.
So, in the end there is plenty of emotion, action and romance ending with a H.E.A. 

 

BOOK REVIEW- The Beauty Bride (The Jewels of Kinfairlie Book 1) by Claire Delacroix *

 More cherished than gold are the Jewels of Kinfairlie, and only the worthiest may fight for their love...The Laird of Kinfairlie has unmarried sisters, each a gem in her own right. And he has no choice but to see them all wed in haste.

Lady Madeline’s heart is not for sale...especially not to a notorious outlaw like Rhys FitzHenry. Yet Madeline’s hand has been sold, to none other than this battle-weary warrior with a price on his head. A more dutiful maiden might cede to the Laird’s command and meekly accept her fate, but Madeline has never been obedient. She decides to run away, though she never dreams that Rhys will pursue her. She does not expect this taciturn man to woo her with fanciful stories, much less that each of his enthralling tales will reveal a scar upon his shielded soul. She never imagines that a man like Rhys could imperil her own heart while revealing so little of his own feelings. When Rhys’s past threatens his future, Madeline takes a leap of faith. She dares to believe him innocent— and risks her own life to pursue a passion more priceless than the rarest gem. AMAZON LINK
                                                4 STARS


Good main characters mix with plenty of secrets, actions and a edge of mystical legends and creatures.  Those mystical creatures would be fairies.   I was surprised by that and it wasn't something that I was looking for in the story.  But they do add some humor when they weren't being vengeful.  Towards the end of the story one of the fairies does "help" Madeline and Rhys in a fight.  Madeline's youngest sister Elizabeth is the only one who can see them.   She gets a lot of odd looks and teasing because of that.
Alexander is laird now of Madeline's family and he's in way over his head.  Most of his actions showed him to be a proud cretin.  He loved his family but he had me shaking my head more than once.
There was so much more to Rhys and I enjoyed the tales that he came up with.  He was a fierce, dark warrior but he was also was often able to discern what Madeline needed.  He could be a stone wall to her but he was also often so gentle to her.
 Madeline was known to be beautiful but she was also clever and has a back bone of steel. No one is going to just roll over her with consequences.  I liked her and the fact she wasn't a harsh woman just strong.  All of these things become something that Rhys appreciates.
As you can guess everything isn't sunshine and roses. There is a huge clash between good and evil as the action ramps up towards the end.  Enemies and their plots are exposed. Some of those plots that are exposed are ones that are many years old.  I liked how there is a H.E.A. and how it is worked out.

BOOK REVIEW- Wild Rose Pass by Karen Hulene Bartell *

Description

Cadence McShane, free-spirited nonconformist, yearns to escape the rigid code, clothes, and sidesaddles of 1880s military society in Fort Davis, Texas. She finds the daring new lieutenant exhilarating, but as the daughter of the commanding officer, she is expected to keep with family tradition and marry West Point graduate James West.

Orphaned, Comanche-raised, and always the outsider looking in, Ben Williams yearns to belong. Cadence embodies everything he craves, but as a battlefield-commissioned officer with the Buffalo Soldiers instead of a West Point graduate, he is neither accepted into military society nor considered marriageable.

Can two people of different worlds, drawn together by conflicting needs, flout society and forge a life together on the frontier?   AMAZON LINK
     3.5 STARS

 While this book had good main characters, and good history of the times, it was just okay for me.   I have to say that the author did their homework when it came to the foods, natural trees and fruits just to name a few things.  But it also seemed to almost be too much details for me.  There was also an overuse of the words, "sneering, snickered, snickering."  It's like it kind of jumped up at me time and time again.  That sure distracted me from the story.  
Now, on the positive side, I did like both Ben and Cadence.   It wasn't hard to have empathy for Ben when you look at all he'd been through.  Plus the emotional part of his longing to belong to a family.  He was lonely and so tired of now belonging anywhere.  Never really welcomed and always feeling like he was on the outside looking in.   Even with all of that I liked that he hadn't turned bitter and his compassion often showed up.  
Cadence had some growing up to do and was often immature.  But she was the only child of the commanding captain, so I get it.  But she was also compassionate, loving, and intelligent.  Well, when she wasn't doing stupid stuff a time or two.  It still doesn't rule out the rest of her good points.  
Other people who play a big part in the story are not only Cadence's parents but also James and Mariana.    James was one nasty piece of work.  His main concern was himself no matter what it cost others.  Mariana is a little girl who makes you care about her and what her future will be.  
The story ends with an unexpected twist, a H.E.A. for several people.  Also a couple of recipes from the story are included as well.



