Cowboy, Cross My Heart (Heart of Texas #2) by Donna Grant-Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART ( Heart of Texas #2) by Donna Grant- Review, Excerpt & Giveaway

Cowboy, Cross My Heart
Heart of Texas #2
by Donna Grant
Release Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romantic, suspense, cowboy

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 28,2018

Naomi Pierce isn’t the type to let a cowboy sweep her off feet. It’s not her first rodeo, after all. But when she returns to her Texas hometown, she can’t help but be swept up again in the rough-and-tumble world of hard-riding, bronco-busting good-ol’-boys she loved as a girl. She might be here to photograph her Rodeo Queen best friend. But it’s one fine-looking cowboy who really captures her eye…

Brice Harper is all man, all muscle, and all heart. From the moment he rides into the stadium, he can’t help but notice the beautiful stranger with a camera watching him from the stands. It doesn’t take a zoom lens to see the sparks of instant attraction. But things really heat up when he meets Naomi up-close–and he discovers that someone is stalking her friend. Brice wouldn’t be any kind of cowboy if he didn’t offer to help the ladies out. But can the rough rider keep this spirited shutterbug out of danger–without risking his heart?

••••••••••

REVIEW: COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART is the Second instalment in Donna Grant’s contemporary, adult HEART OF TEXAS romantic, suspense series. This is rancher and rodeo roper Brice Harper, photographer Naomi Pierce’s story line. COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART fast forwards the series several years.

Told from several third person perspectives including Brice and Naomi COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART follows the building relationship between rancher and rodeo roper Brice Harper, feisty photographer Naomi Pierce. Naomi Pierce’s return to Baxter County finds our heroine longing for days past when she, herself, was the champion roper. Naomi is only in town for a few days to support her best friend and pageant queen Whitney Nolan until Naomi is attacked by an unknown assailant. Enter Brice Harper, and the man with whom Naomi will fall in love. What ensues is the building romance and love between Naomi and Brice, and the fall-out as Naomi, and thusly the Harper family is targeted when Naomi gets too close to the truth.

Naomi Pierce’s love for photography has captured the attention of the wrong people in Baxter County. Knowing her best friend Whitney is hiding some important pieces of information, Naomi will find herself the target of a powerful group of men forcing Naomi into hiding with the man that she loves. Brice Harper had no idea the woman he rescued would be the woman that called to his heart. A series of on-going attacks against his family and friends finds the Harper-East clan waging a war of their own.

The relationship between Naomi and Brice is one of immediate and mutual attraction. Confined together to ensure Naomi’s safety, our couple begin a slow dance of seduction leading towards a happily ever after. The $ex scenes are limited but passionate and seductive.

The colorful, strong and charismatic secondary and supporting characters include Naomi’s best friend Whitney Nolan, and Whitney’s chaperone Ms. Biermann; Clayton and Abby (The Christmas cowboy Hero #1), Brice and Abby’s brother Caleb; Brice’s friends Jace Wilder, and Cooper Owens; ranch manager Shane, and local sheriff Danny Oldman. The requisite evil has many faces.

COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART is a story of romance and suspense; betrayal and power; family and friends. The character driven premise is inviting and imaginative; the characters are spirited and sassy; the romance is intimate and heart warming. COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART is a dramatic tale of mistrust and corrupted power.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book one THE CHRISTMAS COWBOY HERO.

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

 

