Category: four star

fiction · four star

The Billionaire Cowboy’s Proposition Kris Bock

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Description:

She’s ready to put on the performance of a lifetime.

Cody Tomlinson and Mallory Moore have struck sparks off each other since high school theater, where she was sunny and talented while he was injured and angry. A decade later, Mallory is working to save Last Stand’s movie theater and convert it into a performance space for live theater and music. Thanks to his family’s lottery win, Cody has plenty of money to help. But Mallory’s the only woman in town who doesn’t want Cody’s charity.

It’s bad enough that Cody is sexy as sin with his tough, scarred cowboy looks. Now he’s rich and Mallory refuses to be another woman fighting for his attention. She won’t accept a financial gift for her business, but she’s not above a fair trade. Mallory offers a deal: Cody can invest in the theater if he volunteers on the renovation. Meanwhile, she’ll play the part of his fiancée to ward off fortune hunters.

But Mallory immediately realizes her mistake. Cody’s always driven her crazy, and now they’re spending all their days—and nights—together.

My Review:

I have really liked this series so far and I can’t wait for Xander’s story. However I was not a huge fan of Mallory she just came off really snobby and whiney. I felt like for someone who had faced a lot and who was super independent she would be more strong in her overall life. I liked Cory but he was super reserve and it seemed like he had a lot of walls to break down, that did not seem to stop him from living the best life he could. I felt like more people had a problem with it then him. I loved the teenagers in this book the author did amazing by taking a situation and using it as a teaching opportunity and how it played out in this book. Overall it was fun to catch up with this family and the author kept it clean and suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

krisbock.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Kris Bock’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Kiss Me Under the Irish Sky Karen Foley

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Description:

She’s ready for an enchanting summer on the Irish coast.

Chicago graduate student Rachel Woods is determined to complete her degree and take her place in the family textile business. But when she learns her late father once spent a summer at a traditional weaving mill in Ireland, she decides to follow in his footsteps. Rachel’s a city girl at heart, but soon finds herself falling under the spell of the Emerald Isle—and the charming man who saves her.

Conall McDermott knows all about following your dreams. He left medicine to pursue his love of running and turned that passion into a nationwide retail business. When his local trail leads him to a beautiful American woman trapped in a bog, Conall rescues her and is smitten. She wants to learn about Donegal tweed, and since his family owns the local woolen mill, he happily introduces her to the local weavers, culture, and community.

When the opportunity of a lifetime arises sooner than expected, can Rachel ignore the powerful attraction she and Conall share, or will she let him—and Ireland—weave their magic around her heart?

My Review:

I liked this story it was super cute. The author has away of making you feel like you are right there in Ireland and enjoying the journey right along with Rachel and Conall. I felt like Conall was cautiously optimistic when it came to his relationship with Rachel. He cared for her but also from past experiences he was careful. I wish there was more from him and his side I liked how he was a big family guy and truly cared and would do anything for everyone close to him. I liked Rachel I felt like she was careful to put her heart on the line because of the loss of her dad. However she strived to be the best she could for all in her life. I liked Flynn and Fiona I want to hear each one of there stories now. Overall this book was a fun read and a quick read. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

Twitter

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Karen’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

A Summer Changes Everything Isabelle Grace

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Description:

When his wife died, Reese was sure he’d never love again… until that one summer.

Widowed horse and cattle farmer Reese Blackwood does not need a keeper. Not for himself or his two sons. They can manage just fine on their own. At least that’s what he keeps telling everybody, especially himself.

Elementary school teacher Shelby Corbett is no pushover. Just ask anyone who has seen how easily she handles a classroom full of boisterous kids. So spending the summer break looking after Reese’s two energetic boys is totally within her wheelhouse.

Which shocks Reese completely.

That’s only the first surprise, though. The second is the undeniable attraction that sparks between them. An attraction that’s totally unexpected but becomes increasingly difficult to ignore. As she helps Reese reconnect with his boys, Shelby shines a light into his dark and lonely world, bringing hope to his broken and grieving heart.

Hope that Reese fears will be lost again when Shelby’s six-week stay at Lone Oaks is over.

Unless he’s willing to risk everything by asking her to stay.

Previously published by the author as Reese’s Long Hot Summer.

