More Than a Pretty Face (Cowboys of Stargazer Springs #2) by Remi Carrington

 

The one who got away was here all along

When I’m abandoned at a party and find myself in a vulnerable situation, a stranger rescues me. I want to thank him, but I have no memory of his face, only a text telling my housemate that he’s a cowboy with a pretty face. That’s not a lot to go on.

I’ve build him up as a fantasy in my head, but when a flirtatious ranch hand makes his interest clear, I have to choose between clinging to a memory, one that’s fuzzy at best, and embracing the present.

A real-life cowboy is better than a dream. Right? What if I’m wrong about that?

 * Goodreads * Amazon *

I've been reading books by this author here and there for a while now, mostly in between review books.  This time I am officially reviewing and I'm excited!  I read the first book in this series a few weeks ago and it was so good.  I think I liked this one even better though.

Something I really loved about this book was that there wasn't any major conflict between the characters.  No grand misunderstanding, no big departure from each other because of said misunderstanding.  It was just about these two and their paths toward love.  Yeah, there were some bumps in the road to happiness, but from outside events and not between them.  Don't get me wrong, I enjoy stories the other way too, but sometimes it's nice to read a love story where the main characters get along.  You know?

It was so easy to settle into this book.  Both Jasmine and Tyler are so easy to like.  I would want to be friends with them in real life.  Tyler is a dreamy boyfriend.  I loved how he went out of his way so often to find Jasmine, to be near her, to make her feel safe and valued.  He was so patient and so attentive.  How could I not love him?!  That's pretty much what Jasmine thinks too!  We're totally on the same page.  Other fun things?  Goat yoga.  Building garden boxes.  The feeling of friends and community.

This book is part of a series but can easily stand alone.  I would recommend reading them in order if you can because the characters in this series are all part of a community and you will love the continuity and flow of knowing them from beginning to end.  I'm especially excited for the next book because Poppy and Kent!  This book really set up their story.

Content:  kissing, Jasmine's drink is drugged at a party.  Sweet romance.

A Tenuous Betrothal (Royal Regency #3) by Jen Geigle Johnson

 

Rhianna Davies is well-acquainted with heartache after the painful loss of her parents. At the arrival of her ghastly uncle, she is brought even lower: Rhi has been banished from her family’s estate home and must rely on the kindness of her tightly knit Welsh miners for help. Without the protective love of her parents, Rhi has no illusions that hers will be a happy ending—until an addendum to her father’s will arrives in the hands of a prince.

Marc Wilhelm, Prince of Oldenburg, is in Wales with one purpose: to claim his betrothed. A long-ago promise between their fathers forges an indelible link between Rhi and Marc, but there remains just one problem: neither wants to marry a stranger. With no remaining ties to Wales, Rhi agrees to accompany Marc to Oldenburg, where he will forfeit their betrothal so she may have her pick of husbands. But their journey takes them down unexpected paths, from the depths of a Welsh mine to the marriage mart of London to a warm reception in Oldenburg. Rhi and Marc discover that their connection and their challenges run deeper than either anticipated, but whether from their own hesitations or from danger that threatens without, the couple might be thwarted before they can even begin the happily ever after they so richly deserve.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Dear Marc, Prince of Oldenburg,

Have you ever seen The Little Mermaid?  Because there is a song in that show that was on loop in my head as I read your story.  "Yes, you want her.  Look at her, you know you do.  It's possible she wants you too, there is one way to ask her. . . and you don't know why but you're dying to try, you want to kiss the girl."   I felt like Sebastian in your story.

Kiss the girl!!  I get why you held back, well actually, I don't.  I get why YOU think you should've held back, but I don't get it.  Anyone who looks at you two can see clearly that you are meant to be together.  It's all there.  She is beautiful, inside and out.  She is smart, loyal, kind and brave.  Seriously?!  What were you doing?  KISS THE GIRL.

I will say that I admire your kindness.  Rhianna really needed someone to step in and help her and you did it, perfectly.  I loved how you listened to her and respected what she said and what she wanted.  Yes, your loyalty to your country is admirable too.  It is.  It's just, . . . Rhianna.   But you eventually got there.  It took quite the event to get you there, but hallelujah, you got there.  You are so lucky you didn't lose your girl to one of your brothers.

Oh, and one other little thing.  Now that we are such tight friends, I wondered if I could visit your castle?  I promise I won't get in your way at all.  I'll just find a little spot, overlooking the water with a cozy chair and a book.  You won't even know I am there. 

Give my best, kindest regards to Rhi.  She is amazing.

Yours sincerely,

Aimee, queen of nothing but a fan of your story and your beautiful book cover.  💙

Hearts of Briarwall by Krista Jensen

 

A TURN OF THE CENTURY ROMANCE

Lydia Wooding is fascinated by the latest inventions the new century brings, including motorcars. She longs for the independence they represent and believes that women should have a say in the future of the industry—just as they should have a say in suffrage, adventure, and, of course, love.

Spencer Hayes is a man of practicality and innovation, but he lacks the financial backing to make his dream a reality. When he contacts his childhood friend, Andrew Wooding, about a promising business venture, he is invited to Briarwall Manor to discuss the terms. Once there, he is surprised to find that Andrew's once shy, younger sister, Lydia, has grown into a young woman of beauty, wit, and a bit of fire. Even better, the two share a passion for motorcars.

Andrew, however, is wary of cars, having lost his parents in a tragic auto accident when he and Lydia were young. And he's not sure a relationship between his sister and Spencer is the best idea—not when Sir Lawrence is available and could match both Lydia's social status and her fortune.

Torn between risking their hearts and being loyal to their dreams in an era of whirlwind change, Spencer and Lydia anchor themselves with the determination they both share: to live life to its fullest.

 * Amazon * Goodreads * Deseret Book *

Have you ever read a book set in the Edwardian period?  (Think Downton Abbey.)  I don't think I have but I love movies set in this time period so this was a fun change in reading.

Motorcars were such a hot topic in the Edwardian era and I loved how this book brought that out.  It had such a loud presence with Lydia and Andrew losing their parents in a motorcar accident and Spencer and Lydia's shared passion and interest in them.  It really was fun to imagine the cars then and the excitement and even some of the wariness of people who lived then.

The group of Lydia's friends entertained me.  I loved their excursion to the scent shop and how feminine and also how bold they were.  I loved Lydia's desire to read.  Of course I connected to that.  😀  I also loved how women were emerging into their own rights and standing for what they wanted independently of men.  This book showcased that well and it made me proud to be a woman.

I enjoyed the growing friendship between Spencer and Lydia- how they reconnected after so many years and found equal footing again.  It was all very sweet.

Content:  kissing

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.

About the Author: 

Award-winning author KRISTA JENSEN works and plays in the Pacific Northwest with her spunky little dog and anyone else who wants to tag along. When she’s not exploring the outdoors, she can likely be found with her laptop, a pretty spiral notebook, and a Pilot Precise V7, writing about love, triumph, and really great kisses. Either that or she’s switching laundry wondering who keeps wearing all these clothes. (It’s her.) For book info and other good things, follow Krista on Instagram @kristajensenbooks.

Hearts of Briarwall is the 45th installment in the Proper Romance® series, a collection of award winning, clean romance novels written by 12 authors across a wide spectrum of genres, including Regency, Victorian, and Contemporary. These stories feature relatable heroines, handsome heroes, obstacles to overcome and happy endings. Learn more at www.properromance.com.

The Epic Story of York & RJ (Out of the Night, I Will Find You, No Matter the Cost) by Susan May Warren + Giveaway

Welcome to the Blog + Review Tour for The Epic Story of RJ and York by Susan May Warren, hosted by JustRead Publicity Tours!

ABOUT THE SERIES

It’s an epic adventure across Europe, from France to Italy, to Germany and even Russia in this riveting, fun, romantic, enthralling trilogy about true love, honor, and the cost of, well, saving the world.

Title: Out of the Night 
Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #1 
Author: Susan May Warren 
Publisher: SDG Publishing 
Release Date: August 9, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

The romantic trilogy ignites in book one of the Epic Story of RJ and York! 

He’s not looking for trouble… 

All former spy and current national security agent York Newgate wants is to propose to the woman he loves, RJ Marshall. Then they can move to Shelly, Washington, and start the calm, safe life he’s been dreaming of for over a year. 

Too bad trouble doesn’t agree… 

Or maybe RJ simply attracts trouble because she’s just going out for coffee when she spots a wanted, known terrorist standing in the middle of a street in Paris. At least she thinks it’s international criminal Alan Martin, the mastermind behind a plot to kill the president. But he's in jail, right? Wrong. Martin has escaped, and it’s up to RJ—and York—to keep him in their sights until he can be apprehended. But chasing down Martin means following him into the darkness of whatever plot he's cooked up now. 

Will he ever outrun trouble to find his happy ending? 

So much for York’s epic proposal. Now, he just wants to escape Europe with their lives. 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Title: I Will Find You 
Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #2 
Author: Susan May Warren 
Publisher: SDG Publishing 
Release Date: August 16, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

The gripping romantic adventure continues across Europe in this second installment of the Epic Story of RJ and York! 

The woman he loves has vanished… 

When RJ Marshall said she’d be right back, York should have objected. No, he wasn’t going to let her run off to Berlin, even if it was to save a little girl. Only problem—she’d told him this while he was unconscious. So really, it doesn’t count, and it’s not his fault that she’s gone missing. And, he didn’t know why he expected RJ not to chase danger into trouble. But now he has to find her before criminal mastermind Alan Martin tracks her down. 

She’s in over her head… 

RJ didn’t mean to leave York behind, but she’s on a mission to save a little girl caught in the crossfire of Martin’s terrorist plot. Now, she’ll have to find the girl and keep her safe while leaving clues for York to follow her. 

But who will catch up to her first—York, or the man with a vendetta?

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble 

Title: No Matter the Cost 
Series: The Epic Story of York & RJ #3 
Author: Susan May Warren 
Publisher: SDG Publishing 
Release Date: August 23, 2022 
Genre: Romantic Suspense (Clean)

The riveting conclusion to the Epic Story of RJ and York! 

Her worst nightmare has happened…. 

RJ refuses to believe it, and until she has proof, she’s going to keep searching for answers. And most of all, for the man she loves, even if it means diving into the past he always wanted to keep secret. The kind of secrets that could have set York free. It’ll take a trip back to Russia, to the sketchy and dark history of York’s life to find the clues to the sinister plans of a global terrorist. And the answers that might lead her to a happy ending. 

Or has it? What if her happy ending is more than a dream? 

If RJ hopes to save her country—and find out the truth about York—she’ll have to become the high-action, Sydney Bristow spy that she always dreamed of being. But really, does RJ really have what it takes—with, or without the man she loves—to save the world? 

And if she does…what will be the cost? 

PURCHASE LINKS*: Goodreads | Amazon | Barnes & Noble

Wow, I feel so lucky to have been able to read all three of these books right in a row with no stopping.  Because honestly?  Stopping and waiting in between would have been the worst.  Epic story is right.  You can read them all in a row too because they are releasing, one per week for three weeks!

There is constant danger and action in this book which made it hard to breathe!  I was so caught up in RJ and York.  I adore them.  Separately and together.  We get to know them through the Montana Marshalls Series (which I would recommend reading first) and I love that they get their own epic adventure together all through Europe.  The places came alive and the emotions were heightened as York and RJ fight to stay alive and to save the world.  Again.  Yeah, Ruby drove me crazy a few times.  "I'll never leave York again."  Then she leaves.  "I'll never leave York again!"  Then she leaves.  Ay, ay, ay, Ruby Jane.  She is a jump in first, think later kind of girl.  But yeah, it usually works out for her.  York is a hero.  Plain and simple.  The very best kind of hero.

Hang on, buckle up, and get ready!  You are in for a ride!!  Block out plenty of time, too.  You won't want to stop reading!

Content:  violence, death, peril.  Christian themes.  Kissing.  

- I received a complimentary copy of these books.  All opinions expressed are my own.

ALSO AVAILABLE

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

With over 1.5 million books sold, critically acclaimed USA Today best-selling novelist Susan May Warren is the Christy, RITA and Carol award-winning author of over ninety novels with Revell, Tyndale, Barbour, Steeple Hill and Summerside Press. Known for her compelling plots and unforgettable characters, Susan has written contemporary and historical romances, romantic-suspense, thrillers, rom-com and Christmas novellas.

Connect with Susan by visiting susanmaywarren.com to follow her on social media or subscribe to email newsletter updates.

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TOUR GIVEAWAY

(1) winner will receive a paperback set of The Epic Story of RJ and York trilogy.

Be sure to check out each stop on the tour for more chances to win. Full tour schedule linked below. Giveaway began at midnight August 2, 2022 and lasts through 11:59 PM EST on August 9, 2022. US only. Items may vary from image. Winner will be notified within 2 weeks of close of the giveaway and given 48 hours to respond or risk forfeiture of prize. Void where prohibited by law or logistics.

Giveaway is subject to the policies found here.

ENTER GIVEAWAY HERE

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Follow along at JustRead Tours for a full list of stops!

*NOTE: This post contains affiliate links.

They Call Her Dirty Sally by Amy Matayo

 

For years, the town of Silver Bell, Arkansas has quietly mourned the hospital fire that claimed the lives of nine of its residents—the town doctor, a young expectant mother, and seven infants. So, when journalist Finn Hardwick is assigned the story as part of a national thirtieth anniversary memorial service, he arrives at the town ready to interview its residents, thinking they’ll be ready to share and eager to make headlines.

He isn’t prepared for the resistance. Or for what appears to be a collective unwillingness to answer his questions.

Faced with one roadblock after another, Finn enlists the help of Billi Ellis, the young motel receptionist that everyone in the town seems to like. Maybe she can get them to open up to him. Maybe she can help him make sense of everything he keeps uncovering. Especially the unexpected tie this tragedy appears to have to his own life.

A tie that leads him directly to the old woman who seems to hold the key to everything. The woman everyone avoids…the woman they call “dirty”…the woman who hasn’t spoken a word to anyone since the day the hospital burned.

 * Amazon * Goodreads *

I rarely read blurbs, and that is especially true for authors that I am familiar with and whose books I know I love.  I knew from the title that this book might be a bit different but this author has a history of surprising me with stories in the best ways so of course I was in. 

My heart.  What I wasn't prepared for was the depth of thought and emotion that came with reading this book.  The overwhelming heartbreak and sadness and honestly, the embarrassment on behalf of humankind that would allow these kinds of things to happen.   

My head.  Full of all kinds of thoughts.  Looking back, looking forward, looking at the present.  What am I guilty of?  How can I do better?  Any of us that have an influence on children in any capacity need to be teaching by words and actions, love and kindness.  Compassion and a desire to help those who look like they might need it.  We need more Paul's in the world.  Thank goodness Sally had a Paul.  Paul took a stand.  He did everything in his power to help, to make Sally's world better.  I want to be Paul.

Two of my favorite things happened in this book.  Thinking and feeling.  That's how I know a book is a good one.  This story is going to stay with me for a long, long time.

Content:  alcoholism, child neglect, bullying, intimate relations behind closed doors with no details but you know they happen.  Mild swearing.

- I received a complimentary copy of this book.  All opinions expressed are my own.