 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- The Devoted Groom (Quinn Family Romance Book 1) by Cami Checketts *

 A grieving football player hoping his son will speak again; a speech pathologist with a dark secret; and an unexpected love that sparks danger from the past.
After Ryder Quinn’s wife died, his four-year old son stopped speaking. Desperate for a solution, Ryder hires Bree Stevens, a spunky speech pathologist to be his son’s nanny and therapist. Bree moves in, breathing new life into their home. As his attraction for her grows, Ryder fears he might have more help than he bargained for.
Bree Stevens quickly falls for the devoted father and his adorable boy. But when her twisted past catches up with her, she has to choose: selfishly hold on to the love that she’s found or leave and keep them safe?   AMAZON LINK   
       4 STARS


 I liked this story and all of the main characters and that includes Ryder's son Tate.
I wasn't very far into the beginning few sentences in the first chapter before I was smiling.  Bree is described as a breath of fresh air and she was definitely that.  And she was funny too!  There were plenty of other funny  moments as well as sweet moments too.
Ryder and Tate were so close even though Tate wasn't speaking.
The way the danger entered in was a surprise but it also kept the story from being too sweet. 
I was glad to see that it included an Epilogue  and it includes a teaser for Ryan's country singer brother and Bree's sister.





GOODREADS LINK IS https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/43395858-the-devoted-groom

Quick & Easy Chocolate Cake - No eggs. No butter. One bowl.

BOOK REVIEW- A Bad Day for Sunshine A Novel by Darynda Jones

Description

New York Times bestselling author Darynda Jones is back with the brand-new snarky, sassy, wickedly fun Sunshine Vicram series!
Sheriff Sunshine Vicram finds her cup o’ joe more than half full when the small village of Del Sol, New Mexico, becomes the center of national attention for a kidnapper on the loose.
Del Sol, New Mexico is known for three things: its fry-an-egg-on-the-cement summers, its strong cups of coffee—and a nationwide manhunt? Del Sol native Sunshine Vicram has returned to town as the elected sheriff—an election her adorably meddlesome parents entered her in—and she expects her biggest crime wave to involve an elderly flasher named Doug. But a teenage girl is missing, a kidnapper is on the loose, and all of it's reminding Sunny why she left Del Sol in the first place. Add to that trouble at her daughter’s new school and a kidnapped prized rooster named Puff Daddy, and Sunshine has her hands full.
Enter sexy almost-old-flame Levi Ravinder and a hunky US Marshall, both elevens on a scale of one to blazing inferno, and the normally savvy sheriff is quickly in over her head. Now it’s up to Sunshine to juggle a few good hunky men, a not-so-nice kidnapping miscreant, and Doug the ever-pesky flasher. And they said coming home would be drama-free.

 “I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”  AMAZON LINK
                                                   5 STARS

Weird little town, weird people results in a really good story. Each and every one of the people are characters all on their own.  Sunshine remembers that the town called Del Sol was often called the Psych Ward by the locals.  And it sure seemed to fit as well as being amusing most of the time.  Well, if you don't count the dangers.  Those were real too. 

But Sunshine and her daughter Auri they were in a class all of their own.  I loved how they interacted with each other and some of the goofy things that they said.  Made me smile more than once.  But don't get me wrong, Sunshine is no wimp.  She's one fierce Mama Bear.  In fact, the principal of the school here remembers her as a firecracker.  
Getting back to the principal, I really liked him.  He really was unusual unlike any principal I ever met.  But he also added a flavor of his own at the times he showed up in the story. So did other people and that includes Cruz, who shows up in part where Auri is in her new school.  This will make up part of the story and Auri's upsets from school do add just one more thing to Sunshine's plate. 
 There are all kinds of secrets in this book and Levi Ravinder seems to be holding quite a few too.   We only get to see some of those secrets about people in this book but not all of them.  I kind of went, "Oh no" when I saw that this book had to continue onto another one to hopefully get all the answers.  I won't lie I was disappointed about that.  However, I loved the main characters so much, I think I'm going to have to follow up on this when I get the chance.
What makes it even more interesting is that Sunshine has some large gaps in her memory, and it's important that she remembers or at least figures out what is missing. 
I really enjoyed how the chapters started with an amusing Police Blotter entry, they really funny and appropriate.  I hope that Chapter 12 Police Blotter entry makes it into the final copies because that one was really funny!
 