My Review:

This book is cute! I really loved Shelby she came into a situation and owned it like she had been there and doing it for her whole life. She was so sweet and had the biggest heart, so independent and ready to take on anything life threw at her. I liked Reese and his boys the little boys Adam and Zach were such pistols and were so fun to read the author did an amazing job with these boys jumping off the pages and had you laughing out loud with their antics. Reese was trying to find himself while he took a little to grow on me I also felt he was a good guy who only wanted what was best for his boys. I feel like if I had to sum up this book with two words is would be finding forgiveness and healing. Overall this was a fun book to read. This book does contain sexual content so may not be suitable for all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Where you can connect with the author:

isabellegracewriting.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Isabelle’s other books. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Her Cowboy Baby Daddy Jeannie Watt

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Description:

He’s always been the love ‘em and leave ‘em type, until she gives him a reason to stay.

Former cowboy Spence Keller never puts down roots, so when he’s needed back home on Keller Ranch, he drops everything to return. After a belligerent neighbor shuts off a much-needed water supply, Spence volunteers to negotiate a water lease with Hayley Parker, another neighboring ranch owner. He and shy Hayley have a history, so it should be simple, but things are made complicated when he sees Hayley, now confident, gorgeous, and armed with a counteroffer.

Ranching is in Hayley’s blood, but after her father passes, she’s lonely. Hayley’s always wanted a child, but is too independent to run her ranch and raise her child with someone else. She’s exploring sperm donors when her handsome neighbor saunters into her barn with a proposition. Spence is perfect—he’s hot as hell and always has one foot out the door.

Spence is definitely up for a no-strings affair with Hayley, but father a child and walk away? Never. Can he convince Hayley that he’s ready to settle down and raise a family—with her?

My Review:

I liked this story overall, however I did find that Spence came off immature and took a little while to grow on me, he comes from a big family and so he was more of the shy kid however when he spoke his mind and he didn’t like the response he would run off. Haley was the opposite she seemed to take the life she was given by the horns and tackled whatever it through at her and she was learning and growing as she went, no one or anything was going to hold her back. Overall this was a cute story, there is sexual content in this book so it may not be suitable to all readers.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

Jeanniewatt.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Jeannie Watt’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Escaping Valentine’s Day Christi Barth

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Description:

An Italian romance is on the menu, but is she ready to order?

Content creator Rory Hibbert knows Valentine’s Day is only fun for couples and chocolatiers. For singles like her, it’s a day of disappointment. And that’s why her new marketing agency client has arranged a tour of Italy crammed full of activities to distract from the holiday. This trip is a test for Rory—if it goes well, it will jump-start her new social media career.

There’s just one snag: the ex she never got over is also on staff.

Huck Cranshaw walked away from the love of his life for a huge opportunity on a cooking competition show. At least, that’s the excuse he gave Rory at the time—and he’s regretted it for five years. Cooking for tourists was supposed to be a stopgap between restaurant positions. Now it could be much, much more: a chance to fix the past.

But when an Italian prince catches sight of Rory, Huck’s not the only one vying for her heart this time. Can Cupid still steal Rory’s heart when the truth finally comes out?

Each book in the Holiday Hearts series is standalone:

*The Magic of Christmas

*The Christmas Project

*Escaping Valentine’s Day

My Review:

So I did not read any of there other books in the series, but I will say this that if they are just as good as this one, I can’t wait to read those. I loved Rowan she was the best kind of friend any one could ask for, she was so supportive and just all around wanted what was best for Rory. I really liked the widows so fun and so much wisdom from them. I liked Huck and Roy even though sometimes their actions came over immature, they truly seemed they wanted what was best for the other. Huck also had some really amazing friends they felt more like his siblings the way they bantered back and forth. Overall this book was a fun read and worth it. The author kept the book clean which makes it readable for most/all readers. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.christibarth.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Christi’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Charming the Billionaire Cowboy Kris Bock

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

For the first time, his cowboy charms seem to backfire…

With his Texas ranching family’s lottery win, TC Tomlinson is finally able to build a ranch with alternative livestock. TC has a lot to prove, starting with his new ostrich herd, so when he catches a beauty scooping up an escaped baby bird, TC chases her down, assuming she wants to meet him for his money.