March
Excitement rushed through everyone as the lights suddenly cut out in the arena. Naomi slid to the edge of the metal bench in the darkness, her heart kicking up a notch as silence fell over the crowd of several thousand. The only sound was the occasional stamp of a hoof from the animals or the jingle of a bridle.
A spotlight came on and swung to the gates. It had been years since Naomi had been to a rodeo, but it took just a few seconds for the memories of that splendid time in her life to fill her.
Seemingly as one, everyone rose to their feet and put their hands over their hearts. Her mind halted at the first strings of the national anthem that played loudly over the speakers. The first horse came walking out of the gates, with the American flag being held by none other than Naomi’s best friend, Whitney Nolan.
Behind Whitney was another woman with the Texas flag. The two made their way around the edge of the arena several times, the horses moving from a walk to a trot to a gallop, and then a full-out run with the flags rippling in the wind. As Whitney neared her, Naomi flashed her a smile, the tears gathering.
Naomi blinked through them as her mind went back to high school and the third member of their group, Suellen, who had dreamed of being exactly where Whitney was. It was one reason Naomi had returned now.
Besides, it had been too long since she had done more than talk to her best friend over the phone or visit her mother.
Whitney and the other woman halted in the middle of the arena at the crescendo of music. The spotlight caught on the rhinestones of her friend’s white chaps with writing claiming Whitney the Rodeo Queen of Baxter County.
Naomi grinned at the large crown fitted on the white Stetson hat atop Whitney’s long, golden waves. When the anthem concluded, applause erupted as the lights came back on.
After a tribute to the military and a prayer had commenced, Naomi discreetly took pictures of everything. She resumed her seat and watched Whitney return through the gates as the event began.
Naomi laughed when the rodeo clowns rushed into the arena to get the crowd going. She snapped photos while enjoying the show. Part of her wished she had made it in time for the day rodeo when she could have seen the youngsters doing the steer racing.
It wasn’t long before she was once more sucked back into a world she had so easily left behind. She lost track of time as she cheered the events from calf roping, steer wrestling, and bareback riding.
When it came time for the barrel racers, Naomi’s heart missed a beat. This had been her event. And she had loved every second of it.
With every rider that rushed through the gates and worked their horse around the barrels, she held her breath until they crossed over the finish line. When the final rider finished, the scoreboard went up, and her camera nearly slipped through her fingers.
Her time had yet to be beaten. There were some that came close, but somehow, she was still the rider to beat. Even after all these years.
She nearly forgot her camera when the event shifted to team roping. Naomi paid no attention to the announcer as he spouted off the names of the first contestants while the clowns hurried to remove the barrels.
Naomi lifted her camera and looked through the viewfinder. She took rapid shots to get everything from the moment the gate was pulled and the steer rushed from the header box, to when the lead roper—called a header—got the rope around the steer’s horns. Once the header had the steer turned, the heeler would rope its back legs.
It was a timed event, so it was always fun to watch who was the quickest. Naomi loved that women competed in the teams, as well. Some duos were mixed, some not.
Naomi swung her camera to the next two up for the event and snapped a couple of pictures.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” the announcer said over the speaker. “The winners of the past three years are once more in the arena. Let’s give a warm welcome to the Harper brothers, Brice and Caleb.”
The applause was deafening. Naomi looked down at her camera and pulled up the picture she’d just taken. She stared at the guy in a tan Stetson and a red and orange plaid button-down who looked at the arena as if it were his battlefield, while the other wore a mischievous grin that had obviously broken many hearts, along with a brown Stetson and a chambray shirt.
“These brothers are the ones to beat,” the announcer finished.
Naomi had to admit, both were handsome, but there was something about the serious one that kept drawing her gaze. For the first time, she pulled her head away from her camera to the gates and watched as the cowboy maneuvered his horse into the header slot.
Somehow, she wasn’t surprised that he was in that position. Was he the eldest? She imagined he might be.
She lifted her camera again and took picture after picture, shocked at how skilled—and quick—the brothers were. No one seemed surprised when they won the first round of the event.
When she lowered her camera, her gaze remained on the serious one and strayed to his ass. Because there was just something about a man in Wranglers that she couldn’t resist.
As he wound his rope, his eyes lifted and looked right at her.
Naomi’s heart missed a beat. She smiled nervously. Right before he grabbed the reins, he tipped his hat at her and rode off.
At least she thought he’d been looking at her, but the women behind her giggled loudly, each wondering if she had been the object of his greeting.
Naomi laughed at herself and readied for the first round of bull riding, which was the main affair at any rodeo. She’d once dated a bull rider. Briefly. She had been too young for their wild, reckless ways and how they eagerly put their lives in danger each time they climbed on a bull, hoping to hear the buzzer on that eight-second ride.
But people lived for the event. The crazier the bull, the louder the crowd cheered. Naomi took more pictures, her heart in her throat each time a cowboy was bucked off, and the bull went after them.
One of her pictures captured how close the bull’s horns had been to gorging the cowboy. Yet, with each near-death experience, the crowd gasped then cheered both the rider for getting away and the rodeo clowns for coming between the bull and the contestant.