"I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”

BOOK REVIEW- Lone Wolf Lawman (Appaloosa Pass Ranch Book 1) by Delores Fossen *

 A Texas Ranger must protect the daughter of a serial killer from becoming his next victim…

Breaking into the home of the woman who shared his bed three months ago isn't Weston Cade's usual MO. But the Texas Ranger is on a personal vendetta to catch a killer, and Addie Crockett is the man's biological daughter. The beautiful rancher also happens to be carrying Wes's child…

Addie can't remember her birth father, but she'll never forget the lover who took her to bed—and then disappeared. Now she has to trust Wes with her life. And the life of their unborn baby. As desire reignites, Addie quickly discovers that with this lawman by her side, she just might escape the target on her back.    AMAZON LINK
     4 STARS

 The book blurb caught my attention and helped me decide to read this book.  I found that it was  good mystery story with a touch of romance.  Why just a touch of romance?  Because they were really busy running for their lives.  There was plenty of action, red-herrings and emotions in this book.  Which makes for a lot of twists and turns too.  Even after getting an inkling of suspicion about one person in particular, that didn't really help .  Because I was never sure when there would another attack, how it would come about and if there would be other people drafted into it.  Although I was pretty sure other people would be helping their enemy.
There was good secondary people in the story, mainly some of Addie's brothers.  Their main actions was them kicking into protective mode rather than digging real deep into their own personal stories.  But it looks like they will get their own stories in other books in this series. 
I did enjoy the story and many threads were brought to conclusion, except one of the main ones.  I did find that disappointing until I realized that yes, in the books in the series, the hunt continues. Even though I was disappointed with that, to me it still deserved the 4 Stars I'm giving it on Amazon.  Just for keeping me on the edge of my seat.
 

BOOK REVIEW- Reckless by Mallory Crowe *

He likes control and order.
She refuses to be controlled.
With his family history, Robert Farrell has faced his fair share of problems. Lucky for him, he's never been confronted with a problem he can't solve. And when someone starts manipulating his business deals and threatening the people in his life, Robert realizes it's time to gain control and take over. But when he can't control the sexy and mysterious tour guide who refuses his protection, Robert knows that it's up to him to convince her—one way or another.
There is no way in Hell Malia Martin will be controlled by anyone—especially not by a Farrell, of all people. Destroying her childhood was all it took for Malia to despise the entire Farrell family—Robert included. The only thing she wants from the irresistible billionaire is distance—a great deal of distance. The only problem is: someone is threatening Malia after her one not-so-innocent encounter with Robert on the beach. Leave it to a Farrell to have a stalker—a stalker that's after her now. As Robert and Malia vie for the upper hand, their enemy closes in. Will the alpha tame the independent woman or will he die trying?   AMAZON LINK
                          4 STARS

I really enjoyed this book a lot and I just seemed to fly through it.
Malia (whose name I really liked) had a huge chip on her shoulder.  And that chip had to do with anything Farrell.   Oh, she had her reasons and they will come out but as they do it really makes things interesting.
Robert is used to be hated for being a Farrell.  I'm not saying that he liked it but he spent a lot of his time cleaning up Walter's messes (his father).   And Walter was definitely a slime ball of the first order.  Even dead he's still got bad junk coming out the walls. 
When the enemy is exposed it comes at you full barrel, kicking things up big time.
Satisfying ending with a good Epilogue completes the story. 
 

BOOK REVIEW- Marry Me, Jackson: A Clean Friends to Lovers Romance (Best Friends to Forever Book 1) by Barbara Lohr *

 Best friends. That’s all they were...until one of them wanted forever.

Almost thirty and single, Emily Sommers trades the big city for Sweetwater Creek, family and friends. An online nutritionist, she loves her historic apartment, but not the repair bills. Best friend Jackson Hart steps in as her handyman.

For years Jackson watched Emily bake cookies and send cute cards to the wrong man. Now he has a plan to become that guy. Emily's had it with billionaires, so Jackson plays down his own success to win her heart.

Falling hard for her handyman, Emily has competition. With Jackson’s help, the daughter of an influential family is opening Victoria’s Pantry right under Emily’s apartment. Seeing them together sends Emily to Lowcountry Singles to find her own happily ever after. With his friend’s best interest at heart, Jackson becomes her advisor.

Frustration and fun build while Emily and Jackson discover that the only way to happiness is by being truthful with the one you trust most–your best friend.

This is a clean, sweet romantic comedy, first in a three-book Best Friends to Forever series, featuring Emily, Josie and Bryn, three young women who get it all wrong trying to find Mr. Right.
AMAZON LINK
                            3 STARS

A cute, sweet story about two semi-clueless people.  Oh, Jackson knows what he wants but he just doesn't know how to get there. 
 This story has a good sense of the community and includes two friends from when Emily used to live at Sweetwater Creek before. Both Bryn and Josie are there for Emily.  They also add some humorous moments to the story.  
Things get more emotional as the story comes closer to the end.  But there is a H.E.A. that is filled in even more with a satisfying Epilogue. 

BOOK REVIEW- The Ruthless Nakamuras (A Boxed Set) by Theodorea Taylor *

 The fan favorite Nakamura brothers have finally been collected into one crazy hot AMBW boxset! This limited time only set includes HER PERFECT GIFT, HIS REVENGE BABY, and a very special preview of Hayato Nakamura's long-awaited serial novel, 12 MONTHS OF KRISTAL.

HER PERFECT GIFT

I’ve been hiding nearly all my adult life to protect myself and my autistic daughter from the mob boss who wants me dead. For those reasons, I’ve sworn off relationships and vowed never to fall in love again. Suro Nakamura gives exactly zero f-words about my vows. I’ve become the dangerous hitman’s sole obsession, and he’ll stop at nothing to make me his. Is there any way for me to escape him…or resist him?

HIS REVENGE BABY

When travel nurse Lilliana Tucker is coerced by a mysterious stranger into “interviewing” to become Norio Nakamura’s next mistress, she’s pretty sure there’s no way she’ll get the job.

Lilli is awkward, unrefined, and not at all cut out to be a spy–or the lover of a smoking hot Japanese billionaire.

But then—WTH!—she does get the job. And soon her arrangement with Norio goes from a role she must play, to a passionate, barely contained affair.

Lilli knows there’s no way her clandestine relationship with Norio will end in unicorns and rainbows. But there are two things she doesn’t see coming:

1. Falling for the man she’s been hired to betray

…and

2. What he does when he discovers her true identity


PLUS, a very special preview for 12 MONTHS OF KRISTAL

On the eleventh day of Christmas, a Japanese billionaire meets a magical elf in a sushi restaurant. What could possibly go wrong? Or very, very sexy? Hold onto your chopsticks, Wonder Readers, this tale is about to get super romantic. Perfect for fans of omakase sushi experiences, PEOPLE magazine, and watching magical love stories unfold.   AMAZON LINK



BOOK 1- HER PERFECT GIFT....  Great main characters who are carrying quite a bit of baggage around.  We got to read both of their P.O.V.'s in the book.  I liked how Lacey's story unfolds bit by bit.  It's easy to be grabbed by the danger that haunts her as she always has a go bag ready. And also several names that she can change into as well.  But the reason's why are slowly unpeeled like an onion.  Not in a too slow way but in a way that kept me interested. It was interesting to see that she had dreadlocks, I liked that the author wasn't afraid to break out of the expected.  Her daughter Sparkle adds a unique slant to the story. One you don't often see.  Sparkle having A.S. was also something that I wasn't expecting.  But I liked that her gift was in the musical area.
Suro is used to getting what he wants when he wants it.  He's both attracted to and stymied by Lacey because  she refuses to tell him the truth about herself and her past.  It's ironic but she's trying to protect him.  Not realizing he's more capable of taking care of things than she ever dreamed.  Suro does make headway when it comes to inserting himself into her life.  He also keeps digging into her past using all the resources that he has available to him. His co-partner and friend Dexter is a big help in that department.
The baby nicknamed Spidey because of his climbing tendencies makes for some smiles.  He has a mother named Candy who is a stripper who is on the look out for next rich guy.  She barely remembers she has a kid. 
I enjoyed the twists and surprises that kept cropping up.  It kept me involved. There is a bit more explicit sex in the story than I would have liked but at least there is a story and not just all sex.
The end of the story was worth waiting for. 

The next one gets a "just say no" from me.  I kind of wish it hadn't been added in this set.

 BOOK #2- HIS REVENGE BABY
Sorry people but this one just didn't do it for me.  WAAAY too much explicit sex.  Yes, I know she is described as his mistress but did I really need page after page after page of so much explicit sex?  I  don't think so and I almost didn't finish this book more than once.  And Lilliana/Ana I know you've had a rough childhood but more than once I had to shake my head.  I wanted to yell, " Girl, grow a backbone."  My goodness, she had a brother who saw nothing wrong with basically pimping her out. I know she loves her family and would do anything for them.  But she goes along with it like a lamb to the slaughter?  No one respects her much not even her thirteen year old spoiled niece,  Ruby. Ruby who will go through some life-changing experiences.  But they don't change her for the better until later.  That part was good to see.   
There are several surprising twists as the book nears the end.  The Epilogue was a good way to pull everything together.

BOOK REVIEW- Cowboy Come Home by Carly Bloom *

Description

Welcome to Big Verde, Texas, where a love-'em-and-leave-'em cowboy faces his greatest challenge yet---the woman he left behind. Perfect for fans of New York Times bestselling authors Lori Wilde and Carolyn Brown.
Some cowboys aren't cut out to be Prince Charming---and Claire Kowalski knows that better than anyone. She gave her heart to Ford Jarvis two years ago, yet that didn't keep him from disappearing into the sunset. Now that he's back in Big Verde, Texas, she's determined not to make the same mistake twice. But the ruggedly sexy cowboy still knows how to push all her buttons, and avoiding him is nearly impossible when she needs his help.

Ford didn't plan on returning home---ever---but when he hears that the Kowalski ranch is in trouble, he hightails it back to town. He's not eager to be reminded of the life he can never have, but his time in Big Verde is only temporary. He'll stay long enough to get the ranch up and running, then hit the road again. But when Ford finds out the new foreman he's training is Claire, still as stubborn and beautiful as ever, this cowboy is going to have to decide what matters most---repeating the mistakes of the past or fighting for a future with the only woman he's ever loved.. AMAZON LINK
                                   4 STARS
                        

(Includes Rocky Mountain Cowboy, a novella by Sara Richardson)

"Cowboy Come Home"was full of community, humor, and people who where there for you when you needed help.  They also really knew how to have a good time as well. 
Claire sure did some stupid stuff sometimes but she was also bold, adventurous, really skilled in certain areas and funny. 
Ford was really skilled when it came to all his years of ranching but he sure was one messed up guy.  When you get to look at how he was raised and events from his past you get a really good idea of how that happened.  And what he believes is the "Jarvis Curse" keeps slapping him in the face.   He's thirty-one and heard about it all his life.   It's just one more of his battles.
Claire's friend Maggie was one hilarious woman.  But one of their friends Bubba was too, with some of that coming from his naivety. 
Claire and Maggie had so much humor that it often came through on their t-shirts which sported some funny sayings. 
Wow, those cowboys had a slew of superstitions that was shown really well.  It had me shaking my head a few times, with a smile on my face. 
I liked how there was that "tug" between Claire and Ford.  They just knew when the other one was in a room.  I've heard that before in other books but this story did it in an unusual way.  
Claire and Ford's struggle wasn't the only one in the book but I liked how it all worked out.  Plus it did include a sweet Epilogue. 
While I enjoyed it, I wouldn't say it was on my list of favorites.  I do know that most of all I enjoyed the humor (if you haven't already guessed that).  

 "I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.”