When Hallie Armstrong sees the injured baby ostrich, she jumps into professional mode. A former vet tech, she’s moved to Last Stand to work at her aunt’s wildlife rescue and heal from an attack. She’s skittish of the handsome cowboy, but when he starts to flirt, she decides two can play at this game—the rescue needs fundraising, and TC is an eligible bachelor.

As they brainstorm ideas for a bachelor auction and work to solve the mystery of local sheep attacks, TC finds himself falling for the feisty cowgirl. But when he learns she’s still in danger, his protective instincts threaten to drive Hallie away. Can TC convince Hallie she can have her independence and him too?

My Review:I really liked the first book, so I was really excited to get my hands on this next book in the series. Hallie faced some very tough things and she was not going to let that stop her from living her best life. TC was always willing to help his neighbors, friends and those he loved and cared for, which with both these characters I like I felt it just made them relatable. However I was not a huge fan of both of them throughout the whole book I found them to both come off very juvenile and slightly immature which sometime came off a little annoying sometimes. I really did enjoy catching up with Ava, John and Carly from book one, I loved how Carly and Ava where little matchmakers “behind” the scenes, but Carly was very much the bull from book one there really is no messing with her and her family. I can say I honestly can’t wait to see where the author takes Cody and Xander. Overall I liked the story and I was glad that the author kept this a good clean read so its suitable for all, it was very quick read for me as well. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Apple Books

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.krisbock.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Kris Bock’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

Christian fiction · four star

Her Heart’s Desire Shelley Shepard Gray

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Description:

Mary Margaret Miller needs an escape from her small Amish community. She boards a bus, all alone, for a vacation in Pinecraft, Florida. Meeting Betsy and Lilly on the way, she’s amazed to find two kindred spirits. They become fast friends and determine to have the best two weeks of their lives. For Mary, it starts when she meets Jayson Raber. The handsome and charming carpenter is taken by Mary from the get-go, but he has responsibilities back home in Kentucky–including a girl he’s supposed to marry.

When someone from Mary’s past shows up in Pinecraft, it seems like her perfect vacation is ruined. But that’s nothing compared to what’s coming when she realizes what Jayson has been hiding.

Take a vacation with New York Times bestselling author Shelley Shepard Gray as she explores what happens when we allow our pasts to define our futures in this story of friendship, romance, and new beginnings.

My Review:

I did like this story overall it has some good lessons in it. However I did find that this book is more for a younger (teenage maybe early 20’s) reader. If you have ever been bullied or been a bully this book hits it home how it affects both sides of the coin. I liked all the characters, however some of my favorite was Joy she was a pistol and so feisty she said it like she saw it and held nothing back for sure one of my favorites. I also really like Nancy she felt more like a surrogate mom to all those that came into her in she was wise and willing to give advice if needed and willing to help even in the little things she overall was my favorite. I found that this book was a clean read and over all would be suitable for all ages. 

Where to Buy the book:

www.christianbook.com

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

shelleyshepardgray.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Shelley Shepard Gray’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Mail Order Cowboy Victoria James

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

Hope Roberts has a strict No Cowboys Allowed policy. Between raising her daughter, running her business, and trying to settle into her new ranch, Hope has no room for romance—especially when it comes to cowboys. What she needs is someone to help fix her ranch. But the only person to respond to her ad is the one man Hope still blames for her husband’s death…

In Wishing River, Dr. Dean Stanton is pretty much a legend. Cowboy, doctor, heir to his family’s ranching empire—everyone knows and loves him…with the exception of Hope. But Dean doesn’t trust a complete stranger to keep Hope and her daughter safe. And despite their troubled past, he’s still the best cowboy for her job.