Her uncle had been a rodeo clown, and she knew their jobs were the hardest of everyone’s. They were out there between each event and always at the ready for any participant or animal that got into trouble. They were also the ones with the most injuries.
In fact, her uncle had died when a bull’s horn pierced his chest. But the cowboy her uncle had been helping got to safety. And that’s what the clowns were for.
With the rodeo coming to a close for the night, Naomi was the first on her feet to give the clowns an ovation. As soon as the closing ceremony finished, Naomi made her way out of the stands to the back of the arena.
She paid only a passing courtesy to the many cowboys who murmured “ma’am” and tipped their hats as she walked past. When she finally reached the area where the pageant contestants were, she easily found Whitney’s white hat, sparkling crown, and blond locks.
Naomi watched her friend in her element for a long minute. Then Naomi whistled loudly. Whitney turned, her blue gaze scanning the people until she spotted Naomi. Whitley let out a loud squeal and rushed her. Naomi threw open her arms and hugged her friend tightly.
“It’s been so long,” Whitney murmured.
Naomi knew she was thinking of Suellen. “Too long.”
Whitney leaned back and beamed at her. “I worried you might change your mind.”
“Never. Weather delayed my plane, but I told you I’d be here.”
“And you always keep your word.” Whitney moved to her side and linked arms with her as they started walking slowly. “Well?”
Naomi shook her head, chuckling, as she glanced at Whitney. “Fine. I’ll admit that I miss being involved in the rodeo.”
“I knew it,” her friend said with a pump of her arm.
“Don’t get any ideas. I’ve got a nice life in DC, and that’s where I’ll be returning in a couple of days.”
Whitney rolled her eyes. “You say that now, but I think if I can find the right cowboy for you, you’ll change your mind.”
“You forget I know all I want to know about cowboys.”
“True,” Whitney said with a twist of her lips. They both stopped and watched a couple of men walk past, their gazes on their fine asses. “Then again.…”
Naomi swung her head to Whitney, and they both laughed. “If I do any riding, it will only be on a horse.”
“Yeah, we’ll see about that,” Whitney declared with a grin.
“I mean it, Whit. I’m here to spend time with you and Mom. That’s all.”
Whitney nodded. “Yep. I hear you loud and clear.”
Then why was it that Naomi suspected her friend had other ideas?
“Are you ready?” Whitney asked.
Naomi looked at all the women in rhinestones and hairspray ahead of them. Each beautiful and impeccably dressed in denim and boots. But anyone who believed rodeo pageants were like other talent and beauty contests was sorely mistaken.
The women were expert riders. While competing, they were given a horse they had never ridden before and had ninety seconds to flawlessly complete an intricate routine.
But it went further than that. The girls weren’t allowed to be married or have children. Each contestant also had a chaperone. Hell, even the judges had escorts. And the girls who competed were discouraged from even having boyfriends.
At her silence, Whitney raised a brow. “Is it too much?”
Naomi took a deep breath. “Yes. And no.”
“Even after all these years, I still see Suellen everywhere,” Whitney murmured.
Naomi tightened her hand on her friend’s arm. Whitney, Suellen, and Naomi had been inseparable. They’d traded wins in barrel racing, and were always there to cheer each other on.
Suellen was the one who’d decided to do a rodeo pageant. Her dream was to win Miss Rodeo America and claim the thirty grand that came along with it. While neither Naomi nor Whitney had any interest in the pageant, they’d supported Suellen fully.
And when Suellen won her first title in a local rodeo, the three went out to celebrate. Suellen put the top down on her convertible on that balmy night. And they had the music blaring, singing loudly as they drove down the dark, winding roads.
They had the entire world before them. And they planned to conquer it together.
Until a car hit them head-on.
Naomi could still hear her scream mixed with the sounds of tires screeching. And the crunch of metal.
Whitney had suffered two broken arms and a broken collarbone. Naomi broke her femur, had several lacerations, and a concussion. Suellen … died.
Naomi had missed Suellen’s funeral because of the surgery on her leg. She had tried to escape the hospital to go, and in the end, the doctors had to sedate her. She didn’t talk to her parents for four days after that.
“Suellen would be so proud of you,” Naomi said to Whitney.
They shared a look, tears gathering before Whitney sniffed and hurriedly looked away. Then Whitney pulled her toward the corral where her horse was. “When was the last time you rode?”
“A horse?” Naomi teased.
Whitney threw back her head and laughed. Naomi took a quick picture of her friend. The sound was loud and glorious and infectious. Everyone paused and looked at Whitney because they had no choice. Suellen had been fearless and bold, but Whitney was captivating and charming.
“Oh, you are as naughty as always,” Whitney said with a wide smile. “God, I’ve missed your humor.”
Naomi put her elbow on the railing. “I’ve not been on a horse since I left for college.”
“And men?” Whitney asked with a twinkle in her blue eyes.
Naomi forced the smile to stay in place. “None since Rick.”
“That was over a year ago.”
As if she needed a reminder of how long it’d been since she called off her engagement. It had been the right thing to do. Rick was an amazing man, but she knew marrying him would be a mistake. So she’d saved them heartache—and a divorce. Though he didn’t see it that way.
“Well,” Whitney said with a sigh. “By the way the men here are looking at you, you should be riding soon.”
Naomi rolled her eyes as she laughed. Maybe she would use this time to explore her options. What did she have to lose?
Your heart.
She laughed off her inner voice. As if that would happen.Copyright © 2018 by Donna Grant in Cowboy Cross My Heart and reprinted with permission

 


 

Donna Grant is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author of the sizzling Dark King series featuring dragons, immortal Highlanders, and the Fae.

She was born and raised in Texas but loves to travel. Her adventures have taken her throughout the United States as well as to Jamaica, Mexico, and Scotland. Growing up on the Texas/Louisiana border, Donna’s Cajun side of the family taught her the “spicy” side of life while her Texas roots gave her two-steppin’ and bareback riding.

Despite deadlines and voracious reading, Donna still manages to keep up with her two children, four cats, and one long haired Chihuahua.

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The Reading Cafe and Donna Grant’s publisher are offering a paper copy of COWBOY, CROSS MY HEART to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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Saved by the Cowboy / Tough Luck Cowboy by AJ Pine-Reviews & Giveaway

SAVED BY THE COWBOY / Tough Luck Cowboy (Crossroads Ranch 1.5 & 2) by AJ Pine-Reviews & Giveaway

Saved by the Cowboy / Tough Luck Cowboy
Crossroads Ranch 1.5 & 2
by AJ Pine
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

 

SAVED BY THE COWBOY
Crossroads Ranch 1.5
by AJ Pine
Release Date: August 7, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 7, 2018

Cowboy to the rescue

Once upon a time, Sheriff Cash Hawkins left his simple life for something bigger—and came home with a broken heart. Now he has everything he needs right here in Oak Bluff, California—his job, his dog, and a quiet ranching town best explored on the back of a horse.

Olivia Belle believes in fairy tales—just not for herself. So when her boyfriend drops to one knee at his sister’s wedding with a proposal that is more business than romance, she hightails it out of San Francisco in search of the only evidence she knows that true love exists—her grandparents’ lost love letters from fifty years ago.

When Olivia speeds into his town like a modern-day Cinderella in her ball gown and glass slippers, Cash’s careful existence is finally thrown for a loop. Maybe the answer Olivia’s looking for is in Oak Bluff, but the life she ran from is more than 200 miles away. As for Cash . . . he knows a thing or two about being left on bended knee. Olivia Belle could be his happily ever after . . . if this runaway bridesmaid doesn’t run off with his heart.

••••

REVIEW: SAVED BY THE COWBOY is instalment 1.5 in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult CROSSROADS RANCH romance series. This is Oak Bluff’s sheriff Cash Hawkins, and San Francisco events planner Olivia Belle’s storyline. SAVED BY THE COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous instalment is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Olivia and Cash) SAVED BY THE COWBOY follows the building relationship between Oak Bluff’s sheriff Cash Hawkins, and San Francisco events planner Olivia Belle. A quiet Saturday night found Cash Hawkins stopping a speeding car with the most beautiful bridesmaid he has ever seen. A broken glass slipper, and a twisted ankle found Cash hoping for his own happily ever after but happily ever afters were meant for fairy tales and never real life.

Olivia Belle was running from quite possibly the biggest mistake of her life in the hopes of finding her grandparent’s love letters in the small town of Oak Bluff, California, where her grandmother was born and raised. Meeting Sheriff Cash Hawkins sent Olivia into a tail-spin of possibilities, a tail-spin that started with a marriage proposal from a man back home.

The relationship between Olivia and Cash is quick to develop as Olivia battles her attraction to Cash knowing her time in Oak Bluff is drawing to an end. Cash wants something more than a one-night stand but Olivia is quick to point out that she has responsibilities back home. The $ex scenes are intimate and passionate, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

The colorful secondary and supporting characters include many of the people who live and work in Oak Bluff. We are introduced to Cash’s mother Lucinda; recently divorced pastry chef Lily Green, and rancher Luke Everett. Lily and Luke’s story line is next in TOUGH LUCK COWBOY.

SAVED BY THE COWBOY is a quick read; a sweet and sexy romance; a fun and flirty love story that is a bit of a departure from the ‘cowboy’ scenario. The premise is spirited; the romance is enchanting; the characters are feisty and adorable.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

________________________

TOUGH LUCK COWBOY
Crossroads Ranch #2
by AJ Pine
Release Date: August 28, 2018
Genre: adult, contemporary, romance

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / Chapters Indigo / Google Play

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date August 28, 2018

The only girl he ever wanted was the one he could never have.

What’s the saying, bad luck comes in threes? If so, Lily Green is due for something good. First, her divorce is finalized—on her birthday, no less. Then the first job she lands for her catering company turns out to be for her ex-husband’s wedding. To top it off, she’s stuck working the event with Luke Everett, the sexy-as-hell best man who’s never been able to stand her. When can a girl catch a break?

For years, Luke has kept his feelings for Lily safely hidden. Hitting on his best friend’s ex-wife would definitely break the cowboy code of honor. But ever since an injury sidelined his rodeo riding, the two of them keep getting thrown together. It’s only a matter of time until his true feelings come to light. When that happens, it will either be the biggest mistake of his life, or a sign that his luck is about to change.

••••••••••••••

REVIEW: TOUGH LUCK COWBOY is the second full-length instalment in AJ Pine’s contemporary, adult CROSSROADS RANCH romance series. This is rodeo rider and rancher Luke Everett, and pastry chef /caterer Lily Green’s story line. TOUGH LUCK COWBOY can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary. Some of the premise crosses-over, and runs parallel to some of the events in the August 2018 novella Saved By the Cowboy.

Told from dual third person perspectives (Lily and Luke) TOUGH LUCK COWBOY follows the second chance relationship between rodeo rider and rancher Luke Everett, and twenty-seven year old, pastry chef /caterer Lily Green. Lily Green signed the divorce papers on her twenty-seventh birthday, feeling like a complete failure having never anticipated her husband’s affair. A perfectionist and list maker at heart, Lily knew she was difficult at times but our heroine had only ever loved one man, her ex-husband’s best friend Luke, a man she fell for, three years earlier, the same night she met Tucker Green. When Lily accidentally agrees to cater her ex-husband’s upcoming wedding, all bets are off when she is forced to work alongside the man she has loved from afar. Enter Luke Everett, rodeo rider, and the bane of Lily’s existence as our heroine believes Luke despises his best friend’s ex. What ensues is the rebuilding friendship and relationship between Lily and Luke, and the fall-out as an injured Luke is determined to re-enter the rodeo ring in the hopes of remaining on top.

The opportunity to cater the upcoming feast for a Food Network star, Lily has no idea that she has offered up her services for her ex-husband’s wedding. Struggling to make a name for herself, outside of her failed relationship with her ex-husband, Lily is hoping to succeed in a business where others have failed. Luke Everett knows that one more concussion could mean the end of his career. Badly injured in his last outing six weeks earlier, Luke struggles between head and heart when Lily gives our hero an ultimatum in order to save his life. Lily’s constant need to run is disconcerting especially as it reminds her of a man who left long ago.

The relationship between Lily and Luke is acrimonious at best; their constant bickering, back and forth, vitriol comments and accusations are hurtful especially when neither one is deserving of the other’s actions. Luke is unaware of his best friend’s affair, and Lily knows nothing about Luke’s feelings for her. The $ex scenes are intimate, passionate and seductive, without the use of over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

TOUGH LUCK COWBOY is a story of family, pride, heart-break and second chances. The premise is engaging and lively; the characters are determined and challenging; the romance is provocative and intense. TOUGH LUCK COWBOY is an emotional and energetic story line.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Review by Sandy

 

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A teen librarian by day and a romance writer by night, A.J. Pine can’t seem to escape the world of fiction, and she wouldn’t have it any other way. When she finds that 25th hour in the day, she might indulge in a bit of Netflix and Hulu, nourishing her undying love of vampires, superheroes, and a certain high-functioning sociopath detective. She hails from the far off galaxy of the Chicago suburbs where she resides with her two amazing kids and three little devils disguised as cats.

 AJ Pine’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of book one SECOND CHANCE COWBOY to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe.

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A Rancher’s Heart (Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend-a review

A RANCHER’S HEART (Heart Falls #1) by Vivian Arend

A Rancher's Heart

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

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date November 16, 2017

Caleb Stone is wearing too many hats and it’s making him crankier than usual. He’s a cowboy, a father, and the head of his large family—and has been since tragedy claimed his parents over ten years ago. The ranch is struggling, but it’s the title of single dad that’s got him tangled up in knots. He needs a full-time, live-in nanny at the Silver Stone homestead in Heart Falls, Alberta, to help with his two little girls, but the woman about to arrive on his doorstep? Tantalizing, tempting, and trouble with capital T’s.

Tamara Coleman doesn’t regret the choices that led to losing her job, but she definitely needs a fresh start. When a friend recommends her for a nanny position in a new town, she swears this time it’ll be different. No more acting on impulse—except sexy, gruff Caleb is exactly the kind of man who pushes all her buttons. And what’s more, it’s so much fun to push his in return. Sparks fly between Tamara and her gorgeous boss, but she can’t risk her position, and he doesn’t dare risk his heart.

With two people fighting their true natures, something’s going to give. Luckily, there’s more than one way to capture a rancher’s heart.

•••••••••

REVIEW: A RANCHER’S HEART is the first instalment in Vivian Arend’s contemporary, adult HEART FALLS cowboy, romance series focusing on the Stone siblings of Heart Falls, Alberta. This is eldest brother and single father Caleb Stone, and registered nurse/nanny Tamara Coleman’s story line. The HEART FALLS series is a spin off from the authors SIX PACK RANCH series. We were first introduced to Caleb and Tamara in ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOME (Six Pack Ranch #11).

Told from dual third person perspectives ( Caleb and Tamara) A RANCHER’S HEART follows the building relationship between single father Caleb Stone, and his new nanny Tamara Coleman. Several months earlier Tamara lost her job as a registered nurse, and with the suggestion of her best friend Dare Hayes (Rocky Mountain Home), accepted a position as nanny to Caleb Stone’s two children, Emily and Sasha. What ensues is the building romance between our leading couple.

Caleb Stone’s wife, and the mother of his children, walked out of their lives without a backwards glance leaving two heartbroken little girls lost in a world of betrayal and hurt. Hoping to bring some order to their lives Caleb hires Tamara Coleman, a registered nurse who recently lost her job, and the woman with whom Caleb will fall in love but first, Tamara must win the hearts of his two little girls.

The relationship between Caleb and Tamara is one of immediate attraction but Caleb refuses to get involved with his daughters’ nanny. Crossing the line is something neither one is prepared to do but the sexual energy is high; and the attraction is palpable and hot. The $ex scenes are intimate and playful without the over the top, sexually graphic language and text.

We are introduced to Caleb’s brothers: Walker, Dustin, and Luke Stone and his fiancée Penny Talisman; ranch hand Kelli James, and veterinarian Josiah Ryder; as well as Tamara’s sisters Karen and Lisa.

A RANCHER’S HEART is a sweet story of second chances for one man who loved and lost; and for one woman who took a chance on a man and his two little daughters. The premise is playful and sunny; the characters are colorful, dynamic and real; the romance is energetic and inspiring. There is very little conflict or outside threat to the growing love other than the conflict between head and heart.

Copy supplied for review

Reviewed by Sandy

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Kiss My Boots (Coming Home #2) by Harper Sloan: Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

KISS MY BOOTS (Coming Home #2) by Harper Sloan-Review, Book Tour & Giveaway

Kiss My Boots Banner

KISS MY BOOTS
Coming Home #2
by Harper Sloan
Release Date: July 18,2017
Genre: adult, contemporary, erotic, romance

Kiss My Boots

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / B&N / KOBO / ibooks / BAM / Google Play /

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date July 18, 2017

In this second of the sultry, Western-set Coming Home series from New York Times bestselling author Harper Sloan, Quinn Davis might finally have a shot at her own happily-ever-after—but will she let love in, or will she tell it to go ahead and kiss her boots?

Quinn Davis prefers to live her life quietly. She’s the stereotypical tomboy with two overprotective big brothers who have always been there to protect her, especially from devilishly handsome cowboys with silver tongues. That is, until Tate Montgomery comes riding into town. Their first meeting, however, is far from something out of a fairy tale and only further convinces Quinn that men aren’t worth her time.

The only place Tate Montgomery ever truly felt at home growing up was during the long, sweltering summer months he spent at his Gram and Paw’s farm in Pine Oak, Texas. Now, Tate has returned to his childhood sanctuary seeking a fresh start—but if he’s being entirely honest, he’s not just back for the wranglers and Stetsons. During those summers, Quinn was a friend-turned-young-love who Tate lost when life threw him a curveball and he cut all ties to his past; but all it takes is one glance at the raven-haired beauty he did his best to forget for him to realize just how much he’s been missing…

•••••••••

REVIEW: KISS MY BOOTS is the second installment in Harper Sloan’s contemporary, adult COMING HOME erotic, romance series focusing on the Davis siblings: Maverick, Quinn and Clayton Davis. This is auto mechanic Quinn Davis, and physician Tate Montgomery’s story line. KISS MY BOOTS can be read as a stand alone without any difficulty. Any important information from the previous story line is revealed where necessary.

Told from dual first person points of view (Quinn and Tate) including some memories of the past, KISS MY BOOTS is a second chance romance between auto mechanic Quinn Davis, and ob-gyn Tate Montgomery. Nine years earlier Tate Montgomery walked out of Quinn’s life leaving a heartbroken woman to struggle with the how and whys. Tate and Quinn were childhood friends, summer lovers and in love; planning a future together as Tate prepared for medical school but within days all traces of Tate disappeared while Quinn struggled to move on with her life. Fast forward to present day wherein Quinn is now the successful owner of the family run garage, and Tate Montgomery has returned to Pine Oak Texas, looking for a new start and a second chance with the woman he has always loved. What ensues is the rekindling romance between Tate and Quinn as our couple come face to face with demons from their past.

Nine years ago Tate Montgomery left Quinn Davis for Atlanta, Georgia on his way to a promising medical career but in doing so left behind his heart and his soul destroying the woman with whom he promised a happily ever after. Tate was not a hometown boy but a young man who spent his summers in Pine Oak, Texas at his grandparents home, where falling in love with Quinn was immediate and fated. Quinn Davis’s life was never the same when the man that she loved refused to acknowledge her existence; refusing to move forward Quinn would never find love knowing that her heart belonged to a man who no longer cared. With issues of abandonment, the fall out of Tate’s disappearance sent Quinn into a darkness that continues to present day.

The relationship between Quinn and Tate is one of second chances; a love that never waivered in spite of the circumstances and disappearance of Tate from Quinn’s life. Their rekindling romance is met with very little resistance as Tate explains the who, what and why of his years of silence. The $ex scenes are intimate and intense.

There is a large ensemble cast of secondary and supporting characters including Maverick and Leigh (Lost Rider #1 ), eldest brother Clayton Davis, Tate’s friend Mark Blake; an assortment of office staff and nosey townsfolk. The Davis sibling’s relationship is very close; a tight knit family of brothers and sister whose lives were destroyed by secrets, lies and betrayal, and a father who struggled with his own personal demons.

KISS MY BOOTS is a story of romance and love; of second chances; of one man’s need to atone for sins of the past. The premise is engaging and heartwarming; the romance is edgy and emotional; the characters are animated and passionate. KISS MY BOOTS is a wonderful and energetic addition to Harper Sloan’s romantic, cowboy series COMING HOME.

Click HERE for Sandy’s review of book 1-LOST RIDER.

Copy supplied by the publisher through Netgalley

Reviewed by Sandy

Kiss My Boots Teaser

About The Author beige

Harper SloanHarper Sloan is a NEW YORK TIMES, WALL STREET JOURNAL and USA TODAY bestselling author residing in Georgia with her husband and three daughters. She has a borderline unhealthy obsession with books, hibachi, tattoos and Game of Thrones. When she isn’t writing you can almost always find her with a book in hand.

Facebook | Website | Twitter | Instagram | Pinterest | Goodreads | Amazon Author Page

Giveaway beige

Harper’s publisher is graciously offering a paper copy of LOST RIDER (Book 1 in the Coming Home series) to ONE (1) lucky commenter at The Reading Cafe:

1. If you have not previously registered at The Reading Cafe, please register by using the log-in at the top of the page (side bar) or by using one of the social log-ins.

NOTE: If you are having difficulty commenting after logging onto the site, please refresh the page (at the top of your computer).

2. If you are using a social log-in, please post your email address with your comment.

3. Follow Harper Sloan on Facebook.

4. LIKE us on FACEBOOK and then click GET NOTIFICATION under ‘liked’ for an additional entry.

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8. Giveaway is open to USA only

9. Giveaway runs from July 20-24, 2017

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The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown-a review

The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown-a review

The Cowboy's Christmas Baby

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca / Amazon.uk/ Barnes and Noble / KOBO / The Book Depository

ABOUT THE BOOK: Release Date September 24, 2013

‘Tis the season for…

A pistol-totin’ woman who’s no angel
A tough rancher who doesn’t believe in miracles
Love that warms the coldest nights

After a year in Kuwait, Lucas Allen can’t wait to get back to his ranch for Christmas and meet his gorgeous Internet pal in person.

When he pulls in, there’s Natalie Clark right in his front yard with a pink pistol in her hand and a dead coyote at her feet.

Lucas is unfazed. But wait…is that a BABY in her arms?

REVIEW

4 out of 5 for this reader folks!

Ah … what a beautiful story this was. The Cowboy’s Christmas Baby by Carolyn Brown is exactly as the title suggests. One cowboy, one baby and one heck of a Christmas. A contemporary love story, with some hot scenes, amazing comedy and a list of secondary characters that make you want to read more.

What would you do if you were our main man Lucas?? He comes home to his ranch after serving overseas for the past year, all he wants is a good home cooked meal and to anticipate the arrival of a lady (this is our main lady Natalie) that he has been cyber dating during that year away. What he gets and what meets him at his front door is not only Natalie with a pink pistol in her hands, dead coyote at her feet, but a BABY on her hip. WHAT?? A BABY???

Yah that kinda got my attention too! LOL Turns out Natalie was preggers when they were cyber dating (most def it is deceitful, but she is easy to forgive) and she had wanted to show up a few days early to surprise Lucas. Lucas is, rightfully so, SHOCKED. He is okay with her being there early .. but a BABY?? After the initial shock and a few chapters, there is an acceptance (didn’t hurt that the family was completely, excuse the pun, gaga over lil man, and the fact that Natalie grew up on a ranch) Lucas and Natalie settle into really getting to know each other in person. Turns out the chemistry they had over the internet, is doubled face to face. As they ease into a romance, each also deal with the loss of a close friend (you have to read for more on that), and Lucas has trouble with PTSD and reintegrating into his “normal life”.

Natalie is a spitfire and one strong woman. Despite her deceit, she is perfect in all ways. She is so strong and such an asset to Lucas and his family and I couldn’t help but admire her a little. Add in a few more sexy cowboys (this is the second book of this series), some amazing laugh out loud moments and the magic of the Christmas holiday, I found myself feeling so much warmth and love towards these people and anxious to read more!

An absolute great read, but I never felt that WOW factor that I feel with my 5 out of 5 ratings. That will be my only negative (if that can even be considered negative) comment, as it’s a Christmas story and it just doesn’t feel right to nitpick anything Christmas. LOL

If you love some hunky cowboys, one liners, lots of teasing, a romance that comes together against most odds and lots of Christmas love then this book is for you. It’s not a heavy read but one you can enjoy curled up by the fire with the snow falling outside. You do not have to read the first book to appreciate this book, but if you like visits by past characters of a series, then you may want to read the first one before you tackle this one!

HAPPY CHRISTMAS READING! 🙂

Copy supplied by Netgalley

Reviewed by Rachel T.

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Tempted by Trouble by Susan Arden-A Review

Tempted by Trouble By Susan Arden -a review

Tempted by Trouble

Amazon.com / Amazon.ca/ KOBO /

About The Book:   Release Date April 1, 2013

When a woman is the magnet for the wrong man, it takes a bad boy to break old habits.

Carolina Rodriguez is a large-animal veterinarian on a mission to escape South Florida. Willing to do just about anything, she accepts a job in Annona, Texas over the internet from a family connection. At her cousin’s wedding, she runs into-literally-a handsome Texan in the parking lot. Matt McLemore is more than gorgeous, he’s Carolina’s new boss, and needs her help to determine why his cattle keep dying.

Matt proposes to introduce Carolina to his family as his girlfriend, giving her the opportunity to work and stay at his ranch without arousing his family’s suspicion. Only when she learns she’s the last chance to help save his family’s cattle reputation (given his father’s refusal to listen to reason and modern genetic testing) does she agree to act the part of his girlfriend.

Matt’s instantaneous attraction to Carolina is an excruciating temptation but a roll in the hay may prove too volatile to handle. He attempts to keep a hands-off relationship until she arrives on his ranch and she is too hot to resist.

Carolina refuses to admit Matt’s raw sexuality is more than overpowering or that she’s the least bit tempted by a smooth talking bad boy. By the time the lab reports comes back, they’ve explored every inch of each other. All of a sudden, this fiery affair is more than just a fling. When a past flame threatens to overwhelm their newfound romance, Matt must find a way to stake his claim to Carolina’s heart before it’s too late.

Review:

(fanning self with her cowboy hat) Matt McLemore is one damn fine cowboy and can be my bad boy any day!! If you are looking for a book with a drop dead gorgeous, swoon-worthy alpha male lead then Susan Arden’s Tempted by Trouble is just the book for you. Being a cowboy on top of all that is just the icing on the cake for this little cowgirl at heart. 😉 I must admit at first I thought Matt was going to be a real arrogant jerk-type character I would want to slap across the head at every turn. Boy was I wrong. That whole macho bravado act he first shows to Carolina is just that, an act. He’s hot, good looking and pretty much sex on a stick and knows it, so he uses it to protect his already damaged heart. It isn’t until we learn more about Matt that underneath it all he’s a good man, with a good heart and knows how to treat a woman. His past played a number on his heart and he doesn’t want to go down that path again, until he meets Carolina and everything in his world is turned upside down.

For this little cowgirl at heart this book hit all the high notes. I love a good story set on a ranch with good looking cowboys, a little drama and romance. It’s a quick read, but the drama begins on the first page, draws the reader in from the get go, and there’s no turning back till the last page. For me, that’s something I enjoy in my reads, being pulled into the story from the first page. When this happens I know I won’t be able to stop till I turn that last page. The one thing I was worried about was that the author wouldn’t have enough time to delve into everything(cattle/breeding issues, ex boyfriend, romance angst between the two leads, etc) However, I couldn’t have been more wrong. Ms Arden does a wonderful job of blending it all together to fit into a neat tidy story that just flows from beginning to end.

The issues with the cattle and breeding that Carolina is called into handle is well written and helps to draw the reader further into the story. Throughout the whole ordeal we get to see both Carolina and Matt try to come to terms with everything that is happening on the ranch and between them. There’s this push and pull chemistry between them that at times caused me some angst of my own, as I wanted to slap both upside the head and tell them; “look, stop being stubborn and just open your hearts to one another already” aaaaaaa!!!!. This whole back and forth thing can be a total pain in the butt sometimes for me as I read a book, but in this case only added to the already combustible chemistry between Matt and Carolina and gives us a clearer understanding of where to two characters are coming from.

It takes some time but finally, yes finally Matt and Carolina both are able to put their pasts to rest so they can have a future together. Let me tell you, Ms. Arden had me worried for a little while near the end, what, with the arrival of Carolina’s past flame, and neither Matt nor Carolina having the courage to own up to their feelings for each other, if it would all work out or not. Thankfully it did, but I would have preferred a little more after that final scene. Just something more to really tidy it up and make it more complete for my liking. It’s just how I’m wired when it comes to my books. Yes, I like a good declaration of love between the lead characters, but I also like a little more completion, like a short epilogue that shows them a few weeks, or months down the road etc. What can I say, I’m a sucker for romance and the happily every after stuff. 😉

Tempted by Trouble is a perfect title for this book. Carolina is definitely tempted by Matt, and he’s definitely trouble where she’s concerned thanks to her past relationships. However, it goes both ways as Carolina is also trouble for Matt and his already damaged heart. It’s a good, quick, fun, and steamy read. Both characters are well written and the chemisty between Matt and Carolina is off the charts. Keep a cold glass of water within reach well reading this one ladies. 😉 If you like a good romance, cowboys and alpha men, then this one’s a must read. Happy trails to you and happy reading.

Copy supplied by the author

Reviewed by Marcie

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