Bit by cautious bit, Hope’s little family of two is making room for the man she once thought of as her enemy. Until one day, Dean looks like the perfect exception to her “no cowboys” rule. But he’s been keeping a secret from her that could destroy their newfound family… 

Each book in the Wishing River series is STANDALONE:
* The Trouble with Cowboys
* Cowboy for Hire
* Wishing For A Cowboy
* Mail Order Cowboy

My Review:

I really liked this book, the author does a good job and making you feel like you are right there in the middle of the town watching everything play out almost as you are part of the friend group. I love books like this and also don’t like them because in the end I want more and it’s over. She takes two very broken character for very different reasons and sets them on a path to finding healing and forgiveness, which just like in real like is never all that easy. I really like Hope she was a fighter and I loved her daughter Sadie, Sadie has this big heart for such a small kid and she seems so wise beyond her years she really taught these two adults a lot without even knowing or trying. I like Dean even though there were a few time I wanted to slap him up side his head and tell him to get it together. I loved the friend group, I feel like we all need friends in out lives like this group they call each other out and they hold nothing back. Over all this book was a really good read and I would say worth it. I will say this book does contain talk about emotional and verbal abuse so it may be hard for some to read but don’t let that stop you its very much worth it. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble 

Where you can connect with the author:

www.victoriajames.ca

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Victoria James’ other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

The Sweetheart Fix Miranda Liasson

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Description:

Juliet Montgomery absolutely loves her small town of Blossom Glen, Indiana, and everyone loves her. Except for the fact that she’s a couples counselor who suffered a very public breakup that no one can forget. And now her boss asks her to take a step back…which is exactly when the town’s good-lookin’ and unusually gruff mayor offers her an unexpected job.

Jack Monroe absolutely loves being the mayor of his small town. Except when he actually has to talk to people. Can’t he just fix the community problems in peace? Like right now, he’s mediating the silliest dispute two neighbors could possibly have. When the town sweetheart steps up and solves everyone’s problems in five minutes flat, Jack realizes what this town really needs…is a therapist.

Juliet is able to soothe anyone—other than the surly mayor, it seems. But there’s a reason they say opposites attract, because all of their verbal sparring leads to some serious attraction. Only, just like with fireworks, the view might appear beautiful—but she’s already had one public explosion that’s nearly ruined everything…how can she risk her heart again?

Each book in the Blossom Glen series is STANDALONE:
* The Sweetheart Deal
* The Sweetheart Fix

My Review:

I liked this story it was such a good story. This author defiantly took the bull by the horns and ran with it and she took on a subject that most authors don’t seem to touch, mental health. I really like Juliet she may have struggled and living in a small town she where she was under the microscope but she was a fighter and always willing to continue to grow and learn and help those she comes across wanting what’s best for everyone. Jack was a bit much some times, it’s like he truly did not want to open up about anything,. I loved his grandma she was so sweet and full of so much wisdom. I really liked this group of friends and family, it goes along with blood doesn’t make you family but we choose family. I can’t wait to see where the author takes this group next. The author did keep this book fairly clean, so may be suitable for all readers. This book was a fun read and well worth the read. 

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

mirandaliasson.com

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Miranda Liasson’s other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments. 

fiction · four star

Wyoming Christmas Reunion Melinda Curtis

SarahLeave a comment

Description:

A love that never died…Could be rekindled this Christmas

Helen Blackwell never stopped loving horse trainer Nash…even when she divorced him. When the stoic cowboy bets the ranch on her winning a cutting horse competition—and she’s terrified to ride—she wonders if there’s any hope for them. Renewing the love between them may take more than a moment under the mistletoe. But working together could heal past hurts and give their five-year-old son his Christmas wish!USA TODAY Bestselling Author

My Review:

I have really enjoyed reading about the Blackwell family and am sad to see it end, they truly feel like friends you are just catching up with. I felt this book was pretty emotional with it being the ending and with some of the things that were discussed. I like Helen and she was a fighter and faced with a lot. She always seem to be fighting for everyone but herself and her friend Gwen was her biggest cheerleader, we all need a Gwen in our lives. Nash was ok I like him when he stepped up but I also felt like he was all over the place and really struggled with his demons. Luke was a pistol and him and Grand Denny seem to have the biggest hearts and wanted what was best for everyone in the family and the town of Eagle Springs. The author kept this book a clean read so it would be suitable for all. Overall this was good read and was the perfect way to end this series. 

Where to Buy the book:

Amazon

Barnes & Noble

Where you can connect with the author:

www.melindacurtis.net

While at your favorite bookstore/website check out Melinda Curtis’ other books, You will not be disappointed. Thanks for stopping by and feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments.